Most people believe career crossroads suck (and, for the most part, they do). But they can be the launching pad for mind-blowing opportunities. I learned this most profoundly when I was twenty-six years old. I fondly refer to this as my twenty-six-year-old crisis.

I was stuck working in a clerical job I hated and was terrible at. My self-esteem was in the toilet, I was living paycheck to paycheck, just getting by.

I fantasized about doing something in the field of psychology, but those jobs required a master’s level education, and a passing score on the GRE (graduate record exam). Based on my dismal history with standardized tests, I knew I would fail. I was filled with anxiety and despair. I could not imagine working in a cubicle illuminated by fluorescent light, pushing paper, and making mistakes for the rest of my life. It was an epic existential crisis and I saw no way out.

Often, in the middle of intense crossroads, you are thrown a lifeline. Mine came in the form of a random trip to Sacramento, CA with a friend who was considering moving. As we pulled into the downtown area, I noticed it cost twenty-five cents to park for an hour. Wow, cheap!

I took it a step further and bought a copy of the Sacramento Bee, the local newspaper. I flipped to the apartment listings and saw how inexpensive the rents were. This would be where I could afford to attend graduate school. The dream began to take shape.

I made an appointment with the Chair of the graduate counseling department at Sacramento State University. The Chair, Ray Banducci, was patient and encouraging.

I mustered the courage to ask about the dreaded GRE. Ray let me know it was not required. I stared at him in disbelief.

Walking back to my car, I felt a sense of destiny and wonder. I was so sure the GRE was an immovable roadblock, and now it was gone.

Over the ensuing years, I have helped thousands of people face their fears and obstacles at crossroads. I still smile when the impossible becomes possible through the courageous process of self-assessment and research.

What dreams have you avoided or taken off the table because you don’t have the time, the money, or the opportunity? Have you convinced yourself that it’s too late, too difficult, or simply exhausting? Your crossroads are a catalyst for growth. Your biggest obstacle might evaporate if you find the courage to face it.