Oftentimes, I use literal externalizations of the internal workings of the protagonist. This is because I actually believe that this is how life unfolds.
Life doesn’t trick me. Life isn’t there to get in the way. Such an idea is ludicrous. Even if it sometimes feels like it does, I don’t see the benefit in believing that “life gets in my way” is the truth.
Life is me. How the hell would it get in my way in actuality?
Therefore, it also doesn’t get in my protagonist’s way in actuality. It presents itself in the clearest, non-bullshittiest, kindest way ever. That includes punching the protagonist (literally or figuratively) in the gut so they will get it.