Book Summary: The Obstacle Is The Way
Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is The Way builds off of the teachings of the ancient stoic philosophers. He examines how people throughout history have used the obstacles before them to gain new skills or understanding. They discovered how to take the lessons they learned from their hardships and apply it to the rest of their lives.
Related Book Summaries:
Awaken The Giant Within – Tony Robbins
Quotes:
There is no good or bad without us, there is only perception. There is the event itself and the story we tell ourselves about what it means.
We forget: In life, it doesn’t matter what happens to you or where you came from. It matters what you do with what happens and what you’ve been given.
The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.
Book Summary Notes: The Obstacle is the Way
- Three keys to turn an obstacle to an advantage. The first is your perception of the obstacle. Second is responding with the correct action. The third is perseverance.
- We should objectively look at obstacles and ask ourselves how we can turn it to our advantage.
- Sometimes it can help to imagine how people we look up to might react to the obstacle.
- Our first reaction to an obstacle is often a negative emotion such as anger or frustration.
- Though natural these are not helpful in overcoming the obstacle.
- Instead of focusing on the obstacle focus on each moment and the overall process.
- Large obstacles often carry large weaknesses.
- Belief in our ability to overcome obstacles is a crucial part of the process.
- Discipline also allows us to persevere in the face of obstacles.
