The Obstacle is the Way (2014) | Ryan Holiday

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way"

This train of thought, written to himself by Marcus Aurelius a philosopher king from 2nd century Rome; 100-200 AD, advises what stands in our way; the hardships; the failures; these are part of the path. This is the path. 

The Obstacle is the Way is heavy with stoic principles. Ryan Holidays splits the book into 3 parts: Perception, Action and Will. Managing perception; Directing action; and Enduring and accept the world as it is.

Perception. It’s how we look and understand our environment. External events do not mean any specific thing. We give them meaning. How we see an event depends on whether we perceive it as strengthening or exhausting. To be objective, see things as they are, keep an even keel, stay present and focused on what can be controlled. 

Action equates to doing the right things, Actions are not created equal. Working on the things that matter, and being persistent and flexible. It’s as simple as not skipping steps, doing the work without external validation and being resilient in setbacks.
  
Will is an internal reserve. It is about being able to see things through, preparing ourselves through difficult times, accepting what can’t be changed, persevering, and ultimately trying again. It is not how bad we want something; that becomes weakness disguised by ambition. True will is about that quiet humility, and resilience.

One chapter titled: Prepare for none of it to work.

"It’s an infinitely elastic formula. In every situation, that which blocks our path actually presents new path with a new part for us. If someone you love hurts you, there is a chance to practice forgiveness. If your business fails, now you can practice acceptance. If there is nothing else you can do for yourself, at least you can try to help others."

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