"The Obstacle Is The Way" by Ryan Holiday

"The Obstacle Is The Way" by Ryan Holiday

Take-Aways

• Stoicism – an operating manual for life – is a pragmatic philosophy that helps people

overcome their difficulties.

• This venerable philosophy inspired George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Adam

Smith and Frederick the Great, as well as many contemporary leaders.

• Stoicism rests on three primary disciplines: “perception, action and the will.”

• Perception is the way you see the world. Viewing it realistically or with a bias can help

or hinder you.

• The right action is always directed, deliberate, bold and persistent.

• The world can break your body, but thanks to willpower, it can never break your spirit

and mind. You – not some external entity – control your will.

• Obstacles that stand in the way of progress can actually promote progress.

• People improve by facing and meeting challenges head-on.

• The obstacles you overcome provide benefits you could not otherwise realize.

• How you think about and react to obstacles while maintaining your composure

defines you.