Last updated: 12 Aug 24 06:08:00 (UTC)
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
My Notes
“Overcoming obstacles is a discipline of three critical steps,” writes Ryan Holiday in his international bestseller, The Obstacle Is the Way, his now cult classic inspired by the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism.
“It begins with how we look at our specific problems, our attitude or approach; then the energy and creativity with which we actively break them down and turn them into opportunities; finally, the cultivation and maintenance of an inner will that allows us to handle defeat and difficulty.”
Let’s look at each discipline in turn.
Perception
Perception is how we see and understand what is happening around us and how we interpret its meaning. Our perceptions can either be a source of strength or weakness. Letting our emotions, subjectivity, and shortsightedness control us only adds to our troubles. To avoid being overwhelmed by the world, we can learn from the ancient practice of limiting our passions and their influence on our lives. It requires skill and discipline to distinguish between reliable and deceptive signals and filter out prejudice, expectation, and fear. However, by doing so, we can see things as they are, neither good nor bad, giving us a decisive advantage in overcoming obstacles.
Action
In Part 2, author Ryan discusses the concept of action. He explains that while we commonly engage in action, it’s not just any kind of action that matters. The key is to take directed action, meaning we should act purposefully and in service of our overall goals. By taking small steps and persistently working towards our objectives, we can overcome obstacles.
Holiday emphasizes that true action requires courage and creativity, not recklessness or brute force. Our actions and decisions shape who we are, so acting with thoughtfulness, boldness, and determination is crucial. Ryan adds that action is the solution and the remedy to our challenges, and we shouldn’t rely on just thinking, avoiding, or expecting help from others.
Will
In the book’s final section, Ryan talks about the concept of will. He explains that will is our internal power that cannot be affected by the outside world. It is like our last card to play when we feel we have lost control. Even in an unchangeable and negative situation, our will can help us turn it into a learning experience and find ways to comfort others.
However, this kind of willpower needs to be nurtured. We must prepare for tough times, learn to accept things as they are, and maintain a positive attitude even in dark moments. True will, writes Ryan, is about humility, resilience, and adaptability, not just about wanting something badly. It is about enduring the toughest challenges with lasting strength.