The obstacle is the way

"The obstacle is the way” by Ryan Holiday is a book of stoic wisdom packed with interesting anecdotes and inspirations. The crux of the book is about turning your life's adversaries into your advantage. In my opinion, the author has presented the Asian religious principles and lessons in a stimulating manner for the general audience. Some of the key takeaways from the book :

The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.

Think progress, not perfection.

Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.

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.

Focus on the moment, not the monsters that may or may not be up ahead.

You’re so busy thinking about the future, you don’t take any pride in the tasks you’re given right now. You just phone it all in, cash your paycheck, and dream of some higher station in life. Or you think, This is just a job, it isn’t who I am, it doesn’t matter. Foolishness. Everything we do matters—whether it’s making smoothies while you save up money or studying for the bar—even after you already achieved the success you sought.

Remember that this moment is not your life, it’s just a moment in your life. Focus on what is in front of you, right now. Ignore what it “represents” or it “means” or “why it happened to you.” 

In every situation, life is asking us a question, and our actions are the answer.

Each time, you’ll learn something. Each time, you’ll develop strength, wisdom, and perspective. Each time, a little more of the competition falls away. Until all that is left is you: the best version of you.

--