Summary, Analysis, and Review of Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way

PLEASE NOTE: This is a key takeaways and analysis of the book and NOT the original book.

Start Publishing Notes’ Summary, Analysis, and Review of Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph includes a summary of the book, a review, analysis & key takeaways, and a detailed “About the Author” section.

PREVIEW: Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way uses the ancient philosophy of the Stoics to inspire readers to succeed. Holiday argues that in each obstacle there are seeds of opportunity. The Stoics teach that you should find benefits in every barrier. Each roadblock is in fact a new road.

Some obstacles are external: lack of money, lack of muscle, lack of physical capability. Other obstacles are mental: self-doubt, fear, lack of skill. Yet, the approach to all obstacles is the same. To overcome barriers requires three qualities: perception, action, and will.

Perception is our view of and interpretation of the world. In order to succeed, you have to see the world clearly and accurately. And in order to do that, you must get your passions under control. Obstacles often spark powerful emotions—despair, fear, self-doubt. But you must discipline your emotions so they do not interfere with your perceptions. Then you will be able to see the opportunity that comes with every obstacle.