First think clearly. Second act correctly. Finally, accept and endure the world as it is. – Ryan Holiday
For many of us, 2016 was a challenging year. Whatever lies ahead in 2017, wouldn’t it be nice to know you can face it with humility, courage and deliberate action? In “The Obstacle is the Way”, Ryan Holiday leads us into the realm of stoic philosophy, both ancient and modern, and contends that it is a winning approach to life and business.
Published in 2014, this small book packs a punch. It is separated into three sections, each devoted to a stoic discipline: perception, action and the will. In each section short chapters are filled with historical anecdotes that illustrate stoic philosophy. These little tidbits keep you interested, engaged and curious to learn more. Holiday is a student of history and a natural researcher. He finds connections, making ideas relevant to our 21st century world, and is as likely to reference Pericles as he is Nick Saban.
In Perception, Holiday urges us to see things as they really are and to keep things in perspective. Look for the good and stay focused on what you can control. Gator star Tim Tebow seems to embrace this mindset – he has been quoted over the years saying “I can control my attitude, my effort and my focus every single day.”
The chapters in Action encourage us to move, to have a deliberate process, to be crafty and savvy, and to have an eye for opportunity. At times, however, it is important to know when not to act, as restraint and inaction are sometimes the smartest moves of all.
In the section on the Will, Holiday makes the distinction between perseverance and persistence. Persistence takes action or energy, while perseverance takes will and endurance – it’s the long haul. In these chapters he makes the case for patience and finding the joy in everything that happens. Yes, everything, even the obstacles. Love it, he says, because it’s all fuel.
Many years ago I wrote down a quote from an article – something about it spoke to me. It was a sign posted in the Jacksonville Jaguar locker room back in the Tom Coughlin days: “Blame no one. Expect nothing. Do something.”
I was delighted to see Holiday sum up similarly: “First think clearly. Second act correctly. Finally, accept and endure the world as it is.” When I read that I immediately thought of the Jaguars quote and it just made sense to my inner stoic. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book.
The ‘Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph’ is the subtitle of this gem of a book. As optimistic as we all are at the start of the new year, let’s face it, problems are going to arise. “The Obstacle is the Way” can help you frame any issue, think about how to take action (or not) and coach yourself into whatever it takes as you move forward. I would recommend this book to anyone, from high school student to seasoned CEO. Try it and see if you have an inner stoic, too.
SHARON BROWN is a Prospect Strategy Analyst with the University of Florida Office of Advancement. A graduate of UF’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, she is happy to have found a career that marries reading, writing and being curious. She and her husband, also a CLAS alum, live in Gainesville.