He advised one should always pause, even if briefly, to separate fact from fiction (fiction being our emotional, knee-jerk response to a situation), before making a decision. Covey emphasized the importance of a concept he coined ‘response-ability’ the ability to control how we respond to a given situation. In his work on time management, notably in reference to deciding between what is urgent and what is important, Dr. Stephen Covey which is where I first came across the wisdom of this The Big Idea. And the book is chock full of relevant quotes, captivating stories and good old common sense which make it a very enjoyable read.īe Response-Able 'We decide what we will make of every situation… Our perceptions are the thing we are in complete control of.' - The Obstacle is the Way, page 21

The chapters read like our The Big Ideas and Insights – each one named to inspire action and nurture positive results - recognize your power, think differently, channel your energy, love everything that happens. The book is divided into three sections, one for each step in the journey that will help you turn your obstacles into advantages: perception, action and will. The answer appears to be both! Holiday took it upon himself to collect, understand and publish lessons learned from ancient philosophers (also referred to as Stoics) in true actionable books style. A way to turn “every obstacle into an advantage.” Was this book the long sought after Holy Grail for over-achievers or under-performers? He promised to reveal a formula for success that would help readers “get unstuck, unf**ked, and unleashed” (his words not mine).

So my curiosity was piqued when I came across Ryan Holiday’s book, The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph. Like taxes and weeds, they are inevitable clear one away and more appear! No matter their size and what you call them, we all face them.

'All great victories, be they in politics, business, art or seduction, involved resolving vexing problems with a potent cocktail of creativity, focus and daring.' - The Obstacle is the Way, page 8

The obstacle is the way book summary