We explore two powerful concepts from Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is The Way" that can transform how we approach life's challenges: loving everything that happens and cultivating perseverance.

• Thomas Edison's warehouse fire destroyed $23 million worth of inventions, yet he watched with wonder and returned to work the next day
• Shifting from "have to" to "get to" perspective reconnects us with gratitude and excitement
• The story of Olivia, who transformed flood devastation into an organization that's collected over 110,000 pairs of shoes for those in need
• Persistence is an action (hammering at a problem), while perseverance is a matter of will (staying in the game long-term)
• Professional athletes demonstrate perseverance by investing more hours and maintaining focus longer than competitors
• Our greatest obstacles are often self-created through doubt, fear, and hesitation
• When we live out wisdom actively rather than just collecting it, our lives become richer and more meaningful

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We dive into Ryan Holiday's exploration of "Anticipation" and "The Art of Acquiescence" from his bestseller "The Obstacle is the Way," revealing how planning for failure can actually set you up for success.

• Exploring the concept of the "pre-mortem" – envisioning potential failures before they happen
• Building resilience through anticipating obstacles rather than being blindsided by them
• Using the "What if?" exercise to prepare contingency plans for potential challenges
• Learning to separate emotion from planning by approaching obstacles with neutrality
• Understanding that acceptance doesn't mean surrendering but recognizing what's beyond your control
• Viewing life's journey like taking the back roads – expecting disruptions as part of the adventure
• Recognizing that resilience comes from focusing energy on what's within your control

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Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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We delve into the final section of Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way," exploring how will—the discipline of the heart and soul—creates an inner fortress that no external adversity can break.

• Will represents quiet humility, resilience, and flexibility rather than forceful determination
• Abraham Lincoln's depression became his strength, teaching him to lead with dignity during America's Civil War
• The "inner citadel" concept describes the core part of ourselves that remains untouchable by external circumstances
• Building self-confidence and resilience requires facing obstacles rather than avoiding them
• Theodore Roosevelt overcame severe asthma through discipline, preparing him for greater challenges
• The path of least resistance teaches us nothing—we need struggle to develop true character
• Will is about surrendering the desire to control others while maintaining control over our own reactions
• Life's hardships will test everyone; the question is whether we've built the inner strength to face them

If you're interested in leadership development experiences based on historical figures like Lincoln, reach out to Denise for information about immersive programs she's led for teams.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.