We explore two key chapters from Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way" about taking action when faced with obstacles through creative problem-solving and finding alternative paths forward.

• Discussing how "what's right is what works" encourages flexible, goal-oriented thinking over rigid adherence to conventional methods
• Exploring Marcus Aurelius's simple wisdom: "The cucumber is bitter? Then throw it out" as a guide to avoiding unnecessary complications
• Sharing real-life examples of finding creative solutions to roadblocks, including Denise's Disney trip detour story
• Examining the concept of the "flank attack" - approaching problems from unexpected angles rather than head-on confrontation
• Highlighting how George Washington's unconventional military tactics demonstrate the power of strategic thinking over brute force
• Looking at how successful businesses often use "side door strategies" to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles
• Reflecting on how sometimes the longest way around can be the shortest way home when obstacles are approached creatively

Join us next week as we continue exploring Holiday's book, focusing on using obstacles against themselves and effectively channeling our energy.

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.

We delve deep into the concept of "following the process" from Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle Is the Way, exploring how Nick Saban's coaching philosophy offers valuable lessons for life and leadership.

• Process-oriented thinking keeps us in the present moment rather than fixating on end goals
• Creating systems provides a relaxing framework that reduces decision fatigue
• Figures like Obama, Zuckerberg and Jobs simplified their wardrobes to preserve mental energy
• Effective personal systems must be realistic and accommodate life's inevitable messiness
• Accountability partners can help maintain discipline when implementing new processes
• The formula for success is simple: hard work, honesty, and helping others
• What matters is doing the right thing in this moment, not worrying about the whole journey

Join us next week as we discuss "What's Right Is What Works" and how doing the right thing helps us transform obstacles into opportunities.

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.

Welcome, listeners, to what might just be the lost episode of our podcast! We were ready to share it with you before, but let’s just say, technology and timing had a little bit of an adventure of their own. So, here we are, presenting it to you a little later than expected—but hey, it’s like a fine wine, right? Sometimes it just needs a bit more time to age.

Now, don’t worry about the fact that we’re jumping in at what feels like the middle. Our podcast is designed so that you don’t have to follow the episodes in perfect order. So, go ahead, listen freely—start from wherever the mood strikes. It’s like picking up a book in the middle and deciding that chapter really resonates with you.

This episode wraps up our deep dive into Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle is the Way, where we explore how changing your perspective can transform obstacles into opportunities. And now, let’s dive into that good stuff:

• Thinking differently is essential to seeing obstacles as opportunities.
• Steve Jobs did not accept limitations—ever. He made his own rules, and guess what? The world changed because of it.
• Be aware of the external influences—those who tell you it’s just "the way things are." Their limitations shouldn’t become yours.
• Advice is often just another form of judgment, coming from others’ limitations. So, take it with a grain of salt—or maybe a whole shaker, depending on who’s offering it.
• The key to finding opportunities is controlling your emotions first. If you can’t do that, how can you spot the chances?
• General Eisenhower’s strategy during the Blitzkrieg? He saw the crisis as an opportunity to outmaneuver and adapt—genius thinking in the face of chaos.
• And here’s something personal: Olivia, after losing her home, didn’t just sit back and wait for things to get better. Instead, she launched "Save the Earth Projects." Talk about turning disaster into drive!
• You can prepare all day, but decisive action is what ultimately shifts the needle.
• And the foundation of all of this? Changing your thinking—because once that shifts, so do your results.

Join us next week as we take everything from perception into action in the next phase of our journey through The Obstacle is the Way. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

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.