image2018-3-8_15-25-10.png

Notes from my May 2018 reading of The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday.

  • pg 8 – Abundance can become it’s own obstacle
  • pg 17 – Unhelpful perceptions can crowd out reason and throw off our compass
  • pg 18 – Dont be a slave to your own impulses or unquestioned instincts.
  • pg 21 – We are NEVER completely powerless
  • pg 21 – Nothing is ever really good or bad, there is only ever the perception of it.
  • pg 29 – Ask yourself, “does getting upset provide me with more options?” (easier said than done in the heat of the moment)
  • pg 43 – Focus on what you can change and leave the rest.  Don’t chase the dragon that makes you think you can change the things that aren’t yours to change.
  • pg 50 – Our doubts have very little bearing on what is and what isn’t possible.
  • pg 55 – There is good in everything if we will look for it.
  • pg 57 – Struggle propels the fighter further.
  • pg 61 – The event is not the worst thing, it’s losing your head after the event.
  • pg 61 – ACT (act because you’ve already calculated the risk and you’re prepared for what may come)
  • pg 69 – Take just 1 minute to vent.  But don’t take too long, get back to it.
  • pg 72 – Don’t fear starting something.  It’s not too soon.  Don’t fear the lack of experience.  GET MOVING! START!
  • pg 74 – Be deliberate, but always move forward.
  • pg 75 – If you want momentum, you must create it yourself.
  • pg 95 – Hard work, Honesty, Help Others
  • pg 96 – Respect the craft and make something beautiful.  Steve Jobs make the inside of his computer cool and beautiful even though no one would really see it.  His father always finished the back side of the cabinets he made.
  • pg 101 – Sometimes you just have to do what it takes to get something done, even if it means thumbing your nose at the rules.  (or at least being creative with the rules)