“Within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.” -Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle is the Way
The ancient stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus all ascribed to learning how to turn challenges into triumphs.
It was Aurelius, emperor of Rome who first penned the thought, “the obstacle isthe way.”
Aurelius had to deal with problems you and I don’t typically face — assassination attempts, betrayals by his top advisors, and the incessant efforts of his enemies to overthrow Rome.
What he learned through all of this was not to run from problems; in fact, they are exactly where you should go.
It is through solving difficult problems and overcoming frustration and fear that allows you to develop patience, poise, and peace in the most dire of circumstances.
The reason so many NFL teams, CEO’s, and personal development coaches have been studying the philosophy of Stoicism in recent years is because solving these obstacles directly (instead of running away) is exactly how to become a stronger, faster, smarter, and more poised person.
Becoming successful often means an entire transformation in many parts of your life. The relationships, finances, health, and personal habits of successful people often look radically different the the average person’s.
This change is difficult. Evolving is painful, so most people don’t do it.
But for those who truly desire to become successful, the obstacle — fear of rejection, frustration, setbacks, anger, impatience…
This is exactly where you need to focus your efforts.
Coined from Anthony Moore.
#Overthefear
#Obstacle2success
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