The Obstacle Is the Way

Anger

A Stoic Response to Pain

Ryan Holiday on August 25, 2017

Remember another line from Seneca: “Misfortune is virtue’s opportunity.” The military puts it more simply: “Embrace the suck.”

Remember another line from Seneca: “Misfortune is virtue’s opportunity.” The military puts it more simply: “Embrace the suck.”

Anger

A Stoic Response to Anger

Ryan Holiday on August 23, 2017

Your feelings are choices: You choose anger over calm; you choose fear over courage; you choose misery over joy. Which choice is more productive?

Your feelings are choices: You choose anger over calm; you choose fear over courage; you choose misery over joy. Which choice is more productive?

Perfectionism

How to Beat Perfectionism, Make Progress, and Find Happiness

Ryan Holiday on October 18, 2016

Don’t excuse yourself from trying to achieve your goal because the conditions aren't right. There are plenty of small steps that will help move you forward.

Don’t excuse yourself from trying to achieve your goal because the conditions aren't right. There are plenty of small steps that will help move you forward.

Confidence

Meet Your Worst Enemy

Ryan Holiday on June 15, 2016

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, your worst enemy already lives inside you: your ego.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, your worst enemy already lives inside you: your ego.

Contemptuous expressions are Stoic exercises that removes the unhealthy perceptions and embellishments we give people and things in our lives.

The obstacles we face in life make us emotional. The only way we’ll overcome them is by keeping those emotions in check—if we can keep steady no matter what happens.

How to turn failure into an asset for your creative endeavors.

Cognition

The Surprising Value of Negative Thinking

Ryan Holiday on May 1, 2014

How thinking negatively can prepare you for the obstacles that will inevitably come your way and allow you to pass your peers.

How thinking negatively can prepare you for the obstacles that will inevitably come your way and allow you to pass your peers.