The Obstacle is the Way, by Ryan Holiday
Definitely not a marketing book, but I have read Ryan’s other two books (here and here) so I thought I’d finish out the set.
This one is much more self-helpy, but in a businessey sort of way. (yes those are words, on my blog they are anyway).
What I love about Ryan’s work is how much research he does. There’s all sorts of interesting examples from historical wars, famous figures…
For instance – when talking about a study of battles – “In only six of the 280 campaigns was the decisive victory a result of a direct attack on the enemy’s main army.” (Who knew, we have been misguided by the movies!)
The basic jist of this book, for me, was this: obstacles = opportunities.
Well worth a read if you like the ‘better yourself’ style of book, but without any of the New Age language (there’s nothing about looking in a mirror and repeating affirmations).
Here’s 7 tips from Ryan on turning obstacles into opportunities
(headings = mine, all quotes directly from the book)
1. Make like Rockfeller
“He was inclined to see the opportunity in every disaster.”
2. Don’t panic, instead…
“focus on what can be controlled”
3. And that is…
“Our perceptions are the thing that we’re in complete control of.”
4. Tell yourself a different story
“We decided what story to tell ourselves. Or whether we will tell one at all. Welcome to the power of perception.”
5. Take your eyes off the monster up ahead
“Focus on the moment, not the monsters that may or may not be up ahead.”
6. Realise that you can handle it (Olivia Pope style)
“It’s a huge step forward to realise that the worst thing to happen is never the event, but the event and losing your head.”
7. And then… just do it
“We talk a lot about courage as a society, but we forget that at it’s most basic level it’s really just taking action – ”
Sounding good? Check it out here.
Happy reading,
C x
The Marketer's Bookshelf 