I’m listening to Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle is the Way for the second time. Why twice? Truth is, I’m out of Audible credits. But I like this book and I like Ryan’s other work.
Here’s an oversimplification: Whatever the circumstance, we have the ability to choose how it affects us. So even when perceived bad shit happens, it’s only bad if we let it negatively affect us. Instead, we should seek an advantage in the bad.
Holiday takes us through many historical (and cool) examples of people who have triumphed through adversity. We come to understand the perspectives that these world leaders took during hard times to help them eventually achieve greatness. Perspective – like keeping the end in mind, controlling emotion, seizing the initiative, or taking a risk/benefit approach. All good and sound approaches to life and the adversity everyone is guaranteed to experience.
Stoicism, right? Good, I think. Trendy.
On the contrarian view (I try to take a contrarian view of businessy/self-helpy books), can adversity be good all the time as Holiday argues? I don’t know.
We’ve all been through trying and desperate times – I appreciate these times have made me the person I am today. In the most simple and least impactful example, I recall getting punched square in the face – that sucked. It’s hard to say I’m happy I got clocked but I do remember the day somewhat fondly.
Yes! This book is worth reading for public affairs officers. Often PAOs are met with adversity, it’s part of the job I love.
A PAO can either take advantage of the circumstance or get buried by it – it is honestly OUR choice. No excuses, no if only, no one to blame – our choice to flourish or wilt.
Now go and do likewise.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Callaghan
Other readings, I recommend along the same vein – Linchpin by Seth Godin and Seven Habits by Covey.
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