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A review by merlymerly
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
3.0
It presents a valuable collection of insights, though it occasionally falls short in providing depth and practicality. It has the potential to positively impact one's perspective, but it’s essential to approach its advice critically.
However, it did leave a positive mark on me. I find myself better equipped to confront challenges with a more positive outlook, and an enhanced ability to embrace the present moment.
It offers a refreshing alternative to slogging through numerous volumes, as it neatly packages a plethora of insightful quotes and lessons. It’s best savored gradually.
The anecdotes that preface each chapter - illustrating how influential figures applied these lessons in crucial moments - are superficial. Their applications are briefly mentioned, such as employing a different approach in a physical confrontation or outsmarting a corporate giant as a small business, and I miss how and why they did it.
I don’t entirely endorse the notion of dismissing fears and worries as if they’re inconsequential. This approach is promoted as a one-size-fits-all solution, overshadowing potentially effective methods like confronting and gradually exposing oneself to these fears, which can genuinely reshape one’s perspective.
The book appears to advocate a relentless, anti-rest, and anti-sleep campaign, always being prepared for action. It’s an intriguing concept, but how does one sustain this without risking burnout or losing direction? Is it genuinely the sole path to success?
The concept of “choosing to feel good in a disaster” raises questions about whether emotions can be chosen at will. Emotions often stem from complex processes, but what we can control is how we respond to them. Acknowledging and venting these emotions in a healthy manner before engaging in rational thinking is a more nuanced process than a simple choice.
However, it did leave a positive mark on me. I find myself better equipped to confront challenges with a more positive outlook, and an enhanced ability to embrace the present moment.
It offers a refreshing alternative to slogging through numerous volumes, as it neatly packages a plethora of insightful quotes and lessons. It’s best savored gradually.
The anecdotes that preface each chapter - illustrating how influential figures applied these lessons in crucial moments - are superficial. Their applications are briefly mentioned, such as employing a different approach in a physical confrontation or outsmarting a corporate giant as a small business, and I miss how and why they did it.
I don’t entirely endorse the notion of dismissing fears and worries as if they’re inconsequential. This approach is promoted as a one-size-fits-all solution, overshadowing potentially effective methods like confronting and gradually exposing oneself to these fears, which can genuinely reshape one’s perspective.
The book appears to advocate a relentless, anti-rest, and anti-sleep campaign, always being prepared for action. It’s an intriguing concept, but how does one sustain this without risking burnout or losing direction? Is it genuinely the sole path to success?
The concept of “choosing to feel good in a disaster” raises questions about whether emotions can be chosen at will. Emotions often stem from complex processes, but what we can control is how we respond to them. Acknowledging and venting these emotions in a healthy manner before engaging in rational thinking is a more nuanced process than a simple choice.