Have you ever felt stuck when facing an obstacle, unsure how to move forward? The key to transformation lies not in your perception alone, but in what you do next.

Continuing our journey through Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way," we explore Part Two – the critical transition from perception to action. Theodore Roosevelt's wisdom frames our discussion perfectly: "We must either wear out or rust out. Every one of us." This choice between meaningful movement and stagnation lies at the heart of overcoming any challenge.

We dive deep into what Holiday calls "the discipline of action" – the deliberate, bold, and persistent steps required to transform obstacles into opportunities. It's not just about movement, but right and effective action aimed at specific goals. Like a baseball player choosing which pitches to swing at, we must be strategic about where we direct our energy rather than spinning our wheels like a hamster going nowhere.

What separates those who triumph over adversity from those who remain stuck? The answer isn't in what happens to us, but in what we do with what happens. We share real stories of people faced with unexpected job changes who chose to see opportunity rather than misfortune – creating momentum for themselves rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

The path forward becomes clear: no one is coming to save you, and complaining only creates the illusion of progress. True transformation begins when you take that first step, however imperfect it might be. As we prepare to explore persistence in our next episode, we invite you to consider: what meaningful action will you take today toward overcoming your obstacles?

Join us on this journey of growth and discovery. If you're finding value in these conversations, please share with others who might benefit and let us know how you're applying these principles in your own life.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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It always starts with a moment. A moment when everything feels impossible.

For Denise, it was standing at the crossroads of a career shift, staring down uncertainty like an opponent in the ring. For Sam, it was watching someone she believed in struggle—not because they lacked talent, but because they couldn’t see their own path forward.

What makes the difference in those moments? It isn’t strength. It isn’t luck. It’s perspective.

In this episode, Sam and Denise dive into Part One of The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday, exploring the idea that how we see the world determines how we move through it. Through powerful real-world stories—like John D. Rockefeller during the financial collapse of 1857 and Ruben “Hurricane” Carter’s refusal to be broken by wrongful imprisonment—they break down the ways perception can either trap us or set us free.

But this isn’t just about history. It’s about you.

Denise reflects on the moments when a shift in perspective turned failure into opportunity—how choosing to see a roadblock as a challenge instead of an end point rewrote the story. Sam shares how learning to stay calm when everything screamed panic became the key to unlocking new possibilities.

We don’t control our circumstances, but we do control how we see them.

Expect to walk away with:

• A new way to look at the challenges in front of you
• Practical strategies for maintaining perspective under pressure
• A reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s a way forward

Tune in. Shift your view. And take the first step through the obstacle in front of you

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Denise and Sam explore how practicing objectivity can transform our approach to life's obstacles, drawing wisdom from Ryan Holiday's bestseller "The Obstacle is the Way."

• Distinguishing between perception (emotional reactions) and observation (factual reality)
• Our first thoughts come from programming and defaults, but our second thoughts define who we are
• Reacting immediately to first impressions can cause us to miss valuable opportunities and connections
• Diversity of thought helps us see beyond our limited perspectives
• Where the head goes, the body follows - perception precedes action
• Taking yourself out of the equation often reveals solutions previously hidden by emotion
• Altering perspective transforms seemingly impossible obstacles into solvable challenges
• George Clooney's career breakthrough came from changing his perspective on auditions

If you're interested in coaching to help shift your perspectives and overcome obstacles, reach out to Denise and Sam through the contact information in the show notes.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.