Holiday urges us to emulate great leaders by making the most of momentum. It matters what you do with what happens and what you’ve been given” (p. “It doesn’t matter what happens to you or where you came from. Part II: Actionĭisciplined action is a hallmark of a successful leader. “The struggle against an obstacle inevitably propels the fighter to a new level of functioning” (p. 38).Ī good leader strives to find the opportunity within the obstacle. One tool to help adjust perspective is to recognize the leverage of context (big picture) or framing (interpretation of events) (p. When it is not personal to us, we are able to remove ourselves from the equation and evaluate a situation (p. For example, we experience objectivity in action when we give others good advice. One important aspect of practicing objectivity is to step back and see only what is there – not more, not less (p. Logic operates in service of these goals, defeating emotions by using questions and statements to arrive at the truth (p.

Leaders need to do this, so they have the grace and poise to skillfully confront an issue (p. Leaders can and should recognize what they really have control over, regardless of what friends, coworkers, or their own thoughts might say (p. Holiday urges leaders to be disciplined in how they perceive events in life so that they can be objective, control emotion, put things into perspective, and plan a course of action (p. Perception is how we view and interpret what happens around us, and our perceptions can be either a positive or negative influence in our lives (p. These actions will allow you to recognize how pleasing the present really is (p. Embrace the present through exercise, a leisurely walk, meditation, or adopting a pet. Living in the present moment affects our perception, as well. Will: Nurture the inner armor of a quietly steadfast will – humility, perseverance, resilience – preparing for the worst, embracing what is in your control and releasing what is not, confronting obstacles as opportunities, and then moving to the next (inevitable) challenge with equanimity.

Your goal is to do your best job and use the obstacle against itself. Know and practice what works for you, even if others take another approach. Focus on the present event versus worrying about the future. Use tools such as objectivity, cool-headedness (versus emotion), perspective, context and framing, and living in the present moment.Īction: Discipline yourself to take action – get going! Move in the direction you have set and vanquish setbacks with persistence.

Perception: Take control over how you perceive events in your life to find the opportunity within the obstacle. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Marcus Aurelius Key quote: “The impediment to action advances action.

The obstacle is the way summary