Episode 1: Recognize Your Power

In this episode, the book "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holliday is discussed. The chapter "Recognize Your Power" is highlighted, emphasizing the quote by Marcus Aurelius and the story of Rubin-Hurricane-Carter. The message is about focusing on what is within our control and not allowing external circumstances to harm us. It is a valuable life lesson for leaders. The importance of recognizing the difference between what can and cannot be controlled is emphasized. The speaker asks the listeners to consider what is beyond their control and how they maintain their power in those circumstances. Hello classmates and listeners, welcome to Episode 1 where we will be discussing Ryan Holliday's The Obstacle is the Way, Part 1, Perception. While this read is insightful and inspiring from start to finish, Holliday's chapter Recognize Your Power packs a real punch, no pun intended. Before diving into the heart of this chapter and how it relates to life and leadership, I want to highlight two parts. The introductory quote by Marcus Aurelius and the Rubin-Hurricane-Carter anecdote. Holliday begins the chapter with Aurelius' quote, choose not to be harmed and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed and you haven't been. This quote expresses the magnitude of our power and autonomy even when faced with obstacles meant to derail us or harm us. It reminds me of the adage, focus on your circle of control and while I do see parallels between the two sayings, I think Holliday does a fantastic job of taking this message one step further. A great example of this is the story of Rubin-Carter, former middleweight boxing legend. After being wrongly accused and convicted of a triple homicide, Carter was facing three life sentences, circumstances well beyond his circle of control. What he could control was himself and though rightfully furious with the cards he'd been dealt, he refused to live life as a prisoner. He didn't believe he was a prisoner so he refused to behave as one. Instead, he spent every waking moment studying law, philosophy, and history and 19 years later when he was released from prison, he left an innocent man and a better person. As Aurelius put it, he chose not to be harmed. I think this is such a valuable life lesson to all readers but especially those in leadership positions. Going back to the circle of control, I think people often interpret the words control and power as the same thing. I think a true leader recognizes what is beyond their control and what lies within it. By recognizing the difference between what's controllable and what's not, what can be relinquished and what should never be, a leader is most powerful. As I'm wrapping my head around this concept and how it might relate to my own life, both personally and professionally, I'm curious how you find this relevant. In considering your current role, what are some things beyond your control? And how do you recognize and maintain your power despite these circumstances?