You’ve probably heard the phrase, "The Obstacle Is The Way."

But what does it actually mean, and why should you care?

Let me put it simply. Obstacles aren't barriers...

...they're opportunities.

They're the stuff that shapes you into the best version of yourself.

Whether you're on the mat training or just trying to get through everyday life, those challenges are what push you forward.

This idea comes from Stoicism. An ancient philosophy that's been getting a lot of attention lately thanks to people like Ryan Holiday.

The Stoics, especially Marcus Aurelius, taught that challenges aren't things to avoid or complain about.

They're the things that force you to grow. They’re what give you strength.

As Aurelius said, "What stands in the way becomes the way."

Think about your martial arts training for a second.

The grind, the sweat, the frustration when you can't get a technique right—that's the good stuff.

That's the obstacle showing you the way.

You don’t get better by sticking to the easy drills. You get better by failing, learning, and repeating until it all becomes second nature.

The struggle is the way forward. It’s why you improve.

The same goes for life outside the studio.

Tough work situations, arguments with loved ones, those moments when it all feels too hard—these aren’t roadblocks.

They’re training grounds... just like sparring.

They’re there to make you stronger, more resilient, and ultimately more capable.

Next time you're facing something tough, remember this. The obstacle isn't in your way—it is the way.

Be sure to embrace it, and watch how it shapes you into something stronger. That obstacle is waiting, and so is your growth.

Stay strong, stay vigilant, and keep fighting.

I have a full article on this subject. You can check it out at the following link: mykravlife.com/blog/obstacle-is-the-way.

Stay Safe,

Paul Simoes

PS. Discuss the ideas presented here in the "Fight or Flight Newsletter" by joining the free My Krav Life Community. Hope to see you there!

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From Around The Net

I saw this great video on YouTube called “The Obstacle Is The Way” by Ryan Holiday. It's about turning challenges into opportunities.

In the video, Ryan talks about how the Stoics believed that obstacles are actually the path to success.

He gives a bunch of examples of famous people who have overcome obstacles, such as John D. Rockefeller, the first Apollo astronauts, and Abraham Lincoln.

Ryan also talks about the three disciplines of stoicism: the discipline of perception, the discipline of action, and the discipline of will.

He explains how we can use these disciplines to overcome any obstacle in our lives.

I found this video to be really inspiring and motivating. I think you will too.

Let me know what you think after you watch it!

Ask Us Anything?

Do you have any specific questions you want answered? Just respond back to this email or use [email protected].

Here’s this weeks question:

Q - What role does mindset play in turning obstacles into opportunities?

A - Mindset is everything when it comes to turning obstacles into opportunities. It’s the difference between seeing a brick wall as an impossible barrier or as something you can climb over, break through, or even use as a foundation for something greater. When you adopt a growth mindset—believing challenges are opportunities to learn—you stop seeing setbacks as dead ends and start seeing them as detours that could lead to something better.

Here are a few practical tips and tricks to help transform your mindset:

1. Reframe the Situation: Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" ask, "What can I learn from this?" This tiny shift flips the script, putting you in control. Suddenly, the obstacle is no longer a curse but a puzzle to solve.

2. Focus on What You Can Control: Obstacles can make us feel powerless, but there’s always something you can control—even if it’s just your attitude. Write down a list of things within your power to change and focus your energy there. This helps you keep moving forward instead of getting bogged down by frustration.

3. Practice Stoic Visualization: Take a page from the Stoics and visualize potential obstacles before they happen. Imagine yourself dealing with setbacks successfully. This helps you prepare mentally, making you more resilient when obstacles inevitably show up.

4. Break the Obstacle Down: Huge obstacles often seem insurmountable because they’re too big to tackle all at once. Break them into smaller parts. Ask yourself, “What’s one small step I can take today?” One tiny action leads to another, and before you know it, you’re not just facing the obstacle—you’re overcoming it.

5. Self-Check Your Internal Dialogue: Our own thoughts can be our biggest barriers. Pay attention to what you’re telling yourself. Are you being your own worst enemy? Try swapping negative phrases like “I can’t do this” for empowering ones like “I’ll figure this out.” It sounds simple, but this type of positive self-talk can genuinely change your outcomes.

6. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Success: Every step forward is a win. When you treat each small victory as a sign that you’re on the right path, you create momentum. Obstacles shrink in the face of forward progress, so be sure to acknowledge every inch you gain, even if it’s just a mental breakthrough.

At the end of the day, obstacles are inevitable. But with the right mindset, they become opportunities for growth, learning, and maybe even surprising successes. Remember, your perspective is the tool that can turn setbacks into set-ups for a greater comeback.

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