Includes bibliographical references.

Perception. The discipline of perception ; Recognize your power ; Steady your nerves ; Control your emotions ; Practice objectivity ; Alter your perspective ; Is it up to you? ; Live in the present moment ; Think differently ; Finding the opportunity ; Prepare to act -- Action. The discipline of action ; Get moving ; Practice persistence ; Iterate ; Follow the process ; Do your job, do it right ; What's right is what works ; In praise of the flank attack ; Use obstacles against themselves ; Channel your energy ; Seize the offensive ; Prepare for none of it to work -- Will. The discipline of the will ; Build your inner citadel ; Anticipation (thinking negatively) ; The art of acquiescence ; Love everything that happens: amor fati ; Perseverance ; Something bigger than yourself ; Meditate on your mortality ; Prepare to start again -- Final thoughts: The obstacle becomes the way -- Postscript: You're now a philosopher, congratulations.

"A guide not just for overcoming the obstacles that hold us back-but for using them for great benefit The great Athenian orator Demosthenes was born with a crippling speech impediment and was robbed of his inheritance by cruel guardians. Samuel Zemurray was a poor roadside fruit peddler pitted against the behemoth United Fruit Company. Ulysses S. Grant found himself stuck across the Mississippi river, desperately trying to break into the impenetrable fortress of Vicksburg. These icons and many others throughout history-from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Richard Wright to Steve Jobs-were often placed in nearly impossible situations that turned out to be the platforms for astounding triumphs. They were not exceptionally brilliant, lucky, or gifted. Their success in overcoming extreme obstacles was the result of a timeless set of philosophical principles that great men and women have always followed. Now Ryan Holiday unpacks those lessons and reframes them for today's world, building on the wisdom of the ancient Stoics and a rich trove of examples. He shows us how to turn obstacles into advantages, through controlling our perceptions, swift and energetic action, and true force of will"-- Provided by publisher.

"A guide to overcoming adversity by drawing on the wisdom of the ancient Stoics"-- Provided by publisher.