How to See Problems as Opportunities (The Obstacle is the Way)

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In this episode of book club we're looking at the best selling book The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday which looks at how we use the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism to help us turn adversity to our advantage. In the video, we look at the three key areas that Ryan identifies as key to this process - Perception, Action and Will - and discuss some examples of people who have successfully overcome adversity by leveraging the hidden benefits of obstacles to their advantage.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:00 Perception
03:00 Action
06:10 Will
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📚Atomic Habits by James Clear - geni.us/atomichabitsbook
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📚Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky - geni.us/vzDlPbD
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📚 The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden - geni.us/ozAf
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📚 Grit by Angela Duckworth - geni.us/gXqfuf7
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I'm Ali, a junior doctor working in Cambridge, UK. I make videos about medicine, technology, productivity and lifestyle design. I also have a weekly podcast with my brother ( / notoverthinking , and I write a weekly email newsletter that contains some quick thoughts + links to interesting things (aliabdaal.com/friendzone).
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[@aliabdaal]

To access the notes to hundreds of books and get 25% off the annual premium subscription of Blinkist, visit www.blinkist.com/aliabdaal Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:00 Perception 03:00 Action 06:10 Will

[@Sanjayd1998]

Hey Ali, do you mind telling me what audio equipment you use?

[@omerballa6728]

U R wised man 💚

[@Mercy-qw2wv]

Plz review Limitless book by Jim Kwik

[@Rayfano1002]

5:00 Ad ;)

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality” ― Seneca

[@luismarques3059]

Overthinking in a nutshell

[@blacksupra001]

Not a literary reference but in the 2004 Guy Richie film Revolver, one of the themes is real enemies vs perceived enemies ( I guess insult vs injury).

[@blacksupra001]

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[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great” ― Zig Ziglar

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Making mistakes is better than faking perfection.” -- Anonymous

[@nikhilmathur3351]

Ali's Son: Why is my sister's name Rose Ali : Oh that's because you mum loves roses Ali's Son: Thanks Dad Ali: No problem Spaced Repetition

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Ali's Other Son: Hey Dad, jog my memory...what's the origin of my name Ali: Just a minute, Active Recall. I'm busy talking to your twin

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🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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😅😂😂

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^^^^^^^^^!!!!!!!!

[@krishcaulfield]

Ali: Reading Me: Watching videos of people reading

[@lisama2748]

Oh my...the transition to sponsorship is getting smoother and smoother now😯 gonna catch you before you start next time~ games on haha

[@Osamaaaaa908]

Ask, 'Why is this so unbearable? Why can't I endure it?' You'll be embarrassed to answer. ~Marcus Aurelius

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

Best book of all time. Read this and your perspective on life will change forever

[@hiddencompounder8100]

High praise, might have to get this on audible now 🤔

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

@@StateBiscuit 😂 c'mon bro. The fact you're watching this vid in the first place suggests otherwise

[@Azn_Bran]

I found this book (or it found me) 3 years ago during probably one of the darkest times of my life and it truly turned me around. "I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent-no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you." - Seneca

[@humaparacha0808]

Wow!

[@arthur5771]

How is this book different to the white one?

[@Azn_Bran]

@@arthur5771 I assume you mean Ego is the Enemy? Ego is the enemy teaches us about how we are often our own worst enemies and are often the cause for much of our own suffering. The Obstacle is the Way is about learning how to channel your energy into things. How to target those things we find the most challenging and how those things can help us learn about ourselves, grow, and often bring us the most reward.

[@arthur5771]

@@Azn_Bran oh I mean the white obstacle is the way, the timeless art of turning trials into triumph

[@bosnianowitzkifan41]

LIterally a life changing book. I can't describe how much more serenity I have in my life since I discovered Stoicism.

[@moeyusuf]

" Nothing is good or bad but thinking it makes it so" It's actually a quote from the play Hamlet written by Shakespeare It's a good quote though!

[@Kiran.Morjaria]

Loving these book summaries man, your channel has exploded in the past few months! So well deserved

[@shahansvlogs8027]

"The biggest obstacles in our lives are the barriers our mind creates".... Thank you for your book reviews🥰🥰... am always waiting for your Book Club videos😍😍

[@user-wl6go5bq7f]

Omg this couldn’t be more helpful and accurate!! Thank you for sharing Ali. So empowering for these tough times!

[@pranjalyadav7917]

Ali, you have single handedly affected and changed the way I view things . Nothing else but respect for you 🎶 keep up the good work 👏

[@bernvall]

This video could not have been released at a better time. I’ve just spent the past 9 months studying for an actuarial exam that I just sat today, which am pretty sure I failed. I went through a roller coaster of emotions today and realised I need to control my anxiety and overcome issues better. I will definitely give this one a read !

[@royceocampo7923]

This by far my favorite book club video! Been struggling with a few life problems at the moment. All eating away at my confidence. So many key points in this video; perception, logic, focusing on the process (i like to think of this as getting into the zone) amor fati, premeditating adversity.... it's all mind blowing! Who would have thought?.. the timing of this video really is unworldly. Once again, another video of 'this is just want I need'. I will write all this information down in my book NOW for further reflection! Thank you, Ali!

[@IESWlodarczyk]

I have read this book recently and definitely it did inspire me. I do not think we should be afraid of obstacles, as they will be always part of our life.

[@wannabe_Hacker]

Man this is an exquisite video. In terms of getting the drive of realistically doing good. You have a kind heart Dr.Abdaal. Many thanks.

[@fitnessimperial]

Wow! This was the best ever.. your reviews are absolutely amazing. Motivational and thought provoking. Thank you for turning something you love into something so beneficial for others.

[@mohammedabdulqareeb]

You can't believe how much you have helped me during this video! thank you!

[@davidc.f9326]

I literally never know what to read so I’m always waiting for Ali’s videos to give me some ideas!!! :)

[@karenjohnston9201]

Dumbledore got that quote from Shakespeare. Very powerful to live by though no matter who said it first.

[@JohnCarlosMartinez]

Just finished this one on the Libby app. I took so many notes. Definitely a staple in anyone’s library.

[@user-jy4zj7ep1k]

What I learnt from today’s video......rather than me thinking how I can read as many books as Ali can.....instead start thinking positively towards these book club videos and eventually start learning!

[@syumassh]

I found this book very empowering. I have highlighted quotes everywhere in this book. It helps me manage my perceived stress of the work I do.

[@elshua9530]

Loving the book summaries and your reflections Ali....we need more of em! Keep up bro.

[@IrshadKhan-ym5oy]

Already read Atomic Habits, Make Time and The Courage To Be Disliked... The Obstacle Is The Way is next!!! Thanks Ali!

[@kprz6233]

This video is very applicable to me. Here I am, studying and writing my dissertation at 2:10 AM here in my country (Philippines) while watching your real-time study with me video for 3.5 hours (this inspires me, definitely a big fan!). Then I sneak peek at the latest IG story of Ali, I saw this new video and here I am. So glad, to put a comment immediately.

[@GrowWithWill]

How to Live a Good Life is another great book for stoicism.

[@hufflepuffphoenix2898]

You have no idea how much I needed this!

[@jackrobbie1179]

Great video Ali, I really loved this. Thank you.

[@aryanbirajdar8314]

I just love your book reviews and clubs

[@curiosityunleashed]

I really like this !!! More book summaries !!!! Love it !!!!. Appreciate you posting more of these and look forward to lot more very soon.

[@nightbot41]

Really loving these book videos, thanks Ali!

[@gurashishsingh2184]

Much needed. Thank You for this. Love this book series.❤🙏

[@vijayalakshmiiyer930]

I literally checked 5 minutes ago if Ali has posted a video on no matter what topic and here it is!😯😃

[@Exotixa]

This was an excellent book review, I absolutely love it! Another recommendation to add to my list!!

[@causecaos]

Thanks, love your videos. Ordered the book straight away and now thinking to get Blinkest again :)

[@user-uu5dc6wr6h]

Kinda really needed this right now so thanks

[@attemptingtobeaesthetic9882]

istg ali’s videos always come at the right time

[@davidc.f9326]

I love this series so so much!!!! Can’t wait for more! :)

[@jaimetan]

Stoicism really overlaps a lot with Buddhist and Yogic philosophy. So much of it is staying in the present moment. Great summary!

[@darshinii_31]

I would love tp have you as my councillor and my mentor who teaches everything from note taking to how yo live a life. 😍 such a nicest person.

[@redrose8286]

Thank you so much for these videos

[@salmanhaider64]

Amazing! Keep it up. This book section is epic and opens up people to great ideas!

[@daydreamer107]

Heyy Ali ! Keep Growing. Love you ❤

[@ExtremeteamCJ]

Love these book summaries! Helps me know whether a book is worth buying before dishing out the cash.

[@aryansolanki2174]

I don't know if any other watcher made this observation or not. But the theory that's mentioned in the action part of the book co relates to the globally renowned, Bhagvad Gita. In which Lord Krishna says that one must focus on the work ('karma') that they do, instead of focusing on winning ('fal'- fruit). He further elaborates, that winning and losing are determined by multiple factors. Hence you only have the right to be responsible for your own actions. So we must focus on our work, instead of being in an apprehension of losing or being in a desire of winning. Great to see how this book correlates with Ancient Indian tenets. Great review Ali. I love see your work. ✌️

[@kgb7846]

You're my inspiration, Ali🇭🇲🇬🇧!!!

[@humaparacha0808]

This is so well done! Thank you

[@jeevant654]

HE IS UPLOADING THESE KINDS OF HIGH-QUALITY CONTENTS FOR FREE. HE IS DOING THE BEST SOCIAL SERVICE

[@TheSwan116]

Thank you Ali 😁 I'm so glad I found your channel 😁

[@ReynaSingh]

Obstacles can be opportunities. It all depends on your perspective.

[@luismarques3059]

It's like what Mandela said "I either win or learn"

[@scuti7073]

What a coincidence! I just borrowed this book and I am reading it right now!

[@tashatan1441]

This sounds a lot like the perspectives in CBT, mindfulness meditation and acceptance!

[@sagek7949]

This was very very helpful. Thank you :) Your content is amazing!

[@alenhuseinbasic899]

he just realeased a new book a few days ago, its called "lives of the stoics". So excited to read it I've already ordered it. I read "Stillness is the key" by him and it was brilliant.

[@peekay1837]

I love the book review videos.❤You're great at it. Well,you are basically great at everything you do.⚡💕

[@ruonanzheng2019]

I really like your book club series.

[@caterine4604]

I love this club.

[@nitinraj3262]

I love your storytelling. 👍 adding one More book in my bucket list.

[@singhn5163]

Aliii You n Ryan posted video at the same time exact same minute how is it possibleee

[@syedahmed6541]

Let’s gooooo new videooooo!!! Congrats on the car Ali!!!

[@svoidkugan]

Amazing thanks for doing this really well done! Keep it up!

[@ZietInvests]

Inspiring as usual, this is a real fruit for thought

[@KlaudiaDoParlamentu]

I just bought this book during my lunch break today, what a coincidence! :)

[@cypriank6705]

Ali's videos are the best for justifying your procrastination

[@jeremyngwono3334]

You really inspire me

[@aam3361]

The little steps in the process part reminded me of Atomic Habits. I think I will enjoy this book, I’m going to order it, thank you Ali :)

[@phillipuchen]

You become one of the KZbinr of Mine, really loved your productivity thinking 👍

[@justincook805]

"How fleeting are all human passions compared with the massive continuity of ducks. " -Dorothy L. Sayers Remembering this helps me be more stoic.

[@claires9100]

I love it. I guess there will always be ducks😂

[@seeyourway-joshcaz6495]

Got my copy on my desk for everyday referral. It’s necessary to keep going back to it, because we all practice stoicism, we just don’t practice it all the time

[@GadgetAddicted]

Ali, thank you for the value you bring to the community. It's life-changing stuff! Curiously, I'd like to understand two things: 1) How do you take notes as you read? Or do you take notes at all as you read these books? 2) I'm a slow reader and even slower when writing notes while reading. I'd love to see a video on how to read more effectively. Thank you!!!

[@thepremierbloke836]

Saad Ansari Do consider watching his skill share class on ‘How to study for exams’. It is really helpful. Or else read this article: medium.com/@13wrobbins/how-to-study-effectively-an-evidence-based-masterclass-by-ali-abdaal-534c232b83ed

[@kprz6233]

Hi Ali! I'm your fan from the Philippines! Hope to meet you after the pandemic.

[@jamelahalmalki6938]

I miss day in life videos of yours... My favorite.

[@1ofme475]

Love book clube series ........... always waiting for a new one 😁

[@300duoplus]

Hi Ali. Great videos. Please show us your book collection/library. Keep up the great work

[@stutijha4198]

Nothing is good or bad it's our thinking that makes it so

[@selfhelpchampion9664]

Thanks Ali, we have posted your video on Stoicism at our blog selfhelpchampion. I am a big fan of Ryan Holiday and I read all his work❤️🙏selfhelpchampion

[@drosein4020]

One of the best books ever 🙌🙌🙌

[@Medic_Dave]

if you experience a negative emotion you beat it with logic💥🧠 good one

[@PedroIvens]

excelent video! well done!

[@pratama922]

"did you put ur name into the golblet of fire harry?" asked dumbeldore calmly

[@gjram8807]

hahaha :D

[@_ap__]

Petition to bring back 'Monthly Favorites' series.

[@drslimldn]

Great book, nice vid Ali

[@sgrenier]

I love your book review! 👌

[@Sabyas_Hub]

Ali Abdaal multi faceted personality.👌👍🏻

[@dynamique_wav]

One of my favorite books!

[@btcpyr]

3:43 The outcome is also almost never 100% in our control, so focusing on the journey rather than the outcome helps us to focus on what's in our control and also not place negative judgement on external events that may impact the outcome.

[@dryaserdryaser]

keep up the good work!

[@SuboptimalEng]

Ali: Watch YT at 2x speed to increase productivity Me: Watches double the number of videos and still wastes the same amount of time 😭

[@lisama2748]

Suboptimal Engineer lol why so true

[@rev_5728]

If you watch study tips/productivity/thinking/lifestyle or videos that change the way you think (even when you dont even realize it), down the road, youre earning a lot of useful info that shape you into who you are. If you can then use them, youll have thoughts of dozens of smart people in ur head. I thought that I was wasting time on youtube and tv shows, but I definitely derived some kind of value.

[@halafarhat3009]

Facts, man

[@HamsavahiniVajraasthra]

Namaste Ali.Great video.Thank you for introducing blinklist.I'll read that book.😀😀😀

[@wilhelmngoma9009]

This is the book I'm currently reading

[@INTERESTPERSON]

I luv the new filming and editing style So professional

[@seeyourway-joshcaz6495]

That B- Roll really adds depth to videos, I’m learning that as well....it gets boring to watching a stagnant video all the time

[@INTERESTPERSON]

@@seeyourway-joshcaz6495 absolutely good luck

[@seeyourway-joshcaz6495]

@@INTERESTPERSON thank you!!! will keep at it!!!

[@tismeDenis]

One of the best books Iv'e read ;-) thanks

[@nikhitamahajan9149]

The last time I was here he had 600k subscribers. Congrats Ali 💖

[@zubairso]

Just can't get enough of this channel. The only good thing that came out of Ali's joblessness are more KZbin videos.

[@natyclavijo113]

I love this book club (: