Starting a new business can be a challenging journey filled with obstacles and setbacks. Often, entrepreneurs get discouraged when they encounter difficulties, but what if these obstacles were actually the key to success? In the words of entrepreneur and author Ryan Holiday, "What's in the way, might be the way." This concept, derived from Stoic philosophy, encourages us to see obstacles as opportunities and to use them to create new businesses. In this blog post, we will explore the idea of "What's in the way, might be the way" and how it can be used to create a new business.

What is "What's in the way, might be the way"?

The idea of "What's in the way, might be the way" is derived from the Stoic philosophy of turning obstacles into opportunities. The Stoics believed that every obstacle we face is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, they saw them as a chance to learn and develop new skills.

This philosophy has been popularized in recent years by Ryan Holiday, who has written several books on the subject, including "The Obstacle is the Way." According to Holiday, "What's in the way, might be the way" means that the very thing that is blocking our path can often be the path itself. In other words, the obstacles we encounter can actually be the key to our success.

How can "What's in the way, might be the way" be used to create a new business?

When starting a new business, there are bound to be obstacles and setbacks. However, by adopting the philosophy of "What's in the way, might be the way," entrepreneurs can use these obstacles as opportunities to create new businesses.

For example, let's say you are passionate about sustainable fashion, but you can't afford to start your own clothing line. Instead of giving up on your dream, you can use the obstacle of limited funds to create a new business. Maybe you could start a blog or social media account focused on sustainable fashion, and eventually monetize it through affiliate marketing or sponsored content. By focusing on the obstacle of limited funds, you were able to create a new business that aligns with your passions.

Another example of using "What's in the way, might be the way" to create a new business is the story of Airbnb. The founders of Airbnb, Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky, were struggling to pay their rent when they came up with the idea for their company. They noticed that there was a shortage of affordable lodging in their city due to a large conference taking place, and they decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment to conference attendees. From this simple idea, Airbnb was born.

In conclusion, "What's in the way, might be the way" is a powerful philosophy you can use to create new businesses. By embracing obstacles and seeing them as opportunities, entrepreneurs can turn setbacks into success stories. So the next time you encounter an obstacle in your entrepreneurial journey, remember that it might just be the way to your next big idea.