If you searched up the term “sitzfleisch” on Google, you would be greeted with two definitions at the top of the first page. The first definition might be perceived as vulgar; the second, however, forms the basis of today’s discussion.

Sitzfleisch is a German term that can be literally translated as “sitting flesh” or “sitting meat” (the part of the body used for sitting). But this term has grown to mean more than just a part of the human body. It is often used to connote the idea of endurance or perseverance through a seemingly unfavourable situation.

The Obstacle Is The Way

I first encountered the word “Sietzfleisch” while reading Ryan Holiday’s “The Obstacle is The Way”. I like to refer to the book as a modern-day stoic’s handbook for not only navigating through life’s challenges but thriving in spite of it.

The book gives a fresh perspective to the endless cycle of challenges we encounter in life. Ryan discussed the power of right perception and also expounded on how we can apply our actions and will in converting obstacles into opportunities for growth and advancement.

According to Ryan, “Will is our internal power, which can never be affected by the outside world.” The will is the third component of his proposed formula for overcoming obstacles, and probably the most vital of the three.

Having a positive perception of the obstacle in question is important, and so is taking correct and strategic actions to transform the challenge into an opportunity. But sometimes, we engage all of this and the obstacle remains insurmountable. That is where the will comes in. How do we respond in the face of an impasse?

The Only Way Is Through

The average human desires a stress-free cruise through life, but the reality of the world around us does not afford us such experience. As much as we hope not to go through difficult challenges, they are almost inevitable as they seem to be woven into the very fabric of our existence.

From time to time, we encounter walls on our path that defy all our efforts to overcome them. And when faced with such overwhelming difficulties, it can be tempting to give up. But sometimes, the only way to get past such situations is to endure.

In a previous post, we discussed the concept of times and seasons. Some seasons happen to be more difficult than others, and some just happen to be outright daunting. But the good news is that every season, no matter how long it tarries, would eventually pass.

So the next time you think of throwing in the towel when the going gets tough, remember that you might not have control over your circumstances, but you are well in control of how you respond to them. I hope you find the strength to persevere through, I hope you muster sufficient‘sitzfleisch’ in the face of adversity, and I hope you find bliss on the other side of the wall.