Be Astonishing summary

Let’s start by laying down one of the authors’ main ideas: we all have it in us to be astonishing and lead an extraordinary life. What it takes is igniting your inner engine – the drive, the fire, the passion – that will take you to the next level.

Igniting that fire comes down to identifying what’s meaningful to you. What’s the steady, purposeful force that’s more than just enthusiasm or excitement? We’re talking about something that ticks three big boxes: what you value, what you’re curious about, and what you’re willing to work for. When those three things line up, that’s when effort feels purposeful, challenges become catalysts, and your presence naturally energizes the people around you.

A good example of this in action is Melanie Perkins. She was fed up with traditional design software. For her, the current options were actually creating a needless barrier between everyday people and their creative potential. That frustration was the spark that led to her creating Canva in 2013, a user-friendly graphic design platform that makes it easy for anyone – regardless of skill level – to create professional-quality visuals. 

What began as just a small team and a bold vision became a global platform used by hundreds of millions. The key to it all was that Canva stood for something. The commercial ambition was aligned with a commitment to bring something meaningful and good into the world. It’s not just product-based, either. Canva is committed to sustainable practices and takes part in reforestation efforts. It’s an alignment of productivity and purpose, and it shows how passion, once activated, can ripple outward into culture, community, and global impact.

But it all starts by looking inward and noticing the sparks that hint at deeper purpose. You might recall moments of joy or anger that pointed you toward something meaningful. You might revisit childhood interests, trace the injustices that frustrate you, or experiment until something catches fire. And once you find that energy, keeping it alive becomes a daily practice – carving out time for what matters and staying curious.

Passion isn’t a gift bestowed on a lucky few. It’s built through awareness, courage, and consistent action. And when you align that passion with purpose, that’s when you become someone who inspires meaning in others.

Over the next few sections, we’ll look at some common characteristics in individuals and leaders who make lasting impressions. First, let’s look at two things: freeing your mindset and outworking your ordinary.