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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Disrupt Yourself summary
Whitney Johnson
Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work
15 mins
Brief summary
Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson is a self-help book that encourages readers to step out of their comfort zone and embrace change. Johnson offers actionable advice for achieving personal and professional growth through disruption and innovation.
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Disrupt Yourself
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Key idea 1 of 7
There are many types of risk; some are more important than others for success.
Have you ever considered skydiving? Maybe you watched a video on YouTube and thought it looked like fun. But before you make that jump, it’s important to do your research and ensure you know what kind of risks you’re taking. This same philosophy applies to jumping into the world of business as well.
If you’re preparing to take a risky business move, it’s important to distinguish between competitive risk and market risk.
So what makes something a competitive risk? Well, let’s say you have an idea for a great product and it has tested well in a variety of studies and appears to have the potential for huge success. But, at the same time, you’re pretty sure that similar products are being developed by other companies that are aware of the demand.
By going ahead in this scenario you’re taking what’s known as a competitive risk, since you’ll be competing against others.
A market risk, on the other hand, is when you have a unique idea for a new product or service but are uncertain about its chances of success.
In this scenario you have no idea whether your company will generate revenue, but you are certain that your unusual idea will give you a head start on the competition.
While a competitive risk is seen as the safer route, since there’s a known demand for the product, the market risk is usually the best option if you’re looking to disrupt yourself.
In fact, studies show that start-up companies fare better when they take a market risk.
In 1995, Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen conducted a landmark study on the computer industry. He determined that two kinds of disc drive companies had emerged between 1976 and 1993, and they’d either taken a market risk or a competitive risk.
Of these companies, it turned out that only six percent of competitive risk companies had reached $100 million in revenue, while 37 percent of the market risk companies had soared past the $100 million mark.
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What is Disrupt Yourself about?
Disrupt Yourself (2015) is about embarking on the journey of constant discovery that is your career. By following your interests, discovering your unique talents, taking the right risks and being prepared to learn, you will find yourself constantly stimulated and satisfied by your work.
Disrupt Yourself Review
Disrupt Yourself (2015) is a game-changing book that empowers readers to embrace the power of personal disruption for success in their careers and lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its practical strategies, the book offers a roadmap for individuals to proactively reinvent themselves and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
- Through compelling stories of successful disruptors, it showcases the potential and rewards of embracing discomfort and taking calculated risks.
- By encouraging readers to view failure as a learning opportunity, the book transforms the way we perceive challenges, making it a captivating and inspiring read.
Best quote from Disrupt Yourself
Be a Columbus to whole new worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thoughts. - Henry David Thoreau
—Whitney Johnson
Who should read Disrupt Yourself?
- Employees and CEOs of small companies or start-ups
- Entrepreneurs considering their next business venture
- Anyone seeking inspiration for their professional calling
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Book summaries like Disrupt Yourself
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Disrupt Yourself FAQs
What is the main message of Disrupt Yourself?
The main message of Disrupt Yourself is to embrace change and take proactive steps to drive personal and professional growth.
How long does it take to read Disrupt Yourself?
The reading time for Disrupt Yourself varies depending on the reader's speed, but typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Disrupt Yourself a good book? Is it worth reading?
Disrupt Yourself is worth reading for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern career paths. It provides valuable insights to help you adapt and thrive.
Who is the author of Disrupt Yourself?
The author of Disrupt Yourself is Whitney Johnson.
What to read after Disrupt Yourself?
If you're wondering what to read next after Disrupt Yourself, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- The Creative Thinking Handbook by Chris Griffiths & Melina Costi
- Disrupt You! by Jay Samit
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
- Being You by Anil Seth
- The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson
- Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
- The Creator Mindset by Nir Bashan
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries