Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Do Cool Sh*t summary
Miki Agrawal
Quit Your Day Job, Start Your Own Business, and Live Happily Ever After
19 mins
Brief summary
Do Cool Sh*t by Miki Agrawal is an inspiring and practical guide on how to find your passion, turn it into a business, and live a fulfilling and meaningful life on your own terms. It's time to make your dreams a reality.
Topics
Table of Contents
Do Cool Sh*t
Summary of 5 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 5
Embracing change and deviation: The path to personal growth and new opportunities
When she was in college, Miki Agrawal seized an opportunity to study abroad – and embarked on an enlightening journey. To sell the idea to her parents, she treated it like a business proposal. And this was her first lesson: presenting ideas in a manner that highlights mutual benefits is key to earning approval. Soon, she was headed to London, driven by academic pursuits and a desire to immerse herself in a different culture.
In London, Miki made an unconventional choice. Instead of sticking to her tour group during a bike ride, she joined some local Brits playing soccer. This experience emphasized another lesson: step away from the crowd and embrace the unknown when the opportunity presents itself. From her adventures, Miki crafted a simple yet effective three-step approach to connect with strangers. First, dress to impress – a unique outfit can be a conversation starter. Second, smile genuinely and generously. Finally, be armed with conversation ice-breakers like a funny joke or a thought-provoking question.
But Miki's experience in London wasn't all sunshine and roses. She found herself in a degrading internship at a PR firm, stuck with tasks that added no value to her personal growth. This experience echoed something she’d already learned with her parents: all aspects of life – relationships, work, even purchases – should be mutually beneficial. When she noticed she wasn't gaining anything from the PR internship, she decided to leave. This move eventually led her to a rewarding stint at the House of Lords.
Miki's journey taught her to trust her gut, cut ties with toxic situations, and seek out those who inspire and uplift. There are some steps you can follow to facilitate these same changes in your own life.
First, grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle, so you have two columns. On one side, list the people, relationships, and activities that inspire you. On the other, list those that drain your energy. For instance, if a certain friendship leaves you feeling stressed or if a hobby no longer brings joy, they belong in the “drain” column.
After that, actively work on eliminating or reducing the energy drainers from your life. This might mean having difficult conversations or making tough decisions – but remember, it's for your overall well-being.
Finally, prioritize and engage more with the positive elements. If painting uplifts you, devote more time to it. If a certain person always leaves you feeling positive, spend more time with them.
These actions show the immense potential of deviating from the norm. It's a path that can open up fresh opportunities, and create meaningful relationships and networks. So, step out, embrace the uncertainties, and get ready for a life-changing journey. Your next chapter is waiting!
Want to see all full key ideas from Do Cool Sh*t?
Key ideas in Do Cool Sh*t
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Do Cool Sh*t about?
Do Cool Sh*t (2013) is a guide for anyone who’s ready to break free from the norm. Packed with real-life anecdotes, it outlines practical steps for embracing change, pursuing passions, and building meaningful relationships so you can transform your life into something extraordinary.
Do Cool Sh*t Review
Do Cool Sh*t by Miki Agrawal (2013) is a captivating book that inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their passions. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- It offers practical advice on how to turn ideas into action, empowering readers to take charge of their lives and make an impact.
- Through personal stories and experiences, Agrawal shares valuable insights and lessons, making the book relatable and engaging.
- The book's emphasis on embracing failure as a stepping stone to success adds a refreshing and motivating perspective, ensuring that readers won't find it boring.
Who should read Do Cool Sh*t?
- Free spirits seeking inspiration to transform their dreams into reality
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break away from the conventional nine-to-five
- Career-changers eager to explore uncharted territories and live life on their own terms
Categories with Do Cool Sh*t
Book summaries like Do Cool Sh*t
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Do Cool Sh*t FAQs
What is the main message of Do Cool Sh*t?
The main message of Do Cool Sh*t is to pursue your passions and create a life of meaning and fulfillment.
How long does it take to read Do Cool Sh*t?
The reading time for Do Cool Sh*t varies depending on the reader, but on average, it takes several hours to read. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Do Cool Sh*t a good book? Is it worth reading?
Do Cool Sh*t is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to break free from the ordinary and pursue their dreams. It offers practical advice and inspiration.
Who is the author of Do Cool Sh*t?
The author of Do Cool Sh*t is Miki Agrawal.
What to read after Do Cool Sh*t?
If you're wondering what to read next after Do Cool Sh*t, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Play Nice But Win by Michael Dell
- Conscious Business by Fred Kofman
- Redefine Wealth for Yourself by Patrice Washington with Candice L Davis
- The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
- Living Resistance by Kaitlin B. Curtice
- Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Simple Truths of Leadership by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Communication Miracles for Couples by Jonathan Robinson