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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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donothing summary
Rob Dubé
The most rewarding leadership challenge you'll ever take
22 mins
Brief summary
"Donothing" by Rob Dubé is a guide for entrepreneurs to focus on self-care and wellbeing in order to improve their productivity and success. It offers insights and tips on how to prioritize wellness in a high-pressure work environment.
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donothing
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Key idea 1 of 7
Meditation has improved the author’s life and his business.
In 1991, Dubé and his friend, Joel Pearlman, founded imageOne, a company that recycled toner cartridges for laser printers. At the time, sitting down to meditate was the last thing on Dubé’s mind.
Fast forward to 2004. The company now had annual earnings of $6 million and was bought by a billion-dollar corporation. The deal was supposed to allow Dubé and Pearlman to run their company as a subsidiary, with their autonomy intact, but it soon became clear that they were no longer serving their own vision.
As they lost control of their company, they lost their passion for business. For Dubé, once he no longer knew what he was working for, he began to grow increasingly anxious and worn out. Fortunately, this is when he discovered the peace of mind that comes from meditating.
The first time Dubé tried meditation, it was just a five-minute session that involved nothing more than sitting in his chair. But these five minutes eventually led to a daily practice that has brought him innumerable benefits.
To begin with, it allows Dubé to focus on his work with a clear mind, unencumbered by judgemental or otherwise distracting mental noise. As a result, his practice has made him more productive, more capable of seeing the day’s trivial problems with a fresh perspective, and given him greater access to his innovative ideas.
He’s also experienced the wonderful meditative benefit of no longer being controlled by a fear of failure, while also experiencing a newfound openness to experiencing novel situations. Meanwhile, he was finally able to relax in his spare time.
While these are all priceless benefits, Dubé also has meditation to thank for getting his company to where it needed to be.
In June 2006, Dubé and Pearlman jumped at the chance to buy back their company. At the time, Dubé was nine months into his daily practice, and this was instrumental in helping him manage the unavoidable stress and anxiety that took place during the re-buying process. Meditation was the tool that allowed him to slow down, take a step back and re-examine his priorities.
With his added clarity, he and his partner were able to identify what mattered most going forward. This included being the kind of leaders who cared about their employees, put a high value on company culture and made a positive impact on their community.
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What is donothing about?
donothing (2018) offers executives and business leaders a first-hand account of how a regular meditation practice can bring priceless rewards to their business and personal lives. In addition to drawing from his experiences, as well as those of other successful leaders, author Rob Dubé provides scientific evidence of how lives and businesses can be enriched by meditation. Newcomers will find tips on how to start their own practice and what to expect at meditation retreats.
donothing Review
donothing (2021) by Rob Dubé is a insightful book that explores the power of doing nothing in our fast-paced world. Here's why you should give it a read:
- Practical lessons and real-life stories provide actionable insights, offering a fresh perspective on the value of stillness and mindfulness.
- The book encourages introspection and personal growth, showing how taking time to pause and reflect can lead to increased productivity and well-being.
- Through engaging narratives and thought-provoking ideas, the book challenges societal norms and inspires readers to embrace a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Best quote from donothing
Between stimulus and response lies a space. In that space lie our freedom and power to choose a response. In our response lie our growth and our happiness. – Viktor Frankl, Austrian neurologist.
—Rob Dubé
Who should read donothing?
- Managers and executives looking to improve their leadership skills
- Anyone curious about meditation and its benefits
- Professionals looking for a rewarding challenge
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donothing FAQs
What is the main message of donothing?
The main message of donothing is that taking time for stillness and reflection can lead to greater success and happiness.
How long does it take to read donothing?
The reading time for donothing varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is donothing a good book? Is it worth reading?
donothing is a valuable read for anyone seeking to find balance in their busy lives. It offers practical insights and strategies for embracing stillness and becoming a more effective leader.
Who is the author of donothing?
The author of donothing is Rob Dubé.
What to read after donothing?
If you're wondering what to read next after donothing, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Mindful Work by David Gelles
- Workplace Wellness that Works by Laura Putnam
- Unstressable by Mo Gawdat & Alice Law
- The Venture Mindset by Ilya Strebulaev
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- Fully Present by Susan L. Smalley and Diana Winston
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman
- Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan
- Mindreader by David J. Lieberman
- Beyond Tidy by Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert