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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Professional Troublemaker summary
Luvvie Ajayi Jones
The Fear-Fighter Manual
18 mins
Brief summary
Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones is a motivational and humorous memoir that encourages readers to use their voices to create positive change. Through personal stories and practical advice, Jones inspires readers to embrace their power as troublemakers and make a difference.
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Professional Troublemaker
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Knowing the real you makes it easier to be the real you.
We all live with a certain amount of fear. Not just about the future of the world, looming deadlines, and diminishing finances – but we also stress about ourselves.
We worry we’re not good enough, or that we’re somehow defective. As a result, we hold back and hide our true selves. This fear of exposure is understandable, though. Society can be extremely harsh. In such an unforgiving world, being ourselves can feel pretty risky.
But that’s only one perspective. What if this concealed self we’ve been minimizing was an asset? What if getting in touch with our real selves actually protected us?
The key message here is: Knowing the real you makes it easier to be the real you.
Although we may fear showing the world our true selves, that authentic identity can be a profoundly grounding and stabilizing force.
You see, one of the main reasons people are afraid to disrupt the status quo is because we fear instability – we worry that taking risks will eventually knock us off our proverbial perches for good.
In reality, a strong sense of self would actually make you feel stronger and more resilient against risk.
Instead of feeling like you’re standing precariously on the edge of a cliff, you’d feel grounded in an everlasting and secure foundation – something that can never be toppled. You’re grounded in yourself.
Now, this doesn't give you carte blanche to be stubborn or dogmatic. It also doesn't mean you can't change, learn or grow. It just means that you need to develop a strong sense of identity and assert your right to exist as you are.
To help, let’s take inspiration from the Yorùbá people of West Africa and their tradition of oríkì. An oríkì is a poem of personal praise. Everyone’s oríkì is unique and highlights their identity within the community. Think of it like the introductions given in Game of Thrones: “Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen. First of Her Name. The Unburnt. Queen of the Andals and the First Men. Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea. Breaker of Chains. Mother of Dragons.”
Try writing your own “personal hype” mantra. Abandon all humility and take the credit you deserve. Make it sound as badass as possible. Something like, “Alex Louise of the House Carter. First of Her Name. Dame of Detroit. Purveyor of Plants. Mother of Masterminds.”
And remember to keep your oríkì somewhere safe and easy to reference. It’ll affirm your sense of identity at times when you need it most.
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What is Professional Troublemaker about?
Professional Troublemaker (2021) is a guide to overcoming the fear that stops us from being our best selves and living our truest values. From friendships to honesty and responsibility to kindness, the author explores the touchstones of a meaningful life – boldly urging us to speak up for what we really deserve.
Professional Troublemaker Review
Professional Troublemaker (2021) is a powerful and inspiring memoir that encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and challenge the status quo. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Featuring honest and relatable stories from her own life, Luvvie Ajayi Jones offers valuable lessons on overcoming fear, finding purpose, and making a difference.
- Through her fearless humor and wit, Ajayi Jones creates a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged and entertained throughout.
- The book's actionable advice and practical tips empower readers to become catalysts for positive change in their own lives and communities.
Best quote from Professional Troublemaker
Even a whisper of truth makes a difference in an echo chamber of lies.
—Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Who should read Professional Troublemaker?
- Scaredy-cats who need to learn to live with gumption
- Nice people not getting results by just being nice
- Control freaks who need to learn to take a break
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Professional Troublemaker FAQs
What is the main message of Professional Troublemaker?
The main message of Professional Troublemaker is about embracing your voice and using it to create positive change.
How long does it take to read Professional Troublemaker?
The reading time for Professional Troublemaker varies depending on the reader's speed but reading the Blinkist summary takes just 15 minutes.
Is Professional Troublemaker a good book? Is it worth reading?
Professional Troublemaker is worth reading as it provides valuable insights and inspiration to help you make a positive impact in the world.
Who is the author of Professional Troublemaker?
The author of Professional Troublemaker is Luvvie Ajayi Jones.
What to read after Professional Troublemaker?
If you're wondering what to read next after Professional Troublemaker, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- You Only Have to Be Right Once by Randall Lane
- Let That Sh*t Go by Nina Purewal and Kate Petriw
- You Owe You by Eric Thomas
- The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber
- The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
- Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau
- Lying by Sam Harris
- Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- Awakening Your Ikigai by Ken Mogi