Resilience Book Summary - Resilience Book explained in key points
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Resilience summary

Mark McGuinness

Facing Down Rejection and Criticism on the Road to Success

4.4 (115 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

Resilience by Mark McGuinness is a book that offers practical ways of bouncing back from setbacks and staying focused on our goals. It provides simple but effective tools for building emotional resilience and handling challenges in work and life.

Table of Contents

    Resilience
    Summary of 8 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 8

    To make your dreams come true, you need to be comfortable with moving past your fears.

    Many of us had big dreams when we were young. We wanted to be athletes, musicians, astronauts or even a president or prime minister. Yet as the years go on, most of us settle for modest and unassuming jobs.

    The reason most people give up on those early dreams is fear. The bigger the dream, the bigger the fear of taking the leap required to make it a reality.

    For example, the dream of being prime minister or president means entering the world of politics, which requires being comfortable speaking in front people, getting votes and the prospect of giving a speech before the members of congress or parliament. This all requires a lot of preparation, not to mention familiarity with the issues that are affecting people’s lives.

    Naturally, it’s overwhelming just to think of all the dedication and hard work this would take. What if you get behind a podium and freeze up? Or worse, what if you say the wrong thing? There are so many possibilities for it all to go horribly wrong.

    So there are two options: you can either give up or you can face your fear. And, of these two options, one is clearly a whole lot easier. Most people give up.

    Most people want to experience the dream without the fear, but this just isn’t possible. The only way to reach great heights is to stare down your fears and conquer them.

    Okay, so to get yourself started, try this visualization exercise:

    Let’s say your dream is to be a novelist. Close your eyes and picture yourself taking the steps to make this dream come true. As you do this, you’ll feel that natural fear emerge, but instead of avoiding it, sit with it and accept it. Now, imagine yourself working through that fear and writing your book and, after long last, typing the words “The End.”

    As you picture yourself finishing your goal, you’ll feel a surge of positive energy that will keep you on the path to your dream. And the fear and excitement of the undertaking will provide you with adrenaline, the fuel you’ll need to step up to the challenge that lies ahead.

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    Key ideas in Resilience

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    What is Resilience about?

    Resilience (2013) points the way to the true path to success. Making your dreams come true isn’t something that only happens in fairy tales; if you’re willing to put in the hard work and not shy away at the first sign of difficulty, you can pursue your dreams and live the life you’ve always wanted. All it takes is resilience – the ability to keep moving forward even when your inner voice is trying to stop you.

    Resilience Review

    Resilience (2013) is a book that explores how to bounce back from setbacks and build mental strength. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides practical strategies to help us develop resilience, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination.
    • With its engaging stories and real-life examples, the book offers insights and inspiration on how to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity.
    • The author's holistic approach to resilience, touching on emotional, physical, and mental well-being, makes the book comprehensive and impactful.

    Best quote from Resilience

    Do something concrete that will take you one step closer to your goal. Even if its a small action, notice how it reduces the fear.

    —Mark McGuinness
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    Who should read Resilience?

    • Artists and creative people
    • Dreamers who long for a better life
    • Entrepreneurs and other risk takers

    About the Author

    Mark McGuinness is an author and consultant who has spent over twenty years helping people reach their dreams. An Oxford-educated poet and licensed psychotherapist, he also wrote the popular e-book Time Management for Creative People.

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    Resilience FAQs 

    What is the main message of Resilience?

    The main message of Resilience is that resilience is a skill that can be learned, and it is essential for navigating the challenges of life.

    How long does it take to read Resilience?

    The reading time for Resilience varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Resilience a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Resilience is worth reading as it provides valuable insights and practical strategies to develop resilience and overcome adversity.

    Who is the author of Resilience?

    The author of Resilience is Mark McGuinness.

    What to read after Resilience?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Resilience, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Resilience by Eric Greitens
    • Rejection Proof by Jia Jiang
    • Adaptive Resilience by Maria Santacaterina
    • Resilient by Rick Hanson with Forrest Hanson
    • The Art of Resilience by Ross Edgley
    • Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
    • Emotional First Aid by Guy Winch
    • Resilient by Sevetri Wilson
    • How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
    • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson