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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Stretch summary
Unlock The Power of Less and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined
17 mins
Brief summary
'Stretch' by Scott Sonenshein offers a different way of thinking about achieving success. Instead of chasing more resources,
we can use what we already have. The author suggests that by adopting a 'stretching' mindset, we can achieve more with less.
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Stretch
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
It’s easy to get lost chasing what others have.
If you saw your neighbor driving home in a shiny new car, how would it make you feel? For most people, the sight might cause a pang of jealousy. After all, the entire human conception of success is based on having better stuff than others. This habit is called chasing and it pushes us to pursue things we don’t actually need.
For instance, researchers at Vanderbilt University found that people literally tend to perceive their neighbor’s lawn as greener than their own.
It may be a cliché, but, in the popular imagination, a healthy green lawn means success and prosperity. The desire for such status symbols is in fact so powerful that people work tirelessly to have the best lawn in the neighborhood. However, the results are often for naught: Meticulously manicuring your lawn necessarily means diverting resources from what makes you truly happy!
So what’s the solution?
Well, on the other end of the spectrum from chasing is what’s called the stretcher mindset. In a nutshell, it refers to focusing on what you want to accomplish with the resources at your disposal.
In order to have a stretcher mindset, the first step is to feel assured that you’re in control. For example, say you work in a clothing store. Retail can be soul crushing, but by simply imagining yourself as the owner of the store you can boost your confidence in an instant.
Just thinking that you’re in charge of the circumstances will help you seize the reins and tap into your creativity.
Beyond that, staying mindful of the situation at hand and the resources at your disposal will compel you to be creative with what you’ve got. In other words, you’ll have to recognize your limits and, once you know what you can and can’t do, you’ll be able to creatively pursue the options before you. That’s why studies have found that teams with a deadline or budget produce better results than those with more open-ended parameters.
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What is Stretch about?
Stretch (2017) is your guide to discovering your true creative potential. These blinks will teach you how to identify the resources, both internal and external, that you need to unlock new possibilities, reach for the stars and excel at life.
Stretch Review
Stretch (2017) explores the concept of "stretching," a mindset that allows us to adapt, grow, and thrive in any situation. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers practical strategies and examples that inspire readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.
- By combining engaging stories and research, the book provides a fresh perspective on creativity and innovation, making it a valuable resource for individuals and teams.
- The author's insightful observations on the power of resourcefulness and the abundance of opportunities will keep readers captivated and motivated throughout the book.
Best quote from Stretch
Stretchers find beauty and richness in places where others struggle to see anything of value.
—Scott Sonenshein
Who should read Stretch?
- Entrepreneurs in search of new strategic approaches
- People who think that more is always better
- Business people stuck in a creative rut
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Stretch FAQs
What is the main message of Stretch?
The main message of Stretch is to embrace challenges and find creative solutions to achieve success.
How long does it take to read Stretch?
The reading time for Stretch varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Stretch a good book? Is it worth reading?
Stretch is worth reading for its valuable insights on how to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and thrive in challenging situations.
Who is the author of Stretch?
Scott Sonenshein is the author of Stretch.
What to read after Stretch?
If you're wondering what to read next after Stretch, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen
- Born For This by Chris Guillebeau
- Million Dollar Habits by Brian Tracy
- 18 Minutes by Peter Bregman
- Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows
- Get Smart! by Brian Tracy
- Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Creative Thinking Handbook by Chris Griffiths & Melina Costi
- Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Amen MD Daniel G. & Charles Fay