The Power of Starting Something Stupid Book Summary - The Power of Starting Something Stupid Book explained in key points
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The Power of Starting Something Stupid summary

Richie Norton

How to Crush Fear, Make Dreams Happen, and Live Without Regret

4.2 (51 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie Norton is a motivational book that encourages readers to embrace their fears and take action towards creating their dreams. It highlights the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and taking risks to achieve success in life.

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    The Power of Starting Something Stupid
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    If your idea seems a little stupid, it might actually be your best bet for success.

    We’ve all been through it: you come up with a great idea and can’t wait to share it with your friends, who promptly crush your enthusiasm by declaring that it’s ridiculous. Don't let it get to you! If you are deeply convinced of it, your “stupid” idea can take you down the path to success and happiness.

    In fact, seemingly stupid ideas have often formed some of the world´s leading innovations and businesses. People label new ideas as stupid because of doubt, fear, confusion or lack of understanding. How about “doggles”? – fashion sunglasses made for dogs. Would you have guessed that they’re bringing in around $3 million per year?

    The truth is that sometimes the greatest successes come as a total surprise. For example, in 1876, Western Union rejected the telephone, stating that “the device is inherently of no value to us.” Imagine the shock on their faces today!

    Many of the world´s leading entrepreneurs had to have their ideas rejected time and time again and, nevertheless, stuck by their goals, recognizing that their apparently stupid idea was not at all like other stupid ideas.

    You can make this distinction too, by thinking of those vaguely ridiculous ideas simply as the New Smart. Differentiating between plain dumb ideas and the New Smart is the first step to success. But how?

    You’ve got to trust your instincts. There’s no real rational way to determine whether an idea is truly stupid or merely labelled as such. You can only know that you are deeply convinced and strongly believe in it. The former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, described this trust by saying: “You know it when you feel it.”

    Not only will this trust in your idea help you differentiate between the stupid and the New Smart, it will also give you the courage to go after your idea, even when people tell you not to. The next blink explains why you shouldn’t hesitate over your idea, unless you want to look back on your life with some serious regrets!

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    Key ideas in The Power of Starting Something Stupid

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    What is The Power of Starting Something Stupid about?

    The Power of Starting Something Stupid explains why right now is the best time for you to put your fears to bed and chase your dreams. With useful tips about how you can achieve your goals and prevent living in regret, these blinks reveal how seemingly stupid ideas may actually be your key to success and fulfillment.

    The Power of Starting Something Stupid Review

    The Power of Starting Something Stupid (2013) is a book that encourages readers to embrace their wildest ideas and take action, even if it seems foolish at first. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • Packed with inspiring stories, it motivates readers to overcome fear and doubt, and start pursuing their dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem.
    • The book offers practical strategies and action steps to help readers turn their ideas into reality, providing a roadmap for success.
    • Engaging and relatable, it combines personal anecdotes and insights from successful entrepreneurs to keep readers entertained and inspired throughout.

    Best quote from The Power of Starting Something Stupid

    A man who trusts nobody is apt to be the kind of man nobody trusts. - former UK Prime Minister Harold MacMillan

    —Richie Norton
    example alt text

    Who should read The Power of Starting Something Stupid?

    • Anyone with a great idea that they’d turn into reality, if they weren’t so afraid
    • Anyone who wants to take on a project but doesn’t know where to start
    • Procrastinators!

    About the Author

    Richie Norton is an entrepreneur and international business development consultant. In addition, he runs the acclaimed blog Start Stuff, and in 2012 he published the bestseller Resumes are Dead and What To Do About It.

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    The Power of Starting Something Stupid FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Power of Starting Something Stupid?

    The main message of The Power of Starting Something Stupid is that taking action and embracing risk is the key to personal and professional fulfillment.

    How long does it take to read The Power of Starting Something Stupid?

    The reading time for The Power of Starting Something Stupid 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 The Power of Starting Something Stupid a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Power of Starting Something Stupid is an inspiring read that encourages taking action and embracing risk. It offers practical advice for achieving personal and professional success.

    Who is the author of The Power of Starting Something Stupid?

    The author of The Power of Starting Something Stupid is Richie Norton.

    What to read after The Power of Starting Something Stupid?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Power of Starting Something Stupid, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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