This Is Day One Book Summary - This Is Day One Book explained in key points
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This Is Day One summary

Drew Dudley

A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters

4.3 (232 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

This Is Day One by Drew Dudley inspires us to change our mindset and take action today to create a better tomorrow. It challenges our definition of success and encourages us to be better leaders, team players, and individuals.

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    This Is Day One
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    You need a leadership philosophy.

    Many leaders try to wing it. But to be a successful leader, you have to know your goals – only then can you develop a strategy. Without a plan, you’ll be flailing around, hoping to get lucky. So, if you’re serious about making a difference, you need to break down and identify your leadership values and philosophy. 

    Unsurprisingly, leaders with a philosophy are more successful. For instance, they score 135 percent higher on trust metrics. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, developing a personal philosophy is a perfect place to start. By considering your values and goals, you create rules to guide your actions and help you make good decisions.

    Deep value questions help you figure out what kind of leader you want to be – not what others expect you to be. Values guide our decisions, whether it’s about what to wear, watch, or study.

    Have you ever seen The Truman Show? It’s a film about a guy who’s entirely unaware that his life is a TV show and everyone around him is an actor. Now, imagine you’re the protagonist and people are watching you for 30 days. Which values would you hope the audience identifies in you? Here’s a list – choose three of them: accountability, creativity, integrity, positivity, respect, and vision. 

    It might seem impossible to sum up everything you are into three parts. However, if you write down your values, you’ll eventually figure out what drives you. Note that these are only surface values. We’ll have to dig much deeper to get reality to match your perception.

    Discovering values means considering what’s most important to you in any given situation. Say you’re trying to decide whether or not to take on a new job. You might accept it if it means being able to spend more time with your family. Other values that could come into play are authenticity – Are you being true to yourself? – and courage – Are you willing to take on a new challenge? In the end, only you can know your key values and how they’ll affect your choices. 

    If you want to be a good leader, you need to know who you are and what you believe in. A strong leadership philosophy is rooted in values. They help you align decisions with your priorities. Great leaders know they have to set a good example. So they don’t just talk about their values – they live by them.

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    What is This Is Day One about?

    This Is Day One (2018) challenges you to redefine and recognize your leadership potential. It provides a principled framework for developing performance-driving leadership values and behaviors that allow you to succeed while empowering others.

    This Is Day One Review

    This Is Day One (2018) by Drew Dudley is a profound exploration of personal growth and creating a positive impact. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers practical strategies to help individuals make the most of every day and create a meaningful life.
    • Through inspiring stories and thought-provoking insights, the book challenges readers to redefine success and embrace their potential.
    • The author's authenticity and relatable anecdotes make the book engaging and relatable, ensuring it never feels dull or monotonous.

    Who should read This Is Day One?

    • Mindful self-developers 
    • People looking to unlock their leadership potential
    • Anyone looking to establish core leadership values

    About the Author

    Drew Dudley is a leadership expert and author who helps people discover and implement their own unique leadership philosophy. His clients include some of the world's most prestigious organizations, and his TED talk about everyday leadership has been named "one of the 15 most inspiring TED lectures of all time."

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    This Is Day One FAQs 

    What is the main message of This Is Day One?

    The main message of This Is Day One is to live each day with purpose and intention, embracing new beginnings and constantly striving to be the best version of ourselves.

    How long does it take to read This Is Day One?

    The reading time for This Is Day One 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 This Is Day One a good book? Is it worth reading?

    This Is Day One is worth reading because it inspires you to make everyday count and empowers you to take action towards your goals and dreams.

    Who is the author of This Is Day One?

    The author of This Is Day One is Drew Dudley.

    What to read after This Is Day One?

    If you're wondering what to read next after This Is Day One, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • True North by Bill George
    • Simple Truths of Leadership by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley
    • Level Up by Rob Dial
    • Good People by Anthony Tjan
    • Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
    • Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman
    • Embrace the Suck by Brent Gleeson
    • Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
    • The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
    • Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman