You Owe You Book Summary - You Owe You Book explained in key points
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You Owe You summary

Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why

4.3 (468 ratings)
15 mins

Brief summary

'You Owe You' by Eric Thomas is a motivational book that emphasizes on taking 100% responsibility for our lives and achieving success by developing self-discipline and a strong work ethic. It inspires readers to focus on their goals and take action to make them a reality.

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    You Owe You
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    Become the CEO of your life.

    Long before becoming a regular guest inside NBA locker rooms, Eric Thomas was a troubled young man who’d left home to escape family trauma. Growing up, opportunities were rare. Segregation, preceded by slavery, had locked Black people into particular neighborhoods and jobs.

    The most people in his community could hope for was a job on the car assembly lines in Detroit. But, Thomas’s story changed when he became the boss of his own life. 

    Based on his own story, Thomas advises the following to take control of your own life.

    The first step is to shed your victim mentality.

    Nobody owes you anything. Playing victim undermines your ability to act. Be courageous enough to take responsibility for your shortcomings. In many ways, you can be your own strongest adversary.

    Here are some practical tips which build on this idea and help you shed victimhood.

    To begin, own your decisions, including your mistakes, and be accountable for them. Once you’ve decided you’re the author of your own fate, set goals and standards to give you direction.

    Next, don’t be a loose cannon. Clarity and direction will help you decide what series of activities you need to complete each task. Build a structure, a regime, and follow it strictly.

    Third, once you have standards, you should have no excuse for not sticking to them.

    Finally, before deciding you’re in it alone, take a look around. Find the people who want to see you succeed and reach out to them for help, advice, and leads. Learn to accept help and lean on the experience and knowledge of kind people. Don’t be too quick to assume people want to see you fail.

    Shedding victimhood is the crowning act that makes you the CEO of your life. When you get here, you’re ready to wear your cape and discover your superpower!

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    Key ideas in You Owe You

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    What is You Owe You about?

    You Owe You (2022) leaves you with no doubt as to who is responsible for changing the trajectory of your life. It implores you to identify your purpose and then turn your unique talents into assets that will make you achieve unbridled success.

    You Owe You Review

    You Owe You by Eric Thomas (2021) is a motivational book that dives deep into the concept of personal responsibility and empowers readers to take control of their lives. Here's why this book is worth a read:

    • Practical strategies for shifting our mindset and taking ownership of our actions, leading to personal growth and success.
    • Engaging stories and relatable examples that bring the concepts to life, making the book both informative and entertaining.
    • Inspiring quotes that motivate readers to break through limitations and strive for their full potential, ensuring that the book is anything but boring.

    Who should read You Owe You?

    • Anyone trying to take control of their lives
    • Historically disadvantaged people and minorities
    • Organizations trying to inspire their teams toward collective success and individual fulfillment

    About the Author

    Eric Thomas is one of the most successful motivational speakers of all time. He works with individuals and teams in the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and Fortune 500 companies, as well as disadvantaged kids trying to find their way through school. He’s authored several books including The Secret to Success, Greatness Is Upon You, and Average Skill Phenomenal Will.

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    You Owe You FAQs 

    What is the main message of You Owe You?

    Taking responsibility for our actions and choices is the core message of You Owe You.

    How long does it take to read You Owe You?

    The reading time for You Owe You varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. You can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.

    Is You Owe You a good book? Is it worth reading?

    You Owe You is definitely worth reading! It offers valuable insights on personal growth and accountability.

    Who is the author of You Owe You?

    Eric Thomas is the author of You Owe You.

    What to read after You Owe You?

    If you're wondering what to read next after You Owe You, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Reset by Debra Fileta
    • The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
    • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick M. Lencioni
    • A Year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Spiegel
    • Good to Great by Jim Collins
    • Good Energy by Casey Means
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear