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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Moonshot summary
Mike Massimino
A NASA Astronaut's Guide to Achieving the Impossible
15 mins
Brief summary
Moonshot by Mike Massimino shares an astronaut’s journey from humble beginnings to space missions, highlighting the importance of determination and teamwork in overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary feats in the pursuit of space exploration.
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Moonshot
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Persistence makes it possible
Ever since he was a kid, Mike Massimino wanted to be an astronaut. It’s the kind of childhood dream most of us think of as silly, or unrealistic. But Mike wasn’t going to let “impossible” get in his way.
The road to NASA is notoriously difficult, with thousands of exceptionally qualified candidates vying for a few coveted spots. Rejection rates are high, and Mike wasn’t immune. He was rejected three times, with the third rejection due to a factor that many would consider final – his poor eyesight. He was medically disqualified.
However, Mike didn’t accept this as the end of his journey. He’d just finished his engineering PhD. Surely, this was another challenge he could tackle like an engineer. He worked with optometrists, committed to improving his eyesight, training for the eye test like you’d train for a marathon. Learning to accommodate for the natural shape of his lens, he taught himself to see in an entirely new way.
When NASA announced they were once again looking for astronauts, he was ready. His tenacity paid off, and he was finally accepted into the astronaut program. Fourth time’s a charm.
Later, Mike made friends with another man who’d been rejected from the astronaut program. The man was more qualified academically, was fit and friendly, and, of course, had perfect vision. He seemed like the perfect candidate. How did he fail to achieve his dream where Mike had succeeded? The answer, it turns out, was persistence. When his friend had gotten his first rejection letter, he thought there was no point in applying again. Mike, however, kept on trying.
Think about your own aspirations, the dreams you’re ready to shelve as unrealistic or goals you’ve given up on. Is the obstacle you’re facing really the end? Or is it something that you have a chance, however slim, of overcoming. Often, the effort we put into our goals will still put you in a better place, whatever the outcome.
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What is Moonshot about?
Moonshot (2023) is a motivational and practical guide, drawing from the lessons learned as a NASA astronaut. It emphasizes perseverance, teamwork, and adapting to change to achieve lofty goals, combining humor and heartfelt storytelling. The book serves as a roadmap, inspiring readers to pursue their personal and professional ambitions with determination and resilience.
Moonshot Review
Moonshot (2019) is an inspiring memoir that takes readers on an incredible journey through space exploration and the author's personal growth. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Featuring behind-the-scenes stories of NASA's space missions, it offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of astronauts.
- With its emotional depth and introspective reflections, the book goes beyond the surface of space travel, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in human exploration.
- By blending humor and humility with the high-stakes world of astronaut training, the book keeps readers engaged throughout, ensuring it is definitely not boring.
Who should read Moonshot?
- Space enthusiasts
- Leaders who want their teams to do incredible things
- Anyone with a dream they’re not ready to give up on
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Moonshot FAQs
What is the main message of Moonshot?
With Moonshot, the main message is the remarkable story of Mike Massimino's journey to become an astronaut and the lessons he learned along the way.
How long does it take to read Moonshot?
The reading time for Moonshot varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Moonshot a good book? Is it worth reading?
Moonshot is a captivating read that provides valuable insights into the world of space exploration. It's definitely worth your time!
Who is the author of Moonshot?
The author of Moonshot is Mike Massimino.
How many chapters are in Moonshot?
Moonshot has 15 chapters.
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
How many pages are in Moonshot?
Moonshot contains 400 pages.
When was Moonshot published?
Moonshot was published in 2019.
What to read after Moonshot?
If you're wondering what to read next after Moonshot, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Stoned by Aja Raden
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- The Republic by Plato
- One Move Makes All the Difference by Martin R. Mendelson
- If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens ... Where Is Everybody? by Stephen Webb
- The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
- The Art of Living by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
- Warhead by Nicholas Wright