What does success mean to you? A simple question I've been asked a lot lately. People are hungry for success - that's nothing new. Many of us chase career titles, money, or social status - and yet we don't feel successful when we get those things. Do we?
Success is something that we must define for ourselves, and no one else can do it for us. To me, success means learning and growing every day; Waking up every day and being able to do the things that set me on fire (motivation & action) and having trust in my dreams.
The ultimate success of this book will be measured not by how many copies it sells but by the number of people it inspires. In Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS (One for One - remember?), one of the fastest-growing & impact-driven shoe companies in the world and combines it with lessons learned from other innovative organizations such as Zappos and Patagonia. I truly love how he (unlike many other entrepreneurs) isn't concerned to share his ingredients of a new model of success in this book.
"I feel a deep sense of responsibility to share everything we have learned at TOMS so that as many others as possible can start something important".
Whether you want to create a startup business, a nonprofit organization, a social enterprise, or moving the needle within your current job, this book is a guide to help us who are interested to create something that will make a difference; while earning money, achieving personal fulfillment, and making a positive impact on the world all at the same time.
Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources: from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life.
"My goal is to influence other people to go out into the world and have a positive impact, to inspire others to start something that matters, whether it’s a for-profit business or a nonprofit organization".
This book is for everyone who wants to love her/his work, work for what she/he loves, and ready to have a positive impact on the world.
No matter what kind of change you’re considering, Start Something That Matters gives you the stories, ideas, and practical tips that can help you get started. You can begin just by changing your mindset. Commit to seeing the world through the lens of how you can initiate meaningful change. And if whatever you do, as said by Blake, helps just one person, you've done something wonderful.
About the Author:
Blake Mycoskie is an American entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. In 2006, Blake founded TOMS Shoes, the company that would match every pair purchased with a new pair given to a child in need. One for One. In September 2010, Blake returned to Argentina, where he was first inspired to start TOMS, to celebrate the one millionth pair of new shoes given to a child in need. After five amazing years of giving shoes, Blake was ready to address another need: vision. On June 7, 2011, TOMS debuted One for One Eyewear, which provides eye treatment, prescription glasses, or eye surgery for every pair purchased. Former President Bill Clinton has introduced Blake as "one of the most interesting entrepreneurs he has ever met". And Bill Gates featured Blake and TOMS Shoes in his Time magazine article, "How to fix Capitalism."
My favorite quote:
I firmly believe that every person alive can make this world a better place. I also believe that we are all equipped to help one another. We are all born with the ability to improve another person’s live. And that means everyone reading this book has the potential to make a difference.