In his new book Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters, Wall Street Journal best-selling (or is that best selling?) author Jon Acuff takes readers on a journey down the path to Awesome.
Near the very center of the book, Jon shares a story of great value involving his musician friend Thad Cockrell, and a new project named “Leagues.” Jon describes how Thad reached out to everyone that would be involved with this project and instructed them to be their “Secret Selves.”
What is a “Secret Self?” First of all, this is not the New Age concept involving 12 houses or 17 Apartments, or even your non-superhero alter ego. My Secret Self is the best of me, not just the best of who I am today, but the best of who I can be. Dr. Suess said “No one is more you-er than you.”
We all have a unique set of skills and abilities, there has never existed in history, and there never will be in the future, anyone who is exactly you. This makes you special beyond measure.
Now a part of making this happen requires homework. To be the very best version of yourself, you need to spend some time learning who you are. This is also a lifelong process, but the benefits to yourself are unrivaled, and the value you can give to others when you are maximizing your potential is immeasurable.
I also highly recommend picking up you own copy of Start – you need to go buy this book now. Here are 2 reasons why:
- It is awesome (i.e. the life changing type of awesome)
- It’s back in stock on Amazon.com now
A little note about reason number 2: apparently being out of stock on Amazon is not as good as it sounds. When books are out of stock, people can’t buy them.
If you need a reason number three, check out some excellent reviews
Interview with Jon Acuff: Starve the Doubts with Host Jared Easley
You know Jon, that is a part of the book I had forgotten until I listened to him tell the story in the Quitter Conference.
When I think of MY secret self…it’s the self that is so intensely focused on one thing at a time…and when I do that amazing things happen.
the power of focus is amazing, but difficult to make space for with everything competing for our time & attention – how are you protecting your time & energy so that you can focus on one thing and be your very best?
I agree with Jon. It’s so tough to focus on one thing when there is so much competing for our time, talents and attention.
it is even more difficutl when many things demanding our attention really are good things – it easier to turn down an obvious waste of time, harder still to say no to something that is good, but at the wrong time. Thanks for you comment Charles.
I am LOVING START! I’m learning who I am and life is making so much more sense. I see opportunities that I’ve not noticed before. It’s awesome 🙂
What is sticking out to you the most so far?
It changes every time I read another chapter! Today – the topic was dealing with people who don’t “get” your dream. I can’t wait to get to the end and START reading it again from the beginning.
I’m about half way through Start and loving it. Jon Acuff has had a huge influence on me, and this book was the logical next step to Quitter. Amazing stuff…it can change your life if you aren’t careful!
Absolutely, Tom – I can see why his writings make such a difference.
Great thoughts! I have a copy and I plan on starting to read it this weekend!
I’m sure it will still up a kinds of great thoughts and ideas for you!