Seth Godin writes a manifesto in “Poke the Box” which exists to say primarily one thing: “Make something happen.”
He focuses heavily on initiative, its relevance, and diagnosing many reasons people don’t take initiative. He also discusses its importance in the economy.
Godin wrote this manifest such that it’s simple to read, easy to ingest, and full of quotable bites. At a length of 85 pages, the book is readable in two to three hours.
My favorite quotes from “Poke the Box”:
“So, if money and access and organizational might aren’t the foundation of the connected economy, what is?
Initiative.”
“Excellence… is about taking the initiative to do work you decide is worth doing.”
“The opportunity lies in pursuing your curiosity…”
“The challenge is to focus on the work, not on the fear that comes from doing the work.”
“The relentless act of invention and innovation and initiative is the best marketing asset.”
“It’s easy to fall so in love with the idea of starting that we never actually start.”
“Sure, ideas that spread, win, but ideas that don’t get spoken always fail.”
Get a copy of Poke the Box on Amazon.com.