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Poke the box

Written by Chris Blyth | 23 July 2023 2:00:00 PM

Written by Seth Godin

1. Start now, perfect it later.
2. Failure teaches, guiding future success.
3. Bold experimentation drives innovation.
4. Action trumps endless planning.
5. Embrace risk to find opportunities.

In "Poke the Box," Seth Godin presents a compelling manifesto that challenges entrepreneurs to become initiators—movers and shakers in a world that's all too content with comfort and conformity. For entrepreneurs, this book serves as a vigorous push towards audacity and innovation, encouraging them to act, to 'poke the box' and to see the array of possibilities that unfold as a consequence.

The central tenet of "Poke the Box" is the art of starting: initiating change by trying out new ideas, creating something new, and most importantly, continuously shipping. In the entrepreneurial realm, Godin's philosophy demands consistent action and the boldness to bring ideas to life, concepts that are not just preferable, but necessary for any startup or business venture's success. He challenges entrepreneurs to abandon the safety of their 'waiting for the right moment' approach and encourages them to act now, adjust later. This methodology, Godin argues, is what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who stall before they start.

Godin explores the concept of failure—not as a deterrent, but as a fundamental element of the entrepreneurial journey. In his view, the act of initiation inevitably comes with setbacks. However, these are not endpoints but rather stepping stones that drive relentless entrepreneurs towards better ideas and innovations. He underscores that in the act of 'poking,' failure is a form of learning, a tool that refines instincts and improves judgment.

Furthermore, "Poke the Box" is a rallying cry against complacency. For Godin, entrepreneurs should be inherently discomforted by the status quo. This discomfort is what compels them to create change, to disrupt markets, and to add value where others see nothing. Entrepreneurs are painted as the prime movers of the economy, and their initiatives—fuelled by curiosity, courage, and the sheer thrill of 'what if'—are what drive progress in every industry.

In this stirring call to action, Godin dissects the anatomy of the entrepreneurial mindset: that blend of vision, courage, and relentless determination that challenges each professional to start things they are passionate about, to go beyond merely thinking, and to relentlessly pursue the actualization of their vision. "Poke the Box" is more than a book; it's a permission slip for you to shake the market, disrupt the norm, and carve your niche in the business world.

Quotes

“Anxiety is experiencing failure in advance.”

“Soon is not as good as now.”

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth.   Not going all the way, and not starting.”   Siddhrtha Gautama

“Reject the tyranny of picked. Pick yourself.”

“Today, not starting is far, far worse than being wrong. If you start, you've got a shot at evolving and adjusting to turn your wrong into a right. But if you don't start, you never get a chance.”

“All great programmers learn the same way. They poke the box. They code something and see what the computer does. They change it and see what the computer does. They repeat the process again and again until they figure out how the box works.”

“Believe that giving up is the same thing as being realistic.”

“It’s okay. Let your ego push you to be the initiator. But tell your ego that the best way to get something shipped is to let other people take the credit. The real win for you (and your ego) is seeing something get shipped, not in getting the credit when it does.”

 

References

"A one-two punch! Half kick in the ass, half cheerleading encouragement."

 

STEVEN PRESSFIELD AUTHOR: THE WAR OF ART