The 2 Minute Book Review: excerpt from the book, my thoughts, and one practical life application.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

2 minute read · By Warren Wong


shoe dog by phil knight

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Print | Ebook | AudioBook

Excerpt from the book:

“I’d tell men and women in their mid twenties not to settle for a job or a profession or even a career. Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it. If you’re following your calling, the fatigue will be easier to bear, the disappointments will be fuel, the highs will be like nothing you’ve ever felt.” – Phil Knight

A powerful testament to the entrepreneurial drive of Phil Knight. Never giving up and bouncing back from all the defeats.

The creator of Nike had humble beginnings that started with just an idea, backed with a hunger and work ethic that dominated the market and our hearts.

My thoughts:

Phil Knight’s memoir serves as a shining example of personal defeat and eventual triumph. Some key thoughts for this book:

  • Continually grow or else you atrophy and die.
  • When the going gets tough you need to double down and work harder.
  • Life is full of circumstances, but it’s your choice on how to react to them.
  • Failing is a part of business and life, fail fast and learn quickly.
  • The journey is long and difficult, it helps to have a team you enjoy working with.
  • A raw and detailed depiction of how entrepreneurship is.
  • Build a legacy.
  • Doing anything worthwhile requires sacrifice, and lots of it.

The man behind the swoosh, captures his journey in a lively and meticulous way that inspires and teaches.

The lessons I gleaned from this book serves two purposes:

  1. Enjoy the journey
  2. Work hard

Practical life application:

Sometimes you have to be unreasonable in order to do the extraordinary.

Buy The Book: Shoe Dog

Print | Ebook | AudioBook

Note: For the sake of brevity, I am not doing the book justice. I am only giving you a small glimpse of the book. So please get the book and read it for yourself.

Check out my recommended books section where I picked out my favorite books by year and all time favorites.

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