My weekly blogs are inspired by real-life events in that week, like listening to books, gardening, and my research. But not every week is filled with memorable events worth writing about. This week, I listened to “Originals” by Adam Grant, and while it wasn’t a standout read for me, it did offer a few valuable insights.
My Take on “Originals”
I have to admit, “Originals” wasn’t as impactful as I hoped. The book is packed with statistics from social experiments, but the changes in percentages were often minimal, which made it feel like the conclusions were a bit weak. It’s not that the book was bad; it just didn’t leave a lasting impression. However, there were a few key points that stood out:
- Timing is Key: Adam Grant emphasises that you don’t need to rush to be the first. Taking your time to perfect your idea is crucial, but don’t wait too long either. As he puts it, “Early birds get the worms, but early worms get eaten.” This balance is something I can relate to, both in my professional and personal life.
- Diversify Your Risks: The book highlights that many successful college or university dropouts didn’t just drop out on a whim. They had a backup plan, often securing something more valuable before leaving. It’s a reminder that diversifying your risks can be a smart strategy.
- Criticism is Valuable: One of the most useful takeaways is the importance of seeking feedback from peers and fellow innovators. Constructive criticism can be incredibly helpful, especially when you’re working on something new and innovative.
A Bit of a Rant (But Not Really)
I didn’t mean to sound too critical, but the book’s reliance on small statistical changes did make it feel a bit underwhelming. It’s like the book was saying, “No idea why things are the way they are,” but with a lot of data to back it up. Despite this, the three points I mentioned are worth remembering.
Wrapping Up
While “Originals” might not have been a groundbreaking read for me, it did reinforce some important principles that I can apply in my life. Sometimes, a book doesn’t need to be a game-changer to be valuable. It’s the small insights that can make a difference.
If you’ve read “Originals” or have any thoughts on these points, feel free to share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear your take!
