Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Do It Scared summary
Brief summary
Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup is a practical guide to overcoming fear and pursuing your biggest goals. It provides actionable strategies to help you step out of your comfort zone and create a life you love, even in the face of fear.
Topics
Table of Contents
Do It Scared
Summary of key ideas
Confronting Our Fears
In Do It Scared, Ruth Soukup explores the concept of fear and how it can hold us back from achieving our full potential. She begins by introducing the seven Fear Archetypes, each representing a different way fear manifests in our lives. These archetypes include the Procrastinator, the Rule Follower, the People Pleaser, the Outcast, the Self-Doubter, the Excuse Maker, and the Pessimist. Soukup encourages readers to identify their own Fear Archetype to better understand the fears that are holding them back.
For each Fear Archetype, Soukup provides strategies and suggestions to overcome the specific fears associated with it. She emphasizes the importance of embracing fear and viewing it as a signpost pointing towards our true desires and goals. According to Soukup, fear serves as a compass, guiding us towards the areas of our lives that need attention and growth.
Setting Goals and Taking Action
After identifying and understanding our fears, Soukup encourages us to set clear, specific, and achievable goals. She introduces the concept of 'Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals' (BHAGs) and explains how they can inspire us to overcome our fears and take action. Soukup emphasizes the importance of breaking down these big goals into smaller, manageable tasks, making them less intimidating and more achievable.
She also highlights the significance of accountability and support systems. According to Soukup, sharing our goals with others and seeking their support can help us stay committed and motivated. Furthermore, she suggests that feedback, whether positive or negative, is crucial for growth and improvement. Constructive criticism, in particular, can help us identify areas for development and refine our strategies.
Embracing Imperfection
In Do It Scared, Soukup encourages us to let go of the pursuit of perfection. She argues that the fear of failure often stems from our desire to be flawless, and that this fear can be paralyzing. Instead, she advocates for embracing imperfection and adopting a 'progress over perfection' mindset. According to Soukup, taking imperfect action is better than taking no action at all.
Soukup also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion. She encourages us to be kind to ourselves, especially when we face setbacks or encounter obstacles. Instead of harsh self-criticism, Soukup suggests reframing our failures as learning experiences and opportunities for growth.
Overcoming Fear and Taking Control
In the latter part of the book, Soukup focuses on strategies to help us conquer our fears and take control of our lives. She introduces the concept of the 'courage habit', which involves acknowledging, embracing, and confronting our fears consistently. According to Soukup, by practicing the courage habit, we can build resilience and develop the confidence to face our fears head-on.
She also emphasizes the importance of mindset, encouraging us to reframe our thoughts and beliefs about fear. Instead of viewing fear as a barrier, Soukup suggests seeing it as a natural part of the growth process. By changing our perspective, we can transform fear from a hindrance into a catalyst for positive change.
Conclusion: Embracing Fear and Living Fully
In conclusion, Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup is a guide to understanding and overcoming our fears. Through the lens of the Fear Archetypes, the book provides insights into the various ways fear can manifest in our lives and offers practical strategies for conquering these fears. Soukup's message is clear: fear is a natural part of life, and by embracing it, we can unlock our full potential and live more fulfilling, authentic lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Do It Scared about?
Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup is a motivational book that challenges readers to face their fears and pursue their dreams. Through personal stories and practical advice, Soukup offers a roadmap for overcoming fear and taking action towards a life of purpose and fulfillment. This book will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the possibilities that lie on the other side of fear.
Do It Scared Review
Do It Scared (2019) by Ruth Soukup is a motivational read that challenges readers to push past fear and pursue their goals. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It offers practical strategies to conquer fear and take meaningful action towards your dreams.
- The book delves into personal stories and research-backed insights, providing a well-rounded approach to facing fears head-on.
- With its empowering message and actionable steps, the book ensures that every reader feels encouraged and equipped to overcome obstacles.
Who should read Do It Scared?
Individuals who feel stuck or held back by fear
People who want to pursue their dreams but are afraid to take the first step
Readers looking for practical strategies to overcome their fears and live a more fulfilling life
Categories with Do It Scared
Book summaries like Do It Scared
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Do It Scared FAQs
What is the main message of Do It Scared?
The main message of Do It Scared is embracing fear as a tool for growth and success.
How long does it take to read Do It Scared?
Reading Do It Scared takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Do It Scared a good book? Is it worth reading?
Do It Scared is a compelling read for those seeking to overcome fears and achieve their goals effectively.
Who is the author of Do It Scared?
The author of Do It Scared is Ruth Soukup.
What to read after Do It Scared?
If you're wondering what to read next after Do It Scared, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
- Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
- Built to Last by Jim Collins
- Start-up of You by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha
- The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
- Inspired by Marty Cagan
- ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Featured Titles
- Across a Hundred Mountains
- Back on Blossom Street
- Become a Franchise Owner!
- Bid Writing for Project Managers
- Brick & Mortar Franchise Success
- Burn the Business Plan
- Business Plan Template And Example: How To Write A Business Plan
- Create an Intensive Biz Playbook & Planner
- Finance 101 for Kids
- Franchise Bible