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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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It Takes What It Takes summary
Trevor Moawad with Andy Staples
How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life
16 mins
Brief summary
It Takes What It Takes by Trevor Moawad with Andy Staples is a self-help book that shares powerful lessons on the importance of mindset, and the impact it has on our success and happiness in life. It offers practical strategies and tools to develop a winning mindset and overcome obstacles.
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It Takes What It Takes
Summary of 4 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 4
The power of neutral thinking
Do you remember the last time life caught you off guard? Perhaps you became emotional, reactive, or even judgmental. What if there were a way to navigate these situations with more clarity and less emotional baggage? Enter the concept of neutral thinking – a mindset free from biases and judgments.
Imagine you’re Russell Wilson, one of the NFL’s top-tier players. Picture a crucial playoff game. The stakes are high, the pressure is mounting – and then, suddenly, you throw multiple interceptions. The crowd gasps and the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But instead of spiraling into negative self-talk or becoming paralyzed by fear, you reset. This reset doesn’t mean you ignore the mistakes or brush them under the rug. Rather, you acknowledge them, and you understand that the past can’t be changed. But the next move, the next pass, the next decision – that’s entirely up to you.
Russell embodies this art of neutral thinking. No matter the turbulence of the past season or personal challenges, he kept his eyes on the present moment, understanding that dwelling in the past or worrying about the future doesn’t serve his current game. It’s a mindset that acknowledges reality but doesn’t let emotions dictate the course of action.
Here’s another example: astronauts are masters of neutral thinking, too. Remember those famous words “Houston, we've had a problem”? Well, on April 14, 1970, the crew of Apollo 13 did have a problem. During the mission, an accident occurred in one of the service module’s oxygen tanks, compromising the spacecraft’s sources of power and oxygen. Stranded in space, facing dire circumstances, panic and despair could have easily taken over. But these astronauts, along with their ground-control team, exemplified the art of how to stay calm and practice neutral thinking. They tackled one problem at a time, acknowledging the severity of the situation, but not letting emotions cloud their judgment. This mindset allowed them to ingeniously craft solutions on the fly, ultimately saving their lives and ensuring a triumphant return to Earth.
So how can you apply their wisdom to your daily life? First, understand that emotions aren’t your enemies. They’re signals, indicators of something deeper. Neutral thinking isn’t about burying those emotions – it’s about recognizing them and not letting them drive the car. To help yourself in these situations, pause and take three deep breaths before reacting. This simple act can help shift your perspective from emotional to neutral, allowing for clearer decision-making.
Secondly, it’s vital to remember that every moment offers a new choice. No, you can’t change what happened five minutes ago, but you’re in full control of the next five minutes. Whether you’re gearing up for a big presentation, navigating personal relationships, or just deciding what to eat for dinner, taking a neutral stance can make the decision clearer and less fraught with unnecessary baggage.
In essence, neutral thinking is your compass in the stormy seas of life. Embrace it, practice it, and watch as you navigate challenges with newfound clarity and purpose.
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What is It Takes What It Takes about?
It Takes What It Takes (2020) unveils the transformative power of neutral thinking. Dive into real-world examples and practical strategies that teach you to navigate life’s challenges with clarity. Gain control, harness your mindset – and watch your world shift.
It Takes What It Takes Review
It Takes What It Takes (2020) is a book that explores the power of mindset in achieving success, both in sports and in life. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- Through real-life examples and personal experiences, it provides valuable insights into the importance of controlling our thoughts and beliefs.
- The book offers a practical framework for developing a winning mindset and overcoming self-limiting beliefs, making it an invaluable resource for personal growth.
- With its straightforward approach and no-nonsense advice, it keeps readers engaged and motivated, ensuring that it is anything but boring.
Who should read It Takes What It Takes?
- Elite athletes seeking mental resilience and performance enhancement
- Professionals pursuing clarity, focus, and decision-making skills
- Self-help enthusiasts exploring transformative mindset shifts
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It Takes What It Takes FAQs
What is the main message of It Takes What It Takes?
The main message of It Takes What It Takes is to focus on what you can control and adopt a neutral thinking mindset for peak performance.
How long does it take to read It Takes What It Takes?
The reading time for It Takes What It Takes varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is It Takes What It Takes a good book? Is it worth reading?
It Takes What It Takes is worth reading as it provides practical strategies to improve performance by focusing on what you can control.
Who is the author of It Takes What It Takes?
The author of It Takes What It Takes is Trevor Moawad with Andy Staples.
What to read after It Takes What It Takes?
If you're wondering what to read next after It Takes What It Takes, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Do the Work by Gary John Bishop
- The One Truth by Jon Gordon
- Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Emotional Eating by Allen Carr
- Getting to Neutral by Trevor Moawad
- The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene
- Do Hard Things by Steve Magness
- Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars
- Zero Sugar / One Month by Becky Gillaspy
- Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood
- Agile Selling by Jill Konrath