"Shoe Dog" : Lessons in Purpose, Perseverance, and Success
02/12/2023
My copy of Shoe Dog on my book shelf
It is very apt that you can see my last 5k finishing medal hanging on the side. Co-incidentally, the bookmark that I used for the book read “She believed she could, so she did.”
2023 is the year I have a hefty goal of reading 23 books. The year didn’t start on the best note - it seems like I have found myself in a reading slump. Well, that is, until now. This weekend, I picked up a book that has been on my “to-be-read” pile for a few months now. I picked up a copy of the book from the Powell Bookstore the last time I was visiting Portland (how fitting!). It was one of those un-put-down-able books and I am so glad that I was able to spend my weekend enveloped by this book and a generous serving of some of my favorite coffee from around Seattle. In full transparency, I had already heard an audiobook version of this book sometime after it released but as is the case now, I don’t think I pay as much attention to the content of a book when I am listening to it as compared to when I am reading it.
The book is "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike. The book was a journey through the creation and growth of the iconic sports brand, and it was a real eye-opener for me. Not only was the book well written and humorous, but it also motivated me to start and work hard on my own endeavors.
One of the key lessons I took away from "Shoe Dog" was the importance of having a strong sense of purpose and belief in what you're doing. Phil Knight believed in the power of sport to bring people together and improve their lives, and that belief fueled his drive and determination to build Nike into the company it is today. "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything," Phil says in the book. As someone who is just starting out in my career, I found this lesson particularly inspiring. I often find myself grappling with uncertainty and doubt, but Phil's story reminded me of the importance of having a strong sense of purpose. By having a clear vision of what I want to achieve and why I want to achieve it, I can push through any obstacles and challenges that come my way.
Another valuable lesson I learned from "Shoe Dog" was the importance of continuous improvement. Phil and his team were never complacent with their success and always pushed themselves to be better. "There is no finish line. There is always a better place to be," Phil reflects in the book. This mindset of continuous improvement is a key factor in Nike's success and is a lesson that applies to any individual or organization. In my own life, I try to adopt this growth mindset. I want to continuously learn, grow, and challenge myself, so that I can be the best version of myself. Whether it's in my work as an applied scientist, or in my personal life, I want to always strive for better.
Phil's willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty is another inspiring aspect of his story. He and his team faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but they never let that deter them. "The answer is never easy. The answer is always yes," Phil states in the book, encouraging others to embrace challenges and opportunities. I often find myself hesitating and avoiding risk. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I am the most risk-averse person you will meet in your life. But after reading "Shoe Dog," I've come to realize the importance of taking risks and embracing uncertainty. I want to be someone who is not afraid to take chances, who is not afraid to try new things, and who is not afraid to fail. By doing so, I believe I will grow and become a better person.
The theme of hard work and persistence is prevalent throughout "Shoe Dog." Phil and his team put in countless hours and faced numerous setbacks, but they never gave up on their dream. "The work is never done," Phil says, emphasizing the importance of persistence in achieving success. I hope to adopt this mindset of hard work and persistence. I want to be someone who is not afraid of putting in the effort and who is not afraid of hard work. I want to be someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals. I want to be someone who never gives up, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
In the ending of "Shoe Dog," Phil reflects on the role of luck and money in his success and the success of Nike. He acknowledges that luck played a part, but emphasized the importance of hard work and determination. He also acknowledges that money was important, but it was never the primary focus. "I've come to believe that the only way to achieve anything meaningful is through work. Luck may have played a small part in Nike's story, but it was work that made the difference," Phil says.
The lessons I learned from "Shoe Dog" are incredibly relevant and inspiring for me as an almost-30-year-old. They remind me of the importance of having a strong sense of purpose, continuously improving, embracing uncertainty, and never giving up. By following these lessons, I believe I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the world. In conclusion, "Shoe Dog" is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve success, no matter their field or industry. The lessons Phil Knight and his team learned along the way are applicable to anyone looking to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the world. So, whether you're an entrepreneur, an innovator, or just someone looking to achieve your goals, remember the lesson of "Shoe Dog": hard work, persistence, and a strong sense of purpose are the keys to success. Don't wait for luck to come your way, go out and make your own luck by putting in the effort and determination to achieve your dreams.
