Did you ever read something and think, “this is the STUFF!” It’s like the faces of all those guys in Raiders of the Lost Ark when they realize they’re really looking at the Ark of the Covenant. That’s kinda/sorta how I felt when I started reading (listening to) Jim Collins’s book, GOOD TO GREAT.
First off, he says right away that even though the book studies businesses to make it’s point, he stresses that this book isn’t a business book. So, get that out of your head. It’s just the easiest pool of data he and his research team could use to find the results they were seeking.
It really applies to all of us, because the main tenet is: The enemy of great is good. Have you heard that before? It’s basically saying that the reason we don’t have greatness is that we have good enough. Does that ring any bells with your fitness and nutrition efforts? Have you often found yourself settling for something instead of finding a way to hit that next level?
Man, this rings well with me.
I got the audio cd for several reasons. First, I have an hour commute each way. Do you know how much that sucks? Second, I find I can absorb certain types of books better if I listen and then read, instead of reading them straight out. Finally, audio CDs let me maximize my time, and port well to other places (like, if you have a discman).
I haven’t gotten through the entire book. I’m just figuring out the basic concepts they’ve come up with. But it’s all fascinating. Don’t you agree?
Are there places in your life where you really wish you could do GREAT but you’re still really just aiming for good enough? As I get further through all this, and if it applies, I’ll share the guts of this book with you a little more.
Side note: a coworker who often asks my take on fitness information said the main reason she thinks I should be a trainer is that I bother to read all these books, and that for this service alone, it’d be worth it for busy people who don’t want to do all the research to just hit me with lots of questions and advice. Interesting, eh? I’m so bad at doing things I’m passionate about for money.
Audio CD Referenced:
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