Start Something That Matters

           



         I've tried reading more lately and well I've been failing. I did happen to stumble across a good book recently and found it very helpful in not only relating it to the business world but to real life. I'm what you call a travel reader. Every time I fly somewhere I tend to read something whether it be a good book or a magazine.

          When I traveled to Vegas in October my friend Tyler had this book and he was just finishing it. Tyler is kind of the ideal student and I looked at the book and thought I'd be interested. "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie tells his story of TOMS and how his business got started.

         Now, for those of you thinking that I am wanting to start my own business , you are wrong. I mean, it would be awesome and maybe someday I will but it's just not in the books for me now. I did however get a deeper look into my passions and "my story" because of this book. I found out some things about myself and was able to take a deeper look inside.

        The beginning of this book is about the TOMS story and finding your own story. Blake tells us all to look at what we are passionate about and figure out how we can help other people from it.

        I realized that as we all know, I am extremely passionate about soccer. But looking passed soccer I am also passionate about other people and making them smile. I am passionate about everything I do on a daily basis because I don't just want to be ordinary.

       Blake talks a lot about facing your fears and I think this was a key take away for me. Before I even got into the Mass Communications field I hated public speaking and giving presentations. I hated putting myself out there for other people to critique. But, how are you going to get better if you don't fail a few times?

       Although most aspects of this book are business related, I feel as though each chapter gives meaning to life as a whole. Blake's advice: Keep it simple, build trust, and giving is good business. I feel as if each of these aspects past your story means a whole lot. Instead of looking to complicate things, keep it simple. Trust is a huge factor and if people trust you, your relationships with people in general tend to get better. Lastly, giving is such a simple thing but a hard thing to do. Blake's words have taught me to realize that giving the most simple thing, like a smile can make someone's day.

After reading this book, I have a new outlook on myself and I also have a drive to want to go out there and do something. I want to make a difference whether it be at school, with my friends, my family, or just random people around me.


Success

To laugh often and love much
To win respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
Endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate the beauty
To leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a gardent patch, or a redeemed social condition
To know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.