Start

Leaders create that which does not yet exist. Leaders initiate. In the book Poke the Box, author Seth Godin makes the case for taking the initiative. Those who create, lead, succeed are those who risk being initiators. Godin urges the reader to get in the habit of starting. He addresses the reasons for not taking the initiative and shatters the rationale behind each excuse.

Godin, at the start of the book, outlines the seven imperatives for making something happen. These include: 1. be aware; 2. be educated; 3. be connected; 4. be consistent; 5. build an asset; 6. be productive; 7. ship. To make something happen you need an idea, people to work on it, someplace to make it, raw materials, a way to distribute, finances, and marketing.

This is not a how-to book, though. Poke the Box is a manifesto about starting. There are no set formulas for initiating. There are no road maps for success. Success goes to those who create the maps. Godin’s purpose is to motivate the reader to start. Poke the Box is a quick read; it can be finished in one sitting. Godin doesn’t want you wasting time reading a manual, he wants you to start. Godin’s book is a great place to begin.