Screw It, Let's Do It - Richard Branson

Brief Personal Take

This one is very short and you can read it in just a few hours but it’s packed with a lot of helpful advice for a book its size. Richard Branson the founder of the Virgin group talks about his journey to being a billionaire in a funny and inspirational way. Like the name suggests, the book is about taking action as well as how taking calculated risks and trying new things can help you discover who you are and where your other talents lie. The other thing Richard really wants you to know is that you shouldn’t forget to have fun while

you build your dream.

I had a lovely time reading it, but because you can literally get yourself a copy and read it in a very short time, I thought I’d just write the main points from each chapter although I did include a few keynotes at the bottom. You can get the book on amazon here.

Have fun reading. 

 

Chapter 1 – Just Do It

·        Have faith in yourself

·        Help each other

·        Believe it can be done

·        Have goals

·        Never give up

·        Prepare well

 

Chapter 2 - Have fun

·        Don’t waste time – grab your chances

·        Have a positive outlook on your life

·        Have fun

·        Work hard and the money will come

·        When it’s not fun, move on

 

Chapter 3 – Be Bold

·        Have no regrets

·        Be bold, keep your world

·        Calculate the risks and take them

·        Believe in yourself

·        Chase your dreams and goals

 

Chapter 4 – Challenge Yourself

·        Aim high

·        Try new things

·        Always try

·        Challenge yourself

 

Chapter 5 – Stand On Your Own Feet

·        Rely on yourself

·        Chase your dreams but live in the real world

·        Work together

 

Chapter 6 – Live the Moment

·        Live your life to the full

·        Enjoy the moment

·        Reflect on your life

·        Make every second count

·        Don’t have regrets

 

Chapter 7 – Value Family and Friends

·        Put the family and the team first

·        Be loyal

·        Face problems head-on

·        Pick the right people and reward talent

·        Money is for making things happen

 

Chapter 8 – Have Respect

·        Be polite and respectful

·        Do the right thing

·        Keep your good name

·        Be fair in all your dealings

 

Chapter 9 – Do Some Good

·        Change the world, even in a small way

·        Make a difference and help others

·        Always think what you can do to help

·        Do no harm

 

Chapter 10 – Epilogue

·        Just do it

·        Think yes, not no

·        Challenge yourself

·        Have goals

·        Stand on your feet

·        Have fun

·        Be loyal

·        Make a difference

·        Live life to the full

 

Key Additional Notes

·        One thing I try to do is keep my word, I set goals and stick to them. Success is more than luck, you have to believe in yourself and make it happen. That way others also believe in you

·        Whatever your dream is, go for it.

·        Always beware if the risks are too random or too hard to predict, but remember, if you opt for a safe life, you’ll never know what it’s like to win.

·        Challenge is the core and mainspring of all human action. If there is an ocean, we cross it. If there is disease, we cure it. If there is a wrong, we right it. If there is a record, we break it. If there is a mountain, we climb it. I totally agree and believe we should continue to challenge ourselves.

·        Hard won things are more valuable than those that come easily.

·        Making money was nice, but it wasn’t my aim. I enjoy working hard.

·        When Joan and I first found the island, buying it became a goal, raising the money, building the house on it, and getting water in were just huge tests to be passed. I went for it and did it, never said can’t.

·        Everyone needs to keep learning, everyone needs goals. Whatever we want to be, whatever we want to do, we can do it. Take the first step – just do it.