Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki
Ah, Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki—part life manual, part motivational pep talk, and 100% the kind of book that sneaks up on you, armed with ideas so good you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them first.
My personal introduction to Kawasaki? It began innocently enough on YouTube, where I stumbled upon an Apple documentary. There he was, a magnetic, cheerful presence talking about his days as the Macintosh evangelist, making me feel like I’d missed out on the golden age of tech simply by being born too late. That rabbit hole led me to his TED Talk—an entertaining mix of wisdom and wit—then to his website, where I chatted with an AI version of him (because why not?). And just like that, I found myself holding this book.
The premise of Think Remarkable is simple: Kawasaki maps out practical paths for living a life that’s impactful, fulfilling, and, well, remarkable. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill self-help fluff. It’s a thoughtful blend of his life experiences, entrepreneurial wisdom, and the kind of advice that feels refreshingly straightforward in a world that often overcomplicates everything.
The book is divided into three parts: Growth, Grit, and Grace. In Growth, Kawasaki encourages readers to adopt a mindset that thrives on learning, experimentation, and self-improvement. He shares anecdotes—like taking up new hobbies in his 60s—to hammer home the idea that life doesn’t hand you growth; you’ve got to go out and grab it. The message? Stop coasting and start climbing.
Then there’s Grit, a section that could double as a pep talk for when life gets messy (and it will). Kawasaki draws on inspiring stories of resilience and shows how failure isn’t the end—it’s a necessary detour. It’s not about avoiding setbacks; it’s about rolling with them, learning, and coming back stronger.
Finally, Grace. This part is where the book sneaks up on your softer side, focusing on humility and helping others. Kawasaki argues that being remarkable isn’t just about personal success; it’s about uplifting those around you. It’s a poignant reminder that impact is measured by the ripples you create, not the trophies on your shelf.
Kawasaki’s writing is like having a chat with a wise, slightly cheeky friend who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. He’s personable, pragmatic, and refreshingly real. And while Think Remarkable might not revolutionize your life overnight, it gives you the tools—and more importantly, the motivation—to start making small, meaningful changes.
So, if you’re ready to trade in the mundane for the remarkable, this book is a great place to start. Just don’t be surprised if, by the end, you’re questioning why you haven’t already started carving out your own remarkable path. Trust me, Kawasaki makes it hard to stay stuck in neutral.
