The Power of Starting Something Stupid: How to Crush Fear, Make Dreams Happen, and Live without Regret

by Richie Norton, Natalie Norton

"Perfect book for these uncertain times." —Steve Forbes, Chariman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media

"Richie Norton has written a book about courage. The courage to do work that matters and to do it with your heart and your soul. Go make something happen."—Seth Godin, author of The Icarus Deception

What if the smartest people in the world understand something that the rest of us don’t? (They do.) What if they know that in order to achieve success, they will sometimes have to do things that others may initially perceive as stupid? The fact of the matter is that the smartest people in the world don’t run from stupid, they lean into it (in a smart way).

In The Power of Starting Something Stupid, Richie Norton redefines stupid as we know it, demonstrating that life-changing ideas are often tragically mislabeled “stupid.” What if the key to success, creativity, and fulfillment in your life lies in the potential of those “stupid” ideas? This deeply inspiring book will teach you

How to crush fear, make dreams happen, and live without regret.How to overcome obstacles such as lack of time, lack of education, or lack of money.The 5 actions of the New Smart to achieve authentic success. No more excuses. Learn how to start something stupid—the smartest thing you can do.

Drawing on years of research, including hundreds of face-to-face interviews and some of the world’s greatest success stories past and present, Richie shows you how stupid is the New Smart—the common denominator for success, creativity, and innovation in business and life.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Leadership

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2012

About the author

Richie Norton is an award-winning, bestselling author and entrepreneur. His books include Anti-Time Management, The Power of Starting Something Stupid and Résumés Are Dead & What to Do About It. Richie was named one of the world's top 100 business coaches by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. He is an international speaker (including TEDx and Google Startup Grind).

Richie is a serial entrepreneur including the founder of Global Consulting Circle, creating/scaling business models for venture-backed startups. He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of PROUDUCT—an INC. 5000 company—a global entrepreneurship solution helping businesses go from idea to market with full-service sourcing, product strategy and end-to-end supply chain.

Entrepreneurial-minded people study Norton's work and blended learning, modular educational programs (self-directed learning courses, masterminds, podcasts, articles, keynotes, interviews, books, mentoring, university lectures). Executives, creators and celebrities seek out Richie to create new value-based products/experiences for their audiences.

Richie is featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Entrepreneur, HuffPo, Inc., etc. The 2013 San Francisco Book Festival awarded The Power of Starting Something Stupid first in business & grand prize winner overall. At age 29, Pacific Business News recognized Richie as one of the Top Forty Under 40 “best & brightest young businessmen” in Hawaii.

He got his start in social entrepreneurship by founding an organization to help others become self-reliant through self employment including ventures in Mongolia and around the Asia-Pacific Rim.

Richie founded a mentor capital org to help end poverty & established a Center for International Entrepreneurship. Richie is published in the Journal of Microfinance and is a ChangeAid Award winner for "outstanding accomplishment in international development, international relations, humanitarian aid and academic achievement."

Richie was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Brazil and then Hawaii. He received his MBA from the world's #1 ranked international business school, Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Richie is happily married to Natalie, Co-Author of The Power of Starting Something Stupid. They have four boys (one son already made his way to Heaven) and they have cared for three foster children. They live on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first agreed to review The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie Norton, I didn't really think it would apply to me. My limited understanding of the content was that it would be about taking risk and starting something, like a business. I, personally, do not dream of starting a business, nor do I have any great ideas for an invention. I am not an entrepreneur, nor do I have any aspirations to become one.

But, after having read this book, I can tell you that I WAS WRONG.

This book was very inspiring to me, and possibly just the thing I needed to read at this point in my life. While its principles can certainly be used by someone who has a great idea for a new product or business, it applies to anyone who has dreams. And I have plenty of those.

For instance, I have one particular thing (and I guess I think it's silly--or stupid--enough to feel like I don't want to tell you what it is) that I'd like to do that has been sort of hanging out in my mind for several years now. I don't have the first clue how I'd start to accomplish this thing, but I haven't stopped thinking about it, even though I have certainly tried! Richie Norton's thoughts on the matter have made me realize that maybe this is something I really need to do, and I should start looking at it more closely.

I was especially motivated by the chapter on procrastination. Perhaps if you are regular reader of my blog you know that I have procrastination issues. I am really good about doing everything BUT what I should be doing. I accomplish the most when I am avoiding some big task. In fact, I emailed Richie last night to tell him I'd be a little bit late with this review because I had to work more this week. Which is true, since I have a million lessons to make up from our blizzard days last week, but what it really comes down to is that I PROCRASTINATED. (Yes, even after reading this wonderful book I still procrastinated--if only we could change by simply reading something!)

The chapter on authenticity was equally inspiring.

I plan to read this book again, with more careful attention to the ways I will use these ideas in my own life. I also plan to hand it off to my husband, as this is just the type of book he loves, and I know he will gain a lot from reading it as well.

Do you have a stupid idea? A dream? Something you'd really like to do in your life, but aren't sure how? Then you should read this book.

The book is available for purchase at Amazon or Deseret Book. I would also highly recommend that you head over to Richie Norton's website and poke around. You'll be inspired by this man who obviously practices exactly what he preaches.

And as for my idea? Well, if it ever bears fruit you'll know about it. I promise.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third time through this book. It's very motivating and encouraging. I met Richie in college where he was the Student Body President. He is the real deal. He is funny, down to earth, humble, fun, creative, and super smart. Seriously. I've known him for 10 years now and he is still the same super-positive guy I've ever known. I've eaten at his kitchen table, played with his kids, and been amazed at his wife's photography skills. So this book is just the embodiment of Richie - his voice shines through and through. You should really look up some of his youtube videos to kind of see the kind of guy he is. He's a little goofy and cheesy, but that is all part of the package. Richie has helped so many other people succeed in their businesses and he is very selfless. He is truly not in it for the money. It's about helping people and that is rare, rare thing to find in this world. I have never been so excited about my own life goals and ideas as I am at the moment and a HUGE part of that started with reading this book. You won't regret it.

[Emma Sea]

dnf at 14%

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I bought this book on a whim at the recommendation of someone. While there are some good ideas in it and a lot of motivational writing, most of it is re-hashes from other books or sourced from from a third party and not someone the author interviewed directly. That kind of thing rubs me the wrong way, I feel like the author didn't work hard enough and just pillaged the best ideas of other people and turned them into a book.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, I feel a bit bad writing this review. I wanted to like this book, I really did... but I just couldn't. It took dozens of attempts to get through it and I only managed because I had resolved to finish it. Maybe it's because I'm not an entrepreneur who has a dream life on the shelf but is too fearful to grab it - this book would probably be good for that person.

There are two main reasons why:

1) The author has read, and references, a lot of the great books on personal and professional development, but so many of the chapters just seemed to rehash what they proffered and then add a take on how it was starting something stupid. For somebody that hasn't throughly read through all of those books, it's probably a good summary of a them meshed into his mantra of starting something stupid. However, having read almost all of the books, I found it lacking.

2) Circular reasoning runs rampant throughout the book and starts at the beginning when he introduces the cornerstone of the book: Gavin's Law, which states "Live to start. Start to live." Some people may find that to be a genius concept, but I found it to be specious. It seemed to me as though the advice to crush fear would be, "Don't be afraid, by not being afraid," and on living without regret would be, "Live without regret, by not regretting how you live." The chapters on fear, pride, and procrastination were where I really struggled, and I kept shaking my head and rereading it to make sure I had read it right, because while it sounded good, there really wasn't any solid advice.

This book may be helpful for some people (and judging by the other reviews, many people have found it helpful), but I wasn't a fan.

[Vėjas Galvoje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vieną dieną, kai darbai jau sprogdino smegenis ir trūko motyvacijos, radau smagią knygulę su labai intriguojančiu pavadinimu. Aš nesu fanas motyvuojančių knygų, nes pagrindinis visų knygų minusas – jie pasakoją kaip reikėtų daryti, ko reikėtų saugotis ir kaip save motyvuoti, bet daugeliu atveju praleidžiama pagrindinė mintis. O ji yra be galo paprasta – tiesiog imk ir daryk ir tuomet reaguok į tai kas gaunasi ir kas ne, gaunasi reikia gyventi visiškas AGILE stiliumi. Jei kas nežino kas yra AGILE, pasiieškokite:)

Taigi mieli draugai – Let’s start something stupid now, not today or tomorrow !

[Greg Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of Starting Something Stupid will light a much needed fire in young and old alike. Few books come along with this much gravitas and relevance. From corporate leaders and innovators to new job seekers, everyone will resonate with this compelling message. I have read most of the bestselling business books for the last 30 years and this stands tall as one of the best.

[Jesse Stay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for some inspiration to get off your rear and go out on your own? Some call it "crazy" or "stupid". This book shows you why stupid is the new smart. It's the perfect pep-talk for any aspiring entrepreneur. Go pre-order it now!

[Andy Beal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, The Power of Starting Something Stupid opens your mind to the possibility that you're not living up to your full potential. Richie Norton's powerful words provide the motivation and energy you'll need to start something stupid. Something amazingly, courageously, stupid!

[Josh Solar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will change your life.

[Drew Wolsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Take: Most concepts won’t be revelations to the reader, but an excellent pep-talk for the aspiring entrepreneur.

Longer Take:

I just finished reading “The Power of Starting Something Stupid” by Richie Norton.

The premise of the book is that most great ideas are initially labelled as “stupid.” Many successful companies were initially told their ideas were stupid. Think Spanx, Uber, Airbnb, Amazon. All of these were terrible ideas until they weren’t. Norton uses the term “New Smart” to describe those who recognize that the best ideas are those that initially seem stupid. He then uses the balance of the book to convince the reader that now is the time to start their stupid idea.

I enjoyed the positive and encouraging vibe of the entire book. Norton tells lots of stories and works hard to get the reader to believe in themselves. An excellent pep-talk for the aspiring entrepreneur.

My only complaint is that most of the ideas in the book are in every other self-development book. Maybe he wasn’t writing for the person who has read tons of these books, but I would have liked more novel material.

But, I would absolutely recommend “The Power of Starting Something Stupid” for someone thinking about starting an entrepreneurial journey.

Some of My Favourite Quotes:

“People wait. They wait for that elusive day when they’ll finally have enough time (guess what?—you never will), enough education (there is always more to know), enough money (no matter how much you make, someone will always have more). They wait until the children are grown (news flash: just because they’re grown, it doesn’t mean you’re rid of them) or until things settle down at work (they never will). People wait until . . . until . . . until . . . They wait, and they wait, and they wait, until that fateful day when they wake up and realize that while they were sitting around, paying dues, earning their keep, waiting for that elusive “perfect time,” their entire life has passed them by.”

“How many ideas, opportunities, businesses, and lives are squandered because we mistakenly suppress those so-called “stupid ideas.” We all want to make the best decisions in life possible. Don’t allow life to pass you by because you are afraid of stupid.”

““The bottom line is that people with high aspirations are going to experience a proportionately high level of fear. … Here’s the real kicker: If high aspirations are equal to high fear, then the flip side to that truth is that overcoming high fear is equal to achieving high aspirations.”

“Leaders are readers.”

“Your life should consist of more than commuting, working, eating, surfing the Internet, sleeping, and watching TV. Your life should be filled with purpose-driven experiences and projects that bring excitement, passion, energy, and authentic meaning and joy into your life. I hope that as you start something stupid, you will find real meaning in your life…”

Druid’s Top Entrepreneurship Lesson: Don’t let the criticism of others prevent you from chasing your dream.

www.druid.biz

[Semi-Academic Eric]

I saw this at Costco. It was probably stupid to stop and look at it. Surprised at the passionate recommendations it had from Seth Godin, Stephen M.R. Covey, Michael Gerber and other respectable authors, I looked a bit more into it. I think I'll check the library first to read a bit more before I buy it. I'm not that stupid.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really hit a chord. Normally I don't like self-help style books. All they are empty calories of ego and energy boost rather than real knowledge. This is somewhat the same. Doesn't really tell you how to do anything. Rather it's very good at telling you to do anything. Just anything. Live to start so you can start to live.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a dream, a brewing passion, you must read this book! If it doesn't inspire you to action, nothing will!!
Thank you Richie Norton!

[Zach Wear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The minute I finished I wanted to start over again. Loads of information that you can apply to business but mostly life.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, quick, must-read! If you have ANY ideas in your head that you haven't taken action on, you MUST read this book! Now is the time to START!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired motivated and ready to do Stupid:)

[Carynpayzant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote my review on my blog, the Mid Life Guru: http://www.themidlifeguru.com/book-re...

[Dion Yulianto]

Konon, salah satu penyesalan terbesar kebanyakan orang modern adalah tidak melakukan atau menunda melakukan apa yang benar-benar mereka inginkan atau impikan sampai semuanya terlambat sudah. Alasannya banyak sekali, tetapi terutama (1) tidak punya uang, (2) tidak punya pendidikan, dan (3) tidak punya waktu. Ada yang ingin menjadi penulis tetapi dia terus menunda dan tidak melakukannya karena dia merasa bukan dari jurusan sastra-bahasa. Ada yang ingin berlibur menikmati masa muda tetapi dia merasa tidak punya uang. Ada pula yang ingin menghabiskan waktu lebih banyak dengan orang-orang tercinta tetapi mereka merasa tidak punya waktu karena sibuk bekerja. Perasaan-perasaan ini terus menghalangi mereka untuk melakukan hal-hal yang mereka anggap bodoh itu. Kenapa harus menulis padahal saya tidak pernah sekolah menulis. Kok bisa kepikiran liburan ke Raja Ampat padahal duit aja mepet. Bodoh sekali berpikir membolos kerja agar bisa bermain dengan anak-anak di rumah. Bukankah dengan bekerja saya dan anak-anak bisa tetap hidup layak?

Hal-hal bodoh inilah yang menjadi titik mendasar yang digunakan penulis dalam buku ini. Dalam sejarah, mereka yang sukses dan puas serta tidak menyesali kehidupannya adalah orang-orang yang berani melakukan hal-hal bodoh itu. Tapi, wajib ditekankan kalau bodoh di sini tidak sama dengan "tidak tahu atau tidak sanggup atau tidak bisa berpikir dengan baik." Sebaliknya, bodoh di sini adalah tetap bersikukuh melakukan apa yang dianggapnya benar berdasarkan segala pertimbangan dan persiapan meskipun orang lain bilang yang kita lakukan adalah hal yang bodoh. Contohnya begini, orang-orang mengejek Wright Bersaudara dengan mesin terbang ciptaannya, menyebutnya sebagau upaya yang bodoh. Jadi, bodoh di sini adalah hal-hal yang tidak umum dalam pandangan orang banyak sehingga dilabeli "hal yang bodoh."

Satu ungkapan bagus di buku ini adalah untuk menyimpan uangmu (menabung) tapi jangan simpan mimpimu. Apa pun itu, mulailah dan lakukan lah. Hidup adalah tentang coba-coba dan semakin banyak kau mencoba, maka akan semakin beruntung dirimu. Namun, upaya meng ejar mimpi itu juga tidak boleh dilakukan secara serampangan. Dalam buku ini penulis menawarkan metode START yang intinya menjelaskan langkah-langkah untuk mencapai apa yang kita inginkan tanpa harus mengorbankan segi-segi kehidupan yang lain. Tapi yang jelas, jangan pernah salah dalam membuat prioritas: "Hidup Anda dan pekerjaan Anda, jangan pernah dibolak-balik. Yang kedua hanyalah bagian dari yang pertama."

Sama seperti buku motivasi (dari Barat) kebanyakan, buku ini mencoba menjelaskan kebijakan jalan kesuksesan lewat metode buatan si penulis (START). Isinya mirip dengan buku-buku sejenis, hanya saja penulis memolesnya dengan kajian-kajian ilmiah serta contoh-contoh pribadi dan rumus buatannya sendiri. Hasilnya, buku yang membosankan jika dibaca di tahun 2020 ini. Cara menulisnya terlampau bertele-tele, minim grafik atau ilustrasi, dan terasa sekali penulis berusaha menyambung-nyambungkan konsep miliknya dengan jalan kebijakan umum. Tidak jauh beda dengan buku-buku motivasi full-text yang sempat menjamur di pasaran tapi jarang diminati karena cenderung monoton dan seragam. Bahkan, bagian menarik dari buku ini menurut saya ada di kutipan-kutipan dari para tokoh besar yang dicuplik penulis untuk menambah bobot bukunya.

Menarik di awal, tidak ada yang baru di pertengahan, dan biasa saja setelah selesai dibaca. Mungkin, fungsi utama buku-buku motivasi memang untuk mengingatkan kembali sejumlah kebijakan besar yang sudah kita ketahui.

[Brandon McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that I was pretty skeptical about this book at first. The author is pretty young and I wasn't aware of his qualifications to write a book like this, but a good friend recommended it to me and I decided to trust his opinion.

What I realized while reading it is that it doesn't matter whether the person writing the book is a Phd, or a Purple Heart recipient or a juggling comedian. Everyone has their own life experience and discounting someone's experience based solely upon their age or background limits my ability to learn from others who may be able to help me.

I was very inspired by this book and the advice it gives about dealing with fear, prioritizing the projects that I bring me fulfillment, and to dedicate myself to the "stupid" dreams I have. I recently quit my job as an attorney and I'm starting an addiction recovery center because I was inspired to take my career in that direction. This book just reinforced my desire to dedicate myself to this stupid idea that I know is going to bring me more joy and fulfillment in my life.

[Jesse Langel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo to Richie Norton for putting this out. He's off to a good start in his career as an author. I like the title, the vision, and a lot of the content. There were a lot of good examples (Jeff Bezos, Facebook). The book has some great maxims (get closer to your dreams as fast as possible, leaders are readers, Chickens die if they stay stuck inside their shell, and trust your innate sensibility, and various statements on leverage).

I gave him 3 stars but there is a case to be made that the book deserves 4 (Update 10 minutes later: I did give him 4 because of his passion and effort). Some of the book felt trite, idealistic, and common sensical like "break the goal up into smaller ones" and "seek authenticity." Parts of it were slightly boring to me. There should a really high standard on this site. 5 stars are reserved for groundbreaking ideas and flawless execution.

What drew me in was the book concept of implementing ideas quickly. Well done, Richie. Keep 'em coming.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how he presented very clearly the 3 excuses we give ourselves (sometimes realities) that we lack time, money, or education to start what we want.

The Deferred Life Plan concept, where we first do what we have to do, and then do what we want, made me realize I was somehow thinking just like that before reading about it.

In general was a very positive, motivating, easy read book.

Highlights:
''Leverage free time by researching ideas, making meaningful connections, or studying the success of others in the same field you want to pursue''

''Your life should consist of more than commuting, working, eating, surfing the Internet, sleeping and watching TV. Your life should be filled with purpose-driven experiences and projects that bring excitement, passion, energy, and authentic meaning and joy into your life.''

[Rain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish.

The book seems to be about encouraging you to work on your idea even if others think it's stupid. The author brings examples of successful people like Ford and Disney.

What the author is missing is the fact that some successful people have been at it for a long time. He mentions Angry Birds as an example of a stupid idea that turned out to be worth millions. What he doesn't tell you is that Angry Birds is the 42nd game they developed. These people had a business and experience, and it took then that much to have a successful "stupid" idea.

The book felt like a motivational speach. Would not recommend.

[Val Finnell, MD, MPH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that provides motivation and the reasons for pursuing your passions. A key insight gleaned is that most people live their lives saving for a day when they can finally do what they want. Some never get there. Do what you want now, defeat fear, and break out of your shell. Life is short. Live it well.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you take the advice in this book to heart and follow it, you will probably be inspired to go out there and pursue your dreams. But the message in the book was so generic and recycled that I had a hard time getting through it. This is a feel-good essay full of frothy, repetitive language meant to buoy your spirits, but like a preacher's sermon, the kernel of actual instruction is small.

[Amber King · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self help junkie this is one of the best books I have read. It was motivating, uplifting and addressed a lot of the fears and problems that I have personally. I’ve already suggested this book to ten people!
I am currently doing the 76 day companion guide. I really appreciate the practical steps to helping me start my something stupid.

[Cathy Ferringo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook.
This had clear insights and ideas. I found the book inspiring. The author, who also was the audiobook narrator, shared examples and stories that backed his points. If there's something you're hoping to start, maybe dreaming of starting, but keep procrastinating, I recommend this book.

[Esmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up for a second time without realizing. The title is perfect for a motivational business book. But, the book is now dated and the examples are yesterday's news. Perhaps the author will update it. It's a short read. It was a good read when it was first published and it is possible to still glean some nuggets of inspiration. But it has lost some of it's originality with time.

[Jodi Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most inspirational books I've ever read. Talk about motivation to act on your dreams...I stopped reading the book several times because I was so anxious to get going on my projects. Loved the business stories, as well as the personal stories.

[Jacob Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I’m glad I read this book!!! There are several good takeaways packaged in this easy read. A lot of the book felt like a regurgitation of common knowledge, and wasn’t super helpful, but there were several good reminders and I appreciate the things I learned. I’d recommend it!!