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Shine: How Looking Inward Is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom

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It’s possible to be a driven entrepreneur and have inner peace.

With 10 simple disciplines, this guide will help you make a bigger impact while increasing your freedom and creativity.

Driven entrepreneurs often have a burning need to succeed. But that same relentless brilliance that propels them in their career often takes a toll on their teams, personal relationships, and even their health. Gino Wickman, bestselling author of Traction, teams up with mindfulness expert Rob Dube to share their journeys and help readers strike a crucial balance between their inner and outer worlds while taking their success to new heights.

In Shine, they share 10 disciplines to help them stay sharp and energetic without burning out. Readers will learn to:

• Set boundaries in your work life (without compromising productivity) that allow them to become better leaders and better people
• Recognize burnout and stress before it happens and practice sustainable ways to reset your energy
• Tap into a flow state to harness unbridled creativity, think clearly, and move through your career and life with ease

With a self-assessment survey, a rich resource guide, and prompts for reflection at the end of every chapter, Shine is a groundbreaking approach to work–life balance and peace of mind.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

48 people are currently reading
2397 people want to read

About the author

Gino Wickman

28 books288 followers
An entrepreneur since the age of 21, Gino has always had an obsession for learning what makes businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.

At 25, Gino took over the family business, which was deeply in debt and in need of help. After turning the company around and running it for seven years, he and his partners successfully sold the company.

Gino then set out to help entrepreneurs and leaders get what they want from their businesses.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Lina Perea.
380 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2025
A book that teaches

In principle, this should be a must-have book for all people who have a company, who are thinking of starting a business, or for those who are running a business.
The entrepreneur will understand that to be truly successful, you must take into account a number of variables such as health, interpersonal relationships, family, teamwork, etc., and that without these variables, at some point your success may begin to fall.
In Shine you will find 10 disciplines that will help you to find a balance between success and the above mentioned variables.
Disciplines ranging from knowing yourself to how you project yourself in 10 years.
I really liked discipline 10, where he talks about humility, a value and virtue that allows us to recognize our limitations, and thus avoid pride.
This is a book that teaches regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur or not, whether you have a business or not.
Profile Image for Rodrigo J.
374 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2025
Practical and useful

One thing I really liked about this book is that the authors highlight some very practical and useful strategies for achieving success as entrepreneurs, while keeping in mind the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. They also emphasize finding inner peace through the strategies they propose, which include healthy practices like preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and managing energy effectively, all without sacrificing productivity.

A key takeaway from this book is that true success in business should not just be measured by the achievements of your company, but also by your inner well-being. It is important to consider how much you have had to sacrifice of yourself, your family, and your environment to reach your goals. We must learn to manage our energy effectively, and ultimately, the goal should be to achieve a balance between the effort required and self-care.
Profile Image for Mayra Guayara.
122 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2025
This is a book that gets you involved, not in a negative way; it makes you wonder if it's worth it to have a routine and be able to have discipline. It teaches you how to manage stress without compromising productivity, taking into account that in our society, the pressure to succeed is something that we all carry inside. But, we have something in this book that very few take the time to practice, the 10 disciplines that focus on the book manage to offer practical ways to set limits and if we think about having some kind of limit today is a bit tedious. Something that impacted me a lot of this book is that it makes you participate in it. It makes you reflect on the right way to see life and the “activities or surveys” they handle in each chapter at the end is spectacular for you to self-evaluate and at least you can see if you are leading your life to “success”which is what we want someday.
Profile Image for Eric F.
278 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2025
I love this book! After reading Shine: How Looking Inward Is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom by Gino Wickman and Rob Dube, I found it to be a really insightful book. What really stood out to me is how it focuses on the importance of entrepreneurs taking care of themselves, not just their businesses. A lot of times, entrepreneurs are so focused on external success: building their companies, hitting targets, and growing, that they forget to pay attention to their own mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The book makes it clear that without a healthy mind and body, all the business achievements in the world won’t lead to true happiness or success. It really helped me realize that balancing inner peace with outer success is key to long-term fulfillment in both life and business.
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
920 reviews15 followers
March 13, 2025
I came across this book at a time when I felt that entrepreneurship and personal balance seemed like two impossible paths to reconcile. As an entrepreneur, I'm constantly looking for ways to grow without being consumed by stress and workload, so when I found Shine, its premise immediately captivated me.


What I liked most is that it's not just motivational theory; the 10 disciplines it proposes are practical and truly applicable. I learned, among other things, how to recognize signs of burnout before it's too late and how to find simple ways to regain energy without losing focus.


This book left me with concrete tools to be more productive without letting my well-being take a backseat. Without a doubt, it's a valuable read for any entrepreneur who wants to grow without getting lost in the process.
Profile Image for AMR CAMI .
359 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2025
Must read

For me, personal and mental health is very essential. That's why I was trying to look for a guide that would reinforce the success, Health, Wealth, and Happiness in myself in this pretty complex world. This self help guide was very useful for me. This book gets to offer all the readers a comprehensive framework to redefine success and prioritize well being while maintaining a high performance. The writing style of the author was also really clear, making it really accessible when reading and understanding. Overall this is a great book that includes really actionable and useful advice to improve your mental health, and that blend of practical strategies and motivational guidance makes it an engaging read for anyone interested in achieving sustainable success and well being in life.
Profile Image for Ivana S..
537 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2025
This book is an insightful and empowering read for entrepreneurs who are tired of the constant grind and craving more balance. In my experience reading the book, I appreciated how it blends business advice with mindful self-awareness.
Wickman and Dube present 10 clear disciplines that genuinely feel doable, not just theory. The tone is professional and warm—like guidance from two mentors who’ve been there. I especially liked the self-assessment and reflection prompts, which helped me to personalize the journey. Some advice may seem familiar, but the way it's framed—through the lens of inner peace and outer success—makes it refreshing.
It’s a guide that doesn’t just aim for productivity but for a fuller, more meaningful life. Shine reminded me that success doesn’t have to cost my health or happiness—it can actually enhance both of them.
Profile Image for Steven Finkelstein.
971 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2025
It is possible to be a driven, dedicated entrepreneur. It is also possible to have inner peace and a sense of calm that can permeate the rest of your world and waking life. Is it possible to have both of these things, though, as they seem to be in direct contradiction to each other?

It is possible, and this book will teach you how to do it. Inside, you will find many lessons that will explain how to find the middle ground between entrepreneurship and a calm and tranquil center to your being that nothing and no one can penetrate or disrupt. If you’re going to find success with your business venture, this is something that you need. By setting boundaries with your work life, prioritizing the right things, and generally being unsinkable, you can achieve great things.
Profile Image for Cristian Bacinschi.
108 reviews
March 10, 2025
Well this book has been a really short read for me, as most of the concepts from the book are familiar to me. I liked how the authors approached a very personal and friendly voice and especially the short, but kind of full of information chapters that I have read. I focused a lot on the “take time off” and “know thyself” chapters because these are some of the things that I have struggled with and wanted to learn more about. I feel like this book might have been a better read, maybe even more practical for me a couple of months ago, but nonetheless it presented a host of new things and ideas for me to think about. I was particularly interested in the schemes that were presented in the book and how they can show the information in a simpler, but yet as clear of a version.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
1,262 reviews27 followers
March 13, 2025
Many times, we struggle to find a balance between work, relationships and peace of mind. I particularly feel that when I manage to accommodate one of them, another one gets out of place. This title is a comprehensible and transformative guide that helps entrepreneurs to achieve success without losing sight of other important personal life issues.
The book is divided into ten practical disciplines on which the readers can rely for enhancing creativity without reaching physical or mental exhaustion.
As regards the writing style, it’s accessible and engaging, so it’s easy to follow it. At the end of each chapter we can find suggestions to think about some points, self-assessment surveys and questions to check understanding; an amazing detail!!
Profile Image for Carlos Romero.
302 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2025
This book has changed my perspective and my vision as an entrepreneur and in my personal life. "Shine" flips the script on the typical hustle-harder business book.
The book shows ten disciplines that aren't just about spreadsheets and strategies, they're about looking inward and helping you to grow personally and professionally. It states self-assessment tools and reflective prompts make you think about your own habits and how they're affecting you.
I loved this guide and the resources it gives, it's like having a toolkit for building a healthier work-life balance. This book is a game changer and is a practical approach to how to put your well-being at the center of your entrepreneurial path and your personal life
Profile Image for L Becerra.
390 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2025
Life-changing book!

Throughout my life, I’ve read some books that I consider life-changing, and this book, written by Gino Wickman and Rob Dubé, is now one of them!
Even though it is mainly targeted at entrepreneurs and provides the essentials for maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life, I believe everyone in their productive years should read it. It focuses on well-being, which makes it relevant to everyone.
This book is written in first point of view, helping the reader feel closer to the main themes. It also includes some real-life examples practical exercises, assessments, and questions that help you apply and reflect on what you’re reading. Highly recommended and, as I said, life-changing.
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,463 reviews28 followers
March 14, 2025
A must-read
Gino Wickman and Rob Dube have written “Shine” to show readers the possibility of working hard without neglecting their personal lives. It provides readers with 10 simple disciplines to apply at work to enjoy more freedom outside any business. Sometimes, when people set up a business, they tend to work 24/7 to make their business thrive and they leave aside life, family or leisure time. So, this is the perfect read to transform business people’s lives. It teaches them to raise awareness about how entrepreneurs live, it helps them to strike a balance between work and peace of mind. It’s an interesting and necessary read; I believe that it’s a must for people who are undergoing stress in their jobs or lives and need a change from scratch.


Profile Image for Brenda.
1,339 reviews24 followers
March 15, 2025
I really like the main idea or message that I got from this book. It is really something that everyone should know but most importantly should be conscious about it, which is that balancing ambition with personal well being doesn't mean constant stress. Something that the majority of readers struggle with. The book is very practical and gives advice beyond the theory, the author shares strategies and reflections that can be easily applied in life.

The ten disciplines in the book would help entrepreneurs achieve that productivity without reaching that stress level that leads to burn out.

Great book for beginners in the world, or people who are struggling a bit with balance at work.

Profile Image for Diana.
378 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2025
I found this book to be a must-read for any entrepreneur seeking success without sacrificing their personal well-being. As a businesswoman, I felt completely connected to the vision of this book, especially because I've been running my own business for over 13 years, and even though it's a small business, I've felt lost in many emotional aspects over the past few years. Practicing the 10 disciplines presented in "Shine" has helped me find a true balance between my personal well-being and my entrepreneurial drive. I found the focus in each chapter on productivity, creativity, and mental clarity without falling into burnout to be very valuable. The book has very practical exercises to apply and powerful strategies to regain harmony without giving up on your aspirations. Recommended.
Profile Image for Chico's Mom.
958 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2025
This is a good resource if you are trying to reinvent yourself; it is well-researched in knowing yourself and exploiting that knowledge to reach your full potential. The chapter summary is very useful in helping you, the reader, remember and understand what the author has shared. I enjoyed taking the takeaways and seeing how they are applied. I am surprised that many of my emotions are more fear-based than love-based, which helped change mindsets. I know that if they are love-based emotions, my feelings create my attachments with people. I only keep the ones I love, not the ones I fear leaving me behind. Saying No is not a crime, it's to set boundaries. This book helps you learn so much about yourself that if you venture into something, you will be brave and confident enough to do it.
9 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2024
Incredible Journey

The journey of self discovery is marked not just by the first step, but by each one thereafter. Gino and Rob have captured a series of life experiences into an organized, easy to follow guide. The best part is the pace. Oftentimes self help book, force the author’s agenda. Shine actually allowed me the freedom to and encouraged me to stop, go back, and then come back refreshed. A must read for individuals, especially those business owners who want more. More peace, more time, more balance and most importantly, more insight into who they are and what’s next.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,276 reviews29 followers
March 12, 2025
It is difficult for me to explain just how much I have enjoyed reading this book. It was a true delight. As the title suggests, author Wickman helps others shine as entrepreneurs and have inner peace.
The narrative is remarkably candid, self-reflective, generous, and practical. Wickman proved to be an astute observer whose knowledge on the matter makes him a true educational figure for entrepreneurs.
I highly recommend this book for any young entrepreneur thinking about starting his or her own business, or just seeking to learn more about entrepreneurship in general. Most of what we can learn about the field is compiled in this book. I was hooked from the first sentence of this book!
Profile Image for Carlos Perea.
173 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2025
Inspiring

Reading this book is literally investing in yourself. This book, which is truly an ideal guide for anyone who wants to enhance their life in any aspect, be it personal, family, social or professional, is perfect to get out of the routine and give a new direction to life. One of the things that caught my attention was the fact that I could select any page and the book had something good to tell me. I love those books in which the time I invest in them is really an investment for me. The narrative is unique, involving and not redundant, the language is clear, precise and thoughtful. Great book which is highly recommended.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,019 reviews21 followers
March 13, 2025
Interesting book!

Being an entrepreneur doesn't have to be difficult or stressful, it has to be a force that brings out the best in you. And there is a way to strike a balance between your business and your happiness. For that reason, authors Gino Wickman and Rob Dub wrote this compelling guide to help you find balance. Here you will discover how to unleash your true self and 10 disciplines or habits to maximize your inner peace. ''Shine'' has opened my mind, with interesting lessons and ways to discover myself. If you are looking for a book to help you find peace and balance, you should pick up this book. It is a journey of self-discovery. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Gianfranco.
561 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2025
Conveys balance

Today, in addition to my work, I am an entrepreneur and I must say that it is one of the most stressful but also one of the most rewarding jobs there is. This book has helped me to establish a center in terms of what I am looking for with my personal project, because I have reached limits in terms of my body and stress which I do not want to be prolonged in time. The book is a complete guide to help us not to lose focus of the goal but also to learn to give space to everything that helps us to be well and to balance the balance. It's like a pocket bible for me, because having these tips close by gives me peace of mind.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
March 13, 2025
Shine is a book that excels in efficiency, it is the kind of read that makes you think in possible scenarios, and helps in the choosing process. Entrepreneurship is a highly variable topic, there is no perfect recipe, but the authors made a great effort by simplifying difficult concepts and creating a powerful guide that transcends experience and inequities.


Overall, it was a productive read. It is a great choice for new entrepreneurs who haven´t figured out how to manage time and effort wisely, keeping creativity at a high level and stress under control. I recommend this read to beginner and intermediate entrepreneurs, it contains valuable insights about the bussines
Profile Image for Maps  R.
393 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2025
For me, being an entrepreneur is synonymous with chaos, anxiety, and loss of peace. This book title caught my attention, and reading it was fantastic. It is nice how the author calls for inner peace and calm in your life as an entrepreneur, understanding that there are repercussions of your emotions and how you manage them in all areas of your life. The holistic approach is fantastic. The lessons that the authors share are doable and will allow the rushed life of entrepreneurs to find the right balance. If you like being an entrepreneur but recognize that it is an emotional challenge that will disturb your peace, let Wickman and Dube support you on the peace journey.
Profile Image for Mariana.
652 reviews13 followers
March 13, 2025
At this moment I am going through a difficult time because I don't know whether to quit my job to dedicate myself to an entrepreneurial idea that is really a dream for me, but I doubt a lot about the balance I can achieve between my work and my professional life, and I am terrified of losing my family to fight for my work dream. That's why I got this book and it really helped me a lot, I managed to understand that it is possible to be an entrepreneur and have a good personal life, and above all to achieve moments of peace and tranquility. Incredible as these 10 steps are achievable and have encouraged me to take the determination and fight for this dream.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,383 reviews31 followers
March 13, 2025
Starting a business has never been a simple task. We all know it's not easy, and there are times when emotions overwhelm us. The fear of failure, the anxiety over whether everything goes well or the final result is what we long for. But thanks to authors Wickman and Dube, starting a business and achieving peace of mind is possible. They share 10 disciplines for entrepreneurs to put into practice and succeed.
I really liked the flow and dynamics of the book. The disciplines presented by the authors are very good and easy to apply. I also think they approach the topic with the seriousness it deserves. I think it's a great book for all readers who want to start a business.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
568 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2025
I loved this book, it came to me at the perfect time because right now I am at a super important point with my entrepreneurship, but I feel that sometimes I let my personal life and my self-care fall by the wayside. In each chapter you can see how experienced the author is, he makes you understand with clarity each of the steps that I started to implement to achieve a successful venture without sacrificing your life and your peace. This book is a must read, if you have a business or if you want to start one, it is necessary to understand the balance and how everything always goes from the inside out.
Profile Image for Almiria.
740 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2025
Does it feel like you are forever forced to choose between success and inner peace? That one requires non-stop work and craziness, while the other will mean that you don’t achieve your business and financial goals? In Shine, Gino Wickman and Rob Dube demonstrate that the two need not be mutually exclusive. You can be both a go-getting entrepreneur and enjoy a calm and restorative inner life. The authors share ten techniques to achieve this, including how to set boundaries, how to tap into a sense of flow, how to reset, and much more. I think this book was highly overdue and I welcome the bringing together of mental wellness with entrepreneurial drive.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
831 reviews16 followers
March 14, 2025
This book is a tool that I truly consider revolutionary, especially for any entrepreneur seeking to achieve perfect balance and sustainable success. I really liked this book. The combination of the authors is perfect, as one is a successful entrepreneur and the other is a mindfulness specialist. This makes this book the perfect combination of the two authors. This book is particularly noteworthy because its 10 principles are truly easy to understand and incredibly effective for managing stress. I truly enjoyed this book; each page is filled with wisdom and motivation to move forward in our lives and generate the growth we hope for. I truly found this book to be very valuable.
Profile Image for Fanny Polchlopek.
213 reviews
March 17, 2025
This reading flowed too much for me

As an entrepreneur I have to say that my stress has increased and it's not what I was looking for. Well the book has given me a huge piece of peace of mind, I feel that I have let go of a lot of burdens, burdens that I was putting on myself. The book gave me tools to have a proper balance between my personal life, my tastes, my family and others with respect to my other passion which is my business. I have recommended it to three friends and we have agreed that to date, it is the one that best transmits this type of advice and besides, many of them are very easy to start applying. I loved it from beginning to end
Profile Image for Camilo.
392 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2025
Great Book

Literally this book opened my eyes, and I believe that the title of the book is the result that people who read it obtain. This book turns out to be a companion, a friend and a guide for people who want to empower their life, give it a new direction and change several things. This guide to inner awakening has a unique narrative that allows the reader to easily connect with it. Making the exercise of reading a personal investment and a unique journey. The language is simple and every time I read it I felt the book was speaking directly to me. Highly recommended for those who want to make a positive change in their life. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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