Cover: Message From The Middle Of Nowhere: Icelandic Viking philosophy for conquering the challenges of business and life
★ Hero Book 2017

Message From The Middle Of Nowhere: Icelandic Viking philosophy for conquering the challenges of business and life

by Gunnar Andri Thorisson

★★★★★

That particular book is underlined, scribbled in and highlighted all over its pages, with different pens, pencils and colors. For me, this is the only proper way of reading a book you really want to grasp. The first time, using a pencil for underlining, marking everything that tickles your attention, something of value or special interest. Then, for the second round, I find it very useful to highlight those extra juicy bits that you know you must remember permanently. A point to add in this context is that it’s better to read a single book and abide by its principles than to read numerous books and fail to grasp their content! It was a very relaxing period for me, even though at this time Iceland was still very quiet and low–key. For example, up until 1983 our only state–run TV station in Iceland was closed during the month of July, so we could enjoy the summer even more. And up until 1987 this same station didn’t broadcast anything on Thursdays, so that families could share quality moments at least once a week.

Core Learnings
01

It was a very relaxing period for me, even though at this time Iceland was still very quiet and low–key. For example, up until 1983 our only state–run TV station in Iceland was closed during the month of July, so we could enjoy the summer even more. And up until 1987 this same station didn’t broadcast anything on Thursdays, so that families could share quality moments at least once a week.

02

Why accept being good when you can be great? My point is this: You can learn anything. Today, nothing is out of reach. The Internet is a fantastic way to acquire knowledge and inspiring material and the same principle always applies: Do everything in your power, always give everything you have, and success will follow.

03

If you consider yourself a lousy salesman, just remember the fantastic words of the late Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” If you start, you will get results. The results are up to you, depending on how much strength you can find in your life to make the change.

04

The best of the best see themselves as perpetual students, always seeking more knowledge and finding out new ways to remind themselves about the things that they already know. It’s a matter of always staying alert and ready, keeping your swords and knives prepared before the battle begins.

05

Your own attitude is a key ingredient to your success. You will fail at least once on your way to the top. Learn from your own mistakes, but also learn from other people’s mistakes. And last but not least: Always keep your heart and mind open to improvement and new knowledge.

Top Highlights
"That particular book is underlined, scribbled in and highlighted all over its pages, with different pens, pencils and colors. For me, this is the only proper way of reading a book you really want to grasp. The first time, using a pencil for underlining, marking everything that tickles your attention, something of value or special interest. Then, for the second round, I find it very useful to highlight those extra juicy bits that you know you must remember permanently. A point to add in this context is that it’s better to read a single book and abide by its principles than to read numerous books and fail to grasp their content!"
"It was a very relaxing period for me, even though at this time Iceland was still very quiet and low–key. For example, up until 1983 our only state–run TV station in Iceland was closed during the month of July, so we could enjoy the summer even more. And up until 1987 this same station didn’t broadcast anything on Thursdays, so that families could share quality moments at least once a week."
"Why accept being good when you can be great? My point is this: You can learn anything. Today, nothing is out of reach. The Internet is a fantastic way to acquire knowledge and inspiring material and the same principle always applies: Do everything in your power, always give everything you have, and success will follow."
"If you consider yourself a lousy salesman, just remember the fantastic words of the late Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” If you start, you will get results. The results are up to you, depending on how much strength you can find in your life to make the change."
"The best of the best see themselves as perpetual students, always seeking more knowledge and finding out new ways to remind themselves about the things that they already know. It’s a matter of always staying alert and ready, keeping your swords and knives prepared before the battle begins."
"Your own attitude is a key ingredient to your success. You will fail at least once on your way to the top. Learn from your own mistakes, but also learn from other people’s mistakes. And last but not least: Always keep your heart and mind open to improvement and new knowledge."
"One of grandma’s many important messages was: “To keep your head sharp you must read! You need to keep your head in practice, the same way you need to constantly play chess to improve your game or at least stay good! And the same goes for your body!”"
Action Items
  • →Why accept being good when you can be great? My point is this: You can learn anything. Today, nothing is out of reach. The Internet is a fantastic way to acquire knowledge and inspiring material and the same principle always applies: Do everything in your power, always give everything you have, and success will follow.
  • →If you consider yourself a lousy salesman, just remember the fantastic words of the late Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” If you start, you will get results. The results are up to you, depending on how much strength you can find in your life to make the change.
  • →The best of the best see themselves as perpetual students, always seeking more knowledge and finding out new ways to remind themselves about the things that they already know. It’s a matter of always staying alert and ready, keeping your swords and knives prepared before the battle begins.
  • →Your own attitude is a key ingredient to your success. You will fail at least once on your way to the top. Learn from your own mistakes, but also learn from other people’s mistakes. And last but not least: Always keep your heart and mind open to improvement and new knowledge.

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