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Edgy Conversations

Edgy Conversations

How Ordinary People Can Achieve Outrageous Success
by Dan Waldschmidt 2014 179 pages
3.83
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Extreme behavior is the cornerstone of extraordinary success

Success is not about what you do. It's about who you are.

Extreme effort is the great equalizer. It's not about talent or luck, but about putting in the work when others won't. This means going beyond what's comfortable or expected, pushing your limits in every aspect of your life.

Extreme differentiation sets you apart from the competition. It's about being willing to stand out, challenge conventions, and take risks that others won't. This could mean:

  • Developing unique skills or perspectives
  • Taking on projects or roles that others avoid
  • Consistently innovating in your field

Extreme dedication to learning fuels continuous growth. It's about:

  • Being curious and open-minded
  • Actively seeking out new knowledge and skills
  • Learning from failures and setbacks
  • Adapting to change quickly

2. Discipline in doing and denying is crucial for achieving goals

Discipline forces you to make progress every day regardless of how you feel.

Disciplined doing means consistently taking action towards your goals, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. This involves:

  • Breaking large goals into smaller, manageable tasks
  • Creating and sticking to routines and habits
  • Pushing through resistance and procrastination

Disciplined denying is about saying "no" to things that don't align with your goals. This includes:

  • Avoiding distractions and time-wasters
  • Resisting immediate gratification for long-term success
  • Setting clear boundaries in personal and professional life

Both aspects of discipline require:

  • Mental toughness
  • Clear priorities
  • A strong sense of purpose

3. A giving mindset transforms personal growth and success

Giving is one of the most consistently reliable strategies for long-term success.

Authentic giving goes beyond mere transactions. It's about:

  • Genuinely caring for others' well-being
  • Offering help without expectation of return
  • Sharing knowledge, resources, and support freely

A giving mindset fosters:

  • Stronger relationships and networks
  • Increased empathy and emotional intelligence
  • A sense of purpose and fulfillment

To cultivate a giving mindset:

  • Practice gratitude daily
  • Look for opportunities to help others
  • Be vulnerable and open to receiving help as well

4. Understanding human nature is key to high performance

The truth is that much of your success in life hinges on your ability to understand people.

Emotional intelligence is crucial for success in all areas of life. It involves:

  • Recognizing and managing your own emotions
  • Understanding and influencing others' emotions
  • Navigating social complexities effectively

Develop a "human strategy" by:

  • Observing and analyzing people's behaviors and motivations
  • Practicing active listening and empathy
  • Adapting your communication style to different personalities

Remember that people are often driven by:

  • Fear and insecurity
  • The need for recognition and validation
  • The desire for connection and belonging

5. Love is a powerful force for personal and professional transformation

Love is the foundation of real change, real progress, real relationships.

Embracing love in all aspects of life can lead to:

  • Increased creativity and innovation
  • Deeper, more meaningful relationships
  • Greater resilience in the face of challenges

Love in a professional context means:

  • Genuinely caring about your work and its impact
  • Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment
  • Putting people before profits or personal gain

To harness the power of love:

  • Practice self-love and self-compassion
  • Show appreciation and kindness to others regularly
  • Align your work with your values and passions

6. Pain and fear drive human behavior, but can be overcome

Pain happens...and fear reminds you of it later.

Understanding pain and fear is crucial for personal growth. Recognize that:

  • Past experiences shape our current behaviors
  • Fear often stems from imagined rather than real threats
  • Pain can be a powerful motivator for change

To overcome pain and fear:

  • Confront and process past traumas
  • Challenge limiting beliefs and negative self-talk
  • Develop coping strategies for anxiety and stress

Use pain and fear as catalysts for growth by:

  • Reframing challenges as opportunities
  • Embracing discomfort as a sign of progress
  • Cultivating resilience through gradual exposure to fears

7. Choosing to be extraordinary is a daily decision

Now is the time to start working on the future you want.

Extraordinary living is about consistently making choices that align with your highest aspirations. This involves:

  • Setting ambitious goals and working towards them daily
  • Refusing to settle for mediocrity in any area of life
  • Constantly pushing your boundaries and comfort zones

Make extraordinary choices by:

  • Starting each day with intention and purpose
  • Reflecting on your actions and their alignment with your goals
  • Celebrating small wins while keeping sight of the bigger picture

Remember that extraordinary results come from:

  • Consistent small actions over time
  • A willingness to fail and learn
  • The courage to be different and stand out

8. Success is about who you are, not just what you do

You have everything you need to be successful right now. You are capable of achieving every success you can ever imagine.

Character development is the foundation of lasting success. Focus on:

  • Cultivating integrity and authenticity
  • Developing resilience and mental toughness
  • Nurturing empathy and emotional intelligence

Success stems from:

  • A growth mindset that embraces challenges
  • The ability to adapt and learn from failures
  • A strong sense of purpose and values

To become a success-oriented person:

  • Regularly reflect on your personal growth
  • Seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism
  • Surround yourself with positive, ambitious people
  • Continuously work on self-improvement in all areas of life

Last updated:

Review Summary

3.83 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Edgy Conversations receives mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Some readers find it inspiring and motivational, praising its ability to encourage action and personal growth. Others criticize it as repetitive, lacking substance, and filled with clichéd motivational content. The book's writing style, which uses short sentences and dramatic language, is polarizing. While some appreciate its simplicity and directness, others find it annoying or overly simplistic. The book's impact seems to vary greatly depending on the reader's personal preferences and life circumstances.

Your rating:

About the Author

Dan Waldschmidt is a multifaceted professional known for his work as an international business strategist, speaker, author, and extreme athlete. His consulting firm specializes in solving complex marketing and business strategy problems for global companies. Waldschmidt's Edgy Conversations blog is highly regarded, with Dow Jones recognizing it as one of the top sales sites on the internet. He has gained significant media attention, being featured in prominent publications and television programs. Waldschmidt has also published numerous articles on progressive business strategy and is the author of "Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageous Success," which draws from his diverse experiences and insights.

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