Mad Genius – Book Review

 

 

The Book Review Series

 

 

Mad Genius by Randy Gage – yet another find from a visit to a used bookstore – and I was not aware this book existed, either.

I picked it up for several reasons – notwithstanding, I believe I am slowly finding myself in the entrepreneur space. I was curious. I was interested. I was ready to explore.

And I’m glad I did.

Now, I’ll warn you right out the gate that the author does not use flowery language; it can be coarse and rough around the edges. But, if you acknowledge that many in the world today speak the same way – and are open to what he may have to say/teach, then you can certainly learn from this book.

I know I did.

 

Introduction – or Preface

 

He opens the book by talking about something humiliating: drug addiction.

His own drug addiction, that is.

I was reminded of Sherlock Holmes while reading this brief section. For those who may not know, Sherlock Holmes – the ever-famous detective, was often so bored between cases that he took up cocaine to stimulate his mind.

Perhaps, then, creative genius finds the ordinary world so dull they battle two feuding things at once: addiction and creation.

“As entrepreneurs, we’re hardwired to shake things up, live by our own set of rules, and, most importantly, create new things. Our greatest genius comes in the creation part.” – Page ix

Now, this may be new to you – it is to me. I haven’t thought in the realm of entrepreneurship for years; instead, I’ve often dwelt in the land of opportunity. For my part, it seems as though the two are beginning to intersect.

 

Book 1: The MYSTERIOUS PEOPLE and the SECRET SYSTEM THAT RUNS THE WORLD

The secret system the world runs on…interesting title

 

This chapter was an interesting one, and the basic premise of the title is this: people the world over will say you can’t do something. They will say you have to do a certain thing a certain way. You won’t be successful – nor will you be able to make this or that work. Why?

Because things have always been done a certain way. Because that’s just the way things are. It’s how they’ve always been done. We don’t change things up – that doesn’t make sense.

Perhaps you’ve heard that before. It could be you’ve said those words, yourself. At one time or another, it’s likely you’ve heard/said all of the above – and more.

“To truly harness your Mad Genius, you have to resist the urge to begin with tactics. You must first step back and do some critical thinking: What is the desired outcome here? Who is the real target market? What are the actual benefits for the people in the target group? What’s the big idea? What is the story that will communicate the big idea?” – Page 5

And there it is: thinking. Reflecting – or contemplating, if you like. Whatever word you wish to use, we should agree that the ability to really think things through is key. The author certainly believes it is.

 

“Ask any hundred people what the opposite of success is, and ninety-nine will probably answer, ‘Failure.’ But that’s the big lie. The real opposite of success is not failure but mediocrity. Not only is failure not the opposite of success, it is actually an integral and necessary element of success. There has never been a goal worthy of achieving that didn’t warrant some failures along the way. In fact, the greater the chance and degree of failure, the more astonishing any potential achievement can ultimately be.” – Page 9

I have several articles in the works discussing this very thing – which I call The Value of Failure. We have an unhealthy fear of failure when, in reality, failure can teach us lessons we likely can learn nowhere else. THAT’S how valuable it is. Seems the author knows this, too.

 

“The other big misconception about entrepreneurial success concerned money. Or more precisely, the lack of it…But in reality, no one has a money shortage. What they really suffer from is an idea shortage.” – Page 10

For what it’s worth, the author is right. The ideas that he is talking about are the ones that require vision, thinking outside the box, and being outlandish.

I’ll only add that coupled with the ideas – or lack thereof – is the energy to explore, organize, and execute those ideas. When people lack vision, they lack all of the accompanying traits, too.

 

The author writes, “Entrepreneurship is artistry, because we create entities that have never existed before. Like all true artists, we don’t create our art for the money or fame, we create our art because we have to. We have no problem becoming the next dot-com billionaire gracing the cover of Fast Company, be we’d do what we do whether it made us rich or not.” – Page 13

And he is absolutely right. I have to continue this website and the podcast. I must. I cannot ignore it.

For what it’s worth, I’d like to be financially set – I mean, who wouldn’t? But, in the end, I’ve been doing this for 6 years now, and have no intention to stop either way.

 

Related: Read 6 Years of The Wealthy Ironworker!

 

“It takes vision to see something that hasn’t been invented yet. It takes guts to go after that vision in the face of doubt, criticism, and even ridicule. It takes resiliency to stay the course in meager times.” – Page 16

The author is correct here, too: it most certainly does take vision, guts, and resiliency. Take stock of your own life, what qualities you possess (and, even more importantly, the ones you do not), have others evaluate you as well, and work on them.

 

“Innovation and other breakthrough ideas come about from a higher level of thinking than problem solving or even anticipating trends. Innovation and true breakthrough concepts come about only when we have the courage to go back to a blank canvas and envision a reality that has never existed before. This is Mad Genius. This is never saying no and seeing only possibilities.” –Pages 17, 18

This resonates with me because I live in the land of opportunity ALL THE TIME; it’s where I spend almost all of my time, if I’m honest. When someone tells me about a problem, issue, or something that’s missing, I often think of what opportunities there are. How can this or that work? What if I did this, or created that, or perhaps this other thing would work?

What’s more, most of the time, I don’t even need to be presented with something – I can often think of possibilities just by observing. The Power of Observation – another article in the works – is real and underutilized.

 

Comfort is often a prison – one you’ll need to escape if you want to achieve something

 

“No one ever had a momentous breakthrough in their comfort zone, and you won’t be the first. Be willing to pay the price.” – Page 22

Do you know where most people live? Where they reside on a daily basis? Where they are comfortable and complacent?

Their comfort zone. Another term for this – and it’s a bit more insulting – is mediocrity. Most people are content with being mediocre. Average. Common.

We all love to be comfortable and to really change things, you have to get uncomfortable to grow. Most people get tripped up, here. They simply want to meander through life, allowing it to toss you about, never trying to steer the ship, if you will.

If that defines you (and I’m sure there are millions, if not billions), then this book is probably not for you. It stretches your thinking, makes you realize you must be different, and truly harness the power of contemplation and creativity to change things up – including your life.

 

“There are millions of people who can tell you why something won’t work. You have to discover how it can.” – Page 25

Agreed.

 

Dream big

 

“Sometimes even brilliant entrepreneurs create a break-through product or concept – then let themselves devolve into the accepted practices and premises of the particular industry or field they set out to change.” – Page 33

You’ve seen this before: the newcomers become the incumbent. They unseat the establishment, become the new establishment, and the same things they railed against in their rise are embraced now they are the ones on top.

The author also talks about employees; so, if you are an owner, president, VP, executive, etc., this is for you.

He explains what he called the 20/70/10 Formula. The 20% of employees are the ones who want to do the absolute least, complain, devolve, and siphon resources from your company until you weed them out. The 10% represents the top-notch employees who are entrepreneurs at heart, think like them, and are probably just passing through your company – in pursuit of stating their own.

The other 70%? Those are the ones you can influence – and should be trying to, as well.

“The culture you set determines the thinking through all levels of the organization.” – Page 42

I’ll only add here that I have heard this over, and over, and over, and over so often it’s a bit nauseating. I tire of it because so many toss it around, and it’s an empty platitude. Don’t just say it – mean it, flesh it out, work at it for all you’re worth because, as the tight labor market is upon us (and will be for many years to come – the sooner you acknowledge this, the faster you can begin to build something that lasts), you need to understand as much of a problem before you attempt a solution.

 

“When someone tells you something is impossible, what he usually means is it’s difficult. When someone tells you it can’t be done, you have to take a step back and figure out why it can’t be done.” – Page 47

If you’re content, then the above doesn’t apply to you. But if it does – and for some of you reading, it will – stretch your thinking.

It will be one of your greatest assets in the future.

 

Book 2: The History of the Future

 

I’ll admit this right from the start: this was not my favorite section. It felt dystopian at times. The author, writing from 2016, essentially is trying to predict what the next decade (of which we are already 8 years into) will look like. This, of course, is designed to give people ideas to think about for opportunity.

“During the next ten years, mobile apps will disrupt marketing more than newspapers, radio, direct mail, television, and the Internet did combined.” – Page 56

For what it’s worth, he was right in this prediction. Apps have indeed created some of the most interesting disruptions, innovations, and products in the past 5 years alone.

Think about the apps you use now. How many do you use on a regular basis? How many of them have changed the way you’ve done things? I’m betting it’s a lot.

Moreover, I bet several of the apps you use are third-party ones.

“The reason third-party apps are taking off and will continue to accelerate is because they are built with a different mindset and perspective. Most businesses build their apps with the mindset of how to squeeze the most profit from their customers. When third-party developers build apps, they do it with the mindset of how customers want to use the product or service. How they like to buy and why.” – Page 59

Indeed, this makes sense – and should see more of it going forward.

 

Social Media is important – but it’s not everything

 

“Social media doesn’t make websites obsolete. But it does make them a lot less relevant. Lots of businesses think because they have a YouTube channel or a Facebook page they no longer need a website or app. This is very dangerous thinking.” – Page 70

This is a really good point the author makes – and for numerous reasons. Social media has benefits, there is no doubt about that, but in the end, a website gives you more options, ability, and freedom when it comes to getting bits of information to those who may be looking.

The trouble stems from people using them and marketing themselves correctly. Many people use them as a mere landing page, never tweaking, adding, reducing, or increasing what they can do overall.

The reason for this? People aren’t interested or willing to think about how to do it. It’s a mere box to check.

 

Much of this “book” is the author bringing up and then discussing possibilities, disruptions, and creative innovation to capitalize, address, and solve some of the problems. There are other nuggets I found thought-provoking, though:

“Three centuries later, we’re still following the same educational model they used back then [Immanuel Kant and/or Thomas Jefferson], one that was designed to train people to work in factories or on farms…Other than these flickers of creativity and the movement toward online learning, education is still stuck in thinking that’s three centuries old. Is it any wonder so many executives who were trained in our business schools exhibit such derivative, corporate, and herd mentality thinking today?” – Page 98

Yeah, I wholeheartedly agree with him, there. For my part, I think that we should have some serious discussions about the value of our education system – and certainly our approach. The quality of our education has decreased over the past 50 years. This typically calls for reform of a substantial type – not continuing the status quo.

What’s more, the immense speed at which changes take place also means we should approach education differently. Technology has allowed rapid growth everywhere, and an old education model cannot possibly keep up.

I don’t have the answers, nor do I see where the author proposes to have them, either. But I know we aren’t having the conversation.

 

“Will we reach a point when a six-or nine-month certification in some area from some entity (might be a university, might not be) will be infinitely more valuable than an MBA or even a Ph.D.?” – Page 99

Given that people determine value, I could see this happening.

“The amount of debt required for most people to get a college education today is obscene. The marketability of a degree wanes, the cost continues to rise, and its actual viability and value in the employment market is diminishing.” – Page 100

Hmmm, where have we heard this before?

Ah, yes, from The Wealthy Ironworker, time and time again.

The author rounds out this “book” by highlighting that entrepreneurs have to be willing to not just think outside the box – but also willing to blow it up.

Since I live outside the box, I’d say he’s right.

 

 

Book 3: The Age of the Entrepreneur

Vision, curiosity, creativity, ideas…all hallmarks of an entrepreneur

 

“The smarter you are, the greater the likelihood you are intellectually lazy. Don’t be.” – Page 108

That is where we begin in the third “book,” and I think it is a fair warning for everyone.

Why? Because even if you aren’t or don’t consider yourself to be an intellectual, you still have the possibility of being lazy.

And, no matter where you find yourself, don’t be lazy.

Simple.

 

“First, you have to be doing work that matters to you. It doesn’t have to be important to everyone, but it better be important to you. Nothing dumbs down and dampens creativity like wasting it in the pursuit of mediocrity. Attempt epic things so intoxicating they pull you towards them. It may or may not be work that changes the world, but it better change your state. It should bring you joy, ignite your passion, or bring you harmony.” – Page 110

There are jobs – and then there are passions.

Now, long-time readers know I continually promote the pursuit of opportunity over passion. And for a career where you need to support your family, I have not changed – nor will I. Far too many are victims of people who have megaphones coupled with poor advice.

Now, for your hobbies – or pet projects that COULD turn into something substantial (especially when we talk about entrepreneurially minded ventures), the advice is different – and follows that of the author. If you aren’t interested in it in the first place, why are you wasting your free time with it?

 

“Mad Genius is the ability to think creatively and see opportunities that aren’t so obvious.” – Page 119

If you don’t live in the land of opportunity, how do you see them?

With blurry eyes.

 

“The best way to capture concepts, however, is to create them. That’s where taking action comes in. Imagination by itself is not creativity. Creativity requires that you actually do something with what you’re daydreaming about. Start that company, launch that new product, develop that innovative app…You’ll learn as much or more from your failures as you will your successes.” – Page 128

This is an interesting observation by the author – and one I believe needs to be stated.

Earlier, he said there was a lack of ideas, and I completely agree – there definitely is. Taking that a step further, however, even fewer people take their ideas and act on them. With that one-two-punch combo, it’s a wonder we innovate to the degree we have thus far.

Framed another way, what kind of progress, creativity, innovation, exploration, etc. would be created – and society benefit from – if more people had ideas AND acted on them?

 

How curious are you? Will you try to make the impossible possible?

 

“The power of curiosity to drive innovation, critical thinking, and creativity cannot be overstated.” – Page 142

“Entrepreneurs don’t have the luxury of such closed minds. We don’t even have the luxury of simply objective minds…Question everything. You start with being objective. Then become subjective. Then you become unreasonable. and if that still doesn’t take you where you need to be, you move on to outrageous. Question everything.” – Page 145

“Curiosity comes from inquisitiveness, and being inquisitive is a foundation for creative thinking. By their very nature, brilliant entrepreneurs question everything. ‘Why is everyone doing it that way?’ ‘Why can’t it be done?’ ‘I know it’s impossible, but if it were possible, how could we do it?'” – Page 146

The above three quotes really drive home a point, and I’m inclined to agree heartily: creativity is something many people, especially by the time they reach adulthood, do not attempt to foster AT ALL – and that is a shame. It’s needed for entrepreneurial pursuits.

Moreover, he talks about The Power of Curiosity (my words, not his – website article/podcast episode to come), but in my experience, there are fewer curious people than those with creativity – A LOT less. If you possess curiosity, and have an entrepreneurial spirit – use it!!

 

“Every industry has its sacred cows and accepted practices. These are based on foundational beliefs, and often those beliefs are based on premises that are no longer valid. (if they ever even were.)” – Page 149

Sacred cows often get in the way; sometimes, in the name of progress, they should be done away with.

 

“Entrepreneurs have no need for the science versus art debate. We know that entrepreneurial thinking requires both…Creative people aren’t necessarily those who are the best educated or possess the highest IQs. In fact, because of the way the formal education system is designed, it often squelched creativity, Much of what is taught in schools and universities today is simply memorization, which inhibits creativity.” – Page 167

“Eventually the school system beats their creativity into submission…Cherish your visions, nourish your creativity, and sow your ideals, Find the magic in your imagination.” – Page 168

You know what? The author is exactly right here – and this is something we touch on here at The Wealthy Ironworker; that is, the formal education system destroys a person’s love of learning. The ramifications of this follow adults throughout their lives, and, as a result, many people never really grow. It’s one of the reasons we have 50 year olds who are as mature as their counterparts 20 years younger.

 

Related: Read The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth – Book Review

 

“One major thing that separates a successful entrepreneur from those who are not successful is their willingness to fail. Successful people fail all the time. We fail our way to success. We fail where others have succeeded, sure, but more importantly, we fail where no one else has thought to try.

I said earlier the opposite of success is not failure but mediocrity. Failure is simply part of the success process. It teaches you lessons, develops your character, and allows you to modify your approach to find the right way to reach greatness.

Remember, the entrepreneur who doesn’t make mistakes doesn’t make anything.” – Page 173

We have an unhealthy fear of failure. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it isn’t fun. No, I don’t advocate we pursue failure. BUT, I do advocate we have a realistic understanding of what it is, what it’s not, and just how valuable it is.

Yes, you read that last part right: Failure is extremely valuable. The reason? Because you can learn from it, and often, you learn FAR more than when you are a success.

 

“If you want to be a thought leader, market leader, or change the world – you have to give up the need to be liked. Telling people what they want to hear makes you popular. Telling people what they need to hear makes you relevant, empowering, and significant.

Don’t pander to the masses. Speak to the people you really want to reach and be honest. Challenge them to do more and become better. And know that if you’re not attracting some haters – you’re probably not doing something significant.” – Pages 197, 198

I appreciate the author’s take here. I’ve said this before, but it is worth saying it again: We spend far too much time when we are younger worried about what others think of us. Then we get older, and we get to a point where we care less about what others think. Then we get older and find out no one thought about us in the first place.

If the above is talking about you, own it, understand the problem, and break free from it. You won’t regret it.

 

Have you ever needed more ideas on how to be creative?

The author has some really good advice about that:

“One of the all-time greatest techniques for getting creative juices flowing and really thinking off the chain is mind mapping. This is a process that is inherently creative, and all it requires is a pen and paper (and your open mind).” – Page 207

 

Mind Mapping can help you tremendously

 

“I knew that for most people and companies, the biggest obstacle they face is thinking it is safe to play it safe. And nothing could be further from the truth. The rules have changed, and playing it safe is actually the riskiest thing you can do today.

Please, Stop playing it safe and take a risk, because that’s where the breakthroughs live. Stop living safe and start really living.” – Pages 215, 216

You know what? 20 years from now, you will regret the decision you DIDN’T make FAR MORE than the ones you did.

I PROMISE YOU. 

The sooner you realize this, the better off you’ll be.

 

Lastly, rounding out this last “book,” the author leaves up with these words:

“There has never been a better time to go from broke to multimillionaire – or even multi-billionaire – than right now.

The critical thinkers who ask – and answer – the right questions will lead the companies and ventures that capture market share in the new space. They will be visionaries who create bold new products, reinvent entire industries, blow up tired assumptions, and create thermofu**ingnuclear.” – Page 217

“Don’t be one of the millions who coasted through their lives and died with their genius still left untapped. If you hoard your Mad Genius, it whithers away. When you share it, it grows stronger…Please. Stop playing small and step into your greatness. Too many people in the business world are waiting for their fears to subside so they can act. So they never do.” – Page 219

Agreed – and well said.

 

 

This book was a surprise find, but several of the best books I’ve read up until now have been.

Perhaps you’re like me, and you don’t really think of yourself as an entrepreneur. But maybe you should. Maybe this is just the paradigm shift you need to break out of your own limits. It could be the very thing that sets your life ablaze.

And maybe that’s exactly what you need.

If you are in the market for a book to foster that entrepreneurial spirit, help you identify it, or harness it for some ideas you may have, be sure to pick up this book. You can get it here.