Reading Reflection No. 3: Assignment 27

    The story of Phil Knight is one that truly inspires you to reach for your goals and dreams. What surprised me the most was the risk that he took going to Japan to meet with executives without a real backing to help him. This risk was high as they could have dismissed him, but he believed that he could stand up and pitch his idea to the executives of Tiger shoes. I admired the most the drive he possess to seek out his dream regardless of his classmates and parents opinions. It is very easy to take the words of a few people and drop your dream, but Phil Knight didn't do that.

    What I least admire about Phil Knight is the fact that he proves me wrong. I keep waiting patiently for the "correct moment" to launch a business and seeing that isn't the way to do it makes me uncomfortable. Truly the lack of admiration in this factor is more of a jealousy, but I will use it moving forward to help me step out of my comfort zone. Facing the adversity of no backing financially or from friends, classmates, and his parents at first made it tough. Seeing that no one is in your side of the ring can really stack the odds against you mentally, but Phil pushed through that and sought out his dream regardless.

    Phil displays plenty of competencies that he proudly shares with us in his book. For one, he never let his dream stay a dream. I constantly have ideas that have reoccured over the years yet I have not pursued them. Phil Knight broke through that wall and chased them down. He also has a great risk-taking ability. His risks were calculated yet still remained high. Regardless, he knew that failure was an option and if that was the outcome, it would only lead him to greater heights.

    I would love to ask Phil Knight how he suppressed the doubts of his father. It is really hard to not take your parents advice when it comes to taking risks, so I struggle with balancing chasing a dream and heading my parents advice to steer clear. Secondly, I'd love to know more about how to stayed committed to his dream when Nike was still wasn't profitable. Nowadays, it is hard to have a start up from the ground up without showing a profit. I'd love some advice on how to convince myself and others its worth fighting forwards for. 

    Overall, I do share Phil Knight's drive for hardworking. When the odds are stacked against you, it is easy to let them overwhelm you. Phil didn't let the doubt or lack interest steer him away from his dreams. He went to extreme lengths to even sign a deal without having the money backing to help propel him towards his goals. He knew that with his passion, he couldn't fail. 

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