Introduction
In his book "Illogical," former NFL player turned media personality Emmanuel Acho takes readers on a journey through his unconventional career path and shares valuable insights on achieving success by defying conventional wisdom. Acho's story is one of resilience, self-belief, and the courage to take risks in pursuit of one's dreams.
The book begins with a pivotal moment in Acho's life: a career-ending injury during an NFL game. This setback forces him to make a crucial decision between following the logical path of waiting for his injury to heal and hoping for another chance in football, or taking an illogical leap into a completely new career in media. Acho's choice to pursue the latter sets the stage for the book's central theme: the power of embracing illogical thinking to achieve extraordinary results.
Throughout the book, Acho challenges readers to question societal norms, overcome self-doubt, and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. He argues that true success often lies beyond the boundaries of conventional wisdom and that by thinking illogically, we can unlock our full potential and achieve our wildest dreams.
The Power of Illogical Thinking
Acho begins by defining what he means by "illogical" thinking. For him, logic represents conventional wisdom – the principles and procedures that society generally agrees are sensible. However, he argues that these conventional ideas often limit our potential and prevent us from pursuing truly meaningful goals.
To illustrate this point, Acho uses the example of beauty standards throughout history. He points out how these standards have changed dramatically over time, from the full-figured ideal of the Italian Renaissance to today's often unrealistic expectations. This example serves to show how arbitrary and changeable "conventional wisdom" can be, and why we shouldn't let it dictate our lives and aspirations.
Acho encourages readers to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and to define success on their own terms. He emphasizes that being illogical means not allowing your value, success, or greatness to be determined by others. Instead, it's about believing in yourself and your abilities, even when others doubt you.
The author shares his personal experience of choosing the illogical path after his NFL career ended. Despite having no background in media, he decided to pursue a career in television. This decision went against what everyone expected of him, but it ultimately led to his success as a media personality and allowed him to make a significant impact on important social issues.
Embracing Childlike Faith
One of the key concepts Acho introduces is the idea of embracing "childlike faith" in pursuing your goals. He uses the story of a professional gambler known as "The Kid" to illustrate this point. In a high-stakes game of blackjack, The Kid confidently bets a large sum of money despite the odds being stacked against him. Against all probability, he wins.
While Acho isn't advocating for reckless gambling, he uses this story to highlight the importance of confidence and self-belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. He encourages readers to approach their dreams with the same level of unwavering faith, regardless of how unlikely success may seem.
The author emphasizes that being prepared for success is largely a matter of mindset. He argues that we all have the power to believe in ourselves and form new opinions about our futures. Acho challenges readers to identify what they're willing to be illogical about – the deep-seated beliefs and aspirations that they're willing to pursue no matter what.
This section of the book serves as a call to action for readers to tap into their inner child's sense of limitless possibility. Acho reminds us that we don't need to be smarter, more qualified, or "more" of anything to follow our calling. We simply need to believe in ourselves and take action.
Overcoming Fear: The David Mindset
Acho uses the biblical story of David and Goliath to illustrate the power of overcoming fear and self-doubt. In this well-known tale, the young shepherd David faces the giant warrior Goliath, defying the odds and emerging victorious. Acho draws parallels between this story and the challenges we face in pursuing our dreams.
The author encourages readers to adopt what he calls the "David mindset" – the ability to push past the fears and doubts of others and act on our own instincts and beliefs. He shares his own "David moment" when he decided to launch his YouTube show "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" in the wake of George Floyd's murder, despite warnings from others about the potential risks to his career.
Acho emphasizes that we all have our own unique strengths and tools that we can use to face our challenges. He encourages readers to reflect on their past victories and the skills they've developed. Whether you're naturally outspoken or quietly determined, Acho argues that there's a way to leverage your strengths in pursuing your goals.
The key takeaway from this section is the importance of taking action despite fear and doubt. Acho urges readers to doubt their doubters, doubt their own doubts, and begin by taking that first step towards their dreams.
The Pitfall of Goal-Setting
In a somewhat controversial stance, Acho argues against the conventional wisdom of goal-setting. He shares a personal story from his high school years when he set two specific goals: becoming homecoming king and winning Athlete of the Year. Despite his best efforts, he achieved neither, leading to deep disappointment and self-doubt.
From this experience, Acho learned what he considers an important lesson: that setting specific goals can actually limit our potential and set us up for failure. He argues that goals create a ceiling for our achievements and can prevent us from dreaming bigger or in different directions.
The author uses the example of Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. While this was a remarkable achievement, Acho questions whether the four-minute mark was an arbitrary limitation. What if Bannister could have run even faster without this specific goal in mind?
Instead of setting goals, Acho proposes focusing on objectives with no limitations. He defines an objective as "something toward which effort is directed," but without a specific, defined endpoint. This approach, he argues, allows for infinite possibilities and prevents the damaging effects on self-worth that can come from not achieving a set goal.
Acho shares how this mindset has shaped his own career. When he entered the media world, people asked if he wanted to be the next Michael Strahan. He refused to set this as his goal, recognizing that it would limit his potential to create something entirely new and unique.
The Earmuff Principle
Acho introduces the concept of the "earmuff principle" through a story about attending a loud rap concert. He observed a mother with a sleeping child, who was able to rest peacefully despite the noise thanks to a pair of earmuffs. This anecdote serves as a metaphor for dealing with negativity and doubt when pursuing ambitious goals.
The author emphasizes the importance of selectively "putting on your earmuffs" when faced with skepticism or criticism. He shares a personal example from the launch of his YouTube show, when he received a discouraging text from a colleague just minutes before recording. Instead of letting the doubt derail him, Acho chose to ignore it and proceed with the show, which went on to become a massive success.
Acho acknowledges that when you're on the verge of doing something truly great, there will always be voices trying to hold you back. The earmuff principle is about recognizing these voices but not allowing them to overwhelm or deter you from your path.
However, the author also cautions against completely tuning out all feedback. He advises readers to be discerning about when to use their "earmuffs" and when to listen to constructive criticism. The key is to stay true to your vision while remaining open to valuable input that could help you improve.
Breaking Patterns and Staying Open to Opportunities
Acho emphasizes the importance of breaking established patterns and staying open to unexpected opportunities. He illustrates this point with a personal story about receiving an unexpected phone call from actor Matthew McConaughey, which led to a collaboration on his YouTube show.
The author admits that he initially hesitated to answer the call, as he had developed a pattern of ignoring unknown numbers due to past negative experiences in his NFL career. However, by breaking this pattern and answering the call, he opened himself up to an incredible opportunity.
Acho uses this example to encourage readers to challenge their established patterns and beliefs. He argues that by staying open to new possibilities and believing that "this time could be different," we create space for unexpected opportunities and potential breakthroughs in our lives and careers.
This section of the book serves as a reminder that success often comes from being willing to step outside our comfort zones and break free from limiting habits or thought patterns. Acho encourages readers to cultivate a mindset of openness and curiosity, always ready to seize unexpected chances for growth and success.
The Importance of Authenticity
Throughout the book, Acho emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in the pursuit of success. He shares how his outspoken nature, which often got him into trouble as a child, turned out to be his greatest asset in his media career.
The author encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and perspectives, even if they don't conform to societal norms. He argues that authenticity is not only personally fulfilling but also a powerful tool for making a meaningful impact in the world.
Acho's own journey from NFL player to media personality and social commentator serves as a testament to the power of authenticity. By speaking openly about difficult topics like racism and using his platform to foster important conversations, he has been able to create a unique and impactful career.
This section of the book challenges readers to reflect on their own authentic selves and consider how they can leverage their unique qualities to achieve their goals and make a difference in the world.
Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Acho doesn't shy away from discussing failure in his book. Instead, he reframes it as an essential part of the journey to success. He shares several personal stories of setbacks and disappointments, including his injury in the NFL and his failed high school goals.
The author argues that these failures, while painful at the time, were crucial in shaping his path and leading him to greater opportunities. He encourages readers to view their own failures not as endpoints, but as valuable learning experiences and stepping stones to future success.
Acho emphasizes the importance of resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. He argues that it's not the absence of failure that defines successful people, but their ability to learn from failures and keep moving forward.
This perspective on failure aligns with Acho's overall message of thinking illogically. By reframing failure as a positive rather than a negative, we can free ourselves from the fear that often holds us back from taking risks and pursuing our dreams.
The Power of Networking and Relationships
While much of the book focuses on individual mindset and actions, Acho also highlights the importance of building strong relationships and networks. He shares how various connections and collaborations have played crucial roles in his career development.
The author encourages readers to be open to forming new relationships and to value the connections they already have. He emphasizes that success is rarely achieved in isolation and that having a strong support network can provide opportunities, advice, and encouragement along the way.
Acho also discusses the importance of being willing to ask for help and advice from others. He shares how reaching out to mentors and peers has helped him navigate challenges and make important decisions in his career.
This section of the book serves as a reminder that while individual effort and mindset are crucial, the ability to build and maintain positive relationships is also a key factor in achieving success.
Cultivating Curiosity and Continuous Learning
Throughout "Illogical," Acho emphasizes the importance of maintaining a curious mindset and committing to lifelong learning. He shares how his willingness to explore new fields and acquire new skills has been instrumental in his career transition and ongoing success.
The author encourages readers to stay curious about the world around them and to constantly seek out new knowledge and experiences. He argues that this approach not only leads to personal growth but also opens up new opportunities and perspectives that can fuel success.
Acho also discusses the importance of being willing to start from scratch in new endeavors. He shares how he had to learn the ins and outs of the media industry from the ground up, despite his success in football. This willingness to be a beginner again, he argues, is crucial for anyone looking to make significant changes in their career or life path.
This section of the book serves as a call to action for readers to embrace a growth mindset and to view every experience as an opportunity to learn and improve.
The Role of Passion and Purpose
A key theme throughout "Illogical" is the importance of identifying and pursuing one's passion and purpose. Acho shares how discovering his true calling in media and social commentary has led to a fulfilling and impactful career.
The author encourages readers to reflect deeply on what truly excites and motivates them. He argues that when we align our careers and lives with our passions and sense of purpose, we're more likely to persevere through challenges and achieve meaningful success.
Acho also discusses the idea that our purpose can evolve over time. He shares how his own sense of purpose shifted from being a successful athlete to using his platform to address important social issues. This perspective encourages readers to stay open to new passions and purposes as they grow and evolve.
The book emphasizes that pursuing one's passion and purpose often requires taking illogical steps and going against conventional wisdom. Acho argues that this alignment of action with passion is what ultimately leads to true fulfillment and success.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Acho addresses the common challenge of imposter syndrome – the feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evident success. He shares his own experiences of feeling like an outsider or a fraud, particularly when he first entered the media industry.
The author provides strategies for overcoming these feelings, including recognizing and challenging negative self-talk, focusing on one's unique strengths and experiences, and remembering past successes. He emphasizes that feeling like an imposter is common, especially when pursuing ambitious goals or entering new fields.
Acho encourages readers to push through these feelings of self-doubt and to recognize that their unique perspectives and experiences are valuable. He argues that what we often perceive as weaknesses or reasons why we don't belong can actually be our greatest strengths.
This section of the book serves as a reassurance to readers who may be struggling with self-doubt, encouraging them to persist in their pursuits despite these challenging feelings.
The Importance of Taking Action
A recurring theme throughout "Illogical" is the crucial importance of taking action. Acho emphasizes that while mindset and preparation are important, nothing can replace the act of actually doing.
The author shares numerous examples from his own life where taking action, even when he felt unprepared or uncertain, led to significant opportunities and successes. He encourages readers to adopt a "ready, fire, aim" approach – to start moving towards their goals even if they don't feel fully prepared.
Acho argues that action itself is often the best teacher and that many of life's most valuable lessons come from doing rather than planning or theorizing. He challenges readers to identify areas in their lives where they've been hesitating and to take concrete steps towards their goals.
This emphasis on action aligns with the book's overall message of thinking illogically. Acho argues that waiting for the perfect moment or until we feel fully ready often leads to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Embracing Discomfort and Challenge
Acho dedicates a significant portion of the book to discussing the importance of embracing discomfort and challenges. He argues that growth and success often lie on the other side of discomfort, and that by willingly stepping into challenging situations, we can accelerate our personal and professional development.
The author shares personal stories of how he's pushed himself out of his comfort zone, from transitioning to a new career to tackling difficult conversations about race on his show. He emphasizes that these moments of discomfort, while often unpleasant in the moment, have been crucial to his growth and success.
Acho encourages readers to actively seek out challenges and to view discomfort as a sign of growth rather than a reason to retreat. He provides strategies for pushing through discomfort, including reframing challenges as opportunities and focusing on the potential growth and learning that can come from difficult situations.
This section of the book serves as a call to action for readers to embrace difficulty rather than avoid it, positioning discomfort as a necessary and valuable part of the journey to success.
The Power of Visualization and Positive Thinking
While Acho's book is largely focused on action, he also discusses the importance of visualization and positive thinking in achieving success. He shares how he's used these techniques throughout his career, from visualizing successful plays on the football field to imagining positive outcomes for his media projects.
The author emphasizes that visualization isn't about passive daydreaming, but rather a active mental rehearsal that prepares us for real-world action. He provides techniques for effective visualization, including engaging all the senses and visualizing not just the end goal, but the process of achieving it.
Acho also discusses the impact of positive thinking on our ability to persevere through challenges and seize opportunities. He encourages readers to cultivate a positive mindset, not through blind optimism, but through a realistic yet hopeful approach to life's challenges.
This section of the book provides readers with practical tools for harnessing the power of their minds to support their illogical pursuits and ambitious goals.
The Importance of Self-Care and Balance
While much of "Illogical" focuses on pushing boundaries and taking risks, Acho also emphasizes the importance of self-care and maintaining balance in the pursuit of success. He shares his own struggles with burnout and the lessons he's learned about the importance of rest and rejuvenation.
The author argues that true success isn't just about achieving external goals, but also about maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. He provides strategies for incorporating self-care into busy schedules and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to protect one's energy and focus.
Acho also discusses the concept of work-life integration rather than work-life balance, encouraging readers to find ways to align their personal values and interests with their professional pursuits. He shares how his own career has allowed him to integrate his passion for social justice with his professional work.
This section of the book serves as a reminder that the journey to success is a marathon, not a sprint, and that taking care of oneself is crucial for long-term achievement and fulfillment.
Conclusion: Embracing Your "It"
Acho concludes "Illogical" by encouraging readers to identify and embrace their unique "it" – their innate talents and passions that can lead to extraordinary success and fulfillment. He shares how he discovered that his true "it" wasn't football, as he long believed, but rather his ability to communicate and connect with others.
The author provides guidance for readers to discover their own "it," encouraging them to reflect on their natural inclinations from childhood, the activities that bring them joy and energy, and the skills that seem to come effortlessly to them.
Acho emphasizes that once we identify our "it," it's crucial to invest in developing and leveraging this unique gift. He encourages readers to dedicate time, resources, and energy to honing their special talents, even if it seems illogical or impractical in the short term.
The book ends with a call to action for readers to embrace their unique paths, to think illogically in pursuit of their dreams, and to trust in their ability to create extraordinary lives and careers. Acho's final message is one of empowerment and possibility, encouraging readers to break free from conventional wisdom and to chart their own courses to success and fulfillment.
In essence, "Illogical" is a roadmap for those willing to challenge the status quo and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and inspiring insights, Emmanuel Acho provides readers with the tools and motivation to think differently, act boldly, and achieve the extraordinary. The book serves as both a personal narrative of unconventional success and a guide for others looking to forge their own unique paths in life and career.