How Nike’s origins – Shoe Dog – can inspire your own journey

Have you ever found yourself on a long commute, staring out the window of your bus or train, and wishing you had a good book to pass the time?

Well, look no further than Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog.

This memoir, chronicling the early years of Nike and the journey of its co-founder, is the perfect read to make your morning (or evening) commute a little more enjoyable.

Here are five reasons why —

Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog: The personal account of success and failure you need

1. It’s a page-turner

From the first chapter, Shoe Dog grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.

Phil Knight’s writing is both engaging and conversational, making it easy to get lost in the story of Nike’s early days.

Warren Buffet said of the book —

“ The best book I read last year was Shoe Dog, by Nike’s Phil Knight. Phil is a very wise, intelligent and competitive fellow who is also a gifted storyteller.”

2. The book makes you live through the journey

Shoe Dog is more than just a business book — it’s a journey.

From Knight’s early days as a runner at the University of Oregon to the founding of Nike and beyond, the book takes you on a wild ride.

As Knight writes,

“The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.”

3. The book never fails to inspire you

Knight’s perseverance in the face of difficult situations is truly inspiring.

When we think of Nike, we think it’s a near-perfect brand. The book shows how close the company was to bankruptcy. How real and grounded their processes were.

As he writes in Shoe Dog,

“I’d tell men and women in their mid-twenties not to settle for a job or a profession or even a career. Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it. If you’re following your calling, the fatigue will be easier to bear, the disappointments will be fuel, the highs will be like nothing you’ve ever felt.”

4. Shoe Dog is a personal account of success and failure

Shoe Dog is refreshingly honest about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Knight doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way, making it a relatable read for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.

5. The book offers insights into the origins of a Brand

Nike is now a household name, but it wasn’t always that way.

The book offers a fascinating look at the early days of the company, from designing the iconic swoosh logo to the creation of the first Nike shoe.

And guess what, the Nike logo cost Phil Knight only $35!

Final Thoughts

Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog is the perfect read to make your morning (or evening) commute a little more enjoyable.

It’s an inspiring story of entrepreneurship and an entertaining look at the business world

Thanks to the conversational tone, it’s great to escape from your commute. So grab a copy and get lost in the story.

This article was first published in Medium and it contains affiliate links.

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