Unremarkable to Extraordinary

About the Author

Jeremy Ryan Slate is a dynamic and inspirational figure whose life’s work revolves around helping others unlock their extraordinary potential. A passionate storyteller, Jeremy's journey includes interviewing nearly one thousand world-class performers and newsmakers, gathering insights and life lessons to share with the world. His extensive research and personal experiences have culminated in his book, "Unremarkable To Extraordinary: Ignite Your Passion To Go From Passive Observer to Creator Of Your Own Life." Jeremy's commitment to guiding others on their path to greatness is evident in every page of his work.

Main Idea

"Unremarkable To Extraordinary" is a guide to harnessing one’s inner potential to live an extraordinary life. Jeremy Ryan Slate emphasizes that every individual possesses the capability to be extraordinary, but it requires courage, self-education, resilience, and a proactive approach to life. Through inspirational stories, practical advice, and actionable takeaways, Slate aims to push readers out of their comfort zones and into a life of greatness. The book is structured to inspire, educate, and motivate readers to become creators of their own lives rather than passive observers.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. It Takes Courage
3. Your Mo Lewis Moment
4. Don’t Follow Your Passion
5. Learning from Failure
6. Done Is Better Than Perfect
7. Create Your Own Opportunities
8. Define Your Success
9. Past, Present, and Future Vision
10. Be the One to Tell Your Story
11. Radical Responsibility
12. The Duty of Leadership
13. Conclusion: Finding Your Extraordinary

Introduction

Jeremy Ryan Slate opens the book by sharing his journey of interviewing nearly one thousand world-class performers. These conversations revealed the core elements of what it means to be extraordinary. The book is designed to be an adventure, guiding readers through inspirational takeaways, facts, stories, and recommended reads. Slate encourages readers to see their path and embrace their journey towards greatness.

It Takes Courage

The single greatest component of being extraordinary is courage. Jeremy asserts that courage is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, consistent steps we take in our daily lives. He shares the story of JJ Virgin, a New York Times bestselling author who exemplified courage when she needed to pay for her son's medical care. Virgin's determination and resilience highlight the power of courage in overcoming obstacles.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” - Mark Twain

Jeremy reflects on his own journey, noting that it took him 32 years to embrace courage, primarily in speaking his mind and not conforming to please others. He urges readers to define what courage means to them and take that first step, regardless of age or circumstances.

Your Mo Lewis Moment

Jeremy introduces the concept of the "Mo Lewis Moment," which refers to being prepared for opportunities when they arise. He uses the story of Tom Brady, who, despite being an underdog, was ready when his moment came during the 2001 NFL season. Brady's preparation and perseverance led him to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. The key lesson here is to always be prepared for opportunities, even when they seem distant.

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” - Seneca

Don’t Follow Your Passion

Contrary to popular advice, Jeremy suggests not following your passion blindly but rather bringing it with you. He shares Mike Rowe's perspective: find something you're good at, work at it, and let your passion develop through mastery. Many successful people, including Grant Cardone and Kevin Harrington, have achieved greatness through continuous self-education and resilience, not by solely chasing their passions.

“Do not follow your passion, but always bring it with you.” - Mike Rowe

Learning from Failure

The fear of failure often prevents people from trying new things. Jeremy emphasizes that failure is an essential part of the journey to becoming extraordinary. He cites the example of Nick Swisher, a baseball player who faced numerous rejections before finally succeeding. Swisher's story illustrates that failures are valuable learning experiences that pave the way for future success.