BookBabble #30: "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey

"Raucous stories and outlaw wisdom from the Academy Award-winning actor"

So we've reached number 30 of these here BookBabbles, but I won't read an acceptance speech, I'll leave that to the professionals. It just so happens we have one today…

You’ll probably be familiar with Matthew McConaughey, a Hollywood actor of course famous for a number of roles. I was fairly indifferent to his work; never a fan as such, he was fine but just another actor really in some half-decent romps.

A few years back I saw a commencement speech he gave to a bunch of students, talking about his 13 truths which put him in another light, and a few bits and pieces popped up on YouTube. It struck me that there may be a bit more to this character.

And a couple of years back I listened to a podcast with him and Tim Ferriss. As an aside, he initially popped up on YouTube on a Gary Vaynerchuk podcast but that was unwatchable as it appeared to be mostly Gary V interviewing Gary V, so I searched for an alternative. Ol’ Tim F popped up and he does a much better job of being a facilitator for a guest to tell their story (and promote whatever they have coming out).

So you can have a click on those links in the last couple of paragraphs to get that flavour, but he was mostly on to plug his new book, Greenlights. He summarised a few key points and I thought it worth getting the book.

And so I did, and a BookBabble cometh!

Let’s see what he has to say…

Some great quotes from the book followed by my additional thoughts…

believes it’s okay to have a beer on the way to the temple

It's not about being perfect all the time. You can strive for high goals, but still have a bit of fun in the process. If you enjoy certain things, then you should indulge in moderation. Not only will it not end your journey, it may even help.

I learned how to hustle, sell, charm, turn a tide, make a downfall my upfall, and spin a yarn.

He's a sweet talkin' Texan, full of wisdom and able to captivate a crowd. He has the gift of the gab and the right attitude besides to enable him to bend the world to his wants. A lot of this was inate to his personality and a lot was learnt through the years.

“Don’t walk into a place like you wanna buy it, walk in like you own it.”

This was a quote from his mother. That confidence of entering a room like you own the place. Not in an arrogant way, but like you belong and everyone should want to know you. A magnetism that's hard to resist.

Source

Don’t half-ass it

This was 'advice' (more of an instruction) from his dad. Matthew was giving up his career to jump into this whole uncertain acting thing. Instead of giving a lecture or trying to talk him out of it, he simply said ok, but don't half-ass it and put down the phone.

The thing is: do whatever you want but go for it 100%. No half measures, no 'dipping' your toe… jump in completely giving it your all. It gives you the best chance of success plus you can face yourself and others that you genuinely did the best you could.

Too often we're just having a little look, and there was a danger here of a passing interest not yielding fruits. Doing it properly opens a whole new world, and if it doesn't work out you can hold your head high and turn to the next thing, and approach that with the same gusto.

Simplify, focus, conserve to liberate

Freedom and forward momentum come from exactly that - simplifying things and with a laser focus. Here Matthew had to cut out a couple of projects to double down on what he really wanted.

If thine eye be single, Thy whole body will be full of light. —MATTHEW 6:22

A different - biblical - Matthew ;) but the message is sound. This quote is really all about focus and the (super)power it holds. We are so distracted that we are scattered all over the place. Just directing that attention brings great energy and results.

And the third eye, as it were.

first recognize the problem, then stabilize the situation, organize the response, then respond.

The process to getting on top of an issue. Recognise it, then act in an organised approach once it has been addressed.

we don’t live longer when we try not to die, we live longer when we’re too busy livin

Profound. Time to get busy livin'! :)

Thanks Matthew! Anything Else?

An interesting chap with a deep spiritual/religious side.

He also made some tough decisions regarding his acting career. He talks about taking over the mantle of male rom-com lead from Hugh Grant for a while. As in, he was the go-to guy for those pleasant romantic comedies, and Matt could be seen with his shirt off chasing after girls (or them chasing him, whatever).

Matthew didn’t want to be typecast for the rest of his life, plus those type of roles may dwindle as he gets older anyway. So he actively turned down some good offers and waited it out for parts playing other styles of characters. You will have seen a few of these over the past decade or so.

And I’m glad he did, as it shows a lot more depth to his acting abilities, his contribution as an artist, and the man himself.

He also put me on to the classic book, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, which had been a very important read to him. He followed the instructions to the letter and lived the principles contained. A dedicated student and it shows in his conduct and success.

So I'll give this book the 'green light'… worth a read if you like the man himself, or a fun yarn and another take on it all. Not an absolute classic in my book (pun intended) but a very solid offering and you're sure to gain something.

First image my own, second linked to source + quotes from the book

Check out the others in the series…