Phil Knight’s Secret Regret

Audible and I have a wonderful relationship. The app allows me to digest books while I can walk around aimlessly untethered to a physical book. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing the last few nights as I’ve devoured (via my ears) the book, Shoe Dog.

For those interested, Phil Knight (Nike Founder) documents his life and Nike in a masterful way. At the end of book, Phil talks about the regrets he has about his business and his life. In regards to the relationship with his son, he states “...my secret regret, is that I can’t do it over again. God, how I wish I could relive the whole thing.”

After 13 hours of listening, any sane mind would conclude Phil Knight and Nike lead a rollercoaster of an existence. From inception to IPO, Blue Ribbon/Nike lived in a constant state of cash strain. Whether they were dodging bullets from foreign suppliers, pressured by unempathetic bankers, or chased by United States Customs, “easy” days were few and far between. Yet, Phil concludes in saying… “I wish I could do it all over again”

Do what I wonder...

• Feel the rush of the roller coaster?
• Spend more time with your kids?
• Change a few business discussions?

The answer is probably all of the above. In so many words, Phil alludes to the challenges life will present you and the piles of mistakes you’re bound to make along the way. Regardless of your profession, calm seas may not be the norm. But if you’re pursuing something worthwhile, chasing your “calling”, it appears to help persevere through the challenges.

One of the hardest challenges I have is making mistakes and accepting “it’s okay”. The thought of letting someone down for just one second is enough to keep me awake most nights. Looking at myself after reading Shoe Dog, I ask “would I do it all over again?”

For one reason and one reason only, my answer would be yes. I’m after something bigger than transactions, something much more meaningful than P&L’s. This “why” is more important to me than avoiding the diabolical feelings experienced in the lows of a journey. Besides, you don’t grow much by winning all the time.

I ask you…would you do it all over again? If not, what would you change knowing you’ll make mistakes and experience challenges on any route you choose?

Go read Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike if inspiration is needed. May your only regret in life be you can’t do it all over again.