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Summary of Greenlights 

4.7 . 62029 reviews

Short summary

“Greenlights” is a memoir that tells the stories, insights, and philosophies that have guided Matthew McConaughey for the 50 years of his life. Born on November 4, 1969, Matthew narrates his adventures and the lessons that he was able to pick up along the way. Academy Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey considers himself a storyteller by occupation. Together with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, he founded the Just Keep Livin Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body, and spirit choices. In 2019, Matthew became a professor of practice and the Minister of Culture at the University of Texas. He is also a brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of his favorite bourbon — Wild Turkey Longbranch. “I believe everything we do in life is part of a plan. Sometimes the plan goes as intended, and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s part of the plan.” ~ Matthew McConaughey

Table of content

  • Summary of Greenlights
  • About the author
  • What is Greenlights about?
  • Who should read Greenlights
  • Topics in Greenlights
first key point

It is possible to design your opportunities and determine your path through life

Listen the first key point
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Matthew McConaughey is the youngest brother of three and the son of parents who were twice divorced and thrice married to each other. He grew up in a home where love was abundant, and honesty was seen as a must-have trait.

Through his experiences, Matthew learned resilience, consequences, responsibility, and how to work hard. He learned how to love, laugh, hustle, and navigate highs and lows. He found his perfect approach to living: if you know how and when to deal with life’s challenges, you can enjoy a state of success. He refers to this as “catching greenlights.”

Greenlights means go — advance, carry on, continue. On the road, they are set up to give the flow of traffic the right of way, and when appropriately scheduled, more vehicles catch more greenlights in succession. In life, they are an affirmation of the right way. Everyone loves greenlights because they do not interfere with our direction, and they’re easy. But they can also be disguised as yellow and red lights — a caution, thoughtful pause, or pain.
You can position yourself for success by identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
Catching greenlights is about skill: intent, anticipation, resilience, speed, and discipline. We can also earn greenlights, engineer, and design them. We can create more and schedule them in our future through the force of will, hard work, and our choices.

This summary describes how a man decided to control his life and accept responsibility for his choices. It is about catching more positive responses in a world of many negative answers and recognizing when “no” might be a “yes.” Keep reading to discover how Matthew succeeded through the many hurdles he faced and how you, too, can catch greenlights in all areas of your life.
second key point

Parental influence is a major determinant of a child’s identity and value system

Matthew grew up watching his parents fight but reconcile within a short while. He has two brothers, Michael and Pat. The McConaughey clan migrated from Ireland to England, to West Virginia, and New Orleans. His parents taught him to answer his name with pride. They taught him not to hate, never to say he couldn’t do a task, and never to lie. He was beaten if he broke any rules, and it was a constant motivation for him to respect all the rules his parents set.
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third key point

Traveling can open you up to new experiences and change your point of view for the better

fourth key point

Significant life changes allow you to see yourself in a different light and make better decisions

fifth key point

Building your career requires you to be audacious and take hold of many chances as they come

sixth key point

Regular breaks are necessary for growth because they create an avenue for discovering potentials

seventh key point

Progress requires courage and a strong belief in your abilities and dreams

eighth key point

Success is fueled by hard work and the good habits that you’ve formed along the way

ninth key point

Your success does not require validation from anyone else other than you — you call the shots

tenth key point

Conclusion

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What is Greenlights about?

Who should read Greenlights

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Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.

Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.

Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.