You know people who should read this book. Maybe YOU should read this book. The Art of Work is for all those people who fail to find fulfillment in their work. I’m guessing that’s a large number of people.
If all you get at the end of the week is a paycheck, you are settling for too little. Your time, your life are worth far more than a weekly paycheck. Yes, we need to make money. But what about satisfaction and happiness? What about that feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day? Where is the affirmation you are doing what you were created to do?
The subtitle of the book, A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do, creates a large set of expectations. Author Goins delivers in admirable fashion as he skillfully weaves truth with story.
The book consists of 212 pages grouped under three simple headings: Preparation, Action, and Completion. The author, however, warns the reader the process of discovering what you were meant to do is NOT easy nor simple. Maybe that’s why so many people equate work with something to be avoided. For those willing to take the hard road of self-discovery leading to meaningful work the path is clear.
PREPARE. This part of the book contains three chapters. These chapters deal with your call, apprentices, and practice. Each of these take the reader down an unexpected road with twists and surprises. It never crossed my mind there were unknown apprentices in my life teaching and shaping me. And I never would have expected to learn practice must be painful to contain value.
ACT. This second part also contains three chapters which take you further down the path to discover the work you were meant to do. Goins teaches us we must see the journey as one of building bridges, not as leaping off of bridges. This is a process. It takes time. The reader is also introduced to a concept called “pivot points.” This idea reminds the reader failure can be a friend; a springboard to success. Another chapter in this unit reveals another helpful concept: a portfolio life. This is a perspective of life which reminds us work is not an odd appendage sewn onto our should like a second head. No. Work is at the heart of who we are and what we do.
COMPLETE. As an aging Baby Boomer this section resonated deep inside. The key word in this section is “legacy.” We are reminded as we work we are building a legacy. At this point in my life this a major focus. Let me confess a secret. I almost didn’t read the book. Why? Because when I saw the title it flashed in my mind it would speak only to people starting out in life. But I discovered with joy this section! All of life is about building a legacy and our work is at the heart of our legacy.
Get this book. Read this book. Live this book. And at the end of the journey your legacy will need no two bit orator trying to massage a failed life to appease the assembled crowd of mourners.
Here’s what Seth Godin said about the book:”This is one of the most honest, direct, and generous books about you and your life that you will read this year. It took guts to write and it will take guts to read. Leap.”
If you want to know more about the book click on the Amazon link below.
The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do
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