The Art of Work by Jeff Goins | website | twitter |
Publisher/Year: Thomas Nelson | March 24, 2015
Pages: 212
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: From Advanced Readers Group
I recieved this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. That did not sway my opinion in the least.
Summary (From Amazon)
The path to your life’s work is difficult and risky, even scary, which is why few finish the journey. This is a book about discovering your life’s work, that treasure of immeasurable worth we all long for. It’s about the task you were born to do.
As Jeff Goins explains, the search begins with passion but does not end there. Only when our interests connect with the needs of the world do we begin living for a larger purpose. Those who experience this intersection experience something exceptional and enviable. Though it is rare, such a life is attainable by anyone brave enough to try.
Through personal experience, compelling case studies, and current research on the mysteries of motivation and talent, Jeff shows readers how to find their vocation and what to expect along the way.
First Off…
I was so excited to get in the release group for Goins’ newest book, and then I kind of forgot till the book showed up on my doorstep. So it was like Christmas twice!
Thoughts:
I read this book quicker than I normal do for this genera, partly because of being apart of the release group. But partly because it was a captivating book. Usually these books have me so inspired two chapters in that I stop reading it and go and do. This one had me inspired and encouraged by the end. Not that I needed to change everything about my life, but keep working on what I know I should be doing, knowing that they will be the foundation of whatever I’m doing in my future.
Goins’ book is all about finding your passion and making that your work, but not by quitting everything you currently do and becoming a “starving artist.” Rather it’s about recognizing what you want to do, and figuring out how your present moment can help you achieve that. It’s about setting goals that will help you work toward the end result and not trying to accomplish everything at once.
Goins’ uses real life stories of how people wove work and purpose together to make a difference in the world. And it’s not just the success side of the stories. You also get to hear the hard parts, because, sometimes it’s the bad parts of life that help us find our purpose more than the good times.
I feel like there are a lot of books out there about how to achieve your dream job, but this one is at the top of my list. It talks about the pieces of dreaming and chasing that many overlook. The hard times and doubt you’ll go through and how what feels like a detour may wind up getting you exactly where you needed to be.
In the End
I need to give this one a couple more reads. So many good stories and moments that encourage you to keep going at what’s before you, because you never know what it may lead to next. If you’ve ever wondered “What am I supposed to do with my life?” or “Am I doing what I was meant to do?” You should check this book out.
Quotables:
“At times, you may commit to the wrong thing, which is fine because it’s better than the alternative, nothing. p26
Rarely do easy and greatness go together. pg 68
As it turns out, this is a great formula for moving in the direction of any calling: find what you love and what the world needs, then combine them. pg 89
10 Second Summary:
- Great stories: So many stories of how people worked through life to find their purpose.
- Practical points: Helps you walk through where you’re at and how reach your dreams
- Rediscover your dreams: The dreams of childhood don’t always have to die. This book can help you sift through which ones may need reviving.
I like it like a hardback, but it’s only paperback. This will be one to reread for sure.