Saturday, March 28, 2015

Book Review: The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins

I have been a fan of Seth Godin for many years now and so when I encountered an author that
Seth Godin was a fan of, I decided that I had to give this new author a try. That is how I came to read a book by Jeff Goins, who does not Seth Godin among his fans.

At first I was concerned that anyone could match the style and energy that Serth Godin brings to his books, but Jeff Goins is an equally talented storyteller that makes a book of about life-lessons and work fun and entertaining. You get advice about life and you feel like reading a thrilling story.

 I have switched jobs in my life and so far I was fortunate to always find a job that I liked. I think this is because I always picked jobs that had a meaning to me, whether it was a research scientist working on lung diseases and finding genetic causes for some lung diseases or now as a consultant advising companies how to secure their network so that personal information of clients is save. No job I have ever had was just a job, it was always something I enjoyed doing and also meant something to me in terms of giving back to me. I always try to teach on the side and usually keep my little business going as well, so there is never a dull moment. Still, I was curious what Jeff had to tell me about work.

This book is definitely for people that miss the point in their work, that drag themselves to the office every day wondering why they are putting in 8 hours in a job that does not mean anything to them or that feel that everything about their work has just become a stale routine. 



This book does not tell you, switch jobs and you will be happy. Instead, this book will teach you how to find fulfillment in the job you have right now by taking a different approach to work. Is this job really boring or are you just overlooking the challenges that you have already encountered and succeeded at? Maybe the episodes that were not boring were perceived by you as stress rather than the challenge you seek when the job seems too routine. Trying a different approach and realizing that challenge will require more input and seem like stress can be eyeopening to the reader.
Also what may seem like routine, can also indicate that you have accomplished mastery in certain areas and is actually something to be proud of and not to detest this feeling.



In addition, some aspects of the job that you perceive a difficult and that feel ill-prepared for can actually be opportunities to learn, expand your horizon and should be welcomed rather than dreaded.

This book rather than sound like a class about how to be happy in life may actually result in you enjoying your present job because you look at it different. Jeff's style is easy to read, entertaining and at times even funny. I encourage the reader to really read this book and not just gloss over it. It is time well spent.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed is solely my own and has not been influenced by any third party.

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