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Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow
Discovering what you ought to do with your live; what you need to do for a living
213 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 1989
About the author
Marsha Sinetar
40 books35 followersI began my professional life as a first-grade teacher, and quickly fell in love with the whole wide world of learning -- particularly learning how to learn, and how to love learning. Our favorite authors must share that love. My published biographical notes show that I moved through the ranks of public instruction- including administration, curriculum design, and more--, then followed the Divine prompt to start my own leadership firm -- mostly for the private sector, Fortune 500 types. I still serve in an advisory, ombudsman-"sounding board" fashion, still love that work, sensing that, in a way, we're somehow all just kids at heart, living in a lesson world, and learning our greater strengths, capacities, wisdom every day.
Writing developed as I matured. As did my pen-and-ink art, etchings, graphics and such. Although I have a good formal education, it's clear that when we love what we do -- be it parenting, truck driving, technology, theology, crafts, or cooking -- we'll learn what we need in surprising, often self-governing, intuitive ways. The older I get, the more I trust that "small, still voice" within to guide my own learning-- academic or otherwise.
Writing developed as I matured. As did my pen-and-ink art, etchings, graphics and such. Although I have a good formal education, it's clear that when we love what we do -- be it parenting, truck driving, technology, theology, crafts, or cooking -- we'll learn what we need in surprising, often self-governing, intuitive ways. The older I get, the more I trust that "small, still voice" within to guide my own learning-- academic or otherwise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 24, 2013
I plucked this book off my bookshelf when needing a last minute read to take on a plane ride. This is not so much of a review as a highlight of a few of my favorite quotes and ideas. I see Marsha Sinetar has an updated version of this book (2011) but was curious to reread a book (1987) that meant something to me 25 years ago when I was trying to figure out my "right livelihood" and found myself drawn to Buddhism and the concept of "self-actualizing". I now use many of these concepts and ideas as a framework as a recruiter and coach. Since a lot of people fall into their first careers without much deliberation or thought, or to please others, and stick with them because they pay the bills, this book is an especially useful resource for those seeking "Encore" careers in their 50's and 60's - the focus in that time of life is often more meaning or spirituality in life or work. It is also useful for those seeking better fits or "strength-based" careers at any time of life.
I think this book can be synthesized into this statement: Love what you do or do what you love, even though the title does not reflect this. The big idea about this is you don't have to change a thing about what you are doing, just your relationship to it.
Favorite ideas:
Expressing Your Distinctive Self:
The embracing-of-self has several life enhancing ingredients, not the least of which is learning to treat ourselves with love. Truly, we are three people in this process: our own Prodigal Son, who has misbehaved, especially when he chooses wrongly, yet who wishes to return to the love, safety and comfort of his home; the father who accepts him back without questioning, with a generous loving spirit; and the second son who questions, judges and opposes this loving welcome. It seems to me that the work of our adult lives-if we have not learned it in childhood or adolescence-is to quiet the voice of the "second son". Instead, we can act out the father's role so as to fully absorb ourselves into the loving center of our being and consciousness."
A Spanish proverb teaches, "God says, 'Choose what you will and pay for it.'" By choosing we learn to be responsible. By paying the price of our choices we learn to make better choices.
The psychology of right livelihood includes: conscious choice, work is a way of being, self-expression, commitment, mindfulness.
Our sense of self is based on our verdicts in childhood, about ourselves with regard to our sense of our power, our sense of our competence, and our sense of our worthwhileness.
Our expression of our distinctive self (you could call it our value added) includes: using our flaws, ideosyncrasies and faults; self-acceptance; the pace and personal tempo of our growth.
Questions to guide to discover the self include: What makes me happy? What memories fill me with joy? Which of my traits or characteristics, when expressed, make me glad to be me? What kind of person am I at my best? What "top" five values do I strive to live by and/or admire in others?
Re: the Big 'R' - Resistance Tarthang Tulku, a lama from Eastern Tibet, says that resistance is a habit we learn as children. "When a child encounters something he does not want, he has all kinds of maneuvers to avoid it, such as crying, hiding or fighting...Unless we are taught to face our problems directly and work through them, the pattern of avoidance will be repeated..it can become a natural, accepted way to act" (so Resistance remains, even if it is in your best interest to break through it)
Resistance can also be thought of in the context of our fight, flight or freeze response. (see Robert Lindner, re 'positive rebellion')
Personal injunctions are the internal commands that run our internal lives (Eric Berne). They dictate our conduct and attitudes, and come from our culture, families, religious organizations and the media.
The roots of resourcefulness (skillful means) lies in the person's experience with solving problems. Resourcefulness is little more than creativity: the ability to bring something into existence that does not yet exist, the skill of dealing with any kind of situation. The three laws of resourcefulness: 1. The person must have faith in his or her ability to solve problems. 2. Practice independent thinking and decision-making - practice that puts the individual at considerable risk if he does not solve his own problems. 3. Determination - the individual must decide deep in himself that somehow he is going to discover the answer to the puzzles he or she faces.
"The majority work to make a living; some work to acquire weather or fame, while a few work because there is something within them which demands expression...Only a few truly love it."
Edmond Boreaux Szekely
Vocational Integration: Work as Love, Work as Devotion: It is this radical transformation of duty into love, fascination or pleasure which allows the individual to feel that he is at play. This is becaue he is fully present, as a personality, fully there in the moment. And because he has committed his heart, attention and intention to doing the work he heightens his energies and intelligence, and thus is able to give his all to the job at hand.
(This harkens to "chop wood, carry water", mindfulness and meditation) It was Shunrya Suzuki, a deeply respected Zen master, who wrote of this phenomenon in the classic Zen understanding of the issue. He described the Buddha as being more concerned about how he made bread than with metaphysical subjects. The Buddha discovered that the actual practice of making bread, repeating the bread-making over and over and over again, was the way to find out how to "become" bread, the way to fuse himself with the action and thereby transcend himself. The Buddha became the bread when he bake it-to that extent did he put himself into his task. The Buddha became the bread when he baked it-to that extent did he put himself into his task.
From 'Stalking the Snow Leopard' by Belden Lane: "In the mountains of Nepal, Peter Matthiessen learned that 'the purpose of mediation practice is not enlightenment, it is to pay attention even at unextraordinary times, to be of the present, nothing-but-in-the-present, to bear this mindfulness of now into each event of ordinary life."
Characteristics of a vocationally integrated person: firm sense of identity, can stand alone or be alone and is fully present in the moment and in work; able and willing to consciously choose to do work, take the consequences for the choice; choices are prerequisite to feeling of power than can 'create', has options, can make a difference, that actions - however slight - matter, if only in his eyes; is truly himself and brings entire self to work at hand; work is a devotion or labor of love.
I think this book can be synthesized into this statement: Love what you do or do what you love, even though the title does not reflect this. The big idea about this is you don't have to change a thing about what you are doing, just your relationship to it.
Favorite ideas:
Expressing Your Distinctive Self:
The embracing-of-self has several life enhancing ingredients, not the least of which is learning to treat ourselves with love. Truly, we are three people in this process: our own Prodigal Son, who has misbehaved, especially when he chooses wrongly, yet who wishes to return to the love, safety and comfort of his home; the father who accepts him back without questioning, with a generous loving spirit; and the second son who questions, judges and opposes this loving welcome. It seems to me that the work of our adult lives-if we have not learned it in childhood or adolescence-is to quiet the voice of the "second son". Instead, we can act out the father's role so as to fully absorb ourselves into the loving center of our being and consciousness."
A Spanish proverb teaches, "God says, 'Choose what you will and pay for it.'" By choosing we learn to be responsible. By paying the price of our choices we learn to make better choices.
The psychology of right livelihood includes: conscious choice, work is a way of being, self-expression, commitment, mindfulness.
Our sense of self is based on our verdicts in childhood, about ourselves with regard to our sense of our power, our sense of our competence, and our sense of our worthwhileness.
Our expression of our distinctive self (you could call it our value added) includes: using our flaws, ideosyncrasies and faults; self-acceptance; the pace and personal tempo of our growth.
Questions to guide to discover the self include: What makes me happy? What memories fill me with joy? Which of my traits or characteristics, when expressed, make me glad to be me? What kind of person am I at my best? What "top" five values do I strive to live by and/or admire in others?
Re: the Big 'R' - Resistance Tarthang Tulku, a lama from Eastern Tibet, says that resistance is a habit we learn as children. "When a child encounters something he does not want, he has all kinds of maneuvers to avoid it, such as crying, hiding or fighting...Unless we are taught to face our problems directly and work through them, the pattern of avoidance will be repeated..it can become a natural, accepted way to act" (so Resistance remains, even if it is in your best interest to break through it)
Resistance can also be thought of in the context of our fight, flight or freeze response. (see Robert Lindner, re 'positive rebellion')
Personal injunctions are the internal commands that run our internal lives (Eric Berne). They dictate our conduct and attitudes, and come from our culture, families, religious organizations and the media.
The roots of resourcefulness (skillful means) lies in the person's experience with solving problems. Resourcefulness is little more than creativity: the ability to bring something into existence that does not yet exist, the skill of dealing with any kind of situation. The three laws of resourcefulness: 1. The person must have faith in his or her ability to solve problems. 2. Practice independent thinking and decision-making - practice that puts the individual at considerable risk if he does not solve his own problems. 3. Determination - the individual must decide deep in himself that somehow he is going to discover the answer to the puzzles he or she faces.
"The majority work to make a living; some work to acquire weather or fame, while a few work because there is something within them which demands expression...Only a few truly love it."
Edmond Boreaux Szekely
Vocational Integration: Work as Love, Work as Devotion: It is this radical transformation of duty into love, fascination or pleasure which allows the individual to feel that he is at play. This is becaue he is fully present, as a personality, fully there in the moment. And because he has committed his heart, attention and intention to doing the work he heightens his energies and intelligence, and thus is able to give his all to the job at hand.
(This harkens to "chop wood, carry water", mindfulness and meditation) It was Shunrya Suzuki, a deeply respected Zen master, who wrote of this phenomenon in the classic Zen understanding of the issue. He described the Buddha as being more concerned about how he made bread than with metaphysical subjects. The Buddha discovered that the actual practice of making bread, repeating the bread-making over and over and over again, was the way to find out how to "become" bread, the way to fuse himself with the action and thereby transcend himself. The Buddha became the bread when he bake it-to that extent did he put himself into his task. The Buddha became the bread when he baked it-to that extent did he put himself into his task.
From 'Stalking the Snow Leopard' by Belden Lane: "In the mountains of Nepal, Peter Matthiessen learned that 'the purpose of mediation practice is not enlightenment, it is to pay attention even at unextraordinary times, to be of the present, nothing-but-in-the-present, to bear this mindfulness of now into each event of ordinary life."
Characteristics of a vocationally integrated person: firm sense of identity, can stand alone or be alone and is fully present in the moment and in work; able and willing to consciously choose to do work, take the consequences for the choice; choices are prerequisite to feeling of power than can 'create', has options, can make a difference, that actions - however slight - matter, if only in his eyes; is truly himself and brings entire self to work at hand; work is a devotion or labor of love.
Read
May 22, 2010I've owned this book for years, have recommended it to many, and have NEVER read it.
I just finished and I think I may start again tonight, I liked it that much.
I think the strongest impression it left me with is the notion that yeah, being happy in your work is critical and attainable. It's not icing on cake....and being happy to 'just have a job' is not acceptable if you don't want it to be. Also, finding your true calling is noble and this 'vocational integration' can and is the root of much happiness. The chapter on shedding the 'shoulds' in your life is also illuminating.
If you're like me and are still searching....read this.
I just finished and I think I may start again tonight, I liked it that much.
I think the strongest impression it left me with is the notion that yeah, being happy in your work is critical and attainable. It's not icing on cake....and being happy to 'just have a job' is not acceptable if you don't want it to be. Also, finding your true calling is noble and this 'vocational integration' can and is the root of much happiness. The chapter on shedding the 'shoulds' in your life is also illuminating.
If you're like me and are still searching....read this.
July 10, 2012
Beneath all the deep psychobabble that doesn't actually tell you how to go about doing what you love or really how to figure out what you love in the first place there are a few nuggets of insight and wisdom but they are unfortunately too few and far between to be worth much.
June 22, 2010
The idea and message of this book are great. I didn't find a whole lot of practical advice, personally. It was more of an inspirational read. And maybe that is my fault for thinking there would be practical advice. I also found it getting a lot into the psychology of why people do or do not pursue their passion. This might be the right book for some people, but for where I am at, I didn't find it very useful.
February 7, 2013
This is not a nuts-and-bolts book. It takes what I might call a "classic" psychological approach (more theoretical than research-based) to various psychological issues that may affect people's work (for instance, low self-esteem). The organization is pretty loose, and it never really answers the question of how the "money will follow." Great title and maybe the right book for some people, but not for me.
June 20, 2016
I found this book inspirational when I first read it, I suggested to the owner of the Tattered Cover that they invite her as a speaker, which they did.
During that talk in Trinity Church main sanctuary Marsha said, "I try and answer my own phone calls, stay in touch with my readers. People are calling about this book and they are saying, 'Marsha, thanks for the book, it has changed my life. Now I'm doing what I love... but...'" (audience laughs, we all laughed because we were all thinking the same thing) "'but... when does the money come.'
"I've come to believe that doing what you love is enough. You also need some x-factor (what she called in her next book 'trade skills') so you can do what you love and get money from it so you can continue."
But it's the title alone that keeps getting quoted. Causes two problems. First, people out of work are mislead into thinking about what they want instead of looking for available work. Second, when work is not lovable, which it often isn't, that's why we call it work, people think they are doing the wrong thing and often leave jobs they later regret leaving.
I'm going to talk about this more on this Friday's Startup Show http://www.SmallBizChamber.org
During that talk in Trinity Church main sanctuary Marsha said, "I try and answer my own phone calls, stay in touch with my readers. People are calling about this book and they are saying, 'Marsha, thanks for the book, it has changed my life. Now I'm doing what I love... but...'" (audience laughs, we all laughed because we were all thinking the same thing) "'but... when does the money come.'
"I've come to believe that doing what you love is enough. You also need some x-factor (what she called in her next book 'trade skills') so you can do what you love and get money from it so you can continue."
But it's the title alone that keeps getting quoted. Causes two problems. First, people out of work are mislead into thinking about what they want instead of looking for available work. Second, when work is not lovable, which it often isn't, that's why we call it work, people think they are doing the wrong thing and often leave jobs they later regret leaving.
I'm going to talk about this more on this Friday's Startup Show http://www.SmallBizChamber.org
January 22, 2016
Открывал с опаской, т.к. подобных "рецептов быстрого обогащения для начинающих дауншифтеров" :)) сейчас превеликое множество. Но книга увлекла, и оказалась неожиданно глубокой!
Предупреждение №1: про "достаток" :) в книге практически нет ни слова! Это книга-тренинг - очень глубокая психологическая самопроработка с целью выявления своего истинного призвания. Это не столько про "работу", сколько про самореализацию, про выбор "образа/дела своей жизни". Книга очень грамотная с точки зрения психологии самопознания; я бы сказал, что "про поиск призвания" - одна из лучших.
Предупреждение №2: или книга написана трудным языком, или это перевод хромает, но читать её было тяжело. Тяжело в смысле громоздкого стиля (он ближе к научному, чем к популярному), требующего постоянного напряжения внимания. Книга для неспешного и вдумчивого чтения...
Предупреждение №3: книга вряд ли подойдёт тем, кто хочет быстрых и чётких рецептов по пунктам :(. Техники и методы в книге есть, но они как-то "размазаны" по тексту.
Кроме того, автор вроде бы не предлагает ничего нового, для поиска "дела своей жизни" надо:
- двигаться очень маленькими шагами (чтобы убрать риск, страхи и сопротивление)
- быть открытым и лёгким на подъём, пробовать ЛЮБЫЕ новые возможности и виды деятельности
- быть верным себе и выбранному делу, самодостаточным и независимым от внешнего мнения и оценок
- быть полностью преданным своему делу, которое является "служением" практически в религиозном смысле. В этом служении человек обретает целостность, становится счастливым.
Главная ценность книги (как мне кажется) - не в "техниках", а в глубине понимания самого се��я, которую эта книга вполне может дать. Эта книга - очень добротное "зеркало", вглядевшись в которое внимательно, мы получим отличное осознание себя, своего места в мире и "своего дела".
Получ��лось очень неплохое руководство по самореализации, которое я бы в первую очередь рекомендовал "думателям" ;). "Делателям" книга может показаться слишком теоретичной (и "техник" м��ло))).
Предупреждение №1: про "достаток" :) в книге практически нет ни слова! Это книга-тренинг - очень глубокая психологическая самопроработка с целью выявления своего истинного призвания. Это не столько про "работу", сколько про самореализацию, про выбор "образа/дела своей жизни". Книга очень грамотная с точки зрения психологии самопознания; я бы сказал, что "про поиск призвания" - одна из лучших.
Предупреждение №2: или книга написана трудным языком, или это перевод хромает, но читать её было тяжело. Тяжело в смысле громоздкого стиля (он ближе к научному, чем к популярному), требующего постоянного напряжения внимания. Книга для неспешного и вдумчивого чтения...
Предупреждение №3: книга вряд ли подойдёт тем, кто хочет быстрых и чётких рецептов по пунктам :(. Техники и методы в книге есть, но они как-то "размазаны" по тексту.
Кроме того, автор вроде бы не предлагает ничего нового, для поиска "дела своей жизни" надо:
- двигаться очень маленькими шагами (чтобы убрать риск, страхи и сопротивление)
- быть открытым и лёгким на подъём, пробовать ЛЮБЫЕ новые возможности и виды деятельности
- быть верным себе и выбранному делу, самодостаточным и независимым от внешнего мнения и оценок
- быть полностью преданным своему делу, которое является "служением" практически в религиозном смысле. В этом служении человек обретает целостность, становится счастливым.
Главная ценность книги (как мне кажется) - не в "техниках", а в глубине понимания самого се��я, которую эта книга вполне может дать. Эта книга - очень добротное "зеркало", вглядевшись в которое внимательно, мы получим отличное осознание себя, своего места в мире и "своего дела".
Получ��лось очень неплохое руководство по самореализации, которое я бы в первую очередь рекомендовал "думателям" ;). "Делателям" книга может показаться слишком теоретичной (и "техник" м��ло))).
May 26, 2011
What a great book! You have to take your time reading through to soak up all of the thoughts and concepts presented. I found this book at an important time in my life. I was having spurts of depression because I was in a job that was restrictive and had no way of moving up.
While working through this book I was able to identify my values and goals and find the courage to step through my fears to find fulfilling work and a more positive mindset on what work is supposed to be.
So many times i see facebook friends complaining about their work. First they complain they don't have a job, then when they have one they complain the whole way through it. We're meant to find what we love, not be stuck in something depressive because we're stuck paying bills. This book explores this so well. Please read this book.
While working through this book I was able to identify my values and goals and find the courage to step through my fears to find fulfilling work and a more positive mindset on what work is supposed to be.
So many times i see facebook friends complaining about their work. First they complain they don't have a job, then when they have one they complain the whole way through it. We're meant to find what we love, not be stuck in something depressive because we're stuck paying bills. This book explores this so well. Please read this book.
September 21, 2017
2.5 stars. First, the book probably could have been half as long.
Second, I didn't find a whole lot of practical, implementable information or advice in here. The author has a lot of ideas and philosophies about what an individual's right livelihood might be and how to go about finding it, but when it came down to figuring it out for myself and putting her philosophies and psychological analyses into something I could DO to move toward a better career, I was at a loss. There were some insightful nuggets here and there that I copied down for myself for later reference. I also found the ideas presented in the chapter on resistance to be particularly relevant to me. But overall I wanted more out of the book.
Second, I didn't find a whole lot of practical, implementable information or advice in here. The author has a lot of ideas and philosophies about what an individual's right livelihood might be and how to go about finding it, but when it came down to figuring it out for myself and putting her philosophies and psychological analyses into something I could DO to move toward a better career, I was at a loss. There were some insightful nuggets here and there that I copied down for myself for later reference. I also found the ideas presented in the chapter on resistance to be particularly relevant to me. But overall I wanted more out of the book.
April 21, 2024
Just started reading. Found this book at the tip. So nice to read a book written 35 years ago pre covid madness, full of timeless wisdom and written/edited/crafted so thoughtfully...
February 14, 2017
My mom gave me this book when it came out in 1989, and every 7 years or so, I re-read it. This is not a how-to, "life-coachy" book, it's more of a meta/40,000 foot/bigger perspective view of life and a philosophy of how to approach it. The life she espouses is where I find myself today.
This book, while about 200 pages, is not a quick read. I recommend it in small doses, allowing her words to percolate in your subconscious and sparking insight at unexpected, serendipitous times.
Thanks again, Mom!
This book, while about 200 pages, is not a quick read. I recommend it in small doses, allowing her words to percolate in your subconscious and sparking insight at unexpected, serendipitous times.
Thanks again, Mom!
March 13, 2009
I really enjoyed this book, it offered keen insight on ways to think and plan for building a new career in something that truly inspires you. It was relatively short but filled with very relevant and diverse stories of people following this journey. And it offered very practical steps to take to pursue the path over time....not a do this and get rich type of approach. I expect I'll be journalling ideas from this book for sometime and I recommend it to those searching for what to do next!
September 2, 2019
This is a really nice antidote to the advice to follow your passion and chase your dreams. It was a bit less than what I hoped and expected (based on the intro) that it would be. Mostly, it's cultural critique (she takes on the Good Wife in an especially good chapter) and a rehash of facts from other millenial stat books. She also takes on the internship and unpaid work culture that is pervasive among the young kids.
July 16, 2011
This was a good basic primer on aligning your dreams with reality & looking at vocation as more than just a forum to earn money. My Dad sent me a copy when I entered film school. It was probably the first time I really took a deeper look at what I spend my time doing, why, & how to create fulfillment & be financially abundant at the same time.
August 9, 2012
This book had a few decent suggestions for introspective activities to help the reader get into the frame of mind to change but ultimately, at only 200 pages, the book could have been far shorter.
October 16, 2019
dated, repetitive, and boring. the author talks in circles and seemed to write 10 chapters on something that could have been easily explained in an article or 100 pages.
October 9, 2017
This book takes a very Buddhist approach to finding and doing the work that you love. The title is misleading-- it's not so much a how-to for making lots of money (it won't tell you how to get rich), but rather about how you need to trust that by doing what you love, you will earn enough money to sustain yourself and have the lifestyle you want.
The main idea is that work is not just work, it's a vehicle through which a person can express themselves and grow as an individual. It's about self-actualization. So often people end up choosing jobs and careers based on external (society's) definitions of success, such as earning a certain amount of money, being able to buy a house, having a certain type of lifestyle, etc., but these things don't bring true satisfaction. Rather, it's the connection to their work on a personal, and even spiritual, level that brings fulfillment. Work becomes a way of exploring our strengths and weaknesses and improving ourselves. However, to pursue the work you truly want to do and love, you need to be true to yourself and have the confidence to go against what others (and society) might expect you to do. And in doing so, "the money will follow", as in, you will certainly make enough to sustain your livelihood.
The book gives numerous examples of people who developed the confidence to do what they love, and the steps they took to get there. Sinetar also includes some suggestions on what you can do to move towards your ideal work situation, although the book is more about theory than practice. Still, I think this is an absolutely important read as it deals with a lot of the emotional and psychological barriers that often stop people from going after what they want. There are plenty of other books out there that will give you concrete actionable steps on how to find your dream job, but I'm guessing most people already know what to do; they just have trouble getting themselves to do it since they are being blocked by their psychological and emotional states. So that's where this book comes in-- Sinetar takes a much-needed spiritual approach to work, and writes about it with a lot of empathy, encouragement, and wisdom.
The main idea is that work is not just work, it's a vehicle through which a person can express themselves and grow as an individual. It's about self-actualization. So often people end up choosing jobs and careers based on external (society's) definitions of success, such as earning a certain amount of money, being able to buy a house, having a certain type of lifestyle, etc., but these things don't bring true satisfaction. Rather, it's the connection to their work on a personal, and even spiritual, level that brings fulfillment. Work becomes a way of exploring our strengths and weaknesses and improving ourselves. However, to pursue the work you truly want to do and love, you need to be true to yourself and have the confidence to go against what others (and society) might expect you to do. And in doing so, "the money will follow", as in, you will certainly make enough to sustain your livelihood.
The book gives numerous examples of people who developed the confidence to do what they love, and the steps they took to get there. Sinetar also includes some suggestions on what you can do to move towards your ideal work situation, although the book is more about theory than practice. Still, I think this is an absolutely important read as it deals with a lot of the emotional and psychological barriers that often stop people from going after what they want. There are plenty of other books out there that will give you concrete actionable steps on how to find your dream job, but I'm guessing most people already know what to do; they just have trouble getting themselves to do it since they are being blocked by their psychological and emotional states. So that's where this book comes in-- Sinetar takes a much-needed spiritual approach to work, and writes about it with a lot of empathy, encouragement, and wisdom.
October 3, 2018
Pretty interesting insights. I felt it got a little more esoteric as the book continued, but a good starter for those looking for a reason to really look into doing what they love.
September 2, 2017
I would give 3.5 if I could. A friend of my mom's gave me this book, which was very kind. It's not the kind of book I'd normally read--I have learned to have a great deal of skepticism about anything vaguely self-help-ish--but despite containing all the blind spots of most self-help books, this was enjoyable, and I did scribble down some questions from it, so obviously I took away something. A lot of the advice seems very familiar to me, but fair enough, it has a solid basis in some contexts, and also it's an older book, and I'm sure it's inspired a lot of others.
It is also always interesting reading the quotes and interviews in these books, just to hear the different voices and stories of others who have found a life they are comfortable leading.
If you like self-help you've probably already read this book. If, like me, someone kind who really believes in this book gives you a copy, go ahead and read it. It's short, quick, and may still give you a little energy jump, especially going into a new school year like now.
It is also always interesting reading the quotes and interviews in these books, just to hear the different voices and stories of others who have found a life they are comfortable leading.
If you like self-help you've probably already read this book. If, like me, someone kind who really believes in this book gives you a copy, go ahead and read it. It's short, quick, and may still give you a little energy jump, especially going into a new school year like now.
March 29, 2008
When I was in graduate school the first time (back in the late 80's) I found this book while browsing the homemade shelves of a delightful "Mom and Pop" bookstore around the corner from my apartment. (Back in the day before B&N and mega-book stores and, yes, Amazon.)
It continues to find its way to my "to-read" book shelf for several reasons; as I have read and reread this book several times. Over the years, I periodically skim through it for its highlighted lines, dog-eared pages as well as the personal notes I have compiled over the years.
Each time I consult and "check back" with this book, it always serves to spark and fuel the dreams in my heart.
It continues to find its way to my "to-read" book shelf for several reasons; as I have read and reread this book several times. Over the years, I periodically skim through it for its highlighted lines, dog-eared pages as well as the personal notes I have compiled over the years.
Each time I consult and "check back" with this book, it always serves to spark and fuel the dreams in my heart.
Read
January 11, 2016Excellent Excellent Excellent Read. Marsha Sinetar is a genius! This book was pub'd in the 80's and is so relevant to today. Not kidding. This book contained so much great information for me that I have nearly ever single page turned over the book is triple its size from all the dogeared pages. Don't skip out on this book....Even if you are already doing what you love (I am) it will help you love doing what you love furthermore! Try it out. Definitely one of my faves of the year!
October 18, 2008
This book is about discovering yourself and trying to determine a career path. Many of the examples were of people who stumbled upon their calling. The crux is self-analysis and believing in yourself once you have discovered your true interests. The author includes tips on banishing "shoulds", dealing with resistance and liberating yourself from an unfulfilling job.
September 13, 2011
At the time I read this, I was deeply inspired to follow the author's rules. Although I diligently applied them to my own life, my results never quite achieved the goals I had set. However, the information is on target and is very helpful in jump starting an individual when they feel stuck or at a crossroads in their life.
May 11, 2014
This is a good book when you're trying to get the inspiration or courage to change. It's very spiritual and "pick me up" which is something everyone needs before they take action.
That said, this book won't really help you in developing a plan of action towards that goal. If you want that, try Barbara Sher
or Zig Ziglar or Tony Robbins.
OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
That said, this book won't really help you in developing a plan of action towards that goal. If you want that, try Barbara Sher
or Zig Ziglar or Tony Robbins.
OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
April 13, 2016
I've had this book for a long time, and it appears I got it from a library used book sale. I'm sure the author has good points to make, but I didn't last through 3 chapters because her method seems based on Buddhist teaching (and this contradicts my personal worldview). I did find her own story, which she relates in the introduction inspiring.
August 21, 2016
Started out awesome. I really enjoyed this book through chapter 4, after that, it became cheap pyscho-babble. A lot of things I disagreed with and I got bored and quit reading.
Read at your own risk; but, the title should more aptly read, "Do the job you were truly meant to do and the universe will take care of you". This is NOT!!!!! a book on how to be wealthy.
Read at your own risk; but, the title should more aptly read, "Do the job you were truly meant to do and the universe will take care of you". This is NOT!!!!! a book on how to be wealthy.
June 4, 2020
I read this decades ago but what I remember best is that financial success is defined differently by people depending on their value systems. For some it means paying for life's basics and avoiding debt or paying off debt and for others it means having being a multi-millionnaire. Different strokes for different folks.
May 11, 2008
I read this book at a critical time of transition in my life. It gave me the perspective and the courage to pursue my dream of going back to grad school to become a therapist. I recommend to clients who are unhappy in their vocational life, and who are in career transition.
January 25, 2016
This was one of the first self-help, personal empowerment books I ever read. While I don't think money will always come if you do what you love - I do know that one should include one's passion in one's life. The book makes some very useful points.
February 17, 2016
Interesting title and informative book, although more focused on the concept of self-expression in the world of work than on practical methods to achieve the results. The author’s point is well-taken, however, particularly in this age of vocational insecurity. Why not do what you love?
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