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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Art of Work summary
A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do
11 mins
Brief summary
The Art of Work by Jeff Goins is a guide to finding your true calling. It offers inspiration and practical advice for discovering your purpose, taking risks, and making a meaningful impact on the world.
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The Art of Work
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Key idea 1 of 5
Your calling gives your life meaning.
Do you dislike your job? Well, you’re not alone. Only 13 percent of the world’s population actually enjoy their work. So how can we go about changing that statistic? Perhaps by searching for work that makes you happy and refusing to do anything else?
Not exactly. The best way to achieve happiness in the workplace is to find your calling – a force larger than yourself that drives your every action. And to do that, you can’t think only in terms of happiness and pain.
Humans shouldn't be mere pleasure seekers or discomfort avoiders; instead, they should strive to imbue their lives with meaning.
If you’re busy steering clear of pain and failure, you'll never find your calling. Inevitably, you'll face challenges along the way to achieving your dreams, and accepting these difficulties as a natural part of discovering what you really love is part of maintaining forward movement.
Viktor Frankl, the renowned psychologist and Holocaust survivor, knew this well. He wrote that everyone needs a reason to keep living, a cause to push them forward.
But how do you find this cause? That's where awareness comes in. Awareness helps you recognize your calling when you come across it.
People discover their callings when some event or feeling triggers their awareness of it. For instance, Luke Skywalker knew he wanted to be a Jedi after Obi-Wan Kenobi introduced him to the art.
So, though it can be difficult, you need to keep an eye out for this event. Awareness is being ready for the moment so you can seize it when it comes.
Another good way to find your calling is to make a list of all the major events in your life, even the ones that might not seem like the most important. When did you feel the most fulfilled, happy or accomplished? Look for similarities between these moments – your calling might be something that ties them all together.
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What is The Art of Work about?
The Art of Work (2015) is about finding your calling – that special goal that brings you joy and imbues your life with meaning. These blinks will teach you how to find your calling and how to live by it once you've found it. Your calling is the secret to living a fulfilling life – so don't let it get away!
The Art of Work Review
The Art of Work (2015) by Jeff Goins is a captivating exploration of finding our true purpose in life. Here's why this book is definitely a worthwhile read:
- With real-life stories and personal anecdotes, it brings the concept of work to life, inspiring readers to uncover their own path.
- Goins provides practical guidance on navigating through setbacks and failures, helping readers embrace their journey and find fulfillment along the way.
- The book's engaging storytelling keeps readers hooked, reminding them that the pursuit of purpose is an exciting adventure, never a dull experience.
Best quote from The Art of Work
Failure is a friend dressed up like an enemy.
—Jeff Goins
Who should read The Art of Work?
- People searching for more meaning in life
- Unhappy workers
- Those who want to discover and follow their passions
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The Art of Work FAQs
What is the main message of The Art of Work?
Discover your calling and find meaningful work in The Art of Work.
How long does it take to read The Art of Work?
It takes a few hours to read The Art of Work. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Work a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Work is worth reading for its inspiring insights and practical advice.
Who is the author of The Art of Work?
The author of The Art of Work is Jeff Goins.
What to read after The Art of Work?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Work, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Purpose Myth by Charlotte Cramer
- The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
- You Be You by Drew Canole
- Speak Like a CEO by Suzanne Bates
- Purposeful by Jennifer Dulski
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson
- Buoyant by Susie deVille