Book Review: I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was

Posted on 30. Oct, 2009 by Emmanuelle Archer in Blog, Reviews, Tools & Resources, Working Abroad
1 comment

For a change, today’s book review is not directly related to living abroad. But it’s still a wonderfully helpful resource for expats of all stripes.

If the emails and questions I have been getting recently are any indication, you may be among the many, many expats who are currently going through big transitions:

- A move to another country,

- A career change,

- Pondering what to do with yourself now that you’ve gone back home…

Well, don’t sign on the dotted line just yet – instead, go get yourself a copy of Barbara Sher’s excellent book, I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was (affiliate link).

This book has been in circulation for 15 years, and you’ve probably seen its bright yellow cover before. A common misconception is that it’s “for people who want to change jobs”. And in a way, it is, but it’s so much more than that.

Yes, it’s tremendously helpful for job seekers, but ultimately, it was written for anyone who’s ever been in a rut, or felt stuck, or despaired of ever finding the right career.

Officially, it’s about discovering what you really want. In reality, it’s a book about resistance and fears. And that’s what makes it so effective.

What I like about it

- Step-by-step, how-to approach to clarifying your life goals, addressing your fears, getting off your derrière, and making it happen

- Clear, conversational style that doesn’t take itself too seriously

- Absolutely no flakey self-help theories or pop-psychology lingo

- Applicable no matter what your age, background or employment status

What I would have liked to see

- More specific case studies, rather than vague “real-life stories” that sound more like anecdotes

Recommended?

Highly recommended!

Many of my coaching clients have been using Barbara Sher’s book to excellent results, from entrepreneurs to executives and students alike.

Work through the exercises and read the chapters that apply to your situation. I bet you’ll come away with new ideas, new perspectives, and quite possibly, new life goals.

Happy reading, and please keep me posted on any breakthroughs you achieve while doing the exercises!

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Emmanuelle