With accessible language and explanations broken down into digestible paragraphs, the authors demystify complex topics, including the effects of stress, attributes of the self, and internal and structural tensions (“the energy created when an individual concurrently envisions a desired future state, while being completely aware of the limitations of current reality”). The exercises are clear and well-defined, often incorporating a simple scoring system to help readers gauge their overall comprehension. Particularly useful is the exercise ranking the eight dimensions of well-being—emotional, environmental, physical, occupational, spiritual, social, financial—as it offers a solid framework for the more sophisticated principles introduced in later chapters.
The book has been structured with a tiered approach, moving from broad concepts at the outset to narrower and more specific ideas deeper in. To speed progress, the authors suggest working backwards by first identifying desired results, followed by evaluating whether current behaviors will produce those outcomes (or not). The authors acknowledge throughout that ego, habit, and other factors can be obstacles to growth but argue that truly knowing your self will “lay the groundwork for a flourishing life.” Readers open to new principles and some challenging material—as well as truly facing themselves—will find that Purpose and Possibilities encourages the openness and perseverance that it takes to make transformative change.
Takeaway: A meaningful guide that challenges readers seeking transformative change to be honest and deliberate in seeking their purpose.
Great for fans of: Marc Reklau’s 30 Days: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements.
Production grades
Cover: C
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
