Passion at Work: How to Find Work You Love and Live the Time of Your Life

Passion and rage are among the most powerful of human emotions and each is obviously capable of producing extraordinary results, either positive or negative. The happiest people tend to be those who are passionate about both how they earn a living and the quality of life their efforts provide. Conversely, the unhappiest people are those who continuously rage against real (or imagined) grievances in any or even in all of the areas of their lives. In this book, Lawler Kang addresses these and other issues. Specifically, he suggests answers to questions such as these: 1. When am I and/or when have I been I happiest? Why? 2. Doing what? 3. Not doing what? 4. With whom am I and/or with whom have I been happiest? Why? One of the greatest benefits of this book (and there are several) is the assistance Kang provides so that his reader can measure the gap between where she or he is now, and, where she or he would much prefer to be. He then provides sound, practical counsel on how to close that gap. At this point, I presume to suggest (and presumably Kang agrees) that many of our wounds are self-imposed, that in our daily struggles to achieve whatever desirable objectives we may have, Pogo was right: "We have met the enemy and he is us." Hence the importance of taking full responsibility for the consequences of our decisions, both past and recent, so that we can then make better decisions henceforward. Kang carefully organizes his material within seven chapters. Throughout the narrative, he inserts appropriate real-world examples of his key points. I appreciate the fact that, unlike so many other authors of books which address many of the same issues, Kang resists the temptation to be a sophist or evangelist. He correctly realizes that people can sometimes be inspired by others (who are by nature passionate) but only they can motivate themselves. At one point Kang observes, "The most important source of competitive advantage in the twenty-first century will come from individuals and organizations that unleash the power of passion." Quite true, but it should be added that -- more often than not -- individuals and organizations which find themselves at a disadvantage are those which compete against themselves. This is especially true of many of those involved in sales: They are preoccupied with reasons why a prospect could be resistant and are, therefore, reluctant to ask for an order. In effect, they sell against themselves. Of course, there are others (not only ) in sales who seem convinced that "enthusiasm" can compensate for insufficient understanding of a prospect's needs and interests. They demonstrate passion without competence and, on occasion, passion without integrity. Throughout his book, Kang leaves absolutely no doubt whatsoever that what he recommends must be guided and informed by three "priorities": Passion, of course, but also proficiencies and principles. He insists that two other "priorities" must also be served: a plan which acco

"Passion at Work" is at least as much about how to be happy in your life as it is about how to have passion at work. This book is a very fast and fun read, with questions and self-guided exercises that never end. In early sections, the book guides you through better understanding how and why you do what you do - on a very personal level. Later, it guides you through techniques usually reserved for building businesses, and applies those techniques to building a great life. It's a very fun book, filled with powerful insights and lessons, and I highly recommend it.

The author provides a very straight-forward approach for helping readers think about what can make their work and their life in general more rewarding, exciting and fulfilling. His 5 P's process just simply make sense. More importantly, the author knows that there isn't an "answer" he can deliver to everyone, so instead he facilitates the process of helping you to develop your individual vision. I found that reading this book and following his steps helped me to clarify a great deal in my life.

Struggling with work-life balance or dreading the thought of another year in your present job? If either of these describes your current situation, then this is a must-read book for you. The author takes a fresh approach to dealing with these issues and provides a very practical and actionable framework for making meaningful change. If you are like me, even with the framework you might want help staying the course. It's kind of like getting in shape, without a trainer it's really hard for me. If that describes you, then check out the author's website, he has a list of career coaches/facilitators that can help you make it happen instead of just wishing things could change.

I have read many career books and this is by far the best. Lawler's story is inspiring, his sense of humor keeps the pages turning, and his ingenious system of the 5 P's leads you down a path of ultimate self-discovery! I highly recommend it for anyone who could use a little more passion in their LifeTime.