Work with Passion: How to Do What You Love for a Living

Centuries ago, Socrates had observed that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Nancy's structured approach of obtaining and having a meaningful career through passion takes this ancient advice of self-examination to a very practical level. The first two chapters of this book are probably the most challenging because the reader is guided to write his/her own autobiography. It was just for this fact alone I'd decided to buy this book and use it in my new career path re-adjustment. I could not ever imagine that having my abridged life story `spilled' over eighty or so pages, that I could see it quite differently; sort of a perspective shift - from a frog's perspective to bird's view. But as my intuition/curiosity stirred me toward this book, the results were forthcoming. I had found and reconfirmed myself as a "solo type" in a contrast to "the partnership type" and "the team type", as Nancy classifies the basic personal traits in chapter six. No wonder my business venture with a partner ended in a hostile split (short of a fist-fight), nor was it a big surprise for me to realize the motivation for my escape from a Communist country decades ago. Surely, every person is a complex being, but there are preferred and detrimental conditions for one's own existence. Learning about passionate activities and analyzing happy moments in one's life brings more understanding what is important; we tend to habitually focus on analyzing our miseries. In this regards, Nancy accomplished through her approach and her writing style a major feat, not found in other career/personal growth books. I'd like to mention that I am fortunate that Nancy lives in the neighboring county, and that she still offers private sessions; one-on-one in person or by the phone. She is in a real life as true to a client as she is as a writer to a reader. I had to research her past with a great effort; she is very humble about her accomplishments. The consultations are useful for "decoding" of the autobiography. Nancy has a great gift to see the underlying patterns that we operate on - our choices of partners, employers and so on. The reader, a passion seeker, does the nitty-gritty work; sessions with her are not `make me feel good again.' The book is only eleven chapters long, but do not let this fact mislead you. Nancy is a very efficient, eloquent and precise writer - there is never a doubt about what she means. In this book, there are real people stories, there are sample approach letters. Buy and use this book. Why? If a passion was good for Einstein, might be good for you, too: "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." -- Albert Einstein

I would give this book my highest recommendation. It was extremely interesting to work through and the size of it is not daunting whatsoever. It gives the reader a structure and a well-thought out process to work through to define what one's passion actually is - not an easy thing for many of us! In fact, it's a wonderful book to help you define yourself - especially if you have had life changes or feel stale and in need of a change.It's rather hard to find the perfect job until you define what lights you up on every level. When you have worked through the process, it's amazing how opportunity presents itself in just the right way!

Nancy's book not only changed my life five years ago, but has continued to enrich my understanding of why I receive enjoyment out of certain activities, why I haven't enjoyed specific jobs, how to make wise choices about opportunites that present themselves to me, and how to continue to pursue my dream. I would not have found the courage to follow my passion without her guidance. This is an essential book. It is thought-provoking, professional, and helps you see yourself and your career from a perspective unlike any other. It helps you identify ways you are limiting yourself without even realizing it, and gives you tools to overcome these unnecessary obstacles. I have given out over two dozen as gifts, and every single person has experienced significant, life-changing help from it. I can't imagine anyone not being grateful to have a copy.

Nancy Anderson shows readers how to determine what they love and turn it into a profitable career. This guide provides encouragement and motivation for anyone seeking to change their career and find passion in their life. There are numerous, fun exercises that will help you delve into your innerself. I recommended this book to my clients and they LOVED IT!

Nancy Anderson's approach is practical and inspiring. I read this cover to cover in a weekend while faced with a career change decision. It was a wonderful guide for me. Several months later I picked it up again and began to work through the assignments chapter by chapter. It was truly an exceptional book. I have probably given away more than a dozen copies of this book, and plan to buy and give away even more in the future.