The Art of Work

Only 13% 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.

"The Art of Work" by Jeff Goins is a guide to finding one's calling and the journey to fulfilling life's work.

Here are the main lessons from the book:

1. The Journey to Your Calling

Discovering your calling is a journey, not a destination. It's about embracing the adventure and the interconnected experiences that shape your life. Your calling is not just a job; it encompasses your entire life, reflecting a series of intentional decisions rather than a sudden revelation.

2. The Role of Awareness and Apprenticeship

Awareness is the first step towards finding your calling, recognizing that something more is possible for you. Apprenticeship, or learning from someone more experienced, is a valuable phase where you gain skills and knowledge.

3. Embracing Pain and Practice

Painful practice is part of the process. It teaches you what you are and are not meant to do, and no expert status is achieved without intense preparation. The discomfort and uncertainty that come with pursuing your calling are essential for growth.

4. The Importance of Relationships and Community

Finding your calling cannot happen in isolation. It requires the aid and assistance of others, including mentors who appear when you least expect them. Sharing your dreams with others, like a spouse or close friends, turns them from fantasy into reality.

5. The Concept of a Portfolio Life

Having a portfolio life means embracing a variety of experiences and skills that contribute to your calling. This approach encourages you not to wait for permission to pursue your passion but to actively explore different paths.

6. Legacy Over Success

The ultimate goal is not success but leaving a legacy that matters. Your life, lived well, becomes your calling, and the impact you leave behind is more important than any personal achievement.

7. The Non-linear Path to Your Calling

The trajectory toward your calling is not linear. It's unpredictable, messy, and full of unexpected turns, which means you must be prepared to embrace failure as a part of the journey.

8. Finding the Intersection of Passion and Need

Your life's work lies at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, and what the world needs. It's about combining your passion with a purpose that serves others.

9. The Seven Phases to Finding Your Calling

Jeff Goins outlines seven phases—Awareness, Apprenticeship, Practice, Discovery, Profession, Mastery, and Legacy—that lead to finding one's calling. Each phase represents a step in the process of self-discovery and skill development.

10. Embracing the Unfinished Symphony

We all die as "unfinished symphonies," implying that our work and our journey are never truly complete. This perspective encourages continuous growth and contribution until the end of our lives.

11. Mastering the Craft Without Being Mastered

While it's important to master your craft, it's equally important not to let it master you. Balance is key to ensuring that your work serves your life and not the other way around.

12. The Power of Intentional Decisions

Discovering your calling is a result of intentional decisions, not just waiting for epiphanies. It's about taking action and making choices that align with your deeper purpose.

13. The Art of Work as a Guide to Self-Discovery

The book is not about providing a magical formula for a brilliant career but rather guiding you through the signs and leading you on a path to identify and create your own legacy.

In Summary,

"The Art of Work" by Jeff Goins offers a comprehensive look at the process of finding one's calling through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and philosophical insights.

It encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embrace the challenges along the way, and ultimately strive to leave a lasting legacy through their life's work.

Would you recommend this book? Would you read it yourself? Please join the conversation and leave your comments below!

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Cheers!

Joe Calasan