Oct ‘24 BOTS: Build the Life You Want
October’s Book on the Shelf
Title: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier
Authors: Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
Dimensions of Wellbeing: Mental, Social, Directional
Frustration with their co-workers. Anger with their spouse and kids. Fear of uncertainty with the state of the world. These were some struggles that a client reached out to me with. The symptoms were clear. But the cause wasn’t. And when we had a discussion on finding the purpose, the response a resounding “I’m in.”
Until we can clearly articulate why we do what we do, and then define clear goals that align with that purpose, we often find ourselves frustrated with our current situations. And the result? We take it out on others.
When I first picked up Build the Life You Want, I was struck by how relevant its lessons were to my own experiences with clients. Over the years, I’ve worked with people striving to live their best lives, but many struggle with the internal barriers that block their path to happiness.
So my client and I dove into the ideas of intention and connection—the same principles this book emphasizes. We worked together to uncover what was missing: a sense of purpose and the need to redefine what “meaningful work” meant for them. This work allowed us to then find ways to express that purpose in all aspects of their lives…work, home, hobbies, and more.
Takeaways:
In “Build the Life You Want” Brooks and Winfrey uncover and address the two fallible beliefs of happiness: 1) I can be happy, 2) but my circumstances are keeping me stuck in unhappiness…
They break happiness down into four key pillars:
Family and Friends: Relationships are essential. The authors discuss how prioritizing meaningful connections can enhance your overall well-being.
Work and Purpose: They talk about the importance of aligning work with your passion, but more importantly, how to approach your work with purpose, no matter the task.
Faith and Spirituality: You don’t have to be religious to experience spiritual growth. The book dives into how we can all find deeper meaning in our daily lives.
Health and Fitness: Physical and mental health are intertwined, and the book offers simple, actionable tips for nurturing both.
Ultimately, the book challenges readers to not only aim for a life of success but a life of meaning, joy, and resilience.
You'll LOVE This Book If: you’re seeking more than just surface-level happiness—if you want to cultivate joy from within and make it last. Whether you're trying to find balance in your personal life or searching for fulfillment in your career, Build the Life You Want offers tangible steps to guide you toward a more intentional, purposeful life.
Don't Read If: you’ve already done the work to find purpose and meaning, or your previous attempts at this have failed…it may be time to find a guide.
Reasons I Love This Book:
I love how Build the Life You Want brings together the wisdom of both Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey—two people with very different life paths, but who share a deep understanding of what makes a fulfilling life. Their collaborative approach is both compassionate and practical, blending research with personal stories in a way that feels authentic and actionable. For me, this book isn’t just a guide; it’s a reminder that happiness is an ongoing process, one that we can nurture in every aspect of our lives.
Turn “Wouldn’t it be nice…” into “I can’t believe how far I’ve come…”
Are you ready to build a life that feels just as good on the inside as it looks on the outside? Take the first step today. Reach out to me, book a free 30 minute discovery chat, and let’s talk about how you can align your purpose, deepen your relationships, and cultivate a mindset of happiness. What would your life look like if you had the tools to make joy a habit, not a fleeting moment?
