I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What

Rating:
Summary: Practical, realistic, and uplifting
Review: "Wishcraft" knocked my socks off many years ago. While this didn't pack the same punch for me, I still recommend it heartily as a follow-up to the previous book: she builds upon its insights to offer eminently practical help for discovering what you want in life. I like Sher's approach for two reasons: (1) she makes it clear that achieving what you want in life doesn't necessarily shape itself neatly into "career" (a common mistake in career and life-planning books), and (2) she recognizes that not everyone has one GRAND passion; some people are generalists by nature, and that's just as valid (and achievable!) a way of life. Her down-to-earth and realistic approach is refreshing, and she makes no extravagant promises. In fact, her books WILL change your life -- but only because she's shown you that you know what you're looking for, and just need some practical guidance about how to find it!

Rating:
Summary: Take Action to know your Resistance
Review: Barbara Sher has a direct, no-nonsense approach to finding and leading a meaningful life. Her answers are simple, straightforward -- and the kind of things that make you think: "WOW, why didn't I think of that? It's so easy." Its common sense, but somehow we lose track of it, become afraid, lost, forget what we dreamt for ourselves. Her central message do what you love to give your life meaning. Find your resistance by taking action. Sher uses exercises, lots of examples, ideas, personal anecdotes (hers and from other people) "The universe is not going to see someone like you again in the entire history of creation." (Gregorian) That's why its important to live the life you were meant to live - and as Sher states - that life is as individual as you are. If you don't think you remember your dreams ... or don't believe you had any -- if you think you're all over the map and want too many things, if you feel you have nothing left, or have lost interest - then there's something here for you too -- Sher addresses these problems, and their underlying reasons.

Rating:
Summary: Hit home, unlike other books on uncertainty
Review: I haven't finished the book yet, but...

I am a 22 year old 5th year junior in college, and for the longest time I haven't had the slightest clue what's wrong with me. I find this book very emotionally challenging, and use it for just that: a challenge. I agree that it is rather vague, but there are some of us who have to start from scratch on this sort of thing. I DID NOT find Parachute to be at all helpful (after spending several weeks on it) for the simple fact that *I don't know what I want*! That was a very frustrating feeling, and this book speaks my particular situation.

I got a little turned off by the positive-attitude thing; after a while I just didn't want to listen to it any more. I'm VERY glad I'm not listening to this on tape.

Not for the very experienced, I imagine, but definitely for me, as a rock-bottom-ground-floor beginner.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful and Humorous
Review: I was fortunate enough to receive this as a gift during my freshman year of college. Didn't know what I wanted to major in at the time let alone what to do with my life. Nine years later, I'm definitely closer to defining the goals in my life and becoming more accepting of myself. This book was invaluable in helping me become the person I am today. Finding yourself and what you want out of life doesn't happen overnight, thank heavens for that.

I'm not into books that berate the reader and scream "just do it you loser" like some of the more popular books in this genre. If I wanted to be pissed on I could just spend more time with my parents. So if you're into THAT school of self-help then this book is not for you. But if you've got a sense of humor, are patient, realistic, and need some helpful words of encouragement, then it wouldn't hurt to check this out.

Rating:
Summary: On my way
Review: If I could do anything I would win the lottery. That probably will not happen so I will use this book instead. With today's job market Ms. Sher's ideas of finding what interests you instead of following a "career" is good advice. I have found it neccessary to switch my career path recently and it was not my choice. This book and Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey have both given me ideas I never considered.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read, But Not Specific Enough To Really Help
Review: Ms. Sher did a really great job in showing that I am not the only person who does not really know what I really wants in my life, which directions I should go, and what really I am interested. The book has shown many great examples of people who have the same problems as myself. After reading this book, I started my own small business that I love without giving up my current jobs!! Of course, my life is getting better. Overall, I believe this is a great book for people who do not know what they are really interested in. If you are not satisfy with your current life, I strongly recommend you to read this book. Your life will change if and only if you start doing doing and accomplish something!!

Rating:
Summary: You really DO know what you want
Review: Psychologist and career counselor, Barbara Sher, the best-selling author of WISHCRAFT, has synthesized a ground-breaking work of psychological insights and practical exercises that help us ferret out what we knew all along: we really do know what we want. There are many reasons for this sometimes lifelong memory gap. For some its fear of success, for others it's fear of failure, for many its insecurity or a lack of self-esteem. Whatever the reason, Sher has devised creative exercises from writing our own wish scenario to revisiting that point in our life where everything started to go wrong.

The question to ask of any self-help book is: can it really help? Yes, definitely, if you approach Sher's book without any expectations. If you think it's going to make you get up and quit that job you dread going to day after day, forget it. Sher's work here is to adjust your thinking not your life - that's up to you. As stated in the Upanishads: "As one's thinking is, such one becomes. " After reading this book, you just might appreciate that "dreaful" job you have and see how it actually helps get on with the work you really love to do. On the other hand, you might also find that the lifelong work you have been dreaming about can truly be a nightmare. It's all a matter of perspective as Sher points out so effectively.

I would recommend this book to anyone who felt it was time for a change and a little introspection. Whether you are highly creative or down-to-earth and practical, everyone can learn a lesson or two from Sher's revealing insights.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful in taking that first step around resistance
Review: This is a book that has received mixed reviews by readers. Some perhaps are insulted about it's hand-holding approach, others perhaps are offended by its "overly ying" encouragement for expressing emotions.
I can only say that I related fully with this book. It confronted me with my resistance, and encouraged me gently to face up to it. My immediate reaction was wishing the people around me had also read this book, because it was still very difficult speaking with them about dispelling the rat-race mentality. Being from Latin America, the tendency to pigeonhole people around their first career is much stronger than in industrialized countries, which makes the pressures against changing careers that much greater.
My only regret with this one is having lent it out too soon, after reading through it only once, but I was in that much of a hurry to share the inspiration!
The lessons from the book, in any case, have stayed with me, more than 5 years after reading it. I still suggest some of the exercises from it on ocassion, to to loved ones who can't quite face up to their displeasure with their "established" careers.
I am tempted to buy another copy soon, to hand over once again. I kind of like the feeling of seeing my friends getting started on their own gentle awakenings.

Rating:
Summary: Avoid it, there exists better offers
Review: This trash is self-help at its worst. It makes Dr. Phil and Jerry Springer seem solid and sincere. Yuck. Avoid at all costs (how was I coerced into buying this?)