So looking at my last two posts they’ve been pretty negative. Overly negative. My job situation could be a heck of a lot worse and my colleagues are nice enough really. I’m just frustrated at my current situation and feel so far away from where I want to be.
I first heard about Paul Angone’s book over at StuffGradsLike, then shortly after came across it again at Working Self. With these great reviews I thought it sounded like a pretty good read, but it exceeded my expectations.
I finished it in two sittings (would’ve got through it in one if it wasn’t so late and I wasn’t so tired when I started!). It was such a page turner and just felt so completely relevant to where I am in my life right now. Parts were genuinely funny, and others led to reflection and thinking about things in my own life. It just made me feel so much more positive, and much less alone.
101 secrets for your twenties
by Paul Angone of AllGroanUp
The great thing about this book is the balance between optimism and realism. Yes your twenties might be hard, and you’re not on your own in feeling like this, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for a mediocre life. You can follow your dreams, it just might not be within the time frame you’d like (secret #19 Our plans aren’t the problem. Our timeline is).
My personal favourite secret is #2 The possibility for greatness and embarrassment both exist in the same space. If you’re not willing to be embarrassed, you’re probably not willing to be great. I fear embarrassment, but I know it’s something that I have to overcome if I’m going to take risks and achieve anything great in my life.
There’s so much good advice packed into this book, yet it never feels like Paul is telling you what you should or shouldn’t be doing. If you’re in your twenties (or even if not!) and feeling a little lost and confused, do get hold of a copy. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed 101 Secrets! I genuinely love Paul’s work, and I think this book is his best of the best. Case in point: it sold out at Amazon within 24 hours of its release!
I hope you don’t mind a little plug: I’m giving away a free copy to people who register for the Working Self newsletter by midnight on Sunday, July 7th. It’s well worth a read – and I can’t wait to send a brand new copy someone’s way!
It really is a great book, and one I think every twenty-something should read. Don’t mind the plug at all when it’s for what I’m sure will be a very useful newsletter, and the chance for someone to receive a copy of such a good book!
Sounds like a great read. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by – do check it out, it’s definitely worth a read!
Awesome post. Isn’t the book great? What was your favorite “secret?”
Thanks! It really is – so honest, funny and reassuring. #2, #6 and #19 are my top three – which are your favourites?
Hm. let’s see. I actually really like the one you posted, #2. taking that risk, the jump – it could land me in the pool of embarrassment, but it could also take me way higher than I expected! You know?
It does sound like a great read., and you have done well in reviewing it. You should feel proud of yourself.