The September feature book is Ten Things I Wish I’d Known – Before I Went Out Into the Real World by Maria Shriver. Shriver is an acclaimed journalist and author and has quite a few books to her name. This book was adapted from a convocation speech that she gave at College of the Holy Cross in 1998, in which she shared with the graduates ten things she wished she had known at graduation. She was asked to adapt the speech into a book and it’s not hard to see why. Even though the book was published in 2000, the information is just as relevant to new graduates, young people, and anyone looking to gain some perspective.
I have read many convocation speeches turned books and many self-improvement books as well, but this one felt different. In this quick read, Shriver managed to share unique career and life advice and was not afraid to speak the truth, sharing personal stories and anecdotes openly.
The book is divided into ten key chapters, each one representing one of the ten things she wished she’d known. The ten things are as follows:
1. Pinpoint Your Passion – This chapter focuses on how critical it is to take the time to narrow down your interest areas and identify exactly what it is that makes you excited and inspired – what exactly is your passion and how can you find it. Shriver encourages the reader to trust their gut no matter what anyone else thinks because ultimately it is your life and you decide how you want to live it.
2. No Job Is Beneath You – Not to be confused with taking a job that is beneath your skill level and qualifications. This is specifically talking about being honest with where you are in your career and the importance of starting from that point (even if that’s at the bottom). It’s not about humiliation – it’s about humility.
3. Who You Work For and With is As Important as What You Do – This section probably rings true for a lot of you reading this post – I know I have worked in places where my colleagues have made the workplace better and brighter, making my experience there better and brighter as well. It is so important to find people that you can work with and work for. Managers should work to bring their employees up, recognize them for a job well done, help them to grow and succeed, and act as a mentor and guide.
4. Your Behaviour Has Consequences – This area focuses on the importance of staying ethical and true to who you are. Shriver talks about how the end doesn’t justify the means and it’s not worth risking your reputation or throwing a colleague under the bus for that promotion, new office, big deal, or that raise.
5. Be Willing to Fail – It’s no secret that failure is a part of life and a necessary part at that. Failure teaches us imperative lessons in a way that success never can. Failure can also give us motivation to keep going in our journey. Prior to Shriver’s failures, her work was her life’s focus and when she lost her job and was replaced, she was lost in life. She talks about now knowing who she is as a person without work and her job – how work is a fulfilling part of her life but it’s no longer everything and for that she is so grateful.
6. Superwoman Is Dead…and Superman May Be Taking Viagra – This chapter focuses on the need to let go of perfectionism and how perfectionism only makes you feel inadequate. You can’t measure yourself to impossible standards and you can’t do it all. The goal Shriver talks about here is self-acceptance and not perfectionism.
7. Children Do Change Your Career (Not to Mention Your Entire Life) – As a mother, Shriver discusses that having kids is a life-changing experience and they do inevitably change your career – but they also teach you a lot about yourself that may be beyond what you can see. Shriver’s children taught her selflessness, patience, flexibility, love, and letting go.
8. Marriage Is a Hell of a Lot of Hard Work – This area looks at the effect of a career that is all consuming – and how that may not leave room for your spouse. Shriver asks readers to please focus on their marriage – to pay attention, to devote time, to be willing to connect, to not let opportunities slip away, and to not take it for granted.
9. Don’t Expect Anyone Else to Support You Financially – This section talks about the need to understand your finances – where is your money going and what can you do to make sure your money helps you get where you want to be. Shriver talks about how money can give you many options and that while you may never have as much as you want, there’s nothing better for the soul than giving some to those in need.
10. Laughter – This last point is a big one and it’s focus is on the need to have laughter and love in your life. Even when there are obstacles in your path or bumps in the road, laughter can make the journey smoother, easier, and better.
What makes this book different is Shriver’s willingness to share her personal journey and life stories – she is not just giving you her top ten, but she is also giving you the backstory as to why these are her top ten. If you are looking for a nice and easy read with some critical career and life lessons, then I highly recommend picking up this fun book by Maria Shriver.
Happy reading! Sabrina
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