This book was originally a gift for a friend. Then I bought it for myself and started reading it for myself, drawing all over every page and underlining ideas and quotes. It has me thinking about my future and has probably had the most significant impact on my direction. ( )

Project #4 is a Stroke of Genius

ROADMAP is a book filled with practical ideas. The physical appearance of the book is a little deceiving. At first, I actually thought it was some type of coffee -table-type book. You know, the kind of book that has lots of glossy pictures, but not really much substantive information. Well I was completely wrong. This book is not anything like that.

A key themes of the book is to figure out what they call your "foundation." This is the thing you really love to do. Is it teaching, is it writing, what is it. They provide this little thought experiment to help the reader figure it out: "As long as I am x____ I'll be happy." They provide lots of suggestions for helping the reader define their foundation.

The authors emphasize how important it is to actually take action. It's not enough to just dream about what you want to do--you need to take specific concrete steps. They explain: "The cumulative effect of action is the most powerful force in defining your road." I really loved one illustration on this point:

▲ do something
▲ then do something else
▲ then do something else
▲ then splash

The authors provide a little chart to help get you started with taking action. Here's how it works: Think of what you can do in 10 minutes of time, or in one hour of time or in one day. List these things, then take your first steps. It's not what you feel that's important--it's what you DO. As they explain in Chapter 16, "You are your decisions."

At the end of the book, there is a list of possible projects that the reader can try. These projects are ways to figure out what you can really do with your life. For example, project #1 is to start a blog about your interest. The point is, you need to "Start somewhere." Project #4 is a stroke of genius. It's called, "Create your own semester." The idea is, you create your own semester to " learn what you want to learn, experience what you want to experience..." Sort of like going to school, except you design your own class to help you further your ideals.

√ All in all, ROADMAP is a tremendous book. Honestly, I was surprised. ROAD MAP emphasizes the practical--the DOING. The ideas here contain wisdom that goes beyond the experience of the youthful creators. Clearly, the writing team of road map has picked up tremendous value from all of their interviews on "Roadtrip Nation." The emphasis on action reminds me of the classic book by David Allen, "Getting Things Done." He also emphasize the importance of figuring out the next concrete step to take.

Highly recommend!

Review copy for impartial view provided by the LibraryThing.

wish this book had been around when I started college. To be given permission to follow your dreams ,not other people's dreams for you, is a valuable gift. This workbook- style book includes examples of real people from all walks of life with unique stories to encourage and inspire. Sometimes opportunities fall into our laps and sometimes we have to search for them but Roadmap encourages all of us to delve deep and search for personal happiness, meaningful work and to follow a personal path to real success. Learn how to make your life more meaningful - perfect for the recent grad, a mid-career rethink or looking for what should matter after retirement. My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. ( )