My Story

There is only one success––to spend your life in your own way.

––Christopher Morley, Where Blue Begins

Just as many people, especially men in the American culture, I never realized that delving into my inner being was particularly important. It’s easy to define yourself by the roles you’re assigned––employee, friend, spouse, parent. These roles easily can become the totality of your self-image.

My own breakthrough came with the convergence of a career turning point, a growing sense of unrest, and my deepening attachment to my church. It finally occurred to me that there might be something deeper I should do with my short time here on earth. I believe this is what many people might call a mid-life crisis.

For me, this was a wake-up call to search for my inner self. And sure enough, the universe handed me the right book at the right time––Building Your Field Of Dreams by Mary Manin Morrissey. I then launched on a path of self-discovery and introspection by describing my likes, dislikes, skills, and weaknesses. This became the basis for examining jobs that might bring me personal satisfaction.

Two years later, I delved into the process with the assistance of a gifted career coach. He used some simple tools to help me clarify my deeper values and interests, and ultimately, we described some jobs that I later investigated and even applied for.

These things don’t change quickly. What I learned continues to help me. I now have a basis for seeing why I move toward some things and away from others, and for addressing certain areas of my job that frustrate me. For the first time in my career, I am making significant progress on my personal development that provides value to my employer and me. I don’t know what my future holds, but I feel much more confident in my ability to be flexible and make the best of whatever life gives me.

I wrote this book because I want to reach people who feel powerless and dispirited in working for large organizations. For you, my message is simple: you can make a difference, and you can take control over what happens in your career.