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Almost a decade ago I had an inspiration. Leveraging a habit of reading biographies, I noticed a pattern of success amongst three unrelated individuals – a restauranteur, a basketball coach, and a folk singer. I then reread each book, and the patterns became even more clear. I knew quite quickly this was a story I wanted to share.
Over the past six years, I have done exhaustive research on this theme. First, digging through the academic literature on job satisfaction and career regret. Unfortunately, 59% of adults are unsatisfied at work. Moreover, a similar percentage (6/10) responded “yes” when asked, “if you could start your career over again would you do something different.” Lastly, the average teenager faces immense pressure during their journey into high school and through college. They are caught in a “resume arms race” — grinding to accomplish each next step with little time for exploration. Rick Rubin, the famous music producer, summed it up beautifully in his recent book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being“:
“As children, few of us are taught to understand and prioritize our feelings. For the most part, the educational system doesn’t ask us to access our sensitivity, but to be obedient. To do what is expected. Our natural independent spirit is tamed. Free thought is constrained. There is a set of rules and expectations put upon us that is not about exploring who we are or what we’re capable of.”
My objective is focused – I want to give people the permission, the motivation, and the methodology to successfully chase their dream job. Other people that guide you will be more focused on status or making money or fulfilling some legacy that may not be yours. I want you to know that you can have a wonderful, fulfilling career spending your days doing what you love.
Life is a use it or lose it proposition.
I am fortunate to have had advice from some of the best writers in the business as well as some of the top academics who study career satisfaction. Additionally, there are many great stories of people that were able to fulfill their dreams, starting at the very lowest level and ending on the highest tier. Many of them took their time to help make the stories detailed and delightful which I believe make them more impactful. For all of that have helped, I am deeply grateful.
I will be doing some live events with interesting conversation partners when the book publishes. Check back for more info on the months ahead….
I hope you enjoy it,
Bill
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER
Kind words from those that have read an early copy:
“Fantastic. A variety of useful insights and examples that converge into one story that underlies remarkable success in nearly any field: The relentless hunger to learn about the thing you love.”
—James Clear, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Atomic Habits
“Many young people now reach their 20s with two strikes already against them: greater anxiety and diminished ability to focus. Gurley offers his readers a way to move forward with increasing energy and confidence. This inspiring book is an invitation to shift into ‘discover mode,’ where curiosity replaces fear and real growth begins.”
— Jonathan Haidt, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Anxious Generation
“I hadn’t even gotten through the first chapter, and I was already writing down ideas. Wicked smart and original, Bill pulls apart success stories and reverse engineers them for us. Thank you, Bill!”
—Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder
“Do the work. Learn from people who have been there. Go deep. Go wide. Be an agent in your own life. This brilliantly useful book is the antidote to entitlement. Everyone should read it.”
—Annie Duke, bestselling author of Thinking in Bets, How to Decide, and Quit
“Schools never teach a how to find work you love class. Bill Gurley clearly maps the path with sharp insights and real tools. Strongly recommended.”
— TonyFadell, iPod inventor, iPhone co-inventor, Nest founder, bestselling author of Build
“Reading this book feels like sitting beside a clear-eyed mentor who’s honest about how work really works. It replaces vague advice with vivid human stories and delivers a bracing call to act boldly in every part of our lives.”
—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive and The Power of Regret
“Runnin’ Down a Dream is a practical guide to forging a fulfilling career, backed up by a mountain of research. It’s also a page turner that delves deep into the surprising, often zig-zagging career paths of exceptional performers. There is something inspiring on every page.”
—David Epstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Range
“This book might save you from a career you’ll regret. Bill Gurley has spent decades figuring out how to find a dream job, and his stories and advice are poised to take you one step closer to yours.”
—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking
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