Peter Buffett wrote a solid book about finding your path to fulfillment - Life is What You Make It. (This is an affiliate Amazon link.) It breaks down the story how he refused to follow his father’s path into investing. He was never interested.
The book is well written, but it doesn’t slap you in the face like I hoped it would. I was hoping for a wakeup call that would help guide readers toward a new perspective.
What I Enjoyed
I like that Buffett talked about his own journey in the music industry as well as a few other people he knew intimately. Too often we look at someone we admire and we become jealous of the present career they have. We don’t see all the hard work they put in before they succeeded.
Buffett also talks about how he jump started his music career using his $90,000 gift from his father at the age of 19. If he would have left this $90,000 in Berkshire Hathaway (his father’s company) stock, it would be worth over $70,000,000, but he isn’t upset by this fact. He knows how lucky he was to grow up in privilege, but he also knows that it doesn’t make him who he is. He makes sure to acknowledge this fact.
What this Book Lacked
I have to admit that at first this book didn’t grab my interest, but as I got further into it I realized how Peter has such a balanced mind. He sees his points from many angles. It’s the sign of a very sane person. The problem is that most books that I love have more weirdness to them. This isn’t a bad thing, just a quality that I enjoy. Buffett doesn’t force me to step outside of my comfort zone. That’s ok because a lot of people don’t want to step outside their comfort zone.
This book doesn’t pack any surprises. It’s full of solid material that helps guide your career, but there were no fireworks that went off in my brain. Like I said, it’s just a matter of taste.
Should You Buy this Book?
The thing is that most people need the common sense advice that is in this book, but many people probably won’t make it all the way through. This is unfortunate because I think that a lot of people should apply Peter’s advice to their own lives.
Side note: The topics in this book would also have a powerful impact if given in a presentation. I looked around and found an interview on YouTube. Buffett’s demeanor is kind and thoughtful. He definitely could give a powerful talk about finding a more fulfilling path.
This book is not for everyone. You should buy this book if you are young and in need of guidance toward finding work that allows you to use your superpowers.
The concepts in this book are timeless: Don’t give up. Follow your passions. If you don’t, you’ll regret it.
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* I wrote a guest post over at Evolve Beings called - Why Your Job is the Best Place to Discover Your Super Powers. It's a must read in my book. 😉
If you enjoyed this post then you will probably like this one too:
> Pay Close Attention to Who You Really Are (Interview with Peter Buffett)
Karl - just finished this book, too. I certainly agree with your review and did find it a helpful perspective - especially from my view as a young professional. And, I think Buffet highlighted or reaffirmed many things I believe to be true about one's journey.
Karl,
The best advice is sound advice. It sounds like it's too the point with no added fluff! I think the think we do is called
"projecting perfection" it doesn't matter how much money someone has we all have to work. I still believe in hard work...with a lot of travel in between;) Talk soon.
Hi Drew, There were some wonderful concepts in this book. It's great for young professionals trying to find work that they are passionate about. There are some weaknesses, but that shouldn't deter people from pulling some good nuggets out of it.
Hi Tess, Too many of us want the quick rise to fame without all the hard work. We wish that someone with a lot of influence could just see our talent and show us how to harness our powers. Life doesn't work that way. We have to prove we care so much and that we have the talent to succeed before anyone is willing to take notice.
Hi Karl
I always love hearing about new books of the non-ficiton kind. I have to say, the title sounds awesome, but can totally relate to what you say about it just not having that punch.
And I also think that it we picked up a book that held our interest for some reason, we should try to get through it. I know, it may not be the most efficient, but sometimes one line can hold a life changing meaning for us.
Karl: Sounds like an interesting read ... A little common sense advice that point you in the direction of your own super powers never hurt anyone 🙂 Thanks for the review. I am definitely intrigued.