Repacking Your Bags: Lighten Your Load for the Rest of Your Life

by Richard J. Leider, David A. Shapiro

Repacking Your Bags helps people develop their own unique vision of the good life and take practical steps at home and at work to make that vision a reality. Repacking is a travel guide for success with fulfillment and a more authentically meaningful life. It provides a simple yet elegant process to help people ask the right questions -- and get the right answers -- along the way. It helps them put together a ""trip plan"" that provides for the elements of the good work, love, place, and purpose. As a result of repacking, readers will be able to reach for and achieve their vision of the good life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Growth, Business, Psychology, Inspirational, Audiobook

280 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1994

About the author

Richard’s ten books, including three best sellers, have sold over one million copies and have been translated into 20 languages. Repacking Your Bags and The Power of Purpose are considered classics in the personal development field. Richard’s “inventures” in writing books have taken him to events with readers in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and 15 countries.

As co-author of Life Reimagined, he is the Chief Curator of content for AARP’s Life Reimagined Institute. Widely viewed as a visionary and thought leader on the “power of purpose”, his work is featured regularly in many media sources including, PBS public television, and NPR public radio. He is featured in the PBS Special – The Power of Purpose.

As a keynote speaker, he is one of a select few advisors and coaches who have been asked to work with over 100,000 leaders from over 100 organizations such as AARP, Ericsson, Mayo Clinic, MetLife, National Football League (NFL), and United Health Group discover the power of purpose.

Richard holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a National Certified Career Counselor (NCCC), and a National Certified Master Career Counselor (MCC). As a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, he founded The Purpose Project. He is co-chairman and dean of the World Purpose Forum, co-chairman of the Linkage/Global Institute for Leadership Development, and a member of the Council Advisors of the FRED Leadership Forum. He is also a board member of Youth Frontiers, and Life Coach in Residence at The Marsh: A Center for Balance and Fitness.

He is a contributing author to many coaching books, including: Coaching for Leadership, The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching, Executive Coaching for Results, The Leader of the Future, and The Organization of the Future.

Richard’s work has been recognized with awards from the Bush Foundation, from which he was awarded a Bush Fellowship and the Fielding Institute’s Outstanding Scholar for Creative Longevity and Wisdom award.

For 30 years, Richard has led Inventure Expedition walking safaris in Tanzania, East Africa, where he co-founded and is a board member of the Dorobo Fund for Tanzania. He and his wife, Sally, live on the St. Croix river outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Αβδυλλα Aωαςhι · Rating 4 out of 5]

هذا الكتاب يقدم رؤية جيدة للتخلص من الأعباء غير الضرورية التي تملأ حياتنا و إعادة تقييم كافة الأوضاع في حياتنا من علاقات و مواقف و أعباء

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a 'book-of-the-month' some years back at my neighborhood "Center for Spiritual Living"

I only posted it now ---after having seen Goodreads friend read "The Art of Unpacking your Life".

The themes sure sound much the same -- ""Lighten Your Load"!


It was a pretty good book -- which improved 'with' discussion! (including goals - intentions & action taken)

[Nathan W Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book 5 years ago and it helped me in many ways move forward in life. Now 5 years later finding myself at a cross-roads I am reading it again to gain better perspective on what I want to do with my life.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book more at the begining than at the end. Thw mesaage of it is still true and upon reflectimg i know that have done some reflecting or repacking my entire like.

One part of the book really got on my nerves. It was when the author was talking about taking regular trips to Africa to recomect with the 'primative' simple life. He also said something along the lines of having more 'primative' tribes that are hunter gatherers is the 'real' and 'true' Africa. Sterotypes about Africa really are off putting to me becauae my dad is Ghanaian and I have had ti deal with theae sterotypes my whole life..

Problem 1: what part of Africa did you go to. Africa is a continent not a country contrary to popular belief. There are 54 countries in Africa all of which have different cultures. The peoblem is that when you say you went to Africa, individual African countries lose their individuality and then their identity in the western world.

Problem 2: Going to 'Africa' to reconnect with the simple and primative. There are places and tribes that still opporate in hunter-gather fashion. These ways of opporating are different from the author and primative because they may not use the technology he does. A cultures valitity and complexities are not only based on its technology.

Problem 3: If you do end up going to 'Africa' then you shouldn't go to any up and coming cities that are 'modeenizing' in your western eyes, you should go to the remote places because that is the TRUE Africa. When I heard this I was all types of done. How are not going to say the continent of Africa is not without technology all over. This is the typical westerner's idea of what Africa SHOULD BE and therefore anything different is not 'real'. How dare you tell Africa and Africans what they should be. That takes some real audacity.

Overall I liked the book just some parts got under my skin. It was a good refresher to reflect more often. It has good parts but it is by no means perfect.

[Andreia Pania de Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this book 5 stars for a very personal reason. I was walking on the 24 avenue in San Francisco and this book was available on the sidewalk with a note: Free. I read the title “Repacking your Bags” and I thought: Why not? It can give me some tips on what clothes to take with me in the next trip. 😊😊 (This is something Érica Minchin will help me to solve it 😃😃).
With that funny thought I picked it up and for my surprise it was much more than what I expected.. It is a very interesting roadmap on how to navigate thru middle life crisis or even having one on purpose. I am into my forties and this book was extremely helpful. It was like talking to a close friend who has more insights of my own life than myself. I am amazed how this book just randomly got into my life. I want to read it again and take some notes/quotes to carry it with me.

[LizG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book to help one begin the process of re-evaluating one's life. If you feel like something's missing and aren't sure what or how to define it, this gives you a great place to start.

Without being heavy or daunting, it asks that we truly look at all we're carrying through life and decide what we actually want and need for the journey, and what could be let go. Includes exercises to challenge the idea that it's too hard to change.

Their definition of The Good Life pretty much sums it up:

"Living in the Place I belong, with the people I Love, doing the Right Work, on Purpose."

----------
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." Carl Rogers

[Amani · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I didn't like about the book is that I felt the information is repeating itself over and over, plus the useless stories.

[Sura Siri · Rating 5 out of 5]

หนังสือดีที่นำมาเพิ่มเติมเนื้อหาให้เข้ากับปัจจุบันมากยิ่งขึ้นเป็นฉบับปรับปรุงหลังจากพิมพ์ครั้งแรก 17ปี (พิมพ์ครั้งแรกเมื่อปี ค.ศ. 1994) เนื้อหาเป็นเรื่องราวของการขบคิดโดยการเปรียบเทียบการใช้ชีวิตที่มีความสุขและสมถะเรียบง่าย กับการจัดกระเป๋าเดินทางซึ่งถ้าจัดกระเป่าเดินทางแบบเพียบพร้อมอัดแน่นการเดินทางก็จะยากลำบากและมีอุปสรรคมากมายในการเดินทาง หากแต่ถ้าจัดกระเป๋าเดินทางน้อยหรือไม่จัดกระเป๋าเลยแล้วหวังไปพึ่งคนอื่นข้างหน้าชีวิตก็จะไม่มั่นคง ดังนั้นศาสตร์แห่งการจัดกระเป๋าก็เหมือนกับการจัดการชีวิตตัวเอง โดยการเลือก”เก็บ” พกพาเฉพาะสิ่งที่สำคัญในชีวิตและสร้างความสุข เช่น เพื่อน งาน ความคิด และอื่นๆ เพื่อดำเนินชีวิตต่อไป และ”ทิ้ง”สิ่งที่เลวร้าย ไร้ประโยชน์หรือความทุกข์ออกไป ผู้เขียนเน้นย้ำว่าการจัดการเป๋าเดินทางหรือการจัดการชีวิต สามารถจัดใหม่ได้ตลอดตามความเหมาะสม

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first started listening to this book, I was going to purchase a “hard” copy so I could participate in the exercises. As I kept listening, the book got too repetitive. While the book does have some very useful advice the style ended up not being for me. I do appreciate that the authors included personal statements and stories. I suspect this would be a very worthwhile book for many folks. Perhaps I was listening at the wrong time. I debated about giving only two stars so take that with a grain of salt.

[Ypatios Varelas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ωραίο θέμα, βοηθητική η βασική λογική, της εξέτασης τι πραγματικά χρειαζόμαστε και τι μας κάνει χαρούμενους και να πετάξουμε τα υπόλοιπα, καλή και η διάκριση σε τομείς της ζωής όμως.... Πολλή φλυαρία, πολλά παραδείγματα με κανένα από τα οποία δεν ταυτίστηκα (μπορεί φυσικά να είμαι εγώ ο παράξενος) και μία προσπάθεια να καλυφθούν πάρα πολλά υπο-θέματα και λεπτομέρειες σε ένα μικρό σε όγκο βιβλίο που το κάνει κουραστικό και συχνά επιφανειακό.

[Chuck Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book for life guides.

First, I liked the context and guidance this book provides. As a 70+ executive consultant it covered ground that I have long past. So, it gives me a great tool for my young clients. The worksheets are excellent as is the guide for group support. My less than 5star rating is a reflection of my own patience and a love for less words:-). My thanks to the authors.

[Sanford Chee]

What is the good life? Living in the place you belong, with people you love, doing the right work on purpose.

“As far as I know, happiness is just 3 things: good health, meaningful work, and love. If you have those 3 things, you’re happy.” Wise Angel to Richard Shell

Life decisions vs wealth decisions
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/weal...

Nighbirde on AGT
https://youtu.be/CZJvBfoHDk0

[Leslie Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is a wonderful motivational book. Repacking Your Bags is Truly a handbook for personal living.
Indeed, very often we need to unpack and repack our bags in our life journey. There’s something incredibly liberating about purging ourselves of unnecessary (cluttering) stuff that we unknowingly accumulated over a certain period time..

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could give this a 3.5 I would. It has some absolutely amazing material. The name itself is so instructive right off the bat, but there were some highly repetitive bits, which had me stopping and starting my reading. Glad I read it though. Good book.

[Cristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The advice in this book doesn’t take in to account that many people work paycheck to paycheck and they can’t take a “time out” to fund their purpose. Also, I don’t have my “bags packed by the door” to walk out on any of my relationships. Overall, this book is not practical for many people.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.51

[Arun Mohandas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Really an eye opener for people like me to clarify what you need in life..

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little touchy-feely for my liking but I agree with the overall concept.

[Autumn Wagner]

This is an update to the classic. A great workbook for updating your concept of what you want in your life. Paring down to the essential means you can live life the way you want!

[Patty Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good info at any age! I was "too busy" to read it when it came out, but certainly better late than never! For all people that are looking for direction in their lives.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

After meeting the author at a benefit, I was motivated to read his work. I enjoyed this book, as I am currently lightening my load.

[Ida Ovied · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational

[Wasin Waeosri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is based on Thai translation version.

เนื้อหาหลักที่จะสื่อดีเลยแหละ แต่น้ำเยอะมากกกก จนงง

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever gone on a trip and packed far too much? An extra outfit or two just in case then shoes to match, etc, etc. Things you’ll never really use anyway. Eventually, you might have even had to add another bag or suitcase. Only to realize, once at your destination, that you forgot a key item.

Life is kind of like that. Sometimes, we carry around all this useless stuff. Not just material items but also relationships, emotional garbage, and beliefs that no longer fit us. It’s sort of like keeping a closet full of clothes that don’t fit, are out of style, and are just taking up space.

Repacking Your Bags asks us to examine our baggage and repack to suit our current needs. Life changes and with those changes come different needs. It only makes sense to reassess, figure out what truly makes us happy, and enjoy what we have here and now.

[Sophiebird · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Interesting read with a few points to ponder regarding traveling through life with too much material and/or emotional baggage. But too many examples of wealthy individuals being able change their plights. Having the funds to risk a change can always help the situation, but I was not moved by a physician setting up a practice in an under-developed country, but if it worked for him all the better for the world; or the person who took off to a safari in Tanzania. Must be nice, but not all of us can escape as easily. That is not to say one cannot make changes for the better in one's life nonetheless of course.

I don't know. Maybe when I read this I was more focused on my being buried by too much material - mainly books, many still to read - my "baggage" I cannot part with.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two currencies in life... Money and time

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once in awhile, it's useful to stop and assess if we are in alignment with our vision of the "good life". Repacking Your Bags by Richard Leider can help you answer these questions and has tools to help you repack your bag and lighten your load if you find anything lacking. If you are thinking of making any changes in where you work, where you live or with relationships (or all three), I recommend you follow the exercises in this book to make sense of your life and life in an authentic meaningful way.

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off with some interesting, new-to-me analogies to illustrate what are, let's be honest, pretty obvious suggestions that have been covered in many other self-help books and articles. I enjoyed the analogies. I liked the examples from films - I could recall each of the ones they used and could see the relationships to the points they were making. As the book kept going, however, it felt like the authors ran out of steam and didn't really have much new to say, or... much to say in a new way. Nice for a light read/listen -- good simplicity reminders.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unplug, take time to reflect, spend time with your loved ones. This is the message of this book. I felt a bit at home in Repacking Your Bags as a former Minnesotan and theology student. Its heady philosophical nature with a Scandinavian filter was all very familiar. And yet I didn't find anything new or personally useful in its pages. I suppose we could chalk this up to me being in a good place in life--perhaps the book would be more useful to someone in crisis: a job change, divorce, grief.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seems like it'd be helpful at a number of points in one's life. It was a quick read, with thought-provoking exercises that I plan to go back and do. Maybe because I'm a "process person," I also appreciated the message that the process is more important to focus on than getting to the destination.