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One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born To Do
Stop being average at so many things, and become extraordinary at one big thing. What were you born to accomplish with your life? One Big Thing will help you discover what you were born to do and allow it to revolutionize your business, your ministry, and your life. In today’s distracted, digital culture, it’s harder than ever to identify your calling, get your voice heard, and achieve your dreams. To stand out and communicate your ideas and message, you need to cut through the clutter and get noticed. Making that happen means focusing on the one thing that drives you, inspires your passion, and separates you from the pack. If you’ve ever felt pulled in different directions or wondered what to do with your varied talents and interests, Phil Cooke will teach you the secrets of living a life-on-purpose that rises above the noise and leaves a lasting mark on the world.
Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 15, 2014
Listened on audiobook.
There was a lot of talk, talk, talk, but no substance. He gave a lot of examples of people who made it and people who didn't, but there was no relevance to that one big thing we're supposed to know for ourselves.
He keeps talking about how hard it is to make it in the world so we should have a one big thing, but it doesn't make sense, because a lot of examples he gave of people who did well, they didn't have a one big thing. I get confused about what I'm really listening to, because he says, let's talk about apples, and then he starts talking about oranges.
I have no idea what he's trying to get at, and it feels like he's just blowing hot air. I've seen a few videos of people like that. They're good speakers, as in, they speak confidently in good English, in front of an audience, and the audience think that these speakers know what they're talking about, just because they have confidence. But confidence does not equal knowledge or wisdom.
It's dangerous to listen to people like that, because they have no idea what they're talking about and they end up leading you astray. It's like someone coming up to you and saying, "Hey, you should totally jump off that cliff! I know it's scary, but it's an amazing experience and you'll never know just how amazing until you try it!" And you listen to him and jump off that cliff to your death, because he sounds so confident he must know what he's talking about!
Beware these speakers.
There was a lot of talk, talk, talk, but no substance. He gave a lot of examples of people who made it and people who didn't, but there was no relevance to that one big thing we're supposed to know for ourselves.
He keeps talking about how hard it is to make it in the world so we should have a one big thing, but it doesn't make sense, because a lot of examples he gave of people who did well, they didn't have a one big thing. I get confused about what I'm really listening to, because he says, let's talk about apples, and then he starts talking about oranges.
I have no idea what he's trying to get at, and it feels like he's just blowing hot air. I've seen a few videos of people like that. They're good speakers, as in, they speak confidently in good English, in front of an audience, and the audience think that these speakers know what they're talking about, just because they have confidence. But confidence does not equal knowledge or wisdom.
It's dangerous to listen to people like that, because they have no idea what they're talking about and they end up leading you astray. It's like someone coming up to you and saying, "Hey, you should totally jump off that cliff! I know it's scary, but it's an amazing experience and you'll never know just how amazing until you try it!" And you listen to him and jump off that cliff to your death, because he sounds so confident he must know what he's talking about!
Beware these speakers.
August 22, 2012
What’s next…?
“It’s tough not to notice a raging fire”
-Phil Cooke
What’s next? What are you born to do? What is your calling? A vital topic for me and for those I lead.
Phil Cooke contributes well to this conversation with his book, The One Big Thing.
He starts with two Big Questions about what’s next:
What am I supposed to do in my life?
In a hyper-connected, cluttered, and distracted world, how do I get noticed?
From there, he asks readers to consider 4 key questions about what’s next:
What comes easy for you
What do you love?
What drives you crazy?
What do you want to leave behind?
My favorite of these was, “what drives you crazy….”
The more I live, the more I notice that what ticks me off strangely brings me closer to my calling. In fact, I had a great conversation with a wonderful leader today who asked me… “who is your enemy?”
Turns out, my answer, which I hadn’t articulated until today is…. “bad leadership.”
There are lots of us fighting that fight… working toward a common big thing.
Why Phil’s Approach is Intriguing…
He is an interesting guy… while completely advocating for a focus on “One Big Thing” he also recognizes that having broad interests creates paths to discovery and nurturing of that goal, “no matter what your OBT might be, you’ll be better because you approach it from a wide variety of perspectives”
He creates a tight linkage with finding a platform and getting noticed, “It’s tough not to notice a raging fire”
He’s got relevant experience (leadership, writing, film producing, non-profit change) he’s been successful in various arenas… and yet continues to refine his big gig with grace
He writes from the perspective of the Christian tradition in relevant ways, and yet is very open and accessible to those with differing backgrounds
What could be done better…
He seems to assume that this concept is a bit new to the reader…he offers lots of great fodder, but I imagine this will not be a new thought for most picking up this book
He relies a lot on frequently cited and tweeted leadership quotes, I would have preferred to hear more call-outs from his thinking
Overall a good read,to get people thinking about what’s next…
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
http://letsgrowleaders.com/2012/08/22...
August 25, 2012
This book is not your typical "get rich quick" book. It's not one of those "I'm going to hand you the answers to life" books.
It's the "find out who you are, find out what you love, and be that thing" book. It's a road map, if you will, that points you in all the right directions for discovering yourself. It's an organized, detailed, logical approach to finding what you are good at in life and being that person.
I was kind of skeptical about this book, as I am about most books that claim to help you find your purpose. But I was actually surprised to find out that it wasn’t like the other books I’ve seen on the topic. It doesn’t claim to hold magical 8-ball powers that send you on your way. Instead, it actually says it can’t and won’t tell you your purpose.
There is a series of steps you can take and questions you must ask yourself in order to start discovering who you are and what you do best.
I really liked the analogy inside this book about “the bread plate lady.”
The author, Cooke, went to a market one day and discovered many stands full of everything imaginable. But there was one old lady in the corner selling only bread plates. Everyone locally knew her as “the bread plate lady” and anyone looking for a bread plate was directed to her. Now, there were several other stands that also sold bread plates, but everyone was still directed to her.
Why?
Because she focused on One Big Thing.
Was her purpose in life bread plates? No. I’m sure it wasn’t. But, as the analogy says, “focus on the one thing you’re good at, and people will notice.”
July 6, 2012
If you have never had the opportunity to listen to Phil Cooke speak, then this is a MUST READ catch up course from your Guidance Counselor. For any dream chaser who feels there is more than a 9-5 existence, take notes from "One Big Thing," and put this book into action. There's no excuse to dream when you can "plan" and mark your course toward the "One Big Thing" you were born to do.
This is a timely concept and I really like how Phil breaks it down with examples of success and failure that will make you reconsider the path you are on, take note of the road ahead and make the right moves with precision and wisdom toward your God-given dream!
This is a timely concept and I really like how Phil breaks it down with examples of success and failure that will make you reconsider the path you are on, take note of the road ahead and make the right moves with precision and wisdom toward your God-given dream!
March 7, 2013
The author comes across with good advice on applying one's passion towards career. As he helps churches, he does make reference to his own Christian beliefs. What surprised me, however, was how unconnected that passion of his seemed to what he wrote and what he suggested to others. One can find deep and lasting passion and fulfillment, he seems to say, apart from Christ. With this, the Christ-centered view of the Bible disagrees.
November 9, 2012
Great book for me, inspiring me to continue on to what I once believed to be my "calling," or as the author calls it my One Big Thing. Easy and quick to read. I recommend for anyone who is looking for what's next, or needs encouragement to continue amidst opposition to what they believe they were meant to do.
June 21, 2016
Sooo....whats you OBT? This is the book that will motivate and inspire you to find out! Its a good read too. Goes quickly.
October 20, 2019
This book will not tell you what is your "One Big Thing" what you are meant to achieve in your life (assuming there is such thing). But it intends to help you find what it is and what it is not.
I give it only a 2-star rating, because after the first chapters it repeats the same stuff and it does not introduce new interesting/challenging ideas. Also, there are too many references to God and religion. No need for those in my opinion.
Nevertheless, there are a few takeaways that make this book worth reading.
In the introduction, to answer the question "What am I supposed to do with my life ?" one should ask oneself "What could I be the best in the world at doing ? What’s my niche? What areas of my life am I most proud of ? Where could I be remarkable?".
Chapter 1 : Leaders of the nineteenth century were good at knowing their One Big Thing. Certainly in those days the options for a woman or member of a minority were far more limited than today.
Chapter 2 : Some people have a moment of epiphany when they discover their One Big Thing. It took the author years before he started noticing the connections, honestly facing up to what he was actually good at doing versus what he wanted to do, and then finally embracing the way he was wired. Destiny wants to be pursued. It wants to be discovered. Because it’s in the journey we learn to understand and value what it means. We have a destiny. We have a purpose. (I cringed a little here). We have one important thing. But it only comes with coaxing, work, and action.
Chapter 3 : The author's advice is : "Step back and look at all that you’re doing. What are you doing well and what not so well? What excites you and what doesn’t? What reflects your genuine calling, expertise, and brand, and what doesn’t? What will actually take you into the future? What could you potentially be the best in your field at accomplishing?". The questions are: "Are you going to continue trying a little of this and a little of that? Being unremarkable at a lot of things? Getting lost in the clutter? Or are you going to find out what your One Big Thing is, let go of everything else, and pursue that with all your passion?". However "In pursuit of your OBT, a wide variety of experience and expertise matters. Keep thinking, keep learning, and keep growing.". In a distracted, hypercompetitive world, you can’t just be decent at a number of different tasks. Too many people are pretty good, and that doesn’t get you on the radar.
Chapter 6 : You need to know your values and what matters to you in order to find your One Big Thing. Values are the map on the journey of self-discovery that leads to your One Bigh Thing. Once you have a sense of the things that matter, then you are in a position to close in on your One Big Thing.
Chapter 7 : Discovering your one thing isn’t about formulas, intelligence tests, or questionnaires. But the more you understand about your personality, your wiring, your strengths and weaknesses, the better. Recommended personality tests : DiSC Profile and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
I give it only a 2-star rating, because after the first chapters it repeats the same stuff and it does not introduce new interesting/challenging ideas. Also, there are too many references to God and religion. No need for those in my opinion.
Nevertheless, there are a few takeaways that make this book worth reading.
In the introduction, to answer the question "What am I supposed to do with my life ?" one should ask oneself "What could I be the best in the world at doing ? What’s my niche? What areas of my life am I most proud of ? Where could I be remarkable?".
Chapter 1 : Leaders of the nineteenth century were good at knowing their One Big Thing. Certainly in those days the options for a woman or member of a minority were far more limited than today.
Chapter 2 : Some people have a moment of epiphany when they discover their One Big Thing. It took the author years before he started noticing the connections, honestly facing up to what he was actually good at doing versus what he wanted to do, and then finally embracing the way he was wired. Destiny wants to be pursued. It wants to be discovered. Because it’s in the journey we learn to understand and value what it means. We have a destiny. We have a purpose. (I cringed a little here). We have one important thing. But it only comes with coaxing, work, and action.
Chapter 3 : The author's advice is : "Step back and look at all that you’re doing. What are you doing well and what not so well? What excites you and what doesn’t? What reflects your genuine calling, expertise, and brand, and what doesn’t? What will actually take you into the future? What could you potentially be the best in your field at accomplishing?". The questions are: "Are you going to continue trying a little of this and a little of that? Being unremarkable at a lot of things? Getting lost in the clutter? Or are you going to find out what your One Big Thing is, let go of everything else, and pursue that with all your passion?". However "In pursuit of your OBT, a wide variety of experience and expertise matters. Keep thinking, keep learning, and keep growing.". In a distracted, hypercompetitive world, you can’t just be decent at a number of different tasks. Too many people are pretty good, and that doesn’t get you on the radar.
Chapter 6 : You need to know your values and what matters to you in order to find your One Big Thing. Values are the map on the journey of self-discovery that leads to your One Bigh Thing. Once you have a sense of the things that matter, then you are in a position to close in on your One Big Thing.
Chapter 7 : Discovering your one thing isn’t about formulas, intelligence tests, or questionnaires. But the more you understand about your personality, your wiring, your strengths and weaknesses, the better. Recommended personality tests : DiSC Profile and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
December 28, 2021
I hated this book. I'm surprised I finished it. I listened to the audiobook; so maybe I just let it keep going while I did other things.
The introduction felt like I read this book already! The author immediately opened the book to a scene from the movie City Slickers. "Wait," I thought, "This sounds very family to another book I recently read..." I immediately thought that maybe it was a summary of the book The ONE Thing by Gary Keller. He opened that book with a reference to the same movie! Then I thought maybe this was another of his books jumping off into a different direction or focus. I had to check the author. NOPE.
I wondered if this book was really a form of plagiarism and how the author could possibly get away with this. Were they friends? Did one inspire the other?
Then I continued to listen.
I didn't get that impression. It almost feels kind of deceitful that the author chose a similar name and a similar intro to engage his readers.
Where The ONE Thing had really good nuggets of info and helped ingrain the ONE idea into our heads by repeating it in different ways or illustrating it in different situations; this book has little to offer.
Instead, he illustrates people who were successful and people who were not without explaining how to find your BIG thing. Instead, he gives general advice: Find what drives you! What can you do best? Be original! Don't give up on the journey! Write down your ideas!
There is not much new here.
The narrator (who also happens to be the author) sounds preachy, yet smarmy at the same time. I'm not sure how others feel inspired by this book. It just made me feel icky. If you are looking for motivating, try Gary Keller's The ONE Thing instead.
The introduction felt like I read this book already! The author immediately opened the book to a scene from the movie City Slickers. "Wait," I thought, "This sounds very family to another book I recently read..." I immediately thought that maybe it was a summary of the book The ONE Thing by Gary Keller. He opened that book with a reference to the same movie! Then I thought maybe this was another of his books jumping off into a different direction or focus. I had to check the author. NOPE.
I wondered if this book was really a form of plagiarism and how the author could possibly get away with this. Were they friends? Did one inspire the other?
Then I continued to listen.
I didn't get that impression. It almost feels kind of deceitful that the author chose a similar name and a similar intro to engage his readers.
Where The ONE Thing had really good nuggets of info and helped ingrain the ONE idea into our heads by repeating it in different ways or illustrating it in different situations; this book has little to offer.
Instead, he illustrates people who were successful and people who were not without explaining how to find your BIG thing. Instead, he gives general advice: Find what drives you! What can you do best? Be original! Don't give up on the journey! Write down your ideas!
There is not much new here.
The narrator (who also happens to be the author) sounds preachy, yet smarmy at the same time. I'm not sure how others feel inspired by this book. It just made me feel icky. If you are looking for motivating, try Gary Keller's The ONE Thing instead.
May 14, 2019
While I relate to the author and what he wants to accomplish I feel like his message ironically doesn’t stand out and he discusses for a while the importance of standing out. General info, nothing new for people who’ve read handful of personal development books/education.
He asks some good questions and as successful people know the quality of your life is based in quality of questions you ask yourself consistently so there’s value there.
-find your one thing (which ironically he doesn’t really talk about how but keeps stating that it’s important)
-there’s a lot of “clutter” and distractions out there so you have to know how to stand out.
-he discusses more of how to get your one big thing “out there” then figuring talking about your one thing.
-he talks about business a lot - branding and what that is: branding is your perception others have of you.
-priorities driven by values - values determine boundaries
-values help identify one true thing
-value yourself, value your time, value determine what’s important
-focus on the small things that you do based off your values
-lock in values before you have pressure
-ask: where do your values come from?
-take DISC assessment - I agree take it
-he’s a high I so am I. He’s not detailed person, same am I.
-stop worrying about weakness - focus on strengths
-people pay for 9-10 expert level
-pursue where you feel most confident
-
He asks some good questions and as successful people know the quality of your life is based in quality of questions you ask yourself consistently so there’s value there.
-find your one thing (which ironically he doesn’t really talk about how but keeps stating that it’s important)
-there’s a lot of “clutter” and distractions out there so you have to know how to stand out.
-he discusses more of how to get your one big thing “out there” then figuring talking about your one thing.
-he talks about business a lot - branding and what that is: branding is your perception others have of you.
-priorities driven by values - values determine boundaries
-values help identify one true thing
-value yourself, value your time, value determine what’s important
-focus on the small things that you do based off your values
-lock in values before you have pressure
-ask: where do your values come from?
-take DISC assessment - I agree take it
-he’s a high I so am I. He’s not detailed person, same am I.
-stop worrying about weakness - focus on strengths
-people pay for 9-10 expert level
-pursue where you feel most confident
-
July 24, 2020
Upbeat, easy read. Phil Cooke brings a unique perspective to some classic themes to finding/creating your best self. I particularly like his Christian sensibilities as they relate to Hollywood, professional success, and focus. He blends the heart of a media/branding expert with a bit of evangelistic flair making his voice stand out in this space. You may not find his points surprisingly profound but they serve as great reminders and his message of focus timely and relevant. Great read to grab a jolt of inspiration and encouragement.
October 2, 2020
Cooke sets out to answer the question: What were you born to accomplish with your life?
This book offers some ideas to identify your calling, get heard and noticed, and live a purpose-driven life.
"Pursuing your passions makes you more interesting, and interesting people are enchanting." (Ch. 2)
Ask these self-evaluating questions to help determine your one big thing (Ch. 8):
- What comes easy for you?
- What do you love?
- What drives you crazy?
- What do you want to leave behind?
This book offers some ideas to identify your calling, get heard and noticed, and live a purpose-driven life.
"Pursuing your passions makes you more interesting, and interesting people are enchanting." (Ch. 2)
Ask these self-evaluating questions to help determine your one big thing (Ch. 8):
- What comes easy for you?
- What do you love?
- What drives you crazy?
- What do you want to leave behind?
February 14, 2018
I really loved listening to this audiobook.
It was a lot of fun to listen to quotes & ask myself the introspective questions I needed to.
The truth is, it's a lot of work to not only figure out what your ONE BIG THING is but to also put it into practice.
This book has helped me identify how I can start to figure it all out!
It was a lot of fun to listen to quotes & ask myself the introspective questions I needed to.
The truth is, it's a lot of work to not only figure out what your ONE BIG THING is but to also put it into practice.
This book has helped me identify how I can start to figure it all out!
February 16, 2020
Meh. The first half was just chatter. I started to feel excited and inspired in the second part of the book, but even that sort of fell flat. I also didn’t appreciate the digs at gender studies, feminism, and academia.
Like other reviewers have noted, there isn’t a lot of substance here. Too many anecdotes and not enough actionable advice.
Like other reviewers have noted, there isn’t a lot of substance here. Too many anecdotes and not enough actionable advice.
August 15, 2017
I made it to chapter 6 of the audiobook before I gave up on trying to glean any meaningful or interesting advice from this author. This seems like an endless introduction to the topic with no real substance.
July 8, 2017
Wasn't super engaging, but he had a lot of great quotes. This is for anyone that wants help figuring out what they are meant for
August 9, 2017
Lacks ability to engage the reader. But overall very helpfull and extremely well written.
January 17, 2018
"One big thing" gave lot to think about finding your true passion. What i didn't like was the Christian values undertone.
October 29, 2018
This book changed my life and I highly recommend it for anyone who is planning a career/lifestyle/mindset change.
December 7, 2018
Listened to the audio book. Lots of talk no substance. If you’re interested in one off out of context quotes from famous people this is the book for you because other than that there’s nothing here.
May 26, 2019
A very interesting and compelling idea - do one bing thing in life, but not sure whether Mr. Cooke was successful in elaborating the idea in good was.
June 19, 2020
Overall it was good. Couple of quotable quotes.
September 11, 2021
Not a bad book, it's just I already heard almost everything I read here. It can be inspiring, but it's hard to see what actionable step you can do.
September 17, 2021
Pulls in a lot of great concepts to consider.
November 13, 2023
This book is about the way one should find the inner voice in times of too much distraction.
September 29, 2012
Life offers so many distractions. In the age of multi-tasking, it's hard to find anyone willing to focus on anything exclusively for very long at all. When's the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation with someone? When's the last time you were able to give your full attention to any one thing. When's the last time you composed a letter or blog post without stopping to check your email? (Guilty, and it was just a couple pieces of SPAM.) And yet, in spite of all the "increased productivity" and improved technology, I think somewhere deep down, we all admit that we would do at least a little bit better in life if we embraced a forgotten concept once called "focus."
Cooke isn't specifically decrying multi-tasking or even the pursuit of multiple goals in life, but he does champion the notion of having one primary aim that is supported or enriched by any ancillary efforts. Our "One Big Thing" deserves our attention, despite the alluring siren call of other interests and activities. Too often, we find ourselves in roles and positions that limit our success because they're not exactly our best chance for success. Cooke's mantra (or one of them) is to pursue that one big thing that will result in you being the best in the world, whatever it is.
It's a welcome message, contrary to the catcalls of those who worship at the throne of multi-tasking and a buckshot approach to achieving life's goals. As I read through the book, I had a picture in my head of a buffet line with every type of food (mostly meat) you could hope for. You want to eat it all, but you'll regret it if you do (really, you will). So you have to pick carefully which selections end up on your plate. I think many of us go through life with uninspiring results in careers we really don't like because we refuse to eat steak instead of steak and chicken and hamburger and fish and ribs and everything else. We have a metaphorical stomach ache because we overdo it on activities trying to do it all. Our fear of missing out on that one thing, forces us to miss out on that one thing, fulfillment.
One Big Thing is a reminder that we need to identify and pursue our primary area of expertise, passion, and calling. Cooke also lays out some practical steps to help readers get through that process. As with Jolt!, Cooke writes in a casual tone, that is easy to read and offers first hand accounts from his personal and professional life. It's enjoyable as far as business/self improvement books go and offers inspiration and worthwhile advice.
- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (9/28)
Cooke isn't specifically decrying multi-tasking or even the pursuit of multiple goals in life, but he does champion the notion of having one primary aim that is supported or enriched by any ancillary efforts. Our "One Big Thing" deserves our attention, despite the alluring siren call of other interests and activities. Too often, we find ourselves in roles and positions that limit our success because they're not exactly our best chance for success. Cooke's mantra (or one of them) is to pursue that one big thing that will result in you being the best in the world, whatever it is.
It's a welcome message, contrary to the catcalls of those who worship at the throne of multi-tasking and a buckshot approach to achieving life's goals. As I read through the book, I had a picture in my head of a buffet line with every type of food (mostly meat) you could hope for. You want to eat it all, but you'll regret it if you do (really, you will). So you have to pick carefully which selections end up on your plate. I think many of us go through life with uninspiring results in careers we really don't like because we refuse to eat steak instead of steak and chicken and hamburger and fish and ribs and everything else. We have a metaphorical stomach ache because we overdo it on activities trying to do it all. Our fear of missing out on that one thing, forces us to miss out on that one thing, fulfillment.
One Big Thing is a reminder that we need to identify and pursue our primary area of expertise, passion, and calling. Cooke also lays out some practical steps to help readers get through that process. As with Jolt!, Cooke writes in a casual tone, that is easy to read and offers first hand accounts from his personal and professional life. It's enjoyable as far as business/self improvement books go and offers inspiration and worthwhile advice.
- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (9/28)
September 10, 2012
“One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do” by Phil Cooke is a motivating book that encourages readers to ask themselves questions, determine what their one big thing is, and the pursue that thing with gusto. I enjoyed the book and it did get me thinking about what my main purpose, or my one big thing is.
After a short introduction, The Big Questions, there are twelve chapters and then an epilogue, You're Not Crazy. The chapters are entertaining, have many examples, and get you thinking about what is important in your life and why you'll be more successful if you focus on your one big thing. These chapters include: Who's Painting The Portrait Of Your Life? Do We Really Have A Destiny? Why One Big Thing? The Power Of One Big Thing: The Power Of Perception: The Power Of Values: What's Your One Big Thing? The Map Of Your Future: Become A Force To Be Reckoned With: Just When You Thought It Would Be Easy: It's Never Too Late: and It's Not About You.
I think my favorite chapter was the one on it never being too late and that the time to begin is now. I liked that the chapter started with the example of Raymond Chandler, the American mystery writer who didn't start writing the Detective Philip Marlowe stories until after he was fired from a job when he was forty-four years old., and he was fifty when his first novel was published to only moderate success. But then things took off and he became one of the most popular and respected writers in his genre.
“One Big Thing” does a good job of outlining why you should discover your main thing, and it provides guidance in the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself to figure it out. The case studies and examples illustrate how discovering and focusing on one thing helped others succeed. And Cooke also writes about how you must get known once you figure out what your one big thing is. So in this way, the book motivates one to start their own self-discovery. However, the book is not a “workbook” and the reader will have to do much on his or her own. This book is kindling with a spark, but the reader will have to provide the wood to keep the fire going.
So if you need that spark to begin thinking about what you really want to do with your life, and some great encouragement to figure it out and then let others know about you and your one big thing, this quick motivating read may be just what you need. So let Phil Cooke help you start living a life of purpose by finding your One Big Thing.
After a short introduction, The Big Questions, there are twelve chapters and then an epilogue, You're Not Crazy. The chapters are entertaining, have many examples, and get you thinking about what is important in your life and why you'll be more successful if you focus on your one big thing. These chapters include: Who's Painting The Portrait Of Your Life? Do We Really Have A Destiny? Why One Big Thing? The Power Of One Big Thing: The Power Of Perception: The Power Of Values: What's Your One Big Thing? The Map Of Your Future: Become A Force To Be Reckoned With: Just When You Thought It Would Be Easy: It's Never Too Late: and It's Not About You.
I think my favorite chapter was the one on it never being too late and that the time to begin is now. I liked that the chapter started with the example of Raymond Chandler, the American mystery writer who didn't start writing the Detective Philip Marlowe stories until after he was fired from a job when he was forty-four years old., and he was fifty when his first novel was published to only moderate success. But then things took off and he became one of the most popular and respected writers in his genre.
“One Big Thing” does a good job of outlining why you should discover your main thing, and it provides guidance in the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself to figure it out. The case studies and examples illustrate how discovering and focusing on one thing helped others succeed. And Cooke also writes about how you must get known once you figure out what your one big thing is. So in this way, the book motivates one to start their own self-discovery. However, the book is not a “workbook” and the reader will have to do much on his or her own. This book is kindling with a spark, but the reader will have to provide the wood to keep the fire going.
So if you need that spark to begin thinking about what you really want to do with your life, and some great encouragement to figure it out and then let others know about you and your one big thing, this quick motivating read may be just what you need. So let Phil Cooke help you start living a life of purpose by finding your One Big Thing.
July 24, 2012
Phil Cooke seeks to answer one of the major questions of life “QUESTION 1: WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE?” (p. xiii). This question is a highway with two lanes of traffic. The first lane’s answer is big picture: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. You will cause a twenty car pileup trying to swerve into the second lane without properly understanding the first. The second lane (Cooke drives in this lane) is less big picture but important answering the practical concern of what job, what skill, what purpose will I seek? The first lane places the guardrails which create our values. Cooke discusses the importance of values in chapter six “The Power of Values” but disconnected from a discussion of God I’m not sure “honesty, integrity, and forgiveness” (p. 67) have any reference point.
Cooke sets the expectations for One Big Thing early,
This book won’t give you all the answers, but it will help you start asking the right questions (p. xxi)
and that sums up well the ethos of One Big Thing. Cooke isn’t trying to tell you what to do but an atmosphere where you can decided for yourself. He argues strongly we should determine the one thing we are truly talented at and pursue that single-mindedly (that single-minded pursuit doesn’t prevent us from pursuing hobbies but it keeps us focused when making decisions).
I loved the format of the book. It was easily navigated. It was full of helpful resources and impactful quotations. I filled out a dozen or more 3x5 cards with quotations from people ranging from Ed Macaulley to Dr. Seuss to Samuel Johnson. You may find my review biased because I am predisposed to any book that quotes Ed Macauley (p. xvi), Celtics legend from the 50s who was traded to bring Bill Russell to the Celtics and 11 champions following quietly behind. Returning from the rabbit trail now. . .
Near the end, Cooke offers four practical questions to ask yourself. I jotted these down and having been chewing on them over the last forty-eight hours. I will add a fifth question which is absolutely necessary for Christians.
What comes easy for you?
What do you love?
What drives you crazy?
What do you want to leave behind?
Have prayed and sought God in this endeavor?
If you are looking for some motivation in finding your OBT One Big Thing could be a helpful supplement to godly counsel and the means of grace you are already using.
Cooke sets the expectations for One Big Thing early,
This book won’t give you all the answers, but it will help you start asking the right questions (p. xxi)
and that sums up well the ethos of One Big Thing. Cooke isn’t trying to tell you what to do but an atmosphere where you can decided for yourself. He argues strongly we should determine the one thing we are truly talented at and pursue that single-mindedly (that single-minded pursuit doesn’t prevent us from pursuing hobbies but it keeps us focused when making decisions).
I loved the format of the book. It was easily navigated. It was full of helpful resources and impactful quotations. I filled out a dozen or more 3x5 cards with quotations from people ranging from Ed Macaulley to Dr. Seuss to Samuel Johnson. You may find my review biased because I am predisposed to any book that quotes Ed Macauley (p. xvi), Celtics legend from the 50s who was traded to bring Bill Russell to the Celtics and 11 champions following quietly behind. Returning from the rabbit trail now. . .
Near the end, Cooke offers four practical questions to ask yourself. I jotted these down and having been chewing on them over the last forty-eight hours. I will add a fifth question which is absolutely necessary for Christians.
What comes easy for you?
What do you love?
What drives you crazy?
What do you want to leave behind?
Have prayed and sought God in this endeavor?
If you are looking for some motivation in finding your OBT One Big Thing could be a helpful supplement to godly counsel and the means of grace you are already using.
October 3, 2012
Admittedly, One Big Thing and I may not have been a good fit for each other from the start. A book on career enhancement is not the type of read that I habitually choose for myself. And I am not the type of audience that author Phil Cooke best resonates with. That being said though, I'd still like to weigh in on how this book hit me.
I'm a stay-at-home mom with no aspirations to climb the corporate ladder, make a splash, or get my 10 seconds in the limelight. Cooke's repeated exhortations to "get noticed," "have influence," "be the best one in the world at what you do," "make an impact," and "be remarkable" fall a little flat on my ears.
As I read, I find myself wrestling with a couple of issues that Cooke never gives airtime to:
1.) I think one of the best summaries of why we exist as humans is the first statement of the Westminster Catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." How does getting me noticed fit into the glory of God? I'm don't want to say that these two things are incompatible, but I would have loved to see Cooke at least address the issue.
2.) A favorite meditation of mine when I was job-hunting several years ago, were the words to the hymn Father, I Know That All My Life Is Portioned Out for Me. Some of the most poignant lines go as follows: "I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro, seeking for some great thing to do or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, and guided where I go... content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified." I find these lyrics so distinctively God-honoring, and yet also so contrary to the tone of Cooke's writing. How can I reconcile the one with the other?
I believe it is possible to address the issue of finding that "one big thing" that you're really good at, and pursuing it with all your heart from a perspective that is utterly God-glorifying. The book Finding a Job You Can Love deals with many of the same issues Cooke addresses in One Big Thing in a much more theologically satisfying way, and in a way that resonates far more with my heart.
I received One Big Thing free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
--Jen
I'm a stay-at-home mom with no aspirations to climb the corporate ladder, make a splash, or get my 10 seconds in the limelight. Cooke's repeated exhortations to "get noticed," "have influence," "be the best one in the world at what you do," "make an impact," and "be remarkable" fall a little flat on my ears.
As I read, I find myself wrestling with a couple of issues that Cooke never gives airtime to:
1.) I think one of the best summaries of why we exist as humans is the first statement of the Westminster Catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." How does getting me noticed fit into the glory of God? I'm don't want to say that these two things are incompatible, but I would have loved to see Cooke at least address the issue.
2.) A favorite meditation of mine when I was job-hunting several years ago, were the words to the hymn Father, I Know That All My Life Is Portioned Out for Me. Some of the most poignant lines go as follows: "I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro, seeking for some great thing to do or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, and guided where I go... content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified." I find these lyrics so distinctively God-honoring, and yet also so contrary to the tone of Cooke's writing. How can I reconcile the one with the other?
I believe it is possible to address the issue of finding that "one big thing" that you're really good at, and pursuing it with all your heart from a perspective that is utterly God-glorifying. The book Finding a Job You Can Love deals with many of the same issues Cooke addresses in One Big Thing in a much more theologically satisfying way, and in a way that resonates far more with my heart.
I received One Big Thing free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
--Jen
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