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What Is Your WHAT?: Discover The One Amazing Thing You Were Born To Do

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Are you ready to discover your WHAT—that is, the 1 amazing thing you were born to do? Would you like to powerfully impact both those who share this lifetime with you and those of lifetimes to come?

In What Is Your WHAT? author Steve Olsher reveals his proven process  that has helped thousands answer YES to these life-changing questions and cultivate a life of purpose, conviction, and contribution by identifying and creating a plan of action for bringing the 1 thing they were born to do to fruition. It is a timely, step-by-step guide that will guide you towards making both a fortune and a difference sharing your unique gift with the world.

Features inspiring stories of trial, tribulation, and triumph, as well as examples of 17 public figures, such as Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan, and Jack Canfield who have made the critical shift from pursuing commodity-driven opportunities to honoring their singular blueprint Author Steve Olsher is a 25+ year entrepreneur,  creator/founder of The Reinvention Workshop, and award-winning author of Internet The World’s Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online Steve’s singular approach to realizing permanent, positive change blends proprietary methods with ancient wisdom and revolutionary lessons from modern thought leaders. Leverage this proven system to discover your WHAT and realize ultimate achievement in business and life.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

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905 people want to read

About the author

Steve Olsher

11 books25 followers
Steve Olsher is the New York Times bestselling author of What Is Your WHAT? Discover The ONE Amazing Thing You Were Born To Do. Known as America’s Reinvention Expert, Steve has taught thousands how to NICHETIZE!™ (nitch a tize) by identifying and monetizing their WHAT—that is, the ONE thing they were born to do. His singular approach for realizing permanent, positive change blends proprietary methods with ancient wisdom and revolutionary lessons from modern thought leaders and forms a proven system for ultimate achievement in business and life. He is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Liquor.com; President of Bold Development; costar of the groundbreaking film, The Keeper of the Keys with Jack Canfield, John Gray, and Marci Shimoff; Author of Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online; Founder of the Reinvention Workshop; Creator of Internet Prophets LIVE!; Author of USA Book News’ Self-Help Book of The Year Journey To You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Who You Were Born to Be; and, an in-demand media guest who has appeared on ABC TV, NBC TV, FOX TV, CNBC.com and more than 300 radio shows including national shows hosted by Lou Dobbs, Jim Bohannon, and Mancow Muller.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Roya.
192 reviews376 followers
June 14, 2014
"Ultimately, your WHAT isn't about you...it's about those you're compelled to serve."

Do not even get me started...
""
Profile Image for Jay French.
2,163 reviews91 followers
November 12, 2018
I have read so many “find your purpose” books, I wonder why I keep going. But I know. It isn’t reading the book, it’s actually doing the work that, purportedly, help you find your purpose. And I don’t have a good track record at doing this work. So I continue, and I notice the differences in these types of books. This is one that is more of a workbook, with lots of fill-in-the-blank sections to work through. I actually found the exercises to be more thorough than many of the books I’ve read, so this was a good thing, but there are also plenty of blanks to fill in, which all require a lot of reflection. Hence more work.

I liked this book. It was ambitious. It had more steps than I was expecting. Although it was set up as a workbook, it’s hard cover – you don’t see that combination often. The font was a size smaller than I expected, and the text covered more of the page than I’m used to, with smaller margins. It felt like the author had a lot to say and wanted to maximize that paper. I wish he had used higher quality paper, though, instead of the typical disposable workbook paper that yellows quickly. Nevertheless, I found the design of the book was interesting and lead to me liking it more that I otherwise would have expected.

Overall, I found this one of the more interesting examples of the “find your purpose” genre.
Profile Image for Alain Burrese.
Author 20 books49 followers
November 4, 2013
“What Is Your What? Discover The One Amazing Thing You Were Born To Do” by Steve Olsher contained a lot more than I expected, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Olsher's insights and doing the exercises he presented in this book. I firmly believe that reading this book and doing these exercises will help many people figure out just what they are meant to do with their lives and begin down the path to accomplish just that. Will it help everyone? No, some may not connect with Olsher's style, and others may not truly want to figure out what their “what” really is. But then again, a person's “What” doesn't have to be a high paying job or prestigious position. Nor does it necessarily mean being rich and famous. What if a person's “What” is going to a steady job to be the best parent the person can be to raise his or her children to the best of their ability? Regardless, I do think this book can and will help a lot of people figure some things out about themselves and what their “What” really is.

This book is much more than a feel good cheer-leading session saying “you can do it.” The book lays out a process, that if followed, will help anyone figure out what their “what” is and bring that one thing to fruition. It's a step-by-step guide that not only motivates, but shows through case studies how others have found what they were born to do and how you can too. There are inspirational stories and solid action steps to guide you along your path. Make no mistake about it, it is not easy. But if you answer the tough questions presented in the exercises, you will find it is worth it.

The first part of the book has you working on your foundation. Chapter topics include the four stages of learning, vulnerability, invincibility, and the pinnacle. There are some important things to consider here and taking time with this foundational material is important. The second part of the book focuses on positive change and what Olsher calls the seven life-altering principles. I believe if you incorporated all of these principles into your life they will be life altering in a positive way. I'm working at implementing them into my own life. The third, and final, part of the book is about becoming who you were born to be. In this section, the chapters guide you with identifying your “what” and what to do once you've found it. I like the final chapter title, “Forge Your Path, Create Your Legacy.” That's really what Olsher wants you do to, and his “what” is helping you do it through this book and his other teachings.

If you are a bit lost and wondering what to do with your life, or why you are here, “What Is Your What” is the guidebook to help you become engaged with your life and focus on your own unique purpose and why it matters that you do so. I strongly recommend this to everyone who needs some assistance in figuring out their “What.”
Profile Image for Abeer Alamri.
224 reviews56 followers
March 21, 2018
كتاب يساعد الشخص على ايجاد وش الشي اللي يبدع فيه بالحياه
Profile Image for Shawn Remfrey.
194 reviews9 followers
November 14, 2013
Given the fact that I've been an avid pursuer of life purpose since the beginning of my own life, I couldn't wait to pick up Steve's book and see what advice he had for me. Though I've learned a lot along my own personal path, Steve actually had a few tricks up his sleeve.

First, most of the concepts in this book are simple enough for most people to understand. It's strongly recommended that you not sit and attempt to read the entire book at once. Honestly, take one concept at a time and really mull it over in your brain before you move on to the next. Otherwise you're going to find yourself inundated with an overload of information that you cannot process.

Nearly everything I read in this book I agreed with. For me, it was a rehashing of knowledge I had already gained. There were a few key points that I hadn't previously picked up on that definitely pertain to my day to day living and psyche and I'm thankful I grabbed them now for future use. It was interesting though because these few points had me wondering why I hadn't realized them before. They're simple enough and completely logical, just for some reason they hadn't come to my attention.

This book isn't just about discovering your life's purpose, it's also about teaching you what to do with it. Just the simple knowledge of what you were born to do and what will fill your soul with joy isn't enough. You have to then take the next steps towards a life of fulfillment.

Different than other self-help books I've read, this one actually gives firm instruction for getting the results you want. Usually, I'm given the thought process behind finding the information I want, but not how to actually find it. This has step by step instructions as well as a recapping session and true stories to back it up.

This is a definite read for everyone out there who is self-aware and interested in learning more. Even a seasoned journeyman will come away with new information. Those who are new to the idea, it may take a little longer to get through the book, but it's not about how long it takes, it's about how much you learn.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,031 reviews61 followers
December 11, 2013
Took a while to finish this book and I rechecked it out twice as I wanted to make sure I got all I could from this book that aims to help you the reader figure out what it is you are born to do...what makes you special and what will ultimately make you fulfilled as a person. Okay before you ask No I did not figure out what that is for me yet LOL but it is a work in progress..I found parts of this book kinda stilted and hard to read with definitions and diagrams but some parts were very readable and interesting with real life examples and exercises designed to pull out parts in your life where you felt success and fear and failure--just a great self realization tool that even took it old school with Maslo's hierarchy which has been rehashed to death since grade school health classes. Was it a good book yes, was it helpful yes it was original and mindblowing and inspiring..sigh no not really. I do recommend this book especially if you are in a corporate environment and looking to move up however if like me you are in a government pay grade structure where you don't just move up based on merit but applying, time served and networking I cant say this was the best..I found a lot of inconsistencies in myself through this book like I love people but am not very social or open to meeting new ones..I place a huge priority on my family not so much on my friends and a job I love is not required to make me happy though somedays I beg to differ as I would love to make money doing something I loved..Oh well I added another shelf so who knows maybe more self-help books to work on Nique coming soon....
Profile Image for V Narayanan.
180 reviews18 followers
December 31, 2016
Too short.
Great Ideas.
More Theory or Workbook approach than practical thought simulating one.

A single person's journey in thinking & discovering what's his what would give better inspiration than this.

Ego, Emotional Victimisation & Greedy Desires wouldn't allow one to realise his What. Hence purification of thoughts, self image & ego is the first step in getting that what. This aspect is missing.

Supposing you are a middle class person, stuck to a bad boss & your country's economy is down, how could you take bold steps to break your security for the one what....? Intense requirements alone can make it at times but for many it's not there as they have learned to ignore the soul's cry for running their family but internally bleeding. How they can cut this & start living - how can they overcome their fear & how they can guard their basics still pursuing their dream? These aren't covered
Profile Image for Wulan.
61 reviews37 followers
February 4, 2018
To procrastinate doing something I hate, I read books. I am bored with always watching Korean TV Show, so I shifted to read a book. I read this book. It was hard because there were so many exercises and I need to read some section over and over. But I didn't give up. I was telling myself to finish this book so I can get the advantage from this book. I chose the right way. And after I finished it after reading everything carefully, I think I found what is my What. It’s completely opening my eyes. He is right, I feel that someone lifting a 100 kg weight upon me. I feel light. I feel happy so much after I have found what is my gift.

The book is really useful when you need to know what is the thing that you should do. Because sometimes, you are being dishonest to even yourself, you tell yourself that you really love that but actually, it’s not your nature. And in the end, you keep being disappointed in your life and don’t know what happens to you.
Profile Image for Laura Steward.
Author 1 book9 followers
September 30, 2013
What is your what? is another powerful book by Steve Olsher that provides invaluable questions that bring clarity to discover one's purpose more completely and in a shorter time than from any other book of its kind that I have read. Using a proven process from his work with his numerous clients, Steve outlines how he has helped so many learn what they are meant to be doing and how to be successful. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking greater clarity for their life. Beware though, the answers you find when you complete the exercises may change your life for the better. Enjoy!

Laura Atchison
#1 Bestselling Author What Would a Wise Woman Do?
Profile Image for Aseel.
13 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2016
بحثت عنه كثيرا كي أجده ثم عثرت عليه قدرا ، رحلة شيقة وممتعة أيضا .
Profile Image for Michael Levitt.
Author 2 books2 followers
April 1, 2018
This book belongs in your library, after you have gone through all the exercises, written notes throughout the book, and dog eared the hell out of it.

This is a book that you should have read years ago, and need to revisit annually.
Once you figure out what your WHAT is, your life will go further than you imagined.

A must read!
564 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2019
What is YOUR WHAT will help you discover the ONE amazing thing you were born to do! This book is inspiration and insight to transform your business and life! Karen Briscoe, author and podcast 5 Minute Success
Profile Image for Sarah.
19 reviews
May 25, 2017
Listened to this on audio. Great exercises in the book to help find your "what".
18 reviews
April 28, 2019
Good book...many solid principles to follow to find your purpose and how to monetize it.
Profile Image for Heather Gibbs.
41 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2023
This is more of a workbook than anything. But for those looking for their life’s purpose this is a good start.
Profile Image for Susana.
12 reviews
January 4, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I honestly did not think that I would like it as much as I did. It goes step by step in helping the reader to dig deep and find whatever it is that they are good and happy doing. It contains many exercises throughout the book that were easy to complete. Some of them really made me look deep within and think about my life, which was not bad at all; it was actually quite illuminating. These exercises were very helpful. At the beginning of the book, I was one of those people who has no idea whatsoever what they really want to do with their life. By the end, I was full of hope, skills, and the drive to pursue what I discovered to be my passion. P.S. It was working in a science related field, preferably astronomy. I would definitely recommend it to those people who are now where I was before, not knowing what they should be doing with their life or how to go after what they want.
Profile Image for Ravencrantz.
565 reviews74 followers
January 11, 2014
Eh, not really my style. I thought I could use this to get back on my feet and actually do something with my life, but I really didn't learn much. It was hard for me to get through, with small type and non-fiction just not being my favorite genre, and made worse by a condescending tone. The author and like a great person, so I doubt that's how he is in person so it saddens me that's how I felt the writing was like.

I think if I was more users to reading nonfiction, I'd have enjoyed this book more. I'm trying to expand my reading and if I can learn something too that's a plus. Although I didn't take away knowledge the book expected me to, I did learn that you can't change your life with a single book. Some things you just have to get up and learn through experience.
Profile Image for Rachel Blom.
Author 6 books10 followers
June 4, 2014
At times a bit to new age for my taste, but nevertheless a practical book on discovering your true passion in life. Some ideas could have used a bit more explaining (and more examples and stories, which were a bit lacking in the book I thought), but I appreciated the (attempt at) brevity of the book. The seven life altering principles were solid advice, and the practical exercises were good and helpful. The last chapter on actually using your 'what' could be a book by itself, but that was okay since it was understandably outside the true scope of this book. A helpful book for people looking to discover their true passion and willing to change their lives.
Profile Image for Janine Brouillette.
164 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2013
Finding your what that helps you lead an authentic life is the main focus of this book. Steve Olsher's book guides you step by step through this self discovery. Part I of the book gives you the foundation and introduces you to the four stages of learning: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence. Part II of the book helps you to realize permanent and positive change. The last section, Part III, focuses on becoming who and what you were born to be and forging your own path to create your legacy. A book well worth reading!
Profile Image for Hunter.
93 reviews8 followers
April 11, 2014
This book has a heck of a lot of exercises, so took some time to work through - in actual fact, it could take weeks or months to fully work the book. My final findings on what my own what is, we're not particularly surprising to me - which many of us find after spending some decades living with ourselves. But the author had a fair few tricks up his sleeve for drilling out the whys sitting behind my what and I formed a much more holistic understanding of my own drives, and areas to avoid. Brilliant book, deserving of all the accolades and recommendations.
Profile Image for Matt Soderstrum.
67 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2016
A very interesting book that helps people find their purpose and passion. It's goal is to help people discover the ONE amazing thing you were born to do.

I love the concept. I found many of the exercises to be somewhat difficult. It is quite a process if you go through everything - very beneficial, but a process nonetheless.

There are LOTS of great things in this book - and LOTS of great ideas.

I wholeheartedly agree that each one of us needs to figure out what we were created to do - and then to do that for the betterment of our world.
Profile Image for Mary Miller.
2 reviews
August 2, 2015
Was a dry read - couldn't get through it all the way. Not my style of writing. I also tend to focus on the why then the what; hard to separate them. Think it's a good book for the right reader as the person who recommended it to me raved about it.
Profile Image for Carmen Grantham.
99 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2016
A very actionable book where you have to stop, do some thinking and scribing just to get the ideas flowing.

I already had a business idea before reading the book, and I'm not sure if I was biased but looks as though it's a good fit. Will have to get my plan together and start taking action!
91 reviews
April 5, 2014
Thought provoking. Doesn't replace a coach that really pushes back and challenges you, but helped me define what I think makes me tick.
Profile Image for Louis.
282 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2013
Just OK. I don't feel there was a lot of new ideas, merely rehashing of ideas I've heard before. Was OK if looking for a pick-me-up and a variety of self-motivating exercises.
Profile Image for Colleen Story.
Author 10 books208 followers
February 23, 2014
Similar to other books I've read on this subject, but a good one, nonetheless. A good way to zero in on your purpose, or to regroup when you're ready for a change in your life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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