The Art of Fully Living: 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals Around the World

by Tal Gur

Master the art of fully Do you want to experience your one life—your whole life—to its fullest measure?In this stirring book, author, blogger and lifestyle entrepreneur, Tal Gur offers his own transformational journey as an inspiring example and practical guide to implementing the art of fully living.You’ll learn how to actualize your potential by forging all aspects of your life through the process built into your life goals.The very structure of this book models Tal’s immersive approach to goal-driven each chapter of The Art of Fully Living is dedicated to a year of focus—socializing, fitness, freedom, contribution, love, adventure, wealth, relationship, spirituality, and creativity—and follows Tal’s endeavors as he works toward fulfilling 100 life goals in only 10 years.This daunting ambition, springing from one late-night conversation among friends and a gnawing discontentment within the typical “success” story, becomes extremely relatable through Tal’s bold storytelling; what’s more, the deep lessons learned become immediately applicable for your own purposes as Tal thoughtfully extracts the actionable wisdom from his own experiences to articulate the principles and techniques of “the art of fully living.”The Art of Fully Living takes you along the exhilarating ride of Tal’s journey while illuminating your own possible life-goal as Tal relates how he socialized nonstop in vibrant Melbourne to master English and trained intensively to complete Ironman New Zealand and practice ancient Thai martial arts, you’ll learn how to apply immersion to achieve your own life goals; as Tal describes how he eliminated his crushing student debt in one year and attained financial and location independence, you’ll learn how to simplify your life, recognize your own present wealth, and turn your passions into a living; and as Tal animates his experiences learning to surf and salsa, to drum in a troupe and compose electronic music, and to write this very book, you’ll learn how to let your intuition be your guide, reveal your authentic core, and achieve flow—among the myriad other adventures and take-aways that fill this book.Tal not only introduces the idea that the art of fully living is another skill to master but also guides you through honing this skill with chapter lessons and actionable key takeaways.Once you discover “the art of fully living,” there is no going back; it will feel unacceptable to settle for less than your dreams—and what’s more, you’ll dream even more wildly, aspiring to action with greater clarity of purpose, broader horizons of possibility, and holistic vision across all areas of your life.This book is especially for you if you find yourself frustrated often, feeling low, or if you’re struggling while asking yourself “What do I REALLY want?”You will discover how to leverage your strengths to achieve your dreams.You will know what it means to be truly free.You will be fulfilled by the path you have chosen to take from this point on.Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone discovered and did what made them feel FULLY alive?Your dreams are your dreams for a reason; they are rooted in your deepest understanding of who you want and can become. It’s up to you to follow though, to trust in your vision enough to persist until it becomes a reality, part of the world and part of who you are becoming. Your inspiration is meant to be, and you can make it so through the “art of fully living.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Travel, Entrepreneurship, Biography, Memoir, Ebooks

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2017

Reviews

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art of fully living, what made me really read this book was this phrase on the cover " 1 man, 10 years, 100 life goals". The instant thought after reading that cover phrase was "What journey did this man go through to reach 100 life goals? " And after reading this book I must say I am rejuvenated and astonished. It was a great inspiring read.

The story starts with Tal living an ideal corporate life, high paying job with conventional success. Soon Tal realized that he was unhappy with how he was living his life and he became true to himself. He decided that he would live his dreams, put up with his goals. Thus created a beautiful, meaningful and inspirational journey.

What I really liked about this book was that it isn't based on fundamental scientific facts but a man's own experience. The lesson and key points that I really liked and found life-changing thoughts are as follow :
- Redefinition of "Failure"
- Moving beyond discomfort and embracing it
- The quote "every crisis is also an opportunity, row potential for a powerful growth experience "
- Chasing happiness and not the materialistic things
- Embracing uncertainty
- Concept of living simple life
- The power of surrendering to life
- Embracing intuition and uncovering authentic core

Every chapter has something new to learn. It was an implacable and inspirational read. I would like to congratulate Tal Gur for achieving the life of his dreams and the great journey

Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2018/02...

[Romi || Romi Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I'm now in a time of my life that I don't exactly know what I want and how I want to achieve that, I was happy to get the opportunity to read and review The Art of Fully Living. It seemed like the perfect book to give me a better insight on how to deal with these questions. 

We all want to change everything we don't like in a heartbeat; however, most of us are too busy living our lives to change them.

It definitely was a good read with lots of helpful tips and beautiful quotes that were very relatable. On the other hand I couldn't really find myself in Gur's life goals. My goals in life are more like getting a job I love so I can pay the bills, see a bit of the world and be happy with what I already have. The goals in the book were a lot more extravagant than mine and of course there's nothing wrong with that - its just not something that I can relate to.

Although I couldn't relate to the extrovert topics in the book, the tips given on how to cope with rejection and failure I found really helpful and I do hope I keep on remembering passages like this one:

I reasoned pathetically with myself: it's just easier to avoid the rejection. But as I reflected on all the victories I'd won thus far in my mad dash toward audacious goals ..., I realised that I didn't want these insecurities to be my reality, to perpetually reconfirm my scared mindset like a self-fulfilling prophesy. 
Emboldened by the strides I'd made so far in Melbourne, I finally realised: What if I confronted my fears and made it my *goal* to be rejected? I don't have to appeal to everyone. I could even practice failure. I just want to keep having fun, keep finding out what I'm made of. Maybe the real failure is in never trying. (emphasis my own)

So, all in all, The Art of Fully Living was full of helpful tips for both extro- and introverts. Also for both the people who want to see the whole world, and for those who want to make more of their life exactly where they are. 

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mostly self-indulgent trash. DNFing after reading more than half.

[Molly Looby · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*

From the very beginning, I was drawn in. The easy tone snatched my attention right away, and I found I couldn't stop reading! This book - above all else - is insanely readable. I read the entire thing in two sittings. That's more than 100 pages per sitting. Non-fiction isn't usually something that grabs my attention this fiercely, but The Art of Fully Living grabbed me and refused to let go.

The Art of Fully Living is the perfect combination of storytelling and information. The two flowed together seamlessly, and because of the stories, all the advice made perfect sense straight away.

Most importantly, this book filled me with a strong 'I can do anything' feeling, and that's powerful stuff! I finished some chapters with an intense feeling of happiness filling me up. Gur makes it sound so easy! And maybe it is.

Inspiring, joyous, and celebratory, The Art of Fully Living is a book I won't forget in a hurry.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is Tal Gur?

About halfway through this book, I was truly struck by that question. Up to that point, I was caught up in his world travels as he globe-trotted, looking for the next soul-fulfilling adventure. And there were a lot of them.

At some point, I questioned how he was financing this journey of self-discovery.

Passive internet income.

Huh?

I’ve read about internet entrepreneurs of course, but at one point, in a very short time, Gur was able to build his business into 6-figures, a good portion of it being passive income.

After the 10 years, he wrote ‘The Art of Living Fully (1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals Around the World.)’, and turned that journey into a very successful coaching program with him as the guru of sorts.

And why not?

He wanted to conquer the Ironman. Normal mortals take a year to train. Tal? A mere 5 months. He wanted to learn English, get a high-powered job, and make lots of friends. He ‘immersed’ himself in Australian culture and made sure he became the life of the party.

But the high life had a cost and when it came time to pay up, he did. He cleared up a massive debt in a year, set up his passive internet income, and headed out into the great wild world.

Some of his goals were small, while others were outlandish. I mean, not everyone climbs Everest. They just don’t.

In some ways, I couldn’t relate to this book at all. Maybe I am stuck in the 9 to 5 corporate crush, but I need things like insurance and healthcare. I will need a pension. But, if you have a source of funds and can declutter yourself down to 2 bags, then this book is for you.

That being said, Gur did learn some valuable lessons and even if you can’t go to Medina just to take salsa lessons, there are things that might apply to your life.

He talks about less being more, and he is on to something. Consumer debt (besides mortgages) is at an all-time high. What are we spending our money on? Stuff. Not only is it cluttering our homes, but storage lockers are a booming business. But if you aren’t acquiring true heirlooms to pass along to the next generation, what are you really accumulating? Stuff that will end up in the landfill. Leaving you feeling empty and slowly destroying Mother Earth.

Gur also talks about finding your calling. After a devastating mudslide in Peru, he volunteered to help clean up debris of destroyed homes. That led him to a family who needed help rebuilding. He used his abilities to gather the resources and leveraged his charisma to help recruit volunteers. They rebuilt a house for a family. A true selfless act.

He talks about prioritizing happiness. He met someone he fell in love with and married. At first, while she supported him on his adventures, life was good. But when she wanted to settle close to her family and have the kids he had agreed to, he became depressed and, frankly, belligerent. Unwilling to compromise, he kept putting himself first. He has the right to do that, of course, but being grown up means making compromises.

Gur speaks about Givers, Seekers, and Matchers. We all know Seekers. Those who take what they can get and don’t care about anyone else. There are the Matchers – those who are Seekers or Givers, depending on the situation. Then there are Givers. And we all know them. They are often taken advantage of because of their selflessness. Yet they tend to have the most fulfilling lives.

He asks the reader to answer, “What makes you happy?” Why do we look for happiness in the wrong places? Why do we delay happiness? Will more money and power bring us happiness? Gur suggests prioritizing happiness – saying it is more important than goals or intentions.

But if you have an aging parent counting on you, or an demanding boss who controls your security and paycheque, or a professor who can determine your future, this ideal can feel fanciful. He does talk about taking a few minutes by yourself every day and I do agree with that. One hour of yoga or guided meditation may not be practical, but even 5 minutes can centre you or lower your blood pressure. This can help bring a sense of calm.

Gur has, over the years, sought out his ‘people’, his ‘tribe’. On the way, he’s become a committed growth agent. This sounds fanciful, but there are people who could benefit, at least from this book. In some ways, this book is a slick marketing tool, designed to drive you to his website and services. He says other people told him that he had to tell his story, and that was probably true, but the book is not entirely altruistic.

One more thing. Matt Weight was a very good narrator. I often forgot Gur wasn’t narrating himself. Gur’s voice was strong and pervasive, but Weight’s delivery is exceptional. There was a moment, though, when I thought he might be too good. He sounded arrogant and I wondered if it was appropriate. So I listened very carefully to the words. Weight had it perfect. It was arrogance (or hubris, or self-confidence…).

So if you enjoy hearing about a healthy, fit, attractive specimen of maleness surfing, climbing mountains, crossing the Outback, doing yoga, building houses, and running a Burning Man Camp in Israel titled “Abundance”, this is definitely the book for you.

If you are searching for an answer to the question ‘why are you here’ and are looking for helpful guidance on the path to self-actualization, this is the book for you as well.

Maybe Maslow was on to something.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Fully Living is a self-help book, in a memoir style of genre, about a man who aims to live life to the fullest. The goal is clear but, appears to be not as simple as you hear. Tal Gur uses his own experience in order to prove that such a way of living is possible. I found this description to be the best way to explaining what the book is about:

“The very structure of this book models Tal’s immersive approach to goal-driven living: each chapter of The Art of Fully Living is dedicated to a year of focus—socializing, fitness, freedom, contribution, love, adventure, wealth, relationship, spirituality, and creativity—and follows Tal’s endeavors as he works toward fulfilling 100 life goals in only 10 years.”

There are many books similar to this one wanting to assist the reader in a better living situation. Ways to achieve your goals or to live happily seems to be trending in the book industry these days. What I believe made this book different was that he set a number for the amount of goals he had and it wasn’t all set to be big ones either. He attempted to turn passion into a living, and instead of complicating things, he simplified them. You would think that setting 100 goals would be a lot but, since he applied the things I mentioned, it did not appear to be as hard as it originally made me feel.

The literature was easy to understand and had a nice flow to it. The author appeared to write in a caring and upbeat tone. Another positive move the author makes is convincing the reader that the journey is doable.

Although the book is set as a memoir, I believe it is more of a self-help and well- being book. I recommend it to people that wish to make a change in the way they live.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

"The Art of Fully Living: 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals Around the World" by Tal Gur is a memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from a mind-numbing existence to a series of adventures that allow him to stretch his boundaries and experience new cultures and challenges.


I had to take a break from reading this book as I wasn’t quite in a frame of mind to appreciate it due to personal issues. This is a memoir and naturally, centers on the author. Unfortunately, I wasn’t enamored by his propensity for shedding all encumbrances when he decides to change direction…including romantic relationships. I admire his zest for life and ability to assess his situation and whether it is truly fulfilling and I am impressed with his determination to conquer and excel at new endeavors. I think that I would have been more drawn in if I had a more in-depth view of those whose lives he touched, whether through his charitable activities or his business associates or his training partners and instructors. For me, it grew exhausting to read about the extremes that the author went to, even though it was fascinating to watch him move around the world. Those who like to read about people reinventing themselves and overcoming obstacles will be inspired by this book and enjoy meeting this powerful and determined individual.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Ellie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be happy- truly happy?

I guess many of us have. We've imagined every one of our childhood dreams coming true at some point or another, but what if our ability to achieve these dreams is closer than we think.

In 'The Art of Fully Living,' author Tal Gur explores several crucial concepts that have helped him to experience life at its fullest, emphasizing the power of our sub-conscious mind and the beliefs we hold dear.

I found this to be a raw, inspiring read. I've never read such a rich, life-affirming book and I think I'll be re-reading this until the end of time.

Remarkable and relatable on every level!

[Gigs Stoyanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a big fan of books of that type, but it is probably due to the fact I haven’t really given them a chance. The book appeared on my kindle by accident, but I don’t regret it. It brought a very different perspective to my mind and made me think about the things I’ve missed or am missing at this point of my life. Although the life that the author describes is not my understanding of happiness and success, the meaning behind his great trips and goals is relatable to what I would like to achieve. It did motivate and promote a change in my thinking, and for that I give 5 stars to the author

[Ruth B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always hard to review a book that is about someone's life or experience, I mean: who am I to rate your life?? But I received this book to rate it and write a review so here I go.

Tal got tired of his life and decided to change it. It's never too late to do what we want with our lives, so Tal decided to use his New Year resolutions (all of us have written them at some point) to live the life he wanted. In the course of ten years, he achieved so much and experienced unbelievable things. He enjoyed learning new things, discovering new places always testing himself.

One thing I liked about this book is that is not only about the good part, it includes some "low, bad" moments. We all have been there sometime, we decide to change or to achieve some goal and for the first days we are driven and determined but then we fall into the routine and we need a little reminder of our objectives. Tal had to remember himself a few times about his goals and had to review what he wanted.

This is a man's journey to fully live his life and be happy. It's a good choice if you enjoy this kind of books.

*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't read these types of books frequently, but was hoping to be inspired. I was very disappointed. I give Tal Gur major kudos for his accomplishments & dedication to inner growth and personal fulfillment, but found the book lacked substance and direction. There was no real methods described to accomplishing each of his goals, other than "just do it" attitude. No information on sequence, preparation or funding. I'm usually a very sympathetic person, but did not have any for him during his time living in Maine and having marital problems. He seemed very self centered, though continually described himself as selfless during that period.
I continually questioned how he was able to fund and support himself during those 10 years! These were no small goals! Lastly the writing/story didn't flow well for me. I think he wanted to fit in as much as possible into this book and ended up short changing any real message.

[Jeri Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers too much ground, and as such, the information and lessons it conveys stay too much at the surface level. This causes the author's message to be diluted and lack the necessary motivating factor to spur readers to take action. Overall, it's too simplistic. What drives the author? He keeps stating he decided to this and that and then he achieved this or that goal. It's all too tidy. The author is a decent writer, but the structure of this book is is weakness. It needs more focused organization. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anirudh · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I can’t keep doing this anymore. This isn’t LIVING, this is just NOT dying!’
- from the Chapter Half-Living in The Art of Fully Living

How often have you felt frustrated at something you do every day and you have no idea as to how you ended up in that position? Like many of us, the author of the book, Tal Gur, felt the same. He had a secure job as a software engineer and had everything that the society in general believes should keep somebody happy. However, the author decided to let it all go and pursue his 100 goals and this book is about he pursued these goals.

Usually, such self-help books quote various examples from third party sources and gives a general set of instructions. However, in The Art of Fully Living, the author makes it autobiographical and includes inter alia, how he went about achieving his goals, what were the strategies he adopted, the challenges he faced, how he handled failures and embraced rejections and how he handled things on the personal front.

The book is split into ten chapters and each of them having sub-chapters within them and the author addresses most aspects that people seek in life – such as happiness, facing failure, following a passion, money, how to adapt in a completely new environment, etc. I appreciate that the author does not try to make this into a hagiography and discusses his failures in detail (things that most people face in real life) and also talks in depth about how he came out of it. I would also commend the author for the fact that one of his goals when he started the mission was to attain fluency in English and considering that as the starting point, this book is fully in English and is written very well and with points expressed lucidly.

Considering this is a self-help book, I would also talk a little about the personal aspect and how much it could help me. I understand the need for the author to use an authoritative style to express his suggestions considering he has adopted those strategies and achieved his goals. However, considering some of the goals were highly personal in nature and not generic (such as the Ironman Triathlon goal), if the reader doesn’t have a similar goal, it might be difficult to connect to his suggestions. Moreover, the author talks about achieving financial independence and at the same time, work towards achieving his goals and how he went about it. But to achieve that independence, the author had a very specified skill, that is making marketable websites from which he could passively generate ad revenue while touring the world to achieve his goals and I guess most readers aren’t bestowed with such a skill for it to be implemented verbatim in one’s own life.

Anyway, coming to the book, now I would mention the good things I found from the personal perspective. I got to know about the life of a very interesting person, who has travelled the world extensively, who is determined to not let go of his goals even when the achievement within the given timeline seems prima facie unlikely. While his idea of what ‘fully living’ doesn’t coincide with that of mine, I would certainly say that a lot of strategies he suggests in the book could well be used to fulfil my own goals. To add further a point, I have already implemented some of the strategies suggested in his book and it is working very well so far.

To conclude, I would say that this is a very interesting ‘autobiography’ (if I am allowed to use the term) and at the same time, also provides various useful strategies and changes that the reader could incorporate into their lives. On that note, I would rate the book a four on five.

[Yvette Francino · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it mean to “fully live”? Many of us ponder this question, perhaps after the death of a loved one or when facing our own mortality.

Tal Gur’s book is part-memoir, part-self-help, as he chronicles his transformation accomplishing 100 goals over 10 years. The book begins with his goal of becoming fluent in English. Gur, originally from Israel, moves to Australia and immerses himself in the culture and social life in order to learn English. My first thought was one of amazement that someone who didn’t have English as his first language could write a book with such obvious skill! I notice and appreciate those who have writing talent, and this book, not only provides valuable insights, but keeps the reader’s attention with the story that unfolds.

The goals that Gur achieves are far more lofty than that of an average human. His examples of ironman competitions and international travel may not be possible for even the most disciplined thrill-seeker; however, Gur makes a point of saying that the journey is what is more important than the outcomes. It’s through the journey that we learn and that’s how the real transformation takes place.

Gur reminds us the importance of purpose and discovering what living a meaningful life means to us. He writes:

“To live a meaningful and fulfilling life might mean spending more time with your loved ones, or giving back to the community and the environment. Whatever your “why” may be, make sure it is deeply rooted in your heart.”

As Gur, himself, encounters unexpected challenges, he continues to learn and share these lessons with the readers. He talks about the importance of a positive mindset and what a difference that can make:

“Choose to see the glass half-full and you’ll experience challenges as opportunities and develop a deep appreciation for all the goodness you already enjoy. Choose to see the glass half-empty, and you’ll complain, blame, and take no responsibility.”

Towards the end of the book, after his many varied experiences, Gur gains clarity on his authentic self:

“I’m an agent of growth, I realized. I’m a person with vision and a desire to empower. And I’ve always been inquisitive and adventurous. That growth - seeking being who I am can never be taken away from me. This is who I am at my core.”

Gur encourages readers to discover their own authentic unique self and provides questions for self-reflection. He also suggests reaching out to trusted friends and loved ones to gather their insights and perceptions of who you are and how you add value to the world.

The book includes links to Tal Gur’s Website with resources for readers to create their own goals and bucket lists. As an avid goal-setter myself, I appreciate the book, the Website, FullyLived.com, the resources, but most of all, the inspiration in seeing someone who is most certainly living fully and helping others to do the same.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book from which we all have something to learn. The author as combined his life experience with advice that we can easily follow, while there are aspects in common for these kind of books (that speaks of life changing and motivation), which I will detail in the following lines, “The Art of Fully Living” has a beautiful touch to it. There are tips that we can all implement in order to make our life easier and that help uncover our potential.

The author speaks of how he decided one day that he needed a change, he needed to return to a time when he enjoyed his life, when he felt completely satisfied. And while doing that, he made a list of things to achieve in the next years. He speaks about his failures and how he managed to achieve these goals. The positive notes of the narration, the positive and powerful message are very well transmitted.

Everything begins with an analysis of our current life of what we have and what we need to achieve or where we want to be in the following years. The rhythm of the story is very easy to follow and the experiences detailed are full of lessons learned. Young Tal travels to amazing places and develops his personality.

The story is very motivating. Using a friendly language, it encourages us to self-education, to open our mind to new possibilities and expand our potential. Reinventing ourselves, cleaning our space, mind and life of things and thoughts we don’t need and be involved in all our activities are just some of the ideas highlighted by Tal Gur.

Every story like this one starts with our protagonist abandoning the current lifestyle, quitting his job and travelling all over the world. However, for most of us financing such a journey may be an issue. But the steps we are encouraged to take are, most of them, very easy to take starting now.

After finishing “The Art of Fully Living” I felt more empowered and more decided to achieve my goals and to take the steps towards them. This is a book I will keep very close, as it deserves more than one reading. I recommend it with all my heart and I would like to thank the author for sharing his experience with us!

[Louis Shulman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Tal is very authentic and shares the raw details about how his experience on this journey. Definitely recommend the book for anyone seeking a heavy dose of inspiration.

Ten Main Takeaways + 4 Bonus
Only ONE motivating goal at a time. Have a singular focus with an intense vision. You need disciplined organized effort for any goal. Treat any endeavor like a job and like a fitness plan. Write what needs to be done and when then do it. Have an INPUT based plan and follow it.

Meditation is huge. Mindfulness makes you smarter and is helpful in so many situations. Tal says aim for a minimum of 12 minutes daily. Learn to acknowledge and be aware of pain, doubt, and other emotions but then stick to the plan.

Hire a coach/seek mentorship. 10x results come from good coaching. Talk to strangers. Force yourself to strike up conversation with everybody. Make rejection a goal to overcome fear of rejection.

Learn to dance.

Relationships need aligned values and aligned long term goals. They need to be Win-Win.

Develop a connection to intuition. The rational brain has its limits. The artistic brain and gut should be developed.

Total Immersion. Go ALL in. Learn a language through as much forced practice as possible. Be extremely direct with learning efforts (learn the thing you are trying to learn by practicing doing that thing).

Age only moves in one direction. Seeing Tal start the book at 30 and end at 40 was a reminder of just how fast a decade is. Use time to the fullest.

Find ways to be happy with the present moment. Stop saying "I'll be happy when."

Your breath is always there for you as a way to return to your body and the present moment.

I'm incredibly privileged and lucky. Take a brief second to list all the basic luxuries we take for granted when compared to many others. (Clean water, hot water, safety from natural disasters, grocery stores, endless entertainment options)

Do volunteer work

Most thoughts are repetitive (mindfulness and journaling help with this)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many self-help books in my life. I am a fan of one's that offer insights into the author's life as well as a plan to improve my own. I believe that we all can become better when we learn from the experiences of others and not just when someone is telling us what to do different in our lives without providing concrete evidence. Well, Tal Gur offers loads of personal stories and experiences in his book The Art of Fully Living. 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals. Tal Gur had what to many would seem like an idyllic life-- a great job, money, was at the top of his career. However, something felt off; something was missing. How many of us find ourselves thinking that something is missing from our lives? How many of us are brave enough to further explore and take steps to find out what is missing and why? Tal Gur took that risk. He got tired of being sick and tired with life and he moved to change it. This was a journey of finding new relationships, getting married, getting divorced, moving to many different countries, figuring out what was important. It was a journey of self discovery that can offer hope to others. Not only does Tal Gur give the readers his own experiences, he also offers ideas and ways that the readers can change their own life and fully engage in the life that they want to live rather than the mediocre, status quo that they may be living. He offers his way of "commitment, immersion, and discipline" in order to achieve the goals that one may decide to set for themselves.

Overall, if you are looking for an inspirational read that will make you really want to focus on living your life to the fullest or if you are feeling like you need some inspiration to change your life, then I highly suggest that you read The Art of Fully Living. 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals. by Tal Gur.

DISCLAIMER:::
I was sent a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Mary E Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Fully Living: 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals Around the World is an amazing book about a man who did just what the book’s title implies. Author Tal Gur is a bucket list maker extraordinaire.

Gur, an Israeli, yearns to learn English and knows the best way to go about this goal is total emersion. He travels to Australia, learns the language and while there immerses himself in the culture, becoming totally involved with his surroundings. He goes on to complete an Ironman triathlon event in New Zealand. Gar pushes himself to achieve these successes—many times to the point of discomfort and exhaustion. He realizes his own strength and determination, and goes on to face his next life’s goal. He continues to travel the world and become involved in what each country offers. His journey isn’t without hardship and sometimes despair, but he learns to listen to his body and heart. He learns to view a negative situation from a positive angle, to reflect on what is important. Through flexibility and adaptability, he realizes that life is a balancing act.

Gur’s accomplishments through his world travels, his impressive achievements and the choices he made aren’t for everyone. But what is of value to everybody is learning how to achieve what is important to that individual. We each must have some type of goal in order to grow. Gar offers wisdom that applies to everyone:

– Stop accumulating “stuff.” The less stuff, the more freedom you have
– Declutter your life, curb excess buying
– Stay out of debt
– Embrace uncertainty. Let go of the need to control.
– Remember that the journey is more important than the destination

In this review I have attempted to cover the highlights, but in so doing realize there is so much more than reducing this book to these few points. I highly recommend The Art of Fully Living. It has something for everyone.

[Matt Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! An excellent first-person account of an awakening and grand journey, with how-to nuggets showing all of us how to do the same.

Tal’s kickboxing in Thailand resonated more than his other adventures because I recently did the same for my midlife crisis. Well, I was in slightly less exotic location… East Tennessee… But the way Tal captured the intrigue of fighting, the stress, the excitement – the in-the-moment focus that few other activities can generate – it was fun re-living it through another’s eyes. Plus his approach was more exploratory and peaceful than my own. Tal seemed in it almost solely for the fun, whereas in my case, it was more redemptive and aggressive. So the different motivator and lens was fun to experience.

I also really enjoyed Tal’s surfing and Iron Man sections because while my overall cardio is good, I’ve never been a strong swimmer, and the thought of braving ocean waves pre-dawn, and swimming while exhausted, is both scary, and exciting. Deliver a speech? No problem. Get in the ring with a guy aiming to take your head off? Let’s go. But swimming that far? Alone? Sometimes in the dark? Even when he had his girlfriend watching from shore, very scary stuff, and awesome that he had the guts to do it.

Last, while Tal’s adventures were extraordinary, they were all believable. The only thing I had trouble believing is that he isn’t a native English speaker. Dude is more articulate than I am… and a more eloquent writer. Congrats on mastering the language, Tal, and thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story, and your excellent advice. Did I neglect his excellent advice? Optimal living nuggets at the end of each chapter, always tied back to his experiences. Very cool book.

[Niall McKeever · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Fully Living is the story of one man trying to answer a very simple, but difficult question:

'How to live a meaningful life without regrets?'

The story starts with a life situation that would be considered the ideal for many in our society: a high paying corporate job with all the conventional trappings of 'success.'

When Tal realised he was unhappy in the life he had created for himself, he got honest about what he really did want. What follows is an account of one man relentlessly going after his dreams and living as if he only had a short amount of time left.

The real beauty of Tal's story is that he has actually walked his talk, and practiced what he is preaching.

It's NOT a typical self help book. It's a journey alive and rich with meaningful experiences, and a how to guide for would-be adventurers who want to live more fully.

Along the way, Tal discovers key counterintuitive life lessons which he shares with the reader, such as:

- Why you should try to get rejected,
- Why freedom is NOT the ultimate thing we should aim for
- And (surprisingly), why goals should ALWAYS be second to the process we have for achieving them.

A warning to the reader: don't read this book if you're content with a comfortable, mediocre existence. Tal's journey is proof that there's no excuse for not going after your dreams and living life to your fullest potential. So read at your peril.

[Catherine Townsend-Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Uplifting and An Amazingly Well Written Book!

How does one go from living a "Successful Work Life" but being miserable and non-satisfying? It isn't always about the Chase of Money or Success! In Tal's book, he guides readers through an amazing journey of just how to live life to the fullest through adventure, action, travel, and inspiring others to do the same. I love reading books that make me "feel uplifted and like I am along in the travels' as I suffer from agoraphobia and a few other mental health challenges.

When I got the invite to read and review his book, it took me awhile to read and absorb all the fantastic advice and goal setting that I have been able to incorporate in my day to day living. And it has helped me so much. It can be used as a guide or workbook as well. Tal had the audacity to plan and take action to reclaim a better way of living in happiness, gratitude, and sense of life accomplishments! This book will change your outlook on life and explore adventure and travel that has more meaning and purpose than "Just a Bucket List!" So much good info in here it may take you a little time to read but you will ENJOY THIS ONE!!

I Highly suggest this one especially if you feel "Stuck or Unhappy" in your personal life and success...This book will open the doors to "Freedom."

"Cat Lyon's Reading & Writing Den" By Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon

[R.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your dreams are your dreams for a reason; they are rooted in your deepest understanding of who you want and can become.

The Art of Fully Living is a book written to inspire its readers to get up and chase the dreams that have been in their minds and hearts for so long.

Tal Gur begins every chapter telling about his own life and how he accomplished his goals, and sometimes, even how he fell short of his goals. The tasks that he accomplished throughout his life are absolutely incredible and certainly worth reading, but it never feels like he's bragging or patting himself on the back. His stories always give an encouraging message of "if I could do this, then YOU can absolutely accomplish whatever is on your list"!

Tal does speak openly about his partying lifestyle, however there are no mentions of sexually explicit moments. There is however, mentions of hangovers and some mild curse words mentions.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Art of Fully Living and took away a few things that will be applied to my own life. If you're stuck in a rut, not knowing how to pursue your dreams and goals, I recommend this book just as a jump start to get you moving again. You'll definitely be able to come away with at least one thing to apply to your goals.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.

[Stephanie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ultimate bucket list, one man, on the quest to figure out how to achieve life satisfaction by completing his goals.
Everything from becoming fluent in a language, facing fear of rejection to embracing uncertainty and much more.
Laced with real life scenarios and knowledge earned this book is an adventure worth reading.

Practical advice and wisdom is given creating a type of personal development/ memoir feel to this book. Written in a journal/conversational tone it will appeal to the masses.

Three nuggets of wisdom:

1. Embrace discomfort- it can be any challenge you want to take on but it must be done consistently to reap the benefits and keep up your momentum. (One suggestion is too pick something that could become part of your daily routine ( get up at sunrise, take cold showers) for 30 days (30 day challenges)

2. The only true measurement of commitment is action- what kind of action are you willing to commit to, to fulfill your dreams. Attach your commitments to real consequences. Writing your goals will only get you to the starting line. Taking action with real consequences will send to the finish line.

3. Hold true to your boundaries by practicing the art of saying “NO”


Great over all read, a needed push to begin your own journey and get off the side lines of your life.

[Rosanne Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Fully Living: 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals
By Tal Gur
This is truly an astonishing account of an incredibly astute man who marries insight with action, heart with purpose and challenge with pure grit. It’s astonishing in the accomplishment and mastery of difficult goals and astonishing in the depth of personal growth that Tal Gur reveals openly; this process in itself is one of the multiple layers that Gur expands and reflects upon, in his stupendous journey of living fully in the now, standing down fear, obstacles and uncertainty.

The richness revealed in exposing his vulnerabilities adds to the remarkable accomplishments Gur achieves. This writer seeks to understand the psychology of human behaviour and emotion from a practical but deeply sensitive intellect. This weaving of heart, mind and soul is refreshing and feels authentically wholesome. After a profoundly significant relationship dissolves in his life, Gur, in his deeply reflective style, asks, “ What am I doing here? I could be anywhere... Why am I sacrificing my health, my serenity, myself ?” And again, his inquisitive nature draws the reader into Gur’s spiritual journey as he shares his conscious awareness: “My external journey had led me Colombia but the

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tal Gur's memoir, "The Art of Fully Living," is one man's inspiring journey across continents to discover happiness and the keys to living a full, meaningful life. It's like "Eat, Pray, Love," except that it spans a decade, has way more than three goals was written by a man. Gur, doesn't break down every single one of his hundred goals but he does break up the decade into ten distinct chapters of his journey. From wiping out debt, to total cultural immersion, to love, and giving back; Gur really focuses on not only being a better person, but looking inward and being the happiest he can be. IUt's a lot of trial and error but when he sets his mind to doing it, whether it's training for the Ironman Competition, learning to socialize with peers (especially women!), becoming fluent in a language, or eliminating all debt; Gur tackles each goal with a tenacity that is inspiring. Throughout the book he also offers useful advice and tidbits to help readers come up with their own goals and solutions, and keep them motivated on moving forward and living life to the fullest. A quick read, this memoir will inspire readers to look inside themselves and discover ways in which to change their lives for the better, one goal at a time.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big sucker for memoirs of this type. I want to read about people's epic adventures...their goal setting...how they've achieved big dreams. Tal has managed to write, and live, the biggest of these I've read to date! He had a conversation with a few friends one night that culminated in a list of 100 life goals. And then he literally travelled the world, immersing himself in other cultures and lifestyles, learning and growing...and for lack of a more eloquent phrase, beast-moded the crap out of his life.

There are a few passages that felt like the infomercial to sell his business, or e-books, etc. And as he's bouncing across the globe, I couldn't help but think about how much money one would need to have in the bank to tackle his goals in the manner that he did, which could be disheartening to read if you struggle to pay your bills every month, or haven't taken a proper vacation in years. BUT, the grand majority of this book is very inspiring, uplifting, well-written (especially for a person who is not a native English-speaker) and motivating as all get out. I highlighted the crap out of my copy, and am inspired to make my own life goal/bucket list. I believe this guy knows what he's talking about.
Big thanks to the author for sending me this book to review.

[Jo-Ann Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Fully Living: 1 Man, 10 Years, 100 Life Goals Around the World charts the life of Tal Gur from when he first left Israel and set foot in Melbourne, starting out in adult life and finding his way in a new country. Tal started to become 'present' and look for signs which would lead him to his next step. You may think at this point, that there are many books out there of a similar ilk, and there are, but Tal tells his story slightly differently. There is no amazing secret to becoming a multi-millionaire with a model wife to be found here; for example, Tal's first goal was to just get out there and party! It became a way to network, fully immerse in Australian culture and pick up the language far quicker than sitting in a weekly language class.

It's a quick, energetic, positive, pick me up read if you are sliding into a funk or sitting at a crossroads.  Download it today for an inspirational commuter read, or one to get you inspired whilst relaxing on your next holiday.

Check out www.duffythewriterblog.com for a Q&A with author Tal Gur!

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ebook from the author for an honest review.

I found this book refreshing and honest as I immersed myself in this motivational book. I found his approach and writing style equally casual as he teaches fundamental truths in a very relaxing manner using his own life as a testimony to his skills and determination. Throughout the book, I was struck by the openness he had tackled each item on his self-improvement list to become better as a person. From moving to Australia, speaking fluently in English and fitting into the life onwards his tale energised me. An easy read that flows without interruptions or mistakes. It is an empowering book with many titbits you can apply in your own life.
Even in sports he applied the same lessons and had the same results. I got the idea that no matter what the author would take up he would always be a winner.
It was thought-provoking and challenges my own shortcomings. I'm definitely going to use some of the techniques to better myself in my own quests of self-improvement.
Thanks for the wonderful read.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of one man who spent 10 years of his life learning to fully live his life to its greatest potential. Not only do we get his story but he offers concrete ways that the readers can re-create their lives to learn to live life to its fullest.

I normally don't like books like this but this one was different because not only did the author give creative suggestions but he showed how they worked for him and the changes that were made in his life. With chapter headings such as Happiness First and Beyond Pain, he gives us examples in his life and ways to make changes in our own lives.

This was an interesting well written book about making changes in our lives and I would recommend it to people who are not happy with their lives and don't know what they need to to to make life more beautiful.

[Prakash Parasuraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many self-esteem books out there, which explains goal setting and how to achieve them. But most of them fail to give life examples or step by step instructions on how to achieve them. The Art of Fully Living is quite different, Tal Gur explains goal setting and achieving them through his life adventures. Most of them are explained step by step which is the highlight of the book.

From goal setting to achieving them, from facing the fear to sticking to the goal Tal Gur explains things with practical examples. Though Tal Gur’s adventures sound alien to an ordinary man, the way he plans and achieves it makes us realise how one can make impossible possible.

Detailed review: http://www.etale.in/the-art-of-living...