Wisdom from Finding Your Own North Star

by Martha N. Beck

Bestselling author Martha Beck shares her step-by-step program that teaches you to read your internal compass and cultivate your dreams. The wisdom and humor of the excerpts provide insight you can use to chart a course to your own North Star.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Business, Productivity

96 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality.

Her recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her latest book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose is out now.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank heavens I'd just finished editing this book when I was laid off from Random House; it sent me down the right career/life path and is the book I recommend the most strongly to anyone looking to find and articulate their deepest passion.

[Stephanie Thoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha N. Beck's writing style is conversational, light-hearted and funny, about a topic that is perceived as big and scary: your life's purpose. It all boils down to discovering what you like to do, what drives you, independent of what society values, because ultimately, society wins if we're all doing our thing, and doing it well.

Get a pen ready, because there are a ton of exercises to get you started on this journey of self discovery for work, and life. I myself got a few pointers, but by no means have a blueprint to follow step-by-step yet. Perhaps it's all still marinating.

Also, be aware: you're going to be asked to dig deep about childhood stuff, relationship history, and more to get to the heart of what you could be doing to live a life 'worth living.' This isn't a 'casual lunch break' kind of read. Sit on the couch on a Sunday with a cuddly blanket, some warm tea, a blank notebook, and an open heart.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many books of this genre and I always get something out of what I read, so I did get something out of this book, however, it did not provide me with information that was really eye opening or that made me say, "wow." I see that this book gets very high ratings and that was what drew me to it. Perhaps what had happened, was that I had wanted to read this book when I could have used a bit more guidance. Unfortunately for the book, and my many other books, it sat on the shelf a little too long for me to have much need for the information given and maybe that is why I did not really get a lot out of it.

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little book about changing the path you have been on when it doesn't feel like the path you were meant to take. Lots of helpful advice about finding your North Star and following it. I really enjoyed the book but it was too short. :) I may have to get the bigger book and read it.

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to me. I loved how it explains your social self vs. your essential self and how over the years we adapt our own truth to fit those of others. I think if you are looking for how to get back to who you are and get grounded back in your own reality...this is a great book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

[Dził · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very positive words in here, especially our saying of Beauty before me, beauty behind me, beauty below me, beauty above me, beauty all around me. I need to do more of this everyday.

[Muralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I got from it:

1. To find the area where you are meant to be in ask yourself some questions:
a) think about a time where you felt as though you had a super memory?
b) think about an area where you felt time moves quickly?
c) in what area did you feel you never got sick or tired?

2. When you are trying something new you are undoubtedly going to not do things well. This is still preferable to repeatedly doing something over and over that you are good at.

3. Even if you are doing what you're supposed to be doing, there are some parts of the work that will be boring and not fun to do.

4. Trust your intuition.

5. if you can't dream it, then you can't do it. Have large and unrealistic goals.

6. Successful people aren't cold and emotionless. They are the most emotional people and they are exceedingly grateful for what they have.

[Tammie Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing concept of a North Star. Definitely worth reading. Decide for yourself what you get out of it.

I know I'll be reading it a few times as I get different things from it, each time.

[Kimberly]

This was a good book filled with ideas on mindfulness, developing emotional maturity, tools for personal change, and figuring out what you really want, as well as figuring out how to be who you really are, not what other people expect you to be.