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Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction
A clear and utterly practical 90-day program for discovering a new direction for your life.
In Now What? pioneering life coach Laura Berman Fortgang shares the process that she has used so successfully to help hundreds of clients make major changes in their lives. Whether it's moving on from a dead end job, discovering an entirely new creative outlet, or answering the age old question "What am I meant to do with my life?" this book provides a clear and infinitely practical 90-day program that can help you make major changes in your life.
For anyone who feels drawn toward a life-changing move but is not sure exactly what to do or how to move forward, Now What? provides a concrete process for finding and pursuing a new path in life. Full of inspiring and empowering exercises and tools, this book guides readers-day by day and step by step-through a 90-day process that will lead to true life satisfaction and fulfillment.
In Now What? pioneering life coach Laura Berman Fortgang shares the process that she has used so successfully to help hundreds of clients make major changes in their lives. Whether it's moving on from a dead end job, discovering an entirely new creative outlet, or answering the age old question "What am I meant to do with my life?" this book provides a clear and infinitely practical 90-day program that can help you make major changes in your life.
For anyone who feels drawn toward a life-changing move but is not sure exactly what to do or how to move forward, Now What? provides a concrete process for finding and pursuing a new path in life. Full of inspiring and empowering exercises and tools, this book guides readers-day by day and step by step-through a 90-day process that will lead to true life satisfaction and fulfillment.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2005
58 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 10, 2009
There are a number of self-help books out on the market today and it takes a keen eye and quite a bit of research to separate the ones that are really useful from the ones that might not be so useful for you. I don’t typically read a lot of self-help books, so when I do I am typically fairly critical. Well, I’m happy to say that NOW WHAT?: 90 DAYS TO A NEW LIFE DIRECTION by Laura Berman Fortgang is the latest self-help book that I would recommend.
Ever considered that even though life seems to be going along just fine, there’s something missing? Do you feel a hole in your life and have no clue how to find or fill it? Laura Berman Fortgang discusses these issues, bringing to light the fact that many of us are not as happy with our lives as we try to convince ourselves we are. Whether it’s a job that you can no longer stand or an aspiration that you’ve been longing to achieve, in NOW WHAT? Fortgang gives us the tools to develop a new path that with the right amount of work and energy should lead us to a more happy and peaceful life.
I know that I, for one, have had issues for years trying to figure out what was missing in my life. That’s part of the reason I took up reviewing books. It gives me a sense of pleasure and helped to lift me up to a place I wanted to be. Still, something was and is missing. Fortgang’s plan is a 90 day plan, so I can’t come and tell you that I went through and completed the entire plan yet, but I can tell you that after reading the book and doing as much as I can so far, I do actually feel better about myself and my future.
In the introduction of NOW WHAT?, Fortgang has us take a quick assessment that shows us which parts of the book we need to really focus on. She still recommends following the chapters of the book in sequence, but at least this way we can begin to get an idea of where we might be headed on this journey. I found this part to be extremely useful and it was only the introduction! The rest of the book, with stories, discussions, and exercises continued on the helpful trend, creating a book that far surpasses the “self-help” label. Fortgang’s book really involves a plan, a way to systematically change the way we think and behave, pulling us out of the way of helping ourselves.
Probably one of the aspects that really made NOW WHAT? a winner to me was Fortgang’s writing. It could have been very easy for her to use flowery words and tell us that everything would be okay. Instead, she is very frank with her writing. She discusses the fact that we might think that making a change will take too long or is too hard. Her response is basically, so what? She admits that yes, it’s going to be hard; yes, it might take a while and it is even possible that her plan might not work for every individual on the planet. Anything that is worth working on, however, is going to take time and energy. I love that Fortgang was able to be so honest and up front with that. It made her and her book much more credible in my opinion.
Another fantastic aspect of the book, and one that made it very relatable, were the stories that Fortgang instilled in the pages. Using her many years of experience as a life coach, Fortgang shares with us some of her most troubled clients and some of their biggest successes. Aside from being able to see that change really is possible, we also see that it was really quite difficult for some; however, they overcame their roadblocks to working with the program and in the end benefited greatly. Fortgang also did well with diversifying the stories and examples. I would imagine that there is probably a relatable story in NOW WHAT? for every person out there looking for a change.
This was a fantastic book and although it is not the genre that I typically read, I did get a lot of enjoyment from the pages and felt that I learned a lot about myself in the process. These are the kinds of books where you finish it, reflect on what you have experienced and realize how lucky that the collection of pages fell in your lap. I would recommend NOW WHAT? to anyone looking for a change, anyone that thinks they might like or need a change, and anyone that says that absolutely do not need or want a change. It’s amazing what truths about yourself NOW WHAT? brings to the surface and I would not be at all surprised to hear that even those that don’t believe they need or want a change discover something about themselves that they can spruce up a bit.
Ever considered that even though life seems to be going along just fine, there’s something missing? Do you feel a hole in your life and have no clue how to find or fill it? Laura Berman Fortgang discusses these issues, bringing to light the fact that many of us are not as happy with our lives as we try to convince ourselves we are. Whether it’s a job that you can no longer stand or an aspiration that you’ve been longing to achieve, in NOW WHAT? Fortgang gives us the tools to develop a new path that with the right amount of work and energy should lead us to a more happy and peaceful life.
I know that I, for one, have had issues for years trying to figure out what was missing in my life. That’s part of the reason I took up reviewing books. It gives me a sense of pleasure and helped to lift me up to a place I wanted to be. Still, something was and is missing. Fortgang’s plan is a 90 day plan, so I can’t come and tell you that I went through and completed the entire plan yet, but I can tell you that after reading the book and doing as much as I can so far, I do actually feel better about myself and my future.
In the introduction of NOW WHAT?, Fortgang has us take a quick assessment that shows us which parts of the book we need to really focus on. She still recommends following the chapters of the book in sequence, but at least this way we can begin to get an idea of where we might be headed on this journey. I found this part to be extremely useful and it was only the introduction! The rest of the book, with stories, discussions, and exercises continued on the helpful trend, creating a book that far surpasses the “self-help” label. Fortgang’s book really involves a plan, a way to systematically change the way we think and behave, pulling us out of the way of helping ourselves.
Probably one of the aspects that really made NOW WHAT? a winner to me was Fortgang’s writing. It could have been very easy for her to use flowery words and tell us that everything would be okay. Instead, she is very frank with her writing. She discusses the fact that we might think that making a change will take too long or is too hard. Her response is basically, so what? She admits that yes, it’s going to be hard; yes, it might take a while and it is even possible that her plan might not work for every individual on the planet. Anything that is worth working on, however, is going to take time and energy. I love that Fortgang was able to be so honest and up front with that. It made her and her book much more credible in my opinion.
Another fantastic aspect of the book, and one that made it very relatable, were the stories that Fortgang instilled in the pages. Using her many years of experience as a life coach, Fortgang shares with us some of her most troubled clients and some of their biggest successes. Aside from being able to see that change really is possible, we also see that it was really quite difficult for some; however, they overcame their roadblocks to working with the program and in the end benefited greatly. Fortgang also did well with diversifying the stories and examples. I would imagine that there is probably a relatable story in NOW WHAT? for every person out there looking for a change.
This was a fantastic book and although it is not the genre that I typically read, I did get a lot of enjoyment from the pages and felt that I learned a lot about myself in the process. These are the kinds of books where you finish it, reflect on what you have experienced and realize how lucky that the collection of pages fell in your lap. I would recommend NOW WHAT? to anyone looking for a change, anyone that thinks they might like or need a change, and anyone that says that absolutely do not need or want a change. It’s amazing what truths about yourself NOW WHAT? brings to the surface and I would not be at all surprised to hear that even those that don’t believe they need or want a change discover something about themselves that they can spruce up a bit.
September 6, 2014
Great book if you are considering changing your career direction or if you'd just like to confirm that what you're doing is really your heart's desire. Berman Fortgang is a Jersey girl who tells it like it is, without the pop psychology nonsense you find in some self-help books; she's just the real deal. If you are serious about investing some time in yourself to figure out what's next, I highly recommend this book, and doing the exercises in it.
January 1, 2019
Very practical & bought so I can pursue
December 19, 2019
No thanks, you lost me at page 5.
May 16, 2024
Book for engaging on a new job path. I enjoyed the content, never finished the activities
September 21, 2009
Mini Synopsis:
This is a user friendly book with out any new age “mumbo jumbo”. It systematically and realistically addresses the issues a person will invariably have when they are confronted with the inevitable occurrence of a life’s disruption. With the subsequent need to make rational and realistic decisions when faced with loss of a job, divorce, death of a partner, or just plain old dissatisfaction with life it is a useful resource which is relevant during these unstable economic times.
This book addresses the issues and questions through direction, real life examples, important questions, and activities at the end of each progressive section. For a few examples, ask yourself what you hate about your life, the importance of letting go of the past, and referral to a psychologist if issues cannot be addressed within the series of questions and activities in the book. There are further references which are helpful in the back which give more information on resources such as starting a business, inspiration, and for making contact with the author or another life coach and more.
My Thoughts:
Myself being no stranger to life’s disruptions, various career changes, quandaries of various natures around which direction to take in my life, and one who has searched a great deal for ways to find more meaning in it, I have read a bit on the subject. I have taken career counseling courses at both the junior college and the university level. I am no expert but am familiar with the subject and the path, and yet still do not know what I want to be when I grow up. Perhaps a life coach would be the answer? ;)
My personal opinion is that this is an organized over view of a logical process. A starting place to make a move toward a change. I think it will help the seeker see many of the elements which will be needed for a logical quest which the author is suggesting. I however feel that if this books is your only resource, a commitment to following the path outlined in this book will be difficult. Hence the importance of the ability to contact the author or another life counselor or coach. From reading the book I would say she is an excellent option.
September 7, 2009
"Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction" by Aaura Berman Fortgang
(from the back cover)
MY THOUGHTS: I don't usually read how to books. But this one grabbed me for some reason. Maybe it's because I am about to take a drastic change in my job or personal problems, who knows! I didn't actually do the exercises, well I did a couple of them, just to see what would happen. If you are looking for a way to figure out what you want to do with your life, need some encouragement, or just wonder about it, this is the book for you. There's lots of useful information to find out what it is you want to do with your life. There are also lots of inspiring stories my Ms. Fortgang.
(from the back cover)
In Now What? pioneering life coach Laura Berman Fortgang shares the process that she has used so successfully with hundreds of clients to help them make major changes in their lives. Whether it's moving on from a dead-end job, discovering an entirely new creative outlet, or answering the age-old question "What am I meant to do with my life?" this book provides a clear and infinitely practical ninety-day program to discover a new direction for your life.
Readers will learn from the success stories of Berm Fortgang's clients, including:
*A woman who left her unfulfilling job to discover the rewards of doing motivational work with professional athletes.
*A high-fashion shoe executive who found more gratifying work helping adoption agencies around the world place children in permanent homes.
*A highly paid corporate consultant who became a minister.
Full of inspiring and empowering exercises and tools, Now What? guides readers--day by day and step by step--through a process that will lead to true life satisfaction and fulfillment.
MY THOUGHTS: I don't usually read how to books. But this one grabbed me for some reason. Maybe it's because I am about to take a drastic change in my job or personal problems, who knows! I didn't actually do the exercises, well I did a couple of them, just to see what would happen. If you are looking for a way to figure out what you want to do with your life, need some encouragement, or just wonder about it, this is the book for you. There's lots of useful information to find out what it is you want to do with your life. There are also lots of inspiring stories my Ms. Fortgang.
September 25, 2009
You hate your job. You’ve been downsized. Something just doesn’t seem quite right. Maybe, you need to consider a different direction.
Now What? makes the process of finding that “it” much easier. The books takes the reader through twelve weeks (90 days) of looking within, finding one’s life purpose, and then integrating this information into everyday life. Key to this search is the life blueprint which when followed sets out the way to living a meaningful life, the life each of us was meant to experience.
Perhaps for me, the most significant exercise was looking at my own history and noticing the patterns. Then, going one step further to realize what these things said about me. Instantly, I had an a-ha moment where I knew without a doubt that I was on the right track. I saw the big picture and knew where all the little pieces fit.
Now What? makes the process of finding that “it” much easier. The books takes the reader through twelve weeks (90 days) of looking within, finding one’s life purpose, and then integrating this information into everyday life. Key to this search is the life blueprint which when followed sets out the way to living a meaningful life, the life each of us was meant to experience.
Perhaps for me, the most significant exercise was looking at my own history and noticing the patterns. Then, going one step further to realize what these things said about me. Instantly, I had an a-ha moment where I knew without a doubt that I was on the right track. I saw the big picture and knew where all the little pieces fit.
April 29, 2015
I quickly figured out why this book had been set aside in my office instead of being put on the library shelf to circulate: due to a binding mistake, I got pages 45-76 twice, which meant very little of chapter 2, and no chapter 3! So, I followed the 90-day plan as best I could, making up some of that stuff in the middle.
Now what? I'm ready to go out a manifest my dreams!
Now what? I'm ready to go out a manifest my dreams!
August 11, 2008
It requires a very dedicated and honest look into your life. At times I felt like I was much farther ahead of the progress the book was making, but I kept reading because I didn't want to miss anything. I, again, chose not to participate in the activities, but think it could be a good work book.
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December 6, 2015This was recommended to me to help figure out my direction/career path. It is a 90 day plan that goes by week with excellent exercises. I'm not too far yet, but I can tell it's definitely VERY worth it and if you are at all unsure of your life/career path - check it out.
July 30, 2008
This book helped me decide what I wanted to do after fundraising. Very useful and enjoyable reading and good journaling exercises.
March 12, 2015
Useful and practical exercises.
May 24, 2015
Skimmed. I can see how it would be valuable to a certain kind of person who really committed to doing the exercises.
April 13, 2016
Randomly picked this one up from the library. Some good exercises in here - worth a read if you're in an introspective mood.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews