I read this book every year as part of my strategic planning. It helps me ensure I don’t let chaos in the world and my fear responses to that chaos move me in directions I don’t really want to go. I have gotten so much from this book that I frequently listen to Dan Miller’s 48 Days podcast and did a promotion with him for my 48th birthday. I became a certified 48 Days and DISC Coach through his Coaching Mastery program, and I am an affiliate who pays his business commissions when he refers coaching clients to me. I am a member of the 48 Days Eagles Community, where I welcome new members, host Office Hours, and occasionally answer the Coaching Hotline. I even bought an entire case of this book last year and gave copies to people I knew who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Here’s are the top reasons why.
This book has a logical structure that is easy to follow.
I have two different versions of the book. The one I bought first has a 48-day schedule in it. I liked that because it took some of the organization and scheduling duties off me. But admittedly, I didn’t follow the schedule perfectly–in part because I wasn’t looking for a job. As I mentioned, I use it to prepare for my annual strategic planning. Regardless, I found the process followed what seemed natural and logical, which made it easy to follow, even when I adapted it a bit to fit my needs.
The most recent version of the book is laid out as follows:
- Do I Have to Work?
- Who Would Hire Me?
- Yes, I Do Have an “Education”
- Creating a Life Plan
- Success is More than a Job
- The Cure for Divine Discontentment
- Show Me Your Promo Materials
- Six Job Offers in 10 Days!
- Do They Like Me? Do I Like Them?
- Show Me the Money!
- Being the Boss You Always Wanted to Have…
- Dream, Plan, and Act
It has a process that I can easily implement.
One of the most useful insights I got from the book was the 15-hour plan. Dan and fellow coach Marianne Renner frequently remind us that we can build what we want in only 15 hours per week, and almost everyone can find those 15 hours to pursue what really matters to them. I was skeptical at first, but I am a believer now. I used my electronic calendar to map out these hours and work them in around other commitments. This allowed me to see where I had created obligations I wasn’t fully committed to. I had to practice using The Power of a Positive No, but my weekly schedules now contain primarily what I really want in my life, not just what I think I should want or have.
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It addresses the emotional and thinking challenges that arise with job searches.
The book’s Introduction says better than I can why you will benefit from reading it:
This is a book where you get to tell the ending. You get to decide of the main character is a victim of circumstances, unable to rise above the oppressive forces of his/her upbringing, current family expectations and the limitations allowed by the government and company. But you also get to write the ending where the main character designs a life complete with work that matters, has money far beyond personal needs, builds relationships that nurture the soul, and leaves a legacy for the rest of history. While it may not be finding a white horse and riding off into the sunset, it’s actually better. You get to choose.”
Nance L. Schick Partners with Dan Miller’s 48 DAYS Podcast for Special Giveaway
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Nance L. Schick, Esq., is a workplace attorney, ethno-religious mediator, and conflict resolution coach based in New York City. Her goal is to keep managers and small business owners out of court and build their conflict resolution skills so everyone has a better work experience. She is creator of the Third Ear Conflict Resolution process, author of DIY Conflict Resolution, and an award-winning entrepreneur acknowledged by Super Lawyers (ADR, 2018, 2019 & 2020), the New York Economic Development Corporation/B-Labs (Finalist, Best for NYC 2015 & 2016), U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2015 Blue Ribbon Small Business), Enterprising Women Magazine (Honorable Mention, 2014 Woman of the Year awards).