“The
average life represents a life of sleepwalking.”
-
Taken from: The Art of Non-Conformity
Photo:aonc.com. |
I recently
had the good fortune to read The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau. Although
the book was originally released in 2010, it’s a dramatic eye-opener towards the
way we view life, work and live. The Art of Non-Conformity is easily one of my
favorite reads this year. This is a book that will challenge you to literally think
“outside the box” and lead a remarkable life!
Chris
Guillebeau's purpose of writing this masterpiece was to transform your thinking
in terms of life and work. His minimalistic lifestyle, thoughts and ideas left
me wanting to learn more. Chris rocks the boat in so many philosophies- whether
through helping others, having a free spirit, becoming an entrepreneur,
travelling the world or leaving a legacy; The Art of Non-Conformity is a book
you must read.
Discussions
include:
-
Money
and “stuff” can’t buy happiness.
-
Little
risk, offers little reward.
-
Settling
for what’s good enough, represents mediocrity.
-
Find
ways to successfully live your dream.
-
To
always look for someone’s agenda and motivation.
-
Question
authority.
-
Living
simple.
Adam Baker
and his family are mentioned in a side story within the book. Adam recently
produced the film: I’m Fine, Thanks! Chris Guillebeau makes a cameo appearance
in the film documentary and I can’t help but think this book inspired the film.
You may recall
in an earlier blog, Adam and his family sold all their “stuff” to move overseas
and live their dream life. Mr. Baker started his own web business Man vs. Debt
and has inspired others to live their dream.
The Art of
Non-Conformity is divided into three parts:
1. Remarkable Life- challenging
authority and creating a path.
2. Reclaiming Work- discusses how we
think and where we spend our productive hours.
3. Power of Convergence- furthering details
of life, travel and work.
Photo:aonc.com
Chris
discusses his journey from quitting a dead-end job at Federal Express at the age
of 19, selling his “stuff” on eBay, becoming an entrepreneur(selling coffee
online), moving overseas working as a volunteer with non-profit organizations
and his dream to visit every country in
the world.
Chris has succeeded in visiting (as of September, 2012) 188 of 193 countries. Quite a remarkable feat
considering he is also an author, speaker, blogger, and travel hacking expert.
How he finds the time to do all he does is amazing. Sleepwalking through life
isn’t part of his equation.
The Art of Non-Conformity is a breakthrough of
revolutionary ideas to live a life of freedom for anyone tired of the same job,
rat race or mediocrity. It’s a wakeup
call for those waiting to seek permission to be or do what you’ve always wanted!
The Art of Non-Conformity not only explains why you must take control of your opportunities; it gives you permission to act.
In our post-industrial
era it is imperative to realize “the old mindset” isn’t going to allow us to
live our dreams. The Art of Non-Conformity allows us the choice between
dreaming and succeeding. The book supplies the mental tools to reach new
horizons and Chris Guillebeau gives us the courage to do something meaningful that matters!
Thank you- Chris Guillebeau for this gift of art!
Until
We Meet Again,
Jim Carver
Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School
“Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and
links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver
and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses
that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy
of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my
work. Thank you.