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What To Do When It's Your Turn
Seth Godin has pushed the boundaries again by creating a new book format that reads more like a magazine. The book is in full color and is a collection of short stories and essays that help the reader know "what to do when it's your turn" in life.
159 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
113 people are currently reading
5070 people want to read
About the author
Seth Godin
158 books6,519 followersSeth W. Godin, also known as "F. X. Nine", is an American author and a former dot com business executive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
December 9, 2014
"That voice in your head is describing what you're about to do after a different part of your brain has already initiated that action."
"Your body decides, the voice in your brain narrates."
I read that passage once, twice, three times, and then lay the book on my chest and closed my eyes.
Holy shit. Hooooooolllllllllly shit. Is it really that easy? Sure, I always THINK I'm right when responding to others — often, I'm proven true, which is great and flattering and makes me feel useful — but I second guess every damn thought and action I even consider making.
But those quotes...if those quotes above are true, everything is different.
I know what I want to do. Making decisions isn't the issue, it's sticking by them once the voice in my head has had a chance to be critical.
I'm not saying your gut is always correct, but it sure as hell thinks it is. Why not trust it for myself as much as I trust it for others?
"Your body decides, the voice in your brain narrates."
I read that passage once, twice, three times, and then lay the book on my chest and closed my eyes.
Holy shit. Hooooooolllllllllly shit. Is it really that easy? Sure, I always THINK I'm right when responding to others — often, I'm proven true, which is great and flattering and makes me feel useful — but I second guess every damn thought and action I even consider making.
But those quotes...if those quotes above are true, everything is different.
I know what I want to do. Making decisions isn't the issue, it's sticking by them once the voice in my head has had a chance to be critical.
I'm not saying your gut is always correct, but it sure as hell thinks it is. Why not trust it for myself as much as I trust it for others?
November 19, 2016
Incredible potential, but mediocre execution.
To me, a lot of this book was just empty inspiration, like a list of nice sounding quotes that make you feel all great, but don't really end up changing your actions at all. A lot of the things Godin says sound really inspiring, but aren't at all that actionable. I end up with the feeling of "awesome! Now what?"
One thing that really bothered me was the lack of continuity or logical progression between pages and topics. It makes it very hard to want to keep reading, and just leaves me more and more desensitised to all the inspirational stuff.
I've never before realised the importance of headings, titles, chapters, sections. This book desperately needs some sort of organisation, order and direction. Trying to go back and find a quote I remember reading is an insane mission, and I usually just give up.
The book is filled with one logical falacy after another - eg "they were not invited because they won, they won because they were invited" - Godin often sacrifices making logical sense for sounding clever and inspirational.
There are actually some amazing gems and quotes, but unfortunately it's all haphazard and buried amongst a lot of much less impressive stuff. My favourite line is probably"If it. doesn't work, make better art"
All in all, it's great if you're after a bit of inspiration to get into something new. But honestly, this book could have been a quarter of it's length and would have been just as good - only shorter and sweeter.
To me, a lot of this book was just empty inspiration, like a list of nice sounding quotes that make you feel all great, but don't really end up changing your actions at all. A lot of the things Godin says sound really inspiring, but aren't at all that actionable. I end up with the feeling of "awesome! Now what?"
One thing that really bothered me was the lack of continuity or logical progression between pages and topics. It makes it very hard to want to keep reading, and just leaves me more and more desensitised to all the inspirational stuff.
I've never before realised the importance of headings, titles, chapters, sections. This book desperately needs some sort of organisation, order and direction. Trying to go back and find a quote I remember reading is an insane mission, and I usually just give up.
The book is filled with one logical falacy after another - eg "they were not invited because they won, they won because they were invited" - Godin often sacrifices making logical sense for sounding clever and inspirational.
There are actually some amazing gems and quotes, but unfortunately it's all haphazard and buried amongst a lot of much less impressive stuff. My favourite line is probably"If it. doesn't work, make better art"
All in all, it's great if you're after a bit of inspiration to get into something new. But honestly, this book could have been a quarter of it's length and would have been just as good - only shorter and sweeter.
December 26, 2016
A few pages into the book and I already wanted to put it down and get to work!
It's amazing how Seth Godin's energy makes you want to start doing whatever it is that you want to do.
This book is a concentrated version of Seth's main take-aways (or teachings, as I'd like to call them). It packs a punch. It makes you want to DO. It inspires you to shift your thinking, to challenge your assumptions, to leave your ego behind, to find pleasure and the ultimate reward in the process of toiling over your art, whatever it may be.
This book is a force if you decide to draw inspiration from it.
It's amazing how Seth Godin's energy makes you want to start doing whatever it is that you want to do.
This book is a concentrated version of Seth's main take-aways (or teachings, as I'd like to call them). It packs a punch. It makes you want to DO. It inspires you to shift your thinking, to challenge your assumptions, to leave your ego behind, to find pleasure and the ultimate reward in the process of toiling over your art, whatever it may be.
This book is a force if you decide to draw inspiration from it.
December 23, 2014
I am a huge fan of Seth Godin and this latest venture did not disappoint. As always, a good swift kick in the pants for getting busy, creating, sharing and putting yourself out there! I have gifted this to 8 people because I love it so much! Enjoy!
January 29, 2015
Whether it's tribes or cows or ducks; well he has gone and done it again, only this time, It's my turn. Let's be perfectly clear about that. There is no doubt, Seth says so. He not only is a marketing genius, he has turned this new book into quite a racket or promotion! Buy one and he'll give you another. You can get through this book in a flash, like fast food. Just devour it. Or, like a work of art, fine food or exquisite music, you can savor it. Are you motivated to move, to act, to write, to do? You should be, it's your turn now!
Read
December 31, 2014The back flap says that Godin "writes about treating people with respect, the changing economy and ideas that spread." This book is that. And I think the respect is not just that shown to others, but also self-respect. As in, how would you live your life if you honored your highest capacities?
pg 35
Great work is the result of seeking out tension, not avoiding it. Great work doesn’t require reassurance, in fact, it avoids it.
pg 35
Great work is the result of seeking out tension, not avoiding it. Great work doesn’t require reassurance, in fact, it avoids it.
December 10, 2014
I believe this book is quietly building a determination inside of me. A determination to stop holding myself back. I say quietly building because some of the ideas need time to resonate and sink in and some of them already have.
It reads easily, one could almost say too easily but the message that's in there... Woo!
It reads easily, one could almost say too easily but the message that's in there... Woo!
December 24, 2014
I like Godin, but I didn't find anything that resonated with me in this book. It is really well put together and looks nice; it reads like a daily affirmations calendar. Full of name dropping and vague anecdotes meant to inspire, however it has very few original ideas or even fresh takes on well trod material.
December 25, 2014
Just what I needed. (At this moment).
June 7, 2015
I generally dig Seth Godin, but often feel that his works are just compilations of quotes and ideas re-packaged for easier consumption. I have come to respect that more and more. This book is no different, but it seems more powerful than normal. Specifically, it lends itself by calling for generosity. Seth builds that into the purchasing of the book itself.
I loved Notice, dream, connect, do. We fail to notice because we're busy keeping busy. We fail to dream because dreaming implies that we have to take a risk to realize our dream. We fail to connect because we might get rejected. And we fail to do because we haven't noticed, we haven't dreamed, and we haven't connected.
Equally compelling is this call to action. Avoid certainty. Pick yourself. Postpone gratification. Seek joy. Embrace generosity. Dance with fear. Be paranoid about mediocrity. See the world as it is. Be the boss of you.
Just a sample of the type of wonderful nuggets you will find within.
I loved Notice, dream, connect, do. We fail to notice because we're busy keeping busy. We fail to dream because dreaming implies that we have to take a risk to realize our dream. We fail to connect because we might get rejected. And we fail to do because we haven't noticed, we haven't dreamed, and we haven't connected.
Equally compelling is this call to action. Avoid certainty. Pick yourself. Postpone gratification. Seek joy. Embrace generosity. Dance with fear. Be paranoid about mediocrity. See the world as it is. Be the boss of you.
Just a sample of the type of wonderful nuggets you will find within.
January 10, 2015
As always, Godin delivers.
A book to be read from cover to cover in one sitting - then back again with a highlighter, then action points.
A book that makes me think about who I am and what difference I want to make.
A book that snaps me out of any resistance to change or aversion to risk and shouts loud "just go and do it!"
And I will.
A book to be read from cover to cover in one sitting - then back again with a highlighter, then action points.
A book that makes me think about who I am and what difference I want to make.
A book that snaps me out of any resistance to change or aversion to risk and shouts loud "just go and do it!"
And I will.
Read
December 20, 2014If you're down and you want an ignition to get started, you should read this.
February 28, 2019
A collection of short blogs made of short sentences.
Almost better to read a page a day than the whole book in one setting. Would not recommend it.
Almost better to read a page a day than the whole book in one setting. Would not recommend it.
May 17, 2017
You can read this book in one sitting or pick it up when you need some inspiration. Formatted more like a magazine, yet filled with the same marketing and entrepreneurial advice that Seth Godin is known to give. More then just your boring business book, I loved the aesthetic and would love to see more books follow suit. Additionally, when you buy one, they send an extra for you to give to a friend. Brilliant.
July 24, 2022
The ultimate Seth. This is approaching 'absolutely everyone must read' status. Not much more I can say, just read it, then take your turn.
——
3rd read, 2022 - first 40 pages are some of the best, then the wheels fell off a little for me this time
——
3rd read, 2022 - first 40 pages are some of the best, then the wheels fell off a little for me this time
December 15, 2014
This is what I call a peace of art, Seth is keep surprising me again and again, short content in well designed book.
highly recommended.
highly recommended.
June 6, 2018
I have mixed feelings.
- I loved a few pages that I marked to read again and again until it sinks, and to share with others.
- There are great thoughts and concepts that can be an eye opener, depending on your challenges.
- It's a great piece in the sense that it's a well curated/edited/thoughtful book. Not everyone can put together this content in such a powerful way.
- On the other hand, there are plenty of other books that, at least for me, are more practical and are also thoughtful in the way that bring new perspectives, eg, "Anything You Want" by Derek Sivers (check his directives on his website; very powerful), Paul Arden's books "Whatever you think..." and "It's not how good..." and Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss.
Overall, I'm happy I've read it because, even if it was a few pages that matter a lot to me, they were powerful and someone had to put it together.
I wish the book had some chapters or themes so it would be easier to go back to some of the thoughts.
The great thing of such a well crafted book is that one can just open it anywhere and read a few pages to refresh some ideas. That's not an easy thing to do in a book!!!
- I loved a few pages that I marked to read again and again until it sinks, and to share with others.
- There are great thoughts and concepts that can be an eye opener, depending on your challenges.
- It's a great piece in the sense that it's a well curated/edited/thoughtful book. Not everyone can put together this content in such a powerful way.
- On the other hand, there are plenty of other books that, at least for me, are more practical and are also thoughtful in the way that bring new perspectives, eg, "Anything You Want" by Derek Sivers (check his directives on his website; very powerful), Paul Arden's books "Whatever you think..." and "It's not how good..." and Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss.
Overall, I'm happy I've read it because, even if it was a few pages that matter a lot to me, they were powerful and someone had to put it together.
I wish the book had some chapters or themes so it would be easier to go back to some of the thoughts.
The great thing of such a well crafted book is that one can just open it anywhere and read a few pages to refresh some ideas. That's not an easy thing to do in a book!!!
March 27, 2022
Seth Godin is the closest thing to a guru I have, which thought would probably horrify him. The truth is, though, that I feel better about myself, more grounded in my work and decisions, more ready to face the day, when I have spent a few minutes in the morning with a good Seth Godin book. And this is one of the best. I will probably leave it on my coffee table, so I can pick it up, open to a random page and see what the universe wants to share with me that day.
As Godin says on one of the early pages, "This is a book about an opportunity. The opportunity to take your turn and to make a difference. The opportunity to contribute, to lead and to live your life fully."
He goes on to acknowledge that for some it is not easy to take our turn. I personally find any kind of limelight excruciating, so having a regular source of bucking up is critical for me. Feel the fear, do it anyway. Be mediocre or be extraordinary. Step forward. Use my voice. Stand out. Build a following. Sell my expertise. "Is it easy? Of course not. If it were easy you'd already be doing it. Just as a marathon runner is exhausted, the person with a loud and clear voice is afraid.
"But she speaks, regardless."
OK, enough review. I have work to do, work to ship. Thank you Seth! Here I go!
As Godin says on one of the early pages, "This is a book about an opportunity. The opportunity to take your turn and to make a difference. The opportunity to contribute, to lead and to live your life fully."
He goes on to acknowledge that for some it is not easy to take our turn. I personally find any kind of limelight excruciating, so having a regular source of bucking up is critical for me. Feel the fear, do it anyway. Be mediocre or be extraordinary. Step forward. Use my voice. Stand out. Build a following. Sell my expertise. "Is it easy? Of course not. If it were easy you'd already be doing it. Just as a marathon runner is exhausted, the person with a loud and clear voice is afraid.
"But she speaks, regardless."
OK, enough review. I have work to do, work to ship. Thank you Seth! Here I go!
April 29, 2018
As Seth says, "either you're the creator or you're the audience. Either you're waiting your turn or you're taking it." This is a great book to occasionally pull off the shelf and read a page or two for inspiration. Each page is well-designed and draws you in. If you like his blog posts, you'll love this book.
August 15, 2021
What a motivational 151 pages!!! I’ve been inspired this summer over and over again to use my talents to make change in the world, and this book continued to push me toward that ambition. Love love love! Go, make your ruckus :)
June 27, 2019
Seth Godin is always an inspiration.
March 22, 2018
Beautiful, different, well put-together. A lot of great things to think about, regarding opportunity, wondering what you're really afraid of, wants vs. needs, connecting as human beings, and so much more. I need to learn more about Seth Godin.
January 21, 2020
A truly inspiring book. Ultimately, you can’t wait for a saving grace or your prince charming. If you want something to happen, go do it. Don’t wait. There is no right time; there is only now. There are a ton of great analogies in this book, as well as quotes. The one that continues to stick in my head is “to dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.”
Read this book!
Rate: 5/5
Read this book!
Rate: 5/5
November 29, 2018
I love this book and have gifted it to many clients over the years. An inspiring read that makes you question yourself and the way you do things.
May 4, 2019
My favorite book. Influenced me more than any book before it or after it. Got an itch to do something big? To be a catalyst of change? Read this. You need to hear this message.
September 9, 2017
At first glance, this book looks like a big picture book. It pulls you right in. It made me think that anyone with learning disabilities might find this book interesting, enjoyable (and not too exhausting) to read, but anyone would. I got through it pretty quickly, but because I was enjoying it so much. You could also leisurely meander your way through it and love it just as much. Read this book.
September 11, 2017
What an inspirational, empowering & noteworthy book! Not only can I save this having read it, but having also listened to the author in Boise this summer. This book will change your life, read it!!
July 31, 2019
This is a great motivational read to get started doing the work – whatever that may mean for you. It's a very quick and visual book. I'll refer back to this frequently to put myself in the right mindset.
November 21, 2016
5 stars for the messages, reminders and encouragement. It was a fun read. The photos and quotes are great. It did make me think about why I do what I do and don't do some other things that I wish I did. I'm still mulling the lessons, few of which are new but all of which I need reminding of often. As I'm sure Seth knows, it could use one more edit - but he shipped it and it's good. And I love that he chose her for the cover. That and many of the first 20 or so pages made me think he had to have written it after the election season we just suffered through, but nope, this book is 2 years old. Not much new under the sun.
April 8, 2017
YOU HAVE PERMISSION! That is the central message to Seth's latest work. Stop waiting for someone to tell you to "move forward", "execute crazy things", "paint pictures", "sing your song", "dance your dance", LIVE YOUR LIFE and create YOUR WORK.
If you keep waiting, your gift to the world will die with you.
The book is unconventional based on modern standards. It's filled with pictures and quotes and anecdotes and short stories about real people in real life. You don't just read it. You sip it over time. You allow the messages to marinate.
Thanks Seth!
If you keep waiting, your gift to the world will die with you.
The book is unconventional based on modern standards. It's filled with pictures and quotes and anecdotes and short stories about real people in real life. You don't just read it. You sip it over time. You allow the messages to marinate.
Thanks Seth!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews