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Work Energy: Finish What You Start and Fearlessly Take On Any Goal
What's Your Work Energy?It was only nine years ago that Jim Harmer worked at a dollar store, stocking shelves while struggling through law school. He had worked hard for his goals, but there was no assurance in sight that he would ever achieve them.During that year, he learned a key truth that changed the way Jim viewed himself. He found the one unique quality inside him- one we all have- that gave him a reason to work. He didn’t know it then, but that secret ingredient was his Work Energy.Now, after creating a digital brand that has attracted over 70 million people and made him financially free, Jim has constructed the framework behind his success. Within this book, you will discover your own Work the drive behind everything you do and the reason you can take on any goal. Jim Harmer is the founder of Improve Photography and several other successful blogs. His current company, Income School, has helped thousands provide for their families through blogging and YouTubing. Jim lives in Star, Idaho, with his wife, Emily, and their three children.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2019
71 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 12, 2020
Very engaging, entertaining, and insightful. I highly recommend the audio version read by the author. He adds some additional “off script” insights.
Individually, Jim is a force. His passion and energy bleed into what he does. It’s infectious. But it was really fascinating to hear the vulnerable side of his story. His experiences and action steps really pushed me to consider what motivates me and how can I tap into my own energy. Great read!
Individually, Jim is a force. His passion and energy bleed into what he does. It’s infectious. But it was really fascinating to hear the vulnerable side of his story. His experiences and action steps really pushed me to consider what motivates me and how can I tap into my own energy. Great read!
January 1, 2020
The book has an overall concrete, getting things done kind of feel. I liked how everything he talks about comes from real life experience, not just speculation. This is a refreshing change of pace from all the fluffy self help gurus out there.
Some of the story telling was truly engaging. Especially the story about his Ireland trip. I was gripping my kindle in suspense.
One gripe I have with the book is how he responded to an unfortunate event one of his family members went through. He is essentially blaming them for it, and this felt “off” to me.
*Note for people who know personality typing*
The author is likely an ESTJ/ISTJ with underdeveloped Fe. It shows everywhere; he may come across as selfish if you don’t like this type of approach.
Personally I find it relaxing to read. I like my business books to be firm in their convictions. I want to be persuaded, not pampered.
In the book he is basically promoting the use of your dominant/secondary cognitive function for work. He calls this “work energy”.
He gives himself as an example: as an ESTJ/ISTJ he uses Te data gathering and the sensitivity to external recognition to motivate himself.
The book does not systemize the different “work energies”, instead keeping to a personal account of how one Te user used this dynamic to make his work more enjoyable. This may be useful if you are a Te user yourself.
Some of the story telling was truly engaging. Especially the story about his Ireland trip. I was gripping my kindle in suspense.
One gripe I have with the book is how he responded to an unfortunate event one of his family members went through. He is essentially blaming them for it, and this felt “off” to me.
*Note for people who know personality typing*
The author is likely an ESTJ/ISTJ with underdeveloped Fe. It shows everywhere; he may come across as selfish if you don’t like this type of approach.
Personally I find it relaxing to read. I like my business books to be firm in their convictions. I want to be persuaded, not pampered.
In the book he is basically promoting the use of your dominant/secondary cognitive function for work. He calls this “work energy”.
He gives himself as an example: as an ESTJ/ISTJ he uses Te data gathering and the sensitivity to external recognition to motivate himself.
The book does not systemize the different “work energies”, instead keeping to a personal account of how one Te user used this dynamic to make his work more enjoyable. This may be useful if you are a Te user yourself.
January 2, 2020
Truly helpful, nice read
I really enjoyed this book by Jim. I know him through YouTube and their Incomeschool site. Jim (and Ricky) really help people. I mean not just as in "they inspire", but actual tangible help that can be a catalyst in changing and shaping your life the way you desire.
Jim opens op in the book and it is a good read.
I could do without some of the religious stuff, but it is toned down enough that it did not detract from the book (and I really cannot stand that kind of stuff, so that is saying something).
There is a few places with repeats from earlier chapters, but my guess is that some chapters have shuffled multiple times. Overall, that is the worst things I could say about the book.
If you read one book in the new year, I suggest it should be this one!
I really enjoyed this book by Jim. I know him through YouTube and their Incomeschool site. Jim (and Ricky) really help people. I mean not just as in "they inspire", but actual tangible help that can be a catalyst in changing and shaping your life the way you desire.
Jim opens op in the book and it is a good read.
I could do without some of the religious stuff, but it is toned down enough that it did not detract from the book (and I really cannot stand that kind of stuff, so that is saying something).
There is a few places with repeats from earlier chapters, but my guess is that some chapters have shuffled multiple times. Overall, that is the worst things I could say about the book.
If you read one book in the new year, I suggest it should be this one!
May 25, 2025
Kaut kā neuzrunāja šī grāmata. Ir, protams, kādas noderīgas atziņas, tomēr autora rakstīšanas stils un liela daļa satura, ir mazliet kaitinošs.
January 31, 2022
A Surprisingly Great Book
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I signed up for a blogging course and the book was assigned reading. It was written by one of the creators of the course so I just thought I would dutifully do the assignment. The book isn't well known or popular so I didn't expect much. However, the author bears his soul and talked not only about how great his course is, but he also spoke of his failures and the lessons learned through his troubles. This book is not about blogging, it is about life and how to be successful despite your vocation or the numbers in your bank account.
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I signed up for a blogging course and the book was assigned reading. It was written by one of the creators of the course so I just thought I would dutifully do the assignment. The book isn't well known or popular so I didn't expect much. However, the author bears his soul and talked not only about how great his course is, but he also spoke of his failures and the lessons learned through his troubles. This book is not about blogging, it is about life and how to be successful despite your vocation or the numbers in your bank account.
January 9, 2020
This was honestly the BEST business book I've ever read. Jim Harmer articulates his life stories and the strategies he used to make his business flourish in a way that is so much more inspirational than most "self help" books I've read. I wouldn't really call this a self help book but it sure will help many people as it did me.
I'm currently going through the project 24 course that Jim built and it brought my online business from hundred of dollars a month to thousands of dollars a month and increasing steadily.
I highly recommend this book!
The only beef I have with YOU Jim is why the heck do you hate Star Trek so much?? haha
I'm currently going through the project 24 course that Jim built and it brought my online business from hundred of dollars a month to thousands of dollars a month and increasing steadily.
I highly recommend this book!
The only beef I have with YOU Jim is why the heck do you hate Star Trek so much?? haha
May 11, 2021
This one is a Genuine Self-help book!
I read this book in combination with the audiobook read by Jim himself.
Having followed him for over a year on YouTube, I always found him a genuine, authentic person - you know someone we could be friends with in real life.
This book proved that once again.
Wrote in a very friendly, engaging first voice, Income Energy stands apart from other self-help books for sure. It feels like he is talking to us directly (Maybe because I was listening to him while reading the book. But the book alone is pretty much a dialogue between the writer and the reader)
What I loved the most about the book are the lessons. They are not just random fluff that people seem to gather off the Internet - like, work hard, exercise, stay positive & stuff.
The lessons that he talks about in the book are his real - hardcore life lessons. Every lesson comes with a back story and that makes it believable as well as something that we should truly follow.
It is not a motivational book per se but it does motivate! It's more like - things that work in real life & things that (we thought worked) don't.
Overall an engaging read and I'll definitely like to read it again after a couple of years.
I read this book in combination with the audiobook read by Jim himself.
Having followed him for over a year on YouTube, I always found him a genuine, authentic person - you know someone we could be friends with in real life.
This book proved that once again.
Wrote in a very friendly, engaging first voice, Income Energy stands apart from other self-help books for sure. It feels like he is talking to us directly (Maybe because I was listening to him while reading the book. But the book alone is pretty much a dialogue between the writer and the reader)
What I loved the most about the book are the lessons. They are not just random fluff that people seem to gather off the Internet - like, work hard, exercise, stay positive & stuff.
The lessons that he talks about in the book are his real - hardcore life lessons. Every lesson comes with a back story and that makes it believable as well as something that we should truly follow.
It is not a motivational book per se but it does motivate! It's more like - things that work in real life & things that (we thought worked) don't.
Overall an engaging read and I'll definitely like to read it again after a couple of years.
April 26, 2021
A must read
I couldn't put this book down.
I've watched Jim and Ricky on YouTube for at least a year. I feel that I got to know Jim from the videos.
I became a member of Income School and learned more about him and his mindset/work energy.
This book has been the icing on the cake. It has been an exciting read. Laughter, feeling pumped up, saddened, encoraged, are just some of the feelings the book brought out.
I have set my mind to read it two more times.
I just finished it and feel so pumped up and lucky to have read it.
Thanks Jim for pouring out your heart. You taught me so many things through your life experiences.
I couldn't put this book down.
I've watched Jim and Ricky on YouTube for at least a year. I feel that I got to know Jim from the videos.
I became a member of Income School and learned more about him and his mindset/work energy.
This book has been the icing on the cake. It has been an exciting read. Laughter, feeling pumped up, saddened, encoraged, are just some of the feelings the book brought out.
I have set my mind to read it two more times.
I just finished it and feel so pumped up and lucky to have read it.
Thanks Jim for pouring out your heart. You taught me so many things through your life experiences.
February 2, 2022
'Work Energy' was so much more than I expected. This book is genuine, honest and very pragmatic. Anybody can benefit from it. Jim Harmer shares real examples on how he started an internet business from scratch, and he provides very easy-to-follow steps for all in any kind of business, to find their true work-energy and make it work for themselves. This is for anybody to improve, to truly discover the real motives and skills that trigger work, and which make us unique. This is practical, down to earth, so enjoyable and so useful. Real steps and inspiration for teenagers, high-school students, university students, employees, entrepreneurs, anyone.
December 31, 2019
This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 12/29, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. Discover your own Work Energy: the drive behind everything you do and the reason you can take on any goal.
Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747.
Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747.
April 27, 2024
The main idea of the book is to alter the way you do things to use your strengths and your energy so it makes things you don’t enjoy enjoyable.
He had an example about how he thought playing catch was boring, but if he turned it into a competition then it was fun.
I am creative so after reading this book I tried to make playing with my kids creative because I generally don’t like classic kids play. My kids often want to play Barbie so we have made all kinds of clothes and houses for Barbie. That’s how I used my work energy to make play fun.
He had an example about how he thought playing catch was boring, but if he turned it into a competition then it was fun.
I am creative so after reading this book I tried to make playing with my kids creative because I generally don’t like classic kids play. My kids often want to play Barbie so we have made all kinds of clothes and houses for Barbie. That’s how I used my work energy to make play fun.
January 4, 2020
Motivating and interesting
This book was very motivating and very interesting to hear how Jim built his first blog so big. Jim is definitely gifted when it comes to building online businesses, but I appreciate his willingness to share what he has learned with others. this book is not so much how to duplicate what he's done, but more of a motivational book to help you understand that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
This book was very motivating and very interesting to hear how Jim built his first blog so big. Jim is definitely gifted when it comes to building online businesses, but I appreciate his willingness to share what he has learned with others. this book is not so much how to duplicate what he's done, but more of a motivational book to help you understand that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
May 1, 2021
Discovered the author through his YouTube channel "Income School" and took a look at his book. More than anything else, I appreciated the author's personal stories and how he addresses making changes in life. For example, he put countless hours in pursuing law school only to change his mind to pursue an Internet business. I appreciate how he shared the real life challenges involved in making these decisions. Further, I liked his approach to consistency and habits as a method to achieve a goal.
December 28, 2023
Harmer writes a fascinating book about finding what motivates you, and forming your vocation around that.
Although he writes from a secular perspective, the final chapter has nothing to do with productivity at all. Instead, Harmer talks about how productivity is a dead end if you aren't meaningfully impacting those around you.
Although he writes from a secular perspective, the final chapter has nothing to do with productivity at all. Instead, Harmer talks about how productivity is a dead end if you aren't meaningfully impacting those around you.
March 4, 2020
thank you to give me Harper for the of YouTube channel that he gets income School, studio 24 and all the videos that I have followed the first time I have made A website that ranked nr one
Thank you jim Harper and please give your frend a hug I am a superfan that is pretty great
Thank you jim Harper and please give your frend a hug I am a superfan that is pretty great
September 22, 2020
To be honest, I knew I would love this book from the moment he announced it. Do yourself, your productivity, and you work a favor and learn how to actually use your own work energy by reading this book. I have to say the Audio version is splendid, give it a shot.
November 3, 2020
Entertaining with good information. Basically an in-depth look at using the pareto principle in every day life to reduce frustration and exhaustion, but done well. If you are burned out or frustrated and feeling exhausted by life, this could be a great read for you.
December 15, 2020
This book tells you things about life ...
Very easy read. Great storytelling without sounding preachy. Simple straightforward and implementable. Jim sounds like he's in the room talking to you. The content is not new but he makes it more palatable and easy to follow.
Very easy read. Great storytelling without sounding preachy. Simple straightforward and implementable. Jim sounds like he's in the room talking to you. The content is not new but he makes it more palatable and easy to follow.
January 23, 2023
I think was possibly the best book I’ve ever listened to in my entire life. It moved me to laughter and tears and hearing it via audiobook with Jim’s voice telling the story was.. something else. Have a tissue at the ready for the last chapter, but an absolute must listen for all.
January 11, 2020
Really enjoyed the honesty and transparency of this book
January 18, 2020
Highly recommended
Jim Harmer's book "Work Energy" comes from the heart. It's inspiring to read about Jim's personal story while also getting some valuable coaching.
Jim Harmer's book "Work Energy" comes from the heart. It's inspiring to read about Jim's personal story while also getting some valuable coaching.
February 6, 2020
encourage
Wow oh wow love love this book couldn't put it down my work energy which I thought I dont have is sky high am productive in department I lead
thank you
Wow oh wow love love this book couldn't put it down my work energy which I thought I dont have is sky high am productive in department I lead
thank you
October 26, 2020
Way too preachy with numerous references to "God" helping out and guiding him.
There are some decent nuggets, but mostly pointless chaff.
There are some decent nuggets, but mostly pointless chaff.
April 8, 2021
Great book. Teaches you to be fearless in front of your goals and how to become a go getter.
August 9, 2021
Relatable and super helpful!
Love how relatable and easy to read this book is. It helps find that energy that keeps you going when the work motivation starts to get low.
Love how relatable and easy to read this book is. It helps find that energy that keeps you going when the work motivation starts to get low.
September 28, 2021
Pretty simplistic book but an easy enjoyable read with some decent takeaways.
February 8, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, but I also am a fan of the podcast and business that Jim and Ricky have built. I think anyone interested in getting a side hustle should listen.
May 23, 2022
I'm a very different person than the author, yet I can really relate to this book and found it truly inspiring. This is probably the book I would gift to everyone if I could. 😊
August 3, 2023
3.5. The main premise, finding your work energy, makes sense. The anecdotes were a bit overbearing.
December 17, 2023
Too much about author’s personal experience, which I’m not really interested. Maybe 30% of the book could tell all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews