The Gift of Lift: Harnessing the Power of Stewardship to Elevate the World

by David R. York

We live in a world that tells us how to live, what matters (and what doesn't), and how to get what it says we want. These impersonal, external forces push us around and leave us off-balance, confused, and fatigued. Like actors following a script written by someone else, we find ourselves uncertain of where we have ended up, much less where we want to go, and asking, "What am I supposed to do next?"

Among us, however, are those who live differently. Held steady by the pull of purpose that comes from something far bigger than themselves, they amplify that force with deep personal engagement. These women and men live in an ascending spiral of clarity, vision, and balance that guides their lives and allows them to make lasting impacts in the world. More than mere consumers, dreamers, or even owners, these people have found the ancient secret to a life lived as a steward.

The Gift of Lift seeks to unlock these secrets and provide a pathway towards intention, meaning, and purpose.

Genres: Nonfiction

206 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2022

About the author

David R. York is an Attorney, Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner with the Salt Lake City law firm of York Howell & Guymon. David practices law in the areas of estate planning, tax, business planning, and non-profit entities. He is a Fellow with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and is the Dean of Legacy with the Purposeful Planning Institute. David has extensive experience in designing and implementing advanced wealth planning strategies for ultra high net worth clients. David has spoken to hundreds of public groups and professional organizations, including TedXSaltLakeCity, Q Commons, the Million Dollar Roundtable, the AALU National Conference, the Hawaii Tax Institute, the Purposeful Planning Institute, Investments and Wealth Institute, Valmark Member Summit, and the Southeastern Family Office Forum.

He is the co-author of two books, Entrusted: Building a Legacy That Lasts and Riveted: 44 Values that Change the World, which after its release was the #1 Business Ethics book on Amazon. He also created the game Experience RivetsTM, which helps individuals, families and businesses identify their unique and shared core values to assist them with holistic wealth transfer, effective estate planning and team building. He has also written for Trusts & Estates Magazine, Estate Planning Magazine and Investments and Wealth Monitor. In 2017, YHG was recognized as an Inc. 5000 Company.

David currently serves on the Board of Directors of Holding Out HELP and Healing Nations. He lives in the Salt Lake City, Utah area with his wife Mindy and their five children, Emma, John, Samuel, Hudson and Avery. He enjoys biking, skiing, softball, writing and photography.

Reviews

[Michelle Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains the concept of financial stewardship as a mindset for financial management. It is primarily directed toward business owners, but could be applied to anyone who has desire to make an impact however much or little money and/or material goods that they possess.

The author categorizes three common types of business owners as consumers, dreamers, or owners. He explains the differences – the pros and cons of each type of owner. He proposes that the ultimate goal of ownership, however, is stewardship, which he defines as “being fully invested in something bigger than yourself.” He explains that having a stewardship mindset enables one to select a few life priorities and be intentional about chasing after them. He claims that this leads to peace and contentment as it is purpose-driven rather than needs-driven.

I gave the book 4 stars because I got bogged down in some of the psychological explanations. I am super interested in psychology, but found it to be a little excessive in this book.

One thing I really liked were the leading questions which could be great for personal reflection or group discussion. I would love to discuss the book with someone but have yet to find anyone who’s interested in reading it.

The best part of the book is the recommendation that one create create a personal life mission statement. I have yet to complete mine because It is a daunting task, but I really want to work on it.

[Utahmindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this thought-provoking book, David York explores how investing in something bigger than oneself leads to a life of meaning. Happiness comes and goes, but meaning gives us hope even in tough times and this book has practical advice for finding and investing in transcendent meaning.

[Paul]

Really good stuff. This covers the topic from lots of angles, and includes some very useful ideas and tools for self-reflection. I look forward to York's next book. Recommended.

I really appreciate the free review copy!

[Bethann Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent insight to lead you to live a life of meaning, which we could all use right now to lift each other up. David York's book is a must-read.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 interesting ideas on stewardship

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work. David York dives into the academics and science of stewards and stewardship. He thoughtfully takes the reader from there to the practicalities of being a steward of ourselves, our businesses, our philanthropic activities, our families and our planet. This book truly does share how to use stewardship to lift everyone and everything around us for the better good of all.