Blogged at http://sachachua.com/notebook/wiki/2006.10.10.php#anchor-1

Worth reading! The Renaissance Soul gives down-to-earth advice for people who thrive on variety and challenges in a number of deep and rich interests. The book helps people identify their passions (plural!) and follow them without feeling overwhelmed by choice. It’s also clear, well-written, and full of concrete stories. I like it!

A number of people have told me that they admire the way I know what I’m doing. My grade school teachers were completely unsurprised by my choice of a college major. My love for technology can be traced to childhood, and on the surface it can seem like I’m one of those people who know what they want to do and how to do it.

However, my teachers and friends have also always known that I can have a hard time focusing. In university, I switched from mobile computing to wearable computing to personal information management to education. I take up hobbies and let them go at some point.

The best thing I took away from the book is the idea of a focal point sampler. Identify four things you’re passionate about. Figure out if you’re the kind of person who pursues things sequentially or who prefers to enrich life by blending things together. Make it happen. Key point: you’re not stuck to these four choices forever; you can change your mind and try different flavors next time. It’s like sampling flavors in an ice cream shop…

I think my sister Kathy should read this book, too. =) Good book. Thumbs up!

The main thing I took away from that book is that guys aren’t built to be nurturing, and there’s nothing wrong with nurturing myself. I knew that. =) Also, the book had interesting anecdotes from the life of a no-nonsense judge. Not a bad read.

Interesting section on different development stages (Knight, Prince, King; Maiden, Princess, Queen) and how to deal with different combinations. The bulk of the book consists of an Enneagram personality test and tips on how to get along with your partner given his personality type.

I reread this for the Nth time recently. It’s a great book just full of stories and insights about going beyond time management and into life leadership. I’ve just given my copy away to a friend who I think will benefit greatly from it. =) Good stuff!