Comments on: Synergizing Hobbies and Career for Greater Personal Success

By: Shaine Mata

Shaine Mata — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:03:32 +0000

This is probably one of your best posts. No doubt that some of the practices you list here are a great help. I would say that following the idea of “Jack of all trades, master of none. Oft thought better than master of one” summarizes your post.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:56:32 +0000

Detailed visual how to’s; DIY projects; Tip lists; personal antecdotes; interviews & economic books would be my preference in that order. Thanks for giving us such valuable & practical information. I love to read and have read on many varied topics, I don’t always agree w/the author’s point, but it does one good to see different perspectives. Personal growth is a lifetime project and I hope to never stop learning.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:27:33 +0000

I truly liked this article. I love photography spend a lot of time learning about my camera, using photoshop, and it brings a sense of joy in my life. God gave us all talents use them and you won’t be bored.

By: Victor

Victor — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:52:34 +0000

Among all the points mentioned, I agree that Adopting a culture of learning and growth is very important. We live in an ever changing environment. Change is the only constant. By adopting this culture, you’ll be giving yourself a passport to excel in the world. Many successful company and organizations excel in their field are using this method. I hope to met more people of similar traits in order to network more. These will be a very good network oppurtunity for each other to learn each other ways of working etc.

Anyone in Malaysia having the same characteristics ?

By: Writer's Coin

Writer's Coin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:08:30 +0000

I took some programming classes in college and it’s amazing how you turn on parts of your brain in different ways. People don’t think of it as “creative” work, but it really is.

And another thing about book clubs: they expand what you read beyond what you would find on your own. Would my wife have read a book about corn on her own? No, but she sure was glad she did.

By: Ishtar

Ishtar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:05:15 +0000

I agree with Michael et al: most of the advice posted will help you to become a well-balanced human being. But are we not striving for excellence?

Jillian, the Renaissance men excelled at more than one thing. I’m sure it’s still possible today. More difficult but not impossible.

By: Jillian

Jillian — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:58:40 +0000

I tend to agree with Chris. Being extremely successful at something (to the degree to which Gladwell seems to be talking about) requires more sacrifice than most people are willing to give, and far more than you could ever anticipate when you first set out to do it. I think I’d rather be a jack of all trades than a master of one. I wonder if it’s possible to excel at not excelling at anything?

By: Chris @ BuildMyBudget

Chris @ BuildMyBudget — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:49:23 +0000

I agree that expanding your horizons is important for personal growth and this list provides some great suggestions. I also agree with the few that warned that too much of this can become a distraction which can wind up keeping you from reaching your toughest goals. Ultimately, perseverance is the key to attaining any goal- not education, talent, or genetics.

By: Nate

Nate — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:28:22 +0000

Great post Trent.

My two areas of growth are in my workout routine and learning Spanish. I just started both and am fairly consistent and both and the results are starting to show in small ways.

-Nate

By: Patricia Tucker

Patricia Tucker — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:42:04 +0000

Once again, I love the list you have made here. It definitely gives me a spring board. Great way to create some new years resolutions as a beginning.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:43:18 +0000

In the middle of reading it right now and am enjoying it. Written the same way his other two books were written. The only thing I don’t like is he sometimes puts things into categories too much. For example the only way you can be successful is through a, b, c. Clearly there are examples against it but for the purpose of the book he sticks to certain factors. Nice read, recommend to everyone.

By: the weakonomist

the weakonomist — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:32:29 +0000

Normally these posts bore me, but I agree on this one. Blogging as a hobby has directly lead to successes in the workplace and has opened a door in my career I thought would take another 4 years to unlock.

By: The Debt Helper

The Debt Helper — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:26:56 +0000

I think that creativity is sadly lacking in many god employees, many because many jobs are becoming more standardised or operative based and are driven by technology rather than being driven by creative individuals. In businesses rush to cut costs they often lose the creative element that gives them an edge in their business sector

By: Alisa

Alisa — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:23:20 +0000

These are all great. I am always trying to develop my skills, but I never though about linking it to the things that I enjoy! This is food for thought, because, quite honestly, I find myself focusing so much on my weaknesses, and I think if I can find a way to link this to what I really enjoy…. the growth may be a little less painful. :)

Be well!

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:20:32 +0000

I think this book is rather one-sided. Exceptional success comes at an exceptional price. I work with successful people and I know a lot of them sacrificed their health, personal life etc. just to shine at work. Also, if you are passionate about your work (like me), you can burn-out even before you realize. To me: a balanced life is a healthy life.

By: TStrump

TStrump — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:17:59 +0000

I think listening is perhaps once of the most under-rated skills.
I used to be a terrible listener but now, I practice everyday and frequently have to remind myself to keep my mouth shut!

By: imelda

imelda — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:51:27 +0000

Trent, is this book a good book for learning about becoming excellent and successful, or is it really more a sociological, historical kind of book? Is it worth reading if I’m looking for something about how to excel in my career and life? If not, what would you recommend instead?

Thanks!

By: Live for Improvement

Live for Improvement — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:35:06 +0000

Really good article!!!!
Hobbies are fun, but hobbies that make money are fantastic.Synergizing hobbies with careers can provide an alternate form of income that most people over look.

Blogging is a great hobby that can generate money with no startup costs.

Check out my blog “Live for Improvement” and learn how to enjoy life.

By: tarits

tarits — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:55:22 +0000

i agree with “adopting a culture of learning and growth.” it doesn’t have to be lectures, since some people would prefer the skill-based approach of workshops and practicums. a lot of people seem to think that graduating from high school or college is the end of the learning process… this shouldn’t be. also, teaching other people (as a volunteer or as part of your job) is a great way to give back and refresh one’s knowledge.

about the learning a musical instrument.. i’ve been part of a church choir for the past 8 years now, and it has been one of the best and most frugal learning experience i’ve had. aside from the challenge of singing alto (which is waaay more complicated than singing soprano melody parts)and gaining an appreciation of sacred/classical music, the friends i’ve made in the choir are priceless.

By: Laura In Atlanta

Laura In Atlanta — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:09:44 +0000

Ah . . . Rubik’s cube. yes, problem solving, forcing yourself to solve complex problems, etc . . . the best part of knowing how to solve a Rubik’s cube? It’s COOL. ;-)

I agree on your points about Book Clubs. I am a member of one, and I am getting a chance to read books I probably wouldnt have chosen on my own, and to interact with people that I dont really know. Great fun too. ;-) Plus, we eat pizza. Who can so no to pizza?

;-)