I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It

Finally got around to reading Sher, and it actually lived up to the hype. I’ve always been what she calls a 'scanner'—someone who wants to taste every bit of the world—and being told that it’s okay to have a million interests was life-changing. The distinction between scanners and 'divers' who specialize in one field helped me stop feeling like a dilettante. While some of the technology references are incredibly dated (talking about life before the internet really takes you back), the core psychological insights are timeless. The exercises on 'meaningful work' forced me to look at my values rather than just my resume. It’s not just a career book; it’s an identity recovery project. I feel like I finally have permission to be myself.

This book is a total powerhouse for anyone currently paralyzed by fear or the 'what does it all mean' blues. It’s a very powerful, insightful, and honest analysis of the internal barriers we build for ourselves. After reading this, I actually took the risk to quit my soul-crushing job and start my own classes, and it’s actually working! Sher doesn’t just give you vague platitudes; she provides a detailed breakdown of personality types that makes you feel seen. The chapter on being a 'scanner' was a revelation for me. If you’re on the cusp of realizing what you really want out of life, buy this book immediately. It isn't just self-help; it’s a roadmap for a more fulfilling future. I’d give it ten stars if I could!

Wow, just wow—this was the exact kick in the pants I needed to stop hiding behind excuses. I’m one of those people who always thought there was a better life waiting for me, but I never knew how to grasp it. This book doesn't say anything groundbreaking, but it organizes your ability to think clearly on the topic. It’s fun, informative, and not too new-agey. I finally understand that most of my inaction wasn't about indecision, but about fear. Every time I do something that scares me now, I think of Sher’s advice. It’s a great book if you’re looking to stop sitting miserably in the background. It truly helps you move from wishing to doing.

Ever wonder why you have a million interests but no career path? This book answers that question by breaking down the specific psychological blocks that keep us paralyzed. Sher’s tone is incredibly motivating without being overly 'new-agey' or spiritual, which I appreciated. I particularly liked the section on 'escape dreams' and how they signal what is missing from our actual lives. The 'brainstorming' exercises with friends are a great idea in theory, though they require having a very supportive social circle. In my experience, some of the writing prompts felt a bit repetitive by the end of the book. Still, the practical approach to identifying and letting go of resistance is worth the cover price. It’s a solid kickstart for anyone stuck in a rut.

Not what I expected from a typical career guide, which is actually a massive compliment. Instead of focusing on resumes, Sher focuses on the 'identity recovery project' required to find your passion. I loved the 'escape dream' exercise; it really highlighted the blank spots in my current lifestyle. The book is full of good advice that helps you identify and let go of resistance. It’s practical, fun to read, and surprisingly grounded for a book written so long ago. I did find the gender-role analysis a bit dated, which is to be expected for a book from the 90s. Overall, it provides a great mindset to fix your situation. It’s definitely worth the money if you’re feeling discouraged.

Frankly, the visual layout of this book is a bit of a mess, but the nuggets of wisdom hidden in the text are pure gold. I had to read this for a course and was surprised by how much I actually learned about my own procrastination. A major tip: read Chapter 14 early on, as it provides a great framework for the rest of the book. The exercises, like writing a timeline of your life at 35 or 40, really help organize your thoughts. It’s one of the few books that actually gives you a functional mindset to achieve your desires. While I found some of the 'brainstorming' stuff a bit unrealistic, the overall message is incredibly empowering. It’s a solid 4 stars for sure.

As someone who constantly feels like I'm missing out on a bigger life, this was a helpful, if slightly repetitive, read. I found myself reading this at 2am during a period of unemployment-related depression, and Sher’s advice about not letting bad feelings cloud your vision was exactly what I needed. She understands that despair is often just 'blurred vision.' However, I struggled with the heavy focus on childhood memories. I honestly don't remember enough specifics from when I was five years old to complete half of the exercises. By the middle of the book, it felt like she was just repackaging the same three points about fear. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some nuggets of truth if you’re willing to dig through the fluff.

After hearing so many people rave about Sher’s work, I went in with high expectations that weren't entirely met. To be fair, the book is quite easy to read and offers a lot of support, but it feels very 'self-help group' at times. You know the vibe—the leader keeps telling you that you’re doing great, but you don’t actually see any results. Some of the exercises are less than practical for the modern world. For instance, the advice on personal development being the 'real reason' to work feels a bit naive when most of us are just trying to pay rent. I think a simple personality quiz like MBTI or Holland Codes might provide a quicker answer for some. It’s a decent motivator, but it didn't quite get me closer to a career choice.

The truth is, it’s a bit of a mixed bag because of how dated the employment advice feels. Published nearly twenty years ago, the sections on technology and job hunting are painfully obvious relics of the past. That being said, the psychological insights are still incredibly relevant. Sher’s discussion on the productivity of frustration—how it should create action rather than making you give up—is a concept I’ve been thinking about for weeks. Her writing style is smooth and simple, making it easy to digest even when the topics get heavy. I just wish there was an updated version that accounted for the gig economy. It’s a good start for self-discovery, but you’ll need other resources for the actual job search.

Look, I really wanted to like this, but I found the emphasis on childhood trauma way too heavy-handed for a career guide. The book starts by assuming we’re all just victims of our parents' expectations, which feels like a lazy excuse for adult indecision. I am fully aware that my lack of direction is my own fault, not a result of some hidden message from my upbringing. Also, the author’s casual support for medicating every bout of sadness felt a bit like a shill for big pharma, which rubbed me the wrong way. The exercise where you just 'envision' your dream job and then suddenly you've figured it all out? That’s an oversimplification that ignores the reality of the modern job market. It just didn't jive with me.