Off Balance on Purpose: Embrace Uncertainty and Create a Life You Love

by Dan Thurmon

Book Overview

This is a self-help book that gives readers a powerful perspective shift: perfect 'balance' in life is undesirable and unattainable, and achieving success is about leaning forward and embracing... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1608320146
• ISBN13: 9781608320141
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Finally...A Sage, Acknowledging That Balance Is Not Our Primary Goal!

I've spent most of my adult life trying to achieve 'balance'. I've "Awakened the Giant Within", "Hugged the Monster", and followed the Seven Habits. All have done me good, but somewhere during the process, I got was instilled with the notion that happiness and success come from achieving 'balance'. Dan Thurmon opens a new door by pointing out that, while we seek to have fulfillment in our professional, personal, and spiritual lives, balance in and of itself should not be the main goal. Beyond this radical notion, he points us toward the power of being off-balance, and how it helps us grow, reach new goals, and embrace uncertainty as the norm, not the darkness to be feared. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is ready to let go of some old habits and beliefs that may have been limiting you, and lean into the refreshing, daring approach Dan offers.

Refreshing and Real!

In a time where flash and sizzle often take precedence over content and value, it's great to know that there are authors out there who still write with a focus on the reader. Dan Thurmon did a masterful job with Off Balance On Purpose because I felt like he was talking directly to me. And that's because it directly related to me and the work/life challenges I have been struggling with. Powerful and engaging, Dan's book not only gave me useful tools I could use tomorrow, but it was authentic and told from the heart. Make a difference in someones life and buy this book for them. They will thank you...with purpose!

Get started on a purposeful life

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/09) "Off Balance on Purpose" begins by telling us "You will never achieve balance - and you shouldn't want to." This line definitely caught my attention. After reading further, I realized that I totally agree with this statement. After all, it is natural for our lives to be off balance. We are constantly experiencing change, and this change helps us to grow and accomplish goals in different areas of our lives. To achieve this, it is important that we learn to become comfortable and proactive with the changes so that we can take steps that will help us to fulfill our life's purpose. Life becomes difficult when we make choices that steer us away from our true purpose. Not correcting them can lead to self-destruction. Thurmon tells us "Dismantling unhealthy patterns and restoring healthy ones is the key to life." It is also an ongoing challenge. He extensively addresses the "5 Spheres of Influence" that are found in our life patterns. These are: health, spirit, relationships, interests, and work. Introspective questions are asked regarding each sphere. Answering these reflective questions will help us see how we can improve ourselves in each of the spheres. Each sphere is interconnected to the others. These connections are called lifelines. After discussions about each of the lifelines, there are ten actions listed that will help us to strengthen those connections. There is also an extensive discussion about what to do when the lifelines collide with each other. I found "Off Balance on Purpose" by Dan Thurmon to be extremely refreshing and thought provoking. It definitely has given me some food for thought about changes that I can make in my life, that will embrace the unbalance and help me to get rid of what is unnecessary, whether it is possessions or behaviors. The steps to creating a better life include, embracing reality, getting aligned with our purpose, leaning forward and initiating positive changes. As Thurmon states, "Off balance on purpose is more than a philosophy - it's a process of self-expansion toward your infinite potential." I highly recommend this book.

Myth Buster!

It is always refreshing to discover an author who isn't afraid to attack conventional wisdom with common sense and thoughtful insight. Dan Thurmon does just that in Off Balance On Purpose. In three progressive parts, Thurmon takes the reader on an enjoyable journey busting myths and focusing personal and professional priorities. Mixing stories and personal experience helped me connect with Thurmon's points in a simple, fundamental way. Most enjoyable for me was being able to pick up the book at almost any point and capture a gem that gave a refreshing perspective on life and its' purpose. The exercises brought home the points in a fun, meaningful manner. The Risk Assessment Formula was a favorite. This is a book that will have a permanent place on my shelf, and on those days that get particularly crazy I'll open the book and let Dan help me realize the benefits of being Off Balance on Purpose.

A very timely, must read book!

This book came to me at just the right time. I was in the midst of a very tumultuous time in my career with major changes hitting me. Dan's book was like a lighthouse helping me to keep my focus and "go with the flow". He taught me how to not only survive the storm, but rise above it. His concepts are life changing and energizing! This is a must read for everyone because we all are either in a storm currently or will face one eventually. Thriving despite the storm is a skill you can't be without!