Second Acts: Creating the Life You Really Want, Building the Career You Truly Desire

by Stephen M. Pollan, Mark Levine, Mark Levine

Book Overview

In his new book, Second Acts , Stephen Pollan shares with readers the idea that people are unnecessarily fearful of dramatic change, that they mistakenly believe that they are locked into the life or career course they are on. In this book he shows them how to take a daring leap and create what he calls a 'second act' - a dramatic life change that can lead to happiness and fulfilment. Drawing on his own consulting practice, his own life experiences,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060514876
• ISBN13: 9780060514877
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: HarperResource
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

The Life Coach Speaketh -- And I Listeneth!

I've been a huge fan of Stephen Pollan's books, especially 'Live Rich' and 'Die Broke'. In 'Second Acts,' Mr. Pollan provides a framework to identify and pursue your 'next act.' And since life (at least my life) is about an evolution of next acts, I highly recommend this book! Mr. Pollan coalesces his core thinking into two very useful parts. First, he provides practical exercises and guidance to defining and refining your second act. And second, he gives you the tools to fight the battle to change your life -- a large part of which, as Mr. Pollan points out, rests between your ears! Stephen's advice is not some useless feel-good psychobabble ' his is straightforward and imminently applicable. And it's laced throughout with the humanity, humor, wisdom and grace that defines all of Mr. Pollan's writings.

A Must Read

In a sea of thousands of self-help books this is one that really stands out. Without reverting to psycho-babble or self importance, best selling author Stephen Pollan gives practical, inspirational and user friendly advice and motivation that breaks down the walls of self doubt. A book you will want to read and keep around for advice and guidance as you pursue a more rewarding existance.

Post 9/11 Career Reflections

I am a New Yorker who was living here on September 11th, 2001. 9/11 is shorthand for so many things these days, I suppose it is something different for all of us. For me, the events that unfolded here, among many other things, caused me to reconsider the professional choices I have made. If our lives can change (or be taken from us) in an instant, then I had better be satisfied with who I am and what I'm doing in my career...Since then, I've been looking for books and other resources to help me sort through how to decide what I want to do next in my life. I've bought a couple of books on this topic, but overall they been very unsatisfying. Second Acts is the best resource I've found to sort through how I create the career and life I want in uncertain times. What's best about the book is that the steps outlined by Pollan and Levine are concrete and helpful--a rarity with this kind of book, and I feel like I can really learn from the examples they've taken from other peoples lives. Already, the book has helped me to create a plan to take actions that will help me make changes in my professional life that will enable me to lead the life I want. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET THIS BOOK

It's never too late for second chances at fixing your mucked up life. Or, if it's a pretty good one, there is always room for making it better. Your not too old, your not too dumb, you can do anything you put your mind to in this world. This book reminds me of my favorite motivational book, The Little Guide To Happiness. It teaches us that we create our own worlds by how we choose to interpret and make them. Our perception put into action can truly change existence for the better. I recommend this book.

Dreams Can Come True: And This Book Proves It!

This book changed my life. Literally. Stuck in a job rut, unsure of how to make my long held dreams come true, I picked up "Second Acts". Not only do Pollan and Levine carefully lay out a strategy for distilling your dream down to its essence, but they also guide readers through the most common obstacles those trying to change their life encounter, many of which are actually self created. Their advice is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand.If you've always dreamed of making a change in your life, either small or large, but were too afraid or unsure of where to start , then this is the book for you . Buy "Second Acts"-then start yours!