Marshall Goldsmith Shows How to Live with Impermanence in Today’s World

In a blog post related to living in a fast-changing world, adapted from his new book, The Earned Life, the renowned leadership coach Marshall Goldsmith shows how to deal with sudden turns of events. He explores how we renew ourselves with every breath.

Goldsmith writes that if we accept that everything of value that we have earned is impermanent and subject to the whims and indifference of the world, then we must also accept that what we prize needs to be constantly re-earned, practically on a daily or hourly basis, perhaps as frequently as with every breath.

One of Goldsmith’s most valuable contributions to his clients has been reminding them to stop torturing themselves about past failures. The past cannot be changed—but we can change with every breath.

Climate change is driving our sense of impermanence. One of the most northerly parts of the world is shortening the winter sports season because snow melts two or three weeks earlier than it did 30 years ago. For some this is inevitable, for others, it’s a loss of a way of life. The hard part is coming to grips with it.

In The Earned Life, Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crises, including regrets that stem from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroute destinies, and haunt our memories. These are particularly timely themes today.

With Goldsmith’s book as a guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life that is fulfilling in the long run.

You can read Marshall Goldsmith’s blog here.

About MARSHALL GOLDSMITH

Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized for years as the world’s leading executive coach and the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Mojo, and Triggers. He received his Ph.D. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. In his coaching practice, Goldsmith has advised more than 200 major CEOs and their management teams. He and his wife live in Nashville, Tennessee.

About THE EARNED LIFE

In THE EARNED LIFE (Currency Books), Marshall Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crisis: regret, the kind stemming from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroutes destinies, and haunts our memories—particularly timely themes as the pandemic and Great Resignation inspire people to seek meaning in their lives, get unstuck and make changes. With this book as their guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life too fulfilling to dwell on the “what ifs.”

If you’d like more information on Marshall Goldsmith, The Earned Life, and his work, please get in touch with Lyda Goldsmith.