Marshall Goldsmith Provides a Plan for You to Start Living Your Own Life

In a new blog post about understanding the motivations of people around us, adapted from his new book, The Earned Life, the renowned leadership coach and bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith discusses how we respond to certain groups in our lives. What used to be called tribalism is what he refers to as referent groups, the people we feel connected to who share our passions. Understanding this makes us more tolerant.

Goldsmith writes, “You don’t have to agree with people in other referent groups, but if you appreciate the influence exerted by such groups, you are less likely to be stupefied by their adherents’ choices or dismiss them as idiots.” More people are becoming entrepreneurs. Marshall Goldsmith shows you how to connect to your passions for success.

Over the last two years, the number of self-employed, unincorporated workers rose from 8.771 million to 9.002 million, amounting to a 2.63% rise, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor.

What does this mean? It means that more and more people are choosing to work on their own terms, up to a point. They may avoid the workplace, but not the workforce. The gig economy has problems, certainly, with uncertainty regarding hours and pay, but it also provides a certain freedom. Some people use the gig economy to begin something new after leaving a job — taking the time to organize themselves while still earning a living. They are creating a new class of independent workers who aren’t tied to any particular group.

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.