When I wrote my latest book, I did it all wrong. It was all my ideas and experience and when the thing was finished, I didn't like it very much.
The first draft of the book was all about me, and I hated that. The book was supposed to be about finding your calling, and it neglected the most important part of the process: community.
When Singapore's first full-time doula Ginny Phang told me her story, I was inspired. Here was a woman who had gotten pregnant out of wedlock, kicked out of her own home, and forced to provide for herself and her son. But somehow, she made a life for herself in which she did not just survive, she thrived. Ginny admits, though, that she didn't do it on her own. Without the necessary help of a few friends, relatives, and encouragers, she wouldn't have made it.
I loved that. It spoke to my own experience. No matter how much we want to believe the myth of the self-made man or woman, it's just not true. At critical moments in life, we all need help from others. For me, those people included my boss, my wife, and a few important mentors.
So when I went back to rewrite The Art of Work, I realized I couldn't do it alone. If this book was going to do what it was meant to do, I was going to need help. Which is why if you read the book today you'll see not only Ginny's story but many others', as well.
It was an effort I couldn't have completed on my own and shouldn't have tried. Because every story of success is really a story of community.
Join my media team
Once again, I'm asking for help. I believe in this message. I believe we all have a calling, something important we were meant to do with our lives. And we need help getting there.
When I decided to make the book available for free to anyone who paid shipping and handling, the idea was to create a generous offer that would help the book spread. Now, I want to take it to the next level, which is where you come in.
My book will be come out in a month, and I'm starting to line up media interviews. But since The Art of Work is about how ordinary stories can become extraordinary, I don't want to stick to just the traditional media channels (I first saw Ginny on Youtube, not NBC, after all).
So if you have a podcast or a blog or newsletter and want to interview me, I'd love to connect with you. I'll do everything in my power to make this happen, but there are no guarantees. The best thing you can do is apply early and provide a great idea for how to get the word out.
If you're interested in interviewing me about my book, click here to fill out the form.
Also, whether or not you're in the media, I'd love for you answer the question below and leave a comment for a chance to win a free book.
What out-of-the-box idea for promoting my book do you have? On Monday, Feb. 23, I'll pick the top five ideas and send you a free copy of the book. Share your idea in the comments.
