Meaningful Work by Shawn Askinosie

My Rating: 7 / 10

Meaningful Work can be summed up by a quote from Gandhi: “In losing ourselves to the service of others, we find ourselves.” Shawn Askinosie takes the reader on this life transformation; from practicing law to running a chocolate producer. Furthermore, how incorporating a vocation into his life/work has transformed who he is and has brought him many rewards; both tangible and intangible. Askinosie recommends that your vocation should focus on the intersection of your talents, world needs and your passion if possible.

This has been something I have followed most of my adult life and I have seen benefits in the skills I have garnered outside of my working life. That said, Askinosie focuses more on giving, volunteering and dedication to others. Whilst this book at times was a little too religious for me there are good lessons for us all in how to live a better life. A decent read but definitely not close to my favourite of the year.

Suffice to say I’ll definitely be trying some Askinosie Chocolate at my next opportunity. Just have to find some in the UK!

Three key takeaways from the book:

1. Askinosie recommends you need to take big ideas and use a microscope and not just use binoculars.
2. Being vs. Doing
3. When looking at the daily life of a monk and his work/prayer one sees the core aspect of rhythm. One can find contentedness in routine, simplicity, predictability. It is worth investing with intention in this area of your life whether it is exercise, eating well and/or meditation. Stay consistent and predicable and make small incremental improvements; those improvements compound over time.