The Earned Life
by Marshall Goldsmith
The executive coach argues that regret comes from the gap between what we value and how we live, and that an earned life is one where choices, risks and effort align with purpose regardless of outcome. The daily questions practice, 'did I do my best to...', is simple and powerful. Reflective, with stories from his clients.
Read it if…
you have achieved and still feel you have not earned your life.
Skip it if…
you want tactical productivity; this is about alignment and meaning.
Three things you will actually use
- Measure effort, not outcomes, in the daily questions.
- Live in the present tense; past selves do not get credit.
- Align aspiration, ambition and action.
Do this first
Write six 'did I do my best to...' questions and score yourself every night this week.
Our verdict
Reflective and wise; a late-career book worth reading early.
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