In this competitive world, we're always running around trying to meet the next big goal. But often we forget to enjoy life every day, and instead wait for some imagined future in which we'll finally allow ourselves to live the life we really want. Goal-Free Living presents a new philosophy for life--that we can achieve the extraordinary life we've always dreamed of now rather than later, and we can achieve it without goals or a play-by-play handbook. Rather than let society, parents, or expectations define their aspirations, people who live goal-free lives are driven by their passion.

This book shares the personal discovery of author Stephen Shapiro, who followed his goals until he was extremely successful--and entirely miserable. Based on his interviews with hundreds of individuals from a multitude of backgrounds--a powerful business executive, a Hollywood television producer, a sports psychology consultant--this book shows exhausted professionals and goalaholics everywhere how to stop being slaves to their goals and create a life they love based on experiential living.

Shapiro distills the art of goal-free living down to nine basic secrets that can free anyone from the tyranny of their goals. He explains why being goal-oriented isn't the best way to get ahead at work, how goals can de-motivate people, how goal obsession affects every aspect of life, and how goals can stifle creativity and adaptability. Packed with true stories of ordinary people and their extraordinary lives, Goal-Free Living shows everyone how to be successful on their own terms without missing out on the one thing we only get one shot at--life.

Praise for Goal Free Living

Setting goals may be fine. But letting your goals take control of your life can be devastating. Goal-Free Living shows you how to explore paths in your life you never knew existed and discover a more exciting, successful, and rewarding life--today

If you have only one goal this year, let it be this: Read Goal-Free Living

--Daniel H. Pink author, A Whole New Mind and Free Agent Nation

Stephen Shapiro's approach will help readers achieve the best kind of happenstance: taking a stance to make things happen.

--Heath Row Contributing Editor and Community Director, Fast Company magazine

I have a sense that reading this book may turn out to be one of the most important things I've done in a long time.

--Doug Busch Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Digital Health Group, Intel Corporation

This is an engaging, creative approach to discovering inner wisdom and personal fulfillment.

--Michael J. Gelb author, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci and Discover Your Genius

Reading Goal-Free Living is like jettisoning a hundred-pound pack. Suddenly, you're racing much faster and enjoying the breeze.

--Alan Weiss, PhD author, Million Dollar Consulting

--Alan Weiss, PhD author, Million Dollar Consulting

Goal Free Living reveals the shocking truth that while goals may be a tool for success, they rarely lead to true happiness and passion. In his quest for the secrets of extraordinary living, author Stephen Shapiro drove 12,000 miles across the United States and interviewed 150 people. What he discovered was the 8 surprising secrets that will free anyone from being enslaved by their goals and start living a powerful new life focused on experiential living. Woven throughout the book are stories of ordinary people with extraordinary lives that provide wonderful examples of how to balance all aspects of life.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Confessions of a Goalaholic

Setting the Stage for Goal-Free Living

The Eight Secrets of Goal-Free Living Secret #1- Use a Compass, Not a Map Secret #2- Trust That You Are Never Lost Secret #3- Remember That Opportunity Knocks Often, But Sometimes  Softly Secret #4- Want What You Have Secret #5- Seek Out Adventure Secret #6- Become a People Magnet Secret #7- Embrace Your Limits Secret #8- Remain Detached

Setting Your Compass

One Person's Transformation From Goalaholic to Goal-Free

Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix B: Take the Are You a Goalaholic Quiz

Appendix C: Score the Are You a Goalaholic Quiz

Appendix D: The Are You a Goalaholic? Survey Results