Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day

Todd Henry's first book was Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice, which examined the creative process and provides strategies to maximize your creativity while maintaining healthy work habits.

In Die Empty, Todd helps individuals and companies stop deferring their most important work. The book provides a process and principles for tapping into your passion -- at first, that may sound like several other books on the market, but this incorporates Todd's uber-valuable approach to the create-on-demand expectations of today's workplace.

The book is organized around the "seven deadly sins of mediocrity" for individuals and teams:

AIMLESSNESS: The book's chapter "Define Your Battles" helps you identify what you will stand for.
BOREDOM: "Be Fiercely Curious" provides several strategies to avoid "busy boredom," including what he calls a "bliss station."
COMFORT: "Step Out of Your Comfort Zone" helps you establish a new vector and set step, sprint, and stretch goals on your new course.
DELUSION: "Know Yourself" helps you identify what truly resonates with you and what unique contribution you alone are capable of pursuing.
EGO: "Be Confidently Adaptable" helps you prevent an inflated ego from stalling progress on your most important work.
FEAR: "Find Your Voice" helps you take small, calculated risks every day.
GUARDEDNESS: "Stay Connected" helps you maintain productive collaboration rather than closing off from relationships when things get busy.

Todd also outlines four key factors that will determine your long-term effectiveness in life and work. Your F.A.T.E. determines your fate!

I liked Accidental Creative, but I love Die Empty. As the author has continued to develop his ideas and speak to audiences large and small, his writing style, insight, and fascinating stories hit a whole new level in this book.

More observation than recommendation - let's call this an "awareness primer". I get what dying empty means, but after reading this book, I find myself asking "What shall I do differently as a result of reading this book?" The answer is little, indeed.

This book is very interesting although, I have not finished it yet. Once I got about half way through it became difficult to remain engaged as a lot of the points and information are repeated over and over.

Man is this guy into himself and his ideas. Honestly it's a beating to read. After a while I skimmed and just read the bold headings in the chapters. Didn't feel like I missed anything.

Also. You're gonna die soon.

I started this book and was immediately hooked. Todd lays down the foundation for what "die empty" means and why it's so important. We get one life that goes fast. We can spend our life on a lot of things but only with focus and intention can we truly invest ourselves and our lives into what matters the most.

Todd leads the way to show how we can die empty. He states, "We have only a certain amount of time available to us, and how we choose to spend our days is significant...we feel the ticking of the clock, and the accompanying sense that we may be missing our opportunity to make a contribution to the world. However, we often ignore these impulses as a result of the relentless pragmatics of life and work."

Todd sets out to answer the question, "How do you set in motion a course of action that will allow you to unleash your best, most valuable work while you still can?"

Over the course of the book Todd doesn't give empty cliches or motivational speeches. Instead he shares his observations in his work and real life applicable disciplines we can incorporate into life- from examine where we are going, to the reason we need to step out of our comfort zone to the importance of developing and chasing our curiosity.

This isn't a quick fix book. It's not a call to crazy-busy activity. It's an instruction manual on how to live so that we die empty of regret and full of the satisfaction that we lived life well, giving, serving, spending ourselves on what really mattered.

The book itself is marvelous. Sadly this is another great example of why I have lost so much enthusiasm for KINDLE versions. The formatting has serious problems that make it almost unreadable in places. For example, at the section titled 'CHECKPOINT' at about 23% the typeface is suddenly very faint grey instead of black -- the pages look blank unless you look closely. In other places the typeface is reduced about 5 points for no apparent reason. Folks would scream bloody murder if they purchased a paper book with these kinds of problems.

I was first introduced to Todd Herny's work through his first title "The Accidental Creative". I knew right away I just had to share his message with my coworkers. It's not often you find someone who really understands the creative process and the myriad pitfalls so many of us creative professionals face in our work and careers. Recently I had the opportunity to hear Todd speak at a leadership event and was immediately reminded just how important and necessary his voice is to the community. Needless to say, I was excited to hear he had written a new book that focused on unleashing excelent work.

"How much of your day do you spend doing work that you'll be proud of later?"
This is the question Todd asks us to consider in his newest title "Die Empty". It's a tough question, but it's one worth grappling with. Let's face it, at some point we're going to run out of tomorrows. And all those great ideas we've been sitting on, those noble projects and worthy causes we hoped we'd get to one day will be left undone. And should that happen, the world will be poorer as a result of our procrastination. "Die Empty" is a powerful antidote to that scenario. It's a weapon against procrastination.

Todd's book doesn't just contain wisdom and aspirations (though there's plenty of that) it provides actionable processes and road maps designed to help us understand our values and to empower those values to drive the work we do. It's a powerful tool for those of us determined to throw our full weight - our values, our talents and our passions - into our work, families and communities.

I have no doubt Die Empty will quickly become a manifesto for professionals intent on living out their passions.
Wanna unleash your best work? Read the book, Then roll up your sleeves and get at it!

With Die Empty, Todd Henry has unleashed a inspirational/self-help/paper-based TED-talk bromide right on the median of today's digerati zeitgeist. There are some good nuggets of inspiration, but the most provocative part of the book is the title. As expected, the book will appeal to people who already know what the acronyms MBA and SXSW stand for, but the author missed an opportunity to connect his themes to similar, centuries-old ponderings on living fully/dying empty such as vanitas/tempus fugit paintings styles in art history or hey, even Zen Buddhist teachings. Believe it or not, the idea of living each day to the fullest actually predated the introduction of the iPhone.

The book would have been stronger had the chapter order been reversed, e.g. begun with chapters "Find your Voice" and "Stay Connected" and ended with Chapter 1, "Die Empty." As the book stands, the latter chapters read like coaching tips to help middle managers host post-project and performance reviews, which lessens the book's overall impact.

Worth a look if its in front of you at the airport kiosk.

With Die Empty, Todd Henry has unleashed a inspirational/self-help/paper-based TED-talk bromide right on the median of today's digerati zeitgeist. There are some good nuggets of inspiration, but the most provocative part of the book is the title. As expected, the book will appeal to people who already know what the acronyms MBA and SXSW stand for, but the author missed an opportunity to connect his themes to similar, centuries-old ponderings on living fully/dying empty such as vanitas/tempus fugit paintings styles in art history or hey, even Zen Buddhist teachings. Believe it or not, the idea of living each day to the fullest actually predated the introduction of the iPhone.

The book would have been stronger had the chapter order been reversed, e.g. begun with chapters "Find your Voice" and "Stay Connected" and ended with Chapter 1, "Die Empty." As the book stands, the latter chapters read like coaching tips to help middle managers host post-project and performance reviews, which lessens the book's overall impact.

Worth a look if its in front of you at the airport kiosk.

Back in September I came across a book titled Accidental Creative which was a book by Todd Henry. I fell in love with this book and when I finished reading it I became a fan of Todd Henry. When I went to check out his website I noticed at the time that Die Empty was available for pre-order and I bought it right away.

If this book was half as good as Accidental Creative, then I knew it would be worth the money.

I was not left disappointed.

Todd Henry offers another dose of material that is very worthwhile. It is not a tough read, but offers so many great pieces of advice, ideas, and tools to use to really answer the essential question of

"Did the work I did today really matter?"

This is what I believe is at the heart of this book. Ideas and techniques to make sure that that you answer yes to this question.

The one passage that stands out to me over the rest and is one I continue to reflect upon is that idea that if you were videotaped all day for a documentary to showcase your day how would you behave and act? What things would you cut out of your "regular" day? So, with this in mind why do we not live that way and spend time wasting moments?

I think I honestly highlighted more words than words not highlighted. There is just so many great pieces of advice and wisdom laid out.

It does not matter your business, lifestyle, age, or goals in life. This materials applies to all of us and that is why this book is successful. You don't need a successful company, you don't need money, you don't need connections. What you need is a change in your mindset which we are all capable of doing.

I have already begun to test out some small experiments to improve my productivity. The goal is to end each day answering yes to the question above and leaving nothing in my tank! I don't want to be mediocre.

This is a must read to help get your mind right with not being too preachy. Toddy Henry has delivered again! This book is worth your time, your application of the ideas, and money to buy the book.

One of the top 10 reads of the year so far!
- See more at: [...]

I loved Todd Henry's ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE, and it's a book I return to again and again. His latest book DIE EMPTY is about living the kind of life that, when we finally leave this world, we'll know we poured out our best. It's about getting the ideas we have out of our heads and make them a reality. Dying empty is about not hanging onto our ideas and waiting for perfection before we execute.

Henry's book is great because he seems to genuinely live out the principles he lays out in the book. He talks about the three kinds of work we should be doing to be continually productice, and he gives practical tips for overcoming the natural tendency toward procrastination that many creatives experience.

Like THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE, DIE EMPTY is designed to encourage productivity, and it does a great job.

Review copy provided by Portfolio Hardcover

Todd Henry's latest book helps to provide answers to how we can maximize our creative lives. While I'm not a big fan of the "Die Empty" title, it does make sense with explanation. This book answers the critical questions we all have about doing our best creative work in this new economy.

Issues like "what is work" and "following our passion", are examined in unique ways to help maximize our contribution and live a meaningful life. Die Empty is a blueprint for doing the best we are capable of.

I constantly struggle with finding focus and career direction. Todd Henry's unique perspectives have helped bring much needed clarity to my work.

If you care about doing bigger and better things in the world, you should read this book.

Nicely done, Todd!

Within the last month, I attended a conference and heard Todd Henry speak. With 30 years into my career and a zest for lifelong learning, I am selective about conferences and speakers, having heard dozens, if not 100's, over the years. Henry stands above the rest - so I quickly read The Accidental Creative, his first book, and was able to read a review copy of DIE EMPTY. Both are straightforward in a refreshing way; neither book contains a lot of filler material that can cause you to check out while reading. If you are looking to get your worklife on a sustainable track, or to begin or change careers, and lead a balanced life, I highly recommend either of both of these books. The idea that many of the best ideas and output lie buried in graveyards is the premise of DIE EMPTY. Henry again uses a direct approach and solid theories and ideas to guide you in learning to execute your best ideas and to be effective in your work. Among other things,it's about focus, structure, time, energy - I won't give away his acrononyms - and largely about aligning your work with your values. The contents of this book, as well as The Accidental Creative, would cost you thousands of dollars and hours from a coach, so invest in one or both books before you take that step, or use it as a springboard to focus on what you might want from a business or worklife coach. Don't let your best ideas and productivity die with you, but take Henry's challenge to DIE EMPTY.

Die Empty is a motivational book meant to encourage individuals to achieve their full potential in life. Todd describes many ways in which to do this. He enumerates three types of work: mapping, making, and meshing. Each of these is needed to be a successfully productive person, but each one on their own is not enough, nor is any combination of the two. Separated from one another they produce very little other than ruined dreams and failed attempts at greatness, but when combined they can help you rise out of mediocrity. Mediocrity is another facet Todd explores when he explains the human tendency to embrace mediocrity out of security and comfort. He does not completely condemn it per se, because he recognizes that life throws a variety of hurdles in our path, from basic living expenditures such as rent, food, and clothing, to larger responsibilities that come with having a family to support. Still, he accurately portrays the human condition of never being satisfied when one settles for less than what they’re worth. When this occurs we witness a person wandering aimlessly, hoping to regain that lost spark.

What Todd attempts to convey is that contained within each of us is an enormous amount of creative potential, but that if we lack the discipline and focus, that creativity will go untapped. He very correctly states that where many people go wrong is in the assumption that because they have a passion for something, they will be able to achieve their goals. This is false. Passion alone is not enough. To produce your greatest work you must suffer for it.

Though much of the book is technically applicable to business professionals, it’s something that can be embraced by anyone who wants to get the most out of life. If you want to feel reinvigorated and excited about the next day, the next week, or even the next year, then read this book because it offers hope through the description of practical advice. Oddly enough, Todd doesn’t say anything particularly radical, but much of what he does say probably has never been said to you. Much in the same way people believe there is a secret to weight loss, people believe there is a secret to success. Todd essentially shatters this myth by offering hardcore truths that when applied will allow you to maximize your fullest potential.

Many books are written to give guidance on how to live a meaningful life, whether professionally and personally. Often these attempts fall short because they end up being not much more than a 200 page motivational speech. The reader is given some inspirational quotes and examples of how famous people became successful by following ancient wisdom. Then those books conclude by telling us somehow we can be successful too.

"Die Empty" takes a different approach that results in much greater value for the reader. The book starts with a strong dose of tough love blended with hope and optimism. After these introductory chapters where the author explains his core beliefs, the remainder is geared towards practical techniques, exercises and questions.

The tough love arrives in the early chapters when we're told the book has no "quick fixes or shot-in-the-arm tactics" This is followed with comments such as "no one is served by false promises of effortless bliss," and "all the positive thinking in the world will not amount to anything without decisive action." The undercurrent of that attitude remains throughout the book.

But Chapter One also has sets the stage with hope and optimism by saying we're all capable of more and our best work is still ahead.

The author explains his set of core beliefs, which include - "your days are numbered you only have a finite number. Someday they will run out."

And during your life, "you have a unique contribution to make to the world. No one else can make your contribution for you."

Finally the author reminds us that if we don't make our unique contribution we are robbing our family, peers, and the community at large.

After the introductory chapters, the author doesn't leave us hanging because the remainder of the book takes us to the heart of the matter and help us figure out how to discover and make our unique contribution. Some of the chapter titles, such as "Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone" and "Find Your Voice" might sound like a typical self-help book. But don't be deceived because the questions and exercises included with each chapter make this book extremely valuable.

I'd recommend you read the book through once to get a good overview. Then go back and pick just a few ideas to work on in your own life. Trying to implement everything at once could easily be overwhelming so use your own judgment.

This is not the type of book you will read, get a warm and fuzzy feeling, and then put on the shelf. "Die Empty" is a grown-up, thought-provoking book you'll want to refer to often.

This book did a reasonable job of discussing the topic of your creative life, finding your voice, getting unstuck from stuck places, and of trying to create a legacy of work that you would be proud of. If we all could do most of what he describes, we would all probably be better off, and be more satisfied looking back on our lives of work.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some inspiration on how to get, and keep, their creative output and approach to life going strong.

I've read dozens of books this year on productivity, creativity, and creating art. Die Empty is one of the most helpful guides that pretty much anyone could use to get more done and get more meaning out of their work. Beyond the practical advice the book offers, it includes many questions that force introspection and help you develop a better understanding of yourself. It's not so much a "step by step" guide because that would be impossible, but a very helpful framework for thinking about what you do, how you can do it better, and how to get more meaning out of your work.

I love this book because it stresses something people are afraid to talk about - to do great work, you need to develop a sense of urgency. Time is finite. Your life is a backwards clock that's running out. Very few books touch on that subject when I consider it to be one of the most important concepts you can learn about life. One of the themes I noticed from reading so many different books is that most of my favorite authors, thinkers, and inventors had a brush with death. Life forced upon them this feeling of urgency and the need to create because life could end at any moment. While we can't all have a close brush with death (and hopefully don't), the concept of dying empty when that day does come is a lesson everyone needs to hear.

Read it, but more importantly, apply the concepts and answer the questions in the book.

Die Empty joins hundreds of similar books in the motivational and self-help categories. So, what makes this book stand out? The ideas are not necessarily new, but they are presented with great energy and practical tips to help you put them into practice: how to nurture your curiosity, overcome fear of failure, understand your own priorities, find your voice, build your confidence, and more. In short, even if all of these lessons sound familiar, this book might just give you that extra jolt or a much-needed reminder. Great read!

This book truly will save your creativity and help you achieve your dreams. This book provides challenging questions that you can ask yourself. Some of these have to do with work– some with life in general. I truly believe that this book is amazing. It has helped me figure out what I want in my life.

Todd Henry nailed it with this book. The whole concept of dying empty is one that all of us need to live by because most of us never explore our full potential.

One of my favorite quotes was this: "Cultivating a love of the process is the key to making a lasting contribution."

It's amazing how much time we all spend "processing" our dreams and it looks like hard work. When we fall in love with the process then we ultimately are free to provide incredible value to so many people.

Fantastic book. Highly recommended!

In Die Empty, Todd Henry has a very important message for you. You have something unique and valuable to contribute. Don't hold out on us. In his book, Todd explains how you can find out what this contribution is, and provides you detailed principles you can follow to make sure you give the best you can. Every single day. Do yourself a favour and pick up this book. It is important that you do.

Life is a round hole and creativity is the square peg. If you are expected to be creative on a daily basis, whether professionally or personally, then you are all too familiar with the difficulty that accompanies fitting the unpredictable creative process into the daily grind of grocery shopping, carpools, dog walking, meals... What I love about this book, is Todd Henry's candid approach to opening up his life and sharing his experiences from the trenches alongside the rest of us. This book not only possesses insights and revelations in the entire creative practice, but it educates and equips you to cultivate mindsets and methods for you to move beyond even your own expectations...day after day and truly create your best work. I am living proof of that! Bravo Mr. Henry!

Todd's newest book grabbed my attention from the first chapter. "...what we both know and fear to be true: we have only a certain amount of time available to us, and how we choose to spend our days is significant." Personally, for many years I was "busy being successful", or what I believed success to be. Oops!

Die Empty lays out a roadmap to true "life success". No one wants to end having had a mediocre life, but for many it just happens. Todd challenges the reader to take a different course, to get "engaged" not only in their work but in their life.

I'm an aspiring writer and teacher. There are some great insights in this book for students, teachers, employees and managers alike. I plan on re-reading this every few weeks to really let these ideas sink in so I can use them in my work and pass them on to my future students and colleagues.

I highly recommend re-reading and using the checkpoints in your day-to-day life, whatever your work may be.

Die Empty

Just finished reading Todd Henry's latest book. In his last chapter one question really stuck to me.

"What does Life want from me?"
:)

Just by changing the point of view, it got me think different.

And you will find many insigthful questions inside the book. I really recommend it for any person who wants to get more out of Life.

Maybe perhaps because I majored in psychology, maybe because I'm a self-starter and motivated person ... but there's nothing wrong with the book other than I could have written the same thing from all my years and education in leaving it all out on the field of business, creativity and career.

For those who need to be coached or feel they are without direction, I encourage them to read it. It wasn't a fit for me.

Todd Henry, author of The Accidental Creative: How to be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice, recently published his latest offering, Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day. Despite the ominous title, Henry seeks to remind each of us that we have a finite amount of time and that when we're gone, our work, defined as anywhere that we add value, will stand as the biggest testament to who we were and what we believed. It's the sum total of our focus, assets, time and energy. - See more of my review at: [...]

Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book to review honestly at ChurchMarketingSucks.com