Discovering What You Were Born to Do - One Big Thing

Phil Cooke captures the heart of a life well spent. Focus is, in essence, the key to living life with purpose, and discovering the one big thing you were born to do. Such an exploratory journey cannot be made without great sacrifice, however. The author states well, the reality of needing to detach ourselves from the electronic world long enough to focus on a higher calling. I love what Phil says about needing to follow passion, and then passion ignites the achievement of dreams. Phil is well respected, not just as a film maker and media producer, but also as a lecturer and as a blogger for Huffington Post. He knows who he is and what he was born to do. This book is for all of those out there, who are still aimlessly wandering the earth, living day to day and have no real sense of direction or purpose. While reading this book, I was reminded again, that it is more tragic to live to an old age, but die still not knowing the purpose of existence; than to die at a younger age, having used each day as a focused means of leaving a footprint in eternity.

Phil Cooke is becoming one of my favorite authors... mostly because he writes about purpose and discovering who you were created to be. This post is a brief review... sort of a collection of quotes from Cooke's book, One Big Thing (which I reccommend you get if you want more clarity about where you want to go in life).

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time."
"... finding your one big thing requires commitment..."
"Your current circumstances aren't nearly as big a factor as you think, it's about where you are going."
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that."
"Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity (A. Einstein)."
Those quotes only scratch the surface -- if nothing else, Cooke's book will inspire you to think on a higher level about your life.

I'm a lifelong "self-assessment junkie". My wife and I have grown personally and professionally by taking time to read books on the topic, take "tests", consider how we're made, and try to live that out. Phil Cooke has done a remarkable job of addressing a question that most of us face, and have faced for years. This is not a "Five Proven Keys" book, but there are plenty of practical concepts, questions, and stories that were very helpful to me - even though I've studied the subject quite a bit.

Phil's approach is hard hitting, but hopeful. You'll have a clearer view of yourself after reading the book. Don't be alarmed by the road-kill, they're just some sacred cows you'll see along the way. The author's enthusiasm and experience jumps off the page. This book will help you live more intentionally. Highly recommend.

Life offers so many distractions. In the age of multi-tasking, it's hard to find anyone willing to focus on anything exclusively for very long at all. When's the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation with someone? When's the last time you were able to give your full attention to any one thing. When's the last time you composed a letter or blog post without stopping to check your email? (Guilty, and it was just a couple pieces of SPAM.) And yet, in spite of all the "increased productivity" and improved technology, I think somewhere deep down, we all admit that we would do at least a little bit better in life if we embraced a forgotten concept once called "focus."

Cooke isn't specifically decrying multi-tasking or even the pursuit of multiple goals in life, but he does champion the notion of having one primary aim that is supported or enriched by any ancillary efforts. Our "One Big Thing" deserves our attention, despite the alluring siren call of other interests and activities. Too often, we find ourselves in roles and positions that limit our success because they're not exactly our best chance for success. Cooke's mantra (or one of them) is to pursue that one big thing that will result in you being the best in the world, whatever it is.

It's a welcome message, contrary to the catcalls of those who worship at the throne of multi-tasking and a buckshot approach to achieving life's goals. As I read through the book, I had a picture in my head of a buffet line with every type of food (mostly meat) you could hope for. You want to eat it all, but you'll regret it if you do (really, you will). So you have to pick carefully which selections end up on your plate. I think many of us go through life with uninspiring results in careers we really don't like because we refuse to eat steak instead of steak and chicken and hamburger and fish and ribs and everything else. We have a metaphorical stomach ache because we overdo it on activities trying to do it all. Our fear of missing out on that one thing, forces us to miss out on that one thing, fulfillment.

One Big Thing is a reminder that we need to identify and pursue our primary area of expertise, passion, and calling. Cooke also lays out some practical steps to help readers get through that process. As with Jolt!, Cooke writes in a casual tone, that is easy to read and offers first hand accounts from his personal and professional life. It's enjoyable as far as business/self improvement books go and offers inspiration and worthwhile advice.

- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (9/28)

Phil Cooke leads readers on a journey of discovery in ONE BIG THING. I like the honesty and straightforward nature of this book. Like Cooke says in the introduction, "This book won't give you all the answers, but it will help you start asking the right questions."

A few pages further in the introduction, Cooke says, "Your current circumstances aren't nearly as big a factor as you think. It's not about where you are, it's about where you're going. The point is that if you have passion, drive and commitment--and will look at your life with honesty--almost anything can happen."

I love the hope and encouragement in the pages of ONE BIG THING. I highly recommend it.

Are you living your purpose?

Are you embracing your strengths?

Are you going to be remembered when you leave this world?

ONE B1G THING is about living a great life you were destined for. The book guides you through a process of facing reality, embracing what makes you unique, spreading your story, and navigating initial next steps and providing a compass to stay on course.

Let's be honest...I'm a personal development nerd at heart. I'm a huge fan of books like these and I've read all of Marcus Buckingham's strengths-based books that I've been able to get my hands on. I wondered if this book would be a watered down version of the same. I found it to be average when compared to some of the books you may read by thought leaders in this space.

What I like about this book is how it's specifically written for Christians wanting to live out their One Big Thing - focusing on the one thing in your life that you could be better at than anyone else in the world. This author has a creative background so if you work in any sort of creative field, this book will likely resonate more with you than someone with no creative background. The story line was good in that it started by discussing why this One Big Thing concept is important, how you can determine your one big thing and what you need to do once you've determined what your One Big Thing is. I do wish that the author would have elaborated more on ways to discover your One Big Thing and also more information about what to do/expect on the journey.

In the end, I recommend reading this book...it's also a quick and easy read so go for it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

"One Big Thing" by Phil Cooke was a very inspiring read. At a time where I have several extracurricular activities taking up my time, it was really helpful to read a perspective trying to get free time more focused so that you can really excel at what you choose to. I thought that this would really be helpful to anyone who might not feel like they have a purpose that they enjoy. Seeing our peers successful at activities or careers that they actually enjoy can be a slap in the face to those of us who haven't figured out what we're really good at. I felt this book was comforting, reassuring, and encouraging for those who might feel a little lost. It doesn't solve everything, obviously, but it really make me think.

Socrates famously said that the unexamined life is not worth living. One Big Thing is a tool for self-examination that leads the reader on a journey to a purposeful and intentional life. This is not a comfortable book that can be read from cover to cover and then checked off one's reading list. It includes searing questions and provocative insights into the responsibility to be who I am created to be. This may not entail doing what I enjoy or what others have come to expect from me, but it requires doing--and most importantly being--what I am wired for. There is a world of difference between being committed and being fulfilled, but we often pack our lives with so much busy-ness that we never bother to examine the distinction. Sadly, Christians can be especially vulnerable to over-committing, sometimes out of guilt, but often with a sincere desire to make a difference. As a result, we become overwhelmed and ultimately ineffective because we lack clarity about the one big thing we are created for.

I encourage you to take time to slowly and purposefully read through this book. Don't be afraid to make changes or eliminate activities that don't align with how you are wired. Examine your life and be intentional about acquiring the skills and discipline necessary to live out your One Big Thing.

Absolutely great. An easy read and very inspiring. I read the book and then got the audiobook. Phil Cooke reads the audiobook. If you've ever heard him speak you know how awesome he is and the audiobook really gives you that experience. What I like about the book is that it is a simple pick me up to get you inspired to do the work you want to do. It doesn't try to bore you with a lot of data and programs you have to try. No 7 or 24 step programs you have to follow. If you're a busy person you'll love how Cooke gets to the point without watering anything down.

Many people wander through life with no direction or personal goals, even successful individuals with good jobs and hefty salaries. Modern-day Renaissance man Phil Cooke, a media consultant, offers some great ideas about how to discover your true purpose in life and to work toward it. Practical and inspirational, Cooke explains how to live a meaningful life and offers plenty of warmth and encouragement. getAbstract recommends his ideas to those who want to live life to the fullest, particularly those who share his heartfelt Christian perspective.

If you have never had the opportunity to listen to Phil Cooke speak, then this is a MUST READ catch up course from your Guidance Counselor. For any dream chaser who feels there is more than a 9-5 existence, take notes from "One Big Thing," and put this book into action. There's no excuse to dream when you can "plan" and mark your course toward the "One Big Thing" you were born to do.

This is a timely concept and I really like how Phil breaks it down with examples of success and failure that will make you reconsider the path you are on, take note of the road ahead and make the right moves with precision and wisdom toward your God-given dream!

This is another good one by Phil Cooke. There are lots of books out there that are written to help you find your purpose in life and what you were born to do, but this book is different. I found this book to be inspiring and it made me want to do something. Finding what you were meant to do and finding a passion for it isn't always easy to do, but Cooke gives some great advice, through this book, on how to get there. One Big Thing is really one big thing and I can't wait to refer my friends to pick up this book.

Perhaps my expectations were too high. The author assumes that everyone has a dream, but alas for me, I must be the exception. The book has an up-to-date twist on how to pursue your goals in today's media-mad society, but I was looking for a bit more direction on actually discovering what it is that I was born to do. There are better books out there for this process, such as I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was (Barbara Sher) or What Color Is My Parachute (Richard Bolles). Cooke offers guidance on how to be heard amid the zillions of voices on the internet, and briefly discusses personal branding, but there are numerous other books on these topics, so his own message gets lost in the cacophony of other authors' voices. It's a fairly quick read, with entertaining examples, but a bit lacking in substance.

It kind of takes forever to actually learn anything. The first half of the book is a lot of repetition about knowing what you're best at and doing it, and being willing to work and having discipline, etc. But no tactics on actually how to figure it all out. The second half of the book is a lot more specific and detailed - questions to consider to help you figure it all out, but a lot of the fluff in the beginning could have been removed, in my opinion.

One Big Thing by Phil Cooke

Phil Cooke tries to tackle a very bloated subject with his book One Big Thing. Why would he write on purpose with so many other books written on the same topic? It’s simple. We will read it. In the book, Cooke address the thoughts we all have throughout the day. What should I be doing? He gives practical advice and insight to the “Just do it” mentality of purpose.

Now, I’m normally a fan of books that talk about weighty subjects, but this book seemed to avoid the deep waters of the topic. He gives very general advice about how to find that “One thing” that drives you. It was hard to finish because it felt as if I had heard all of his advice before.
My main problem with the book, is it seems to be very light on the God aspect of purpose. I agree, God wants us to be active and working hard, but I think without finding our purpose and identity in him, all this busy-work is meaningless. Overall, if you need some practical advice on how to follow that main calling from God, this book may be for you. If you want to dig a little deeper and think more seriously about your role in the Kingdom of God, you may want to pick up another book.

BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book

The book is laid out in twelve easy reading chapters that each begin with two quotes from well known personnel to introduce the chapter subject. They were great quotes that were cause for thinking. Such as "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." [John London} Besides the valuable quotes scattered throughout the book, Phil Cooke (filmmaker, media producer and speaker) uses many illustrations from his life and others to support his teaching on the living a life-on-purpose that leaves a lasting mark on the world.

Your One Big Thing is really the quest for what you were put on the earth to accomplish. It's not about a particular job or personality type, it's more about your purpose. Phil posed four questions to help in discovering your one big thing. 1. What comes easy for you? 2. What do you love? 3. What drives you crazy? 4. What do you want to leave behind?

I Highly recommend this book to anyone.

Phil Cooke in this book puts forth a thoughtful call to consider your purpose for existence. We are not just set here to exist. We have a purpose and Cooke starts the discussion. I found this a very easy to digest informative book. It may seem too long for the subject yet he may have needed the length to develop the many aspects of the philosophical question of purpose.
I recommend this to thinkers everywhere.

I really appreciate the authenticity in this book. Phil Cooke doesn't pretend to have all the answers. But, he DOES help you walk though some of the questions that will help you figure out your One Big Thing. And he brings it home by sharing personal experiences about how these principles have helped to transform his own life and career.

The purpose of this book is to make YOU take responsibility for your calling, your purpose, whatever you've been put on this earth to do; for YOU to discover it and to take ownership of it and to move into everything that God has called you to be.

And for me, that was EXACTLY what I was looking for.

If you're looking for a book that will challenge you, encourage you and motivate you--not by trying to conjure up passion, but by tapping into the passion that is innately inside of you--this is the perfect book for you!

And don't forget to read the epilogue. That may just be my FAVORITE part of the whole book! Check it out! Cheers!

Phil Cooke's life experience stands him head and shoulders above most others in tackling these questions: Why am I here? What am I supposed to accomplish? What was I born to do? This is paramount. I want to know the person whose book I am reading knows what they're talking about. Rest assured. Phil's own One Big Thing, helping people and organizations engage their culture more effectively, is the foundation upon which he is able to expertly guide others on this life-changing, challenging journey.

Along the way, Phil doesn't pretend to provide all the answers, but what he does provide is a road map on how to get there. What comes easy to you? What do you love? What drives you crazy? What do you want to leave behind? After reading his book, these questions stay with me and help guide me in defining my own One Big Thing.

We each have a unique DNA. It's an understanding of who we are that makes the difference. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in that pursuit.

Great book! Need direction? Guidance? Just curious as to whether you are on the right track and doing what you are meant to do? Grab this book and kick back. Phil Cooke has a great book and anyone with these questions will make good use of reading this book. Maybe you just want to reexamine the road you are on. This is still a book that you will find useful.

One Big Thing is a book that helps people discover what they are born to do. You have to be willing to take risks if you want to find your OBT. One Big Thing also discussed how you must learn the business if you want to succeed in it. So dont be afraid to take that internship or volunteer your time if you want to enter what you love to do.

My "One Big Thing" is to encourage and equip people to move to the "next" plateau in whatever they are striving to accomplish in their lives. I have known this for some time and have strived to use this as the basis, direction, and motivation for all I do as a pastor, teacher and author. However... as Phil Cooke said in this book "One Big Thing", it is easy to let the clutter of life distract you. That clutter is often a "good cause" or something that "needs" to be done, and that is what makes it hard to keep focus. In fact... you will find yourself pulled in a hundred different directions. "One Big Thing" helps you see the importance of finding where your focus needs to be.
This book should be required reading in high schools and colleges instead of a lot of the other junk they are reading.
Thanks Phil for a very insightful and challenging book.

They say when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. That is what happened with me and "One B1G Thing." I've had business coaches for years and what they have endeavored to do is help me find that "One Big Thing" that makes me uniquely me. Phil Cooke's book is the icing on the cake that is causing my development and growth to find its true resonance and to help catapult me into my life's calling and purpose. I appreciate the chapter on values because our "One Big Thing" has to be consonant with our values, otherwise we're "One Big Fraud." I've read Phil's books and blog for years and find this book to be the culmination of a lifetime of study and examination. Kudos to you, Phil, and may everyone find their "One Big Thing."

Admittedly, "One Big Thing" and I may not have been a good fit for each other from the start. A book on career enhancement is not the type of read that I habitually choose for myself. And I am not the type of audience that author Phil Cooke best resonates with. That being said though, I'd still like to weigh in on how this book hit me.

I'm a stay-at-home mom with no aspirations to climb the corporate ladder, make a splash, or get my 10 seconds in the limelight. Cooke's repeated exhortations to "get noticed," "have influence," "be the best one in the world at what you do," "make an impact," and "be remarkable" fall a little flat on my ears.

As I read, I find myself wrestling with a couple of issues that Cooke never gives airtime to:

1.) I think one of the best summaries of why we exist as humans is the first statement of the Westminster Catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." How does getting me noticed fit into the glory of God? I'm don't want to say that these two things are incompatible, but I would have loved to see Cooke at least address the issue.

2.) A favorite meditation of mine when I was job-hunting several years ago, were the words to the hymn "Father, I Know That All My Life Is Portioned Out for Me." Some of the most poignant lines go as follows: "I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro, seeking for some great thing to do or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, and guided where I go... content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified." I find these lyrics so distinctively God-honoring, and yet also so contrary to the tone of Cooke's writing. How can I reconcile the one with the other?

I believe it is possible to address the issue of finding that "one big thing" that you're really good at, and pursuing it with all your heart from a perspective that is utterly God-glorifying. The book "Finding a Job You Can Love" deals with many of the same issues Cooke addresses in "One Big Thing" in a much more theologically satisfying way, and in a way that resonates far more with my heart.

I received "One Big Thing" free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I was disappointed to discover that this book has an overt Christian perspective but wasn't marketed as such. I did not see any mention of it in the the store summary, and when I ordered this book there were only a couple of reviews and none mentioned this (there are others who have mentioned it since then, however). I am not Christian, most of my clients are not Christian, so this book does not work for me and I would not have ordered it had I known.

If you are of the Christian faith I suspect you will quite enjoy this book as the author ties in Christian belief and perspective throughout. It starts right at the beginning, on page four, as the author explicitly states he comes from the Christian tradition and how that influences the ideas of ambition. There are references to Jesus in the following paragraph, followed then by a quote from the Christian NIV bible on page five. This book isn't lightly sprinkled with Christian philosophy but quite heavily and it plays a very prominant role. There are many quotes, references and commentary related to Christian beliefs, thought, groups, organizations, activities, etc. throughout the book.

If you do not want an overtly Christian based philosophy in relation to "finding your one big thing", then pass this book by.

In "The Purpose Driven Life", Rick Warren teaches us to focus on God's purpose for our lives. In "One Big Thing", Phil Cooke uses marketing illustrations to convey that everyone is wired with a special purpose, which enables each of us to contribute something unique to the world (our brand). But Phil doesn't' stop there. He lays out a roadmap to help us discover that one big thing, and then he challenges us to passionately pursue it without compromise. This is a must read for anyone looking for that One Big Thing that can give their lives meaning and fulfillment.

More than giving answers or helpful tips, Phil Cooke's new book upped my discomfort with the lack of passion and conviction in certain areas of my own life. Anything in today's culture that can genuinely evoke inspiration and a drive towards passion is worth reading.

Trite banal "advice" from a dedicated ad man. The only person this book will help is the author's own bank account.

A total waste of time. Do NOT buy this book. That bit of free advice will earn you the $14 for the price of a new book.

Here is my email to him:

Dear Mr. Cooke,

I have been reading your book, and I have a couple of questions for you.

In general, although your desire seems to be to motivate and encourage people, I found your book extremely discouraging and depressing. I hope to explain why briefly following.

First, I was somewhat amused to read that you boast of having a PhD in theology yet are not ashamed to admit that you produced ads for the Superbowl (an orgy of gluttonous gratuitous violence)! How do you explain that seeming contradiction?

I recommend that you read this book by former ad executive Jerry Mander on the corruption of the ad industry and of TV and film: http://www.the store.com/Arguments-Elimination-Television-Jerry-Mander/dp/0688082742/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355597512&sr=1-1&keywords=jerry+mander+four+arguments

Second, in your zeal to teach people how to market their unique niche in today's media saturated world, you end putting people like Michael Jordan and Mother Teresa on the same pedestal (as people who successfully discovered their brand and learned how to market themselves). Do you really believe there is a moral equivalent between these two people? Isn't that rather banal and trivial to say the least?

Third, do you recall Jesus' words "Woe to you who are famous for you have had your reward"? Your book seems oblivious to this warning. In your view, a solitary desert monk has no value or credibility since he is not mass marketing himself. Do you really believe that?

Sincerely,
Menachem Mevashir

PS I wonder if you have any advice on how I might promote my Yeshua Song, which is a song based on the Hebrew letters of Jesus' name. I shall send you a follow up email that explains this. I do not seek personal recognition of remuneration for this Song, but simply to bring it to the attention of people as a public service. Would you consider, for example, creating a website that could promote it?

PPS I found this book to be much more helpful in truly identifying one's spiritual calling. It seems much more sincere and dedicated to unlocking one's hidden potential, rather than teaching people how to mass market themselves: http://www.the store.com/Quest-Guide-Creating-Your-Vision/dp/1401938779/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355595422&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+linn

Phil Cooke has written a book that not only talks about finding your purpose in life but will help you with practical steps to living your best life now. I believe it is a must read for everyone and will definitely help you achieve that One Big Thing in your life.

Trite banal "advice" from a dedicated ad man. The only person this book will help is the author's own bank account.

A total waste of time. Do NOT buy this book. That bit of free advice will earn you the $14 for the price of a new book.

Here is my email to him:

Dear Mr. Cooke,

I have been reading your book, and I have a couple of questions for you.

In general, although your desire seems to be to motivate and encourage people, I found your book extremely discouraging and depressing. I hope to explain why briefly following.

First, I was somewhat amused to read that you boast of having a PhD in theology yet are not ashamed to admit that you produced ads for the Superbowl (an orgy of gluttonous gratuitous violence)! How do you explain that seeming contradiction?

I recommend that you read this book by former ad executive Jerry Mander on the corruption of the ad industry and of TV and film: http://www.the store.com/Arguments-Elimination-Television-Jerry-Mander/dp/0688082742/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355597512&sr=1-1&keywords=jerry+mander+four+arguments

Second, in your zeal to teach people how to market their unique niche in today's media saturated world, you end putting people like Michael Jordan and Mother Teresa on the same pedestal (as people who successfully discovered their brand and learned how to market themselves). Do you really believe there is a moral equivalent between these two people? Isn't that rather banal and trivial to say the least?

Third, do you recall Jesus' words "Woe to you who are famous for you have had your reward"? Your book seems oblivious to this warning. In your view, a solitary desert monk has no value or credibility since he is not mass marketing himself. Do you really believe that?

Sincerely,
Menachem Mevashir

PS I wonder if you have any advice on how I might promote my Yeshua Song, which is a song based on the Hebrew letters of Jesus' name. I shall send you a follow up email that explains this. I do not seek personal recognition of remuneration for this Song, but simply to bring it to the attention of people as a public service. Would you consider, for example, creating a website that could promote it?

PPS I found this book to be much more helpful in truly identifying one's spiritual calling. It seems much more sincere and dedicated to unlocking one's hidden potential, rather than teaching people how to mass market themselves: http://www.the store.com/Quest-Guide-Creating-Your-Vision/dp/1401938779/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355595422&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+linn

Phil Cooke has written a book that not only talks about finding your purpose in life but will help you with practical steps to living your best life now. I believe it is a must read for everyone and will definitely help you achieve that One Big Thing in your life.

Discovering What You Were Born to Do

By Phil Cooke

"Your destiny is a moving target." But the question is do you know where your destiny lies? Have you discovered how you are hot-wired. So many people go through life not even knowing their purpose. We live in a Culture that is full of Distractions. Technology was supposed to make our lives easier but with all the advancements is Technology taking you away from Your One Big thing or bringing you closer to Your One Big Thing.

Do you know where your strenths and weaknesses lies? The blueprint that is found in this book will ehlp the person grow and focus on their One Big Thing by helping you to discover it and take the necessary steps so that you can focus on your strength zone better known as a person's sweet spot.

"Growth is intentional." -- Dr John C Maxwell

His disparaging comments about higher education in the first chapter were a red flag, but I had to stop reading this book when the author made a sweeping generalization about atheists and what they believe.