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Living a Committed Life

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Living a Committed Life

Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself

Berrett-Koehler,

15 min read
9 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Commit to a purpose greater than yourself to transform your life – and the world around you.

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Visionary
  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Following a period of deep unhappiness and self-doubt, Lynne Twist found meaning by committing her life to a purpose larger than herself: ending world hunger. Since then, she’s transformed not only her own life but the lives of countless others. She’s also raised hundreds of millions of dollars by creating authentic connections with wealthy donors through her soulful message. Here, she makes a powerful case for fulfilling your potential by living a life of service to others. Twist offers guidance, inspiration and hard-won truths about traversing the challenging, but rewarding, path of a purpose-driven life.

Summary

Commit to a purpose larger than yourself to connect the needs of the world with the energy of your heart.

Committing to a purpose larger than yourself – taking a “stand” – will draw out extraordinary capabilities in you, shaping who you must become to fulfill that larger role. For example, commitment to climate action turned Greta Thunberg from a teenage girl protesting outside the Swedish Parliament to a global icon mobilizing millions. Your commitment, though, doesn’t need to have a global reach to prove worthy – it’s not the scope that matters, but the intent. Serving your local community as a dedicated teacher, nurse or firefighter can prove just as powerful a stand, when pursued with commitment.

A bold commitment doesn’t trickle down from your mind; it bubbles up from your heart and soul. It forms a context for your life, empowering you to connect the needs of the world with the energy of your heart. When you commit to take a stand – such as fighting hunger or protecting the rainforest – your path forward will begin to unfurl as you walk it.

Take a stand to harness your true potential and unleash collective change.

Commitment to a larger purpose...

About the Author

Lynne Twist is an award-winning speaker, author and activist, who has committed decades of effort to end hunger, preserve the Amazon rainforests, empower women and change Western attitudes towards money. She is the best-selling author of The Soul of Money, founder of the Soul of Money Institute and co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance, a global learning community committed to creating a sustainable future for all.

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    C. B. 2 months ago
    Potent points. Many of us suffer from challenges that we are unable to address. But there is hope yet, for those who recognize where they are at and choose to do something about it. Life altering decisions like Lynnes' have created opportunities for others to make a step towards a positive change.
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    M. M. 9 months ago
    It is Engaging and inspiring.
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    P. D. 1 year ago
    Very inspiring, thank you Lynne