Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose

Hayes (Never Enough) draws from his experiences as a SEAL commanding officer for this intelligent and actionable guide to living a meaningful life. According to the author, readers must determine how they define success beyond metrics like fame and money by considering, for example, how they’d like to change the world or be remembered, then deciding who they need to become to do so. Next, readers should outline steps toward becoming that person—someone who wants to be close to their community, for instance, might consider starting an organization to benefit their neighborhood or inviting a friend to dinner—and create a general mission statement to be consulted in moments of indecision or when talking to contacts who might help in securing professional opportunities. The author enlivens his approach with anecdotes from his own varied career (from SEAL commander to director of defense policy at the National Security Council) and a smart mix of big-picture wisdom and brass-tacks tips (like always circling back with people who provide helpful leads, both out of politeness and to seek out further guidance). Readers stuck at a professional crossroads would do well to pick this up. (Sept.)