The Art of Fully Living: 1 Man. 10 Years. 100 Life Goals Around the World is an amazing book about a man who did just what the book’s title implies. Author Tal Gur is a bucket list maker extraordinaire.
Gur, an Israeli, yearns to learn English and knows the best way to go about this goal is total immersion. He travels to Australia, learns the language and while there immerses himself in the culture, becoming totally involved with his surroundings. He goes on to complete an Ironman triathlon event in New Zealand. Gur pushes himself to achieve these successes—many times to the point of discomfort and exhaustion. He realizes his own strength and determination, and goes on to face his next life’s goal. He continues to travel the world and become involved in what each country offers. His journey isn’t without hardship and sometimes despair, but he learns to listen to his body and heart. He learns to view a negative situation from a positive angle, to reflect on what is important. Through flexibility and adaptability, he realizes that life is a balancing act.
Gur’s accomplishments through his world travels, his impressive achievements and the choices he made aren’t for everyone. But what is of value to everybody is learning how to achieve what is important to that individual. We each must have some type of goal in order to grow. Gur offers wisdom that applies to everyone:
– Stop accumulating “stuff.” The less stuff, the more freedom you have
– Declutter your life, curb excess buying
– Stay out of debt
– Embrace uncertainty. Let go of the need to control.
– Remember that the journey is more important than the destination
In this review I have attempted to cover the highlights, but in so doing realize there is so much more than reducing this book to these few points. I highly recommend The Art of Fully Living. It has something for everyone.