One Big Thing by Phil Cooke

Do you know what you were put on this earth to accomplish? One Big Thing is the quest to find your purpose and then get your voice heard.

Cooke advocates living life strategically, living life with purpose, intention, and ambition.

A few people have known their purpose all their lives, others discover it in a sudden insight. The largest group discovers it through a progressive experience. Cooke walks us through the process of narrowing down and finding that one thing to do well. There is no easy way to find your One Big Thing. But there are questions Cooke asks to help you on your quest. What comes easy to you? What do you love? What drives you crazy? What do you want to leave behind? (It is not as simple as just answering those questions. Cooke adds lots of issues to consider.)

Discovering your one thing will make you passionate and people will respond to that passion. “In today's hyper-competitive, distracted, cluttered, ADD culture, the best way to get noticed is to be incredible at one thing. (37)

Your one big thing must express who you really are, reflecting your values. He gives some suggestions for understanding your personality. Cooke also adds a section on overcoming adversity.

Cooke's parting words: “Millions of people spend their lives in the pursuit of nothing, but you have chosen the great adventure. Go. Seek it with everything you have, and don't look back.” (171)

I have read a ton of these kinds of books yet I was impressed with this one. Having recently retired, I was ripe for working through Cooke's quest and find my One Big Thing. And I think I did! Like any other book of this style, reading it through and truly paying attention to what Cooke has said can really make a difference in your life.

Phil Cooke is an internationally known filmmaker, media producer, speaker, and author. Through his media production and branding company, he's helped nonprofit organizations and leaders in the world engage and influence today's culture. Check out his daily comments on faith and culture at www.philcooke.com. Cooke and his wife live in Burbank, California.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 183 pages.  Go to the publisher's product page to see a video about the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of this review.