The Earned Life audiobook cover - Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment

The Earned Life

Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment

Marshall Goldsmith

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Categories:
Motivation & InspirationReligion & SpiritualityPersonal DevelopmentMindfulness & Happiness

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The Earned Life
Core Philosophy+
Connecting with Your Selves+
Decision Making & Clarity+
Aspiration vs. Ambition+
Choosing Realistic Aspirations+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
According to the text, what is the primary flaw of the 'Western paradigm' of happiness?
  • A. It assumes that happiness can only be achieved through spiritual enlightenment.
  • B. It denies impermanence, tricking us into believing that achieving a specific future goal will bring permanent fulfillment.
  • C. It focuses too heavily on the present moment, ignoring the importance of future planning.
  • D. It requires people to abandon their material possessions to find true peace.
Question 2 of 7
What does the Buddha mean by the term 'hungry ghosts'?
  • A. People who are endlessly pursuing shifting goals but are never truly fulfilled.
  • B. Individuals who dwell too much on their past mistakes and regrets.
  • C. Spiritual seekers who have abandoned their physical needs for enlightenment.
  • D. People who lack ambition and refuse to set goals for their future.
Question 3 of 7
In the exercise designed to help you honor your past while moving forward, what are you instructed to do?
  • A. Write a letter of forgiveness to someone who wronged you in the past, and a letter of apology to your future self.
  • B. Write a letter to your past self expressing gratitude for earned achievements, and a letter to your future self detailing your current investments in who you will become.
  • C. Write a list of all your past failures to learn from them, and a list of future goals you guarantee you will achieve.
  • D. Write a letter to your past self letting go of old memories, and a letter to your future self predicting your eventual success.
Question 4 of 7
Why does the author recommend asking 'basic questions' like 'Where do you want to live?' instead of complex questions like 'What do I want to do with my life?'
  • A. Basic questions help reduce complexity by addressing a single factor, forcing you to confront facts and find clarity.
  • B. Basic questions are easier to answer quickly, allowing you to make more of the 35,000 daily decisions efficiently.
  • C. Complex questions require a professional therapist or coach to answer properly.
  • D. Complex questions focus too much on the present, while basic questions help you plan for the distant future.
Question 5 of 7
According to philosopher Agnes Callard, how does 'aspiration' differ from 'ambition'?
  • A. Ambition is about serving others, while aspiration is primarily focused on personal wealth and status.
  • B. Aspiration focuses on achieving discrete goals like winning a marathon, whereas ambition is about vague, unachievable dreams.
  • C. Ambition provides a temporary sense of triumph from achieving a goal, while aspiration is an ongoing process of changing your values and constantly becoming a new person.
  • D. Aspiration requires completely forgetting your past self, while ambition builds directly upon your previous achievements.
Question 6 of 7
What is the purpose of the 'dichotomy resolution' exercise mentioned in the text?
  • A. To force you to completely change your personality by adopting traits that are opposite to your natural tendencies.
  • B. To help you identify your defining qualities and quirks so you can choose realistic aspirations that align with your true personality.
  • C. To eliminate all contradictions in your life so you can focus entirely on your career.
  • D. To prove that people can perfectly balance being both an optimist and a pessimist at the exact same time.
Question 7 of 7
How does the book ultimately define an 'earned life'?
  • A. A life where your choices and efforts align with a greater sense of purpose in the present moment, regardless of the eventual outcome.
  • B. A life where you successfully achieve every financial and personal goal you set out to accomplish.
  • C. A life where you finally reach a state of permanent happiness and no longer need to strive for anything new.
  • D. A life dedicated solely to spiritual enlightenment, detached from all material ambitions and relationships.

The Earned Life — Full Chapter Overview

The Earned Life Summary & Overview

The Earned Life (2022) poses a simple yet profound question: Why does a life of constant achievement often leave us feeling empty? The answer can be found in ancient Buddhist wisdom: it’s not meeting ambitious goals but rather working on meaningful goals that really brings fulfillment and happiness. 

Who Should Listen to The Earned Life?

  • High achievers who feel like something’s missing 
  • Anyone interested in personal improvement 
  • Secular-minded folks interested in spirituality

About the Author: Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is a leadership coach and best-selling author. He is a member of the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame and has been named in the Top Ten Business Thinker rankings for eight consecutive years. His 41 books, which have sold over 2.5 million copies and been translated into 32 languages, include influential titles such as Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.

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