Here’s what one woman had to say about Marcus Buckingham’s Find Your Strongest Life:

If I ever see Marcus Buckingham in person, I’m going to shake his hand and tell him thank you. Find Your Strongest Life has been one of the most eye-opening books I’ve read in a quite a while. Everyone always says that, don’t they? Why is this book any different? Well, for starters, if you’re a woman and you’ve ever had questions about your career (no matter your age, your marital status, or whether you’re in the workforce or at home), you should read this book. If you’ve ever wondered why “juggling” your job, your family, your friends, and your own sanity seems like an impossible ideal, you should read this book—you’ll find a new, revolutionary way to approach life so that you feel strong, successful, satisfied, and in control. If you are not sure what you really want to do or what you’re even good at doing, you should read this book. I believe it should be mandatory reading.

The advice, the truths, and the misconceptions about women that Marcus uses research to explore can be applied to every woman in any area of life. But most importantly, the way he presents his ideas provide readers with a new way of looking at themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, and desires and helps you find the hope and confidence to find your strongest life.

The subtitle was what really got my attention: “What the happiest and most successful women do differently.” I was prepared to read stories of the women whose lives we follow in the media—Oprah, Martha Stewart, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama—high-profile women. Powerful women. But the stories weren’t about those women. The stories were about us. Me. You. Women who held several jobs until they found the one that suited them best. Single mothers who struggled to make ends meet while searching for a job that didn’t drain them. Women who finally realized what their strengths were and then formed careers that they truly enjoyed.

This book was especially relevant to me because I’m struggling with my career choices and the stress is overwhelming. Not a good sign. I did all the things I thought I was supposed to do to become successful. I went to college, took an internship, and started to make connections. I took on smaller jobs until I was offered a full-time position and I continued to advance in the company.

The hours were tough, the pressure was constant, and even though I was good at my job and loved what I did initially, after a few years, it became a chore to go to work. I got tired of deadlines and difficult clients and when I felt completely burned out, I looked for another job. My only requirements were no work on weekends and no constant deadlines. I didn’t really even care what industry it was in, I just wanted out of my current situation. And I got exactly what I asked for.

I took a job in a different industry. I don’t work weekends or long hours. I don’t have deadlines. I also don’t get to be creative or interact with clients. I make more money but realize it isn’t worth it. I feel drained, stuck, and dissatisfied. The stress from dreading my job affects other areas of my life. I don’t enjoy my free time. I don’t visit my family as much. I feel useless and lost. Sounds awful, doesn’t it?

I read Your Strength for Life in one sitting (which I never do). It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. After completing the exercises and understanding what I need in my life to feel successful, I’m really looking forward to the future. This time, I will be intentional in what I pursue, confident in my strengths, and accepting of my weaknesses.

One of the great issues Marcus talks about is defining what “all” means to you, as in, “Can I have it all?” A satisfying career, healthy relationships, if you’re married, a strong marriage, if you’re a parent, strong kids. His point is that