Book Club

By Shelley Hourston

Take Yourself to the Top: Success from the Inside Out
Laura Berman Fortgang
Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2005
ISBN:1-58542-447-1

Take Yourself to the Top is a revision of Laura Berman Fortgang’s first book published in 1998. Intended for professionals and entrepreneurs, Fortgang states at the outset that the book is not a typical job/career search resource. She does not address cover letters or interviewing skills. She writes that the revised and expanded edition will “help you take your personal and professional life to the next level.”

Throughout the fifteen chapters, Fortgang discusses the interconnectedness of personal and professional life and advocates work/life balance as essential to success. Practical suggestions involve achieving clarity around boundaries, values, vision, goals and focus. Success also requires attending to time management practices, organizational skills/decluttering, and health issues including diet and exercise. She emphasizes the value of reserving at least 15 minutes of “quiet time” or meditation each day.

Fortgang’s writing style is clear and compelling. While many books in the self-help category offer advice that is common-sense but difficult to implement, Fortgang’s enthusiastic voice combined with many examples from her coaching practice provide persuasive evidence of the benefits to be gained by applying her approach. Short exercises appear throughout the book and each chapter concludes with a check list of key points. Whether you are looking for a resource to kick start your own career or a motivating guide for a client, Take Yourself to the Top is worth reading.

Review written by Shelley Hourston, a community development librarian, writer, workshop leader and coach who helps people achieve professional success through discovery of their strengths, creativity and resilience. Contact her at www.shourstonandassociates.com