A Life's Work: Learning to Overrule My Mindless Brain

I have borrowed and read this book and decided to purchase one as a gift for a friend. The author, Shep McKenney, candidly tells his own story, taking the readers through his successes and failures in both the professional and personal aspects of his life. His pursuit of happiness and life purpose, a pursuit that is common in every man, will make people see that we are all the same creatures seeking answers to our questions. By telling his story, he shows that even though he reached professional and financial success in life, he still went through a quest for answers, just as any ordinary person does, in almost every stage or phase of life. What will make one ultimately happy? Is this all that life is meant to be? Is there more to do so that one can achieve that elusive peace and contentment? As the author tells each phase, it is interesting that the chapters of the book have subtitles using well-known lines from famous people, giving a hint about what the next chapter is. I like these thought-provoking lines that he used and the ensuing questions he asked himself. In the author's search for the answers about happiness, peace, relationships, contentment and fulfillment, he explored religion and spirituality, science and philosophy. And all throughout his search, he wanted to find out the connection between the brain and the self. Does the brain have a role in controlling our lives or is it us who have the control over it. Has the brain pre-determined our course of life or are we the ones yet to program it so that we find what fulfills the self by overruling the brain. Thus, the title of his book, as it took a lifelong journey to discover, realize and be convinced that he can learn to overrule his brain, as such not having a mind of its own, in order to be happy. He learned through life, by his own patterns and choices, that running counter to what one truly wants because of expectations, which can either come from others or from himself, is what sabotaged his happiness. There was a point in his life when he realized he was finally "moulded", and he would keep going on with his life trying to fit into the bigger moulds. As he rose to more success and wealth, he was conflicted about his own faith, satisfaction, contentment, purpose and happiness. I like that the author, Shep McKenney, was as well candid about his faults, failures and negligence, particularly in his relationships with his loved ones. Readers can read through this book what it takes to find the answers that we all search for. Because as we are all called to live this life fully and purposely well, either for ourselves or for others, we are all the same in that search, whether we are rich or poor. The important lessons, among others, that I find most useful are his thoughts on moral courage, the trauma that we don't sometimes realize we have until our actions have affected others, how perfection, expectations and materialism can be our main obstacle to happiness, how we can acknowledge God without being boxed in religious forms, and, how we sometimes hand children the wrong tools in life and even the wrong directions or purpose. I hope that with this book, more people who are still searching for meaning in life, will pick up valuable life lessons here.

“A Life’s Work” is an inspiring little read that examines why so many people struggle to find happiness in a day and age that’s full of material abundance. Part memoir, part ‘self-help book,’ author Shep McKenney uses personal examples to highlight the struggles that arise when people are de-programmed from their natural childhood state of awe and wonder and instead molded into a worker drone of single-minded focus: the struggle between conforming to societal expectations and following what makes you truly happy.Yet while the book is firmly in the self-help camp, it completely inverts genre expectations by presenting the reader with something more holistic than what’s typically found in the traditional fare. There’s no one concrete answer or plan here, which is refreshing. Every person is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Mr. McKenney highlights how being overly religious can be damaging to a person’s psyche and thought processes, while leaning too far in the other direction —towards sciences like philosophy and psychology— can be just as destructive to a person’s mental state as extremist religion. Instead, both things have their place, but in moderation. He discusses how things like meditation and Zen can be useful, but trying to get too caught up in the mechanics of the process can actually *create* more mental noise; not reduce it. And speaking of mechanics, Mr. McKenney even talks about how the brain is technically a computer, but we can’t rely on *that* for any easy answers about life, either. He suggests instead that we examine all of these approaches, see them for what they’re worth, and try to find a way that they can all work *together* to help us find that balance between being both mentally present and prepared for the future.In fact, ‘living in the moment’ is the thread that ties the whole book together. Too many people get so caught up with what might happen in the future (or what needs to get done *right now* to prepare for the future) that they miss the very life taking place immediately around them. Or, even more profoundly, people become so fixated on what they expect their life to become that they lose sight of the life that *is.* Mr. McKenney illustrates this beautifully with dreams of wanting to be a country lawyer, but instead finding himself navigating a lifetime in various occupations within the world of Big City Business. Only when he stopped fighting societal expectations and trying to reconcile his adult life with his childhood dreams did he finally realise how to be happy in a world that demands everything of us with only meaningless material possessions in return: enjoy the life that you have right now, in this moment, and don’t obsess over the future.There’s no guarantee that life will take us where we actually want to go, whether through the peer pressure of the nameless, faceless entity that is society or through circumstances that lead us far away from our desired dreams and plans. There’s no way we can ever know what all of the stops along our journey of life will be. That’s the entire point of life, so we shouldn’t obsess over these aspects that we have no control over. We should focus on the journey itself instead. Be present and mindful in the current moment, and recognize it for the miracle that it is. That’s where true happiness is found.

A Life's Work by Shep McKenney is an amazing read that left a deep impression on me. I was truly inspired by the author's words and his personal journey towards discovering what really matters in life. It felt like I was having a heart-to-heart conversation with a close friend.One of the things that I really appreciated about this book was the author's openness and honesty. He shared his own experiences and struggles, which made it easy to relate to him on a personal level. The practical advice he offered was also very helpful, and I found myself applying it to my own life.The book covers a wide range of topics, from cultivating healthy relationships to pursuing our passions and living in alignment with our values. I especially appreciated the author's emphasis on the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. He encourages readers to explore their inner selves and discover their true potential.Overall, A Life's Work is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to live a more fulfilling life. It is an uplifting and empowering read that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take action towards your goals. I am grateful to have stumbled upon this book and will definitely be revisiting it in the future.

If you are reading this book, it indicates that you are seeking some transformation. We may claim that many of us are successful in certain areas of our lives while feeling lost and hopeless in others. When we experience such inertia, we frequently fail to recognise that it may result from numerous internal fears. Because of all that, we take a very long time to address our problems, which locks us from leading a truly beneficial life.But can you list the villains of your inertia? We can say that some are traumas during life, limiting beliefs, anxiety and many more. Every individual is different.In this book, the author attempts to present the reader with a fundamentally different way of thinking about experiencing value in his life by sharing his journey in intimate details about his struggles with doubts, fears of failure, and feelings of inadequacy.Instead of bragging about his successes, this brave author shares his mistakes and more profound flaws, forging a bond with readers and inspiring them to take action to bring about change in our reality. He also shares great information and lessons which trains the reader's brain to be aware to help them become the people they always want to be and live the life they desire. Even with challenging stories, the writing is always alive, and you can't put it down once you start reading.It certainly inspired me. Therefore I highly recommend it!

Judging by the title, I approached A Life's Work: Learning to Overrule My Mindless Brain by Shep McKenney with an open mind as everyone's life is unique and is structured by the choices each of us make. I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I relished every chapter!Spanning around practicality, philosophy, religion, mythology, technology and science, and his entire life, the author's quest to understand his brain (it's functions, actually) begins at a very young age. Upon every stage of his life, from tween to teen, to adult and maturity he finds ways to overpower his ever disturbing brain with a mind of its own that doesn't allow him to feel good about his near-perfect life. And wow, he does succeed!I'm so glad I came across A Life's Work: Learning to Overrule My Mindless Brain by Shep McKenney. It wasn't only a joy to read but also motivating to learn to have absolute control over my brain. It's not going to be easy to do so, but thanks to the author for sharing his life's work, I shall certainly try.

"A Life's Work" is an inspiring read on why many people struggle with happiness. Through his own examples, Shep McKenney highlights the struggle between conforming to societal expectations, and following what brings true joy and satisfaction, instead of reverting to a childlike sense of awe and wonder.He elaborates on his lifelong attempt to discover happiness, from his childhood, with his origin family, through his high school and college stages, his marriage and fatherhood, his careers and roles, and his health issues, to the inner contemplation that resulted in the astonishing finding of the keys of delight. His major life goal was to control his senseless impulses and uncover the still inner voice that consistently understands what is correct and reputable. All of these experiences impacted his life in some way.It is not certain that life will bring us to the location we truly wish to be, whether it be due to the pressures of society or situations that drive us away from our wanted hopes and plans. Be aware of the current moment, acknowledging its miraculous elements. I found myself drawn to this book, in the constant struggle with the concept of happiness and how to achieve it. I believe that this book would be beneficial to all. It is my opinion that no one should postpone their most pressing matters. If family and society’s expectations get you down, this book can help.

A Life's Work: Learning to Overrule My Mindless Brain", author Shep McKenney inspiring journey towards happiness. His realisations have inspired him to write this book about how our computer brains limit our ability to be happy. Although it is not an easy subject to write about for him. He has made very clear that each of us, independent of our genetic makeup or personal life situation, has the innate power to create happiness for ourselves and others. It is so obvious that it is reduced to platitudes. He has also shared his life experiences and gave beautiful examples like "Live in the present"; "See the glass as half full, not half empty"; and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.Overall good read. Would recommend this book.

Shep McKenney started his journey when he realised that despite having everything he should want or need, he wasn’t actually happy.During the book the reader is taken on a journey to discover what happiness really is and how we achieve it. Shep has used his own personal experiences to explain this subject and this helps the reader feel a connection.I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a journey of discovery and positive life changes.