Feeling stuck or uninspired in your career? ‘Do Over’ by Jon Acuff is the ultimate guide to reinventing your work, reigniting your passion, and building a career you love.
Book Summary: Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck
The Bookworm’s Corner: A Peek Into My Reading Life
I’m constantly on the hunt for actionable insights to improve work and life. Jon Acuff’s Do Over stands out as a practical, inspiring guide for anyone ready to take control of their career. Let’s dive in!
Summary of Do Over
Jon Acuff’s Do Over challenges readers to rethink their careers with a fresh perspective. Acuff identifies four critical career-building components, or “Career Savings Account” (CSA) elements, that everyone can leverage to navigate career shifts or challenges:
- Relationships – Your network is your greatest asset. Invest in building authentic connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
- Skills – Continuously grow and refine your skills to remain relevant and capable in a competitive job market.
- Character – Who you are determines how far you can go. Strong character builds trust and credibility.
- Hustle – Action turns dreams into reality. Hard work and persistence are essential to achieving career success.
Acuff explains that a “career do-over” isn’t limited to major life changes. It can also be about overcoming stagnation, reigniting passion, or preparing for future opportunities. With practical advice, humor, and real-world examples, Acuff empowers readers to take proactive steps to navigate their careers with confidence.
How to Use Do Over to Maximize Your Success
I see endless potential in Acuff’s strategies for professional growth. Here’s how to apply his insights:
- Audit Your Career Savings Account: Reflect on your relationships, skills, character, and hustle. Which areas need more investment?
- Build Relationships with Intention: Attend networking events, connect with mentors, and cultivate meaningful professional relationships.
- Set Skill Development Goals: Identify one or two skills that will elevate your career, and create a plan to develop them.
- Embrace Hustle with Purpose: Apply focused effort to your goals, whether that means seeking a new role, starting a project, or improving processes at work.
How This Applies to Me as a Leader
I’ve seen how a proactive approach to career development transforms entire organizations. As a business coach and professor, I often share Acuff’s concepts to help students and professionals unlock their potential. In my own career, I’ve leveraged these principles to continue growing as an organizational leader and coach, ensuring that I remain adaptable and engaged in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Do Over reminds us that we’re never truly stuck. By investing in our CSA and embracing change, we can navigate challenges and create fulfilling careers.
If you’re ready to reinvent your career or simply energize your work life, Do Over is a must-read. Start by auditing your own Career Savings Account and taking one small step today. Remember, change begins with action!
Did you know I read over 60 books a year? I love how each book teaches me something new, and Do Over is one of those gems that I couldn’t put down. Acuff’s humorous yet practical advice had me nodding along and taking notes for my own career—and I think you’ll love it too.
APA Reference:
Acuff, J. (2015). Do over: Rescue Monday, reinvent your work, and never get stuck. Portfolio.