Inspirational Stories III : John Grisham & His Books

Out of John Grisham’s many books, sad to say, I’ve only read The Rainmaker. But that book alone is enough to make a good impression on me because as far as I can remember, he’s a very compelling writer. The way he wrote the plot was so captivating that I almost finished it in one day. Yes, it’s that good.

Much as I like his writing, I’m pleasantly surprised to know that he took an accounting major in college (like me!) before he went on to law school and later into full time writing! For those of you who’re having qualms whether to make a career switch and set goals for that, perhaps John Grisham’s story can bring you some inspiration.

Remember, if he can do it, so can you.

Baseball, Accounting or Law?

Born to a construction worker and housewife in Jonesboro Arkansas on 8 February 1955, it was never John Grisham’s ambition to be a writer. Instead, like every other boy in his neighbourhood, John was fascinated with baseball. In fact, he was so intrigued with the game that he wanted to be a professional baseball player. To help him fulfill his childhood ambition, when there was an opportunity to play baseball at college level in Mississippi State University, he took it up earnestly. Read more

Is Goals Free Living Suitable for You?

Have you ever consider living a life where all you have to do, is set down an initial direction and let life’s tidal waves sweep you by? You can change direction, switch paths along the way, but whichever beach you land will be determined by your circumstantial choices and not something that you have planned even before you set out to the sea.

As I reflect this concept first conceived by Stephen Shapiro, author of a book of the same name, I’ve realized that unknowingly, I used to live a life like that. Nothing concretely planned out. No SMART goals. The only thing I knew back then was that I’ve got to acquire a good education so that I could have a good job in the future and be happy. That’s all.

But I do admit that during the time when I was goal free, it was relatively a stress free phase. I wasn’t out on a mission to prove anything to anyone. I led a life having fun like every teenager, experimenting with little things and enjoying every moment of it. Interestingly, I never ran out of luck too as I always managed to get good grades for my school exams.

It was only during my Pre-university days that I’ve started to take a more active interest in my own consciousness. And since then, I’ve never really looked back. Life entirely goals free contains too much unpredictability that I can stomach. If you don’t plan your goals, you’ll most likely find yourself in someone else’s plan.

So, is Goals Free Living totally out of my dictionary?

Not really. Read more

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