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50 Things Your Life Doesn’t Need

This is a book that is best taken in small doses.  I would suggest a chapter a day.  It’s not that the material calls a person to deep meditation, but the ideas presented here deserve time for reflection and rumination if they are to have the desired impact. 

Although there is little here that is profound and much of it is common sense, the ideas shared can be life-changing.  Davidson’s purpose is to challenge each of us to consider the things that get in the way of pursuing our passion—the thing that will bring us true fulfillment in life.

Some of his comments will cause you to smile, some to frown, and some will just get under your skin! Some things here will challenge you; some you will just find meddlesome or preachy.  Either way, you have the opportunity to consider whether to embrace the idea or not. 

I have my favorites in the collection and there are some with which I struggle.   In writing about “Perfection,” Davidson rightly points out that no one is perfect, but one can be remarkable if one finds and pursues his or her passion in life.  His key comment on “Poor Finances” is certainly appropriate—don’t spend more than you earn!  I am under conviction about his comments on “Instruction Manuals:  Learn Something Intimately” because I tend to be a generalist and would do well to learn more about less.  I am downright offended by his idea that you should get rid of college and seminary textbooks (even though some of mine are 50 years old).

Davidson simple asks that we take a clear look at what is really important in our lives and then to make some choices.  Once we have considered and cast off some of these hindrances, he suggests several questions to help clarify one’s vision.

  1. What do I spend time thinking about the most?
  2. If I’m known for only one thing, what is it?
  3. What do I value?
  4. What must I do every day?
  5. What do I tell other people about myself?
  6. When do I feel fulfilled?


Take a look at “50 Things Your Life Doesn’t Need.”  The insights you receive and the objections you raise may bring some clarity to your life and free you up to pursue your passion.
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Sam Davidson said…
Thanks, for the review, Ircel! And sorry about the textbook comment. :)
6:40 AM
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