a book that changed my life (no, really!)

I've read this book, like, six or seven times. Throughout different seasons of my life it has provided me with much-needed directions and sage advice. The author, Meg Jay, first rose to prominence because of a TED Talk about how "30 is not the new 20”. If you don't have time to read the book, definitely watch the video. 

In my early twenties, it helped me understand the importance of something called “identity capital”. As Dr. Jay puts it:

"Identity capital is our collection of personal assets. It is the repertoire of individual resources that we assemble over time. 

Identity capital is how we build ourselves - bit by bit, over time. Most importantly, identity capital is what we bring to the adult marketplace. It is the currency we use to metaphorically purchase jobs and relationships and other things that we want." 

In my mid-twenties, it helped me understand the importance of widening my community and connecting with so-called "weak ties" (i.e. people outside of my immediate community who have different connections. Jay says weak ties are, like, "bridges you cannot see all the way across, so there is no telling where they might lead." 

As I inch closer to the big 3-0, it’s continuing to guide me. Over the past years, it has instilled a sense of confidence in me. Confidence, according to the book, is knowing that I'm able to accomplish something new and challenging because I've accomplished similar things in the past. 

The Defining Decade has changed my life and I've given away numerous copies because I believe it's relevant to anyone in the midst of the defining decade. Without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. It has not only helped me understand which path I should take, but it has helped me to look for important guideposts along the way.