** Books mentioned have Amazon affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.

When I first started blogging (about 4 years ago now), two of my very early mentors were Chris Guillebeau and Tara Sophia Mohr. Today, I’d like to introduce you new books by these authors (Tara Mohr’s comes out today).

The Happiness of Pursuit

Chris Guillebeau is a young man who had a quest to visit every country in the world by the time he was 35.

He was blogging about living an unconventional life and travel hacking (learning how to use travel programs for free flights and hotel rooms).

Chris Guillebeau speaking at Indigo

I first bought one of his unconventional guides (Art + Money) to help me learn how to bring my photographic art to the online world.

Since then, I’ve read all three of his books, including his most recent, The Happiness of Pursuit, which followed the completion of his quest.

This book is about quests in general, his own as well as those of many others that he discovered along the way (a ten year journey). Guillebeau delves into the why of doing a quest and the benefits that ensue.

Last week, I went with a friend to the Indigo Bookstore in Toronto, where Chris spoke about the book. We talked later about how there are many types of quests. Life in general is a quest, as well as marriage, parenting, and grandparenting.

Here’s what Chris says about quests in the book.

My most important takeaway from Chris’ talk was that, while he always has fears, he never lets them make his decisions.

My quest to live a contemplative life through photography is ongoing. Do I have another type of quest in me? Possibly visiting every national park in the U.S. and Canada. How about you?

Playing Big

In 2010, Tara Sophia Mohr started an online program for women called Playing Big. I participated in the very first offering of this program with more than 100 women from all over the world. Since then, more than a thousand women have gone through the program and I’m so pleased to say that Mohr’s book, Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message, based on what she learned along the way, is out today.

This program was instrumental in giving me the confidence to create my very first online workshop and to share my voice on my blog. It gave me the foundation to be able to persevere and expand my offerings and readership. While I don’t have a copy of the book yet (I have three on the way), I plan to use it as a review of the lessons and to help plan for the future of my business. The main teachings I learned from Tara were to start before you’re ready, to grow and evolve by paying attention to that inner voice, and to unhook from praise and criticism.

Playing Big is not just about business. It’s about playing bigger in your life, trusting your callings, and doing what’s most important for you in a way that serves the whole. Below are some of my writings on Playing Big.

You can buy both of these books below (Amazon affiliate links).

However, if you’re interested in the Playing Book (whether you’re a woman or not), please comment and tell me why. The first person to comment will get a copy from me.