I confess that in the last year I have read not one, but two self-help books! I never read self-help books. Clearly, this year has made a liar out of me.

I loved Katie’s comment on last week’s Resist—and how entry. She told the story of a good friend who said to her “You can’t make a mistake I can’t fix. Just go for it.” Oh my, is that reassuring! Of course, that phrase is talking about a possible future mistake. My question today is: What if it’s already broken? What if whatever it is you’re trying to do in life is just not working, despite your best efforts? What do you do then? Do you recognize this scenario? I sure do.

I am a news junkie. I’m sure that comes as a surprise to no one. I am also fond of going down the occasional rabbit hole. About a year ago, I did an Alice (in Wonderland ) and followed a White Rabbit in the New York Times. It turned out to be a story about the book Designing Your Life.

I fell for this book hook, line and sinker. I did all of the exercises as I was reading the book (except for the one that takes three weeks. Come on, people, patience is not my virtue.) I laughed. I cried. I threw the book across the room. It took me longer than I expected to finish. At the end of the book, not only did I have amusing hand drawn pictures of myself (witness Dr. Mo on her magic carpet above), but I had three bizarre versions of possible futures for me. These futures bore little resemblance to the life I was living. I am now experimenting with bits from each of them. This blog is part of that new future.

If you feel like I did, I strongly encourage you to buy this book! Of course, many of you who read this blog regularly have already received a copy from me. (You’re welcome Bill Burnett & Dave Evans!) But for those who haven’t and who are game for an adventure starring you, click on the link and go for it!

(Full disclosure: If you buy a copy of this book through the link provided, I get a few cents that helps pay for the upkeep of the blog. Thanks if you do!)