PENGUIN The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

We often talk about someone being "in their element" when they appear to both excel at something and enjoy it at the same time. Think of top sports stars, actors, musicians, or speakers. But what exactly is this "element"? Is it something anyone can access? Is it different for everyone? Turns out the answers to the last two questions are 'yes' and 'yes'. The first question forms the basis of this book.Ken Robinson sets out to detail what the element is, how famous examples have found theirs, and how it could radically impact the lives of individuals and wider society. Win.It's a fascinating read and really gives you food for thought about what your element might be. And herein lies the small snag at the heart of the book. He doesn't really give you any real direction as to how you might go about finding yours. True, you might find inspiration in the examples he gives of others, including Paulo Coelho, Ridley Scott, Paul McCartney, Mick Fleetwood and Susan Jeffers. But a little more assistance might have been nice - especially given his focus on the importance of those mentors and teachers who have helped his examples find theirs. Perhaps this is because he wants you to buy his follow-up book.The first couple of chapters get a little repetitive and after a while, the endless congratulatory stories of a person going from having a terrible time to loving life get very same-y, but from about chapter 4 onwards the book hits its stride. It's a damning indictment of the education system, although more solutions could have been offered than just showing more examples of schools that do things differently. It's easy to criticise a system, but much harder to propose a new one.That being said, it's still a fascinating and inspirational read, and highly recommended reading - particularly for policymakers.

Based on the phrase "being in your element". The author question the conforming pressures of social norms and challenges us to be more free thinking, and daring enough to break from the mould and truly discover ourselves.This is linked in with his criticism of education, which does not cater for diversity and squeezes children down very narrow channels.His views and outlooks on identity, finding satisfaction and simply being yourself fit in perfectly with my job as a counsellorAn easy read that challenges you to think "Am I really happy with my life and my job, or am I just doing things that everyone else expects me to do!"

Challenge what is your ELEMENT!The term is often used as a pinnacle and state of mind.With all books and coaching if you can takeaway one thing that can make a change or have impactIts worth it.

Ken Robinson's emphasis on finding our true abilities and passions is in my opinion foundational to the true and positive growth of any society/industry. He does an excellent job of outlining the cracks in our systems and the flaws that underline our education system in particular.He outlines how every individual will only find true happiness and fulfillment when they find their element and spending as much time in it as possible. He explains how the education system needs to nurture this idea instead of work against it.The book will be an eye-opener to anyone who reads it and inspire the reader to think more carefully about the direction of their lives.Great read!

I haven’t even finished the book yet, but from the first chapter, it is definitely an essential read. It is immediately relatable, inspiring and sparks that creative / passion within yourself. It also gives you some topics to consider around our modern world and for future generations.