In Review:

Taking a Path Less Traveled: Certain Success in an Uncertain World

Luck by Design, Certain Success in an Uncertain World
Author: Richard E. Goldman
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Publication Date: 2009
Length: 212 pages
Price: $27.95 in hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-1-60037-432-6
Source: www.morganjamespublishing.com

Leigh Isaacs

Luck by Design, Certain Success in an Uncertain World by Richard E. Goldman is a motivational and thought-provoking book that falls outside the realm of the traditional “selfhelp” books. Goldman began his career in a small, local clothing store that evolved into what is now the Men’s Wearhouse. He has taken experiences from his own journey through life, with its unexpected twists and turns, and translated them into a captivating, easy-to-read narrative.

At an early age, Goldman thought he knew the path he was destined to take in life. When that didn’t work out as planned, he followed his instincts and took a few risks to travel down another path. Against the advice of those individuals whose counsel he valued, he invested several thousand dollars in an unknown start-up company.

Through hard work, a genuine appreciation for building relationships, high professional and personal standards, and intuition, Goldman became owner of the Men’s Wearhouse. Because of this “luck,” he was able to retire early and now lives what he refers to as his dream life.

But was it just “luck” that afforded him this success? The very nature of the title captures the essence of the book; luck is not something that just happens. It is something individuals must create for themselves. Regardless of a person’s profession or goals it is important to take control of one’s own destiny.

Goldman’s stories will entertain as he chronicles his journey and how he discovered along the way that self-awareness and attention to surroundings are imperative to shaping one’s own destiny. These qualities allow individuals to recognize both opportunities and pitfalls as they present themselves, and realize that, more often than not, getting what is wanted and adjusting the plans brings an individual to a better place in life – or as Goldman says, find one’s “luck.”

Although you may have heard much of the sage advice he offers, Goldman relays his lessons in a lighthearted and humorous manner. He directs the content of his book to the children of the Baby Boomer generation and attempts to address various issues they will face when making choices for their future and planning for success. This is no get-rich-quick book, but rather a straightforward plan to achieve personal and professional success.

The value of having balance in life and the importance of taking care of physical and emotional selves are stressed in the book. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that can be applied universally. He clearly sends the message that individuals must define, pursue, and achieve success and happiness in their own way, but there are many lessons that can be applied to those who have a desire to listen.

Luck by Design highlights the results of actions and inactions of the Baby Boomer generation, some of which have created problems here and abroad. The book is a collection of practical advice that worked for Goldman. Of particular relevance are his theories that:

• Management starts with managing one’s self.
• Hard work is only one requirement for success. Individuals cannot underestimate the need to plan, design, and possess the ability to readjust those plans and designs.
• Messages are sent at a very early age through television, schools, movies, and so on that result in a warped view of reality and how life works.
• Post-Baby Boomer generations will have to work harder and longer – and likely settle for less than generations before them.

Download the PDF version here.

Leigh Isaacs can be contacted at lisaacs@orrick.com.

From July - August 2010