David Lorenzo’s Career Intensity

I don’t read that many self-help books so I’m not entirely familiar with their general styles, content, and direction so reading David Lorenzo’s Career Intensity was a change of pace for me. When I first started reading it I had the feeling that David was trying to sell me something but after a few more pages I realized what he was trying to sell me: I alone am responsible for taking control of my career, I alone need to develop a roadmap and a schedule for my life, and that by doing so I would change my life for the better. While that all sounds dandy and good, David then launches into a framework that you can build upon and match to your particular lifestyle.

Here’s the description from Amazon.com:

The hallmark of successful entrepreneurs and top executives is career intensity - the drive for continuous individual improvement. It isn’t a genetic trait; it’s a strategy that can be learned and this book is designed to help level the playing field. It is a guide that will provide readers with the framework to begin a lifelong process of continuous improvements and growth. Apply the principles used by business superstars- Career Intensity will maximize career values and unwaveringly guide one to their dreams.

I think one of the most important lessons he tries to impart on you is that you should view your career as a business. In a business, you constantly re-evaluating, trying to figure out new ways of doing things, how to improve this or that, and in your career you should be doing the same. Your business is you. Always be learning and trying to figure out ways to improve your skills and hone your abilities.

Now, I mentioned before he outlines a framework for you to build upon… one of these ideas is that of a 3-9-27 pyramid in which you have 3 long term goals, 9 mid-term goals (under a year), and 27 week-long goals. I know that in my personal life I don’t really put any goals with definite endpoints. I have a general idea of what I want done and when I want to get it done but I never set a date, just generalities. I certainly don’t have my goal setting down the granularity of a week… but maybe I should.

Overall, I enjoyed the book because I think every so often you need to take a step back from the daily grind and look yourself in the mirror. It’s these reflective periods where you find you learn the most about yourself and how to improve yourself. In the daily grind you put your head down and plow forward, in the reflective moments you take a moment to look around and take stock. If you have a chance and happen upon this book in the bookstore, I strongly advise you pick up Career Intensity and give it a few pages.

If you want to learn more, check out David’s blog.