The Joy of Craft: A Paradoxical Approach for Learning to Do Things Well Paperback – March 6, 2016

The Joy of Craft: A Paradoxical Approach for Learning to Do Things Well by Zane Claes is a very useful composition in self improvement and I find that the tips provided in this book are highly valuable. This is a very engaging reading. Under twenty nine the chapters the author describes the facts categorized under two main headings. The first part is joy and the second part is craft. I had a clear idea on time management and how it can be used in my work efficiently and effectively maximizing the outcome by reading this book. The author has described everything clearly in a manner that every one can easily understand it. The discussion on motivation is a real up lifter and provides great impression to the reader as well. Valuable scientific information is also presented in this composition and the author has done a good research on the topic and he has great knowledge on the subject. The fact that this book provides practical situations is an added advantage over other books in this genre. This book provided me necessary steps and tips in harnessing my self improving my qualities and ability to approach the success. It will be really helpful for every one. Recommended reading!

If you every find yourself in a rut, or just feel like your life is lacking in some way The Joy of Craft is the book for you. The book is broken up into two categories, Joy and Craft. Both parts have chapters that break down the key components of his theory.I love it how we all have the ability to reinvent ourselves. We struggle and get tired of doing the very things we have passion for because it is expected of us and we are paid to do it. Claes shows the reader how to get out of this cycle and bring back the joy of what you do.I really love the idea of hobbies. You are fatigued not because you need rest, but because you need a break from your main project. There is so much good information in this book, with lots of analogies to help the reader visualize. It's interesting to see this all from a psychological view point, and makes bringing the joy and spark back into your life seem very simple and possible. I really reccomend this book.

I also got to read this book before it published. I think Zane Claes is living what he wrote about and referenced historical authors that exemplify the best in psychological understanding. This book was timely for me in my own life struggles and prospective as it gave some new insights as well refreshed some fuzzy beliefs that had been subdued. The Rolling Stones popularized "satisfaction" as a hit because not only does the music move you but almost everyone feels dissatisfaction variously in life! Recognizing mental processes that contribute to satisfaction is one of many topics touched on and explained in our mental gymnastics. This book is excellent at enlightening about the mental beliefs, realities and latest science regarding mindfulness. If your looking for modern interpretation of human self-actualization processes you will not regret the purchase. Good for any age of life experience.

When I first saw the book, I thought it would be a kind of how-to book on how to gain expertise in a hand-crafting skill. But it was definitely so much more than that. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am going to begin mindfully incorporating the principles it outlines in my day-to-day life. I have since forwarded the link for it to several people. I haven't enjoyed a book quite this much in a long time and I feel so blessed to have been able to be a beta reader for it. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves learning, or even just wants a refreshing look at how and why we do what we do. It shows you how to make choices and cultivate perspectives custom to your life that still exist within a framework of success backed by long history and cutting edge science.

Surprisingly great book. This kid has some fascinating insights and wisdom, beyond what his age might suggest. This book reads like an excellent research paper -- lots of good references supporting the thesis. And he ties it all together very well. What a good writer! My only nitpick is his attempts to explain things by "evolution" (as lots of writers do). They just seem odd, out of place, and purely speculative. Other than that, I rather love this book. Great explanation of why we enjoy work, and why we, in some circumstances, don't. Now, if I could just find out why I'm so lazy. (Now that I think about it, it does that too.)

Intelligently written and easy to read is usually an oxymoron, but not in this case. Zane explains that our happiness is often not in reaching our goals or achievements, but in the path or journey that brings us to that fulfillment, because they are often fleeting and changeable and not the end game we often think of. He dissects the craft or journey like a forensic pathologist. Such wisdom and insight is not often found in someone of such young age. If your mind is in a quandary about which way to go, this book will help you.

I've read about 30 books in 2016 and this was easily my favorite.I have given it as a gift to multiple people and that says a lot. I view it as a book that contains a summary of key points from other self help/psychology book as it touches on some ideas from Malcolm Gladwell, body language and posture from Amy Cuddy, and having growth mindsets vs fixed mindsets from Carol Dweck just to name a few. I highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it was incredibly interesting. The author dives deep into the interrelated topics of learning, success, money, and motivation and how they all work together in often uprising ways. I particularly enjoyed that this book managed to balance fascinating theory with simple, real world application, which makes it all the more valuable. An honest, well-researched, and entertaining exploration of what makes us tick and what brings us joy. I highly recommend it!