Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction

I have searched high and low for a book or website that would help me sort out my situation....the constant need to be challenged, the burning urge to feel fully utilized on the job, the inevitable fleeing when the job disappointment sets in. I've dragged my family all over the world, I've gotten high level degrees to ensure I could find my dream job, and yet that nagging feeling of boredom and disappointment perseveres! I've read all the Deepak Chopra, Napolean Hill, personal branding books I can stomach. I've memorized the secrets of highly successful people, I still don't know what color my parachute is, and if asked I would say someone really has moved my cheese!This is the first book that speaks directly to me, and not about making the most money as a woman, learning to voice your opinion with confidence, or finding 'balance' between work and family. It's about understanding who I am, why I act the way I do, and using that knowledge to shape my future. She understands my personality type, and instead of trying to mold me into a corporate automaton, has helped me see my pitfalls and adapt to the rest of the world. Finally there is hope for me!You have no idea how much this book means to me, and it couldn't have come at a better time (I'm planning a move right now, but now I know the real reasons why!). Every page I've read has made me look over my shoulder. 'Is she standing right behind me? Spying on me?' How she could understand my struggle so well is absolutely beyond me, but I am so grateful that she does. You will not regret this purchase!

Do you ask yourself, "Can I be happy? Is that enough? Am I born a certain way? Can I change myself? If I choose to let go or not be focused on achievement, who will I be? How can I find a life partner or keep my relationship healthy even when I am always busy?""Wander Woman: How High Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction" (Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2010) offers emotional antioxidants and avenues of deep introspection that trade the questions for answers.Marcia Reynolds is a Master Certified Coach and PsyD, organizational psychologist, an international pioneer in executive coaching, a coach's Coach. She is a revolutionary thought leader who blends ancient wisdom, evidence based neuroscience, and persuasive coaching techniques in a targeted guide for high achieving women. She is a Huffington Post blogger and a serious devotee of social media. Her Facebook and Twitter engagement and her personal blogs are blessings in the social space.I discovered Reynolds on Huffington Post and followed her social crumbs across new media. Every morsel of content the author shares online is rich and thought provoking. "Wander Woman" is no exception to her rule governing excellence.In a refreshing departure from coaching content du jour, the author does not channel celebrity spirits. She offers no funky discourse about law of physics applied to law of attraction that Max Planck Society scientists find wildly entertaining. "Wander Woman" is a welcome antidote for women suffering from law of attraction fatigue.I suffer from acute and chronic professional wanderlust. I am a restless spirit, a fractured soul. My adult journey has found me in newspaper reporting, magazine editing (print and online), real estate sales and training, online community management, risk management consulting, social media and blog coaching, and content creation across numerous venues. The author has the uncanny ability to make this reader think she tailored this book for me alone.Interestingly, Reynolds appeals to women navigating through, below, and away from the glass ceiling -- seasoned executives, middle managers with a yen to grow professionally without climbing the corporate ladder, and entrepreneurs.The author shares a poignant personal story of youthful adversity, a short stint in jail following an adventure with illegal drugs. She harnesses the will and power to transform a seminal experience into two masters' degrees and a doctoral degree, focusing on exploration of the human brain and behavior."This book is intended to help you answer the questions you ask when you wander ... Will I ever find peace of mind in the moment? Will I ever feel that the work I've done is good enough? How can I know if I am doing what I am meant to do as my purpose on this planet?" - Marcia Reynolds, MCC, PsyD.I found conclusive answers to each question in a compelling week of emotion packed reading.I debunked assumptions I shared with other women tied to self-limiting beliefs and uncompromising posture in key areas of my professional life.I applied Reynolds' scoring card to identify dominant behavior patterns as archetypes. I selected several archetypes to serve as my personal Board of Directors, and I summon their energy in combination, at will, when I commence my day. As my tasks and challenges vary, so do the energies attached to them. They respond energetically and joyfully to each challenge and they appear happy to be acknowledged.My Rebel archetype scored a solid 10, but I kept her off the Board ... she tends to incite emotional riots within me and with people around me. Revolutionary is more constructive, and working in conjunction with Visionary and Connector and Collaborator we may be able to score more success in some arenas. Coach and Teacher are busy these days, and their work will be enhanced with more input from Steward. Artist needs more oxygen. She is going to be Visionary's right arm.Reynolds explores emotional intelligence, choices and consequences in decision making, behaviors, and the capacity to learn."Wander Woman" is more than a book. It is a transformation program for high achieving women.I look forward to sharing proven Appreciative Dialogue techniques with a partner to problem solve issues. Appreciative Inquiry builds on what is working rather than trying to fix what is not working. Reynolds lays out the premise, step-by-step exercises, and constructs a strict "Appreciative Dialogue: Rules for the Road" the author has tested in companies and organizations across the country and around the world.The book includes step-by-step personal exercises and detailed instructions for creating communities of support where Wander Women can help each other by testing out new behaviors and celebrate their wins together.It is one of the best books I have ever read. I am inspired, grounded, and feeling clear and happy about my path. I am a Wander Woman wearing a quieted soul. The pain of fracture yields to contentment. This book is a treasure.

This is the first time I've ever read a book - or any kind of teaching/coaching - that so exactly describes my current state of mind. Honestly, I've been struggling with many "wander woman" issues for so long: fear of failing, fear of succeeding, perfectionism, lack of contentment in my jobs.... I am only halfway through the book but I just needed to say what an impact it has already had on me. I have a better understanding of what I've been experiencing (and no longer feel ALONE in feeling that way) and a whole bunch of tools to help me change. Down the road, I would love to invest in a career coach. For now, I will keep this book at my desk at work and reference it OFTEN. Thank you, Marcia.

This book is a gift to women; a veritable GPS guiding women from vague discontent through engaging exercises designed to introduce them to their bliss. Marcia makes clear the difference between acting out of obligation as opposed to developing a sense of purpose and deeper meaning.Through reading the book and completing the thoughtful exercises, such as "The Passion Quest" and "Giving Voice to Your Emotions," women can systematically discover what Marcia Reynolds calls their "grander purpose."I recommend this book to women everywhere who ever asked themselves the question, "Is that all there is?" Marcia's thorough research and careful case studies will help you reach your untapped potential and map a course toward the life that is calling you, your authentic life.

Perfect book - Feel like she is speaking directly to me. I highly recommend this book for any woman who needs that support and understanding ; you are not alone and this is comforting.

Wander Woman: How High Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction contains what today's women leaders must know to have the impact have envisioned. Marcia Reynolds has captured the current mindset of women leaders who are no longer trying to achieve "balance." They are hungry for strategies that will allow them to realize their professional aspirations, while not sacrificing the rest of who they are. This book contains fascinating research that supports the notion that it is possible to achieve a sense of purpose while maintaining alignment with ones values. Reynolds says, "You can feel contentment in your restlessness." What a relief!

Really constructive and enlightening read which has proved incredibly helpful. I bought the kindle version and have highlighted so many key passages that I actually went ahead and bought the paperback version too.One for the bookshelf for any professional female who is navigating a constricting and stifling workplace whilst managing a busy personal life too!

I would recommend this book to every woman who already have a career and want to progress ahead or trying to find the right career path for themselves. I have recommended this book to all the woman i know , as it is a GEM.Not every woman can hire a career coach, and this book is excellent in acting as your own career coach.The simple eye opening exercises are brilliant and provides insights into the process of self evaluation and transformation.Highly recommanded.

Written in a very easy style with some research that I can relate to and some food for the brain. Very happy to have found it!

I was disappointed in this book because it says nothing new or insightful about women or anyone else. I thought it was just another mediocre self-help book really.