Creative approaches for designing a more balanced life and career In the graphic design industry, kerning is the fine–tuning or adjustment of space between letterforms (type). In this book, author Justin Ahrens applies this concept to both the life and career of business professionals. There is a common misconception that positive change in one′s life only comes from a complete system overhaul. Ahrens challenges this notion by inviting business leaders and professionals to not only reassess the various spaces and goals of one′s life, but to rethink our understanding of balance altogether. This book includes insights and observations from both the creative and professional world. Guides you in determining what you′re passionate about, and how to keep those passions in the forefront of your life and career How to create work that stands apart How to cultivate and maintain a group of wise mentors Develop critical decision–making skills Live a life that fuels your work, and work in a way that fuels your life. Life Kerning shows you how.
Life Kerning
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From the Inside Flap
Great design comes not in the lightning strike of a brilliant idea but in the painstaking process of refinement. Part of the design process involves kerning, the meticulous adjustment of space between letterforms (type). And so it is in life that the achievement of excellence comes not in broad strokes but in deliberate and incremental change. In Life Kerning, author Justin Ahrens applies this concept to both your life and career. There is a common misconception that positive change can only come from a complete system overhaul. Ahrens challenges this notion by inviting business leaders and professionals to not only reassess the goals of your life, but also to rethink your understanding of balance altogether. Using insights and observations from both the creative and professional world, this book guides you in determining what you′re passionate about, and then how to keep those passions in the forefront of your life and career. Discover strategies to apply to your life and career that will allow you to: Reach out to others strategically and trust the collaboration process Create space in your life and add enjoyment to your day–to–day existence Develop critical decision–making skills Establish an inspiring and motivating workplace environment Learn how and when to ask for more Embrace your curiosity, and become a catalyst for positive change Live a life that fuels your work, and work in a way that fuels your life. Life Kerning shows you how, one miniscule step at a time.
From the Back Cover
Small steps toward the elusive work–life balance:Live a life that fuels your work, and work in a way that fuels your life. Life Kerning shows you how, one miniscule step at a time. "I just love this book. And you will, too, if you strive to be a human being and not a human doing. It′s about simple truths: Serve others. Say thank you. Create more good. Believe in something bigger than yourself. Do what you love. This isn′t rocket science—it′s just a great guide for assessing what′s important in your life. Read Life Kerning, take it to heart, and watch everything around you get a little bit better." — Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and Lead with LUV "Life Kerning is a very good read. The style is such that you feel like Justin is alongside you as you both discover how to navigate work and life. As I was reading it, I found myself drawn further and further into the concepts just by the authenticity with which they were delivered, but honestly, the concepts themselves are meaty but accessible. I′m going to give this away to a lot of my friends and clients." — David C. Baker, ReCourses, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on a True Story
28 Nov 2011
By Von Glitschka
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Before Life Kerning was a book, I witnessed it first hand through the life and work of it's eventual author Justin Ahrens. When I first met him back in 2008 I realized he was a different kind of creative person, sure I admired his design work but there was more to it than a mere aesthetic appeal. It went deeper, it had meaning beyond our industry, it was real and he was excited about it and wanted to share it with others.
Ahrens insights will help pinpoint and cause you to remember moments in your life, thoughts you've entertained but never moved forward with, awake convictions you've held but haven't acted upon. You'll smile, shake your head in agreement, and than suddenly realize with clarity the kerning your own life would benefit from. I suppose someone could merely write this off as another self-help book, but if they do their going to miss a very fun ride. And I say "ride" instead of "read" because this isn't a "How to" book, it's a "Go do" book. And the ride it'll take you on will be well worth the time you invested.
When Justin encouraged me to "Serve and Change" it literally changed the entire way I looked at everything. My life had way too many gapping holes of self serving ideals and goals, but once I took the time to simply serve and use my talent for the sake of someone else, the change it brought was refreshing and life kerning.
This book may have been written by a designer, but it's application, motivation, and inspiration is universal and timeless.
Ahrens insights will help pinpoint and cause you to remember moments in your life, thoughts you've entertained but never moved forward with, awake convictions you've held but haven't acted upon. You'll smile, shake your head in agreement, and than suddenly realize with clarity the kerning your own life would benefit from. I suppose someone could merely write this off as another self-help book, but if they do their going to miss a very fun ride. And I say "ride" instead of "read" because this isn't a "How to" book, it's a "Go do" book. And the ride it'll take you on will be well worth the time you invested.
When Justin encouraged me to "Serve and Change" it literally changed the entire way I looked at everything. My life had way too many gapping holes of self serving ideals and goals, but once I took the time to simply serve and use my talent for the sake of someone else, the change it brought was refreshing and life kerning.
This book may have been written by a designer, but it's application, motivation, and inspiration is universal and timeless.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing Perspective on Business and Life
12 Nov 2011
By Kara Ayaram
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Life Kerning is engaging and refreshing. This book strikes the fine balance between a good read and one that's packed with insightful takeaways that are easy to incorporate into any scenario. None of Ahrens' tips require a business overhaul or abrupt life change. They are small "fine-tuning" adjustments that are already making a big difference on the way I see my career and how it fits into my life. Strategies like:
* "Create Space" (making room for the important things in life)
* "Play Nicely with Others" (how to start or improve strategic collaborative relationships)
* "Do What You Love" (...and how to get back to loving what you do)
* "Serve and Change" (easy ways to incorporate serving into your work day)
* "Balance is a State of Mind" (True balance is different for everyone, and knowing that is half the battle)
The book is really well laid out and easy to read (more thanks to Ahrens' friendly writing style). And as a special bonus, 7" x 7" is a great size (easy to take anywhere), and it's filled with witty illustrations in each chapter. Also the flaps make it easy to bookmark a tip I'm currently working on. It would make a perfect gift for any business owner, professional, or creative in your life.
* "Create Space" (making room for the important things in life)
* "Play Nicely with Others" (how to start or improve strategic collaborative relationships)
* "Do What You Love" (...and how to get back to loving what you do)
* "Serve and Change" (easy ways to incorporate serving into your work day)
* "Balance is a State of Mind" (True balance is different for everyone, and knowing that is half the battle)
The book is really well laid out and easy to read (more thanks to Ahrens' friendly writing style). And as a special bonus, 7" x 7" is a great size (easy to take anywhere), and it's filled with witty illustrations in each chapter. Also the flaps make it easy to bookmark a tip I'm currently working on. It would make a perfect gift for any business owner, professional, or creative in your life.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life is an art. Turn your life into the masterpiece it should be.
26 Nov 2011
By Kelsey
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Often a well-designed ad is simply a slight tweak from perfection. In "Life Kerning," Justin Ahrens drawls on his experiences as a designer and small businessperson to offer easy and concrete ways to tweak the way you work and live. As he states, "You are closer than you think."
"Life Kerning" is useful.
I say "yes" too much. After one sitting "Life Kerning" helped me look at opportunities in a new way: Will I have fun? Will I make money? Will I reach an audience that will help spread my message? The next day I was presented with one of those "we can't pay you what you normally get, but..." opportunities and busted out my yes/no "Life Kerning" lesson and took all the wishy out of the wishwashiness that too often invades my decision making process.
Ahrens makes the argument for establishing an advisory board -- a cabinet of trusted peers who will shoot straight with you -- and he presents you with steps and guidelines how to establish one of your own. Before I was done with this section, I had a list of possible people scribbled in the margins to ask to be on my board.
Life Kerning is inspiring.
So many business or self-help books require massive change. Stop checking your email! Work less! Work more! Ahrens doesn't shout at you to overhaul your life or your business. There's no lesson from "Life Kerning" that isn't doable. And the knowledge that I'm closer to being a more efficient, productive, and balanced ME, made this one of the most inspiring books I've read in the past year.
"Life Kerning" is useful.
I say "yes" too much. After one sitting "Life Kerning" helped me look at opportunities in a new way: Will I have fun? Will I make money? Will I reach an audience that will help spread my message? The next day I was presented with one of those "we can't pay you what you normally get, but..." opportunities and busted out my yes/no "Life Kerning" lesson and took all the wishy out of the wishwashiness that too often invades my decision making process.
Ahrens makes the argument for establishing an advisory board -- a cabinet of trusted peers who will shoot straight with you -- and he presents you with steps and guidelines how to establish one of your own. Before I was done with this section, I had a list of possible people scribbled in the margins to ask to be on my board.
Life Kerning is inspiring.
So many business or self-help books require massive change. Stop checking your email! Work less! Work more! Ahrens doesn't shout at you to overhaul your life or your business. There's no lesson from "Life Kerning" that isn't doable. And the knowledge that I'm closer to being a more efficient, productive, and balanced ME, made this one of the most inspiring books I've read in the past year.
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