Why Everyone Needs A Little Love Does

is a narrative of stories and ideas directly from Bob Goff’s life of pranks and whimsical capers as an international crime fighter, lover of life, man of adventure and father extraordinaire. Bob contends that love is not a passive or theoretical force, but a full contact emotion that can change every facet of one’s life. He will be the first to tell you that he doesn’t have it all together, but can guarantee you that he’s an active participant, enjoying the ride every step of the way. Bob brings joy and happiness to those he meets, and his book is overflowing with life and love lessons that are applicable to individuals, families, executives, employees and world leaders. He’s a wise, kind, brave, courageous, wild man who writes in a real and inspiring style. And like Bob, his book doesn’t fit a formula.

Bob lives life, rather than talking about it or worrying about it. In every chapter of his book he shares the spontaneous, contagious and authentic power of love in action and the lessons from his incredibly unique life experiences, like what he learned from picking up the phone and inviting Attorney General Ashcroft to go to Uganda with him, or sitting outside of a dean’s office for weeks begging his way into law school. Bob doesn’t do the expected—he advocates life like a pickup basketball game. If you’ve got a hook shot, bring it. If you’re not a good shooter, pass it. Either way, just give all the game you’ve got. And while I won’t give away any more of the joy from reading his book, I thought I’d share my top ten favorite takeaways:

1. Your life is not defined by what you believe, it’s about what you actively and deliberately participate in.

2. Don’t be afraid of failing at things that matter, be afraid of succeeding at things that don’t.

3. Stop thinking you shape circumstances and start letting them shape you.

4. Say yes, and see what happens.

5. Words don’t just describe who you are, they shape who you are.

6. Sharing your life with the right people is really important.

7. You can learn as much from a Jeep Wrangler as you can from a teacher, you just need to pay attention.

8. It’s more important to put your time into doing something, rather than putting it into trying to be someone.

9. Religion tastes awful, especially when you eat the fake stuff.

10. Don’t wait for every door to be opened for you, get ready to kick a few down.

Photo: Wagner T. Cassimiro “Aranha”