Back when I first started online, I subscribed to every thing. Every list, every blog, every product launch you name it I was on that list. As time went on, I discovered the “unsubscribe” button and learned to use it liberally.

Nowadays, I subscribe to fewer than 10 lists and I actually regularly read less than 5 of those. It’s not that the remaining lists I’m subscribed to aren’t good, it’s just that during any given week only 3 or 4 of those emails have a subject that interests me.

One of the blogs that I regularly open is the Seth Godin blog. He sent out an email with the subject “What matters now” and links back to his site where he’s giving away a free ebook. Lots of free ebooks aren’t worth the electrons they occupy, but Seth’s stuff is always, always good.

This one does not disappoint. It’s a compilation piece that 100 thought leaders contributed to. There were a few names on the list that I wanted to see what they said so I went ahead and downloaded the ebook.

Here are a few of the gems I’ve found in the ebook:

• You have to find your own schtick – Hugh MacLeod, p.10
• More megaphones does not equal better dialogue – Howard Mann, p.12
• Find the one percenters – Jackie Huba and Ben McConnel, p. 17
• Work your strengths – Marti Barletta, p. 22
• FOCUSED INTENSITY over TIME multiplied by GOD equals Unstoppable Momentum – Dave Ramsey, p. 27
• If you’re checking for email every 5 minutes, that’s 24,000 times a year. – Merlin Mann, p.73

Those are the just 5 gems in a book filled with gems.

Bottom line, there is an undercurrent that runs through all of the pages in the book. What matters now, is passion. Have passion for what you do, create purple cows and stand out from the crowd.

Seriously, you need to download the book and read it in order to get the full effect. It’ll take you 30 minutes of focused action to read the book, taking action on the recommendations in the book will take you a bit longer.

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