Barbara Sher
Barbara Sher
Full Name and Common Aliases
Barbara Sher was a renowned American author, motivational speaker, and career consultant.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 8, 1935 (died November 15, 2022)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Author, Motivational Speaker, Career Consultant
Early Life and Background
Barbara Sher grew up in a traditional family with two siblings. She was known to have been an introverted child who found solace in writing and drawing. Her love for words and expression eventually led her to pursue a career as a writer.
Sher attended the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in English Literature. During this time, she developed a passion for helping others find their purpose and live fulfilling lives.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her life, Barbara Sher made significant contributions to personal development and motivation. Some notable achievements include:
Authoring 14 books on career development, productivity, and goal-setting.
Creating the concept of "Refuse Obligation" – a term she used to describe the tendency people have to take on commitments that drain their energy.
Establishing the Idler community, which aimed to help people with their careers and life goals.Notable Works or Actions
Barbara Sher's most notable works include:
Wishcraft (1979) – A book that introduced her concept of "Refuse Obligation" and encouraged readers to find and pursue their passions.
* Live the Life You Want! (2004) – A comprehensive guide to achieving personal fulfillment and success.
Impact and Legacy
Barbara Sher's influence on personal development and motivation cannot be overstated. Her work has helped countless individuals around the world discover their purpose, set goals, and live more fulfilling lives.
Her writing and speaking have inspired many people to take control of their careers and make meaningful changes in their lives. Sher's emphasis on the importance of self-awareness, goal-setting, and taking action has created a lasting impact on the personal development community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Barbara Sher is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful writings and motivational guidance. Her expertise on helping people achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives continues to inspire readers worldwide.
Her commitment to empowering others through education and self-awareness has left a lasting legacy in the world of personal development. As a testament to her enduring influence, Barbara Sher's work remains a go-to resource for individuals seeking motivation and guidance on their life's journey.
With a career spanning over four decades, Barbara Sher leaves behind a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration that will continue to motivate generations to come.
Quotes by Barbara Sher
Being judgmental about your own behavior is actually another cop-out because it makes you feel as though you’re doing something virtuous.
Sometimes the only thing we do to avoid success is refuse to be energetic on our own behalf.
Happy people have two things in common. They know exactly what they want and they feel they’re moving toward getting it.
If you’re burned out, learning something new or doing something creative is the cure.
Little by little, the process of writing your ideas in your Daybook will change the way you feel about not following up on every one of your good ideas, because it becomes so clear that planning, designing, and making a record of your ideas in something called a Scanner Daybook isn’t making a promise; it’s the way inventive people enjoy themselves.
In the days before automobiles, people in horse-drawn wagons used to sleep if they were tired. They didn’t worry about getting lost, because the horse knew the way home. Your heart knows the way to your gifts. You can trust it to take you to them.
If you’re unhappy, something important is going on. When your body hurts, it needs attention. When your heart hurts, it needs just as much attention. Your mind knows what you’ve been taught, but your heart knows who you really are.
There is always a realistic way to fulfill any dream. There has never been a dream that you can’t have – at least, not the heart of it, not the part you love the most.
