A young sociologist shows readers how to reach personal fulfillment using the same strategies that power Silicon Valley’s greatest startups

As an entrepreneur, Anna Akbari learned that one of the best things about startups is their ability to “pivot” quickly basically a euphemism for failing and starting over. And she quickly found that personal success is no different. Creating meaningful fulfillment is not just about setting goals; it requires hustle, heart, and some clever hacks. Happiness demands rigor and daily maintenance far beyond a few positive affirmations. Like any Silicon Valley startup, the business of life is not as glamorous as its Instagram account would make it seem.

So what do you do when planning is not an option? When control is out of your reach? You isolate the small stuff, experiment constantly, and see what sticks. The road may be bumpy, but the ride is infinitely more enjoyable.

Living a startup life is about maximizing flexibility and measuring ongoing results, not avoiding failure or reaching one particular end goal. It’s about embracing defeat, analyzing it, and failing up. After all, it’s often the stumbles that pave the way for real happiness.

“Anna Akbari’s thoughtful and accessible take on how to create personal fulfillment and what it means to be a leader both professionally and personally can help to set you on the right path.” - Cassandra Kelly, Chair of Pottinger

“Budding entrepreneurs should benefit greatly from Akbari’s sound advice.” - Publishers Weekly

“You can be the startup CEO of your own life, and Anna Akbari teaches you how in this indispensable guide. Her personal tales and time-tested advice inspire and motivate it’s the extra push you need for living your best life.” - Alexa von Tobel, founder and CEO of LearnVest and New York Times bestselling author of Financially Fearless