In Beyond Potential, Kate Kayaian aims to provide a blueprint for creatives seeking the optimal lifestyle according to their own definitions.

Kayaian is a professional cellist, writer, coach, and much more. Creatives, she notes, can range from musicians and dancers to writers, painters, and others relying upon imagination and innovation in their life’s work. She logically walks readers through the process of understanding where they currently are in their careers and what messaging brought them there, inviting readers to answer questions like: “What kinds of things were considered possible in your household?” and “If today were truly the end [of your life], what would you regret not having done?”

She then moves forward to help readers define their true goals, hopes, and dreams and reignite their passions—and lays out a thoughtful plan to get them to their unique point. For example, she asks people to find ways to turn “no” into “yes.” If, perhaps, readers really want to get another degree but feel they don’t have enough time for classes, they could think about what would happen if, instead, they looked at it this way: “Yes, if I arrange my schedule and take one class at a time, I can gradually earn the credits I need.” Parts of the book contain places to journal in response to prompts.

Kayaian is thorough in her guidance. She writes clearly and crisply, offering a broad range of engaging examples that can help readers see themselves in new ways. Perhaps not all exercises will resonate with everyone; however, if readers are serious about revitalizing a creative career, many of the exercises are sure to help.

The process that Kayaian details requires in-depth soul searching, but if creative readers are committed to the quest, they will almost certainly emerge refreshed and enthusiastic after reading this book.