I first heard about Becoming You through podcasts and was intrigued by Suzy Welch’s focus on helping people discover their “Area of Transcendence.”
The book is based on her class at NYU Stern School of Business and explores how values, aptitudes, and economically viable options come together to shape a fulfilling path. Welch provides resources both in the book and online to guide readers through the process.
What Stood Out
Three ideas especially resonated with me:
- The Values Bridge. Welch’s unique framework for exploring values stood out most. She includes 15 core values in the book (and has since added a 16th on her website), noting that we all embody them but prioritize them differently.
- The Four Horsemen. Economic security, expediency, expectations, and events are the common obstacles that hold us back from living in our area of transcendence. Naming them makes them easier to recognize.
- Aptitudes vs. Skills. Welch makes the important distinction that aptitudes are not the same as skills. Aptitudes are the underlying approaches we are born with, while skills are developed on top of them.
I was also surprised by values I wouldn’t have expected in the framework, like Beholderism (the importance you place on how things look) and Radius (the desire to change the world). Both opened my eyes to new dimensions of what truly matters to people.
In fact, discovering that I have Beholderism high makes so many things in my life make so much sense now. I’m certain there will be more about this in a future post.
My Perspective
I enjoyed this book and found the framework closely aligned with my own writing and coaching. It reinforces the importance of doing deep inner work to understand your values and aptitudes as the foundation for a thriving career and life.
The book leans more toward career discovery than life overall, and while I see career as central to wellbeing, I would have liked to see broader integration beyond work. Still, Welch’s lens on values and aptitudes adds depth to self-discovery that I haven’t seen elsewhere.
One line that stayed with me was:
“Becoming You is designed to help you understand yourself in the now so that you are better equipped to design and forge the path to the future you want and need.” – Suzy Welch
It’s a powerful reminder that clarity in the present gives us agency in shaping what comes next.
Who Should Read It
I would recommend Becoming You to anyone, regardless of age or career stage.
If you’re just starting out, it provides a foundation for finding your area of transcendence.
If you’re further along, it can help you redefine your next chapter with authenticity.
Your Turn
Have you read Becoming You ? What did you think?
Do you feel like you’ve found your “Area of Transcendence”?
How might exploring your values and aptitudes shift your self-awareness?