The Big Picture

“Finding work with purpose is trending these days. I spend most of my time thinking about those who want it in their encore careers, but it’s exactly what young people want, and they don’t want to wait to find it. They are determined to grab it from the start of their working lives. Which is why I’m so jazzed about University of Wisconsin professor Christine Whelan’s new book, The Big Picture: A Guide to Finding Your Purpose in Life. It’s the perfect gift for a new graduate—or for any young person stuck on the slow-moving escalator of the early working years.”
—Marci Alboher, Midcentury Modern, May 26, 2016

“Unique, original, data-driven, exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Big Picture: A Guide to Finding Your Purpose in Life is very highly recommended for community and academic library collections.”
—Susan Bethany, The Midwest Book Review, June 2016

"If young adults could be guided in the right direction for a life journey of meaning and purpose, we would be grooming the leaders of tomorrow for a better world. This book is the perfect guide." 
—Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing 
 
"For those entering adulthood, the purpose is fundamental to health, happiness, and creative work. Christine's guidebook is the finest map of the territory today and an inspiring picture of what purposeful living can be all about—if we dare! Read this book to experience your life in a whole new way!" 
—Richard Leider, international bestselling author of The Power of Purpose, Life Reimagined, Work Reimagined, and Repacking Your Bags.
  
“The Big Picture is a researched, accessible, and practical guide that has everything young people need to figure out what to do with their lives.” 
—Pepper Schwartz, PhD, professor of sociology at the University of Washington and author of Finding your Perfect Match
  
“The Big Picture is very relevant and valuable for our youth—and I’m glad to see this initiative. Exercises like these can have a transformative impact on young adults. Indeed, purpose is an area where we all benefit from deeper reflection.” 
—Hitendra Wadhwa, professor, Columbia Business School 

“Whelan’s book is a must-read for those asking “what next?” in college and beyond. Building off her popular classes at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Human Ecology, The Big Picture is a step-by-step guide for identifying what matters to you and how to make your mark in the world.” 
—Soyeon Shim, PhD, dean of the School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
 
“This book isn’t for the, “I think I’ll read, scratch my beard, and think” set. It’s for doers. It’s for people who want to live fulfilled, purposeful lives. Christine Whelan gives us a book grounded in science and philosophy. It’s interactive. It’s fun. Most important, it’s wise. I loved it.” 
—Victor J. Strecher, PhD, MPH, professor and director for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, University of Michigan School of Public Health
 
“The Big Picture is the ideal small-steps guide for young adults to reimagine their lives and seek purpose from the start. As the foremost expert in effective self-improvement, Christine Whelan offers a book that spans the generations.” 
—Emilio Pardo, president, Life Reimagined
 
“Rarely have pages in a book felt as comfortable and trustworthy as an old friend, but The Big Picture accomplishes that and more. Across the lifespan, understanding and implementing purpose in our lives is critical but can be daunting . . . not now! The journey to understanding your purpose now and beyond has been broken down into doable exercises and fun steps guaranteed to be a trip worth taking.” 
—Janet Taylor, MD, MPH Psychiatrist
 

“No college grad should be without this priceless wisdom. The leading expert on self-help is your guide through interactive exercises, tested advice, and powerful tools to clarify your purpose and navigate the next steps. The Big Picture is a research-based, fun way to get past uncertainty, doubt, or nagging from your parents so you can be your best self now.” 
—Rich Feller, PhD, past president, National Career Development Association
 
“They say laughter is the best medicine, but I disagree. The real key to lifelong health and happiness is purpose. As a physician, I have seen the power of purpose play out in the lives of people of all ages. As the father of five, I know that helping young people understand what matters most is essential to their enjoyment of all that life has to offer. I’d happily prescribe this book to anyone interested in exploring meaning in their lives. Christine Whelan doesn’t preach — she guides. Take this workbook on your journey as you ask what matters and how to make it happen.” 
—Bill Thomas, MD, founder of the Age of Disruption World Tour
 
“Research shows that having a purpose in life is linked to better health and better sleep — so why wait?” 
—Eric Kim, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health
 
“Christine Whelan’s The Big Picture should be read and experienced by every high school and college student and recommended by every parent, teacher, and mentor. At a time when so many young people are struggling to find their life’s path and purpose, this wise, warm, and witty book will help to light their way forward.” 
—John J. DiIulio Jr., Frederic Fox Leadership Professor, University of Pennsylvania