“Purpose isn't something you stumble upon at the end of a lifelong quest — it's something you actively cultivate. A refreshing reframe that makes purpose feel both accessible and ongoing.”
David Bowers — Goodreads
New Book · Available Now
What's the Point?
Turning Purpose Into Your Daily Superpower
Is everything you've been taught about finding fulfillment wrong? In his most personal and provocative book yet, Tom Rath reveals that your daily superpower isn't your title, your salary, or your "brand." It's your ability to contribute to others.
Inside the Book
What's inside
A guide to the four transformative parts of What's the Point?
I
Building an Other-Directed Life
Discover the foundational principle of meaning: purpose comes from contributing to others, not from within yourself. Explore how this shift in perspective transforms every aspect of your daily work and life.
II
Making Purpose Plural
Learn how your ability to contribute multiplies across different roles and relationships. This section reveals how to recognize and amplify the ways you create meaning in every meeting, every task, and every interaction.
III
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Understand how your daily choices create a legacy that extends far beyond what you'll ever see. Tom explores the ripple effects of purposeful living and how to plant seeds for a harvest you'll never witness.
IV
The Purpose Profiles
Discover how different temperaments and strengths can guide meaningful contribution. These profiles help you understand your unique way of putting the "point" into your purpose.
Available Now
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What readers are saying
“I liked how the author makes purpose feel practical and immediate — something you build through everyday contributions to others, not a grand revelation you wait for.”
P.J. — Amazon (audiobook)
“I flagged more pages to reference in this book than I have in any book I've read in quite some time.”
Joseph Chick — Amazon
“There's real substance here and I struggled to put it down — reading in one morning.”
Sarah — Amazon (Canada)
“Every once in a while you read a book that totally resonates with you and this is that book.”
Carolyn — Amazon (audiobook)
“Don't wait to be remembered, build something that can't be forgotten.”
Shivani P — Goodreads
“I loved the structure of each chapter with a TL;DR summary at the end: 'The Point' and 'Try this.' Great way to make concepts real and applicable!”
Diane W. Kinsella — Goodreads
“To make these lessons stick, I will reread this book a chapter at a time, starting tonight.”
Joel M. Ungar — Amazon (Kindle)
“Our true 'footprint' is found in human connection rather than a resume — a purpose that outlasts titles, roles, and professional status.”
Emily Midgley — Goodreads
“One idea I loved was 'poverty of exposure.' We cannot dream bigger if we only see what is already around us.”
Karen E. Todd, RD — Amazon
“Viewing a career as a lattice instead of a ladder, where lateral moves and cross-industry shifts build capability in meaningful ways.”
rebecker — Amazon
“A central theme of the book is the idea of 'planting seeds' today to create a lasting impact over time.”
Jeff Loesch — Goodreads
“Mr. Rath dispels the narrative that your purpose was handed to you on a magical index card.”
Christine Jasinski — Goodreads
“What's the Point is one of the best-designed books I've ever read.”
Dave Rothacker — Amazon
“Passion is unreliable and self-centered. Purpose — knowing who you help and why it matters — drives real fulfillment and success.”
Rebekah Suwak-Worsham — Goodreads
“Your greatest daily superpower is not your title, your brand, or your productivity. It's your ability to make life tangibly better for someone else.”
Rob Christeson — Amazon
“Significance is measured by what continues growing after you're gone: ideas that spread, people you've developed, systems you've improved.”
Brian — Amazon
“Go plant your seeds… the seeds planted without witnesses grow the strongest roots. That's the point. That's always been the point.”
Bonsterblack — Amazon
Author, Researcher & Entrepreneur
About Tom
Tom is an author and researcher who studies how careers impact health and wellbeing. He has written 12 books that have sold more than 10 million copies and made hundreds of appearances on global bestseller lists.
Tom's first book, How Full Is Your Bucket?, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. His book StrengthFinder 2.0 was listed as Amazon's top-selling non-fiction book of all time. Tom's other bestsellers include Strengths Based Leadership, Wellbeing, Eat Move Sleep, and Are You Fully Charged?
Tom is currently co-founder and CEO of CareerSight. He previously led Gallup's workplaces business and served as a Senior Scientist. Tom was also a Vice-Chair of the VHL cancer research organization. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, where he has also been a guest lecturer.