What to Make of a Life

Inspired by relentless curiosity, Jim Collins spent a decade studying how people navigate life's cliffs—significant events that radically change trajectories—and emerge with renewed purpose.

By pairing lives at these turning points, such as rock musicians post-band success, scandal-tainted figures rebuilding, suffragists after victory, and Olympic skaters seeking new roles, he reveals a framework for discovering fulfilling roles, overcoming fractures, navigating uncertainty, sustaining inner fire, and building momentum across decades.

For the first time, Collins shares his personal transformation from this project, showing how a richly fulfilled life is within reach for all.