The Road to Self

A property manager and developer shares his journey to a more enlightened view of business and life in this debut memoir.

In 1990, the 41-year-old Goodman, a managing partner of a Minnesota-based property management company that his father founded, was “alone and struggling in my relationships,” so he took a road trip to California “to find some answers and garner the peace I had been seeking.” This book is a distillation of the new perspectives he gained during that journey, and how he’s lived by them ever since. He organizes this book into 32 chapters that provide brief essays on various concepts, including “Trust the Universe,” “Heal Your Fear, Heal Your Anger,” and “Choose Social Responsibility.” Goodman also touches on some of his own key challenges, including being sexually abused by a housekeeper as a child and his difficulties finding a long-term romantic partner as an adult. He emphasizes the value of expressing emotions and developing good listening skills, outlining how he improved in these areas in order to improve his relationships, particularly with his father (now deceased) and his son. The author also shares several stories about his real estate business, including his championing of mind/body programs for residents and staff at his company’s senior living facilities. Goodman, now serving as chairman of his company, brings a charming humility to his narrative. For example, he explains how consultants had to tell him that he was “sending mixed messages” by looking over employees’ shoulders while also encouraging them to use their own judgment. He’s particularly touching on the topic of his father, expressing gratitude for his parent’s participation in therapy, which demonstrated “that change is possible at any age.” Other authors have certainly expressed similar views, including the epiphanies of a midlife California road trip, but this book offers a sweet, succinct discussion on how to live a better, happier life.

Sincere, valuable insights from a self-improving businessman.