THE JOURNEYMAN LIFE

A psychologist focuses his attention squarely on men in society in this guide.

Journeyman, a quaint, somewhat archaic word, takes on new meaning in Daloisio’s expansive exploration of the literal journey of a man in the modern world. The author takes a deep dive into his own life; he exposes his feelings and frailties with a genuine candor that is likely intended to get other men to unapologetically admit their vulnerabilities. Daloisio weaves his personal story into chapters that are heavy on psychology but instructive rather than clinical. Beginning with a chapter entitled “The Story of You,” the book opens with a discussion of persona, “the hidden self” and “the unknown self,” transitioning to the “four archetypes of the masculine psyche.” While such jargon may be intimidating to some, the author is careful to define all of these terms in layperson’s language, using solid examples for clarification. In a man’s journey, writes Daloisio, he must cope with his “inner versus outer selves,” both of which are covered in significant detail. Additional concepts that appear with appropriate explanations include “voices of the reactive mindset” and “moments of truth.” Perhaps most important, though, are the author’s prescriptions for personal improvement. For example, he writes insightfully about self-awareness, self-regulation, mindfulness, self-respect, “your inner guidance system,” and the growth mindset. When discussing transformation, Daloisio lays out a helpful 12-step process designed to steer readers through positive change. He also puts forth a unique way of individualizing his counsel, employing a three-part approach to change—a story, a formula, and a framework—“to accommodate varying learning and thinking styles.” The author veers into Buddhist teachings at the end of the book, but not without a purpose, aiming to illustrate a man’s contemporary odyssey via 10 stages defined by a 12th-century Zen master. In closing, Daloisio again references his personal challenges, noting that his transformative experiences formed “the impetus to dig deeper, to learn, to practice, to teach others.” The author’s heartfelt revelations lend a very human aspect to the manual, helping to reassure those men who might find the paths of their own journeys difficult.

Perceptive and wise self-improvement advice.