THE MEANING MANIFESTO

Six Foundational Truths for Work Worth Doing

You have work to do in the world— whether or not it is your “job” right now (stick around long enough, and we’ll make it your job). You have an impact to make. We are here to affirm this work and to help you declare your intention to do it.

The Meaning Manifesto is an ebook that will move you to rethink the way you view your work, yourself, and the world.

MANIFESTO-COVER

The Six Foundational Truths of the Meaning Manifesto:

1) Your work is part of your identity (you are not a cog).

2) You have something to offer (even when you feel like you don’t).

3) Your job title is too small (you have more to give).

4) Don’t waste your life (you don’t have to choose money first).

5) You are a creative (even if you’re not).

6) You were made to make an impact (and deep down you want that).

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36 Comments

  1. Ronna Detrick October 18, 2013 at 6:34 am

    Yes. Yes. And yes, again. The more this is preached, heard, believed, and lived, the more all of us can breathe, laugh, love, and yes, even work; especially work – as life, as calling, as manifestation of our very soul!

    Beautiful, Dan. Truth-proclaimed.

  2. Michelle Savage October 18, 2013 at 7:54 am

    “Often we have stories of shame, embarrassment, or neglect that keep us from embracing these parts of ourselves and the work we long to do. And though those experiences have power, your essence cannot be taken away.”

    Thank you for being brave and vulnerable enough to stand up and make your mark. This is the beginning of something truly revolutionary – it’s a message the world is desperate to hear, and one I am holding close as I dream and explore. Thank you – you’re not alone.

  3. Tyler Savage October 18, 2013 at 8:16 am

    I’ve gotten to know Dan over the last few years as he’s been journeying towards The Meaning Movement. He’s been an incredible friend and resource for my wife and I as we’ve been making our own life and career transitions during that time.

    The Meaning Manifesto is inspiring, challenging, and a heartwarming reminder of my personal journey towards meaning. That difficult but rewarding journey is one we all should take, and Dan is an incredible companion on the way!

    Thanks Dan, and best of luck!

  4. Mallory Joy Larsen October 18, 2013 at 8:17 am

    So grateful for your work, leading me deeper into my own. I want to shout page 11 from the rooftops!

  5. Sarah Swift October 18, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Dan, preach brother! I need to read this manifesto every morning to remind myself that IT IS POSSIBLE to live right out of the center of what I care about. “Owning your desires and then extending them to others is what meaning making is all about”– I love this. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I’m inspired.

  6. Lacy October 18, 2013 at 11:14 am

    So glad to be a part of this movement and to be making meaning alongside you. Here’s to finding work worth doing, projects worth creating, dreams worth following, and ideas worth manifesting!

  7. Jordan C. Ramsay October 18, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Fresh air to my ears and a lightning jolt to my soul! You’re bringing me back to my truths and my desires and I love and hate you for that 🙂 It’s hard work and these words make it a little less terrifying…which is a feat in itself. Thank you for your powerful and challenging thoughts. Preach it brother!

  8. Rich Dempsey October 18, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    Eric Borgh, whom was an internship partner, posted a link to his FB timeline. Thank you for giving this away. I love it and can think of at least 10 others whom could benefit from your writing. Again- Thank you.

  9. Jenny Wanty October 18, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    You are a man who not only invites others to live into their meaningful impact but a man who chooses to live into YOUR meaningful impact. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your words create space for embers to burn brighter and grow larger. Cheers to you, Dan!

  10. Kyle Ellman October 18, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    I’m in.

    Dan, this is awesome and so many people need to hear your words.

  11. Beth Chapman October 18, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Duly signed, breathed and celebrated. Mark it Done. Mark it a continuing effort.
    Thank you!

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  13. Ryan Moore October 19, 2013 at 8:41 am

    Dan, some dreamers dream alone. You dream with others and we are all the richer for it. Other dreamers dream’s remain forever safe possibilities unfulfilled. You are a dreamer who gets things done, risking much to accomplish this, and inspiring others in the process.

    Manifesto signed. Now let’s live it (keep living it)!

  14. Anna Hamberg October 19, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Yay!!!!! I’m happy you got thru the woods of searching for meaning and now creating such beautiful maps to share with others! As I read your book I was inspired to spontaneously jot down “I wanna help people heal them selves – empower them to heal their souls and lives and to joyously move into freedom!”.

    Thank you for sharing your dreams. Your optimism and belief in both people and your message are obvious and contagious.

  15. Stacey October 19, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    my job title/a “sexy” “articulation of the impact” I “want to have on the world”

    On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I arrive at a small family’s home to relieve a mom and dad of their mom and dad duties for just a few hours. I look at my little loved one, Nora, and I… be… I shed my internal motherly grace on her, I look and see her with peace and joy. I worry about her. I ask her to be just who she is, in her 1.5 year old body and self.

    This is what I do.

    And, I’m prouder of this than anything else. She’s not the first soul I’ve been beside and wanted to hold closely. She certainly won’t be the last; She and my other friends and beloveds stay with me, in my experience, my heart, and my developments.

    Thanks for inviting this, Dan. I love the simplicity of this read! It’s approachable. I also like the design- the color, the bolds, oh and I love the urgings and empowering words! AH.

  16. Emi October 20, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Next time I am asked “What do you do?”
    I promise myself to take a risk; to step out of “the ordinary”.
    I will be honest and share the truth as to what exactly I am doing in my life. I will not just answer with a simple job title/descriptor ( I know that in reality, I truly am more than a mere title).

    “Hey, I’m Emi. I’m currently on a journey to discover what really invigorates me and to see how I can bring that passion and energy to help others feel invigorated as well. I’m an investigator, a passionate dreamer, and an advocate for others. This is what I do (at the moment)….” Luckily, my story is still being written and it is only getting better. 🙂

  17. Peter Mac December 12, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    It’s been a long time coming, but I have arrived at the understanding that meaningless work is not an option if one wants a life that is as full as it was designed to be. Finding out exactly what and where that meaning lies for myself is still not quite clear, but I’ve begun to be able to check a lot of boxes marked “that’s not it” and to have hope that there are things that have meaning and fulfillment both for me AND for others that will sustain a life worth living. Thanks for your push in that direction!

    1. Dan Cumberland December 12, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks Peter! You’re on the right path, and I’m grateful that the manifesto could be a part of your journey! Thanks for reading and responding!

  18. Peter Mac December 12, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    Just out of curiosity, has the Manifesto ebook passed it’s number of free subscribers? I suspect so because I didn’t see a download link after subscribing, but there wasn’t anything confirming one way or the other. Either way, thanks again for sharing your insights here.

    1. Peter Mac December 12, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Disregard this last comment, I figured out my mistake and found the ebook. Thanks again!

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  20. Maria Rue April 22, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    Count me in! Thanks Dan for these words of wisdom and inspiration! Such an important message!

  21. Jaci May 5, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Work. Worth. Doing. Yes! So honest and inspiring! We “were made to make an impact” and thank you being a voice that says we can as well as a voice that says we should.

    Love it!

  22. Corey Gilchrist May 22, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    Thank you, Dan! Inviting, warm, and something we should be reminded of every day.

  23. stacia May 22, 2014 at 5:47 pm

    I love what you say in the Manifesto and find it inspiring that you’re living out the things you say.

  24. Rich Dempsey May 23, 2014 at 11:15 am

    After doing hard time in what I like to call the “underemployment dungeon” I am a staunch supporter of creating meaning. Your work must produce meaning otherwise you wind up discouraged and depressed! Thanks for The Meaning Manifesto!~

  25. Joanne May 24, 2014 at 8:34 am

    This has been calling out to me recently, “We were made to make an impact.”

  26. Kim March 14, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    Beautiful!! Calling + Passion=Life’s work.
    That’s why I’m here! Super excited to read your book. I was reinspired by your talk at Preview.
    May God continue to Bless your calling, and let your message reach those who most need to hear it.

  27. Matt L-R April 8, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    It is entirely possible that the Meaning Movement is what I’ve been searching for these last several months. Dan, your Manifesto absolutely resonated with me, and I look forward to receiving your updates. In light of who God is, it would be a tragedy for His children to settle for meaningless work. My deepest fear is that I’ll do just that. Here’s to moving forward in faith!

    1. Dan April 8, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      Thanks so much for commenting, Matt. It means so much to hear. Thanks for reading!

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  29. Ffion October 26, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    Yes and yes! I don’t understand the idea of retirement – and waiting for that particular time to do the things you enjoy, and do well – what if that time never comes?
    So glad to have found you!

    1. Dan Cumberland October 26, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      So glad to have you here with us!

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