Naked Idealism

Update: Naked Idealism has been recognized as an Independent Publisher Highlighted Title. (Listed alphabetically by topic; scroll down to “self-help.”)

“Dave Wheitner has created a comprehensive and inspiring guide for socially conscious people … [his] unique background and training in public policy, counseling and coaching enable him to address this topic in such a comprehensive manner. As a career counselor for over 25 years who was turned on to the socially responsible careers concept by a Ralph Nader keynote address, I highly recommend this book to all idealists.”

- Karen Litzinger, MA, LPC
Owner, Litzinger Career Consulting

“Nearly all of us have fantasized about living our ideals, while nearly all of us are simultaneously challenged to identify our values, mission, and life’s purpose. In this intriguing book, life coach Dave Wheitner guides readers on a fascinating and fun journey of self-realization so that our vision can be realized. Naked Idealism supplies all the essential tools to help us discern, define, and develop our strengths, identify key values, and devise an effective strategy for finally living what Wheitner calls an ‘authentic life.’ If you have ever longed for a life well lived, let Dave Wheitner and Naked Idealism show you how to achieve it and enjoy every step on your way there.”

- Jo Stepaniak, author or co-author of 16 books on compassionate and sustainable living

“Dave Wheitner has created a guidebook in Naked Idealism which like most guidebooks, works…if you use it! Dave has written an inspiring book full of personal stories that we can all relate to at some level, and offers practical tips to be more naked, metaphorically speaking of course. Being naked means being real and authentic which may make us feel uncomfortable and vulnerable in many settings. But Dave offers humor, stories, tips and techniques to assist you in your quest to be more authentic, true to yourself and capable of impacting change in the world at the same time.”

- Patrick Williams, EdD, MCC, Founder of Institute for Coach Training, author, speaker, lifecoach

Before you can save the world, you must become yourself.

Do you dream of a sustainable and just world, but also desire more happiness, direction, balance, or fulfillment? Perhaps you work or volunteer in an idealist field and feel like an overwhelmed martyr, or perhaps you earn a decent paycheck but want a more meaningful career. Maybe you’re a current or aspiring progressive leader, a concerned citizen, or a student seeking more focus and impact. Maybe you long to bring forgotten ideals, dreams, or creative talents back into your work and play, or know someone who does.

Naked Idealism will entertain and refresh you with an approach to authentic living that supports both personal fulfillment and a sustainable, just world. You will learn how to expose your authentic core, clarify what’s really important to you, integrate your personal and community-level visions, and relate to the world more genuinely and effectively. You will examine your intentions for doing good, perhaps even chuckling at yourself during some of the exercises. Wheitner shares valuable tools from positive psychology, career theory, persuasion, organizational dynamics, and more.

While candidly addressing challenging and often avoided topics (like how our own prejudices can impact our personal happiness and success), Naked Idealism will also remind you not to take life too seriously. Wheitner weaves in humor from his own circuitous journey toward authenticity: cross-country adventures, a peculiar rainwater irrigation system, vegetarianism and veganism, real-life lesbian grandmothers from Mars, and a backyard abandoned coal mine cameo.

You are encouraged to remain fully clothed, but open to the life and world you envision!

“Since I’ve had this book, I’ve wanted to give a copy to half the people I know. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, and Naked Idealism candidly addresses this. It contains a wealth of tools, information and honest personal experience covering many largely neglected topics. Tackling two challenging tasks at once, it empowers those with a high level of social consciousness to become more effective and engaged, while also encouraging deeper awareness in areas they may not have considered. Wheitner also lets readers in on his own sense of incompleteness, creating a sense of connection and inspiring others to move forward on their own path.”

- Robbie Ali, MD, MPH, MPPM

“I’ve read self help books before, and they’ve always been about problem solving. Those books were telling me what to do with the problems in my life, but they weren’t helping me achieve my dreams. With Dave’s book, he was telling me to think about what I really want, not what I should want. Even better, he was telling me that reaching for what I really want was how to be truly successful and help the world. Dave’s book…has given me a new way to reach for and achieve my goals.”

- Melody Platz, Writer

Excerpts from the book:

Naked Idealism table of contents (pdf, 66 kb)

Naked Idealism chapters 1 and 2 (pdf, 156 kb)

Naked Idealism prologue (pdf, 25 kb)

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