Didn't lift my lid

The title is a bit misleading. The first part is where the gems are and where the author really talks about the differences between casual, where-destiny-takes-me attitude and intentional living.

About 25% into the book the story starts to shift to what the author believes to be significant living, some stories about it and getting back to what should have been the book's theme (intentional living) at the end of the chapters almost in this style: "Oh, and you have to be intentional to achieve this aspect of your journey towards significance."

While I agree that you have to be intentional if you want to become significant, you don't have to want to be significant if you want to be intentional. And the definition of significance that is based on other people's impression of you and the way you made an impact on someone else's life... It's not really my cup of tea. I mean, I like being considered a good man and I like praise and the feeling when you help someone out or fight for a cause that you think is good. And all of those things are nice, but all of that is pretty natural to my way of thinking. And besides, what you think is really important and right might not be the same for everyone else and I found that whole significance chase to be a bit shallow and missing the point of good deeds.

Maybe that's the part (doing good for someone else besides him) that the author needed to figure out through his life and why this was such a big thing for him, he admits that his early actions were fueled by wrong (selfish) intentions. And that's what I wanted to say - I think the author is a natural go-getter, he's had great work ethics from the start and, as he said himself in the book, action was his first and strongest reaction. You can just tell that he never really had to struggle with being the "idea-man", procrastination and other productivity poisons. I understand the cure for procrastination and such (in)actions is mostly "Get some discipline" and "Man up", but it's really not quite helpful to read/listen to a book from someone who has never had to make the transition. I wanted to hear what it takes, how he did it, how other people did it, his struggles, his pain (if it was painful) and his eventual rewards and insights. I could probably compare it to a beginner to mid-level running enthusiast reading an Usain Bolt book titled "How to run" with the first half of the book being about the benefits of running and some running technique and mental cues and the other half being about how he doesn't run or train or set world records for himself, but for his team, country and people looking up to him. The techniques and benefits are rushed, because it's so natural to him that he doesn't even consider there are people who don't find it so straightforward and who didn't quite learn it when they were young. And the other part, why he runs, make for a good biography, but other than that and a few interesting insights, it's not really actionable.

Maybe I'm dissatisfied because I was looking for a book for people who have dreams and goals, what the author calls "good intentions", but really struggle with living out those intentions and working on their dream, what the author calls "intentional living". Tim Urban's blog posts about procrastination and spending time effectively, on the projects you actually think would improve your life, fulfillment and happiness in the long term, is a better read and I would buy his book on the subject immediately.

The book does have a few gems and they are contained in he beginning of the book. The other part should've just been a separate book named "My story of significance". It's a shame because I really though this book was going to be what I was looking for, a "lid-lifter", as the author calls it. Turns out it wasn't going to happen with this book, maybe (hopefully) for someone else.

Other than that, the recording is fine, but the voice is a bit "not-exciting" (for a lack of a better term) and I just kind of got lost after listening to it for a while. I found the stories to be uninteresting and my thoughts would often drift (which doesn't normally happen). I reluctantly finished the book, and I have a rule of finishing the book if I thought it was worth picking up, but it really did a number to my Audible-listening time (for better or for worse).

I'm always paranoid when I read reviews and see people recommending specific books and authors, thinking those are competition paid reviews, but I'm just going to mention that I like Jim Rohn's material a lot better, I think it's more focused, interesting and insightful, with more powerful and deeper messages and things to consider and think about.

If you read this far, thank you for your patience, and if, after everything that I just wrote, you still think the book is worth your time and money, go for it and hopefully it will do for you what I'd hoped it was going to do for me.

49 people found this helpful

Intentional Living

I choose to live by choice, not by chance
To make changes, not excuses
To be motivated, not manipulated
To be useful, not used
To excel, not compete
I choose self-esteem, not self-pity
I choose to listen, to my inner voice, not random opinions

37 people found this helpful

Great read if you're looking for purpose

I read this book in 2 days. Many great points and great illistrations between good intentions and living intentionally. Very helpful with self reflection and how to take small steps that aren't overwhelming.

20 people found this helpful

One of my favorite Maxwell books.

I have read or listened to John Maxwell for at least 25 years. I have benefited from so much of what he has produced. I would rank this as one of his finest works. Filled with solid principles that are practical in daily life. The personal nature of this book made it even better. Well worth it.

11 people found this helpful

Great knowledge imparted by a great author

I bought this book and it sat in my library for a while. Then when the time was right I began to read it. Right out of the gate I learned something and applied it which shifted my life! I have continued to apply what is contained within this book as I read it which caused me to stop be grumpy like all those around me and I changed to become more positive. I've gotten more productive at work and home which I'm enjoying. In fact projects are being cut in half allowing me to do more of the stuff I want to do. I'm grateful for this book and will pass it on to many people. The Universe put this in my path exactly when I needed it.

10 people found this helpful

Take charge of your life now!

If you could sum up Intentional Living in three words, what would they be?

Powerful Practical

What was one of the most memorable moments of Intentional Living?

The book focuses on the power of Intentional Living, the power of living your best story and the power of living a life of significance. This book is for you if you want to make a difference in this world. This book is for anyone who wants to change his or her life and make it a life of Significance.

Which scene was your favorite?

The following lines from the book stuck with me: 'You have it within your power to make your life a great story, one of significance. Every person can. ' And John in this book shows you how.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Intentional Living?

I loved the way John brings out the different nuances of Intentionality, connects intentionality to your 'Why', your purpose, your actions, your personal growth, your success and ultimately your 'life of Significance'.

Any additional comments?

The book gives you a new perspective on the word success. You will, like me, start thinking more about Significance rather than success.In case you are feeling intimidated with the word significance ' let me share what John says about this: 'Action is what converts human dreams into significance.'

10 people found this helpful

Gradualism towards a life that matters

I am always a fan of John Maxwell to begin with, this is a must read or must listen to book no matter where you are in life...if you are curious about living a life that matters. I believe this is going to be one of those books I will read annually to see if I am being intentional about my life.
To help me refocus, redirect, and review the legacy I am leaving. This would make a gift, give away. Small group discussion. A must read!!!

6 people found this helpful

Exactly what I needed!

His personal stories of try, fail, and adjust will save me years of working with the wrong people.

3 people found this helpful

Maxwell’s books are great

Beneficial ideas are given in all of Maxwell’s books. He gives tangible ways to implement changes in your life that are doable.

2 people found this helpful

Jesus doesn’t motivate me

Any “Self Help” book that references the Christian bible should have a special indicator, such as a symbol, perhaps a capital “J” in a triangle, so we non-believers don’t waste our money on it.

2 people found this helpful