Making A Difference: A Matter Of Purpose, Passion & Pride

by Steve Gilliland

In Making a Difference , author Steve Gilliland brilliantly lays out three manageable means that make it possible for every person to unlock their potential and exert profound influence. Filled with inspirational anecdotes, laugh-out-loud humor, and thought provoking ideas, this book is an eye-opening journey that when put into practice, will make a considerable impact in your professional and personal life. As a master storyteller, Steve expounds on the essentials towards Making a Difference – Purpose, Passion, and Pride .  Where you live, the money you possess, the money you stand to inherit, your marriage, the car you drive, and the friends you appear to have are outward signs of success and not necessarily indicators of inner fulfillment. The amount we earn or the success we achieve produces emptiness unless it is in line with a purpose beyond ourselves. This book demonstrates that you don’t need a master’s degree or a doctorate to make the world a better place. Making a Difference confirms that purpose is the essential ingredient to motivation and the ultimate path to making a difference; passion is what allows you to overcome challenges and disregard people who try to extend their misfortunes and negative outlook to you; and pride is about you and your expectations. It is about realizing the importance of your role in life and taking pride in everything you do! This book is a profound idea that will impact your life. Foreword by HERB KELLEHER Co-Founder, Chairman Emeritus and Former CEO of SOUTHWEST AIRLINES.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2011

About the author

A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world. Recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, he can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Jeff & Larry's Comedy Roundup. With an appeal that transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation—plus an interactive and entertaining style—Steve shows audiences how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives. Presenting to over 250,000 people a year, more than two million have now heard him speak, with audiences encompassing nearly three dozen industries. Steve has the distinction of speaking in all 50 states and in 15 countries. As one newspaper stated, “Steve is what happens when the humor of a stand-up comic collides with the inspiration of motivational speaker."

In addition to his brilliant speaking career, Steve is a prolific, accomplished author, evidenced by four of his books—Enjoy The Ride, Making a Difference, Hide Your Goat and Detour—perennially making the publisher’s bestseller list and his being named Author of the Year. His thought-provoking writing style makes his articles a favorite with nationally prominent magazines. He influences the lives of millions through his presentations, books, CDs and DVDs. An extensive array of these products has been utilized by small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, U.S. and Canadian government agencies, churches, school districts and nonprofit organizations. Speaking the language of active business leaders, his books and CDs identify practical lessons that grow people and their businesses.

Reviews

[BarbaraW · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gave up about 1/2 way through. Too chirpy for me. Younger person- might be just the thing.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. As I read it, I took notes as this helps me to remember and refer back to at a later date. It was at least 4-6 pages per chapter.

Lot of the quotes in the book, I will use in my classroom. As a middle school teacher, I love to put inspirational and thought provoking quotes on the board. It gives the students something to ponder. I will definitely be using many from this book!

Inspirational, inspiring, informative and igniting. A great book.

[Joe Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacked substance and depth , inspirational on the lighter side

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the message of this book was very inspirational and powerful, but the poor editing and numerous typos took away from the focus of the texts.

[Lan Le · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard Steve Gilliland speak at one of our faculty meetings a few months back, and it was fantastic. He was funny, engaging, and made good points.

This book, though? Eh.

Maybe it's because I heard him speak on the same topic already, or maybe it's because he's better as a speaker, but I didn't enjoy the book as much as I though I would have. It reads more as a self-help book (maybe that's another reason), but most of it is filled with lengthy quotes from other people, not enough set-up for the quotes, and cliches you often see on nice photos on Pinterest (and quite a few copy mistakes as well).

If you're down on your luck and feel a bit helpless, this is for you. Otherwise, just find a video of him speaking.

[Bilal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well written book by Steve Gilliland. As with Hide Your Goats, it's something that enables the reader to look at himself/herself and figure out ways to become better not only for yourself, but for others as well. For those who are looking to take a journey of self-development and growth, this, in my opinion, is something worth reading.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok. Typical self-help book that fizzled at the end. I'm excited, though, to look further into his recommended reading list. Steve is an incredible speaker; I preferred seeing him live to this particular book.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had its moments, but all in all, I couldn't really enjoy it. Ultimately it seemed like just another self-help book, which I find tedious on the whole.

[Cee H. Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all people looking to make the difference in their life and the lives of others.