Amazing Things Will Happen: A Real-World Guide on Achieving Success and Happiness

by C.C. Chapman

Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen Amazing Things Will Happen offers straightforward advice that can be put into action to improve your life. Through personal anecdotes from the author's life, and interviews of successful individuals across several industries, this book demonstrates how to achieve success, in all aspects of life, through hard work and acts of kindness. Split into five sections, this book details how to begin the self-improvement journey. Each of us has different goals in life, but everyone wants to succeed, and have as much fun as possible along the way. Amazing Things Will Happen shows how to get on this path to success.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Business, Inspirational

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2012

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy "Oh, The Places You Will Go" by Dr. Seuss, this is the version to read to your kids when they hit 18.

[Mike Vardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Things Will Happen doesn’t read like a traditional how-to book, because it isn’t a traditional how-to book. C.C. makes no bones about it: amazing things don’t just happen, but they will happen if you work hard and be good to others. Those two ingredients are key – and in the book I felt as if C.C. and I were just sitting around having a beer as he walked me through his path to self-improvement.

After C.C. chronicled the early part of his life in the book – laden with lessons throughout – he dives deeper into the subject matter, discussing things like how to be what he calls a “passion hit”, the importance of writing things down (an idea that is not lost on me at all), how to simplify, focus, and attack, along with other pearls of wisdom throughout the book. Amazing Things Will Happen offered me some new things to try and reinforced that I am doing many of the right things already.

Again, this book not only can act as a solid reinforcement, but it is put together in such a way that it doesn’t feel clinical or pieced together. C.C. is telling a story – both the one he has lived and the one he wants for hte reader – and it comes across extremely well. I didn’t feel preached to at all; I felt a sense of encouragement instead. Even as Amazing Things Will Happen (the book) wraps up, C.C. sets the reader up with enough motivation to start the next phase of their lives so that that amazing things will happen (the experience) going forward.

C.C. Chapman has written both a journal and a guide, and he’s danced that line in deft fashion. Amazing Things Will Happen may not seem to be a book that can change your life, but if you give it a chance it most certainly will.

[Geoff Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blogger's version of the Artist's Way. Full of ideas and tips to spark, complete and enjoy that next success. A fast and enjoyable read. Perhaps most importantly, the book sparked me to engage in a project that I had left fallow for years.

[Steve Garfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by my good friend CC Chapman. It's a quick read with good advice. I tweeted out a few of his memorable quotes as I read the book and compiled them into a blog post:

Amazing Things Will Happen by CC Chapman: My highlights - Tweeted!

http://offonatangent.blogspot.com/201...

I like this quote best:

"Handshakes and Hugs will always trump Likes and Shares."

[Alain Burrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “Amazing Things Will Happen: A Real-World Guide On Achieving Success & Happiness” by C.C. Chapman. It is a simple little book with a powerful message. Chapman's goal was to provide enough motivation to push readers forward with whatever dream they may have been thinking about but not taking action on. I believe he did just that. He gives the reader real advice based on what has helped him. It's not earth shattering or drastically “new” or “different.” However, the advice is powerful and if acted upon will undoubtedly help readers succeed. Not that it's going to be easy, because it won't be. Chapman is all for putting in the hard work needed to make your life whatever you want it to be. This book is a simple guide, filled with motivational messages and advice to push you toward that hard work.

There are thirty-five chapters in less than two hundred pages, and the book is smaller sized, so one can read it pretty quickly. Chapman writes in an engaging and entertaining style that made me want to keep reading. I liked his lessons and did find them motivating. I've read and listened to many works in this genre, so I've heard some similar lessons before. Heck, I've taught similar lessons before. But that did not lesson the enjoyment or motivation I got from this book. I truly believe what Zig Ziglar used to say when people would say motivation wears off. He'd say so does bathing, and that's why he recommended both daily. If you also enjoy reading motivational books with lessons on how to succeed and live a better life, you'll most likely enjoy this book too.

I liked the author's idea of being a passion hit, a person who has discovered his or her true passion in life and found a way to make it his or her livelihood. I also really liked chapter nineteen, “To Each Their Own...” I don't know how many times I've had to remind myself that when on the Internet and how many times I've said something similar to others. Another chapter I really liked was chapter nine, “Simplify, Focus, and Attack.” Sounds like something I'd teach in a martial art class, but Chapman applies this to life and I think it is a great strategy.

Bottom line, if you want a simple book filled with practical advice, real-life examples, and thoughtful encouragement to push you toward doing amazing things, read this book.

[Kerry O'Shea Gorgone · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than encouragement: C.C. inspires by example. Any number of books in the Self-Improvement section could be dismissed as overly general, unduly optimistic cliché compilations: this book isn't one of those! There's encouragement, to be sure, but C.C. also injects a healthy dose of realism, courtesy of his own life experiences.

It takes a brave storyteller to share his own journey so openly, and that's why this book is so powerful. When C.C. says you can overcome obstacles, you believe him, because he's done it; and he tells you how.

Inspiration is the magic elixir for success, but there are other ingredients, too. Persistence, determination, humor, and some things that are unique to you. Every person's formula is slightly different, but you need a starting point before you can start improvising. This book is a fantastic place to start!

I challenge you to read this book, then stay put. You won't be able to! "Amazing Things Will Happen" lights a fire in your soul that makes you want to really live. You won't settle for less after reading this.

[Mark Nemcoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC Chapman is a thought leader and marketing guru who completely gets the new paradigm of how social media can reach new audiences all over the world with a personal message capable of connecting with people. In "Amazing Things Will Happen" he takes on what is any creative's other biggest challenge, how to get motivated and put yourself in a position to make you and your work stand out. His passion for creativity really comes through on the page and it is truly infectious. I can tell you that I have been very lucky to have had CC coach me in person and his advice is invaluable for getting ahead. This book is the next best thing to having him there next to you to guide you to that next great career and life milestone. This is a great book that will help you help yourself to be more motivated to make your own star shine bright.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book, written in a very human and 'from the heart' kind of way, with an engaging style, rather than being a technical 'how to' manual. The book is a collection of bits of wisdom the author has learned from his own experience of taking a risk, in order to earn a living in the way he feels passionate about. One problem this book is aimed at, is, among other things, the issue of how to earn a living doing something you love, instead of working at something you hate, or somewhere you hate. In a recession this is a difficult
issue to resolve, but the author gives his take on it and shares his insights. Since he has successfully achieved the goal of working at something he loves, he is well worth listening to. He also describes the kind of people who are a nightmare to deal with at work and some strategies for survival there. A useful book.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd already read C.C.'s book Content Rules -- a business book -- and loved the voice that he and co-author Ann Handley established. I became a fan after that and was really looking forward to this book.

With its short, easily digestible chapters, you can easily read this in one day. And the conversational tone that made Content Rules so much fun to read carried through with Amazing Things, as well. It felt like I was just sitting down and having a chat with C.C., and it was an easy, fun read.

The book offers practical advice for anyone who's looking to make a change, but it does so in such a way that, even if you're terrified of change, you feel like there are small steps you can take to make it happen. It's very inspirational and it will motivate you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I've been applying some of ideas from the book and I've noticed that I am more focused and calmer when looking at my life choices and goals. I was very, very lucky to have won this book through Goodreads, but even if I hadn't, I would have purchased this book. The reason why? Right before I won this book someone from my workplace talked about the "duck" and I wanted to know more. The chapters are a quick read, but provide useful information (including real life examples) that I have been refering to on an almost daily basis. Thanks again C.C. for writing such a positive, uplifting book!

[Rob Usdin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good simple advice for leading and being successful in life. CC writes like he speaks - casual, funny, and engaging. If you know him or have seen/heard him - you'll get it instantly. If not - find his audio or video online, watch a little or listen - and then come back and read the book with his voice in your head. It will make perfect sense. The advice here is not rocket science - it's common sense, but it's things we forget in the day to day hustle. I expect to refer back to this book often.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nifty little help book packed with good advice that you already know, but it's still a good idea to be reminded of once in a while.
Easily read in a single sitting as I did last evening, but the power of such a big little book, is upon re-reading and actually applying the exercices and examples supplied within.
By the end of the book, I was motivated to go thru with the advice and exercices suggested, hopefully, it only remains to be seen wether I will be putting them to action in the next few days and weeks.

I'll let you know shortly.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via the Goodreads First Reads program.

I think C.C. Chapman's book is a valuable read for everyone. His advice and suggested exercises on how to get to the root of what you want out of life and how to recognize the potential obstacles you might encounter while working toward your goals really opened my eyes and helped me make adjustments to my own strategies. He doesn't provide detailed step-by-step instructions, but he gives you a lot to think about as you begin to plan how you're going to get from Point A to Point B.

[Ann Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was one book I could buy for all my coworkers and friends this would be it. It will help you figure out "what you want to be when you grow up". I gave this to the people that report to me at Christmas and one of them quit after reading it sighting this book as helping find their passion. To me, that's the sign of a good book. I hated losing her as an employee, she was amazing, but i'm happy that she found what she wanted to do in life.

[Laurie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lessons in this book are simple yet brilliant and transcend situation. Whether you are feeling lost today or completely content, it will give you food for thought about your life's journey today, yesterday and tomorrow. The short chapters are easily digestable and make you want to keep flipping the page to uncover more inspiration.

[Drew Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple advice. A feel good book for the most part. Solid read on how to live a more optimistic life and make the most out of small situations in life that could lead to bigger opportunities over time.

[Jessica Gottlieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone mid career. It's full of small digestible chapters that reaffirm your best instincts.

If you're a 23 year old freelancer who has never had a boss do NOT read this book. Seriously. You're welcome.

[Simon Salt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My video review of C.C.Chapman's book can be seen at http://youtu.be/F6Cu_uWTHNE

I was really looking forward to reading this book and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. A great read and a useful book. Do yourself a favor and go buy this book now.

[Mk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Felt like CC was talking directly to me - it is like a mentorship in a book! Must read for everyone.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It reinforced ideas I already had and encouraged me to continue my efforts. It's a good book for someone who's discouraged or who needs a swift kick to get into gear.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are now two books that would make appropriate gifts for students as they graduate. "Oh, The Places You Will Go" by Dr. Seuss and "Amazing Things Will Happen" by C.C. Chapman.

[Heidi Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series.

[Seth Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the heart. Inspiring.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good general book - quick listen.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty easy quick read. This book makes you ponder which I think is a good thing. Sometimes that's exactly what you need to take stock of things in your life. This isn't like a typical self-help book either since it goes about things in a different way that isn't preachy. There are some exercises that you can do which are attainable if you want. I think the author gives all kinds of good analogies that are useful. There is also a bit of fun & playfulness about the author that comes through in the writing, which makes it more enjoyable. He tells it like it is in a way that is digestible w/out being over the top or using philosophical crap. The main thing is–he is a good storyteller, and you're there for the ride, to pick up on some advice/tips to go throughout your journey in life.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a collection of personal anecdotes of the author which are being shared to reveal the writers life experience. I found that some of the positivity in dealing with some of the incidents. It is good to find somebody sharing the same experience you faced.

[Muneerah · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب جميل وخفيف كل صفحة منه تملأك بالطاقه الايجابيه ،، تمنيت ان يكون اطول وان اتعلم واقرا من النصائح اكثر

[Aljassmain · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب ولا اروع لمن يبحث عن حياته وبالاخص عمله يقرأ هذا الكتاب لانك ستفهم معاناتك بنفسك

[Pamela Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read various gold nuggets filled with wisdom, definitely a motivating read.

[JJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok. Lost of short chapters. A little self indulgent by the author. I wasn't widely inspired.