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Monday Morning Choices: 12 Powerful Ways to Go from Everyday to Extraordinary – A Strategic Guide to Leadership, Integrity, and Success
Learn to make the right decisions to achieve greater success Each of us has a different idea of success. Whether you strive for money, power, happiness, or love, your personal choices, the actions you take, and the relationships you choose to invest time and energy in, will determine whether you reach your goals. Internationally recognized leadership coach David Cottrell will show you how to make the right choices, even when they’re hard. There are character choices that define the person you will be on the road to success. Cottrell shows you how to make The No-Victim Choice to overcome roadblocks, and The Integrity Choice , to listen to your gut and do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest thing to do. There are action choices you make to continue on your path to success. The Persistence Choice encourages you to bounce back from failure and learn lessons that will lead to your future success. The Do-Something Choice lets you to stop dreaming and start doing the things that will make you happy and successful. Finally, you make investment choices about the people you spend time with and develop relationships with. The Relationship Choice teaches you to invest your time in other successful people in order to contribute to your own future success. Learn to make all these choices and many more in Monday Morning Choices , and find yourself on the fast track to success!
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
138 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 25, 2019
Monday Morning choices is part of the excellently branded Monday Morning series which says all of the serious stuff we think about we should do so at the beginning of the week.
This works as a great forum for book club discussion. The chapters are super short so no worries about getting behind. There are discussion questions at the end.
There are good points. Essentially, we should care what people think (Dress for success) and not care what all people think (as Bill Shakespeare said “Haters doth going to hate”). He uses a term “enemy” which seems extreme, but it is a good eye opener that as a leader you most likely will have some people actively working against you.
Otherwise, the stuff here is pretty basic, but if you need that push “Get off your rump and do it”, you can find that push here. Other hot takes include “Read everyday” and “you are the company that you keep”. Some basic principles about not being a victim and to make productive choices. In 21st Century America, there are rarely clear life paths. You will not be given a mentor and you will not be given a road map. You need to venture forward yourself. No one will do it for you.
My concern is that this book is a bit “rah rah” and those who might be further along in their career or looking for something deeper won’t get as much out of this book due to lack of specifics.
Each chapter ends with a page-plus of inspirational quotes. That really isn’t my thing and seems like overkill especially in the internet age.
The positive of the book is that it uses a lot of anecdotes . There is a honesty that the best way to learn is to fail. That truth is here, of course, though my observation of corporate life is everyone would rather play safe than taking an unsure step.
There is the story of the day FedEx launched. The first day was 12 packages (and they had 14 planes). Fred Smith got a C on his paper where he explained his idea. No one could grasp an idea that you would route a package through Memphis that was going to Los Angeles from San Francisco. Pat Brown quoting War and Peace’s Count Rostov to Ronald Reagan. “Why, they’re shooting at me. Me who everyone loves”.
Overall, there is plenty of stuff here for the right audience and can be boosted by discussing with others. While I think most will find the stories memorable but the message lacking.
This works as a great forum for book club discussion. The chapters are super short so no worries about getting behind. There are discussion questions at the end.
There are good points. Essentially, we should care what people think (Dress for success) and not care what all people think (as Bill Shakespeare said “Haters doth going to hate”). He uses a term “enemy” which seems extreme, but it is a good eye opener that as a leader you most likely will have some people actively working against you.
Otherwise, the stuff here is pretty basic, but if you need that push “Get off your rump and do it”, you can find that push here. Other hot takes include “Read everyday” and “you are the company that you keep”. Some basic principles about not being a victim and to make productive choices. In 21st Century America, there are rarely clear life paths. You will not be given a mentor and you will not be given a road map. You need to venture forward yourself. No one will do it for you.
My concern is that this book is a bit “rah rah” and those who might be further along in their career or looking for something deeper won’t get as much out of this book due to lack of specifics.
Each chapter ends with a page-plus of inspirational quotes. That really isn’t my thing and seems like overkill especially in the internet age.
The positive of the book is that it uses a lot of anecdotes . There is a honesty that the best way to learn is to fail. That truth is here, of course, though my observation of corporate life is everyone would rather play safe than taking an unsure step.
There is the story of the day FedEx launched. The first day was 12 packages (and they had 14 planes). Fred Smith got a C on his paper where he explained his idea. No one could grasp an idea that you would route a package through Memphis that was going to Los Angeles from San Francisco. Pat Brown quoting War and Peace’s Count Rostov to Ronald Reagan. “Why, they’re shooting at me. Me who everyone loves”.
Overall, there is plenty of stuff here for the right audience and can be boosted by discussing with others. While I think most will find the stories memorable but the message lacking.
August 27, 2012
pedantic and obvious, I still might recommend it to someone that didn't know they were in control of their life.
July 16, 2012
High on platitudes and "inspirational" stories that, low on any really unique insights. Cottrell's stories felt kind of stale and dated and, falling into the trap of too many self-help books, writes at a very low reading level and reuses too many of the same writing techniques ("Webster defines such and such as...", "Look around at your friends, I'll bet they...", etc). Too easy to read, not engaging or unique. I wanted more.
May 12, 2020
The author shares stories to provide information and teaches about changing your life in small, meaningful ways that anyone can do. I found the book to be positive and motivating.
January 9, 2019
Quick read, very good points. A bit male centric but I want to listen to audio with my boys. Clear, realistic and inspiring points to directed your focus in life towards the positive. Read it with an AMAZING group of professional women at College of Dupage. Thanks!
May 1, 2020
It Was OK
There are some good questions for self reflection. It is a good book for someone new to starting a professional career on knowing self and self principles. I would not recommend for someone wanting to go further in an established career.
There are some good questions for self reflection. It is a good book for someone new to starting a professional career on knowing self and self principles. I would not recommend for someone wanting to go further in an established career.
January 5, 2024
Rather simple principles and ones that we've heard before but that doesn't make them true and effective. It is designed and is probably best read in a group setting where the topics can be explored, discussed, and determined how to apply to an organization.
August 4, 2019
Positive and encouraging book with lots of great quotes and anecdotes to help bring momentum in the right direction.
September 2, 2023
Simple read with actionable ideas that make you think.
Read
January 18, 2024Read for work.
June 27, 2024
Excellent book and easy to read and apply. One of those books that should be sitting on the shelf next to you at work and you pick it up every month or so and scan it.
May 16, 2025
I found myself highlighting a few quotes, but this was generally a book that could have been an email. Though I do think this is a good book for a new grad ready to take on their career!
November 7, 2025
I read this for work. Definitely interesting when applied to work dynamics, relationships and work life balance.
June 8, 2020
Nice little motivational tool.
We all need guidance in how to live out life. We like to always do what is right and need to be successful.
We all need guidance in how to live out life. We like to always do what is right and need to be successful.
July 15, 2008
The concept behind this book is that you & your boss or team at work get together every monday morning and discuss one of the 12 chapters of this book. The concept I love, and that part worked well, but the content of the book was so-so. After you read enough professional development, leadership, live up to your career potential kind of books, they all start to quote each other and it gets pretty unexciting and dull to read. Decent book, but not entirely captivating. Famous quotes at the end of each chapter were good.
Despite the content being so-so, there were a few concepts that hit home with me, particularly the parts on choosing to be enthusiastic and choosing to not be a victim. The way our lives and careers turn out is a direct result of the millions of choices we make, even little every day choices like wearing a smile and loving and serving others.
Here are the 12 choices to make, according to the author (sorry, I didn't write down all the subtitles):
1. The No Victim Choice...Don't let your past eat your future
2. The Commitment Choice...Be passionate enough to succeed
3. The Values Choice...Choose the right enemies
4. The Integrity Choice
5. The Do Something Choice
6. The Persistence Choice
7. The Attitude Choice
8. The Adversity Choice
9. The Relationship Choice
10. The Criticism Choice...Embrace tough learning
11. The Reality Choice...Face the truth
12. The Legacy Choice...Give your gift
Despite the content being so-so, there were a few concepts that hit home with me, particularly the parts on choosing to be enthusiastic and choosing to not be a victim. The way our lives and careers turn out is a direct result of the millions of choices we make, even little every day choices like wearing a smile and loving and serving others.
Here are the 12 choices to make, according to the author (sorry, I didn't write down all the subtitles):
1. The No Victim Choice...Don't let your past eat your future
2. The Commitment Choice...Be passionate enough to succeed
3. The Values Choice...Choose the right enemies
4. The Integrity Choice
5. The Do Something Choice
6. The Persistence Choice
7. The Attitude Choice
8. The Adversity Choice
9. The Relationship Choice
10. The Criticism Choice...Embrace tough learning
11. The Reality Choice...Face the truth
12. The Legacy Choice...Give your gift
December 9, 2014
Considering I read this for work and journaled in my work diary after it was nice to have these self help triggers. Overall it's exactly what you'd expect from a self help book but I think there is some value in reading this book every Monday and thinking about each choice. In fact I've been wanting to find other books that are like it so continue my self help tradition. I want short chapters and an over arching theme.
Most of all I thought this book made me more literate at conveying my hipster negativity and cynicism into type A thoughts and actions. If you're like me your lazy, distracted, never been in a true crisis, been or criticized. This book make you consider that really it's up to you and the mentors you choose to better your life and career.
Most of all I thought this book made me more literate at conveying my hipster negativity and cynicism into type A thoughts and actions. If you're like me your lazy, distracted, never been in a true crisis, been or criticized. This book make you consider that really it's up to you and the mentors you choose to better your life and career.
October 17, 2010
"Monday Morning Choices" is not a book I picked for myself. I asked my company HR library for a couple time management books. Some were unavailable so the HR person recommended this. It was short so I read it anyway. Sometimes you learn interesting things from books others pick out. This also means I had no expectations going in.
I found the book to be more motivational in nature. Plenty of stories about why the 12 "choices" are important. Each chapter ends with more motivational quotes. Each chapter also ends with discussion questions for how this applies to you.
I was disappointed by the lack of practical low level examples/techniques. I was entertained by the book though.
I found the book to be more motivational in nature. Plenty of stories about why the 12 "choices" are important. Each chapter ends with more motivational quotes. Each chapter also ends with discussion questions for how this applies to you.
I was disappointed by the lack of practical low level examples/techniques. I was entertained by the book though.
May 18, 2013
Monday Morning Choices focuses on 12 different ways one can change (from steering clear of a victim mindset to reducing procrastination). The book is set up so each chapter is read weekly and then is discussed with peers/reading group on how the subject of that particular chapter could be implemented for individuals and/or within organizations. Overall, I think the book covers some great points and the way Cottrell is able to personalize some of the chapters by sharing a few of the tragedies and hardships that he has overcome makes the book that much more real and the message much more personal.
March 2, 2013
I expected this book, from the title alone, to give advice on how to start out the week on Monday to set the tone for a productive and fulfilling work week. It's more of a motivational book that tries to get the reader to look at life in a positive light and make choices accordingly. It wasn't a bad book, I'd recommend it (or select chapters) to others if the lesson was appropriate. When I bought the book, I also planned to get the Cottrell books on Leadership and Mentoring, I think I'll browse those books a little more before deciding to buy though.
August 28, 2013
There are some valuable tips in the book. I especially liked the sections on goal setting and leaving your legacy. I appreciated the discussion questions and quotes at the end of each chapter.
I disliked the section about knowing your enemies. I guess it's the word "enemies" that bothers me. I get that there will be people that don't agree with my choices, but I've never considered them enemies.
Much of the writing is obvious, so it makes it a fast read. If you need a quick pick me up, you might enjoy this book to help you refocus your life.
I disliked the section about knowing your enemies. I guess it's the word "enemies" that bothers me. I get that there will be people that don't agree with my choices, but I've never considered them enemies.
Much of the writing is obvious, so it makes it a fast read. If you need a quick pick me up, you might enjoy this book to help you refocus your life.
May 11, 2015
This book was an easy and quick read, and contained a lot of helpful information. Nothing that I hadn't read before, I don't think, but all in one nice package.
I didn't feel all that moved by any of the information, or super inspired really. It was good but not excellent, to me.
I'm a solo entrepreneur, so this book wasn't really written to be read alone at my house. It's written to be read and discussed in a group at a workplace, and maybe that would have made it more revolutionary to me.
Either way, I'm glad I read it.
I didn't feel all that moved by any of the information, or super inspired really. It was good but not excellent, to me.
I'm a solo entrepreneur, so this book wasn't really written to be read alone at my house. It's written to be read and discussed in a group at a workplace, and maybe that would have made it more revolutionary to me.
Either way, I'm glad I read it.
November 3, 2008
Love the idea that everything is a choice and that we can set aside time to chose success basically. The first chapter sets the tone, we chose whether to be a victim or not and that is perhaps key to how we address the other areas. Not a huge amount of new insight but this stuff always bears repeating.
Quotations at the end of the chapters are very good
Quotations at the end of the chapters are very good
January 31, 2011
I read this while screening books to give to younger professionals transferring in to my department at work. The book contains solid advice that is most relevant for the post-college, 20-something crowd. Still, it contained a few good reminders for seasoned professionals as well. While the author suggests reading a chapter every Monday for 12 weeks, it can be easily absorbed in an afternoon.
May 31, 2014
Read in an hour and 15 minutes! Solid book on transforming your perspective and attitude about your work, resulting in a positive and effective path to success. It offers the reader a true choice at how to look at your 'Monday' and what to do to make a great choice. Full of reflection questions and powerful quotes that stick with you. Great personal development selection.
August 30, 2008
I am reading this right now and a bit disappointed. I thought it would give advice/insight/tips on how to use Monday as a way to create a powerful and effective week. It is definitely not what I thought it was going to be...
September 10, 2011
I was asked to read this book by my previous manager. It was ok. It is good to motivate you to be a happier person and take chances. I didn't find it particularly helpful. I didn't really like my job so the book itself didn't really help... or maybe it did... I don't work there anymore :)
September 5, 2016
Don't judge; I had to read this book for work. I am just not one for self-help books, especially little ones like this, whose primary message is BE A GOOD PERSON AND YOU'LL GET PROMOTED. That might be true, but I don't think I had to read a hokey little book to figure that one out.
July 24, 2012
I found Cottrell's first book much more enlightening. This seemed to be a rather obvious list of leadership virtues...don't give up, invest in others, be trustworthy, learn from failure, have a good attitude etc. Nothing groundbreaking and quite surface level.
October 6, 2012
Each of us has a different idea of success. Whether you strive for money, power, happiness, or love, your personal choices, the actions you take, and the relationships you choose to invest time and energy in, will determine whether you reach your goals. Internationally recognized leadership
January 16, 2017
Azoknak ajánlható, akik még csak most ismerkednek a hasonló self-help könyvekkel. Rövid, könnyen olvasható, sok példát hoz sikeres emberek életéből, de kevés segítséget nyújt ahhoz, hogyan lehetne ezt átültetni a saját életünkbe. Túl általános, és ezért kicsit semmitmondó.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews