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The Difference You Make: Changing Your World through the Impact of Your Influence
Every one of us has influence, whether we realize it or not. In everything we say and do, we are influencing those around us. What if we became more aware, more intentional, and more strategic about our own influence? Well, we might just change the world.
True influence, says Pat Williams, isn't about getting what you want--it's about serving others. Using personal stories from his own life and the lives of others, Williams shows readers the difference between influence and manipulation, how to influence others through both words and deeds, and ultimately how to change the world for the better, one relationship at a time.
This book will inspire readers to build a positive legacy in the lives of others and take the role of influencer to heart. Each chapter includes questions and ideas for personal reflection and practical application, and can be used to guide group discussions as well. Includes a foreword by Joe Girardi, manager of the New York Yankees.
True influence, says Pat Williams, isn't about getting what you want--it's about serving others. Using personal stories from his own life and the lives of others, Williams shows readers the difference between influence and manipulation, how to influence others through both words and deeds, and ultimately how to change the world for the better, one relationship at a time.
This book will inspire readers to build a positive legacy in the lives of others and take the role of influencer to heart. Each chapter includes questions and ideas for personal reflection and practical application, and can be used to guide group discussions as well. Includes a foreword by Joe Girardi, manager of the New York Yankees.
- GenresSelf Help
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
21 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Pat Williams
199 books48 followersPatrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 3, 2013
About the Book:
Every one of us has influence, whether we realize it or not. In everything we say and do, we are influencing those around us. What if we became more aware, more intentional, and more strategic about our own influence? Well, we might just change the world.
True influence, says Pat Williams, isn't about getting what you want--it's about serving others. Using personal stories from his own life and the lives of others, Williams shows readers the difference between influence and manipulation, how to influence others through both words and deeds, and ultimately how to change the world for the better, one relationship at a time.
This book will inspire readers to build a positive legacy in the lives of others and take the role of influencer to heart. Each chapter includes questions and ideas for personal reflection and practical application, and can be used to guide group discussions as well. Includes a foreword by Joe Girardi, manager of the New York Yankees.
About the Author:
Pat Williams is the senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic. As one of America's top motivational, inspirational, and humorous speakers, he has addressed thousands of executives in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies and national associations to universities and nonprofits.
My Review:
As a young child, I was always told your life is not your own it belongs to God first and second the people around you. Pat Williams has written a book to share on many levels the things that God has either done through his life or through Pat himself to reveal more of Him. The author shows you how in many different situations God was keenly aware and involved.And he goes about to tell us all how we can have that same influence over all.
The author is hoping that after you read his story and follow some of the life's principles he has learned that you will be able to use your influence to pay it forward and be a loving neighbor to those around you.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for my honest review free of charge by bookfun.org
Every one of us has influence, whether we realize it or not. In everything we say and do, we are influencing those around us. What if we became more aware, more intentional, and more strategic about our own influence? Well, we might just change the world.
True influence, says Pat Williams, isn't about getting what you want--it's about serving others. Using personal stories from his own life and the lives of others, Williams shows readers the difference between influence and manipulation, how to influence others through both words and deeds, and ultimately how to change the world for the better, one relationship at a time.
This book will inspire readers to build a positive legacy in the lives of others and take the role of influencer to heart. Each chapter includes questions and ideas for personal reflection and practical application, and can be used to guide group discussions as well. Includes a foreword by Joe Girardi, manager of the New York Yankees.
About the Author:
Pat Williams is the senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic. As one of America's top motivational, inspirational, and humorous speakers, he has addressed thousands of executives in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies and national associations to universities and nonprofits.
My Review:
As a young child, I was always told your life is not your own it belongs to God first and second the people around you. Pat Williams has written a book to share on many levels the things that God has either done through his life or through Pat himself to reveal more of Him. The author shows you how in many different situations God was keenly aware and involved.And he goes about to tell us all how we can have that same influence over all.
The author is hoping that after you read his story and follow some of the life's principles he has learned that you will be able to use your influence to pay it forward and be a loving neighbor to those around you.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for my honest review free of charge by bookfun.org
May 24, 2013
The Difference You Make
By: Pat Williams
I received this book from TBCN in exchange for a review. I was excited to get to read this book. The subtitle says it all: Changing Your World Through the Impact of your Influence. You have been influenced by many things; you have influence. How can you be an influence? Read this book to find out!
This book is about Pat Williams and his battle with multiple myeloma, his position in professional sports, and his journey as a father. This book gives you tips on how to use your influence wisely. You can influence others by the way you treat them, you words, and accepting responsibility for your impact on others.
There are sections in this book on the influence of our actions, words, and how to be a Christian of influence. Once you finish this book, you will understand how to be a true influencer: If we truly want to influence our world and the people around us, we must begin with prayer. The last quote in the book is the best: The difference you make tomorrow begins with the decisions you make today. For encouragement and inspiration, check this book out today!
By: Pat Williams
I received this book from TBCN in exchange for a review. I was excited to get to read this book. The subtitle says it all: Changing Your World Through the Impact of your Influence. You have been influenced by many things; you have influence. How can you be an influence? Read this book to find out!
This book is about Pat Williams and his battle with multiple myeloma, his position in professional sports, and his journey as a father. This book gives you tips on how to use your influence wisely. You can influence others by the way you treat them, you words, and accepting responsibility for your impact on others.
There are sections in this book on the influence of our actions, words, and how to be a Christian of influence. Once you finish this book, you will understand how to be a true influencer: If we truly want to influence our world and the people around us, we must begin with prayer. The last quote in the book is the best: The difference you make tomorrow begins with the decisions you make today. For encouragement and inspiration, check this book out today!
March 26, 2013
As I came to the end of The Difference You Make, my immediate response was, "Thank You, God, for Pat Williams." I felt tremendously blessed to have been in his company, through his authorship, along with the others whose stories are told in the book. The Bible advises in Proverbs for us to seek wisdom, and this book is a fount of wisdom. The best words spoken, by some of the most encouraging people of the past and today, were infused to my being as I read the book. I am not the typical follower of sports and its celebrities. Even so, I found the book to transcend the category of being only for sports enthusiasts.
The Difference You Make is a book I want to keep handy for future reference, hopefully for reading on an annual basis. I am also recommending it to my son who is graduating from college in about a month. He will be following the right and fruitful path of life if he applies the wisdom in this book. I would give his whole graduating class a copy of the book if I could.
I received a free copy through The Book Club Network. I promised to read the book and give an honest review which I have done.
The Difference You Make is a book I want to keep handy for future reference, hopefully for reading on an annual basis. I am also recommending it to my son who is graduating from college in about a month. He will be following the right and fruitful path of life if he applies the wisdom in this book. I would give his whole graduating class a copy of the book if I could.
I received a free copy through The Book Club Network. I promised to read the book and give an honest review which I have done.
May 1, 2013
Pat Williams is senior vice president and co-founder of the Orlando Magic basketball team and a well-known motivational speaker who shares valuable lessons regarding how to impact and influence others. His vast experience with numerous successful individuals of influence has played a significant role in establishing and sharing the concrete steps to becoming an influential person. Athletes play a major role in influencing countless people through their attitudes and actions. The old adage, "Action speaks louder than words" strikes a cord in how people react to those influencers. People can be impressed by others, but they are influenced by how we treat others. Our words and actions have a great deal of impact on others. By using examples of well-known and popular individuals Pat Williams has created a wealth of information pertaining to the successful actions and influence these influencers have on our lives. Mentoring is a valuable action in how we proceed in impacting others. A person of great influence knows how to build others up and empower them to emulate those character traits themselves. In our attempts to influence others our deeds need to reflect our words or there is no credibility. We can talk the talk, but being a true influencer we need to walk the walk and set the pace for those who are observing us.
Pat Williams has written a very interesting and informative book, sharing his experiences with numerous famous individuals who have had a major influence in his life. He introduces the reader to many famous sports people, motivators and high achievers. His diagnosis and treatment for cancer have also impacted his life, and he shares his reactions very openly and in a candid manner. His philosophy of being truthful sets a positive pace in this highly motivational book. His basic principals for how to go about becoming a positive influence on those around us are valuable lessons we can all put into use every day in every way.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you to Fred St. Laurent from The Book Club Network and Revell for offering this reviewer program.
Pat Williams has written a very interesting and informative book, sharing his experiences with numerous famous individuals who have had a major influence in his life. He introduces the reader to many famous sports people, motivators and high achievers. His diagnosis and treatment for cancer have also impacted his life, and he shares his reactions very openly and in a candid manner. His philosophy of being truthful sets a positive pace in this highly motivational book. His basic principals for how to go about becoming a positive influence on those around us are valuable lessons we can all put into use every day in every way.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I have received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you to Fred St. Laurent from The Book Club Network and Revell for offering this reviewer program.
May 6, 2013
The Difference You Make by Pat Williams
With Jim Denney
Pat Williams has hit it out of the ballpark and slam-dunked it with his book,The Difference You Make. What an eye opening and provocative book. Pat reflects over his life and the people who have influenced him, along with the ones he has influenced.
The entire book is about the impact of influence. Pat touches on how his struggles with multi-myeloma cancer have helped open his eyes to the influences each person has, influences for good or bad, whether the person realizes their influence or not.
As a Dad, Pat had a huge impact on the lives of his nineteen children. In addition, he has influenced as a coach for minor league baseball teams and influences as GM for a major league basketball team.
The book illustrates how we never know how we will influence people, even ourselves sometimes. Pat cites an example on page 131 that richly demonstrates this. He once copied a passage he loved, only to find he was the author of the quote.
Each chapter of the book ends with a series of questions for group discussion or individual reflection, enabling a deeper understanding of the chapter.
He helps us learn and inspires us step by step, in how to become more strategic and intentional within our spheres of influence. He also helps us to use our lives as a mission to impact as many people as is possible with a lasting and positive influence.
Pat ends his book with the sentence:
The difference you make tomorrow begins with the decisions you make today.
The book really brought home how important and significant our lives are as people, Christians, parents, bosses, co-workers or whatever our walk in life may happen to be. We never know how what we say or do will influence someone else.
Even though the book has a sports slant, it carries an effective and interesting message for everyone, male or female, sports nut or not.
This book was provided to me by Revell through The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.
With Jim Denney
Pat Williams has hit it out of the ballpark and slam-dunked it with his book,The Difference You Make. What an eye opening and provocative book. Pat reflects over his life and the people who have influenced him, along with the ones he has influenced.
The entire book is about the impact of influence. Pat touches on how his struggles with multi-myeloma cancer have helped open his eyes to the influences each person has, influences for good or bad, whether the person realizes their influence or not.
As a Dad, Pat had a huge impact on the lives of his nineteen children. In addition, he has influenced as a coach for minor league baseball teams and influences as GM for a major league basketball team.
The book illustrates how we never know how we will influence people, even ourselves sometimes. Pat cites an example on page 131 that richly demonstrates this. He once copied a passage he loved, only to find he was the author of the quote.
Each chapter of the book ends with a series of questions for group discussion or individual reflection, enabling a deeper understanding of the chapter.
He helps us learn and inspires us step by step, in how to become more strategic and intentional within our spheres of influence. He also helps us to use our lives as a mission to impact as many people as is possible with a lasting and positive influence.
Pat ends his book with the sentence:
The difference you make tomorrow begins with the decisions you make today.
The book really brought home how important and significant our lives are as people, Christians, parents, bosses, co-workers or whatever our walk in life may happen to be. We never know how what we say or do will influence someone else.
Even though the book has a sports slant, it carries an effective and interesting message for everyone, male or female, sports nut or not.
This book was provided to me by Revell through The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2013
Upon opening up the book I was worried that I would not be able to read through this book. This is not my typical type of read, until I came upon Wooden's name. I have read a few books on Wooden, being a Kinesiology major, and thoroughly love the man. So, I trudged on.
This book was about a man who has delved out principles not only on life but on work ethic and selflessness. He uses real life examples to drive the truth of the matter in, doing so while he struggles with multiple myeloma. He is a bundle of courage and information encouraging us to use our influences selflessly and to give of ourselves freely.
By the time I finished this book I had learned a few things about myself and plan to make some changes by giving more of myself in the manner in which Pat Williams teaches. Yes, I said teaches. Any good teacher deserves acknowledgement, and that is exactly what Pat Williams does when he encourages us to utilize his principles of life. He utilizes famous people who have influenced him and people who he has influenced to share with us his true stories to do what, I think, we need him to do. Show us how to live.
Five stars for a well written and communicative book!
This book was given to me by the publishers and bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
This book was about a man who has delved out principles not only on life but on work ethic and selflessness. He uses real life examples to drive the truth of the matter in, doing so while he struggles with multiple myeloma. He is a bundle of courage and information encouraging us to use our influences selflessly and to give of ourselves freely.
By the time I finished this book I had learned a few things about myself and plan to make some changes by giving more of myself in the manner in which Pat Williams teaches. Yes, I said teaches. Any good teacher deserves acknowledgement, and that is exactly what Pat Williams does when he encourages us to utilize his principles of life. He utilizes famous people who have influenced him and people who he has influenced to share with us his true stories to do what, I think, we need him to do. Show us how to live.
Five stars for a well written and communicative book!
This book was given to me by the publishers and bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
March 31, 2013
The Difference you make by Pat Williams with Jim Denney
An uplifting book sure to inspire greatness. The author Pat Williams uses his experiences as a ball player, sports manger and motivation speaker to show us how to use our influence to change the world or at least our world. He has influenced the world by raising 19 children, being mentors to many in the sports world. He has faced the hardship of multiple myeloma cancer with his eye on the prize, eternity with Christ. His influence shows us how to live a life of strong moral character. Accountability, honesty, courage, perseverance, integrity, self-control and generosity lead to a full life of positive influence to others and can be used as a model of leadership worthy of the great leaders. The author gives you life changing principles to change your own leadership abilities.
An uplifting book sure to inspire greatness. The author Pat Williams uses his experiences as a ball player, sports manger and motivation speaker to show us how to use our influence to change the world or at least our world. He has influenced the world by raising 19 children, being mentors to many in the sports world. He has faced the hardship of multiple myeloma cancer with his eye on the prize, eternity with Christ. His influence shows us how to live a life of strong moral character. Accountability, honesty, courage, perseverance, integrity, self-control and generosity lead to a full life of positive influence to others and can be used as a model of leadership worthy of the great leaders. The author gives you life changing principles to change your own leadership abilities.
May 28, 2013
Pat Williams' book is well written and the personal stories make it very interesting. The book is designed to help you recognize the people that have influenced you as well as the influence that you can have on other people. I enjoyed reading and learning about Pat's life, as well as reading the quotes from other successful people. It says a great deal, at least to me, that Pat recognized wisdom from others instead of implying that he had all the answers. He also offers suggestions of ways to brighten someone else's day, or influence them in a positive way. This book is great for young adults as well as those of us who have been practicing for a few years!
I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2013
The Difference You Make is a book that I will be reading again, it holds so much life changing principles .
It is about how our experences can make a difference in our lives and how we influence others by the way we handle ourselves in times of adversity . Pat also talks about change , if you think something should be changed, you shouldn't expect someone else to do it. It's my responsiblity to take action and change it. these are wise words to live by daily.
I encourage you to read this book .
I received a free copy through The Book Club Network.
It is about how our experences can make a difference in our lives and how we influence others by the way we handle ourselves in times of adversity . Pat also talks about change , if you think something should be changed, you shouldn't expect someone else to do it. It's my responsiblity to take action and change it. these are wise words to live by daily.
I encourage you to read this book .
I received a free copy through The Book Club Network.
August 2, 2013
After reading this book, I am going to make a conscious effort to be more of a positive influence on my children, grandchildren, and actually everyone I know or meet. Pat Williams not only tells how he has made a difference in people he's met, but also gives steps for how a "regular" person can go about being a positive influence. This is a wonderful book!
I received this book from bookfun.org to read for my honest opinion.
I received this book from bookfun.org to read for my honest opinion.
March 17, 2013
Great stories primarily sports themed, But applicable to all people in all walks of life. I judge a good book by its ability to change my behavior And there are at least three things that I will start doing next week. Thanks Pat. It was nice meeting you last week. And I'm glad your mission was accomplished.
February 14, 2014
Overall, I loved the messages Pat Williams portrayed in his book. He is so full of experience--from his sports career, very large family, and forcing his cancer into remission. I honestly feel like I know him a bit from this book. All of the sports experiences I had a harder time connecting to, but his advice is sound and I hope to be as much of an influence as he is someday!
March 17, 2013
Pat Williams tells many stories of sports figures he has worked with and befriended. His encouragement to take the opportunities to influence others for good , for life and for faith in Christ is excellent.
October 1, 2016
I feel blessed after reading this book and acknowledging those who made a difference in my life and rethinking now as I didn't realize how each and every action of mine is being watched ... will be more careful with my words and actions.
March 6, 2013
Awesome book-- we all influence and this book shares that thought vividly.
November 21, 2013
Pat Williams can handle a story just like magic johnson can handle the rock. This is a rock you can take to the bank...Pure gold... all the way baby!!! Read it and motivate...
February 6, 2015
This book is wonderful, Pat must be an amazing man. I can't imagine the patience and grace it takes to raise so many children.
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August 6, 2016If you want to leave this world a better place, read and study this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews