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How High Will You Climb?: Determine Your Success by Cultivating the Right Attitude

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A positive attitude comes easy in times of joy and progress. But the real test of character comes during times of turmoil and conflict--which are always just on the horizon. When the skies above appear stormy, how will you steer that internal plane we call attitude? In How High Will You Climb? bestselling author and pastor John C. Maxwell emphasizes that even in the worst of storms, we are never flying solo. With God supporting our approach in every challenge that comes our way, we have the power to choose--yes, choose--the attitude we take with us on our journey. Oftentimes our outward expression and attitude during conflict is every bit as critical as the inward struggle, and our approach to the struggles in our family, in work, in life in general will actually determine the outcome more than the actual struggle. The choice is yours--when your path brings you through your next storm, how high will you climb?

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

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About the author

John C. Maxwell

999 books5,858 followers
John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Nathan Albright.
4,488 reviews160 followers
March 27, 2014
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest book review.]

Although the title was certainly not abridged, the book as a whole is an abridged (about 150 pages long) version of the author’s previous book The Winning Attitude, which happens to be a book by the author I have not read. From what I can tell from this book, though, is that it follows many of the patterns of Maxwell’s work in being strong in numbered lists, in featuring a superficial analysis of biblical references as well as a focus on business-related metaphors, including an extended one on the attitude of planes, which forms an entrance into the subject of attitudes in general. If you are fond of Maxwell’s writings in general, have not read his longer book on the important subject of attitudes, and want a short book that is long on practical (if somewhat equivocal) advice, this is a good book to read.

I would like to take a bit of time in discussing the equivocal nature of this book’s advice, and the sort of flaws it demonstrates in self-help writing in general. On the one hand, this book is all about having a positive attitude and avoiding negative people, but on the other this book is deeply critical about the thought patterns of people who are not successful, blaming those who are not successful for being at fault through a bad attitude. Likewise, this book manages to deal in an intriguing way on a variety of matters, but to present a good attitude as fundamentally a denial of historical analysis of a great deal of reflection. There is a lot of interest in this book, but most of it is on the surface, whether it is looking at the wordplay between different definitions of attitude or the interplay between the force of circumstances and the responsibility we have to choose how to best deal with the reality that we face.

The real value of a book like this is in provoking thought and in providing encouragement to those who already want to do what this book urges people to do. A book like this is like a good and wise friend who cheers us up and who gives us good advice about keeping a good attitude in a situation that we can’t do anything about, giving us some help in keeping our spirits up and working hard and connected with others so that we may best succeed in our endeavors. This is not to say that this is a perfect book, but rather that it can help provide encouragement for those who are inclined to think positively, even if it has enough flaws (especially being a very brief book, lacking in the sort of supporting detail the larger book presumably contains) that someone who is not inclined to be very positive would probably not appreciate or gain a lot of value from this book. As a short book that is sunny and clever, this is a book that will probably find a large and appreciative audience, hopefully intrigued enough to find and read the larger book for even more encouragement. This book encourages its readers to find encouraging and loving friends who bring out the best in us; that is advice any of us should follow when it comes to both the people we know, as well as the books we read.
Profile Image for Todd Mckeever.
131 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2015
We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose change. There are eight choices we need to make to change our attitude.

Choice #1 - Evaluate your present attitudes. The goal of this exercise is not to see the “bad you” but the bad attitude that keeps you from being a more fulfilled person.

Choice #2 – Realize that faith is stronger than fear. The only thing that will guarantee the success of a doubtful undertaking is the faith from the beginning that you can do it.

Choice #3 – Write a statement of purpose. In order to have fun and direction in changing your attitude, you must establish a clearly stated goal. This goal should be as specific as possible, written out, and signed with a time frame attached to it.

Choice #4 – Have the desire to change. No choice will determine the success of your attitude change more than desiring to change. When all else fails, desire alone can keep you heading in the right direction.

Choice #5 – Live one day at a time. It is not the experiences of today that drive men to distraction; it is the remorse or bitterness for something that happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore live but one day at a time, today!

Choice #6 – Change your thought patterns. What holds our attention determines our actions. We are where we are and what we are because of the dominating thoughts that occupy our minds. Our thought lives, not our circumstances, determine our happiness.

Choice #7 - Develop good habits. Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought. Habits aren’t instincts; they’re acquired action or reactions. They don’t just happen; they are caused.

Choice #8 – Continually choose to have a right attitude. Once you make the choice to possess a good attitude, the work really begins. Now comes a life of continually deciding to grow and maintain the right outlook. Attitudes have a tendency to revert back to their original patterns if not carefully guarded and cultivated.

As you desire to change and act on your plans to change, remember that you’re not doing this by yourself. First John 4:4 says, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is within you than he who is in the world.”
213 reviews9 followers
March 11, 2016
Oh John Maxwell, what would I have done without you when I first started reading non-fiction many years ago? John has been one of my favorite authors and after reading this book, it reinvigorated my desire for books by him. This book, How High Will You Climb seemed to have talked about the same kind of things I have read in his other books, but still amazing in all ways. I love how he includes God in his readings but also teaches you about success in the same sentence. Your attitude really does determine your success in life. You can't have a bad attitude and expect to get very far in life. Don't forget that the more you fail, the more closer you get to success. Having a bad attitude will not work well during failure and its a requirement for success. If you don't fail, you can't succeed. Failure is just one of the pit stops required of you on the way to achievement of your goals.
Profile Image for Sash.
5 reviews46 followers
October 13, 2020
This book was written by a Christian -- and while there is nothing wrong with writing about success based on attitude on a Christian's point of view, I think this book is half excerpts from the Bible and half annotations of it. I did not read anything about leadership or success.

It also tells you to be positive NO MATTER WHAT. This is unrealistic -- and not to mention, toxic. It rejects and invalidates our negative emotions as if suffering is not a part of life. This positivity is not only toxic -- it is false.
Profile Image for allison toner.
9 reviews
May 1, 2024
Really good book! I feel I can take a lot from it and apply it to my life to feel happier and more at ease with my emotions/feelings. Felt a tad bit repetitive as all it talks about the entire book is “attitude”. But there were so many good things to highlight and tons of good advice!
“To accept failure as final is to be finally a failure.”
Profile Image for Paulo.
301 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2019
Um livro religioso de auto-ajuda.

O autor pega trechos da Bíblia e os converte, de acordo com sua interpretação, para aplicar como princípios para melhorar sua vida.

Mais do tipo "ame-o ou rejeite-o" ...

Well, just my 2 cents ...
Profile Image for Edgar Hilario.
6 reviews
June 12, 2020
¡Excelente!

Definitivamente este libro es excelente. Totalmente práctico y afirmador. Lleva al lector en todo momento a una introspección profunda. Aborda el tema de la actitud desde una óptica fresca.
Profile Image for Marie.
126 reviews
June 18, 2021
This is a book that one should read again And again.
Profile Image for Keith Gandy.
124 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2025
Not a particularly deep volume, but here and there there are a few good thoughts or anecdotes. I wish it was a little more scholarly in scope.
Profile Image for Marla.
387 reviews21 followers
May 20, 2014

My review (as published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers via BookLook Bloggers for providing me with a copy of this book!

I enjoy Maxwell’s writing and How High Will You Climb? is not an exception. Maxwell strikes a balance when giving Christian Leadership/Life advice in my opinion. He shares his advice, backed by biblical examples and scriptures and guides learners with a practical voice.

The book explores the impact attitude has on our success – our life in general. Just from the many personal experiences I've had, I’d already knew it was a TON. It is something I struggle with and I’m sure many readers will also relate. Sometimes it is so hard to have the right attitude through the curves life throws out, but the potential difference it would make is so worth it!

Aside from biblical examples, Maxwell also notes several of the standout achievers from history and the negative feedback they received from those around them – feedback which would have most of us nose diving into the ground and quitting. These achievers didn't give up and we have some a life’s greatest inventions because of that fact.

Maxwell briefly explains several reasons we may be causing some of our own negativity along with some practical ideas on how to dig out. For instance, some readers may struggle with making decisions at the wrong time – did you know there’s a “best time” to make major decisions? Did you know it probably isn’t in the midst of whatever life’s latest curve ball?

In the last section of the book, Maxwell offers several steps readers can follow when ready to start making change in their attitude. Additionally, there are action steps for readers throughout the book between chapters so readers are interactively putting Maxwell’s knowledge to use the entire time.

The back cover indicates that How High Will Your Climb? is an abridgment of another book by Maxwell, The Winning Attitude. I've not read that book, and I will add that I generally get worn down with longer self-help books so this one was probably the perfect size for my tastes, but for those who might want to dig deeper, the longer book is always available!

I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
Profile Image for Doug Hibbard.
Author 2 books3 followers
April 2, 2014
I have a shelf of “leadership” themed books in my office. They range from 822 pages of heavy academics down to today’s book, How High Will You Climb? that weighs in at 134 pages of content, plus study guide and endnotes. Yep, endnotes. Boo.

How High? is from John Maxwell, who is well-regarded in the leadership training world. His work here pulls out 8 choices, 5 opportunities, and 3 strengths that are valuable for Christian leadership. I say he has isolated this into Christian leadership because all of these are sourced from various points in the Christian Bible.

Is it necessary to be a Christian to benefit from these ideas? No, but one who does not think the Bible has any value will dispute with Maxwell’s endorsement of the Bible. I am personally a little uncomfortable about whether or not he is using Scripture in the way it should be—the Bible is intended to guide our relationship with God, not be a success manual. Maxwell dances close to that edge.

Are his principles valid? They are. I find no fault in what Maxwell suggests through how How High? Except that it’s just not unique. It’s the same basic ideas that I’ve seen in several other authors. There’s nothing wrong with the ideas, there’s just nothing new here.

In this, I think Maxwell is the victim of his own success. Twenty years ago, it seemed Maxwell was the primary accessible leadership author in Christian circles. He created a market for the idea of reading on leadership, and now there are multiple authors in the market…some have beaten him to the attitude concept.

Overall, I think this makes a great gift book for graduates or new hires. The back cover makes clear that this is an abridgment of Maxwell’s The Winning Attitude. If you want to dig deeper, go ahead and get the big book, but if you’re after a bulk purchase for inspiration, this will do nicely.

Book received in exchange for the review.
Profile Image for Violet.
Author 5 books15 followers
April 3, 2014
If you need an attitude makeover, How High Will You Climb? is your go-to guide. Using the metaphor of attitude in the world of flight, author John C. Maxwell helps us analyze our life's attitude ("... an inward feeling expressed by behaviour" - Kindle Location 81) from every possible angle: what an attitude is, how it's formed, what things cause it to nose-dive, and how to change it.

The book has many practical examples. But it is more than a self-help guide, for its points are solidly buttressed by scripture. The body of the book contains lots of interactive features like self-tests and practical application suggestions. In addition, the back of the book has a Study Guide with a set of questions, discussion starters, and journal prompts for each chapter.

I found the book challenging and helpful. I especially appreciated the chapter on how to recognize and overcome discouragement. It is certainly a book I will keep close at hand, for as Maxwell points out, attitude is something we grapple with as long as we live:

"Our attitudes are formed by our experiences and how we choose to react to them. Therefore as long as we live, we are forming, changing or reinforcing attitudes. ... our attitude doesn't remain stagnant" - KL 546 & 571.


(How High Will You Climb? was first published as Your Attitude in 1984 by Here's Life Publishers.)

I received How High Will You Climb? as a gift from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the purpose of writing a review.
Profile Image for Toyin Spades.
270 reviews539 followers
May 10, 2014
I am a creature of habit (even though I vehemently deny this when asked publicly). I had the opportunity to review yet another book and I impulsively went for a John Maxwell book. :)

This book is one which gives some steps on how you can determine your success by cultivating the right attitude. I like the way he starts the book by giving an insight as to how a plane's attitude determines its altitude...when its nose is up, it definitely means the plane is going upwards despite the wind resistance.

The book highlights what I would like to call the basic principles of life with regard to how we go through difficulties. Even though he draws these principles from the bible, there is a subtle inference that you do not have to have any religious beliefs for these principles to be applied in your life.

On the other hand if you are a christian like me, you would appreciate the fact that John Maxwell refers to the bible as 'a handbook on attitude performance'. He makes reference to the fact that the bible is our compass to find ways of thinking positively in an otherwise negative environment with God guiding us all the way.

Towards the end of the book in part IV, John gives a step-by-step guide on how you can begin the process of changing your attitude. This, to me, is the most important part of the book as it provides practical steps on how to do all he has talked about in the book. He also provides a study guide to help you rate yourself and apply the chapters of the book practically in your life.

Have a great day people!
Profile Image for Claudia.
80 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2014
“Attitude is everything” or so they say. John C. Maxwell probably agrees. His book, How High Will You Climb, is subtitled “Determine Your Success by Cultivating the Right Attitude.” In aviation, your attitude determines your altitude. The attitude of the aircraft can be nose-up or nose-down and where the nose is pointed, the plane will follow. Correspondingly, if your personal attitude is nose-down, you’re probably not going to go anywhere but down.

How High Will You Climb is all about “looking up” for guidance and direction. What is attitude and why is it important? How was your present attitude formed? What are obstacles to a positive attitude, both within and without? How can I change my attitude? These are all questions answered in Maxwell’s book. He uses Biblical principles along with illustrative stories to guide the reader to the start of a journey towards having a better attitude. There are self-evaluation questions included in each chapter, and a study guide at the end of the book.

If you are serious about getting rid of your bad attitude or know someone who just needs to have some direction in how to begin changing theirs, this book is a good one. It isn’t too long and there are plenty of practical steps to begin that journey.
Profile Image for Sandra.
36 reviews
June 22, 2014
A short but powerful book, How High Will You Climb? is an abridgement of The Winning Attitude, which was first published in 1993. In his latest publication, bestselling author John C. Maxwell provides the tools needed to cultivate the right, that is a positive, attitude. In fourteen concise chapters that are divided into four parts he explains the importance of attitude, how attitude is formed, what makes an attitude crash, and how to change one's attitude. Throughout the book is interspersed with Biblical and personal examples. How High Will You Climb? is surprisingly practical: each chapter contains a section on "attitude application" and additionally the book ends with a study guide.

Although I am familiar with John C. Maxwell and several of his books adorn our bookshelves, I have to admit that this was the first of his books I've actually read. But it most certainly won't be the last one. I really liked How High Will You Climb? and got a lot out of it. It is very motivational and inspiring. I am definitely recommending it but I'd say get the print copy as you'll want to be able to highlight and comment on passages that speak to you.
Profile Image for Pavan Kumar Vavilapalli.
41 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2014
A good book for all the individuals who are facing problems because of their attitude and determined to change it, can read this book or use this as a guide. It provides motivation for the people who want to change their attitude for sure. It's easy to read, packed with great advice on how our attitudes influence our performance with some biblical reference. This book has the summaries of how the proper attitude can make you a better person and make you more successful. The most valuable section of the book is how to view and address failure, how to view it and how to move forward from it is extremely useful to anyone who is looking for an attitude boost. This is packed with usable tips and techniques to improve anyone's attitude.

For more http://www.myrezension.blogspot.in/20...
Profile Image for Ernesto.
314 reviews12 followers
July 11, 2016
En esta ocasión, John C. Maxwell queda mucho a deber en este libro, generalmente nos tiene acostumbrados a una serie de tips acerca de liderazgo o cómo mejorar nuestras relaciones interpersonales de una forma más amena y lúdica, pero en este caso se apoya de forma excesiva en textos bíblicos lo cual desde mi punto de vista es un recurso que puede incomodar a muchos lectores.

A título personal, no recomiendo la lectura de este texto de este autor, considero que tiene mejores lecturas que pueden aportar más valor al lector.
Profile Image for Mohanad Ghazi.
2 reviews
August 6, 2015
the author seem to be carried away with preaching about Jesus more than going deep with the main theme of the book which is the "Attitude" specially in the last chapters. i really liked many quotes that i even marked them with stickers. in my opinion, more examples and life lessons about attitude were needed to keep the idea of the author in reader's mind. in general, I'm going to use the attitude applications in my daily routine and hope to stick with it!.
89 reviews
September 1, 2014
Loved this book! I learned so much about myself. Was a journey of revelation. My biggest take away was about Negativism. When I feel negative toward a situation, person, whatever - I voice it aloud my fears... then act accordingly to it. I set myself up every time for failure! Thanks for pointing out this huge crippling attitude to get right John :)
Profile Image for Neo Ntsekalle.
2 reviews
September 25, 2014
Its a great positive book as it encourages a nose-high attitude to the reader. It helps and equips the reader with the definition of a positive attitude, importance of a positive attitude, and also measures to be taken in attempt to cultivating a positive attitude. Its a very powerful resource.
2 reviews
October 31, 2016
Great book on the power of attitudes and learning to have the right attitudes in every diverse situation that presents itself throughout life. Great pointers and self-evaluation methods to put into practice.
Profile Image for Mike.
672 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2014
Great book and an easy read. This book is an abridgment of Maxwell's "Winning Attitude" book and was quite timely. It is a good reminder of how important a good attitude is in determining success.
Profile Image for Mariella.
83 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2014
A short and good read. Self-management is the key to success, and it starts with our own attitude.
8 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
El libro nos da consejos básicos acerca de hacia donde hay que apuntar para lograr los objetivos que deseamos alcanzar.
Profile Image for Dana.
31 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2020
Read it twice and loved it even more now.

I was on a terrible reading slump and I knew nonfiction would not help.
Thank God I grabbed this book! In here are the answers to my current why's!

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