Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive

by T.D. Jakes

Empower yourself and deepen your faith with the journaling exercises, leadership challenges, and personal growth tools in this interactive companion guide to T. D. Jakes' Instinct.









An instant #1 New York Times bestseller for six weeks, Bishop T.D. Jakes's smash hit Instinct showed readers how to tap into their God-given intuition to achieve ultimate success. Now, you can apply those lessons with this essential collection of insights and reflections designed to encourage you on your faith journey.




Whether you call it following your heart, a gut feeling, a hunch or intuition, or instinct -- the inner knowledge bubbling up from a wellspring of wisdom within can lead to a bigger, elephant-sized life.




Combining social, business, and personal examples with biblical insights, this personal application guide will show you how to rediscover your natural aptitudes and reclaim the wisdom of past experiences. Knowing when to close a deal, when to take a risk, and when to listen to your heart will become possible when you're in touch with the instincts that God gave you.




If you're ready to unlock the confines of where you are and discover where you were meant to be, then Instinct is your key!


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Genres: Christian, Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Faith, Religion, Leadership

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Bishop T.D. Jakes is the author of the bestsellers God's Leading Lady; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; Maximize the Moment; The Great Investment; His Lady; Woman, Thou art Loosed (the film of which won the Best Film Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival) and He-Motions. His daily morning show The Potter's Touch and weekly broadcast The Potter's House air on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television, as well as in Europe and South America. Bishop Jakes is the founder and pastor of The Potter's House, one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation, where he leads an interracial congregation of more than 28,000 members. He lives in Dallas with his wife and five children.

Reviews

[Briana Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book, especially with Bishop Jakes' sermon on Instinct. I believe, however, that I was a bit let down, but mostly from the narration. I truly believe that authors who have speaking platforms should narrate their own books. While there was great information in the book, sometimes it came off...not convincing.

With narration aside, Instinct is a good book to read. If you've heard some of the sermons from this series, the book expounds on it a bit more. It relates to your personal struggles, relationships, and professional life. Instinct is necessary for continued growth. We all have it, we just have to activate it. Bishop Jakes explains where that instinct comes from, compares it to animal instincts (they really are the best examples), and compares our old way of doing things to the better way.

Because I took notes, I'm going to definitely pour over them, and make sure I got everything I could out of the book. If you watch or hear TD Jakes speak, like me, the audiobook may not be for you. However, pick up a copy and get your instinct on.

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I absolutely LOVE T.D. Jakes - I'll watch his sermons, read his books and buy his CD's. So it's no surprise that "Instinct: Unleashing your Natural Drive for Success" was on my MUST-READ list. My first observation to this book is that Jakes wasn't "preach"-ey in his message in the text...meaning he didn't use Bible verses or Bible stories to share his points (which was different for a Jakes book). In fact. in "Instinct", I discovered the more entrepreneurial, more business-side to T.D. Jakes. He talked about his past business failures, his childhood days, his creative outlets, his beginning apprehensions to business development and ultimately "rising to fame." Jakes centers the entire text around his safari trip to South Africa where he experienced animal instincts, divine setups and powerful reminders of majesty and grace. He refers to his favorite animal, the elephant, as illusive yet full of wonder, alluding to the natural elements as his guide towards explaining scenarios of leadership and business. I underlined so many fascinating tidbits of wisdom that Jakes wrote about our design and our purpose. This book is a very easy read and it will captivate you from beginning to end! I highly recommend it!

[Joseph B. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bishop Jakes for another awesome book! It's amazing how many Christians I know that don't know what their purpose is. You make it seem so easy. I will write my notes in a notebook and put them in action! Great books make me act on what I read. I'm naturally drawn to the scriptures, and I love to be challenged. This book definitely challenges me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know their purpose!

[Julia Coney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read a T.D. Jakes book and I actually enjoyed this one. As a small business owner it was very helpful.

[Bel Fontanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has opened my mind to so many possibilities...This is definitely a "New year new me" type of book!

[Yolanda Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished reading the book, “Instincts” by T.D. Jakes. I feel this book is a great motivational book for anyone who is searching for developing instinctive leadership qualities.

Unfortunately, I feel the voice of the book did not sound like TD Jakes, especially in the beginning. As a woman who has gone to countless "Woman Thou Art Loose" conferences consecutively for over 10 years, this book was not exactly what I expected.

I’ve listened to endless sermons from TD Jakes on broadcast such as: Lightsource website, TBN, Daystar, Youtube and his ministry website; including reading several of his past books. This book did not include much references of a spiritual nature through ministering of the Holy Spirit. It also did not include many scripture references.

This book is definitely geared for the general public that may not have a relationship with the Lord or understand how to be led by the Holy Spirit, but only by their internal instincts also known as, “Following Your Gut.” I believe this book was written to reach a wider audience besides the Christian community which is in what we, as Christians are led to do. "To be a fisher of men."

Overall, it is a good read and he captured my attention on interesting perspectives and comparisons on how to follow your instinctive leadership through his personal experiences that he discerned on a safari exploration by the analysis of animal’s instinctive nature and its habitation.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3rd 10/5 Stars for 2014.

Full Blog Review In Progress.

This book was AMAZING! I love feeling like a book is speaking to me and TD Jakes did this. There were numerous things that I took away from this book.

Although the author is a spiritual leader, the book wasn't heavy on God and overly preachy. It made it easier for me to listen to the very important points that he was attempting to get through.

Well written, I was able to sink into it and it flew by.

[KyaP_Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

God bless T.D. Jakes. Not only is he a captivating speaker, but he's also a compelling writer and story-teller. I recently finished reading his latest book "Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive" and I love the way he's used metaphors and imagery of the jungle, personal anecdotes, and the power of the gospel to motivate, encourage, and stimulate his readers.

Much like his widely-circulated sermons, 15-second Instagram clips, and motion pictures have spread messages of empowerment, perseverance, and enlightenment, this book was nothing short of inspirational.

I first got wind of the book via an Oprah special, and hearing the New York Times Bestselling author T.D. Jakes speak to some of the catch phrases from his book. The one that really spoke to me was "instinct has a rhythm." That main theme carries throughout the text as he stresses the importance of listening to your inner voice, and following your passion, your goals, and trusting the inner vibration that will lead you in a positive direction.

It was a great read, and I am better off having digested these words.

[Mathis Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I saw instinct on the front cover, I knew I had to give this a read. But to my dismay, I was not impressed with this book. Three quarters into the book I was fed up with all the animals' analogies. It felt as if I was reading an educational book on animals. Also I felt the author spent way too much time on entrepreneurship. I yearned for him to expound more about the human's inner voice, instead of giving us metaphors on how to detect our destiny. However, there were a few golden nuggets that clicked with me which taught me to pay attention to signs that captures my interest whether it’s online or in my daily routine that might lead me to my calling. All in all, the writing style wasn't my cup of tea. I found it a bit preachy for my liking; there were a lot of exclamation marks. I would only recommend this book to those who are thinking about starting a business venture. I'll give this book a two and an half stars.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this time in my life, I needed to read this book. I so thoroughly enjoyed it that I read it in a few days. As I read this book, I realized that it did not feel cliche or like a typical self-help book but quite encouraging. What he discovered on his safari to Africa was the impetus for this book so these examples stay with you. I found myself underlining a lot. Good job Bishop Jakes!!!! Loved it.

[Malisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two chapters almost caused me to throw the book out of the window...but it got better afterwards. A quick read, sound advice and thoughts to consider.

[Wandoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instincts are our God given proclivity to things that we are good at and the things we are good for. Have you ever seen an artist, athlete, a stock broker or a doctor working and you think to yourself “that person is a natural.” What you recognize in that individual is their unique internal compass at work. When we follow our passion, there is fluidity that comes out of all our endeavours. We can achieve this fluidity if we live our lives not by prewritten scripts but by following the deepest longings of our hearts. Those of whom the world takes notice of are those who dare not to fit in, but aren't afraid to stand out- people who accomplish massive feats don't play by manmade rules. Because they know that there are few things more tragic than to exist without the deep-rooted sense of connection to their purpose. Like a lamp without a lightbulb, this disconnect fosters dark and foreboding feelings in the soul.
In today's world, things can get really busy. Unfortunately, busy doesn't always mean productive. Busy is having two cell phones ringing, work on the ipad waiting for your attention among other responsibilities. Productive however is working within your calling and recognizing the things that are your core calling and focusing on those things. A lot of people who lead the most efficient/productive lives spend most of their time on the golf course. God has placed in our hearts the instincts to be attracted to those things that fit a higher and better purpose. Notice the the pictures you save on pin interest or the blogs you bookmark, the snap chat conversations you save with the intention of revisiting. How about the inclinations you had as a kid, those interests that you were naturally drawn to. We have instincts about people which Td Jakes calls “our tribe.” Sometimes you sense that you are not in the right crowd, not that there's anything wrong with crowd. You just don't have the same rhythm. 'One of the great tragedies in life is not discovering the people, culture, and careers that are part of your tribe and moving to the same beat.'
When we manifest our unique God given talents into helping other people, no pay check in the world can match the satiety our soul feels. We must have the courage to step out of our cage and risk the bountiful unknown, because this is where the heart longs to reside. Once we embrace the instinct of identity, we understand how we are shaped and designed. We realize why other places didn't feel like home, why we grew bored in other roles, and we are haunted by the thought that there is some place, some plan, some design that we should be aligned with. When we manifest our unique God given talents into helping other people, this sense of potential being realized is something even the largest pay check pales in comparison to. It is a feeling of fitting in like the missing piece in a puzzle , to form a greater picture than anything we ever attempted. 'It is the innate satisfaction that comes from giving the gifts that you and you alone can contribute to the world.'
Td Jakes, author of Instincts, who is living blissfully in his purpose tells of how the inspiration to write this book came about. A few years ago Td Jakes was invited by a group of black Billionaires to Johannesburg for a retreat. After the retreat, he and his family decided to spend a few more days visiting a near by Safari. Unknown to Td Jakes, this encounter would impact his life in such a profound way. Upon reaching the Safari the Jakes family was led by a tour guide(a Zoologist) across the Safari in a jeep. While on the tour the Zoologist pointed out the nuances and intrigues of each animal. To the Bishop's dismay they were unable to spot the Elephant all day. In an amazing turn of events, they were joined by a Zulu warrior a little later on. As the Zoologist described the Elephant in detail, the Zulu looked ahead without saying a word. Then a few minutes later with the certainty of a warrior, he stood up said “The Elephant is Ova Dere.” At that moment Td Jakes realized the great metaphoric lesson in this incident. He was seated between Intellect(the Zoologist) and Instinct(The Zulu). The intellect can explain an Elephant, but only the instinct can find one. Most things are not captured by the intellect alone. If possible surround yourself with people who are not overly practical. People who have the Zulu's instinct. Intellect alone can only explain, but not execute. It is for this reason that people who know the why, hire people who know how to work for them.
Some people regard relying on instincts the same way they view mental telepathy and superstitions. However, we live in a feeling universe. Feeling will get your further than thinking. Many of us rely on our instincts without even knowing it. Perhaps we sense the timing is right to have an honest conversation with a family member; or maybe during an interview we form accurate opinions about an applicant simply by the way they are groomed. Our instincts are almost always right. You may be thinking, “almost?” How do we know when our instincts are wrong, well: you just know.
Td Jakes came from very humble beginnings in Virginia. But early on in life, he knew he was cut out for so much more. 'Highly successful people didn't develop in an environment of success, they evolved into it.' They all took an instinctive decision that lifted them out of the league of their peers. Td Jakes gives an example of going with your instincts even when there is no physical proof to back it up. When Td Jakes was starting out as a pastor and finding bearing. He dabbled in a number of things to earn the daily bread for his family. Some of which failed like his lawn business. However inspired to write his first book, “ Woman Thou Art Loosed.” He had no experience as a writer, no publicity among other limitations that were evident on the physical plane, yet he decided go against his head and follow his heart. He published the book on his own and it was a huge success. The best thinkers, builders, draftsmen, architects, designers, hairstylists, preachers and chefs are those who walk amongst us with one foot in reality and the other planted firmly in the realm of endless potential/possibilities. Others can inspire you, but your greatest instinctive inspiration comes from what you have inside of you. Even if all you see are barriers, when you follow instincts, mistakes become breakthroughs and problems are blessings camouflaged as burdens.
Sometimes the uncertainty of the fear associated with pursuing our inner sense keeps us confined to the cage of the ordinary. Some people are manipulated by their need for approval from others, the pay check that supports them and the lifestyle that suppresses them in the brass rings of perceived success. We chase the goals of others and do what others expect of us, instead of what we were created to do. On this path, we end up living like slaves to a man-made system. Too often we imitate others and conform to popular standards and fail to tap into our most precious/powerful resource- our uniqueness. Most people adapt to their environment more quickly than they should. Instead of adjusting yourself to the situation, adjust your situation to the dreams you have inside. Our true identity first endures conformity, social modification, or outright suppression before it enjoys the freedom to emerge. With some introspection, we will discover that we have accepted and adapted to much less than we are capable of becoming. Often we operate based on our perception of the situation, rather than on the reality of the situation. The Zulu exemplifies how one can combine their God given inner wisdom with instincts. Our attitude/outlook on life influences the accuracy of our instincts and our inclination to trust their guidance.
Never settle for status quo. It's better to change and fail than remain perpetually confined to the nest without even venturing out. The only way to develop your true gifts is by taking on a vision that is so daunting that your heart goes running up the stairs like a child because you have a challenge that matches your creativity. Routines lead to stagnation and mediocrity. They are the enemy of instinct. So break the mold. The further you climb into your own unique path, the fewer trailblazers there are ahead of you. Although as one artist says, you have to know the rules before you break them. Td Jakes observed that when he decided to challenge himself and break out of his monotonous patterns, soon he became intertwined on a never ending ladder of higher ideals and new goals. What was once acceptable seemed lethargic at best. As a result, he out grew his circle. 'You can't take everyone with you just because they were with you where you were before.' Sometimes following your unique path can be lonely, but if you are going to win you must remove yourself from the social construct of the cage along with its dwellers. When you venture out, some especially those who are committed to conformity and comfort in their cages, may feel threatened as you step out of yours in faith. They may criticize your passionate endeavours and seek to sabotage your date with destiny.
Although, if you live instinctively, these critics can never impede your progress for more than a few split seconds. Td Jakes observed that in his own life, he has never had a hater who is doing better than him. People who seek to deter others from their personal calling are those who are incarcerated by their unwillingness to listen to their instincts and take the risks necessary to become successful. So don't let all those less motivated committed to tearing other people down in an effort to prop themselves up to have an effect on you. Be all you can be in the fullness of your special unique, one of a kind identity and pay no mind to naysayers. They are often people who are extremely discontent with their lives and resent even the thought of some else living passionately while they remain trapped in their self imposed prisons. If you observe people who are ahead of you/ living in their purpose, you will find that they are more than eager to mentor you, welcome you, and encourage you.
When you venture into uncharted waters, it will often feel like the shadow of death. Td Jakes likens this scenario to his Safari midnight adventure. At night the resort was pitch black, but when his tour guide shone his flash light, he could see hundreds of animal eyes watching them. If you leave your cage, you too will be watched and scrutinized. The great part of it is that if you are patient and look hard enough, you will always find a fellow jumper who took the risk before you did(In Td Jakes's case Tyler Perry was the jumper he met who showed him the ropes of theatre when he was trying to turn his first book into a play). They will often tell you where to find water, food and who to avoid in the jungle. Before you meet that jumper however, you might have to contend with the good, the bad and the ugly. 'The agendas are endless, the enemies everywhere, and the allies often apathetic. Fan clubs and fight clubs all meet on the same corner of the street.' The difference between a friend of a foe can be like the difference between identical twins(almost impossible to decipher). If you believe there's a fox in the hole, point and keep on barking because our instincts are almost always right. You need to watch those who claim to have your back, if not you might soon find yourself lying on it.
Td Jakes gives an example of another jungle he ventured into. He decided to dabble into a journalist enterprise. He wrote an article which he was extremely excited about, upon submitting it to the forum he had a host of angry voices who attacked both his message him as individual. After the first few posts, The Bishop reckons he was perturbed by the negativity and decided suspend this aspiration. A few weeks later, he ran into the editor of the forum. She observed that he hadn't posted in a while and the Bishop honestly told her that the negativity from critics was quite alarming. She laughed and said “ Those shrill, angry voices don't want to be understood. They just want to make noise. They have nothing of substance to say!” She added that the demographic the forum was trying to reach are intellectuals who hardly even comment. They just read and sometimes are inspired to write response articles for the forum based on inspiration from a post.
Td Jakes observed that he usually isn't easily discouraged by negativity, he shocked even himself that one time. After that experience he was drawn back to his Safari trip in Johannesburg, where he observed a very unique breed of animals called the giraffe. The giraffe is known for its elegant print and its extremely long neck. There's a lot to be learned from the giraffe. Despite the fact that their necks can bend to almost ground level, the giraffe hardly ever drops its neck. It feeds from the top of the trees. He had walked away from a twenty foot opportunity because of the chatter from two- foot thinkers. 'Once you reach a certain level, you can't be offended by other species who continue looking up from the ground.' Once you get to a certain stature, you cannot find optimum nourishment in low places. Just because turtles dwell at your feet, doesn't mean you should droop to their level and barter with, debate or eat alongside them. As you rise, you must adjust your nourishment accordingly, as your intellect and influence evolve, you will always have someone behind you criticizing your every move. 'Instead of eating a huge gourmet meal of the meal of mud they're slinging, raise your eating habits to your sight line.'
Giraffes eat from the top of the trees, because that is all they see. Turtles on the other hand have their sight too low, so there can be no meaningful dialogue between the turtle and the giraffe. Because even though the live in the same geographic region, their world views are just too different. Td Jakes gives an example of a situation where he was a turtle. Early on in his ministry a man who was well advanced in age an in the faith asked him for counsel about his wife. And Td Jakes as a young 20 something minister advised the man to divorce his wife. In retrospect as a newly wed, with young children, there was a lot he didn't know about marriage at the time, so no matter how much love he had in him, there were just some situations that were beyond his grasp. Perspectives change over time. With what he knows now, his counsel to the man who sought him out would be very different at this point in his life. Notwithstanding, he has grown into a giraffe with his immerse wisdom evident in this book.
A few other things to note about giraffes, they don't move in herds. They congregate once in a while but over all their survival skills do not depend on their peers. Most people enjoy it when public consensus aligns with their decisions. But we must be careful not to sabotage our progress by requiring others approval for decisions that we alone must make. We are so impressionable as a species, that we immediately take on the characteristics of the group we gallop with and this can influence our destiny. 97% of success comes as a result of the people you associate with. The busier one gets, the more one must make sure to seek quality in our relationships, not quantity. 'The demands we face don't allow for casual meaningless socialization.'
Height always means leverage, whether that be in influence, ideas, creativity- all these forces conglomerate to elevate us to our space where others can't compete. Your height is always an advantage until you come out of your class and attempt to engage the turtle. 'When you stoop to ground level to battle with your belittlers. You could lose your leverage and land on your back.' What others are saying isn't as dangerous till you compromise your level and try to battle them. As a leader, you will lose respect from people who look up to you, when you step out of your current level of vision, and droop to the petty politics percolating below you. It would be tragic for you to lose your height/balance responding to hecklers who only envy your position. Even if you win, it doesn't compare to what you lose fighting beneath yourself. Instinctive and innovative leaders understand that keeping one's head up is more than staying encouraged.
With that being said,anything you lead alone isn't much- you are deluding yourself if you believe that you can go the distance alone. Associations are very important. Although, you will go further working alone than working with an army of apathetic allies who have one foot in and one foot in the enemies camp. To build a team, notice who you admire and feel drawn to emulate. 'We instinctively recognize members of our own tribe, no matter how different they may look. . .Those places, people and perspectives that resonate with us often do so because of a shared, kindred quality.' Networking is very important, not only with people in your field, but people who complete you not compete with you. The key is finding the connection between what you do and that which you need. Relationships are bridges that get you to execution. When influence and ideas come together, income will always emerge. Great ideas attract investors, you aren't one bank loan away from a million dollars. You are one creative idea away from a million dollars.
The comfort of present limitations can feel safe but if there's nothing ventured- there's nothing gained. Sometimes it is what we are running away from that keeps you inspired. Jumpers are terrified that if they remain in the cage they are doomed to an ordinary monotonous mundane life. Other people are pushed out of the cage with the doors slammed behind them. Sometimes having the doors slammed is very empowering because it is during near death experiences/moments of solitude that we examine our lives and find all splendour that is hidden within us waiting to be unleashed. And once you get out you can't come back because caged lions don't mate with free ones. Also, when you step out of your cage, you will first master one thing and discover so much more about your passion. Jumpers are jugglers. They take on many different roles at once. Anything that does not grow is fruit dying on the vine. Our ability to grow, change, learn and expand keeps us curious, charismatic, intriguing and fresh.
In leading people, remember that sometimes silence wears politeness in a bid to be politically correct. People will go with the flow in order not to muddy the waters. However giving people the opportunity to be open and honest will cause some conflict in the short run. In the long run however, people will be drawn to your bravery and leadership. 'Stability and security are important, but not at the expense of vibrancy and volatility.'
Following your instincts is challenging at first- no doubt. Sometimes even scary. You will fail at some things and encounter obstacles. But early on your will discover that mistakes turn into opportunities and road blocks become stepping stones when you are aligned with your vision. Your instinct naturally creates a way forward regardless of your current situation. Hardships can humble you, but it will never break you unless you let it. The greatest way to hone your instincts is by overcoming adversity. There is never a good time to start anything. You will never feel like you have all the resources you need to get started. All that you need is within you, you cannot to be swayed by the seemingly urgent things that come up in life. You must become as rugged and determined as the jeep the Bishop used on his tour across Safari in Johannesburg. '

[Dani Acălinei · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am excited to know that we are only one domino-toppling thought away from a cure for HIV-AIDS. I am excited that we are gaining ground on dread diseases like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and autism. Even at this very moment, the solutions to world poverty and global warming are locked in someone's mind and about to be unleashed by their instincts."

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about this book through Oprah’s Life Class when Bishop Jakes presented on Instinct. If you missed this, try to catch it on OWN. The book covers in more detail what was covered on the show, but the show was very inspirational and motivational and drove me to get the book.

The material is presented in a factual, non-preachy way. As you are going through the book, you may often say out loud or think to yourself, “that’s me!” I particularly embraced the analogy between the zoologist and the Zulu. Sorry, not gonna tell you, you have to read the book.

I, like many others, I’m sure, feels like “there has to be more to life” or “I’m not living to my full potential”. If this is you, then Instinct is a must read for you.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Although this is the second book I read this year in 2016 I feel like this will be one of my favorite books of the year. One of the reasons why I loved this book is where it met me where I am at. I am learning what God has called me to do and I know I need to continue on that path. I know sometimes people won't agree or understand where God is leading me this is okay. I need to be with others who are positive and who are living their dreams and passions. I just have to do what God has called me to do and love my life.

[Rhachelle Nicol' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Instinct. I read it in small portions. While reading the first 80 pages or so, I was ready to quit my job, pack a suitcase and board a plane to anywhere. Then Bishop talked me off that ledge. this book is definitely for those that have a vision and have felt like they were not on the right path or surrounded by the right people.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has many good concepts, but I just couldn’t tie many of them to instincts. I felt like he used the word "instinct to relay leadership concepts, but not really delve into a real understanding of how to listen to our inner voice. Bottom line, I got things out of it and think others will as well, but not about what the title suggests.

[Edwin Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant, poignant, instructive,. Very easy read with numerous nuggets of wisdom. Just what I needed to move forward with my plan for dramatic c hanged in my life.






Awesome read. Drove home an idea I was contemplating with but not sure how to implement. Instinct helped me realize I was equipped to meet the challenge.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I recommend it if you have goals and dreams in life but something is keeping you from them. It could be fear or something else. Hopefully reading this will help you go for them.

[Shrone Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great piece of work! Love the storytelling! Absolutely loved it!!!

[Angie Dent · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this book started off a little slow, but gained momentum after a few chapters. The use of similes throughout helped to increase the pace. It also brought conciseness and color to technical type references.

Instinct isn’t a “how to” book. You’re not guided or given instructions on using your instincts. Rather, it’s a call to action. You’re urged to rid self of excuses and move forward with God’s purpose for your life.

This book challenges you to take that final leap of faith and jump into your destiny. At the same time, it forces you to slow down and read God’s guiding signs that have been there all along.

I didn’t agree with every point made, but I did gain much insight on the subject. I recommend this book.

[Sharon Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

T.D. Jakes writes very well. As a creative who uses intuition more frequently than data, I completely enjoyed the first half of the book. It synced up well with who I am and how I give back to the world. I noticed I stopped highlighting passages in the second half. While I still enjoyed the content, I couldn’t relate to some of the examples of leadership, but that’s because of the setting I’m in—working as an artist and online art instructor. So that’s why I docked one star. Definitely worth your time to read!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Over the years as he has visited our Church I’ve found myself with more than a few of TD Jakes’ books. Figured it was time to start reading them. I found myself regretting that I didn’t read them sooner. Filled with wisdom and insights about life, business, and God. Great book I believe most people will enjoy. Focus is on reaching your your full potential and a very fun read. Also, surprisingly lots of insights into him and how he thinks.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this because my mom had recommended it. Had my doubts going into it and I thought I was above any advice a televangelist could provide. I am impressed though. This book was filled with great advice to live by. I constantly applied his advice while reading the book to current situations in my life. This book was a reminder to get my life back on track towards reaching my goals and aspirations. Good advice that can be applied towards the family, work, and in striving for one's dreams.

[Stephen Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS!!!

The words on this book have helped me to overcome a season of stagnation. Each chapter built on principles of the last to create a coherent argument that finally revealed that all that is needed is within me. The use of illustrations from Bishop Jakes' experience on a safari were amazing filled with so much imagery that I saw myself on this journey. I read this very slowly and am now ready to do and be who I've always felt I was. I'm empowered.

[Katissa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and Insightful

I needed to read this and so needed what it said from front to back. I took notes and searched within myself to see what he saw while writing it. Td Jakes never disappoints and didn't now either. I will begin to live by instinct and I'm excited to see where God takes me, within and outside of myself. Thanks Mr. Jakes. I shed a few tears when I finished it. Gonna miss his words that blessed my life so.

[Dee Mullino · Rating 4 out of 5]

TD Jakes does it again!
I listened to this book via Audible and wished that he was the reader but nonetheless INSPIRING!
Love the comparisons to wildlife! Love the synonyms!
God will prepare you for your calling! Enlightening! Motivating! Good read!
(Not all the five stars because I have enjoyed some other books from him better.)

[Evan Hoekzema · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book, my first T.D. Jakes book, and I was a little disappointed. It was incredibly motivational, but for me it stopped there. I appreciated the stories he told, but felt like every chapter was a new way to say the same thing. It never really built on itself or grew in my opinion.

[Carol Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful analysis of making instinctual & wise choices

Always get so many pearls of wisdom in TD Jakes' books. Although much of this book is geared toward business, there are many excellent, thought provoking ideas & insights included to make the average person benefit from it's content. If you're looking for steps to consider/take for choosing to take new paths in life, I found it very helpful & inspiring.

[Terrell Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

TD dives into stepping into the mold that God has for you. I was unaware of his background being from West Virginia and how he had multiple businesses before moving to Dallas without any contacts or connections in the area. He stood firm on his instincts and desire to be pleasing to God. Simple book and easy to digest quick! I enjoyed it!