The On-Purpose Person: Making Your Life Make Sense

by Kevin W. McCarthy

Is Your Life Filled, Yet Unfulfilled? Do you feel pulled in a thousand different directions?
Are your days so busy you hardly have time to think?
Are you living up to other people's expectations while your own plans and dreams go unmet?
In The On-Purpose Person you'll learn how to discover who you are, where you are headed, what you should do, and what's most important to you! That's being on-purpose! Tap Into Your Highest Potential With The On-Purpose Person Nothing adds more fullness and meaning to your life than discovering your purpose and living it out every moment of your life. With The On-Purpose Person , you'll be on your way to greater order and clarity within 30 minutes of picking up the book. This entertaining story format provides clear principles that are easy to apply to everyday life. You'll put them into practice immediately. Regardless of whether you're in your teens or well into retirement, being on-purpose will inspire and guide you to live true to yourself. "Goals are consumable. Purpose is permanent," states Kevin W. McCarthy. The On-Purpose Person moves you beyond the surface of life to what matters most so you can make a difference. You'll have a simple, yet powerful system Invest your time, talent, and treasure in what is most important
Exchange burnout for being integrated
Learn why a balanced life is a myth
Feel satisfied rather than stressed out at the end of the day
Find meaningful time for yourself
Align your innate passion and gifting in the right direction
Trade discontent and frustration for a growing and enduring joy
Make confident, more improved decisions more consistently
Manage hurdles and setbacks positively
Face opposition from an unassailable position of strength
Define your standards for success that are just right for you
Gain a vivid understanding of yourself
Explore your possibilities equipped to succeed

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Leadership, Personal Development, Productivity, Personal Growth

152 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a really funky style in kind of being fiction, but by utilizing characters who preach so much that it's kind of non-fiction. Really weird hybrid that kind of worked, and kind of didn't.

In terms of the actual point of the book (which was really more non-fiction), there were some good suggestions but for me, the book was mostly a waste of time. If the book had focused more on making Christ the central focus of the book and interpreting everything else through him, instead of merely reducing Him to one of the last steps in the book, it could have been a much better book. Since that didn't happen, the book had some good practical tips, but lacked a strong foundation in the Word.

1.5-2 stars.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happened upon this free e-book and the On-Purpose Person is a good plan for personal organization, vaguely Christian in its format and emphasis on the spiritual and on purpose. While it's plan seems useful, the narrative format used to relate it is fairly painful, with a contrived story and even more contrived dialogue. More specific details of the "man's" purpose and plans would also remove the vagueness that accompany some of the steps that are to be taken. So definitely useful and thought provoking, just far from literature or as clear as it might be.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been humbled over the last four years while working very hard to build a business that would make a difference. Recently, I felt a bit lost or lacking in specifics needed to keep moving forward. Thank to the suggestion of a mentor, I bought this book and read it.

It's worth the read! If you are ready to gain focus and greater understanding, then if you will apply what's contained on these pages, you may find the answer!

Nuff said, I recommend this book to those who seek to better understand themselves and how to better serve and live in life.

[Gary Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people who read this book and write a review make a similar comment: "I wish I'd read this book 20 years ago!"

I don't say that because I did read it 20 years ago. After reading it, I sent my first life purpose statement that I crafted to the author, Kevin McCarthy. (That was long before e-mail.) I asked for his help to refine it. Kevin and I have stayed in touch, ever since.

And this business and life-skills book written in modern parable form, helped me change the direction of my life in all truly important areas ...family, career, finances, life-long learning, and spirituality... more in line with the directions in which my heavenly Father wanted me to go in these areas so I could better fulfill His plan as outlined in Ephesians 2: 8:-10.

Get, interact with it's tools and, then, follow this book ...please! You can read it in 24 hours. The next several reads will take you much longer!

Kevin has made a Kindle version FREE for you until April 28, 2012 at http://is.gd/JWSQAM .

For you business people, I also recommend Mr. McCarty's companion book, "The On Purpose Business". You'll also find it on my bookshelf.

gfp

[Donald L Clendaniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

A few good ideas buried in religious fluff

A fictional story of an executive that has lost purpose. The premises is unbelievable the writing on a fourth grade level and it takes a sharp turn after mid way into strong religious writing. The characters are secondary the the purpose of the book however more attention is needed to them, the low level of reality, cheesy story and empty humor attempts make this book barely readable. A few good organizational ideas are present in the first half but a few pages and a table would suffice rather than the poor attempt the write a book that is more forced than anything.

[Nathan Mckinney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is written as a "modern-day parable." It's really cheesy and almost too much to handle. If it hadn't been so short I wouldn't have been able to make it through it. Despite the corny and annoying story, it has some really great principles to help you lead a more intentional life. I will never read the book again and can't even really say that I would recommend it. But I will definitely be using some of the tools that I got from McCarthy for use in my own life and in mentoring others.

[KurlyKweenKira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book that motivated me to take action within my life. If I had a goal, move on it. This book can be read again and again.

[Tami Stackelhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually a parable, not a "how to" book - though the "how to" gets covered through the parable. An easy to read, fresh, simple, and refreshing take on finding your purpose, mission, vision, and values - then living it out day-to-day as an On Purpose Person. Highly recommended!

[Diana Nagy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Really works to make you an "on purpose" person. Its short but good. Lots of great information contained within.

[Sam Frentzel-Beyme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and useful format

There are lots of books that wade into this topic of self realization. McCarthy provides some useful tools like the tournament framework. For anyone on the path of continual self discovery and education, this book is a worthwhile read. I probably would have given five stars if there had been something really revolutionary in the approach. Perhaps that's asking too much.

[Marty Hu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book as a way to make New Years Resolutions in 2019, and really appreciated it. The method that the author suggests is really practical and generated a lot of insights about what I really value.

The book itself is a breezy read. I would think of this and plan to use it as more of a workbook or a guide rather than non-fiction reading.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book is a great read. Becoming an on-purpose person is eye opening. It’s things you have been taught but, during the course of living, have been forgotten. Great reminder of remembering your purpose.

[Vanessa G Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help you to be on purpose and understand your purpose in life, i love this ongoing dialogue with the pastor and this evolution and the progress of the client that came to look for answer to find a more meaningful life

[Leigh Ann Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been searching for my purpose and this book gave me a good framework with which to start defining what I want to dedicate my time to. Grateful for the exercise you have to go through to align yourself with your purpose.

[Brittany Omstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Clear, and purposeful. A book that will be a timeless reference.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE & Inspiring! Easy read but full of great action steps. I highly recommend this book and have already implemented the exercises in the book.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some pretty basic core concepts for the genre but some interesting nuggets along the way.

[R.R. Tavárez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is great. The Christianize cliches were painful (and I'm a Christian). Additionally it had a masculine overtone that bothered me. 3.5 stars.

[Deborah Namagga]

good i want to read

[Jacob Hartley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not my favorite. Hard to stay gripped to the book.

[Steve Songy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good, badly written. Then it somehow gets worse.

[Dave Holzmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written as an easy-reading parable, this parable will help you along the way to know what your Purpose is, and boil it down to essentially two (yes, TWO) words.

It also suggests a clever use of a common sports "tool" for prioritizing activities fairly quickly.

Together with The On-Purpose Business, this is a GREAT precursor to Todd Duncan's excellent book, "High Trust Selling."

DO NOT confuse this book with any of Rick Warren's "Purpose-Driven..." books.

Purpose is about your calling. It's not about being driven. Warren (understandably) confuses Purpose and Mission. His books should have been titled "Mission-Driven...", but since he was writing primarily to a church audience, that would have confused the audience since they've already re-defined "mission" to mean something totally different.

Also, your particular Purpose is unique to you. Warren makes the mistake of saying he can declare what everyone's purpose is (or should be) - summed up in just a few words. But that's not true. Read this book to understand what Purpose really is. Then, if you are so inclined, add this little phrase to the beginning of your "On-Purpose" Purpose Statement: "To the glory of God I exist to..."

Read the book to find out how that Purpose Statement ends. You'll be glad you did. You're life will make more sense.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got the eBook in a bundle at some point and got around to checking it out on a flight. The storyline structure was hokey, but when I just focused on the process it was espousing I got over that. I won't be taking up the full process as McCarthy designed it for sure. It seems more valuable for people who haven't done much introspecting. I did appreciate some general practices discussed, though. For example, using the trigger of switching a light switch to think if your current actions are "on purpose."

I wouldn't tell anyone to go buy this, but if you run across it at a beach house rental it could be a good use of a beach read.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Purpose is energy, it's the single most motivating force there is. Discover your purpose, be on-purpose, and you will have a life filled with meaning and significance." It is your responsibility to discover your purpose, anything less is just people-pleasing.

Answer the question, why do I exist, and you have your purpose statement. Know the flow and go with the flow. No sense in trying to change things you can't change and fight the flow. You need to be willing to lay down your life for your purpose statements. We each need to find our own purpose and it is different for everyone....

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best self-searching, self-helping guides. Every HS student ought to be gifted this book as a 9th grader, altho most won't "get it" until sometime later. Still, it never hurts to plant seeds that might take root and blossom.

Kevin McCarthy is a value-laden writer conveying not merely a worthwhile process for decision-making, but a firm foundation for the "why" of making a decision. Like the One Minute Manager, the concepts and framework are told in brief story/journey style, leading the reader simply and quickly through that which is anything but simple and brief for most.

[Ronald Barba · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason, Seth Godin thought this piece would align with his main following. Indeed, the basic concepts/lessons in this book are things--I imagine--the average person aiming for "something more" in their life would love to gain; however, it should be duly noted that this motivational book is truly for the average person. Sure, if you can get past the 10th-grade Honors English approach to fiction-writing, there's definitely great advice on leading a purpose-driven life, but I would suggest you look somewhere else for greater motivation.

[Dahlia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is another of those supposedly inspirational books written in parable form. People apparently *love* these, I can't imagine why -- they're unreadable. Painfully unreadable. This reads like Eckhart Tolle fanfiction written by a high schooler. This will be put on the same metaphorical shelf as The Energy Bus and ignored forever. I downloaded it (free, thank god) after seeing it on Seth Godin's blog -- Seth, seriously, what are you smoking?

[John Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preachy, simplistic easy to follow parable with subtle Christian over shadows. A good platform to check out what is really important to consider in living your life.

Valuable opportunity to take a guided look at living life. Good value at no real cost. Recommended by a mentor I felt I could trust. Definitely useful to the searching soul looking for balance. I discounted the 'cultish' coloring to this useful simplistic formulae, but I will certainly heed its forever value.

[Hana Jay Klokner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it quite disappointed me. If you've already read Stepehen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, it won't be anything new to you. Also, it was written in form of a dialogue, which I didn't like. Don't get me wrong--this books does have a good point and I believe it could be helpful for many people, but I think I'm used to different style of writing. Perhaps it would be more suitable for teenagers.

[Kelly Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in story format making it easy to read and giving you clear examples of how to "do it". It requires you to do some simple assignments. It helps you " discover what is important. Not simply what is pressing or feels good or seems important. "
If you are trying to figure out your purpose or help someone else find their purpose this short book will help.