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O PODER PARA MUDAR
Há poucas coisas na vida mais frustrantes do que saber que é preciso mudar, querer e tentar mudar, mas, na verdade, não mudar. O pastor e escritor best-seller Craig Groeschel sabe como é se encontrar nesse ciclo desanimador. A sua própria história foi assim — até que ele descobriu princípios práticos para experimentar mudanças duradouras. Desde então, ao longo de 25 anos, Craig tem ajudado várias pessoas a descobrir a verdadeira mudança em seus relacionamentos, hábitos e padrões de pensamento. Em O poder para mudar, Craig nos ajuda a Como o poder de Deus, não a nossa força de vontade, é o que nos conduz a uma real transformação; As verdadeiras razões pelas quais nós fazemos o que fazemos; Porque cair não significa fracassar; Que a capacidade de desenvolver pequenos hábitos é o que resulta em uma grande mudança; Como escolher o que mais desejamos em vez do que queremos agora. Se você quer perder peso, dar uma nova vida a seu casamento, ler a Bíblia, livrar-se das dívidas ou abandonar um vício, as estratégias abordadas neste livro irão capacitá-lo para adotar as mudanças que deseja. Descubra porque você faz o que faz, e então poderá se tornar quem você realmente é — e viver a vida que Deus o criou para experimentar.
Paperback
Published April 3, 2024
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8197 people want to read
About the author
Craig Groeschel
98 books1,647 followersCraig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, a multisite church with locations throughout the United States and globally at Life.Church Online.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
March 15, 2023
Hate to say it, but it felt like a Christian spin-off of popular habit books. If you haven’t read other books on habits, you’ll walk away with some helpful things but there’s not a ton of new content or concepts here. It’s just delivered differently.
I admire Craig’s discipline which is why I picked up the book. You do get a glimpse into some of his discipline/habits.
I admire Craig’s discipline which is why I picked up the book. You do get a glimpse into some of his discipline/habits.
July 14, 2023
Very similar to Atomic Habits, but with a spiritual basis!👍🏼👍🏼
April 25, 2023
Great book! Craig Groeschel is always on point. All of his work can be related to everyone regarding all aspects of your life; relationships, being a better person, finances, family, religion, addiction, work, health, etc.
Read
September 17, 2023I really like books like this….and having listen to a couple of his messages before it was just good reiteration…plus our pastor is preaching on this right now too
May 2, 2023
Learn the secret behind change that lasts.
If you’ve chosen this book, you must be looking to change your life. Perhaps you want to be wiser about your finances, or become a more present parent, or finally quit drinking.
Maybe you tried to change in the past – more than once. But you always find yourself going back to the old ways. No matter what technique you use, you can’t seem to make positive change permanent.
Well, don’t give up hope that long-term change is possible. What you need is a roadmap that guides you through how to create lasting change. In this book, you’ll find out exactly how to do that, with the help of God and his Word.
---
Change starts by knowing your true self, future self, and calling
Since her early years, Amy had always thought of herself as an average student. She wasn’t the brightest kid in her high school class, and her report card confirmed it. This notion stayed with her until her sophomore year of college, when she met someone who told her she was actually the exact opposite. She was academically gifted – she just couldn’t see it.
At first, Amy brushed off the idea. She was far from being smart. In fact, she had always been average her entire life. But as time went on, Amy started to think she may really have potential. This newfound belief ignited a fire within her, and before she knew it, she was acing all of her classes and getting a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Amy is the perfect example of how self-perception has a powerful influence on your behavior. If you believe you’re average, you will act like an average Joe. If you believe you’re a bad parent, you will act like a bad parent. If you believe you’re a drunkard, you will act like a drunkard.
Both the Bible and psychology prove this to be true. Proverbs 23:7 says that you become what you think of yourself. Research, on the other hand, reports that the choices you make are largely based on how you identify yourself.
So, if you want to see changes in your life, you need to start by changing your self-perception. Only then will you change your behavior.
But how exactly can you transform your thinking? You can do this by knowing three things: your true self, your future self, and your calling.
Discovering your true self is no easy feat. Most of the time, you’ll identify with other people’s opinions of you, and the internal description you hear in your head. But only one being knows who your true self is: God.
In John 15:14, you are defined as a friend of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, you are God’s ambassador. In Deuteronomy 7:6, you are a cherished possession. You are not what others say you are. You are what God says you are. If none of these affirmations resonate with you, there are plenty of others in the Scripture. Find your Bible verse of choice, then read it repeatedly until you start to believe it as true.
Next, you must identify your future self – who you want to turn into. Think about what you aim to be in ten years. By defining that better version of yourself, you can start shaping your life today to get to it.
Finally, changing your self-perception requires knowing your calling. In 2 Timothy 1:9, you’ll find that your calling is to lead a holy life. This means serving Jesus in everything you do, and in the process, you’ll transform yourself to be more like him. That is your ultimate goal: to become and act like the Son of God.
Speaking of goals, let’s explore more about those now.
---
Don’t try to change – train to change
In 1 Corinthians 9:26, Paul emphasizes how he doesn’t run without a specific goal in mind. That’s exactly what you need to do, too. After changing how you see yourself, you then need to set your goal, your objective, your win. And as mentioned previously, your goal should be to become more like Christ.
With that goal in mind, you can start aiming for specific stepping stones that will lead you to that path. Those smaller goals are equally important to define. After all, how can you work on them if you don’t even know what they are?
Goals are what set the course for your journey to change. When you define what they are, you’ll get an idea of where to go and how to get there. Moreover, you’ll be more motivated to reach for them because you can picture them clearly.
Take a moment to identify what your goals are. Then, when you’ve done that, tell a loved one about those goals. According to psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews, you’re more likely to accomplish your goals if you share them with someone.
After setting your goals, you can move onto the next stage: taking action. However, taking action doesn’t mean you try to get the goals. Instead, you train to get them. This is specifically mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:25, where Paul says that rigorous training is required before joining the Olympic Games.
But what exactly is the difference between trying and training? Trying is putting in the work in the moment; training is putting in the work before the moment. To understand this better, imagine that your goal is to win the college-wide dance contest. Simply trying your best on competition day won’t be enough. To get that elusive trophy, what you need to do is train before the competition day. You have to plan the choreography and practice it every day. That’s how you win.
Training, not trying, works because what you do beforehand prepares you for the moment, so when it comes, you know exactly how to act. Training involves two essential components: discipline and habits.
Discipline is all about prioritizing your goals above immediate gratification. Think of it this way: your goal is to be top of the class. Being disciplined means choosing to study instead of scrolling through social media. You’re prioritizing your goals over the immediate gratification you get from checking your newsfeed.
With disciplined training, you can start changing your life. However, while choosing discipline sounds easy to do, we all know it’s not. Even the Bible says so. In Hebrews 12:11, discipline is described as painful. And it really is. But the pain you get from discipline will always be less than the pain you get from not reaching your goals. So choose discipline because it will be worth it in the end.
The second component of training is habits. They are activities that don’t need too much critical thinking. You just end up doing them automatically.
What makes habits a significant part of your journey to change is that they shape you into the person you are now. The habits are the seeds you’ve planted in the past, and the fruit of those seeds is what you are now. So if you have a habit of smoking, you have now become a smoker. If you have a habit of ignoring your partner’s needs, you have now become an unsupportive spouse.
As you can see, habits have a profound impact on your life. So if you want to start your journey to change, it’s important to take a look at your habits and identify what needs to be improved and what needs to go.
Let’s dive deeper into how you can build a positive habit and break a bad one.
---
Tips on starting and stopping a habit
There are several techniques you can try to make developing a positive habit much easier. One is by setting up your environment to prompt you to engage in that habit. For instance, if you want to do 300 jump ropes every morning, put your jump rope on the bedside table, so you see it the moment you wake up.
It helps if you decide on the specifics of your habit ahead of time. Plan what day and time you’ll practice the habit and where you’ll do it. Studies suggest that this is an effective way to commit to that new habit. For instance, as well as deciding that you’ll jump rope in the morning, you allocate the back porch as the place to do it.
You’re also more likely to build a new habit if you do it with an already-existing habit. Say you want to start journaling. You already have a nighttime routine of reading before bed, so you can just add journaling to that routine, doing it for ten minutes before you pick up your book. That way, you won’t forget to do it.
To stick with a new habit, try to make it pleasurable, easy, and shared: pleasurable in a way that you like doing the habit; easy so that it only takes a few minutes to do; and shared so that your loved ones can support you while you build the habit.
Finally, repeat the habit as many times as possible. When you do something over and over again, it eventually becomes second nature. So just keep at it.
Now that you know how to start a new and positive habit, let’s look at how you can stop an old and negative one. Say you want to stop smoking or stop using social media after 10 p.m.
To break this habit, what you need to do is to eliminate it. Proverbs 4:14–15 says that avoiding the path of evil means not stepping on it in the first place. Start by removing the things that trigger you to engage in the habit. For example, avoid buying any more cigarette packs, or lock your phone apps after 10 p.m.
If a bad habit involves addiction, you’re going to need additional support. In cases like that, don’t rely on yourself to avoid the triggers. Seek out professional help.
With these tips on starting and stopping a habit, you’re well on your way to change. But there is one other thing you need to know to effectively establish new habits: they must be paired with consistency.
---
Consistently doing your habits can reap change
If you’re a follower of Christ, chances are you’re already familiar with Nehemiah. He was the man who urged the people of Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s wall 140 years after the Babylonians destroyed it. It was a daunting task indeed. In fact, many believed it was impossible. But Nehemiah was determined to see it through. His game plan? Simple: put the wall back together one brick after another.
Day by day, Nehemiah and the Jews placed a brick on the wall, one at a time. They repeated this habit until finally, the wall was back to its former glory. They accomplished what was supposed to be impossible in – drum roll, please – 52 days! Yes, only 52 days.
Nehemiah’s story is a powerful and inspiring reminder of how consistency can bring anything to fruition. When you’re consistent, even the smallest of habits can turn you into what you want to become. Sure, doing ten push-ups today won’t get you that upper body strength you’re after, but doing ten pushups every day for five years will.
That’s thanks to the power of the cumulative and compound effects. The cumulative effect adds up all your efforts over time, and the compound effect multiplies those added efforts. What you get is something more than what you initially put in.
Here’s an exercise to help you start practicing consistency. Name one aspect of your life you want to change. Then, name your bricks – or the small habits – you need to do to get there. Do these habits consistently over the next several months or years, and find out where they’ll take you.
Naturally, you won’t see the results right away. You need to be patient and trust that your habits will grow and bear fruit. Just as what is said in Galatians 6:9, if you continue your good deeds, the time will come for you to harvest the rewards of your efforts. Remain steadfast in your habits, and you’ll soon see the changes you desire.
---
Draw on God’s power, not your willpower, to propel you to a changed you
Let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve covered so far. In order to make lasting changes in your life, you need to transform your self-perception, train with discipline, and practice your habits consistently. You probably think that’s the end of the story, but that’s where you’re mistaken. There’s still a missing ingredient to make change last: God’s power.
Yes, you need the Father to help you because in reality, you can’t do it on your own. It’s human nature to give into your bad habits, to do the things you don’t want to do. That’s what Paul warns about in Galatians 5:17.
You can’t depend on just yourself and your willpower because even research says that your willpower gets depleted. So instead of doing it alone, seek God’s help to power you through your journey of change.
But how do you actually draw on God’s power? There are four things you need to do. The first one is to let God transform your thinking. Start by reading your Bible regularly. Focus on a few passages and take them to heart. It’s also a good idea to immerse yourself in the teachings by listening to them, whether that’s online or at a church.
The second thing you need to do is to form an intimate connection with Christ because, as it says in John 15:5, you need to rely on him to do anything. To stay connected with Jesus, you must pray to him regularly, meditate and feel his presence, and carry out his teachings faithfully.
After forming an intimate connection with Christ, the third step is to accept that you need God’s power. Stop putting all your confidence in yourself, and start acknowledging that it is only with the Father that you can succeed.
Then, the final step is to ask. That’s exactly what James 1:5 tells you to do. Simply ask God, and he will happily give you access to his power.
With this power, anything is possible, and you can start creating change that lasts.
---
The key to creating positive, lasting change in your life is to first change what you think of yourself. Then, start training to change by using discipline to consistently practice your new habits. And finally, let God’s power drive you towards implementing those changes and making them last. cons
If you’ve chosen this book, you must be looking to change your life. Perhaps you want to be wiser about your finances, or become a more present parent, or finally quit drinking.
Maybe you tried to change in the past – more than once. But you always find yourself going back to the old ways. No matter what technique you use, you can’t seem to make positive change permanent.
Well, don’t give up hope that long-term change is possible. What you need is a roadmap that guides you through how to create lasting change. In this book, you’ll find out exactly how to do that, with the help of God and his Word.
---
Change starts by knowing your true self, future self, and calling
Since her early years, Amy had always thought of herself as an average student. She wasn’t the brightest kid in her high school class, and her report card confirmed it. This notion stayed with her until her sophomore year of college, when she met someone who told her she was actually the exact opposite. She was academically gifted – she just couldn’t see it.
At first, Amy brushed off the idea. She was far from being smart. In fact, she had always been average her entire life. But as time went on, Amy started to think she may really have potential. This newfound belief ignited a fire within her, and before she knew it, she was acing all of her classes and getting a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Amy is the perfect example of how self-perception has a powerful influence on your behavior. If you believe you’re average, you will act like an average Joe. If you believe you’re a bad parent, you will act like a bad parent. If you believe you’re a drunkard, you will act like a drunkard.
Both the Bible and psychology prove this to be true. Proverbs 23:7 says that you become what you think of yourself. Research, on the other hand, reports that the choices you make are largely based on how you identify yourself.
So, if you want to see changes in your life, you need to start by changing your self-perception. Only then will you change your behavior.
But how exactly can you transform your thinking? You can do this by knowing three things: your true self, your future self, and your calling.
Discovering your true self is no easy feat. Most of the time, you’ll identify with other people’s opinions of you, and the internal description you hear in your head. But only one being knows who your true self is: God.
In John 15:14, you are defined as a friend of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, you are God’s ambassador. In Deuteronomy 7:6, you are a cherished possession. You are not what others say you are. You are what God says you are. If none of these affirmations resonate with you, there are plenty of others in the Scripture. Find your Bible verse of choice, then read it repeatedly until you start to believe it as true.
Next, you must identify your future self – who you want to turn into. Think about what you aim to be in ten years. By defining that better version of yourself, you can start shaping your life today to get to it.
Finally, changing your self-perception requires knowing your calling. In 2 Timothy 1:9, you’ll find that your calling is to lead a holy life. This means serving Jesus in everything you do, and in the process, you’ll transform yourself to be more like him. That is your ultimate goal: to become and act like the Son of God.
Speaking of goals, let’s explore more about those now.
---
Don’t try to change – train to change
In 1 Corinthians 9:26, Paul emphasizes how he doesn’t run without a specific goal in mind. That’s exactly what you need to do, too. After changing how you see yourself, you then need to set your goal, your objective, your win. And as mentioned previously, your goal should be to become more like Christ.
With that goal in mind, you can start aiming for specific stepping stones that will lead you to that path. Those smaller goals are equally important to define. After all, how can you work on them if you don’t even know what they are?
Goals are what set the course for your journey to change. When you define what they are, you’ll get an idea of where to go and how to get there. Moreover, you’ll be more motivated to reach for them because you can picture them clearly.
Take a moment to identify what your goals are. Then, when you’ve done that, tell a loved one about those goals. According to psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews, you’re more likely to accomplish your goals if you share them with someone.
After setting your goals, you can move onto the next stage: taking action. However, taking action doesn’t mean you try to get the goals. Instead, you train to get them. This is specifically mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:25, where Paul says that rigorous training is required before joining the Olympic Games.
But what exactly is the difference between trying and training? Trying is putting in the work in the moment; training is putting in the work before the moment. To understand this better, imagine that your goal is to win the college-wide dance contest. Simply trying your best on competition day won’t be enough. To get that elusive trophy, what you need to do is train before the competition day. You have to plan the choreography and practice it every day. That’s how you win.
Training, not trying, works because what you do beforehand prepares you for the moment, so when it comes, you know exactly how to act. Training involves two essential components: discipline and habits.
Discipline is all about prioritizing your goals above immediate gratification. Think of it this way: your goal is to be top of the class. Being disciplined means choosing to study instead of scrolling through social media. You’re prioritizing your goals over the immediate gratification you get from checking your newsfeed.
With disciplined training, you can start changing your life. However, while choosing discipline sounds easy to do, we all know it’s not. Even the Bible says so. In Hebrews 12:11, discipline is described as painful. And it really is. But the pain you get from discipline will always be less than the pain you get from not reaching your goals. So choose discipline because it will be worth it in the end.
The second component of training is habits. They are activities that don’t need too much critical thinking. You just end up doing them automatically.
What makes habits a significant part of your journey to change is that they shape you into the person you are now. The habits are the seeds you’ve planted in the past, and the fruit of those seeds is what you are now. So if you have a habit of smoking, you have now become a smoker. If you have a habit of ignoring your partner’s needs, you have now become an unsupportive spouse.
As you can see, habits have a profound impact on your life. So if you want to start your journey to change, it’s important to take a look at your habits and identify what needs to be improved and what needs to go.
Let’s dive deeper into how you can build a positive habit and break a bad one.
---
Tips on starting and stopping a habit
There are several techniques you can try to make developing a positive habit much easier. One is by setting up your environment to prompt you to engage in that habit. For instance, if you want to do 300 jump ropes every morning, put your jump rope on the bedside table, so you see it the moment you wake up.
It helps if you decide on the specifics of your habit ahead of time. Plan what day and time you’ll practice the habit and where you’ll do it. Studies suggest that this is an effective way to commit to that new habit. For instance, as well as deciding that you’ll jump rope in the morning, you allocate the back porch as the place to do it.
You’re also more likely to build a new habit if you do it with an already-existing habit. Say you want to start journaling. You already have a nighttime routine of reading before bed, so you can just add journaling to that routine, doing it for ten minutes before you pick up your book. That way, you won’t forget to do it.
To stick with a new habit, try to make it pleasurable, easy, and shared: pleasurable in a way that you like doing the habit; easy so that it only takes a few minutes to do; and shared so that your loved ones can support you while you build the habit.
Finally, repeat the habit as many times as possible. When you do something over and over again, it eventually becomes second nature. So just keep at it.
Now that you know how to start a new and positive habit, let’s look at how you can stop an old and negative one. Say you want to stop smoking or stop using social media after 10 p.m.
To break this habit, what you need to do is to eliminate it. Proverbs 4:14–15 says that avoiding the path of evil means not stepping on it in the first place. Start by removing the things that trigger you to engage in the habit. For example, avoid buying any more cigarette packs, or lock your phone apps after 10 p.m.
If a bad habit involves addiction, you’re going to need additional support. In cases like that, don’t rely on yourself to avoid the triggers. Seek out professional help.
With these tips on starting and stopping a habit, you’re well on your way to change. But there is one other thing you need to know to effectively establish new habits: they must be paired with consistency.
---
Consistently doing your habits can reap change
If you’re a follower of Christ, chances are you’re already familiar with Nehemiah. He was the man who urged the people of Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s wall 140 years after the Babylonians destroyed it. It was a daunting task indeed. In fact, many believed it was impossible. But Nehemiah was determined to see it through. His game plan? Simple: put the wall back together one brick after another.
Day by day, Nehemiah and the Jews placed a brick on the wall, one at a time. They repeated this habit until finally, the wall was back to its former glory. They accomplished what was supposed to be impossible in – drum roll, please – 52 days! Yes, only 52 days.
Nehemiah’s story is a powerful and inspiring reminder of how consistency can bring anything to fruition. When you’re consistent, even the smallest of habits can turn you into what you want to become. Sure, doing ten push-ups today won’t get you that upper body strength you’re after, but doing ten pushups every day for five years will.
That’s thanks to the power of the cumulative and compound effects. The cumulative effect adds up all your efforts over time, and the compound effect multiplies those added efforts. What you get is something more than what you initially put in.
Here’s an exercise to help you start practicing consistency. Name one aspect of your life you want to change. Then, name your bricks – or the small habits – you need to do to get there. Do these habits consistently over the next several months or years, and find out where they’ll take you.
Naturally, you won’t see the results right away. You need to be patient and trust that your habits will grow and bear fruit. Just as what is said in Galatians 6:9, if you continue your good deeds, the time will come for you to harvest the rewards of your efforts. Remain steadfast in your habits, and you’ll soon see the changes you desire.
---
Draw on God’s power, not your willpower, to propel you to a changed you
Let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve covered so far. In order to make lasting changes in your life, you need to transform your self-perception, train with discipline, and practice your habits consistently. You probably think that’s the end of the story, but that’s where you’re mistaken. There’s still a missing ingredient to make change last: God’s power.
Yes, you need the Father to help you because in reality, you can’t do it on your own. It’s human nature to give into your bad habits, to do the things you don’t want to do. That’s what Paul warns about in Galatians 5:17.
You can’t depend on just yourself and your willpower because even research says that your willpower gets depleted. So instead of doing it alone, seek God’s help to power you through your journey of change.
But how do you actually draw on God’s power? There are four things you need to do. The first one is to let God transform your thinking. Start by reading your Bible regularly. Focus on a few passages and take them to heart. It’s also a good idea to immerse yourself in the teachings by listening to them, whether that’s online or at a church.
The second thing you need to do is to form an intimate connection with Christ because, as it says in John 15:5, you need to rely on him to do anything. To stay connected with Jesus, you must pray to him regularly, meditate and feel his presence, and carry out his teachings faithfully.
After forming an intimate connection with Christ, the third step is to accept that you need God’s power. Stop putting all your confidence in yourself, and start acknowledging that it is only with the Father that you can succeed.
Then, the final step is to ask. That’s exactly what James 1:5 tells you to do. Simply ask God, and he will happily give you access to his power.
With this power, anything is possible, and you can start creating change that lasts.
---
The key to creating positive, lasting change in your life is to first change what you think of yourself. Then, start training to change by using discipline to consistently practice your new habits. And finally, let God’s power drive you towards implementing those changes and making them last. cons
November 17, 2023
This is probably in my top 3 best self help books I’ve read. Super simple and practical advice about making big changes in your life from small habits and little wins. I read this over a couple month period so I could really soak it all in (also bc I’m known to procrastinate) and I truly feel like it has transformed me over the time period. I feel alive and excited, my mental health is better than ever, and I just have a peace that’s hard to explain. This is one I’m definitely gonna refer back to and pick back up many times in my life because it really does ignite something special inside of you.
January 24, 2025
This was a great way to learn how to implement change from a Christian perspective. As a new Christian, I loved the Bible references and tie ins. I am glad I read it and look forward to implementing what I’ve learned!
January 9, 2024
An easy to understand book about mastering good habits, defeating bad ones - all with a foundation based on God's word and human psychology. A great read together with James Clear's Atomic Habits.
March 28, 2023
This book really does live up to it's title, in that it could have the power to change you and your life. Lots of practical, faith-filled, advice on how to break habits and really become the person that you want to be.
My copy is bursting with post-it notes, because I knew from early on that I would probably be passing this on to someone, or even gifting them their own copy, because it is just so helpful; but there is space at the end of each section to write your answers to the challenges and questions and to make notes about how you are going to move forward.
Take the opportunity to access the video workshop as well, just four relatively short videos where Craig works with members of his church to show how to go about strategizing the principles from the book.
If you are going to get the most out of this book, then it is not a quick read, and you will find yourself referring back to it often, but it is solid advice.
My copy is bursting with post-it notes, because I knew from early on that I would probably be passing this on to someone, or even gifting them their own copy, because it is just so helpful; but there is space at the end of each section to write your answers to the challenges and questions and to make notes about how you are going to move forward.
Take the opportunity to access the video workshop as well, just four relatively short videos where Craig works with members of his church to show how to go about strategizing the principles from the book.
If you are going to get the most out of this book, then it is not a quick read, and you will find yourself referring back to it often, but it is solid advice.
November 5, 2025
One of the best books I have recently read.
In a culture where people need guidance and there are so many misleading self-help books, this one shifts focus on what actually matters.
The information in this book is valuable for anyone, even if they don't feel like needing to change! (Can't wait to have it in Romanian as well!)
In a culture where people need guidance and there are so many misleading self-help books, this one shifts focus on what actually matters.
The information in this book is valuable for anyone, even if they don't feel like needing to change! (Can't wait to have it in Romanian as well!)
April 14, 2023
This author needs to try writing his own material rather than borrowing so much from others.
September 25, 2024
Honestly just a great value version of atomic habits that’s religious flavored and dr suessy if you ask me
August 30, 2023
The key of everything is discipline and that came with habits. Loved how Pastor Craig mix this amazing subject with the Bible, normally people don’t mix them together. It’s a book worth reading.
“If you don’t start with your identity, any behavior change you make won’t last.”
“Winning comes through training, not trying.”
“Discipline is choosing what you want most over what you want now.”
“Your desires do not determine what you become, your discipline do.”
“The focus has to be taken off how long it will take and placed on what can be done now.”
“James Clear says: “Habits are behaviors that we repeat consistently.”
“The small things no one sees can lead to the big results everyone wants.”
“The people we hang with shape our habits. God told us that long before studies confirmed it. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm,” and 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
“Successful people are not lucky. They’re consistent.”
“Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.”
“The life you are living right now is shaping the life you will live tomorrow. We all have the best intentions, but intentions don’t determine direction. Actions do.”
“Hope doesn’t change your life. Habits do.”
“if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting. The life you’re living today is shaping the life you’ll live tomorrow.”
“Getting the life you want will be the result of countless seemingly small decisions, done consistently over time.”
“Every. Single. Time. You reap what you sow. True in agriculture. True in life. If you plant good habits, you’ll get good outcomes. If you plant bad habits, don’t be deceived and expect good outcomes.”
“If you don’t start with your identity, any behavior change you make won’t last.”
“Winning comes through training, not trying.”
“Discipline is choosing what you want most over what you want now.”
“Your desires do not determine what you become, your discipline do.”
“The focus has to be taken off how long it will take and placed on what can be done now.”
“James Clear says: “Habits are behaviors that we repeat consistently.”
“The small things no one sees can lead to the big results everyone wants.”
“The people we hang with shape our habits. God told us that long before studies confirmed it. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm,” and 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
“Successful people are not lucky. They’re consistent.”
“Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.”
“The life you are living right now is shaping the life you will live tomorrow. We all have the best intentions, but intentions don’t determine direction. Actions do.”
“Hope doesn’t change your life. Habits do.”
“if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting. The life you’re living today is shaping the life you’ll live tomorrow.”
“Getting the life you want will be the result of countless seemingly small decisions, done consistently over time.”
“Every. Single. Time. You reap what you sow. True in agriculture. True in life. If you plant good habits, you’ll get good outcomes. If you plant bad habits, don’t be deceived and expect good outcomes.”
June 30, 2025
I DNF'd this book which I rarely do
I did not purchase this book to attend a sermon, and it is unappealing to me how much religion plays a role throughout the entirety of the first ~50 pages I read.
Had it been advertised as a religious method for seeking and obtaining lasting change, I would have likely not picked it up, but then at least I would know what I would have been getting myself into had I purchased.
It seemed like another Atomic Habits type of vibe, which I was excited for! Come to find it's all bible verses and reliance on your belief in God.
I think anyone can creating powerful, lasting change in their life, no matter what they believe.
I think this book was poorly advertised... and honestly? Poorly written too. I'm feeling a bit rude so I apologize to the author who will obviously never read this, but I feel better having said that :)
But yeah, the book honestly isn't written well. A lot of it is confusing, hard to follow, and a mish mosh of words laced with Bible verses and theories rather than actionable steps. There's even sections for self reflection - and I personally found those to also be underwhelming in terms of subject matter.
So I probably won't finish it, but who knows, maybe I'll get bored one day and upset with myself for another DNF, and I'll decide to change myself :p
I did not purchase this book to attend a sermon, and it is unappealing to me how much religion plays a role throughout the entirety of the first ~50 pages I read.
Had it been advertised as a religious method for seeking and obtaining lasting change, I would have likely not picked it up, but then at least I would know what I would have been getting myself into had I purchased.
It seemed like another Atomic Habits type of vibe, which I was excited for! Come to find it's all bible verses and reliance on your belief in God.
I think anyone can creating powerful, lasting change in their life, no matter what they believe.
I think this book was poorly advertised... and honestly? Poorly written too. I'm feeling a bit rude so I apologize to the author who will obviously never read this, but I feel better having said that :)
But yeah, the book honestly isn't written well. A lot of it is confusing, hard to follow, and a mish mosh of words laced with Bible verses and theories rather than actionable steps. There's even sections for self reflection - and I personally found those to also be underwhelming in terms of subject matter.
So I probably won't finish it, but who knows, maybe I'll get bored one day and upset with myself for another DNF, and I'll decide to change myself :p
August 10, 2023
Bij het lezen van de eerste hoofdstukken stoorde ik mij een beetje aan de pogingen van de auteur om overmatige humor te verwerken in de teksten. Als iemand zoekt naar een boek over gewoontevorming zou ik eerder Atomic Habits aanraden (die overigens ook veel aangehaald wordt in dit boek). Wel is dit boek uniek in het koppelen van het belang van gewoontes in het geloofsleven, en de identiteit als Christen als basis voor gewoontes. Vooral de laatste hoofdstukken waren wel krachtig. The Power to Change heeft mij wel weer opnieuw geïnspireerd om gewoontes op te pakken, zoals dagelijk Bijbel lezen. Dus in dat opzicht ben ik toch dankbaar dat ik dit boek heb gelezen!
September 25, 2023
If you've ever read a book on habits or spiritual disciplines there probably won't be much new in this, what makes it great, like most of what Groeschel does, is how it's packaged. Pithy and easy to remember concepts. Very very helpful.
June 7, 2023
Great read for building better habits. Inspiring for believers who want to become true disciples.
October 18, 2023
Life changing book.
January 27, 2024
11/10! Will read this again whenever a mental boost is needed. I recommend to anyone who has lost their way or fallen into a rut 💛
April 14, 2024
Finally finished listening to this one! I feel like I would have benefited from this book more by physically reading it, but it was still beneficial. I admire the author’s discipline, and I think it was an interesting read about how to build good, fruitful habits and what scripture says about it!
April 25, 2024
Excellent book on how to make wise decisions. Focus on the who you want to become, rather than the do.
May 2, 2024
I appreciate that this was NOT self-help. It is relying on God's strength to make the changes He wants for us to become the person He made us to be.
June 1, 2024
This book was so great! Best habit book I’ve read because it really helped me prioritize the habits I want to do- with a biblical perspective. Loved it!
August 31, 2025
This was so practical. I’d recommend doing it with the workbook that’s provided - I love Craig’s teaching and went in with the intention to actually break/start habits. Very helpful ✔️
July 16, 2025
“We stay stuck because we rely on willpower instead of God’s power”. Loved this book. Definitely very motivating.
Read
October 14, 2023Great read
I received life from this book, encouragement and greater insight. I liked how the author was transparent and his examples made it that much more clearer for me.
This book in my opinion is a great read if you are feeling defeated with attempting to reach goals, struggling to gain or regain ground in your spiritual walk.
I read this book and the bible plan over and over many times. Some points, I was laughing for days, I phoned a friend in a nursing home read it to her, she felt encouraged. Thank you Craig for going through all you do to encourage God's people. I pray that you receive a great bless in this life and the one to come.
I received life from this book, encouragement and greater insight. I liked how the author was transparent and his examples made it that much more clearer for me.
This book in my opinion is a great read if you are feeling defeated with attempting to reach goals, struggling to gain or regain ground in your spiritual walk.
I read this book and the bible plan over and over many times. Some points, I was laughing for days, I phoned a friend in a nursing home read it to her, she felt encouraged. Thank you Craig for going through all you do to encourage God's people. I pray that you receive a great bless in this life and the one to come.
November 18, 2025
This book is GOOD. I heard people say it was just like other habit books—but I disagree. He does reference other habit books and quote them but I believe there is a personal touch. There is personal experience in this book that makes it original. As a devoted Christian, I appreciated the scripture and biblical references and principles provided in this book. I personally thought this was a life changing read. I believe anyone can take this book, apply its concepts, and transform their life—for the better.
June 6, 2023
Powerful Productivity Perspectives
This is an incredibly impactful book that seamlessly intertwines productivity with the grace of God.
This book wields the power to ignite transformation in the lives of its readers, reminding us that apart from Jesus, our efforts are futile.
Groeschel's writing possesses a rare combination of power and grace, drawing readers into a profound exploration of habits and self-improvement from a Christian perspective. His ability to distill wisdom from influential books like Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones and interpret them through a faith-based lens is truly remarkable.
The Power to Change serves as an invaluable resource for Christian audiences seeking to embrace personal growth and lasting change.
Essentially, this book is a combination of a bunch of popular productivity books, but filtered through a Christian lens. Really a great book!
One of the standout qualities of this book is Groeschel's exceptional writing style. He strikes a perfect balance between sincerity and humor, capturing readers' attention while delivering profound insights.
Groeschel has always been a fun and funny read, and his refreshing candor creates a relatable and engaging reading experience, allowing us to connect with the material on a deeper level.
The Power to Change is an amazing book that combines the principles of habit formation and self-help with a Christian focus. Groeschel's guidance is empowering, providing practical strategies for transforming our lives by aligning our habits with God's grace. This book is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to cultivate positive change in their personal and spiritual journey.
Considering its transformative power and the author's exceptional writing, I confidently give this book a great rating score. Groeschel's insightful teachings and the seamless integration of faith and habits make this book a must-read for anyone desiring lasting transformation.
Prepare to be inspired and equipped as you delve into the pages of Craig Groeschel's excellent book. The Power to Change holds the keys to unlocking your potential and harnessing the transformative power of habits through the lens of faith.
4.7/5
This is an incredibly impactful book that seamlessly intertwines productivity with the grace of God.
This book wields the power to ignite transformation in the lives of its readers, reminding us that apart from Jesus, our efforts are futile.
Groeschel's writing possesses a rare combination of power and grace, drawing readers into a profound exploration of habits and self-improvement from a Christian perspective. His ability to distill wisdom from influential books like Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones and interpret them through a faith-based lens is truly remarkable.
The Power to Change serves as an invaluable resource for Christian audiences seeking to embrace personal growth and lasting change.
Essentially, this book is a combination of a bunch of popular productivity books, but filtered through a Christian lens. Really a great book!
One of the standout qualities of this book is Groeschel's exceptional writing style. He strikes a perfect balance between sincerity and humor, capturing readers' attention while delivering profound insights.
Groeschel has always been a fun and funny read, and his refreshing candor creates a relatable and engaging reading experience, allowing us to connect with the material on a deeper level.
The Power to Change is an amazing book that combines the principles of habit formation and self-help with a Christian focus. Groeschel's guidance is empowering, providing practical strategies for transforming our lives by aligning our habits with God's grace. This book is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to cultivate positive change in their personal and spiritual journey.
Considering its transformative power and the author's exceptional writing, I confidently give this book a great rating score. Groeschel's insightful teachings and the seamless integration of faith and habits make this book a must-read for anyone desiring lasting transformation.
Prepare to be inspired and equipped as you delve into the pages of Craig Groeschel's excellent book. The Power to Change holds the keys to unlocking your potential and harnessing the transformative power of habits through the lens of faith.
4.7/5
December 29, 2024
Summary of The Power to Change by Craig Groeschel:
Craig Groeschel’s The Power to Change focuses on the transformative power of habits and mindset, particularly for those seeking spiritual growth and personal transformation. Groeschel argues that real, lasting change is not about modifying behaviors but about altering one’s identity through God’s truth. He introduces a process of aligning daily habits with a God-given purpose, emphasizing the importance of small, consistent steps. With practical advice rooted in biblical principles, the book guides readers to examine their thought patterns, set faith-driven goals, and rely on God’s strength to sustain change. Groeschel also explores the connection between beliefs, identity, and actions, encouraging readers to develop habits that reflect who they aspire to become in Christ.
Outline:
Introduction: The Desire for Change
• Why people struggle with lasting change.
• The connection between identity and transformation.
Understanding Identity: Who You Are Shapes What You Do
• The role of beliefs and self-perception.
• Aligning identity with God’s truth.
The Power of Small Habits
• How small, consistent actions lead to significant change.
• Biblical examples of discipline and perseverance.
Mindset Matters
• The importance of renewing your mind.
• Strategies to replace negative thoughts with God-centered truths.
Faith-Driven Goals
• Setting goals rooted in spiritual purpose.
• Relying on God’s strength instead of self-effort.
Breaking Old Patterns
• Identifying and replacing destructive habits.
• Overcoming obstacles through prayer and accountability.
Living with Purpose
• Aligning daily actions with long-term vision.
• Trusting God’s process and timing.
Conclusion: Empowered to Change
• Celebrating progress, not perfection.
• Living as a transformed individual in Christ.
Craig Groeschel’s The Power to Change focuses on the transformative power of habits and mindset, particularly for those seeking spiritual growth and personal transformation. Groeschel argues that real, lasting change is not about modifying behaviors but about altering one’s identity through God’s truth. He introduces a process of aligning daily habits with a God-given purpose, emphasizing the importance of small, consistent steps. With practical advice rooted in biblical principles, the book guides readers to examine their thought patterns, set faith-driven goals, and rely on God’s strength to sustain change. Groeschel also explores the connection between beliefs, identity, and actions, encouraging readers to develop habits that reflect who they aspire to become in Christ.
Outline:
Introduction: The Desire for Change
• Why people struggle with lasting change.
• The connection between identity and transformation.
Understanding Identity: Who You Are Shapes What You Do
• The role of beliefs and self-perception.
• Aligning identity with God’s truth.
The Power of Small Habits
• How small, consistent actions lead to significant change.
• Biblical examples of discipline and perseverance.
Mindset Matters
• The importance of renewing your mind.
• Strategies to replace negative thoughts with God-centered truths.
Faith-Driven Goals
• Setting goals rooted in spiritual purpose.
• Relying on God’s strength instead of self-effort.
Breaking Old Patterns
• Identifying and replacing destructive habits.
• Overcoming obstacles through prayer and accountability.
Living with Purpose
• Aligning daily actions with long-term vision.
• Trusting God’s process and timing.
Conclusion: Empowered to Change
• Celebrating progress, not perfection.
• Living as a transformed individual in Christ.
September 19, 2025
I really enjoy the preachings from Craig Groeschel—I’ve been listening to him for quite some time in the Bible app on my phone. This book was suggested by the pastor at my church as he’s using it to framework a four-week long study on change. I enjoyed many parts of the book. I appreciate Groeschel’s down to earth, realistic approach to some challenging topics. His blatant discussions around addictions, eating disorders, and other very relevant topics makes this book accessible to the mainstream. I definitely was able to pull 2-3 good ideas that I can begin using right away to improve challenges in my own personal life.
All that being said, and the reason I knocked off 1.5 stars, the book is a little too “black and white” for my taste. This world is HARD, and quite frankly, quite cruel at times. To simplify that down to a pat, “You reap what you sow” quip is disingenuous. Innocent civilians do not reap war or famine. NO ONE reaps a horrible car accident that leaves them paralyzed, NO ONE reaps cancer or other degenerative diseases, NO ONE reaps the out of order death of their child, NO ONE reaps any myriad of other HORRIFYING tragedies that befall truly “good” people every single day. People who follow Jesus, perform good deeds, serve others, and sow good seeds into the world still experience EXTREME hardship and difficulty every single day. To distill all that down to a few paragraphs that preach reaping what you sow is Victim blaming at its best.
In summary, this book has a lot to offer, AND it is quite limited in scope. If you’re looking for some easy, implementable strategies to work on your own goals, this one’s for you. If, on the other hand, you’ve been truly devastated by a personal tragedy or difficulty outside your control, this book may not be what you need at the present moment. 3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4 in GoodReads)
All that being said, and the reason I knocked off 1.5 stars, the book is a little too “black and white” for my taste. This world is HARD, and quite frankly, quite cruel at times. To simplify that down to a pat, “You reap what you sow” quip is disingenuous. Innocent civilians do not reap war or famine. NO ONE reaps a horrible car accident that leaves them paralyzed, NO ONE reaps cancer or other degenerative diseases, NO ONE reaps the out of order death of their child, NO ONE reaps any myriad of other HORRIFYING tragedies that befall truly “good” people every single day. People who follow Jesus, perform good deeds, serve others, and sow good seeds into the world still experience EXTREME hardship and difficulty every single day. To distill all that down to a few paragraphs that preach reaping what you sow is Victim blaming at its best.
In summary, this book has a lot to offer, AND it is quite limited in scope. If you’re looking for some easy, implementable strategies to work on your own goals, this one’s for you. If, on the other hand, you’ve been truly devastated by a personal tragedy or difficulty outside your control, this book may not be what you need at the present moment. 3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4 in GoodReads)
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