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Encouragement Changes Everything: Bless and Be Blessed
Lives are changed-from the simple to the dramatic-through the miracle of encouragement.
Encouragement is an essential nutrient of growing a positive attitude and improving life, and providing that encouragement benefits both the giver and the receiver(s). The world's foremost leadership expert, John Maxwell, offers practical advice on how to effectively provide the kind of encouragement that transforms individuals, families, churches, and work teams into happier, healthier, more affirming networks. Encouragement Changes Everything focuses on the importance of valuing and growing relationships. This is the perfect gift for people to share and enjoy in either personal or professional contexts.
Includes a beautifully embellished book jacket over a printed casing to appeal to fans of either format.
Encouragement is an essential nutrient of growing a positive attitude and improving life, and providing that encouragement benefits both the giver and the receiver(s). The world's foremost leadership expert, John Maxwell, offers practical advice on how to effectively provide the kind of encouragement that transforms individuals, families, churches, and work teams into happier, healthier, more affirming networks. Encouragement Changes Everything focuses on the importance of valuing and growing relationships. This is the perfect gift for people to share and enjoy in either personal or professional contexts.
Includes a beautifully embellished book jacket over a printed casing to appeal to fans of either format.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2008
28 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
998 books5,836 followersJohn Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 7, 2017
This little book is well researched and thought out. It's size makes it approachable and something I will hang on to for encouragement and inspiration to be an encourager in future years. So many great examples and stories of famous naysayers and not so famous/or famous overcomers to the adversities. As someone who is just starting to write again for the first time in a long time, this book fills me with hope that I do have something to say. Encouragers...I will be looking for you. Downhearted...I will be looking for you, too.
January 12, 2018
Loved this book and its practical challenge to not only encourage other people but to also realize that encouragement of others is the best way to find encouragement yourself. One of the quotes early in the book from Maxwell lays out an outline that makes it easy to study and remember the information: "God’s love FOR us gives us the REASON to encourage others. God’s love IN us gives us the ABILITY to encourage others. God’s love THROUGH us gives us the WAY to encourage others.”
So, Maxwell's book gives you the reason(s) to encourage others, shows you the ability you may not even realize you have to encourage others, and reveals specific and simple ways that you can encourage others.
As is typical with Maxwell, the quotes are timely throughout the book and the biographical vignettes are on point. I have now added Antwone Fisher's memoir to my must-read list and one of the most interesting takeaways that I found in Maxwell's book is a fact about the personal effects that were found on Abraham Lincoln at his death. Lincoln had carried with him a worn-out newspaper clipping extolling his accomplishments as president that starts out with the words, “Abe Lincoln is one of the greatest statesmen of all time…” Today, Lincoln is widely considered the greatest President our country has ever known, but during the time of his administration, this was not the case. One of the myths about encouragement that we might easily believe is that someone like an Abraham Lincoln probably doesn't need encouragement. Yet in the words of Truett Cathy, in answer to the question of how to identify a person who needs encouragement, he replied, "That person is breathing."
This is a good read, worthy of a re-read, and although it is a short book, you'll be spurred to action before you can finish it.
So, Maxwell's book gives you the reason(s) to encourage others, shows you the ability you may not even realize you have to encourage others, and reveals specific and simple ways that you can encourage others.
As is typical with Maxwell, the quotes are timely throughout the book and the biographical vignettes are on point. I have now added Antwone Fisher's memoir to my must-read list and one of the most interesting takeaways that I found in Maxwell's book is a fact about the personal effects that were found on Abraham Lincoln at his death. Lincoln had carried with him a worn-out newspaper clipping extolling his accomplishments as president that starts out with the words, “Abe Lincoln is one of the greatest statesmen of all time…” Today, Lincoln is widely considered the greatest President our country has ever known, but during the time of his administration, this was not the case. One of the myths about encouragement that we might easily believe is that someone like an Abraham Lincoln probably doesn't need encouragement. Yet in the words of Truett Cathy, in answer to the question of how to identify a person who needs encouragement, he replied, "That person is breathing."
This is a good read, worthy of a re-read, and although it is a short book, you'll be spurred to action before you can finish it.
June 14, 2023
Book review 5/5 stars
One of my favorite quick read books! Encouragement changes everything has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I received the book in college and have read it many times since then.
The good
A quick read with many short stories and quotes this book teaches the value of encouraging and why you should do it!
The bad
I can think of nothing bad in this wonderful beautiful book.
Overall
One of my favorite books to learn from. I know it will teach you
One of my favorite quick read books! Encouragement changes everything has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I received the book in college and have read it many times since then.
The good
A quick read with many short stories and quotes this book teaches the value of encouraging and why you should do it!
The bad
I can think of nothing bad in this wonderful beautiful book.
Overall
One of my favorite books to learn from. I know it will teach you
April 15, 2020
One of my Goodreads friends frequently reads and loves John Maxwell books, which has made me curious about them. She's even gone so far as to say that they are better than those by another author that I enjoy.
This book probably doesn't "count" as far as reading a Maxwell book in that it's not as serious or as thorough as some of his topics, but I saw it on sale somewhere, remembered that so-and-so loved the author, and got it. I don't feel like I could fairly compare the two authors in dispute as to which is better yet, but I'm not sure that it matters. Both can be informative and enjoyable reads. If I ever discover the answer to the comparison which is better, I - might - give it.
I enjoyed these stories and quotes, and even the pictures. It reminded me more of a gift volume than a more thorough topical.
I loved the stories of the friendships between Ford and Edison, Charles Wesley and his friends, Newton and Halley.
I loved, "The greatest good you can do for another is to not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own." - Benjamin Disraeli
"People want to do the right thing - stand with them."
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." - Albert Schweitzer
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everybody else up." - Mark Twain
"There are people who think seeing obstacles is a sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence can do that. God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles and who encourage others to take it."
"People want to be appreciated, not impressed. They want to be regarded as human beings, not as sounding boards for other people's egos. They want to be treated as an end in themselves, not as a means toward the gratification of another's vanity." - Sydney J. Harris
"People are insecure ... give them confidence.
People like to feel special ... sincerely compliment them.
People are looking for a better tomorrow ... show them hope.
People need to be understood ... listen to them."
There were a couple of times that I thought the book went too far. Dick Hoyt's quote, "There is nothing in the world that the both of us can't conquer together." is a little overkill. There's a great deal they can accomplish together, but there are limits. They can't cure death, as one example ...
There's also Maxwell's own statement, "As you take initiative and risks, God keeps you safe." Well, yes, and no. Yes, He does keep us safe in thousands of ways, with and without our knowledge, and I don't want to minimize that. But Jesus, when the devil told him to throw himself off the top of the temple, and God would protect him, quoted scripture that said, "Do not test the Lord your God." There is a point at which fool-hardy recklessness doesn't end well: jumping off a temple or in front of a train. It looks like God wants us to take reasonable precautions and doesn't appreciate us trying to force His hand to intervene with our recklessness. No, don't be afraid. God's got you. But don't intentionally endanger yourself either.
This book probably doesn't "count" as far as reading a Maxwell book in that it's not as serious or as thorough as some of his topics, but I saw it on sale somewhere, remembered that so-and-so loved the author, and got it. I don't feel like I could fairly compare the two authors in dispute as to which is better yet, but I'm not sure that it matters. Both can be informative and enjoyable reads. If I ever discover the answer to the comparison which is better, I - might - give it.
I enjoyed these stories and quotes, and even the pictures. It reminded me more of a gift volume than a more thorough topical.
I loved the stories of the friendships between Ford and Edison, Charles Wesley and his friends, Newton and Halley.
I loved, "The greatest good you can do for another is to not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own." - Benjamin Disraeli
"People want to do the right thing - stand with them."
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." - Albert Schweitzer
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everybody else up." - Mark Twain
"There are people who think seeing obstacles is a sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence can do that. God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles and who encourage others to take it."
"People want to be appreciated, not impressed. They want to be regarded as human beings, not as sounding boards for other people's egos. They want to be treated as an end in themselves, not as a means toward the gratification of another's vanity." - Sydney J. Harris
"People are insecure ... give them confidence.
People like to feel special ... sincerely compliment them.
People are looking for a better tomorrow ... show them hope.
People need to be understood ... listen to them."
There were a couple of times that I thought the book went too far. Dick Hoyt's quote, "There is nothing in the world that the both of us can't conquer together." is a little overkill. There's a great deal they can accomplish together, but there are limits. They can't cure death, as one example ...
There's also Maxwell's own statement, "As you take initiative and risks, God keeps you safe." Well, yes, and no. Yes, He does keep us safe in thousands of ways, with and without our knowledge, and I don't want to minimize that. But Jesus, when the devil told him to throw himself off the top of the temple, and God would protect him, quoted scripture that said, "Do not test the Lord your God." There is a point at which fool-hardy recklessness doesn't end well: jumping off a temple or in front of a train. It looks like God wants us to take reasonable precautions and doesn't appreciate us trying to force His hand to intervene with our recklessness. No, don't be afraid. God's got you. But don't intentionally endanger yourself either.
February 19, 2023
Found this book underneath of my grandmothers coffee table. It was a great book with tokens of wisdom about encouragement.
One of my favorite quotes from this book would be, “If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.”
Encouraging one another is absolutely life changing!! Getting a single compliment can give your brain energy through tough times, and to remind you of your worth when you can’t see it in the moment. When someone else encourages you, fights for you, believes in you, and invests in you, we feel unstoppable.
Let’s strive to live a life encouraging others.
One of my favorite quotes from this book would be, “If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.”
Encouraging one another is absolutely life changing!! Getting a single compliment can give your brain energy through tough times, and to remind you of your worth when you can’t see it in the moment. When someone else encourages you, fights for you, believes in you, and invests in you, we feel unstoppable.
Let’s strive to live a life encouraging others.
September 22, 2019
Short, quick read on importance of encouragement. My favorites:
-The night he was shot,President Lincoln had on him, among other things, a worn out newspaper clipping that started out “Abe Lincoln is one of the greatest statesman of all time…“. He presided over a country divided and was often criticized, vilified and threatened. Sometimes he needed to be reminded that somebody believed in him
-The story of the circus where a family of eight is short admission price. A boy and his father “ found“ $20 and gave it to the family— and did not go to the circus themselves.
-The night he was shot,President Lincoln had on him, among other things, a worn out newspaper clipping that started out “Abe Lincoln is one of the greatest statesman of all time…“. He presided over a country divided and was often criticized, vilified and threatened. Sometimes he needed to be reminded that somebody believed in him
-The story of the circus where a family of eight is short admission price. A boy and his father “ found“ $20 and gave it to the family— and did not go to the circus themselves.
February 6, 2025
3.5 stars.
This book is hard to rate. I'm not a fan of the religious part of the book. The little quotes (although they were lovely) weren't my thing. It was very encouraging & positive. I saw how one could take a good portion & use it in business with teams.
I recommend it, as it's short & does send off the warm fuzzies.
This book is hard to rate. I'm not a fan of the religious part of the book. The little quotes (although they were lovely) weren't my thing. It was very encouraging & positive. I saw how one could take a good portion & use it in business with teams.
I recommend it, as it's short & does send off the warm fuzzies.
June 13, 2018
This is a quick and pain-free shot of encouragement! It does not take long to read, but the reader is left eager to give even more encouragement to others. The quotes and real-life examples are excellent! I have bookmarks in several places to remember or to share with others.
November 6, 2017
Not a very long book,. Every chapter is inspiring and though provoking. Considering suggesting this book for a group.
December 29, 2023
I've read that this book has content previously published in other Maxwell books. Since I haven't read many of his books I really enjoyed this gem.
December 28, 2018
Very quotable and quick to read. I am convinced the encouraged soul is capable of great things. Maxwell’s quotes and antidotes remind me of that belief - we can find our true potential by encouraging those around us.
February 25, 2017
"Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." - Author Unknown
January 3, 2012
This book is worth reading simply as a reminder of a "true north" foundational principle. Encouragement does indeed have more power to motivate self and others than does discouraging negativity. indeed, that is a core message of the positive psychology movement, of appreciative inquiry, and of recent findings in motivation and leadership. I found many of Maxwell's stories inspiring, and the lessons taught in this little volume should be remembered and put to work.
May 18, 2009
A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel like conquering the world.... this book has renewed my passion for encouraging others and has proved to me that encouragement is a gift that can keep on giving.
I feel like conquering the world.... this book has renewed my passion for encouraging others and has proved to me that encouragement is a gift that can keep on giving.
April 10, 2013
It's brief, and has some great encouraging stories, however, these stories are also from Maxwell's other books that he has written. Not much of any practical suggestions on the how-to encourage others, but by the end of the book, you will know and understand the importance of encouragement.
October 7, 2015
This book is a quick and easy read on the importance of encouraging others. Many people don't move forward without a positive word from someone else. Don't take the power of positivity lightly; it makes a difference.
April 19, 2008
an inspirational read
November 14, 2008
Good book. You will be amaze a what true encouragement really does to people. You will bless others lives and you'll be blessed in the process.
Currently reading
March 22, 2010it is very much an eye opener on how we can directly influence the life of other... i definitley reccomend reading this book
March 31, 2010
This book was so good. I plan to read more of this author's book.
January 4, 2012
I was not terribly impressed with this book. It is mostly a rehash of Maxwell's earlier books. Hope whoever gave it to me didn't pay too much for it.
June 30, 2012
Brilliant motivational book.
April 19, 2013
a compilation of John Maxwell's encouragements, when you encourage others you are encouraged. God bless
December 18, 2013
Wasn't what I had in mind. Wanted more practical applications and less on leadership and sports analogies. The irony is not lost on me that I am giving a bad review on a book about encouragement.
July 21, 2014
A quick read of affirmation.
August 12, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, it really made me want to be better. :)
September 7, 2016
I thought it was okay
July 2, 2025
Sounding advice. I'll be re-reading again soon.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews