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Successful People
How Successful People Grow: 15 Ways to Get Ahead in Life
Are there tried and true principles that are always certain to help a person grow? John Maxwell says the answer is yes. He has been passionate about personal development for over fifty years, and here, he teaches everything he has gleaned about what it takes to reach our potential. In the way that only he can communicate, John teaches . . .The Law of the You Must See Value in Yourself to Add Value to YourselfThe Law of You Must Know Yourself to Grow YourselfThe Law of It's Hard to Improve When You Have No One But Yourself to FollowThe Law of the Rubber Growth Stops When You Lose the Tension Between Where You are and Where You Could BeThe Law of Developing Yourself Enables You to Develop OthersThis compact read will help readers become lifelong learners whose potential keeps increasing and never gets "used up."
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
269 people are currently reading
2981 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
999 books5,857 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 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 8, 2019
“Good management of bad experiences leads to great growth.”
Like any other books of the similar genre, this book isn’t going to work like magic without true reflection and a certain degree of discipline to follow what it says, but boy, those questions in it got me thinking. I’d recommend this book mainly for two reasons:
(1) As much as it teaches us to see our own potential, it doesn’t solely focus on our growth but also how we contribute to the people around us (ie. teaching us to grow but not just focus on ourselves).
(2) Reading this felt like talking to a random old stranger at a bus stop, telling you in the most fatherly way to keep your shit together.
Like any other books of the similar genre, this book isn’t going to work like magic without true reflection and a certain degree of discipline to follow what it says, but boy, those questions in it got me thinking. I’d recommend this book mainly for two reasons:
(1) As much as it teaches us to see our own potential, it doesn’t solely focus on our growth but also how we contribute to the people around us (ie. teaching us to grow but not just focus on ourselves).
(2) Reading this felt like talking to a random old stranger at a bus stop, telling you in the most fatherly way to keep your shit together.
September 9, 2018
I have to admit judging this book by its cover. This book is pretty thin with short chapters and it’s a rewrite of a previous book.
That said, Maxwell is a prominent name in the leadership/motivation space. If he is not quite a household name like Zig Ziglar or Steven Covey, he certainly is in that second tier.
That said, this book is really good for people looking for motivation, and by that I mean, everyone. I am closer to retirement than to my first job, but we should always grow. Indeed, as I watch friends in their 50s making successful life and career changes. So indeed, this would be a great book for anyone in their 20s, Maxwell makes the argument we should never settle.
Each chapter is short with action items, which means it makes a good ‘book club’ book but also good for pushing somebody who might need the extra bit of motivation. Maxwell gives truth that are sometimes simple and sometimes hard, but most importantly are truths. If you follow Maxwell’s word, the future is unlimited.
As far as motivational books go, this works well by keeping it simple and straightforward. Maxwell gives personal insight and makes it readable. It does not need more than brevity. Now, some of the decisions to be made might be tough, and it is easiest to go the path of least resistance, but you don’t grow that way.
Maxwell is a fan of volunteering, and this is true. Besides the obvious positive outcomes, one can also learn new skills and network with people you have never met. I have learned that there is a lot of potential in these circumstances as well as humility and passion. It is only something that I have done in recent years, and then only in small doses, but Maxwell is right in recommending it.
In fact, Maxwell is right at everything in the book, which includes such advise as finding mentors and evaluating interests and strengths. Maxwell got his start under Rev Robert Schuller and his background is as a preacher, so there is a strong moral compass in his words, but his argument that it is better to give than receive is a path to Leadership. As a quick aside, and as with Covey, Maxwell does not believe you can be a good leader and have major moral failings. This is an argument that is tough when we hear arguments about Leaders like JFK, MLK and Bill Clinton, who had mortal failings, but in a world, that is post- Enron and Madoff and post-#metoo, then it is maybe time we embrace Maxwell’s words.
That said, Maxwell is a prominent name in the leadership/motivation space. If he is not quite a household name like Zig Ziglar or Steven Covey, he certainly is in that second tier.
That said, this book is really good for people looking for motivation, and by that I mean, everyone. I am closer to retirement than to my first job, but we should always grow. Indeed, as I watch friends in their 50s making successful life and career changes. So indeed, this would be a great book for anyone in their 20s, Maxwell makes the argument we should never settle.
Each chapter is short with action items, which means it makes a good ‘book club’ book but also good for pushing somebody who might need the extra bit of motivation. Maxwell gives truth that are sometimes simple and sometimes hard, but most importantly are truths. If you follow Maxwell’s word, the future is unlimited.
As far as motivational books go, this works well by keeping it simple and straightforward. Maxwell gives personal insight and makes it readable. It does not need more than brevity. Now, some of the decisions to be made might be tough, and it is easiest to go the path of least resistance, but you don’t grow that way.
Maxwell is a fan of volunteering, and this is true. Besides the obvious positive outcomes, one can also learn new skills and network with people you have never met. I have learned that there is a lot of potential in these circumstances as well as humility and passion. It is only something that I have done in recent years, and then only in small doses, but Maxwell is right in recommending it.
In fact, Maxwell is right at everything in the book, which includes such advise as finding mentors and evaluating interests and strengths. Maxwell got his start under Rev Robert Schuller and his background is as a preacher, so there is a strong moral compass in his words, but his argument that it is better to give than receive is a path to Leadership. As a quick aside, and as with Covey, Maxwell does not believe you can be a good leader and have major moral failings. This is an argument that is tough when we hear arguments about Leaders like JFK, MLK and Bill Clinton, who had mortal failings, but in a world, that is post- Enron and Madoff and post-#metoo, then it is maybe time we embrace Maxwell’s words.
December 28, 2017
"Some people are born mud and become marble, some are born marble and become mud" So, the question is: in which direction are you going? Mud or marble?
The audio version of the book was a great companion during my runs, I highly recommend it, wish I had it some years ago when I started my own path to personal growth.
The audio version of the book was a great companion during my runs, I highly recommend it, wish I had it some years ago when I started my own path to personal growth.
October 26, 2019
"GROWTH" …everyone needs but few get!! The best book I have read, just 139 pages so rich of inspiration and insights to enable transition from incidental growth to intentional growth. A big sixer from Sir Maxwell. Enjoy the reading!!
Excerpts
https://befinexpert.wordpress.com/201...
Excerpts
https://befinexpert.wordpress.com/201...
January 8, 2024
As someone who is trying to read more (and actually finish the book I start), I found this to be an enjoyable read. Each chapter is short, with great takeaways, and tangible action plans. I liked that each chapter ended with questions to ponder and formulate into action items.
The only reason I didn’t give it a 5-star is because I found some of the content to be repetitious of other John Maxwell books.
The only reason I didn’t give it a 5-star is because I found some of the content to be repetitious of other John Maxwell books.
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April 10, 2019It is the best motivational book that written by John Max Well . It is about how to growth up and how to use your failure as your succeed sword and also you can learn and get experience from your failure.
This sentence has written in book and i really like it ( experience is the hard teacher because the test is given first and the lesson is given afterward) .
This sentence has written in book and i really like it ( experience is the hard teacher because the test is given first and the lesson is given afterward) .
November 23, 2020
Overall a very basic self help book. A few good nuggets but mostly advice I've heard many times before. You can get just as much out of the chapters by just reading the headers as if you read each paragraph underneath them. Nothing groundbreaking and kind of just had to skim through it toward the end just to say I finished it.
November 10, 2017
Seems like a list of items. Not all points are good enough. Became so boring after a few chapters.
You can read it in a day. Nothing so great.
You can read it in a day. Nothing so great.
September 16, 2019
A few insightful bits. Mostly just a book of the authors favorite quotes. A little too faith based for my liking.
January 1, 2020
Good read with a loy of take aways
August 3, 2018
This is an absolute gem! Filled with timeless truths that can transform your life.
July 23, 2021
This was a short listen (3hrs) but had tons of great info for people wanting to grow and help others.
May 15, 2024
John C Maxwell books are reloably good books. There is anything I read in here that was groundbreaking but there were tons of great personal development reminders. It's a quick and easy read too. Only took me two or three hours to complete.
October 22, 2020
Page 15 : " Some of them have helped me through personal contact, but most have helped me through the books they've written. When I've had questions, I've found answers in their wisdom. "
And your wisdom in " Developing the Leader within you " brought me here John.
I could not thank you enough, how could I lived in astray for 8 years in a row ... being a bossy manager.
Thank you, for everything.
And your wisdom in " Developing the Leader within you " brought me here John.
I could not thank you enough, how could I lived in astray for 8 years in a row ... being a bossy manager.
Thank you, for everything.
September 23, 2018
i was ok-ish. it liked it that it had easy to read chapters and that after each you could reflect.
most of the things you've already heard in some shape and form so nothing new.
but it is good to hear/read once in a while this.
most of the things you've already heard in some shape and form so nothing new.
but it is good to hear/read once in a while this.
June 2, 2019
Some of it was interesting, but mostly it was everything I've heard before. If you haven't read many self-help books, this could be a benefit. If you've already read even just 20 self-help books, you've probably seen the same information before it's just phrased differently in this book.
February 10, 2021
I think it's a nice introduction to someone that is new to the concept of intentional growth!
I liked how he approached growth and the why of someone integrating it into their life and mindset.
Short and sweet.
February 16, 2021
If you dream of being a leader one day
If you dream of being a leader one day, then this book will guide you through the process. It will show you how important it is to be a river, not a reservoir.
If you dream of being a leader one day, then this book will guide you through the process. It will show you how important it is to be a river, not a reservoir.
December 10, 2016
one of the best books I have read in self-development
September 5, 2017
simple and practical book to learn to grow functionally in this real world. i encourage one to do the questions he asked in this book. set my thinking in a growth mindset.
September 23, 2017
Interesting insights.Growth should be intentional.A must read for anyone who seriously want to grow as a leader.
October 2, 2017
I loved this book, it was gifted to me by my dad and I think that it has taught me a lot of useful and informative tips and tricks to reaching my potential and doing something important.
May 26, 2019
You definitely want to read this book. It is pretty much an excerpt from "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" which is another great book.
July 15, 2020
Would be good for someone seeking direction or motivation; felt very selfhelpy and was kinda 'duh' information but your mileage may differ.
September 3, 2024
How Successful People Grow by John C. Maxwell is a concise, practical guide that focuses on personal growth and development, providing actionable steps for individuals who aim to achieve success. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, draws from his vast experience to outline key principles for self-improvement and achieving long-term success.
The book is structured around 15 core lessons that cover areas such as developing a growth mindset, cultivating self-awareness, learning from failure, and maintaining consistency in efforts. Each chapter offers specific advice on how to apply these principles in everyday life, making the book both inspirational and pragmatic.
Maxwell emphasizes the importance of intentionality in personal growth, urging readers to take responsibility for their development by creating specific goals and habits. His insights on resilience, adaptability, and the value of learning from mentors are particularly compelling.
One of the book’s strengths is its accessibility—Maxwell writes in a clear, straightforward style, making complex ideas easy to grasp. While some readers may find the lessons familiar or basic, the strength of the book lies in its simplicity and the practical steps it offers for consistent growth.
Overall, How Successful People Grow is a useful resource for individuals seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives. It provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to foster personal growth, with advice applicable to both seasoned professionals and those just starting their journey.
The book is structured around 15 core lessons that cover areas such as developing a growth mindset, cultivating self-awareness, learning from failure, and maintaining consistency in efforts. Each chapter offers specific advice on how to apply these principles in everyday life, making the book both inspirational and pragmatic.
Maxwell emphasizes the importance of intentionality in personal growth, urging readers to take responsibility for their development by creating specific goals and habits. His insights on resilience, adaptability, and the value of learning from mentors are particularly compelling.
One of the book’s strengths is its accessibility—Maxwell writes in a clear, straightforward style, making complex ideas easy to grasp. While some readers may find the lessons familiar or basic, the strength of the book lies in its simplicity and the practical steps it offers for consistent growth.
Overall, How Successful People Grow is a useful resource for individuals seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives. It provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to foster personal growth, with advice applicable to both seasoned professionals and those just starting their journey.
July 4, 2023
If you seek personal and/or professional growth, then How Successful People Grow: 15 Ways to Get Ahead in Life by John C. Maxwell should be on your to-be-read list.
Part of Maxwell's Successful People Series, How Successful People Grow teaches you about:
Intentional learning
Self-awareness
Believing in yourself
Reflection
Daily discipline
Strategic thinking
Turning negatives into positives
Growing from the inside out
Stretching yourself to move beyond where we are to where we want to be
Focusing on how to enlarge your potential
And five other principles to help you create the success you're looking for in life. In a short and easy to read book, you will find tips to guide you forward.
How Successful People Grow shares tips learned from years of Maxwell's success on how to promote growth in any aspect of your life. While I am sure there was a ton more he could say on the topic, a succinctly told guide allows you to learn without being clouded by an overabundance of personal examples that may or may not connect with the reader. What I found extremely helpful are the discussion questions and action items found at the end of each chapter.
If you're on the path to change and growth, be sure to add How Successful People Grow to your list of resources.
Part of Maxwell's Successful People Series, How Successful People Grow teaches you about:
Intentional learning
Self-awareness
Believing in yourself
Reflection
Daily discipline
Strategic thinking
Turning negatives into positives
Growing from the inside out
Stretching yourself to move beyond where we are to where we want to be
Focusing on how to enlarge your potential
And five other principles to help you create the success you're looking for in life. In a short and easy to read book, you will find tips to guide you forward.
How Successful People Grow shares tips learned from years of Maxwell's success on how to promote growth in any aspect of your life. While I am sure there was a ton more he could say on the topic, a succinctly told guide allows you to learn without being clouded by an overabundance of personal examples that may or may not connect with the reader. What I found extremely helpful are the discussion questions and action items found at the end of each chapter.
If you're on the path to change and growth, be sure to add How Successful People Grow to your list of resources.
February 27, 2019
One of the most important things I took away from this book and that I remember daily is that in order to grow and move forward there are trade offs you must be willing to make. I had just left a career of 18 years when I read this book. In leaving that career, to start a new career, (AT 40!) I had to give up A LOT - my corner office, flexible schedule, six weeks of vacation time, not to mention I took a huge pay cut. It was a big risk and there were a lot of trade offs, but I had stopped growing in my career and needed a change and a lot less stress. It took me a long time to get to the point and to get the courage to "jump" but when I finally did, I was learning new things, energized and growing again and the biggest gains were leaving all of the stress behind, being more focused on my family and much happier. ALL of the trade offs were more than worth it. The rest of the book was good as well and I enjoyed reading it, but that section in particular resonated with me and made the entire read well worth it!
November 9, 2022
John is the business guru....people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, all were lucky. John has built a successful empire and business reputation on 40 plus years of being a successful, business leader. He teaches, coaches, mentors, hosts events and is a well sought after public speaker.
He's a intentional person, with a Christian background and belief and he practices both personally and professionally what he preaches and teaches.
You may not believe in religion, and or share his views on Christianity and he'll tell you upfront that's okay! However, when he speaks about leadership and your role as a leader, strategy, leading, mentoring, coaching, etc....you can borrow money and bet, he's giving you 110% fact based successful information you can bank on!
He's a intentional person, with a Christian background and belief and he practices both personally and professionally what he preaches and teaches.
You may not believe in religion, and or share his views on Christianity and he'll tell you upfront that's okay! However, when he speaks about leadership and your role as a leader, strategy, leading, mentoring, coaching, etc....you can borrow money and bet, he's giving you 110% fact based successful information you can bank on!
April 22, 2021
Short impactful book, love the headings like define success as sowing, not reaping.
These are all fundamentals and principles
- become an intentional leader
-Develop self-awareness
- believe in yourself
- set aside time to reflect
- embrace discipline daily
- seem our positive Environment
- become highly strategic
- the negatives into positives
- growth from the inside out
- Get used to stretching yourself
- make smart trade-offs
- learn to ask more Questions
- Find a good mentor
- Help others reach their potential
These are all fundamentals and principles
- become an intentional leader
-Develop self-awareness
- believe in yourself
- set aside time to reflect
- embrace discipline daily
- seem our positive Environment
- become highly strategic
- the negatives into positives
- growth from the inside out
- Get used to stretching yourself
- make smart trade-offs
- learn to ask more Questions
- Find a good mentor
- Help others reach their potential
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2021
This book checked off all the boxes I expect from a great self-development book: it was short and easy to read, the content was categorized neatly into different chapters, the content was either new to me or expressed in new ways so the book didn't seem redundant (especially in a flooded, self-help market), and there were actionable steps listed at the end of each chapter. I would definitely recommend this to others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews