If This Won't Get You Thinking, Nothing Will

by Frank Sonnenberg

You make thousands of choices throughout your life — big and small — about your values, relationships, priorities, and direction. But have you ever paused to consider how you make those decisions? Most people focus on the issue at hand, not the process that helps them make the right decision. That’s like jumping to an answer before you understand the question — reacting out of habit, instinct, or emotion without a clear framework to guide you.

When you don’t examine your decision-making process, you risk being driven by convenience, immediate rewards, or outside influences — instead of by clarity and purpose. Knowing your thought process is just as important as knowing your destination.

Sometimes you chase a goal for years, only to realize you never questioned what motivated that decision in the first place. That realization can be devastating — not because you failed, but because you succeeded at the wrong thing.

What kind of life do you want to lead? What principles will guide those choices? And what will rise to the top of your priorities?
If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will invites you to reflect on your values, priorities, and goals; your needs, desires, and relationships; and your outlook, personal growth, and direction in life. From your habits and behaviors to your career and leadership style, this book will empower you to become the best version of yourself.

This book contains 365 passages — one for each day of the year. Read them in order or jump in wherever you like. Each one is designed to help you live a life of integrity, purpose, and happiness.

Frank Sonnenberg is an award-winning author and a well-known advocate for moral character, values, and personal responsibility. He has written 13 books and has been named one of “America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders” and one of “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts.” His blog — FrankSonnenbergOnline — has attracted millions of readers worldwide. It was recently recognized as one of the “Best Leadership,” “Best Self-Improvement and Personal Development,” and “Best Inspirational” blogs in the world.

So, ask Are you happy with the path you’re on, or is it time to adjust your course? Sometimes, the smallest step in a new direction can make the biggest difference in where you end up.

You have the rest of your life ahead of you, and the choices you make will shape your path. As the English novelist George Eliot said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”Praise for If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will“Few voices speak with more clarity and moral courage than my friend Frank Sonnenberg, who has a rare gift for helping people see what truly matters most. His timeless insights call us back to what endures—trust, integrity, and purpose—and inspire us to live them every day.”

Stephen M. R. Covey, The New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and Trust & Inspire

“Frank Sonnenberg has a rare gift for turning timeless truths into practical wisdom. If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will reveals how to live with purpose — inspiring us to reach higher while proving that integrity and compassion never go out of style.

Genres: Self Help

385 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

Frank Sonnenberg is an award-winning author and a well-known advocate for moral character, values, and personal responsibility. He has written 13 books and has been named one of “America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders” and one of “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts.” Frank has served on several boards and has consulted to some of the largest and most respected companies in the world. Frank’s newest book, “If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will,” was released May 2026.

Additionally, his blog — FrankSonnenbergOnline — has attracted millions of readers worldwide. It was recently recognized as one of the “Best Leadership,” “Best Self-Improvement and Personal Development,” and “Best Inspirational” blogs in the world.

Reviews

[John Spence]

I have been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my life who made a lasting impact on how I view the world. Reading one of Frank Sonnenberg’s books feels very much like sitting down with a trusted mentor and learning from a lifetime of experience and wisdom.

When I first received this book, I opened it to a random page just to get a sense of what I would find. The passage I landed on focused on relationships. Within a few pages, Frank captured ideas I had been considering for quite some time. His observations were insightful and right on target.

One of the things that amazes me about books is that, for the price of a single book, you can gain access to the best thinking of remarkable people. Frank is one of those people. He has a gift for asking important questions and encouraging readers to examine more carefully the choices that shape their lives.

This book contains 365 reflections, but it is much more than a daily reader. Each passage offers an opportunity to slow down and look at an important part of life from a slightly different perspective.

If you enjoy books that challenge your assumptions and help you live with greater purpose and intention, I highly recommend this one.

[Lorelei Colbert]

As a longtime fan of Frank Sonnenberg’s writing, I was excited to read “If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will."

What I love most is the format — a new take for Frank with “daily doses” of wisdom and information. You can pick it up, go in order or open to any page, and find a message that either inspires you, grounds you, or challenges you to think differently. I enjoy opening the book to see what Frank has to me offer that day and have taken it with me on some recent travels.

As a young cancer survivor, mom, and military spouse, a lot of the messages resonate deeply with me. Frank often writes about leaning into your values, appreciating life’s precious moments, and being intentional about how you show up. Those reminders matter — especially in unexpected seasons of life.

Thank you, Frank, for sharing your wisdom to help others live more meaningful lives. Your words continue to inspire me.

[Marjory Abrams]

This book definitely lives up to its title -- each entry really does make you think. Sonnenberg has such a deft way with language. As I read each entry, I felt both more relaxed AND mentally geared up and motivated. I love the one-page-a-day approach because I really wanted to savor each entry and give myself time to apply it to my daily life.

There is a lot here I have heard before on the various concepts covered (like setting priorities, dealing with setbacks, creating great relationships, being a leader) but it's ALL here in one book, succinctly presented. And just because I've heard it doesn't mean that I was doing it. Reading this made me realize that I need the reminders to keep me focused on what's important.

I think this book is a great gem to keep on your bedside or by your kitchen table, and read a random page to set a theme for the day, and to be inspired to live into your best life.

[Terry Anzano]

Ive read several of Frank Sonnenbergs books and "If this won's get you thinking nothing Will" is another exceptional read. The book is filled with inspirational daily reflections that encourage you to pause, reflect, and gain perspective in a world that rarely slows down. Every page offers meaningful wisdom in a simple, relatable way. Although it's difficult to select just one or two of my favorite insights, "Your life is determined by the sum of your choices" and "One of the best ways to discover who you want to be is to ask, " How do I want to be remembered?" really hit home for me. It's a book you'll return to again and again. I've started giving it as a gift because it's too good not to share. This is the kind of daily insight and inspiration everyone should experience."

[Abby Hennessy]

In today's busy world with an ever-growing to-do list, this was a great book to be the distraction and inspiration I needed when I was able to find small moments for myself. Unlike most books where I need to read often to remember where I left off, this format allows for fresh starts each time you pick up the book.

If I were to rename the book, I'd call it "Your Daily Dose of Thought Provoking". And what I love most is that you don't need to read the book in order. 10/10 recommend tabbing pages for inspo you want to return back to and ones that resonate with you. For the days you want to guide your daydreaming in a productive direction and challenge the lens you look at the world with, pick up this book and read a passage.

[James Strock]

In our time of tumult—when social trust is low and institutional performance is erratic—enduring notions of character matter more than ever. Frank Sonnenberg has written a book for people who aim to navigate and create value in this new world.

'If This Won’t Get You Thinking, Nothing Will' invites readers to pause and reflect as a predicate to action. Through 365 concise essays, Sonnenberg renders insights actionable.

The format lends itself to daily use. They won’t tell you what to think but can help hone how you think.

Highly recommended.

[Kenycia]

Frank provides easily digestable lessons for each day of the year. Whether you read this book in one sitting (very possible) or over a calendar year these are lessons that can positively improve your life, if implemented. "If this won't get you thinking, nothing will" was a call to action for me. It challenges the reader in areas such as habits, discipline and what it means to be in relationship with others. A deeper reflection on each of the lessons will help move from thought to action.

[LaRae Quy]

I love all of Frank Sonnenberg's books because they are both inspirational and full of practical advice. For example, here is one of my favorite pages from this book: "Before you try to change others, remember how hard it is to change yourself."

Imagine a day when success is measured not by what we accumulate but by what we give to others; when we shift from a world-revolves-around-us mindset to one that embraces our role in a global community. Words of wisdom!

[Carrie]

This may be Frank Sonnenberg's best work ever! It's the kind of book that you can pick up at any time, open to any page and find a little nugget of wisdom...something that will help with your day or something that just makes sense (in a world where not much does). It's a book you'll want to keep in your personal library and find yourself unexpectedly reaching for over and over agin.

[Kathleen Cullinan]

Frank has written a wonderful book comprising of daily prompts that lead the reader to deeply reflect on what matters most in life. This book will help readers young and old navigate how to make choices and decisions that will lead to living a life of meaning, integrity and purpose. This book would be an excellent gift for a recent college graduate.