#NOW: The Surprising Truth about the Power of Now

by Max McKeown

Do you ever feel stressed? Of course you do. One way we cope is to lower expectations, but we miss what may make us stronger. This book offers valuable insights into an alternative.
You can choose to nurture a Nowist mindset and by seeking joy in the flow of life, you will discover your natural power to take action and keep moving forward. We live in the present but carry the anxieties of the past and concerns of the future with us at all times. Yet, you can only directly think, do, or change anything at the point of now. Realising this, you can learn to transform your life with every moment. #NOW  helps you to embrace the fullness of everyday life.
It encourages you to move beyond surviving, or coping, to joyfully and effortlessly live in harmony with the demands of your work–life balance. Instead of passively hiding or becoming overwhelmed, you can actively leap into the best that life has to offer.
Discover the power of your #NOW that enables you to take action, make decisions fast and effectively, and enjoy the moment while creating a successful and happy future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2016

About the author

Max McKeown is an English writer, consultant, and researcher specialising in innovation strategy, leadership and culture. He has written six influential books and conducts research with Warwick Business School. He is a fellow of the RSA.

Reviews

[Lani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being littered with what is a synaesthetically-unpleasing word (for me, "Nowist"), I generally enjoyed reading this.

If you've read Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" you'll notice some subtle references to the brain's two types of thinking in McKeown's differentiation between "Thenists" and "Nowists", and their respective biases to those types of thinking, however his descriptions are much less in-depth. This is perhaps due to any examples of studies carried out being fairly brief and void of much detail - although they are all referenced in the back of the book.

What I did enjoy about this book is the moments which made me pause as I recognised traits about myself being described, which surprisingly gave me some more insight into my own thought- and behaviour-patterns. Anything which causes one to reflect on and learn about oneself is worthwhile reading in my opinion.

[Beatrice Portinari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was at first annoyed by the "rah-rah cheerleader" tone of the book as it felt pushy. But emotions aside and judging from content alone, the insights in the book are proving to be very valuable. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who spends time in mental thought loops, agonizing over the "optimum decision".

[Lucio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the practicality of the book and the psychology of the importance of NOW. Taking a lot of this on board and really excited to try some of this out

[Sinead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Definitely resonate with the ideas that the author puts forward but I wish it had more actionable advice.

[Jasmin Mohd-zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always annoyed with myself : because I wld go vvrrooom at the beginning of a project and then have a re-think and suddenly hit a slump !

After this book and much self reflection now I understand myself better. The pivot point between the #nowist me and the #thenist me had to be managed properly ! It's just a manner of thinking - and it needed science to prove that to me.

Love the conversational style this book is written ...psychology taught this way is so refreshing. And if you need to deep dive on a particular FACT you can use the extensive notes at the end of the book to guide you.

Have put it in my diary to re-read this in 6 months as a refresher...for now I need to "look while leaping and leap while looking" !

Best idea here :

" People in a Nowist mindset tend to challenge themselves to see what impressive feats they can manage, and love the whole experience, even if they fail. Sometimes the whole thing is funnier and more memorable if they don't succeed." - on page 133

[Dixit Nagpal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more about basics of how to not get into thinking trap and get into action mode and how one is better than other. I think we tend to undermine the importance of each and exaggerate the importance of getting into action. Every decision has its structure whereby it requires thinking and action and how much of each is decided by the impact of decision on one’s life.

Yes agree that momentum is energy and it gives quick feedback on what’s going right and wrong which thinking alone can’t provide but again thinking can also help to visualise and understand certain aspects of task which can help you to avoid blunders.

I don’t get the point from author that get into nowist mindset and what circumstances demand that ? The main challenge is not even addressed behind it - which is how limiting beliefs stop people from going into one zone to other. Thus I would not recommend this to other readers.

[Barry Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the audio-book, narrated by the author. Really enjoyed it, some very interesting ideas about present moment awareness and how our decisions can shape our perception of reality. Backed up with current research on the subject.

Read it #NOW.....

[Pete · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author makes the mistake of classifying people rather than behaviours. You are either a nowist or a thenist. Thankfully I got it cheap second hand. I do not recommend. One the other hand I would certainly recommend “The Power of Now”

[Jenna M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really praying for it to end 2/3rds through. Some good motivation about acting in the moment, but fairly fluffy, all told

[Lyn Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It definitely made me question a few things that are going on in my life right now.

Very easy to listen to

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of food for thought about making choices and moving forward. I enjoyed the real life stories and accessible reporting of science.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It made me think about my approach to life and to focus on moving forward and action. Live and appreciate the power of now.

[Omar Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touches upon some great points in regards to how different types of people approach tasks differently - locomotor and assessor. I do disagree with some advice given -e.g. multitasking. Multitasking has been known to slow you down. Nevertheless, Dr Max Keown has backed up his ideas and theories with actual sources and these are stated in the book. I would recommend this book for anyone who procrastinates on ambitions, or has self-doubt.