An Enemy Called Average

by John Mason

Within every person is a desire to be different, to be distinctive, to be above average. This book contains 77 nuggets of motivation and practical principles that answer some of life's intriguing questions and stir people to rise above mediocrity and become shining stars.
Worldreader presents this e-book in a new series showcasing fiction from Sub-Saharan Africa. Are you a worldreader? Read more about this not-for-profit social enterprise at worldreader.org.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business, Personal Development, Christian, Leadership, Faith

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

John Mason is a national best-selling author, noted speaker, and executive author coach. He is the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group.

He has authored twenty-five books including "An Enemy Called Average," "You’re Born an Original Don’t Die a Copy," and "Know Your Limits—Then Ignore Them" which have sold nearly two million copies and are translated into thirty-eight languages throughout
the world. These books are widely known as a source of sound wisdom, genuine motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national publications. And seven of his books have reached the #1 spot on Amazon best-seller lists.

Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the U.S. and around the world.

Reviews

[Arcyllin Arcilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

How easy it is for us to be content with what is good and just stay there where it's comfortable. However, we serve an excellent God Who didn't just make things good---He made them very, very good.

I never realized that settling for what is good or good enough is not good at all. This book opened my eyes to the potential God has placed in my life, if only I would allow Him to use me and if only I would follow Him with my all. This book, when lived out, can definitely change a life.

[Aya Gamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

to get the most benefit from what you read , you must read and apply .
don't waste your time just start and take a good step to change your life to be better.

[Shankar]

An Enemy Called Average

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing this because being on this app makes me feel a little bit more serious.

Didn’t give it 5 stars because I feel like the author could’ve used more realistic situations in some parts of the book, because why am I reading what’s supposed to be a further explanation but I’m only getting more confused?

While reading this I felt like I was battling “an (actual) enemy called average”
But realistically I was just trying to make sure I didn’t leave any room for mediocrity
The hardest part about reading books like these is actually applying what you’ve read
But thankfully I’ve had some time to do that (I think)
I don dey talk too much

Anyways, this is definitely a book I would reread on a bad day(I read <20 pages a month)

*Let’s assume I ended this review in a very good way*

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorites! I have bought many copies and have given them to pastors, other ministers and friends. These are short but powerful little nuggets of wisdom and encouragment. I have used it for a devotional many times. Great one-liners that stick in your head to be able to encourage yourself as well as others around you.

[Cedric Dukes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives us nuggets of success to use daily on how not to procrastinate and to look at your life as a legacy. It talked about how not to look at your current circumstances but to target those things that are in front of you. Success is absolutely expedited by hard work and not just checking something off the list but planning the most important things that will move the needle.

[Arwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it
so easy to read

[Belén Lechuga · Rating 4 out of 5]

El autor nos anima y alienta en esta obra a salir de la mediocridad. Todos tenemos algo que nos hace especialmente increíbles y hemos sido llamados por Dios a descubrir nuestros dones y ponerlos a funcionar salvando cualquier obstáculo. Es un conjunto de 52 consejos sabios para lograr llegar a ser quien Dios diseñó que fuéramos.

[T.C. Wanyanwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Mason's wisdom is ageless. I have read 10 of his books and learned through this book that the call on my life is not a copy. It is unique to me and me alone. In this day of peer pressure, trends, and fads, we need to realize that every person has been custom made by God the Creator. Each of us has a distinctive call. It’s to be ourselves. Not to copy others and become average - a second fiddle. The book is divided into 3 parts, with 52 golden Nuggets. From Nugget 37; I must share these 10 truisms that are not true:
💥1. The way to guarantee success is to work smarter, not harder. This is a losing idea. You will find that effective leaders do both. They work smarter, and they work harder. 💥2. Activity equals accomplishment. Activity is not accomplishment. Hard work is not results. We should not ask ourselves whether or not we’re busy, but what we’re busy about. We serve a God who is interested in results. 💥3. Take care of things, and they will take care of you. We should not take care; we should take control. If you don’t take control of your own life, somebody else will. 💥4. Never say never. It’s better to say, “Seldom say never and only when you really mean it.” 💥5. Don’t waste (kill) time. Although this truism expresses a good thought, it isn’t completely accurate. When you waste your time, you waste your life. 💥6. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Even when things are working, they still can be improved. 💥7. What you see is what you get. We Christians are commanded to be moved, not by what we see, but by the Word of God. We are to see the unseen in every situation. 💥8. He is a self-made man. There is no such thing. A person can succeed only with the help of God and others. 💥9. Talk is cheap. Talk is very expensive. What people say is ultimately what they get and what they pay for. 💥10. Practice makes perfect. No, perfect practice makes perfect. Wrong practice leads to wrong habits. Perfect practice leads to perfect action. Make sure that whatever you do on a regular basis is right. Highly recommendable book!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironically, I thought this audiobook was average.

[Maui Rochell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book my husband received from exchange gift and I get to read it first. It's my dream and goal to read his books too since we have now combined bookshelf 😅

I really missed reading paperback and carrying it around wherever I go because that was my journey with this book. I read it on Christmas day and finished it yesterday.

I am glad that I came across this title because I have this tendency to be average and probably because of my perfectionistic tendencies, too. I also appreciate how much it points out to the Lord, so it's not just a self-help book kind of read but it also guides you though in having a long lasting and persevering relationship with God.

[Keith McShan · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Audio book Review*

This was a quick read, but had a bundle of information. I loved the use or parables and stories to get the message across. This was a great book on how we can take small steps not to live the average lifestyle and how to be great at what we do. Learning how to build on our strength and soar like eagles are some of the lessons in this book. I would highly recommended this book.

[Nderitu Pius · Rating 3 out of 5]

It may have all the good words but it is not biblically based. A lot of psychologists and all these worldly men but JESUS doesn't even as much as make 3 pages on this book. It is found in the line of Joel Osteen and more. Be careful with this book, you can easily end up filling yourself with dangerous ideologies. Stick tot he BIBLE.

[jeancarlos acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow sí este libro no cambia tu manera de pensar no lo hará ningún otro

Comencé a leer este libro sin ninguna expectativa del material que iba a leer. Es sumamente transformador lo leeré al menos 2 veces al año.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great lessons. Not a fan of the style the book was written with lots of short chapters, but I can see how the author used it to convey each individual message so I suppose it makes sense in this case.

[Himanshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has truly transformed my life. The most interesting feature of this book is it's simple language which is easy to understand and grasp. The book is best personal development book I have ever read. A must read book in your entire lifetime.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tead

Excellent book, simple read but priceless wisdom in little wits of wisdom to push one out of mediocrity. Brings home the simple truths we know but yet never implement them in our lives.

[David Quek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational Nuggets

Full of inspiration. We need that push in life. This book has served that purpose. The author has a way with words that makes you think. The result, the heart is inspired.

[Debbie Muriuki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spiritually nourishing book that calls upon us to present our whole selves in all aspects of life while summoning God's will and purpoae in directing and guiding us through life's journey. I liked the aspect of referencing scripture to put the short and precise 77 titles into perspective.

[cypher · Rating 3 out of 5]

from the perspective of the contemporary man, so often exposed to modern tech culture and life coaching as part of it, it does not stand out and feels a bit repetitive. considering it was published in 1996, it scores a bit better.

[Brettne Shootman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually reread books but I could start this one again, today! It was that good. Awesome nuggets for striving to live out God's plan for our lives. Loved it!

[John Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and insightful book full of encouragement and reminders of what we so often do to ourselves rather than have done to us.

[Inonge P · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love!!

[Angela ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read! Second time reading! Really great nuggets to give you energy to catapult you in to your day and life. Love John Mason

[Alaine Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book. I literally wanted to highlight the entire thing!

[Trillionz Engr · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Pamela Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent nuggets which provide inwad, upward, and outward change.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of great quotes and wisdom worthy of reflection.

[Razan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ممتنة للمؤلف بشدة ❤️من أوائل الكتب اللي قرأتها و كانت بداية انطلاقه و تغيير إيجابي ❤️ يتكلم عن الاعتماد بالنفس و تخطيء المعوقات التقليدية لتحقيق الأحلام

[Danielea]

Short and sweet book! I Loved how matter of fact the book is, very much straight to the point.
The 6x1=6 principle is simple but truly effective. I definitely listening to this again and again!