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The Power of Significance: How Purpose Changes Your Life
John C. Maxwell, #1 New York Times bestselling author, shows you how to achieve a life of purpose and meaning in this compact new book derived from his previous title, Intentional Living .
We all have a longing to be significant, to make a contribution, to be a part of something noble and purposeful. But know you don't have to be a certain age, have a lot of money, or be powerful or famous to make a real difference. You can be significant starting today -- if you know your purpose.
In The Power of Significance , you will find the pathway to a life that matters. Drawing on over 50 years of experience helping people around the world, John Maxwell gives practical guidance and motivation to get you started on your unique personal path to significance. Learn how to find your why , start small but believe big, and live every day as if it matters -- because it does!.
We all have a longing to be significant, to make a contribution, to be a part of something noble and purposeful. But know you don't have to be a certain age, have a lot of money, or be powerful or famous to make a real difference. You can be significant starting today -- if you know your purpose.
In The Power of Significance , you will find the pathway to a life that matters. Drawing on over 50 years of experience helping people around the world, John Maxwell gives practical guidance and motivation to get you started on your unique personal path to significance. Learn how to find your why , start small but believe big, and live every day as if it matters -- because it does!.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2017
86 people are currently reading
882 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 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 1, 2017
It's an attractive, sturdy little book that would make for a great gift. It is derived from John C. Maxwell's "Intentional Living", so it would probably be a better gift for someone who does not already possess that book. My favorite chapter is #4 - Be Willing to Start Small. I know a lot of people that can benefit from this publication. Too many people have a distorted notion of what it means to being "significant".
I rated this book five stars because I really like the lessons contained therein. As someone who is still in search of their true purpose, I can really identify with this work. My copy was obtained from the Goodreads website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
I rated this book five stars because I really like the lessons contained therein. As someone who is still in search of their true purpose, I can really identify with this work. My copy was obtained from the Goodreads website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
April 18, 2017
If there is one bit of information that we want to convey, it is this. The Power of Significance is easy reading. There's no fluff. This is so refreshing. It is so good to read someone who has something to say and doesn't create a Matisse with only an up-front view and asking the reader to figure it all out.
Another favored aspect of reading Power of Significance is that the author is a Christian man. However, he's not, "All up in yer grill," about it. We would be fine with this, if he were. But, he's not. He uses his background to tell the story. That's it.
Power of Significance is for those who are not content to simply exist, to live with insignificance or to let the waters of life just roll up on them with no plans for tomorrow. If you just give the book a chance, you will find that motivation is an inherent thing. It is something that is inside you, perhaps, waiting to be roused?
Another favored aspect of reading Power of Significance is that the author is a Christian man. However, he's not, "All up in yer grill," about it. We would be fine with this, if he were. But, he's not. He uses his background to tell the story. That's it.
Power of Significance is for those who are not content to simply exist, to live with insignificance or to let the waters of life just roll up on them with no plans for tomorrow. If you just give the book a chance, you will find that motivation is an inherent thing. It is something that is inside you, perhaps, waiting to be roused?
August 16, 2019
I liked that this was short. I have not read his other books. His questions to determine your why were interesting and made me think. Quick motivating read.
December 8, 2020
....I'm disappointed.
I don't mind reading spiritual or religious books, but often they are clearly stated to be that. Here it came from left field and was more religious than spiritual. To be frank, compared to Eastern philosophy, I find Christian promotion of their faith to be extremely arrogant and in your face. It never comes off with any finesse or wisdom but always judgmental and obnoxious.
This book was like reading into the mind of a zealot.
"I wasn't happy as a shepherd but wanted to be a rancher." This when discussing his goals as a pastor.
"I didn't like the idea that I was there for people like a mere shepherd; I wanted to reign in new people and invite them to join.....yada yada Christian soldier....more territory." <--- That to me is disgusting. Christian soldier reminds me of Christian crusaders, who demolished lives and murdered countless people solely for domination. It, also, reminds me of the jihadis, who want to control or destroy others, so their team has more players and more "territory".
"I wanted to take over more territory." He considers influencing people as taking more territory....Very attractive and for the right reasons....
"My goal was to get 500 church followers in my lifetime but then changed to 4000 when I heard that was possible." Oh, can't you just hear the zeal in those words?
It sounds so greedy, self-serving, and akin to chasing a shiny coin down an alley. No, it sounds more like gravedigging to find jewelry.
It's not impressive but embarrassing.
The points worth knowing in this book are, fortunately, already out there and put in a more palatable fashion in resources.
I'm, also, disappointed as his other books were good, and with them, I never caught myself cringing at the excesses of his desires to "control more territory" or accumulate power.
I don't mind reading spiritual or religious books, but often they are clearly stated to be that. Here it came from left field and was more religious than spiritual. To be frank, compared to Eastern philosophy, I find Christian promotion of their faith to be extremely arrogant and in your face. It never comes off with any finesse or wisdom but always judgmental and obnoxious.
This book was like reading into the mind of a zealot.
"I wasn't happy as a shepherd but wanted to be a rancher." This when discussing his goals as a pastor.
"I didn't like the idea that I was there for people like a mere shepherd; I wanted to reign in new people and invite them to join.....yada yada Christian soldier....more territory." <--- That to me is disgusting. Christian soldier reminds me of Christian crusaders, who demolished lives and murdered countless people solely for domination. It, also, reminds me of the jihadis, who want to control or destroy others, so their team has more players and more "territory".
"I wanted to take over more territory." He considers influencing people as taking more territory....Very attractive and for the right reasons....
"My goal was to get 500 church followers in my lifetime but then changed to 4000 when I heard that was possible." Oh, can't you just hear the zeal in those words?
It sounds so greedy, self-serving, and akin to chasing a shiny coin down an alley. No, it sounds more like gravedigging to find jewelry.
It's not impressive but embarrassing.
The points worth knowing in this book are, fortunately, already out there and put in a more palatable fashion in resources.
I'm, also, disappointed as his other books were good, and with them, I never caught myself cringing at the excesses of his desires to "control more territory" or accumulate power.
January 10, 2023
This book fulfilled the "read something outside your comfort zone" challenge.
Uggh. I despise self help books so much. As per usual, this one is filled with oversimplifications and cheesey cliches. And so many unnecessary exclamation points.
God bless you if this kind of thing makes your heart sing, but it does nothing for me. Other than make me roll my eyes. I know the point of this challenge was to help expand my reading range, but it didn't work. I'm just going to continue leaving self help books on the shelf where they belong.
Uggh. I despise self help books so much. As per usual, this one is filled with oversimplifications and cheesey cliches. And so many unnecessary exclamation points.
God bless you if this kind of thing makes your heart sing, but it does nothing for me. Other than make me roll my eyes. I know the point of this challenge was to help expand my reading range, but it didn't work. I'm just going to continue leaving self help books on the shelf where they belong.
June 23, 2022
Definitely one that I would want to read bi-annually .
Condense knowledge that is well stated. Plus, I appreciate the practical application at the end of each chapter.
Condense knowledge that is well stated. Plus, I appreciate the practical application at the end of each chapter.
January 7, 2020
Would be rated higher if not for the pages dripping with god and Jesus and faith— really had to swallow hard to get past it all. There should’ve been clues on the book jacket to indicate this. That said, it’s a decent motivational book for someone ready for change, with plenty of catchy sayings that would make for good PowerPoint slide titles or instagram “quote of the day”s. Able to be read in an hour.
October 30, 2021
The Power of Significance (How Purpose Changes Your Life) by John C. Maxwell
Actual Rate: 8/10
Favorite Line: "Opportunity is always where you are. Be willing to start by giving of yourself."
Actual Review:
The Power of Significance is a 2017 self-help book by John Maxwell. In this non-fiction book, Maxwell presented a pathway and steps on how to navigate a purposeful and impactful life that matters.
Live everyday as if it matters—because it does!
That's the most catchy line I find in this book that is really carved on my mind. Well, actually the thought of that line is already in my daily system and I am doing it already.
This self-help slash business book of Mr. Maxwell just simply told stories althroughout the book's pages. Stories which are based on the wisdom he had gotten from his own experiences and other books or philosophical knowledge that he expounded in a detailed manner so the reader will get the messages.
It navigates mainly on how someone should understand their "significance" in this world full of uncertainties. Mr. Maxwell showed path and steps for us to find and settle our purpose. I do understand his perspectives on this type of topic but some passages are really too self-assessing (about/for him). What I mean is that he really offers some active lines which are really basing only on his privileges. Like my fave line above (that is why that is my fave line because it is really questionable haha), opportunity is not always on where you are. It always depends on how privileged you are. You will never understand everyone's point of view because if you start in life with grand privileges already then you'll never understand the views of those who don't have. That's just the heartache I felt after reading this book. It is like the steps and lists he had provided is only just for those who can afford his book. You get my point?
Aside from that, for an all-encompassing review, this was quite a reflective read. I just take the wisdom which really resonates in me. But personally, to culminate my understanding of this topic, looking for your own purpose and significance do not need to be backed up by any books or the likes. Just like all wisdom and morals, it just resonates within us.
Actual Rate: 8/10
Favorite Line: "Opportunity is always where you are. Be willing to start by giving of yourself."
Actual Review:
The Power of Significance is a 2017 self-help book by John Maxwell. In this non-fiction book, Maxwell presented a pathway and steps on how to navigate a purposeful and impactful life that matters.
Live everyday as if it matters—because it does!
That's the most catchy line I find in this book that is really carved on my mind. Well, actually the thought of that line is already in my daily system and I am doing it already.
This self-help slash business book of Mr. Maxwell just simply told stories althroughout the book's pages. Stories which are based on the wisdom he had gotten from his own experiences and other books or philosophical knowledge that he expounded in a detailed manner so the reader will get the messages.
It navigates mainly on how someone should understand their "significance" in this world full of uncertainties. Mr. Maxwell showed path and steps for us to find and settle our purpose. I do understand his perspectives on this type of topic but some passages are really too self-assessing (about/for him). What I mean is that he really offers some active lines which are really basing only on his privileges. Like my fave line above (that is why that is my fave line because it is really questionable haha), opportunity is not always on where you are. It always depends on how privileged you are. You will never understand everyone's point of view because if you start in life with grand privileges already then you'll never understand the views of those who don't have. That's just the heartache I felt after reading this book. It is like the steps and lists he had provided is only just for those who can afford his book. You get my point?
Aside from that, for an all-encompassing review, this was quite a reflective read. I just take the wisdom which really resonates in me. But personally, to culminate my understanding of this topic, looking for your own purpose and significance do not need to be backed up by any books or the likes. Just like all wisdom and morals, it just resonates within us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2017
John Maxwell's The Power of Significance is anchored on the notion that significance can only be achieved through intentional living-find your "why" and acting on it. One of my favourite parts of the book is the chapter on living with a sense of anticipation which is one of the ways of "operationalizing" intentionality. He says that anticipation causes us to do five things: value today, prompts us to prepare, generate good ideas, look for ways to help others and possess an abundance mindset. I found this to be quite poignant since most of the time when we think of helping other humans, we are always coming up with all sorts of excuses and in most cases, we don't help on the fly unless someone tags our heartstrings. This section definitely challenged me to think of ways I can be proactive in finding ways of making life easier for others around me.
Though this book is by no means groundbreaking, it is always good to be reminded of life principles by different sources so that they can have an impact. Nonetheless, I was pleased to learn how Maxwell got into full-time ministry and how he has grown over the years. The Power of Significance is quite practical with application sections at the end of each chapter which offer points of reflection and action.
This book would offer a point of reflection for anyone thinking of or involved in volunteering or those working behind the scenes and may not also be easily publicly acknowledged for their hard work and sacrifice.
Grateful to Netgalley for the book in exchange for a free and honest review. Originally posted on Netgalley
Though this book is by no means groundbreaking, it is always good to be reminded of life principles by different sources so that they can have an impact. Nonetheless, I was pleased to learn how Maxwell got into full-time ministry and how he has grown over the years. The Power of Significance is quite practical with application sections at the end of each chapter which offer points of reflection and action.
This book would offer a point of reflection for anyone thinking of or involved in volunteering or those working behind the scenes and may not also be easily publicly acknowledged for their hard work and sacrifice.
Grateful to Netgalley for the book in exchange for a free and honest review. Originally posted on Netgalley
January 22, 2019
Significance is a core word that not so many people understand what it connotes. A lot of people believe that their significance in life is tied to some trivial things such as "being wealthy, being famous, getting married and so on and so forth." Not knowing that their significance in life goes beyond being rich, being famous or even getting married.
From the book, you will get a better understanding of how to become significant in this life even when you may not be wealthy or famous presently.
This understanding will elevate you greatly as you walk in the path of true significance this year.
See you on top!
From the book, you will get a better understanding of how to become significant in this life even when you may not be wealthy or famous presently.
This understanding will elevate you greatly as you walk in the path of true significance this year.
See you on top!
December 30, 2019
Reading this by the end of the year 2019, has been a great kick start for my new year (2020). This book could helps us in finding our "why", purpose, and what we're meant to do in this life. By reading this book, i learned that the most successful people is not who attain materials richness. But the most successful people is the one who can add happiness, values, goodness and benefits to others. Success and self-satisfaction is way beyond countable thingy.
August 15, 2021
I'm quite surprised that this book has only 200+ ratings.
So the only reason why I read this was because this book has been sitting on my shelf since forever and it's a short one.
Also for record, I'm not really a fan of self help book. I personally also didn't think I gain something new as the content is some general information we can find anywhere. But if you have a sudden need to find a topic for your presentation, you can grab this book, it'll help.
So the only reason why I read this was because this book has been sitting on my shelf since forever and it's a short one.
Also for record, I'm not really a fan of self help book. I personally also didn't think I gain something new as the content is some general information we can find anywhere. But if you have a sudden need to find a topic for your presentation, you can grab this book, it'll help.
July 14, 2022
It started very strong but I wanted a non-fiction self-help book, not a spiritual one and especially not one written by a church pastor. I like spirituality. I like non-fiction. I like self-help books. But I was caught unaware and honestly it felt like a trap. It still have good quotes and great philosophy behind it, mind you. Yet it sounded a bit... culty. There's no words I can currently think of right now. Get back to me later.
October 27, 2023
I listened to this book, and I'm pretty sure the voice actor they used was an AI because he did not talk like a human being. That probably started my challenge with this book, but overlooking that, it's really a memoir. I can certainly gain nuggets from almost any self-improvement book—and I did with this one as well—but it was so much about the author and too little about the topic. Thankfully, it was short.
November 15, 2023
My mother in law had gifted this book to me years ago. I think she had read it and enjoyed it and passed it on to many people. It is a great book for anyone who is struggling with their identity and why they are here. It felt like more of a review for me, as I feel I do get the most out of each day of my life and I feel like I know my purpose very well but it was a nice refreshing read on a cold evening at home alone.
January 6, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. YOUR WHY:
- Know your “why” so you can share with others.
- Live a life that matters.
2. INTENTIONAL:
- good intention: wish, hope
- intentional: action, discipline, I will
- Act your way to significance
- Fixes situation
- driven by specific objective + action
3. START SMALL:
- intentionally anticipate an opportunity for a small contribution
- Look for ways to help others.
4. BE READY
- create margins to help
5. SEE SIGNIFICANCE EVERYDAY:
1. YOUR WHY:
- Know your “why” so you can share with others.
- Live a life that matters.
2. INTENTIONAL:
- good intention: wish, hope
- intentional: action, discipline, I will
- Act your way to significance
- Fixes situation
- driven by specific objective + action
3. START SMALL:
- intentionally anticipate an opportunity for a small contribution
- Look for ways to help others.
4. BE READY
- create margins to help
5. SEE SIGNIFICANCE EVERYDAY:
November 13, 2025
The author emphasises on the importance of living an intentional and significant life. He truly believed in his callings to inspire others in finding their whys and significance in life. Sometimes we feel lost, simply because the end goals somehow gets blurry or undetermined. May we all find our why and be able to live our life to the fullest, not only for ourselves, but also in serving others and being as beneficial as possible.
July 31, 2017
This book is much larger than its small size would suggest. The gist -- to figure out what you're meant to do, you have to start doing.
Find your "why." Practice intentional living. Hesitations are nothing more than excuses.
Find your "why." Practice intentional living. Hesitations are nothing more than excuses.
July 22, 2018
It is a smaller version of Maxwell's "Intentional Living", but would serve as a great preview or refresher. Maxwell provides information to the reader in a way that is easy to understand and provides valuable follow-up exercises.
October 9, 2019
A small but mighty book! The messages garnered from John Maxwell's book, "The Power of Significance" are words of wisdom that inspire me today. Particularly, the why that makes you cry... once you find your purpose, you'll be unstoppable.
November 20, 2019
This was very good of course. A good reminder and a good kick in the pants. Live with intentionality! Anticipate good things coming and live as if they are, because when they do, you will be ready to go with them.
February 6, 2022
An Amazing insight into Significance, Intentional Living. " Make every day your masterpiece." Really a deep conversation in to finding your way via Why is stunning with real life examples. I really loved the idea of our best teacher is evaluated experience😍.
September 18, 2022
Very focused book on intentional living. To my surprise it summarized many of my personal philosophies and applications, but with more specificity (as expected). Highly recommended to anyone searching for purpose.
January 11, 2023
Excellent.
If you want to live a life of significance, you must take small, significant actions every single day.
What I love about Maxwell is he lays out the process in a simple-to-understand format.
If you want to live a life of significance, you must take small, significant actions every single day.
What I love about Maxwell is he lays out the process in a simple-to-understand format.
May 14, 2017
Great light read. It's a condensed version of Intentional Living. Easy read.
May 23, 2017
"It was okay" - because it was a shortened version of a much more meaningfully-packed publication. Always good, John Maxwell.
September 26, 2017
2.5 stars
The material is a 3, but I didn't care for the narrator. Was miffed that the author didn't narrate the audiobook since he is a motivational speaker.
The material is a 3, but I didn't care for the narrator. Was miffed that the author didn't narrate the audiobook since he is a motivational speaker.
October 19, 2017
Good. A little repetitive, but I suppose that's what you get when an author is trying to drive a point. Some great takeaways and things over which to ponder.
November 8, 2017
Solid read. Provides great encouragement as succinctly as John does so well.
January 5, 2018
I love all of John Maxwell's books. Very inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews