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Make Today Matter: 10 Habits for a Better Life
Do you want to make a living and living a meaningful life? Here are ten time-tested lessons to help you discern where you want to go and how to get there.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2018
33 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Chris Lowney
16 books32 followersChris Lowney chairs the board of Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the nation’s largest healthcare/hospital systems with some $ 19 billion in assets. He is a one-time Jesuit seminarian who later served as a Managing Director of J.P. Morgan & Co in New York, Tokyo, Singapore and London until leaving the firm in 2001. He is a popular keynote speaker who has lectured in more than two-dozen countries on on leadership, business ethics, decision-making and other topics.
He is the author of four books. Heroic Leadership, a # 1 ranked bestseller of the CBPA, was named a finalist for a 2003 Book of the Year Award from ForeWord magazine, has been translated into eleven languages, and was named to the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommending reading list. He is also author of Heroic Living, and A Vanished World– Chris was featured in the PBS-aired documentary, “Cities of Light,” which echoed many of that book’s key themes. His latest work, Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads, has been called, “an invaluable gift,” and “a book for the ages.”
He served as volunteer founding president of Jesuit Commons, an innovative collaboration which offers online university education in refugee camps in Africa and elsewhere. He conceived and co-founded Contemplative Leaders in Action, an emerging leader formation program now active in a half-dozen cities. He founded Pilgrimage for Our Children’s Future, which funds education and healthcare projects in the developing world: to learn about or support that organization, visit www.pocf.org.
He is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University, where he also received his M.A. He is holder of five honorary Doctoral degrees.
He is the author of four books. Heroic Leadership, a # 1 ranked bestseller of the CBPA, was named a finalist for a 2003 Book of the Year Award from ForeWord magazine, has been translated into eleven languages, and was named to the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommending reading list. He is also author of Heroic Living, and A Vanished World– Chris was featured in the PBS-aired documentary, “Cities of Light,” which echoed many of that book’s key themes. His latest work, Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads, has been called, “an invaluable gift,” and “a book for the ages.”
He served as volunteer founding president of Jesuit Commons, an innovative collaboration which offers online university education in refugee camps in Africa and elsewhere. He conceived and co-founded Contemplative Leaders in Action, an emerging leader formation program now active in a half-dozen cities. He founded Pilgrimage for Our Children’s Future, which funds education and healthcare projects in the developing world: to learn about or support that organization, visit www.pocf.org.
He is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University, where he also received his M.A. He is holder of five honorary Doctoral degrees.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 6, 2018
Instead of surrendering to apathy or crankiness, he approaches each day with determination and gratitude. He seizes each day as a unique opportunity, because he sees each day as a gift. Which is exactly what this book is about: seizing today’s opportunity, and rising to the occasion every single day. If even a few million more of us could live with such focus and a strong sense of purpose, we would transform this world into a kinder, more loving, and more just home. — Excerpted from the Introduction of Make Today Matter
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I think “Make Today Matter: 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World)” by Chris Lowney would make a great holiday gift. Compact, inspirational book on ten simple daily habits & practices that will help you build a better life one day, one moment at a time. Succinct, straightforward, and accessible, each habit & practices are illustrated with author’s personal stories, it’s more like a guiding principles than habits per se. I love inspirational books that keep it short, but impactful. I do want to add that the author is a former Jesuit seminarian, so there’s definitely strong Christian & spiritual theme throughout the text — many biblical verses are quoted & frequent references to God and God's will. The moral of this book as author tries to convey is that as we better ourselves little by little, day by day, we can in turn, make the world a little better, too. Nothing new or groundbreaking, but we can all use a little reminder to serve as a inspiration & motivation in our busy daily lives. 🤓✌️📖
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I think “Make Today Matter: 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World)” by Chris Lowney would make a great holiday gift. Compact, inspirational book on ten simple daily habits & practices that will help you build a better life one day, one moment at a time. Succinct, straightforward, and accessible, each habit & practices are illustrated with author’s personal stories, it’s more like a guiding principles than habits per se. I love inspirational books that keep it short, but impactful. I do want to add that the author is a former Jesuit seminarian, so there’s definitely strong Christian & spiritual theme throughout the text — many biblical verses are quoted & frequent references to God and God's will. The moral of this book as author tries to convey is that as we better ourselves little by little, day by day, we can in turn, make the world a little better, too. Nothing new or groundbreaking, but we can all use a little reminder to serve as a inspiration & motivation in our busy daily lives. 🤓✌️📖
Want to read
February 18, 2019Thank you Loyola Press and Netgalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Make Today Matter outlines ten habits to make today matter, not in a productivity tick off the to-do list way but in a deep, philosophical way. Each chapter is based around a habit to encourage the reader to live the life that are meant to, to really question what is most important in life and have the courage to live this way each and every day. The chapters contain anecdotes, philosophical wisdom and exercises to unravel what that habits theme means for you and ask the deeper, more meaningful questions about life.
A lovely book to pick up and read on days when you need a gentle reminder to step outside of yourself.
Make Today Matter outlines ten habits to make today matter, not in a productivity tick off the to-do list way but in a deep, philosophical way. Each chapter is based around a habit to encourage the reader to live the life that are meant to, to really question what is most important in life and have the courage to live this way each and every day. The chapters contain anecdotes, philosophical wisdom and exercises to unravel what that habits theme means for you and ask the deeper, more meaningful questions about life.
A lovely book to pick up and read on days when you need a gentle reminder to step outside of yourself.
November 11, 2025
Quick read for my capstone class. Definitely very Jesuit at its core but also had some general good advice. I also really appreciate the quotes from a wide variety of figures and perspectives. I don’t think it’s overly preachy in its message—it gives concrete ways to refocus how you’re living your life. I think as I’m thinking about the transition to post grad and the end of senior year there’s definitely some gratitude practices and value discernment that I want to take away from this book.
February 13, 2021
Combines Ignatian Spirituality (the Jesuits) with common sense to promote a "well-lived life."
June 30, 2018
This is a book that can change your life. It’s a book of 10 habits that if you adopt successfully will change your life and allow each day to have more meaning. The author acknowledges that you will slip up along the way, but if we review each day and strive to climb that hill we will achieve more and experience inner peace.
So Chris Lowney (author of the book) I would like to tell you that you have made a lasting impression on me with this book., so you’ve covered off Habit 10. It’s a book that I will continue to read and refer to for a long time
So Chris Lowney (author of the book) I would like to tell you that you have made a lasting impression on me with this book., so you’ve covered off Habit 10. It’s a book that I will continue to read and refer to for a long time
September 18, 2019
This is probably the most enlightening book I have read in ages. It is a short book with so much information to consider for living daily life!
May 4, 2018
In the author's words, "this book is about seizing today's opportunity, and rising to the occasion of every single day". The two main points that Lowney makes is that you must decide what kind of person you want to be and make decisions based on those principles, and that to be truly fulfilled, you must contribute to the world in some way.
A Jesuit seminarian who successfully transferred to the world of big business, there is a religious slant throughout the book ("what would the Lord do in my place?"), but it's not judgmental or "in your face".
Some takeaways:
"Run every race as if it's your last, so that afterwards you can look in a mirror and say 'I put my heart into it, and I used my gifts to my utmost, and for purposes that I can feel proud of.'"
"We build resilience through... showing gratitude, being altruistic and exhibiting a strong sense of life purpose."
"The most courageous among us be all those who simply manage to keep going."
There is nothing in this book that I haven't heard before. It seemed trite to me and a bit jumbled. At 120 pages, it's a quick read, so if you feel this would be helpful to you, go for it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Loyola Press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
A Jesuit seminarian who successfully transferred to the world of big business, there is a religious slant throughout the book ("what would the Lord do in my place?"), but it's not judgmental or "in your face".
Some takeaways:
"Run every race as if it's your last, so that afterwards you can look in a mirror and say 'I put my heart into it, and I used my gifts to my utmost, and for purposes that I can feel proud of.'"
"We build resilience through... showing gratitude, being altruistic and exhibiting a strong sense of life purpose."
"The most courageous among us be all those who simply manage to keep going."
There is nothing in this book that I haven't heard before. It seemed trite to me and a bit jumbled. At 120 pages, it's a quick read, so if you feel this would be helpful to you, go for it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Loyola Press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 24, 2018
Who would have thought that a young man studying to be a Jesuit would end up as and investment banker, chair of a company board and other things besides? Now married and having discovered much from working, Lowney has begun to integrate skills and wisdom from all that he has learned.
With a self-deprecating humour, a generous dose of stories and anecdotes, Lowney gets down to business about deciding on our goals and finding strategies to keep the focus on them. Using 10 habits he shows the way. Some of the habits include point out the way, give away your sneakers, be grateful, change your little part of the world and more. He reminds us that we are relational and that forming habits takes the shape from daily commitments. He even gives readers a wisdom app that needs no battery or electric operating system. Each chapter concludes with questions to "make it personal". Worth a read.
With a self-deprecating humour, a generous dose of stories and anecdotes, Lowney gets down to business about deciding on our goals and finding strategies to keep the focus on them. Using 10 habits he shows the way. Some of the habits include point out the way, give away your sneakers, be grateful, change your little part of the world and more. He reminds us that we are relational and that forming habits takes the shape from daily commitments. He even gives readers a wisdom app that needs no battery or electric operating system. Each chapter concludes with questions to "make it personal". Worth a read.
March 18, 2018
This is a comfort blanket kind of a book, nothing you probably hadn't thought of before, and written in a pleasant enough manner. It could all be a little better structured, but again that feeds into the warm'n'fuzzy tone.
The religious content is both minimal and presented with a 'or to your beliefs' approach, which was a relief.
My favourite of the ten suggested habits is to take two 5-minute breaks, at lunch and at the day's end, to reflect and if necessary reset yourself/your attitude. I can see why prayer routines work for this, but it's also entirely non-religious and a very low-effort improvement that I can see having big wins.
The religious content is both minimal and presented with a 'or to your beliefs' approach, which was a relief.
My favourite of the ten suggested habits is to take two 5-minute breaks, at lunch and at the day's end, to reflect and if necessary reset yourself/your attitude. I can see why prayer routines work for this, but it's also entirely non-religious and a very low-effort improvement that I can see having big wins.
February 16, 2020
Mixed feelings. I really appreciate the perspective, the reminder to live one day at a time do a daily or twice daily Examen to find the best way to do that... but a lot of the book I was like, who the heck is this guy to give me all this preach cliche advice? I guess the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea.
October 6, 2025
Make Today Matter is an inspiring guide that encourages readers to live intentionally and lead with purpose. Chris Lowney blends practical wisdom with personal stories, showing how small daily choices can create lasting impact. The book’s ten simple habits promote gratitude, focus, and compassion—reminding us that meaning isn’t found someday, but built today, through mindful action.
February 15, 2025
This is a good book about seizing the day! It is an inspirational little book geared towards individuals who may need help becoming unstuck. This book will give you suggestions for learning more about how to make your day matter and how to live a better life in the process.
August 24, 2019
Easy to read. Good advice. Amusing anecdotes.
December 25, 2019
This book has good messages but they are very generic. You can apply these to any scenario and it isn't anything I haven't heard before, it just had different narratives to it.
December 27, 2020
Enjoyed it, short read.
December 17, 2021
This was an interesting read with journal prompts after every chapter to reflect on self gratitude and steps on how to live an overall happier life by just being present.
June 20, 2022
Short and sweet. Making each day matter and how to keep yourself in check
June 25, 2022
well I have to say I resent this author for telling me I'm not going to change the world, but there's some good Christian advice here. Be grateful.... serenity prayer.... Examen prayer.
March 29, 2025
Pierwsza połowa książki bardzo dobra, w drugiej coś się zepsuło…
January 14, 2018
It has some interesting and useful ideas, but they are not very well organized, the author switching from one idea to another.
March 20, 2018
This book served an excellent purpose for me. Although the 10 Habits were not new ideas for me they are truths I too often let slide. I enjoyed this book and will commit to enacting some of these suggestions. A useful tool - recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2018
I enjoyed reading this short book. Each habit included unique reflections paired with popular catch phrases. I liked the questions posed at the end of each chapter. This is a quick inspirational book. Good for someone who is not super religious, as well as someone who is very active in the church. This book would be a great graduation gift.
July 12, 2018
Inspiring. Good read. Makes one think about what really matters for a better life.
October 3, 2018
Make Today Matter is a lesson on trying to make the world, or at least your corner of it, a better place. By focusing on making yourself a better person, being grateful for what you have, and finding ways to help others and improve things for others, you will improve the world around you, and your perception of it. These are the core messages of Make Today Matter. The author is a former Jesuit seminarian, and there is an overtly Christian/spiritual thread throughout the text; many biblical verses are quoted; there are frequent references to God and God's will.
The subtitle, 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World), felt a bit misleading to me, but perhaps I took it too literally...the 10 "habits" discussed are more like "guiding principles" than habits, at least the way I interpreted them. Each "habit" gets its own section, and a few inspirational anecdotal stories to illustrate the principal--some of the stories are beautiful, some are humorous, some are sad; all are short, and provide a good example to help you understand the principle. Each section concludes with a "Make it Personal" section, where the author provides a guiding exercise for the reader to think about the principle, how they may have experienced it in the past, or might want to implement it in the future.
The final section addresses how to bring all 10 "habits" together...and this section does contain what I believe is an actual habit one could implement to improve their life...the author recommends two 5 minute sessions, in the afternoon and evening, to reflect on some of the core principles that make up the 10 "habits". By spending a few minutes in quiet meditation on these ideas, you will refocus your spirit and intent, and (hopefully) move in the direction of being a better person and helping make the world a better place. Overall, the messages are very positive; I felt for me personally it was more inspirational than practical. I do think someone struggling with loss or uncertainty might find comfort in these pages. I can state unequivocally that if we all allowed ourselves to be guided by these principles, the world would be a better place.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The subtitle, 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World), felt a bit misleading to me, but perhaps I took it too literally...the 10 "habits" discussed are more like "guiding principles" than habits, at least the way I interpreted them. Each "habit" gets its own section, and a few inspirational anecdotal stories to illustrate the principal--some of the stories are beautiful, some are humorous, some are sad; all are short, and provide a good example to help you understand the principle. Each section concludes with a "Make it Personal" section, where the author provides a guiding exercise for the reader to think about the principle, how they may have experienced it in the past, or might want to implement it in the future.
The final section addresses how to bring all 10 "habits" together...and this section does contain what I believe is an actual habit one could implement to improve their life...the author recommends two 5 minute sessions, in the afternoon and evening, to reflect on some of the core principles that make up the 10 "habits". By spending a few minutes in quiet meditation on these ideas, you will refocus your spirit and intent, and (hopefully) move in the direction of being a better person and helping make the world a better place. Overall, the messages are very positive; I felt for me personally it was more inspirational than practical. I do think someone struggling with loss or uncertainty might find comfort in these pages. I can state unequivocally that if we all allowed ourselves to be guided by these principles, the world would be a better place.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 22, 2018
This is a short, easy read with 10 helpful habits we can all do in order practise mindfulness every day. We can easily make someone else’s day better with a smile, listening to a coworker, or helping out a friend. It’s about how we can choose our attitude in any situation, even if we can’t control the situation. An uplifting and inspirational read. 4/5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews