The Power of Your Potential: How to Break Through Your Limits

by John C. Maxwell

Learn how to maximize your potential in minimal time with this compact how-to book derived from No Limits by #1 New York Times bestselling author John Maxwell.Many of us hold ourselves back because we firmly believe our abilities are finite. But what if our supposed limitations are just an illusion? In The Power of Your Potential John Maxwell identifies and examines the seventeen key capacities each of us possesses. Some we are born with, such as how we think or how we naturally relate to other people. The rest are choices, often unconscious, including our attitude or personal disciplines. All are expandable.Maxwell gives clear and actionable advice on what we can do to improve in each of these areas. From learning to manage your emotions and increase your energy, to conquering procrastination and becoming more comfortable with taking risks, you will surpass your own expectations to become a better you than you ever thought possible.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Personal Growth, Audiobook, Personal Development

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2013

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Hestia Istiviani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read in English but this review is in Bahasa Indonesia

Why spend your life trying to be what you're not, instead of trying to be more of who you are naturally?

Di salah satu unggahannya, Sophia Mega merekomendasikan buku ini untuk dibaca. Terutama bagi mereka yang masih meragukan apa sih kemampuan yang ada dalam diri sendiri. Namun, Mega juga punya pesan personal untukku. Katanya, buku ini cocok dibaca juga untuk aku yang akan menyelami pekerjaan baru dengan tim yan baru pula.

The Power of Your Potential dibagi menjadi dua bagian. Yang pertama lebih banyak membahas tentang bentuk-bentuk potensi yang selama ini kita belum tahu. Misalnya seperti energi yang bisa kita manfaatkan (dari lingkungan sekitar) untuk mengasah diri atau tipikal kelompok orang yang bisa kita ajak berkolaborasi bersama. Lalu pada bagian kedua, dengan asumsi bahwa pembaca sudah mendapatkan "pendahuluan" di bagian pertama, Maxwell memaparkan kondisi individu yang semuanya bisa mereka pilih. Apakah mau menjadi orang dengan self-discipline tinggi atau tidak, misal.

Buku ini terdiri dari 17 bab yang mana masing-masing bab dijelaskan dengan ringkas. Hanya berkisar 4-5 halaman saja dengan poin-poin yang tidak bertele-tele. Maxwell lebih mengedepankan penjelasan ketimbang studi kasus. Jadi, jangan berharap akan ada banyak contoh yang bisa ditemui dalam buku ini.

If you want to build your character, you need to try to align four things: your values, your thinking, your feelings, and your actions.

Bagi orang yang sudah terbiasa membaca buku self-help yang membahas tentang mengenali diri sendiri, rasanya membaca The Power of Potential tidak membawa banyak kebaruan. Aku mengakui bahwa ada beberapa penjelasan yang terasa membosankan karena aku sudah pernah mengetahuinya dari buku yang lain, Self Driving. Hanya saja, Maxwell membawakannya dengan bentuk yang berbeda. Yang terasa ringan dan tidak perlu waktu yang lama untuk mencernanya.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of anything John Maxwell. I love the series of books he is putting out that are small and on a topic. "The Power of Your Potential" is all about never limiting your ability. We all need to be aware of ourselves and our abilities to improve ourselves. When we have an awareness of who we are, what we need to work on, we can make daily choices to improve and reach our full potential. Daily habits and choices will take time to make, but once we make those choices, we can tap into huge potential. We do not need to have limits, nor should we place limits on our life. Seize every day and every choice! This book is inspiring and isn't a hard read. It is perfect for leadership and a great read to make you want to change habits. I really enjoyed it. I give this book 5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required for a review copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this little jewel at a recent Global Leadership Summit, where Barney and I were grateful to hear some of Maxwell's wisdom. One of the most insightful sections was titled "Be comfortable Letting Go of What You Embraced Yesterday". For anyone who is searching for a job, a career, or defining their calling, I recommend you pick up a copy of this one. A small but very succinct read. -----From the publisher: Many of us hold ourselves back because we firmly believe our abilities are finite. But what if our supposed limitations are just an illusion? In THE POWER OF YOUR POTENTIAL John Maxwell identifies and examines the seventeen key capacities each of us possesses. Some we are born with, such as how we think or how we naturally relate to other people. The rest are choices, often unconscious, including our attitude or personal disciplines. All are expandable. Maxwell gives clear and actionable advice on what we can do to improve in each of these areas. From learning to manage your emotions and increase your energy, to conquering procrastination and becoming more comfortable with taking risks, you will surpass your own expectations to become a better you than you ever thought possible.

[Ineta Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, good grandpa Maxwell and his wisdom. Key lines from the book ❤️ 'Everything worthwhile in life - everything you want, everything you desire to achieve, everything you want to receive - is uphill. The problem is that most of us have uphill dreams but downhill habits. Downhill is easy. It has no requirements. It doesn't take any effort. <>
Uphill is hard. Moving uphill requires intentionality, energy, determination, hard work, and consistency. It requires you to keep an eye on the big picture, be determined, demonstrate character, and put in the time. The right thing to do and the hard thing to do are usually the same thing.
I want to challenge you to become an uphill climber.'

Also loved his thoughts about importance of the character 👌🏼

[Justin Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one by John C. Maxwell. I will say that I've read so many of his books that I've heard a lot of his concepts over and over. Not a bad thing, just sayin'! "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

Here are some nuggets from this book (may be paraphrased):

Instead of saying there is no way, ask yourself if there is a better way.

Build ladders for others to climb; don't be so concerned with climbing the ladder yourself.

You need to stop thinking about your ideas in terms of wins and losses. Instead, you should ask yourself: did this bring me closer to my goal? If so, then it's a win. If not, then make adjustments and proceed again immediately.

Be generous and have an abundance mindset. The more you give, the more you get back. And the more you get back, the more you have to give. This is called the abundance paradox. The more you give, the more you have to give. It is never depleted and never runs out.

[Bassam Alsulaiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

" لاينبغي أن تكون حياتك مقيدة بقيود، طالما أنت تتنفس، فلديك أماكن تصل إليها وطرق تنمو بها. بإمكانك أن تتحسن. بإمكانك أن تفعل المزيد. بإمكانك إحداث فرق أكبر" جون سي.ماكسويل

الكتاب مقسم إلى جزئين:
الأول: القدرة ، وفيه كيفية تنمية الإمكانات التي تمتلكها ( الطاقة / العاطفية / التفكير / الاجتماعية / الابداعية / الانتاج / القيادة )
الثاني: الاختيارات ، وفيه مجموعة من الاختيارات التي تستطيع أن تتخذها لتزيد من إمكاناتك إلى أقصى حد ( المسؤولية / الشخصية / الوفرة / الانضباط / التصميم / التوجه الذهني / المجازفة / النمو / الشراكة)

في بداية الكتاب: يسألك الكاتب: هل أنت على وعي بكامل إمكاناتك ؟
لأن الإجابة على هذا السؤال تحدد كل ما يليه من نصائح وتوجيهات في الكتاب.
إن كنت تملك صفات الانضباط والابداع والقيادة والمسؤولية والوفرة والتصميم والمجازفة والنمو ، فهذا الكتاب سيعززها لديك ، وإن كنت تملك بعضها أو تملك قليل منها فإن الكتاب سينبهك إلى أهميتها.

من أجمل الاقتباسات والأفكار التي قرأتها في الكتاب:
" لايوجد هناك شيء اسمه أخلاقيات العمل، هناك أخلاقيات فحسب. إن كان هناك أمر ما صواباً ، فهو صوابُ دائماً . وإن كان خطأ ، فهو خطأ دائماً."

بسام السليمان

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised to discover that this book is a little over palm sized and only 192 pages. I found it appealing because it is a book that can be taken anywhere...it's accessible, it's compact and light weight...and being a self help book I have learned that to have it easy to carry means that you can truly devote your energy to the full use of the book at all times. I like a book that I can take with me everywhere...that I can revert to when I want keynote reminders, quotes, snippets of motivation. This is that.

The Power of Your Potential: How To Break Through Your Limits by John C. Maxwell was a quick read for me. As compact as it was it still was quite informative, memorable, and easy to comprehend. Self help is at it's prime when it is not bogging the reader down with too much info, too many unnecessary examples, and an overabundance of cheesy quotes. I had never read anything by John C. Maxwell so I did not know what to expect...pleased that I was not inundated with all the worries I had prior. I was able to take this book with me everywhere...not just physically but mentally. I was able to use the info provided as tools for my everyday life. Useful, informative, motivational.

Great read.

Thanks to John C. Maxwell, Center Street Publishing, and to Goodreads for the free giveaway. I received the book. I read the book. I have given this book a review voluntarily and honestly.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book, plan to read it again with taking notes.

[AstroDenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of Your Potential (How To Break Through Your Limits) by John C. Maxwell

Actual Rate: 10/10
Favorite Line: "The greatest way for you to upgrade your life is to become intentional with it."

Actual Review:
The Power of Your Potential is a personal growth book guide from John Maxwell. Published in 2018, this book suggests that our supposed limitations are just an illusion and examines the areas of potential could make the best out of you.

Overall, this may be one of the most useful and powerful non-fictions I have ever read. Maybe the main factors are the topic and the theme itself and the way Mr.Maxwell showcased this stuff is really influential and inspiring. Most of the book's contents are easy to be analyzed. So below are my favorite takeaways from the book!

Here is the complete list of the lines I found in the book that is reverberating in my mind.

7 Core Areas of Potential or your abilities:
Energy Potential - Push on Physically
Emotional Potential - Manage your emotions
Thinking Potential - Think Effectively
People Potential - Build Relationships
Creative Potential - See options and Find Answers
Production Potential - Accomplish Results
Leadership Potential - Lift and Lead Others

Our days are numbered. That's why we need to focus on our energy. That's something we can influence.

It's important to recognize what depletes your energy and take action to defend against them.

The difference between average thinkers and good thinkers is like the difference between ice cubes and icebergs.

Good Relationship are built upon consistency.

Some argue that all of us are born creative but most of us lose that creativity as we grow up.

Initiate many tries at one thing, not one try at many things. That's an approach anyone can adopt, regardless of talent, intelligence, resources, or opportunity.

If you are not growing, you are not living at your full capacity.

In setting expectations with people, I clearly communicate how much I value them as individual people, not just as team members. And that means I care enough for them to confront them.

I define maturity as unselfishness. It's being able to see things from other people's perspective because you value them.

Other Areas of Potential or your choices:
Responsibility Potential - Take Charge of Your Life
Character Potential - Based on Good Values
Abundance Potential - Believe There is More Than Enough
Discipline Potential - Focus Now and Follow Through
Intentionality Potential - Deliberately Pursue Significance
Attitude Potential - Be Positive Regardless of Circumstances
Risk Potential - Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Spiritual Potential - Strengthen Your Faith
Growth Potential - Focus on How Far You Can Go
Partnership Potential - Collaborate With Others

The size of the opportunity determines the amount of responsibility required.

Opportunity is lost when responsibility is neglected.

Tomorrow's Opportunity is determined by Yesterday's Responsibility.

When you choose to do the right thing based on positive value, your characted expands.

Abundance verus Scarcity Analogy/Thinking:
When Abundance (The 'Yes' Voice) calls out to you, Scarcity (The 'NO' Voice) cautions.

Success does not come looking for us. We won't achieve great things accidentally.

The greatest way for you to upgrade your life is to become intentional with it.

Change is personal. Only you can do it for yourself.

About the heat of risk... You need to understand what you're dealing with, examine the worst-case scenarios, and look reality dead in the eye.

Use your faith choice as an instrument to increase the potential of every area of your life.

Change can be difficult to master, yet change is always required for growth.

Having partners is like adding one plus one and coming up with three. (You, your partner and the your relationship)

AWARENESS + ABILITY + CHOICES = POTENTIAL

[Zdenek Sykora · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Power of Your Potential" by John C. Maxwell explores the idea that everyone has untapped capacities that can be expanded to achieve greater success. As a renowned leadership expert, Maxwell provides practical advice on how to recognize and break through personal limits to reach one's full potential.

In this insightful book, Maxwell identifies key capacities that individuals can develop. These include natural traits like thinking and relating to others, as well as learned behaviors such as attitude and discipline. Maxwell argues that by understanding and expanding these capacities, one can achieve significant personal and professional growth. The book offers actionable steps for enhancing these areas, making it a practical guide for self-improvement.

The main themes revolve around self-awareness, growth, and intentionality. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of understanding one's inherent strengths and weaknesses and adopting a proactive approach to personal development. The book also highlights the significance of discipline, character, and the belief in abundance, encouraging readers to cultivate a mindset that there is always more to achieve.

"The Power of Your Potential" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to unlock their full capabilities. Maxwell's thorough analysis and practical advice provide a clear roadmap for personal growth. The book's impact lies in its ability to inspire readers to push beyond their perceived limits and pursue continuous improvement. It's a must-read for those committed to personal and professional excellence

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough book to rate!

First, John C Maxwell seems to have a good handle on what he describes throughout the book, which is basically a list of ideas, perspectives, and techniques to framing leadership and maximizing your potential. Some good ideas, mostly common sense. Nothing tremendously new or inspiring, but some solid reminders of how to treat others and prioritize your life.

It's interesting that, for how much the author talks about teamwork and empowering others, most of those who recommend his books are raw solo-flyers, who don't seem to embody the teamwork aspects of leadership. Great teachers, but abrasive leaders. In this, much of what John Maxwell presents in this book NEEDS to be taken to a collaborative environment. Trying to just use the points from the outside-in, will not change one's life perspective to be truly empowering. Take this book, and find someone to nurture. At the end, the idea is presented to find an environment where one both finds others growing, and also grow themselves.

Read the book, but mostly engage in an environment of growth!

[Faisal Zulfiqar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from my sister in law last weekend. She asked me (through my wife) to read this book. Actually, I'm not a huge fans of this kind of book, but I tried to read it. I read the foreword in about 4 days, it about just two pages of this book! But, since I have target one book one week, so I finished it today.

The book was beyond my expectation. Yet it simple, but it motivates me. My mother told me that God will be always speak to us through someone or something to give us advice in every problem in our life. And, since I stuck in a problem from this weekend too, I got one from this book.

This book reshaped my mind. It consist of 2 part. The first part was about our potential and the second about our potential to reach our potential in first part (CMIIW). This book telling me how to live life to the fullest, started from know your potential, and the apply it to others.

The thing that I most respect from this book was it includes the chapter "spiritual potential". Yet, the writer said that the reader can skip the chapter, but I like the way how he write the book.

[Sangjun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell's writing compelled me to view "potential" in a different way than I had prior to reading his book. I hadn't considered segmenting potential into different categories—abilities and choices—and other smaller subcategories, but I'm happy I now have a new perspective on the subject. It's like any big task/ongoing journey: dividing it into bite-sized pieces makes it appear less daunting, and Maxwell's writing does exactly that where potential is concerned. I am an interactive reader and love engaging with texts that prompt me to self-reflect and take action to see results in real time; the reflection questions at the end of each chapter aided my comprehension as to how I can move forward and apply the principles from the book in my own life. I know I will continue to revisit these reflection questions and journal about them to check in with myself and see how I continue to grow, and I look forward to engaging with this text again in the future.

[Jess Macallan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is full of information and ideas to help push you out of your comfort zone and toward your goals and potential. Each chapter helps the reader focus on the different elements necessary to assess where you're at, consider how you've been holding yourself back, and reframe so you can move forward no matter your circumstances. I appreciated the emphasis on being of service to others and learning how to have a growth mindset. The tone is encouraging but also asks readers to be honest about their strengths, weaknesses, and excuses. The questions at the end of each chapter are helpful for summarizing the key points and understanding how the topics apply to your life.

I recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, focused read on how to stop using excuses and reach the next level of success.

I received an e-copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerry-Ann McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have natural abilities and talents that I can harness for success and greatness. At the same time, there are choices that I make that maximize my potential. This book opened my eyes to the power of my talents and my choices. As usual, John writes books with multiple nuggets packed into his books—this one was no different. Although some of the content seemed to be a repetition of content from other books, I found that it solidified what he has been saying for years.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small but powerful. Small in size but powerful in its message that while it’s nothing new, bears repeating. Covers how we can increase our potential in every aspect of life and can be applied personally and professionally. Each chapter is an easy read but packed with inspiration and thought provoking discussion. Each chapter ends with discussion questions.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It's a reminder book: Your awareness plus your ability plus your choices equals your potential. John Maxwell identifies and examines key capacities we all possesses. We hold ourselves back with our "stinkin thinkin". We can improve these skills, these capacities. Maxwell gives us clear and actionable advice in this book.

[Charity (Booktrovert Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though small, the book is jammed packed with Maxwell's wisdom on how to discover your potential. This book dramatically change my thinking that helped me boost in the direction of accomplishing my dreams. This book is a must read if you are looking for more in life and are willing to make changes.

[Giorgos Tselios · Rating 4 out of 5]

A inspiring, motivating, and comprehensive guidebook for the fabrication of one's own improvement arsenal, which paves the road for potential acknowlegdement, leadership qualities, and the development of a growth mindset.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

17 things you need to break through your limits. Limits here not that everything being capped, mostly the limits could change, we could reach higher and higher. Though this book could be for everyone, this book more suite for leadership things.

[Deb Chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not a big self help book person. A couple of bits I liked, eg reminded of energy pluses : music, thoughts, experiences, friends, recreation, soul food, hopes, home, giftedness, memories and books. Pretty basic overall

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive from other books. There are a few nuggets. The end of the chapter questions are a bonus to think through the material.

[Peter Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book a great read to help make daily decisions to move forward

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice because sections are small, easy to read and short, consice information.

[Charisse Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

On point as always

I think John Maxwell is the Solomon of today. Anyone who follow s his advice to the letter vs t help but succeed.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

50% cheesy, 40% helpful, 10% hot gas

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pretty boring. There were a few chapters that I liked and could use in my life but things that I already knew just rediscovered while reading this book. Meh...

[Hillary · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few really good quotes, but overall it was just really dry for me.

[Dini · Rating 4 out of 5]

motivation book which motivates us to aware of our full potential

[Dee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that one can use to continually work on becoming a better person and leader.