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How to Make Great Decisions
Should I buy dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Which college should I attend? Should I be married or single? We face thousands of decisions, big and small, every day. But have you ever felt like you are too busy "discerning" to actually decide? True decision-making is more than just thinking about something . . . decisions involve taking action.
YouTube star, Fr. Mike Schmitz, gives you the tools to decide what to do with your life today, tomorrow, and in the future with clarity and confidence. In this little book you will learn to:
Fate is when you're fixed; you don't have a choice. Destiny is your destination . . . Know your destiny.
YouTube star, Fr. Mike Schmitz, gives you the tools to decide what to do with your life today, tomorrow, and in the future with clarity and confidence. In this little book you will learn to:
Fate is when you're fixed; you don't have a choice. Destiny is your destination . . . Know your destiny.
54 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2019
84 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Michael Schmitz
31 books266 followersOrdained for the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota in 2003, Fr. Michael Schmitz is currently the Director of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the diocese. Fr. Michael is known nationally for his inspiring homilies, his presentations and talks to university students, and his tremendous sense of humor. (IgnatiusPress.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 7, 2019
An incredible read that all Christians could benefit from reading. Full review below.
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I have been a fan of Father Mike’s videos through Ascension Presents for a few years now. And I enjoyed his contributions to Beautiful Hope and Beautiful Mercy. And have been waiting for a book by him. And it was worth the wait. I had this book on my wish list from the movement it appeared. And I picked up the eBook the day it released. I read the book slowly over three days. Each of those three days I attended mass and at some point, later in the day read two of the chapters. The sections in this book are:
The Cure For Expressive Individualism
Three Levels Of Vocation
Decisions And Discernment
Three Questions
The Door
Questions And Answers
And it was so worth the wait. I highlighted 37 passages in this volume the first time I read it through. There is so much valuable advice in this book. It is one of those books I will read over and over again. I will likely reread this book each year for at least the next few years. And it is a book I would love to see put in the hands of every Catholic High School graduate. This is a book I would have benefit greatly from reading in my teens, 20’s, and even 30’s. And as I approach 50 I still consider the lessons valuable and life changing. The first passage I highlighted was:
“Now, that word my is a really interesting word. It implies some sense of ownership. But in a deeper Christian sense, even my life is not really mine.”
Right from the beginning of this second paragraph of the book I knew it was not only going to meet expectations but exceed them. I will share some of the passages I highlighted to give you a feel for some of the knowledge and wisdom in this volume.
“True discernment is more than just thinking about something. Discernment involves action. It also involves a decision. And the very first decision is whether it’s about my life and my vocation or whether it’s about God’s will for my life and my vocation.”
“Vocation means that we are called out of ourselves. We’re living our life, and at some point, God steps in and says, “Okay, I’m calling you out of yourself. Calling you out of your life. I’m calling you to participate in my life. I’m calling you to look up from yourself and look at others.””
“The point is, no matter what God calls us to, there will be sacrifices. I always say that the vocation of marriage and family is where bad people go to die. Marriage is the vocation where bad people go to die to themselves out of love for their spouse and their kids.”
“That’s what your vocation is, and that’s also what holiness is. St. Maximilian Kolbe explained holiness this way to the novices in his community. On a chalkboard he would write this equation:
w (your will) + W (God’s will) = S (Sanctity)
Sanctity is when my will conforms to God’s will. That’s sanctity; that’s holiness. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. Holiness is not a matter of not sleeping because you’re praying all night. It’s not a matter of fasting all day. It’s never a matter of serving this way or that way or the other way. It’s all about your will conforming to God’s will. That’s holiness. That’s sanctity. That’s what it is to be a saint. That’s what your vocation is about. There’s nothing less and nothing more than that.”
The Three Levels of Holiness:
“When it comes to vocation, there are three levels. The first is the universal call to holiness—your will conformed to God’s will. Every human being on the planet is called to be a saint.”
“The second level of vocation is what we typically think of when we think of vocation: the call to the priesthood, to married life, to consecrated single life, to religious life.”
“The third level of vocation is: What is God calling me to today? What task has he given me today? What is the season he’s placed me in today? How is he calling me to say yes on a moment-by-moment, day-to-day basis? This sense of vocation changes a lot over the course of our lives.”
“The point is when we are discerning our vocation, what we’re really discerning is the primary relationship God is calling us to focus on. This kind of vocation might change once or twice in our lifetime.”
“That’s why this is a secondary vocation. Your primary vocation is to be a saint. Knowing that, where is God leading you right now? What will lead you closer to that? That’s what we discern. That’s why we get to make decisions.”
The two truths and three questions sections are amazing. And ones I will come back to frequently. Father Schmitz states:
“If you make it a habit to ask these three questions, I can absolutely guarantee you will never, ever, ever miss your vocation. You’ll never ever miss God’s call for your life. The channels will be open and connected to him. You’ll say yes on a regular basis. And by giving him at least twenty minutes every day, you’ll be giving him time to say, “Hey knucklehead, wake up—here’s what you need to do.” You will never, ever miss out on discerning God’s will for your life.”
This is an incredible read. And no matter what stage of life you are in you will benefit from reading it. And while you are at it pick up a few extra copies to be able to give away to friends and family.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
.
.
.
I have been a fan of Father Mike’s videos through Ascension Presents for a few years now. And I enjoyed his contributions to Beautiful Hope and Beautiful Mercy. And have been waiting for a book by him. And it was worth the wait. I had this book on my wish list from the movement it appeared. And I picked up the eBook the day it released. I read the book slowly over three days. Each of those three days I attended mass and at some point, later in the day read two of the chapters. The sections in this book are:
The Cure For Expressive Individualism
Three Levels Of Vocation
Decisions And Discernment
Three Questions
The Door
Questions And Answers
And it was so worth the wait. I highlighted 37 passages in this volume the first time I read it through. There is so much valuable advice in this book. It is one of those books I will read over and over again. I will likely reread this book each year for at least the next few years. And it is a book I would love to see put in the hands of every Catholic High School graduate. This is a book I would have benefit greatly from reading in my teens, 20’s, and even 30’s. And as I approach 50 I still consider the lessons valuable and life changing. The first passage I highlighted was:
“Now, that word my is a really interesting word. It implies some sense of ownership. But in a deeper Christian sense, even my life is not really mine.”
Right from the beginning of this second paragraph of the book I knew it was not only going to meet expectations but exceed them. I will share some of the passages I highlighted to give you a feel for some of the knowledge and wisdom in this volume.
“True discernment is more than just thinking about something. Discernment involves action. It also involves a decision. And the very first decision is whether it’s about my life and my vocation or whether it’s about God’s will for my life and my vocation.”
“Vocation means that we are called out of ourselves. We’re living our life, and at some point, God steps in and says, “Okay, I’m calling you out of yourself. Calling you out of your life. I’m calling you to participate in my life. I’m calling you to look up from yourself and look at others.””
“The point is, no matter what God calls us to, there will be sacrifices. I always say that the vocation of marriage and family is where bad people go to die. Marriage is the vocation where bad people go to die to themselves out of love for their spouse and their kids.”
“That’s what your vocation is, and that’s also what holiness is. St. Maximilian Kolbe explained holiness this way to the novices in his community. On a chalkboard he would write this equation:
w (your will) + W (God’s will) = S (Sanctity)
Sanctity is when my will conforms to God’s will. That’s sanctity; that’s holiness. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. Holiness is not a matter of not sleeping because you’re praying all night. It’s not a matter of fasting all day. It’s never a matter of serving this way or that way or the other way. It’s all about your will conforming to God’s will. That’s holiness. That’s sanctity. That’s what it is to be a saint. That’s what your vocation is about. There’s nothing less and nothing more than that.”
The Three Levels of Holiness:
“When it comes to vocation, there are three levels. The first is the universal call to holiness—your will conformed to God’s will. Every human being on the planet is called to be a saint.”
“The second level of vocation is what we typically think of when we think of vocation: the call to the priesthood, to married life, to consecrated single life, to religious life.”
“The third level of vocation is: What is God calling me to today? What task has he given me today? What is the season he’s placed me in today? How is he calling me to say yes on a moment-by-moment, day-to-day basis? This sense of vocation changes a lot over the course of our lives.”
“The point is when we are discerning our vocation, what we’re really discerning is the primary relationship God is calling us to focus on. This kind of vocation might change once or twice in our lifetime.”
“That’s why this is a secondary vocation. Your primary vocation is to be a saint. Knowing that, where is God leading you right now? What will lead you closer to that? That’s what we discern. That’s why we get to make decisions.”
The two truths and three questions sections are amazing. And ones I will come back to frequently. Father Schmitz states:
“If you make it a habit to ask these three questions, I can absolutely guarantee you will never, ever, ever miss your vocation. You’ll never ever miss God’s call for your life. The channels will be open and connected to him. You’ll say yes on a regular basis. And by giving him at least twenty minutes every day, you’ll be giving him time to say, “Hey knucklehead, wake up—here’s what you need to do.” You will never, ever miss out on discerning God’s will for your life.”
This is an incredible read. And no matter what stage of life you are in you will benefit from reading it. And while you are at it pick up a few extra copies to be able to give away to friends and family.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
January 6, 2026
i really really enjoyed this book!!! dives deep into how the most important calling placed on our life is to live a life of holiness & believe in God. all the other stuff is secondary. i think everyone should read this🩷🩷
February 10, 2022
This book is based on a talk that Father Mike Schmitz gave at LA Religious Congress. This book gives concrete advice and questions on how to live both the call to holiness that all Christians have and how to discover your vocation in life. Also gives very clear and concrete advice and questions to ask for day-to-day small decisions.
Would recommend this for any Christian in their teens or 20s
Would recommend this for any Christian in their teens or 20s
March 5, 2023
This book reads like it isw one of Fr Mike's talks - but edited. Great book.
January 29, 2025
Really short but great book on finding your vocation and realizing that everyone in life is called to sainthood!
February 13, 2020
Unexpected topic, short, and inspired.
This book is short. Kindle reader says 47 pages. It takes less than an hour to read. In terms of cost per word, this is the most expensive book I've purchased.
I bought the book based on the title and author after watching one of his longer talks on YouTube and he talked about another book he wrote. I ultimately wasn't interested in reading that book but chose this one instead (after having to dig for it, because it wasn't listed on the same author page).
At the time I read it I was going through an internal trauma trying to decide how to handle a situation. I thought maybe this book, titled as such would be good to read.
The book is written in a conversational style, more like a YouTube script than a book. I found myself wanting to edit the book while reading it, but I persisted.
I've been reading many books at the same time and I've found there's a tapestry of God throughout inspired books. That they all conclude on a similar theme and play their individual notes but when played together, they blend like a fine-tuned orchestra. I was starting to question the validity of this book while reading it because it lacked an important topic that I found throughout other books, and because it presented its conclusion so easily and simply. Then I turned the page, and the topic I'd thought missing sprang to life, even more vividly than some others.
I immediately put things into practice and took the leap that the book was correct, and that the Holy Spirit was leading.
Before knowing the conclusion of my actions taken I went to Mass that night, the same day I'd read this book. I still thought it was just too simple and "easy," I had to be missing something. This book must be missing something.
The priest's entire homily that night was another summary of this book's topic and conclusion. Not having to do anything with this book,but rather the topic. I nearly started cry-laughing in church. That immediately settled things for my busy thoughts. This book is inspired. Yes, it's that easy.
Everyone should read this book. Should begin their life with this book. My kids will all hear this book. My life radically changed because of this book, and I'm 40 years old.
Read this book, put your inhibitions to the side if you have any, and read this book.
This book is short. Kindle reader says 47 pages. It takes less than an hour to read. In terms of cost per word, this is the most expensive book I've purchased.
I bought the book based on the title and author after watching one of his longer talks on YouTube and he talked about another book he wrote. I ultimately wasn't interested in reading that book but chose this one instead (after having to dig for it, because it wasn't listed on the same author page).
At the time I read it I was going through an internal trauma trying to decide how to handle a situation. I thought maybe this book, titled as such would be good to read.
The book is written in a conversational style, more like a YouTube script than a book. I found myself wanting to edit the book while reading it, but I persisted.
I've been reading many books at the same time and I've found there's a tapestry of God throughout inspired books. That they all conclude on a similar theme and play their individual notes but when played together, they blend like a fine-tuned orchestra. I was starting to question the validity of this book while reading it because it lacked an important topic that I found throughout other books, and because it presented its conclusion so easily and simply. Then I turned the page, and the topic I'd thought missing sprang to life, even more vividly than some others.
I immediately put things into practice and took the leap that the book was correct, and that the Holy Spirit was leading.
Before knowing the conclusion of my actions taken I went to Mass that night, the same day I'd read this book. I still thought it was just too simple and "easy," I had to be missing something. This book must be missing something.
The priest's entire homily that night was another summary of this book's topic and conclusion. Not having to do anything with this book,but rather the topic. I nearly started cry-laughing in church. That immediately settled things for my busy thoughts. This book is inspired. Yes, it's that easy.
Everyone should read this book. Should begin their life with this book. My kids will all hear this book. My life radically changed because of this book, and I'm 40 years old.
Read this book, put your inhibitions to the side if you have any, and read this book.
January 22, 2020
I adore Father Mike and liked this book but I wanted just a little bit more. I listen to his weekly homilies via podcast and they are so heartwarming, relatable, and enlightening that I had such high hopes for his book. It was good but just a little light in coverage for me.
September 21, 2025
4.5 stars
July 18, 2024
Una joyita, como todo lo que publica el padre Mike.❤️ Se siente tal cual como ver una homilía del padre, solo que un poco más larga y específica, con puntos mucho más claros de cómo llevar a cabo lo que enseña, lo cual me encantó, ya que puedes anotarlo y estudiarlo para ponerlo en práctica.
Me encantó su perspectiva respecto a cómo tomar decisiones, pues aunque se centra en el aspecto de la elección de tu vocación, da también una visión general de la forma correcta de tomar cualquier decisión, por más pequeña que pudiera resultarnos.👏
Realmente este pequeño libro me abrió mucho la mente sobre la importancia de dejar de percibir nuestro actuar de esta manera tan individualista a la que solemos estar acostumbrados y, por lo contrario, ver a Dios como lo más relevante siempre, como Aquel que siempre tiene un plan para nosotros.🫶
Me gustó muchísimo la parte en que menciona la importancia de aceptar lo que Dios quiere de nosotros, pero sin dejar de vista lo que disfrutamos y amamos hacer, pues como padre nuestro se regocija en nuestra felicidad y realización. También me hizo darme cuenta de lo fundamental que es abrirnos a ver el plan de Dios en nuestro día a día y la importancia de honrarlo mediante nuestras tareas diarias, aunque creamos que no son parte de nuestra vocación.
Creo que esta lectura me dejó muchas enseñanzas para mi vida que aplicaré en mis decisiones, de manera que con cada una de ellas me acerque más a la salvación.😊
Me encantó su perspectiva respecto a cómo tomar decisiones, pues aunque se centra en el aspecto de la elección de tu vocación, da también una visión general de la forma correcta de tomar cualquier decisión, por más pequeña que pudiera resultarnos.👏
Realmente este pequeño libro me abrió mucho la mente sobre la importancia de dejar de percibir nuestro actuar de esta manera tan individualista a la que solemos estar acostumbrados y, por lo contrario, ver a Dios como lo más relevante siempre, como Aquel que siempre tiene un plan para nosotros.🫶
Me gustó muchísimo la parte en que menciona la importancia de aceptar lo que Dios quiere de nosotros, pero sin dejar de vista lo que disfrutamos y amamos hacer, pues como padre nuestro se regocija en nuestra felicidad y realización. También me hizo darme cuenta de lo fundamental que es abrirnos a ver el plan de Dios en nuestro día a día y la importancia de honrarlo mediante nuestras tareas diarias, aunque creamos que no son parte de nuestra vocación.
Creo que esta lectura me dejó muchas enseñanzas para mi vida que aplicaré en mis decisiones, de manera que con cada una de ellas me acerque más a la salvación.😊
Read
July 15, 2021This. Book. Is. Life changing.
It looks small, and it can certainly be read in one short sitting (believe me, I had planned to only read a few pages before going to sleep... an hour and a half later and I found myself staring at the back cover, thanking God for the wakeup call-even if it did happen to came at 1 in the morning) but in these few pages Father Mike explores, explains, and guides his readers through the necessary steps to making good decisions- big and small, and-perhaps more importantly-how to live our lives in a way that is not only pleasing to God but fulfills our purpose.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who believes there is right and wrong, wants to do good with the life they have been given, and perhaps needs a bit of guidance here and there. It is a great gift for people who are entering a new phase in life: entering into high school, going to college, moving out, and is a great personal purchase for literally anyone who wants to be confident in what they choose to do each day.
Reading this book reshaped the way I look at myself, my life, and even my call to love others. It is totally worth the hour or so it takes to just sit down and read it, I highly recommend (maybe not at 1 am though)
It looks small, and it can certainly be read in one short sitting (believe me, I had planned to only read a few pages before going to sleep... an hour and a half later and I found myself staring at the back cover, thanking God for the wakeup call-even if it did happen to came at 1 in the morning) but in these few pages Father Mike explores, explains, and guides his readers through the necessary steps to making good decisions- big and small, and-perhaps more importantly-how to live our lives in a way that is not only pleasing to God but fulfills our purpose.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who believes there is right and wrong, wants to do good with the life they have been given, and perhaps needs a bit of guidance here and there. It is a great gift for people who are entering a new phase in life: entering into high school, going to college, moving out, and is a great personal purchase for literally anyone who wants to be confident in what they choose to do each day.
Reading this book reshaped the way I look at myself, my life, and even my call to love others. It is totally worth the hour or so it takes to just sit down and read it, I highly recommend (maybe not at 1 am though)
June 9, 2021
Good, but way too short. I wish he would have expounded on his examples and ideas. I know this "book" (thick pamphlet) was based on a speech he gave, but he could/should have embellished it a little when turning it into book form, imo.
October 23, 2021
Great wisdom poured into 50 pages. This will help better understand how to make God-centered decisions, from the most important to the most mundane.
I can hear Fr. Mike in many of the passages, which makes sense since this book grew out of a talk he gave.
I can hear Fr. Mike in many of the passages, which makes sense since this book grew out of a talk he gave.
May 17, 2022
This is a great book for anyone discerning something. Fr. Mike’s easy writing makes this book a quick and yet comprehensive read for those looking to gain some practicals on discernment & God’s will for your life. I would recommend this book to any Christian.
February 11, 2020
I love Father Mike this book provided a lot of insight to discerning vocation. I love how he puts references from other sources. Father Mike is a great speaker and saint of God!
February 24, 2020
Super quick read! Very helpful and concise.
February 22, 2021
Good message! Loved the idea that God will be there for us even if we make the wrong decision.
May 30, 2021
Wonderful book with great advice and super quick to read.
October 29, 2021
A tiny book with a big message! Better read it in small portions to process all the information and the impact on our life :)
April 26, 2022
An easy read...invaluable advice
January 29, 2024
I love the practicality of this book. Fr. Mike gives great thoughts and advice on how to make decisions. The advice is great for anyone who desires a closer walk with God.
July 2, 2024
If you are trying to discern God's will in your life, this short book will help you do it. Very practical and easy to follow.
January 26, 2026
What a gem of a book. Beautifully presented. It's given me much to consider, and I know it will help me moving forward.
December 24, 2024
Very nice. Could’ve gone into more detail. Gets to the point though.
November 23, 2025
I enjoyed the religious topics and questions about the book. Fr. Mike Schmitz has a way of making even the most difficult things to understand simple and can also have humor. The book was enjoyable and can make you think. It may be a bit repetitive, but usually, it's to make one understand the point. I did feel like it ended rather suddenly, and I am unsure if it's because I wanted more or because it ended quickly (it's a short read).
If you are of the Catholic faith and feel lost in what you should do in your life journey with God, this may be the book for you.
If you are of the Catholic faith and feel lost in what you should do in your life journey with God, this may be the book for you.
May 12, 2022
Basic and Profound
Sometimes common sense is hard to understand. I don’t know why, maybe some things we think we know and label as cliché ARE boring or just too darn banal. Fr Mike is different though. He makes the obvious - beautiful, the simple - elegant, and the mysterious - accessible. Sometimes you only need a good picture to “get it.” Fr Mike draws good pictures with his words. Also, beef stroganoff almost came out of my nose when reading a certain chapter in the book…
Sometimes common sense is hard to understand. I don’t know why, maybe some things we think we know and label as cliché ARE boring or just too darn banal. Fr Mike is different though. He makes the obvious - beautiful, the simple - elegant, and the mysterious - accessible. Sometimes you only need a good picture to “get it.” Fr Mike draws good pictures with his words. Also, beef stroganoff almost came out of my nose when reading a certain chapter in the book…
December 9, 2019
Very practical advice, Fr. Schmitz is a Catholic priest, but this book did not have a Catholic stance so to speak. Anyone who has faith can find something that will jumpstart their decision-making and align it with God’s will. It was also comforting that ultimately, at the other side of the door that we choose, no matter what it is, God is there.
May 21, 2024
Good easy read
As most everything from Fr. Mike, this is a good no nonsense read. In it, Fr Mike helps us to understand making good decisions and the process of discerning for things like our vocation. He also points out that we make many decisions which are not discerning, they are just choices.
As most everything from Fr. Mike, this is a good no nonsense read. In it, Fr Mike helps us to understand making good decisions and the process of discerning for things like our vocation. He also points out that we make many decisions which are not discerning, they are just choices.
November 9, 2019
Great book.:)
Great book is interesting is wonderful, like specially the end, open my mind to thinking differently about discerning, easy to read and good for the soul.
Great book is interesting is wonderful, like specially the end, open my mind to thinking differently about discerning, easy to read and good for the soul.
December 19, 2019
Based on a talk, so not really a book format. But really practical tips.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews