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Irrational Kindness: The Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life
The work from Chick-fil-A entrepreneur and rare triple-franchisee Kevin Williams was written as part-employee handbook, part-operating manual for life, Irrational Kindness flips traditional wisdom on its head and gives a different lens through which to look at life. Often the idea of being irrational is smeared with negative connotations. It can sound illogical, senseless, unjustifiable, or groundless. It may even represent ludicrous and mad behavior! But Kevin Williams argues that being irrational can be just the opposite. And it is the most positive, inspiring, and empowering way to be. Being irrational has to do with thinking outside the box―way outside. It has to do with viewing life as a journey and still being willing to reverse the route, shake things up, or flip the map upside down. Why? Not just to be different, but to make a difference .
Irrational Kindness can serve as a harmonious reminder that one's hopes and dreams do not have to be derailed―not by their fears, their pasts, or by people who make them feel like they have to know everything to be successful, or even just to get started. Throughout its pages, Kevin provides the inspiration everyone needs to favor understanding over being understood and prioritize kindness―toward themselves as well as others―over everything.
"Kevin Williams doesn't sell chicken, he loves people. And fast food is his conduit to engage a world in need of irrational kindness. We could all learn to be a bit more irrational from Kevin." Andy Stanley - Author, Communicator, and Founder of North Point Ministries
Irrational Kindness can serve as a harmonious reminder that one's hopes and dreams do not have to be derailed―not by their fears, their pasts, or by people who make them feel like they have to know everything to be successful, or even just to get started. Throughout its pages, Kevin provides the inspiration everyone needs to favor understanding over being understood and prioritize kindness―toward themselves as well as others―over everything.
"Kevin Williams doesn't sell chicken, he loves people. And fast food is his conduit to engage a world in need of irrational kindness. We could all learn to be a bit more irrational from Kevin." Andy Stanley - Author, Communicator, and Founder of North Point Ministries
- GenresNonfiction
172 pages, Paperback
Published January 12, 2021
25 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 18, 2021
Incredible book that makes it seem SO simple to live out irrational kindness in all aspects of life! He tells relatable stories that keep you engaged and excited to read another chapter. This is a must read for anyone who wants to practice kindness in their life!
March 21, 2021
An encouraging read that challenged me to press into the beauty each day holds!
January 30, 2021
Worth Reading
The first attraction to this book is to get an insiders view of what makes Chick-Fil-A so successful. A good argument that Irrational Kindness is one of the keys for business success. Then stories are inspirational. It was a fun read.
The first attraction to this book is to get an insiders view of what makes Chick-Fil-A so successful. A good argument that Irrational Kindness is one of the keys for business success. Then stories are inspirational. It was a fun read.
March 9, 2021
I love Irrational Kindness! So encouraging and inspiring. I highly recommend to all my friends and family.-Meg
July 1, 2021
In the midst of pursuing my dreams, this book really came in handy on the subject of failing. On the way to my goals, I have often failed and felt miserable when encountering obstacles or setbacks. Each failure would be filled with embarrassment, shame and humiliation, hindering me from wanting to move forward. But the author helped me see failing in a whole new light and it was very refreshing and lifechanging. It's something I wholeheartedly want to practice. He touches upon the subject several times, but here is the one section that especially spoke out to me.
*Warning, may contain spoilers beyond this point.
"If you’ve ever failed, you should be celebrating. Throw a party. Build a wall of failures. I’ve done just that at my house, where I set up a wall that proudly displays my mountain of failures for me to see plainly. My wall is designed not to remind me of my mess-ups, but to help me remember that I am alive and kicking! Each “failure” that hangs on my wall represents a yellow brick in my road to growth and success. I suggest you make your own list and hang it on the wall. Not so you can wallow in remorse or constantly be reminded of all your failures, but so you can look back at how you conquered every fear and overcame every obstacle. Calling out these past experiences helps us understand that they don’t have power over us and exposes the lie our brains tell us that we are no good. Focusing on this lie can cause us to lower our heads for so long that we miss the next opportunity. Remember, recognizing your missteps is not about going around apologizing to everyone about your failures; it’s simply about praying each day for the wisdom, courage, and knowledge to better understand your journey in its entirety.
Exposing failure reminds me that I’m still here- breathing- right now. See them as a mix of all the different ingredients you’ve tried in life, each one getting you closer to the perfect recipe. Join God in looking at them as reminders of the awesome adventures you’ve had, the amazing things you’ve learned, and the inspiration for the direction of your next steps."
*Warning, may contain spoilers beyond this point.
"If you’ve ever failed, you should be celebrating. Throw a party. Build a wall of failures. I’ve done just that at my house, where I set up a wall that proudly displays my mountain of failures for me to see plainly. My wall is designed not to remind me of my mess-ups, but to help me remember that I am alive and kicking! Each “failure” that hangs on my wall represents a yellow brick in my road to growth and success. I suggest you make your own list and hang it on the wall. Not so you can wallow in remorse or constantly be reminded of all your failures, but so you can look back at how you conquered every fear and overcame every obstacle. Calling out these past experiences helps us understand that they don’t have power over us and exposes the lie our brains tell us that we are no good. Focusing on this lie can cause us to lower our heads for so long that we miss the next opportunity. Remember, recognizing your missteps is not about going around apologizing to everyone about your failures; it’s simply about praying each day for the wisdom, courage, and knowledge to better understand your journey in its entirety.
Exposing failure reminds me that I’m still here- breathing- right now. See them as a mix of all the different ingredients you’ve tried in life, each one getting you closer to the perfect recipe. Join God in looking at them as reminders of the awesome adventures you’ve had, the amazing things you’ve learned, and the inspiration for the direction of your next steps."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2022
This book book really has three pillars. If you like or want to learn more about any of these, this is a great book for you.
1. Honesty is the Best Medicine and Teacher
Kevin is open about a lot of experiences in his life. Good and bad. He talks about them all as opportunities and how to embrace the good and bad things in life.
2. Chick-fil-A
Get a glimpse into the history and heart of Chick-fil-A. What makes them so different, why they are closed on Sunday, and how it works to everyone's advantage.
3. Beauty in Kindness
This is the core of the book (as the title gives away). Practical lessons in extraordinary kindness can be learned from Jesus, Truett Cathy, and a host of others. These lessons and how they are framed in the book empower each of us to make the world a better place.
1. Honesty is the Best Medicine and Teacher
Kevin is open about a lot of experiences in his life. Good and bad. He talks about them all as opportunities and how to embrace the good and bad things in life.
2. Chick-fil-A
Get a glimpse into the history and heart of Chick-fil-A. What makes them so different, why they are closed on Sunday, and how it works to everyone's advantage.
3. Beauty in Kindness
This is the core of the book (as the title gives away). Practical lessons in extraordinary kindness can be learned from Jesus, Truett Cathy, and a host of others. These lessons and how they are framed in the book empower each of us to make the world a better place.
March 16, 2021
What a great book for this crazy time of life right now! Very easy read, yet very inspirational and positive. This book is just what this world needs more of these days! Step away from the negativity and bring some positivity into your life with this awesome book!
November 3, 2021
very good Inspirational
I loved the anecdotal stories the pulled all the thoughts together. The parachuting cows were my favorite. Gods word also concreted the truths. In todays world Christian guidelines are needed to live a fulfilled life.
I loved the anecdotal stories the pulled all the thoughts together. The parachuting cows were my favorite. Gods word also concreted the truths. In todays world Christian guidelines are needed to live a fulfilled life.
May 16, 2021
A pretty good book that is encouraging. My biggest takeaway is do something kind that is unexpected as unexpected good things are memorable.
September 8, 2021
So good!
I found so many gems in this book! There are so many fun and stories that teach great lessons and I will be revisiting my notes in the future for sure.
I found so many gems in this book! There are so many fun and stories that teach great lessons and I will be revisiting my notes in the future for sure.
June 2, 2022
Way to go Kevin and Gwen and Team!!!
January 18, 2022
I loved this one! Very much a Bob Goff style book- in which it’s not life changing but very encouraging. I’d love to sit down and have a conversation with Kevin Williams. He seems amazing.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews