Do It Anyway: The Handbook for Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness in a Crazy World

by Kent M. Keith

Best-selling author Kent Keith self-published his Paradoxical Commandments in the 1960s as an undergrad at Harvard, and promptly forgot them. But these maxims emphasizing selflessness and compassion took on a life of their own, finding their way into countless speeches, advice columns, institutions, and homes. Thirty years later, they were reclaimed by Kent and formally published as The Paradoxical Commandments, an inspirational guide-for-living. Now Kent shares new stories of following these simple, sensible truths. This companion guide includes specific tools, exercises, and suggestions that the reader can use for personal introspection or group discussion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Development, Leadership

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2003

About the author

Kent M. Keith was born in New York and studied at Harvard, Oxford University, Waseda University in Tokyo, the University of Hawaii and the University of Southern California. He is a Rhodes Scholar.

Dr. Keith is known nationally and internationally as the author of the Paradoxical Commandments, which he wrote and published in 1968 in a booklet for student leaders entitled, The Silent Revolution: Dynamic Leadership in the Student Council . His books, "Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments," "Do It Anyway: The Handbook for Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness in a Crazy World" and " Jesus Did It Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments for Christians" discuss these concepts.

Dr. Keith practiced law and worked for the State of Hawaii Department of Planning and Economic Development. For six years he served as President of Chaminade University of Honolulu, and for five and a half years he was Senior Vice President for Development & Communications for the YMCA of Honolulu. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. He is the author

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep inside, we all want to do the right thing. We want to be generous, kind, loving, and full of integrity. But it’s so hard. If you decide to be kind and loving, you undoubtedly will come across someone who is difficult and confrontational. If you decide to do the right thing in your work, others will likely create obstacles for you. Then, when you’ve accomplished your goal anyway, someone else will get the credit. 

Do It Anyway doesn’t debate that the world is a pretty crazy place or that good efforts often go unrewarded. Instead, it presents ten paradoxical commandments. These realistic facts of life represent the things that most commonly derail us when we try to do the right thing. Then, instead of trying to get around these things or reducing their powerful influence, the author tells us to do it anyway.

Such a simple concept but it really has power. Recently, I have been debating with myself about an aspect of my career. My concerns what if I fail and what if no one remembers my efforts. The answer, do it anyway. It’s not about applause or anyone knowing the good I do. It’s about doing what’s right. I’ll know and I will feel good about my efforts.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is inspiring but not a story that you read straight through. It's good to read when times seem tough.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on the paradoxical commandments written by Kent Keith in the 1960s. Mother Teresa had them painted on the wall of her orphanage and so they often get attributed to her. In fact, I have them hanging in my house and it says they were written by her. Anyhow, the first commandment is "People at illogical, unreasonable and self centered, love them anyway." I think this form of compassion is rare and yet it was also how I was raised. I really liked this book because it forces you to think deeply about how to be a good person. I think the world can be mean and you can't let it change you. This book asks a lot of questions. I think it would be good to be prepared to freewrite on a few that strike you. For example I really liked the questions "what does success look like to you?" and "what does deep happiness look like?" I love the commandments because it's important to remember that the world might be cruel to you and you might not feel like being a good person, but you have to do it anyway.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very inspiring. It's not about other people; it's about you. Be kind because you are kind; be generous because you are generous. Don't do things because you are waiting on a return on your kindness or giving, etc. These are common sense things I was brought up to know, but many weren't, and those who were sometimes need a reminder, including myself. I sometimes wonder why after everything I did for so&so they are still so self-centered, etc. But I didn't do what I did because I wanted something in return so it doesn't really matter. It really is an inspiring book and I purchased 10 of them and gave them as gifts the year I read the book. I still have my own copy and go back from time to time-it is a quick read as well.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book after I was given a poem cited by Mother Theresa. It is a great book that goes into more detail about this poem.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have met and talked with this wonderful author! He now lives in Westfield, IN

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great reinforcement of the ideals that I live by.

[Andika Abdul Basith · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 paradoks yang akan membuat hidupmu bahagia.
Lakukan saja, bagaimana pun dunia meresponmu :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Micki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful book to encourage one to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps you understand and re-enforce what yo read in Anyway.

[Blythe Musteric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Paradoxical Commandments are best read as a list. I don’t think the stories in the book add much value. I would recommend just reading the “Commandments” and contemplating how you can follow them yourself.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clark new year book 2023. Loved loved. Even more than the first, although that was great too. Such simple concepts yet they feel revolutionary, especially with my tendency to perfectionism and overthinking. Glad to have on my shelf and hope my kids will learn from it when the time comes for them.

[Vishal Goyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Reimphasizes the meaning of life and how each one of us can make this world a better place to live in

[Arnav Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Melissa Salsgiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm inspired and calmed. I feel more wothwhile by just reading it. Afterall just what is life about? Just do it anyway.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had heard great things about the first book but my library didn't have the first book. I thought that reading this one would be just as good. Maybe not. I wanted to give up on this slight book so many times yet forced myself to finish it in case I was missing something amazing.

I don't think that I missed anything amazing. Each chapter/section is set up in the same way. One of the Commandments is talked about, and then numerous short stories from people's lives are given as illustrations. To sum up and to make you think about your own life and how you apply the Commandment, a series of "piercing" questions are asked for you to meditate on and apply to your life. It is all very basic common sense and treat others as you would want to be treated really. (Though for some people this may be a difficult concept.)

Maybe I would have enjoyed this heartily if I had read the first book and was taken by his principles. Maybe I would have enjoyed this if it wasn't so basic. Maybe I would have enjoyed this if I was in the Depths of Despair. However, I found myself frequently zoning out and thinking that he lifted this idea from "Chicken Soup for a Person's Soul."

[Mary Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up on this one about half way through, skimming through the remainder to make sure I wasn't missing some great revelation. It's all very warm and fuzzy, but it's nothing new for anyone with a conscience, a heart, and a passion. That's not to say "doing it anyway" is easy, but I didn't find it interesting reading. The anecdotes were too detailed and kind of dull, and the questions at the end of each section were unnecessary. In a nutshell: Be nice, be helpful, make the most of your life, and don't let the turkeys get you down.

[Natasia Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book. Totally. But honestly, it's not my favourite.
I like this book because it helps people to face this crazy world. Seriously, some of the time we think that this life is really, really crazy and selfish. Nope. It's always that way. And this book does help. Although as you can see, it's not the main guide. It only gives you some points.
But I'll recommend it to everyone that is searching for life.

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice short read, I'm a fan of paradoxical commandments, life's full of paradoxes and this book is inspiring, heart warming and also realistic: yes, you will have challenges, there will be obstacles, you will get rejected and yet, do the right thing anyway. If there's one word to describe the philosophy behind this short uplifting read, it will be noble. Highly recommended.