How Successful People Think by John C Maxwell – Book Review

Introduction: How Successful People Think by John C Maxwell

I purchased How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by John C Maxwell based on the title and the author. I did not flip through the book or look at the table of contents. If you are looking for a book with how-to advice nicely laid out, this book is not for you.

As someone who reads a lot, and process large amounts of information, the content of this book is not new to me. Despite this, How Successful People Think is useful because I need reminders of things that I should be doing.

How Successful People Think by John C Maxwell is a small book in size and number of pages, but it will take some time to read because you have to carefully process the information, so that you will get the most from it. In the introduction, there is a section on how to become a better thinker, which reminded me of the Art of Thought by Graham Wallas. The section outlines six steps.

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What is How Successful People Think by John C Maxwell About?

1. Expose yourself to good input: In computer science, there is a concept called garbage in means garbage out, and so it with your mind. This means that you have to read the right books, review magazines and trade journals, listen to tapes of experts in the field and spend time with thinkers and innovators each week to improve the quality of your thoughts and ideas.
2. Expose yourself to good thinkers: Because of social media networking, it is now easier than ever to gain access to innovators and thinkers who were once inaccessible to you. Make use of the opportunities. Good thinkers are forever growing and learning, so take a page out of their book.
3. Choose to think good thoughts: This is easier said than done. However, it is worth the effort. Begin by scheduling time for thinking and when your mind wanders, refocus your thoughts. Create the right environment with few distractions, so you can concentrate on thinking. Your elementary teacher was on the something when she told you to put your thinking cap on.

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   Act on your good thoughts: Ideas are a dime a dozen, so when you get an excellent idea, write it down so that you do not forget it, and start acting on it right away.

5. Allow your emotions to create another good thought: Schedule time for thinking even if you are not in the mood to do so. Once you get into the process, ideas emerge and you can build on them by connecting the ideas to what you already know and in no time other ideas will emerge.
6. Repeat the process: If you schedule time for thinking, you are making your mind a fertile ground for great ideas.

Some of the old ideas from How Successful People Think that are worth repeating include:

• Question the status quo.
• Surround yourself with people who think differently.
• Be aware of negative self-talk and kill them.
• Explore other cultures, traditions, countries and foods.
• Read about new subject areas.
• Look at the pros and cons of ideas.
• Stop focusing on impossibilities and practice possibility thinking.

Traits of Creative Thinkers

1. Value ideas
2. Explore options
3. Embrace ambiguity
4. Celebrate the offbeat
5. Connect the unconnected

Think » Collect » Create » Correct » Connect

5 Great Ideas from How Successful People Think

1. See the big picture.
2. Learn continuously.
3. The world is bigger than you think.
4. Be teachable.
5. Seek the counsel from others who are more knowledgeable.

Conclusion: How Successful People Think by John C Maxwell

 How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

I recommend How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by John C Maxwell.

John Maxwell Books

No Limits: Blow the CAP Off Your Capacity
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential
The Maxwell Daily Reader: 365 Days of Insight to Develop the Leader Within You and Influence Those Around You
Developing the Leader Within You
The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect- Lunch & Learn
Good Leaders Ask Great Questions: Your Foundation for Successful Leadership
Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters

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