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Successful People
Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda
Drawing from the text of the Business Week bestseller Today Matters , this condensed, revised edition boils down John C. Maxwell's 12 daily practices to their very essence, giving maximum impact in minimal time. Presented in a quick-read format, this version is designed to be read cover to cover in one sitting or taken in as brief lessons in a few spare minutes each day. It covers such topics as:
-- Priorities
-- Health
-- Family
-- Finances
-- Values
-- Growth
Readers will learn how to make decisions on important matters and apply those decisions daily to put them on a path to more successful, productive, and fulfilling lives.
-- Priorities
-- Health
-- Family
-- Finances
-- Values
-- Growth
Readers will learn how to make decisions on important matters and apply those decisions daily to put them on a path to more successful, productive, and fulfilling lives.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2008
527 people are currently reading
3725 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
1,003 books5,775 followersJohn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 17, 2017
This book is my new ultimate favorite self development book.
Maxwell organized and delivered his points very well. Each point's expanation was short and straight to the point but with enough real life example. I like how Maxwell gave his own stories as examples.
His points were very much applicable to our own lives and he also provided us tips on how to apply them. Overall, I think this book was really enjoyable to read. I can definitely see myself re-reading this book in the future!
Maxwell organized and delivered his points very well. Each point's expanation was short and straight to the point but with enough real life example. I like how Maxwell gave his own stories as examples.
His points were very much applicable to our own lives and he also provided us tips on how to apply them. Overall, I think this book was really enjoyable to read. I can definitely see myself re-reading this book in the future!
February 5, 2012
Another perspective changing and setting view of life. Your life. You are in control of your life and this book helps you take the controls and set your course for do whats important. Consume this book and you will love the results. Make it happen.
January 29, 2020
Let's play the self help bingo!
• Giving obvious advices ✓
• Writing the same BS ✓
• Talking about discipline and it's importance ✓
• Throwing the term "positive attitude" every now and then ✓
• "Power of positive thinking" ✓
• More obvious shit on finances, for eg: "reduce your debt" (yes, that's a direct quote) , which makes you go "oh rEaLly"
Seriously, Fuck this book.
July 17, 2020
A great, insightful book on making the most of everyday. Each chapter gives personal testimony with how to’s and and examples that the author has used to increase his leadership based on values. Small, simple steps that have lead to incredible growth both personally and professionally. People grow their capacity, be it for leadership and understanding of others or their own personal growth and development, not by accident, but through focus with a plan. Highly recommended to help you make each of your days count.
July 9, 2020
This is a great book to helps you realize how important setting aside time everyday to review certain key areas of your life is. The key areas John mentions -attitude, priorities, health, family, thinking, commitment, finances, faith, relationships, generosity, values and growth- are not exhaustive but rather suggestive. John does a great job in giving you some ideas that you can implement and even improve upon as you go. It is indeed a great book to help you make everyday count.
July 11, 2020
It’s very motivating and I like that it’s broken down into bite sized-chapters. I’m already applying some of what I learned such as growth strategies, setting and evaluating priorities, and being more generous. I’m going to keep it for future reference.
July 12, 2020
John Maxwell is one of my favourite authors for learning about Leadership. For the plain reason that he makes leadership look very achievable and not something only gifted individuals can achieve.
July 10, 2020
another great read from this author
I always enjoy this author's books. He has a great way of taking big ideas and focusing them in manageable steps. The only thing was it a bit short in places when he could've expanded
I always enjoy this author's books. He has a great way of taking big ideas and focusing them in manageable steps. The only thing was it a bit short in places when he could've expanded
June 28, 2020
I was visiting my niece and read this book! There are many things which I reflect myself with this book. I enjoyed reading this and gives me a new perspective of myself in which I have to improve.
July 4, 2020
Maxwell's words are brilliant! I really feel so guided. Glad I read it.
September 19, 2017
Biggest takeaways: He was very focused on his family and the quality of his marriage. I loved that he said he would save the fun details about life to tell his wife because he found that he wasn't as excited to tell her fun news if he had already told 3 people at work before he got home.
Strengths. I am a huge proponent of focusing on your strengths. I do believe working on your weaknesses can be beneficial but just simply spending too much time thinking about your weaknesses can only damage. There is only so much time in life, capitalize on the gifts you have been given.
"you will never change your life until you change what you do daily" Those daily activities, or rituals are the things that make the biggest changes in one's life.
"Nobody can make another person happy. That was my job" it is your own job to make yourself happy
"If you don't decide how your day will be spent, someone else will" so true.
"your choices are the only thing you truly control"
" If you desire to change yourself, then start with your mind"
"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least"
Strengths. I am a huge proponent of focusing on your strengths. I do believe working on your weaknesses can be beneficial but just simply spending too much time thinking about your weaknesses can only damage. There is only so much time in life, capitalize on the gifts you have been given.
"you will never change your life until you change what you do daily" Those daily activities, or rituals are the things that make the biggest changes in one's life.
"Nobody can make another person happy. That was my job" it is your own job to make yourself happy
"If you don't decide how your day will be spent, someone else will" so true.
"your choices are the only thing you truly control"
" If you desire to change yourself, then start with your mind"
"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least"
December 22, 2021
It's a decent book, a typical self-help book written by a white man.
But it does highlight some specific things about growth and the environment necessary for us to really make an impact in our own lives.
My biggest takeaway is that "we only grow as much as our growth environment". What we do, and who we associate with regularly will determine our rate of growth or stagnation.
It's a quick read, so if you need a little kick in the butt this is a good option.
But it does highlight some specific things about growth and the environment necessary for us to really make an impact in our own lives.
My biggest takeaway is that "we only grow as much as our growth environment". What we do, and who we associate with regularly will determine our rate of growth or stagnation.
It's a quick read, so if you need a little kick in the butt this is a good option.
November 5, 2014
Nothing to write home about. Just an OK book. I wasn't inspired like other reviewers were and I didn't learn anything new. I found that the book had some good pieces of advice but they were more like reminders of things we already know, e.g. that it is important to stay healthy and exercise, that we should take some time each day to relax and think, etc.
March 4, 2018
This book will help you break down your goals and putting them into action. Focusing on your day to day values, attitude, how you look at life and making sure you will achieve your goal.
All you have to do is put it in a paper and do them, everyday until those things become your habit.
Can’t wait for my goals to succeed!
All you have to do is put it in a paper and do them, everyday until those things become your habit.
Can’t wait for my goals to succeed!
October 22, 2022
Buen libro, al final terminas inspirado y con varias ideas para aplicar a tus rutinas diarias, sin duda te aportará para seguir creciendo. No me gustó que intenta inspirar a través de la religión en algunos de sus mensajes, respeto eso pero preferiría que fuera siempre a través de personas, líderes y otros ejemplos.
July 17, 2012
I just started this yesterday, still in chapter one, can't wait to get home and read some more!
July 29, 2009
Great book... I could not put it down! For anyone looking to reshape their life this is an excellent read.
July 21, 2012
It's very good book.
October 4, 2014
very applicable, and gives a basic method to do so.
after more thought, the true value here lies in the ability to adapt this method to your personal values, and reflect and revise over time.
after more thought, the true value here lies in the ability to adapt this method to your personal values, and reflect and revise over time.
April 30, 2017
I advice it for everyone who is seeking change.
August 7, 2018
Outstanding lessons about changing your perspective about today and understanding the power of your significance in each day. Life-changing, worth the buy, and a great gift to share with friends.
August 30, 2018
Quick read for a mind to seek success in every area of life (:
November 28, 2018
great book to help reinforce the daily process to become your best self
December 19, 2018
"The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda."
January 20, 2020
An amazing book that provides guidance & help in performing daily, day to day task.I suggest everybody should keep this book.
March 18, 2020
Very preachy and over the top. DNF around chapter 4. I would not reccommend at all, there are a lot of other books that are better.
February 17, 2025
1. I didn't realise this book is part of a fully fleshed-out series lol
2. the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda
come back to:
1. Each morning, write down one thing you’re genuinely excited about. Before opening any devices, identify the single most important task that will move your priorities forward. For your health, take a five-minute walk whenever you feel your energy dropping.
2. Before bed, lay out what you need for tomorrow’s priorities and take five minutes to write down one thing you’re excited about.
3. Moving through your day, match your tasks to your natural energy levels. Schedule your most demanding work when you’re naturally most alert.
quotes:
- “When you accomplish something that you once believed was impossible, it makes you a new person. It changes the way you see yourself and the world.”
- “The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.” (ouch)
- “Many people are like her. I mentioned that there are things in your life you cannot choose, such as your parents, where you were born, or your race. But your attitude is something you can change. And just about everybody has at least a few areas in their thinking that could use some help. If you want to have a better day, then you need to go after those areas.”
notes:
- The first is making good decisions, and the second is following through on those decisions with daily discipline.
- Random action without direction simply wastes energy.
- a great day requires a strong foundation of three basic elements: your attitude, your priorities, and your health
- Your attitude shapes how you experience and interpret every moment of your day. While you can’t always control what happens, you have complete control over your response to events. This choice – between automatic reactions and thoughtful responses – affects your present and future opportunities.
- Many of us mistake being busy for being productive
- When you know your main priorities, you won’t burn out trying to do everything.
- To integrate these growth elements into your day, start with one small change in each area. Choose a specific topic or skill you want to develop, and dedicate five minutes each day to learning about it.
- More than just making promises, commitment is about creating systems that ensure you follow through
- generosity flows naturally from abundance rather than obligation.
2. the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda
come back to:
1. Each morning, write down one thing you’re genuinely excited about. Before opening any devices, identify the single most important task that will move your priorities forward. For your health, take a five-minute walk whenever you feel your energy dropping.
2. Before bed, lay out what you need for tomorrow’s priorities and take five minutes to write down one thing you’re excited about.
3. Moving through your day, match your tasks to your natural energy levels. Schedule your most demanding work when you’re naturally most alert.
quotes:
- “When you accomplish something that you once believed was impossible, it makes you a new person. It changes the way you see yourself and the world.”
- “The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.” (ouch)
- “Many people are like her. I mentioned that there are things in your life you cannot choose, such as your parents, where you were born, or your race. But your attitude is something you can change. And just about everybody has at least a few areas in their thinking that could use some help. If you want to have a better day, then you need to go after those areas.”
notes:
- The first is making good decisions, and the second is following through on those decisions with daily discipline.
- Random action without direction simply wastes energy.
- a great day requires a strong foundation of three basic elements: your attitude, your priorities, and your health
- Your attitude shapes how you experience and interpret every moment of your day. While you can’t always control what happens, you have complete control over your response to events. This choice – between automatic reactions and thoughtful responses – affects your present and future opportunities.
- Many of us mistake being busy for being productive
- When you know your main priorities, you won’t burn out trying to do everything.
- To integrate these growth elements into your day, start with one small change in each area. Choose a specific topic or skill you want to develop, and dedicate five minutes each day to learning about it.
- More than just making promises, commitment is about creating systems that ensure you follow through
- generosity flows naturally from abundance rather than obligation.
February 18, 2025
Book of the day
“life changes happen day by day, through good decisions and daily discipline across twelve essential life areas.
Each part of your day builds on the last – from your morning mindset to your focused work time, right through to evening connections. Your daily practices in areas like health, relationships, finances, and values work together as an interconnected system, each supporting the others to create momentum and lasting change. Most importantly, you don’t need to transform everything at once – begin with one or two small actions in the areas that matter most to you, and let these consistent steps compound into extraordinary achievements over time.”
I end my day with a high and low
I’m going to incorporate an excitement for tomorrow
“life changes happen day by day, through good decisions and daily discipline across twelve essential life areas.
Each part of your day builds on the last – from your morning mindset to your focused work time, right through to evening connections. Your daily practices in areas like health, relationships, finances, and values work together as an interconnected system, each supporting the others to create momentum and lasting change. Most importantly, you don’t need to transform everything at once – begin with one or two small actions in the areas that matter most to you, and let these consistent steps compound into extraordinary achievements over time.”
I end my day with a high and low
I’m going to incorporate an excitement for tomorrow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
(Read via Blinkist)
August 25, 2025
Simple, timeless advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews