Book Review: Today Matters by John C. Maxwell

Once in a while I like to read self help books. Today Matters by John C. Maxwell was highly recommended book by many. The full name of the book actually adds to the Today Matters a second title, 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow's Success, which actually tells quite much about the book.

Book explains a simple way to succeed tomorrow - make every day count. The whole idea of the book is to understand to concentrate to today. Make the right decisions every day to support your growth to whatever you wish to be in your life.

John C. Maxwell is author of many books, priest and teacher of leadership. He has been given many rewards about leadership and management. He seems to be interesting character, who gives quite easy and straightforward advice.

I've read some self help books about success and in a way there wasn't that much new in the book for me. Still the idea, which is so simple, concentrate to today, is something that easily gets lost in the busy world we live in. Every day counts. You shouldn't care too much about the past and definitely not think too much about future. You need to make the right decisions every day to help you to become who you want to be.

The idea in the book is to concentrate to the 12 Daily Practices. These are basically values or point of views that should be taken in to account every day. I did write my own Mission Statement after reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and I think the ideology behind is similar. That's the reason I'm not taking this in to daily use for now. For many people those 12 practices definitely will be valuable.

Once a year it is good to read a classic like this about personal development. If you haven't ever read one or haven't read one for a while, I recommend this book. It's a good book and it did change my behavior a bit already. I enjoyed it and it was quite easy to read. So go ahead and read it.

Written by +Henri Hämäläinen

Two types of people, people who like to do the things they are good at and then those who don't

Some time ago I heard a phrase that I have been thinking since. It claimed that there are two types of people, those who like to do what they are best at and those who want to do things that they are not good at yet.

So often people are encouraged to find the things they are good at and then keep on working on those skills. This has been seen the best way to succeed, learning a solid skill in something. That's so easy to agree and cope with.

I, on the other hand, have never liked to do things I'm good at. At least, not the very same things, I've already done couple of times. I've always been looking to do things I've never done before or stretch the tasks to whole new level. Then I really have something to learn.

It was relief when I heard presenter stating this phrase in one conference I attended. I finally got the impression that maybe I'm not alone with my thinking. Maybe for some it's natural to try out to handle these new tasks with skills learned from other tasks and not to enjoy using skills you are good at.

For example, I always like playing games with people who are better than me. I don't like losing, but I hate winning an opponent which wasn't really a good one. Same goes with everything, I rather fail couple of times, than succeed with too easy performance.

So don't worry if you don't want to do the things you are good at. I've got so far raising the bar or taking new challenges always when possible. Sometimes I've had to do the stuff I'm good at, but I really like most to do the things I've got lot to learn.

Written by +Henri Hämäläinen

Seth Godin talks about leadership strategy

One of my favorite bloggers and authors Seth Godin talks about leadership and much more. One thing I always admire on Seth, is the way he is always short, but informative, he is inspiring, but doesn't waste your time with unnecessary jargon and there's always something new to think about. Check the video out.



Exclusive interview with Seth Godin from GiANT Impact on Vimeo.  

Written by +Henri Hämäläinen