“Thinking for a Change”

Few people have influenced and equipped me for leadership like John Maxwell — through his books, conferences, and monthly leadership audio lessons in the last 18 years.

One of the last Maxwell books I’ve read (it’s been a while since I read it) is Thinking for a Change. In the book, Maxwell discusses 11 thinking skills of great thinkers, including …

  • Big-Picture Thinking
  • Focused Thinking
  • Creative Thinking
  • Realistic Thinking
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Possibility Thinking
  • Reflective Thinking
  • Popular Thinking
  • Shared Thinking
  • Unselfish Thinking
  • Bottom-Line Thinking

The book’s premise is …

Successful people think differently than unsuccessful people.

Maxwell contends that the biggest problem for many people is their thinking. Maxwell writes …

The greatest detriment to many people’s success tomorrow is their thinking today. If their thinking is limited, so is their potential. But if people can keep growing in their thinking, they will constantly outgrow what they’re doing. And their potential will always be off the charts.

Maxwell says that good thinking is a discipline, a discipline that “can be cultivated and refined.” Maxwell continues, “The more you engage in good thinking, the more good thoughts will come to you.”

Maxwell advises readers to “find a place to think your thoughts,” a place without interruptions, where you can “ask questions about your ideas.” Maxwell also talks about the importance of exposing yourself to good thoughts and good thinkers.

Of course, developing any discipline takes work.

Ninety-five percent of achieving anything is knowing what you want and paying the price to get it.

Add a Comment