Craig T. Owens

Intentional Living by John Maxwell has a very different feel to it, compared to other Maxwell books, but I still liked it a lot! You can check out my book review by clicking here. One of the things vary familiar about this Maxwell book is the excellent content. Here is the first batch of quotes from Intentional Living.

“Most people want to hear or tell a good story. But they don’t realize that they can and should be the good story. That requires intentional living. It is the bridge that crosses the gap to a life that matters.”

“No one stumbles upon significance. We have to be intentional about making our lives matter. That calls for action—and not excuses. Most people don’t know this, but it’s easier to go from failure to success than from excuses to success.”

“If you want to live a life that matters, don’t start when you get good; start now so you become good.”

“Trying alone does not communicate true commitment. It’s half-hearted. It is not a pledge to do what’s necessary to achieve a goal. It’s another way of saying, ‘I’ll make an effort.’ That’s not many steps away from, ‘I’ll go through the motions.’ Trying rarely achieves anything significant. If an attitude of trying is not enough, then what is? An attitude of doing!”

“Every time we choose action over ease we develop an increasing level of self-worth, self-respect, and self-confidence.”

“Intentional living always has an idea. Unintentional living always has an excuse. Intentional living fixes the situation. Unintentional living fixes the blame. Intentional living makes it happen. Unintentional living wonders what happened. Intentional living says, ‘Here’s something I can do.’ Unintentional living says, ‘Why doesn’t someone else to do something?’”

“If you want to make a difference and live a life that matters, you need to embrace some words and reject others. We all have a running dialogue in our heads. What we say to ourselves either encourages us or discourages us. The words we need to embrace our positive words, words such as we, can, will, and yes. What do we need to eliminate? Me, can’t, won’t, and no.” 

“Trying to make a huge change overnight often creates fear, uncertainty, and resistance, because the change appears unachievable. The idea of making small changes is less threatening and helps us overcome our hesitation and procrastination.”

“Do you believe in yourself? Your belief will drive your behavior. The thought I don’t think I can often arises out of I don’t think I am.”

“Purpose is the rudder on your boat. It gives you direction and keeps you going in the right direction when the wind is blowing and the waves are crashing against you. It provides calm and confidence in the midst of the storm.”