How Successful People Think: Summary Review
This is a summary review of How Successful People Think containing key details about the book.
What is How Successful People Think About?
"How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life" by John C. Maxwell explores the power of thinking and provides practical tools and strategies for readers to develop a successful mindset and achieve their personal and professional goals.
To do well in life, we must first think well. But can we actually learn new mental habits? Thinking for a Change answers that with a resounding "yes" -- and shows how changing your thinking can indeed change your life. Drawing on the words and deeds of many of the world's greatest leaders and using interactive quizzes, this empowering book helps you assess your thinking style.
Summary Points & Takeaways from How Successful People Think
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The book is a guide to the power of positive thinking and how it can lead to success in personal and professional life.
* The book suggests that the way we think determines our actions, and that by changing our thinking, we can change our lives.
* The book provides practical strategies for developing a positive mindset, such as learning to focus on solutions, rather than problems, and learning to think independently.
* The book also includes case studies and personal anecdotes, which illustrate the author's points and make the book relatable.
* The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in achieving success.
* The author shares the techniques and methods he has used to develop his own positive mindset and achieve success in his own life.
* The book is written in an easy-to-understand style and provides practical tips and advice that can be applied to any area of life.
* The book also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people and how to develop a growth mindset.
* The book emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in achieving success, and how having a positive attitude and mindset can help overcome obstacles and challenges.
Who is the author of How Successful People Think?
John 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.
How Successful People Think Summary Notes
How Successful People Think: Seeing the Big Picture and Empathizing through Learning
HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK CHAPTER #2: By Doing Your Homework and Thinking Realistically, You Can Achieve Clear Targets.In this chapter, the author emphasizes the importance of thinking realistically and doing thorough homework to achieve success in the real world. He highlights that reality is the difference between how things actually are and our desires, and in order to be successful, we need to accept the reality and formulate a strategy to achieve our goals.
The author discusses how having a positive attitude and hope alone are not enough for success. Without a solid strategy, even the most optimistic person can become a bad leader. Realistic thinking promotes effective leadership as it forces us to define our goals and come up with a plan to achieve them. By simplifying things and focusing on the essential details, realistic thinking increases efficiency.
For those who are inherently optimistic, the author suggests doing thorough homework and getting to know the facts. This includes researching and preparing for possible scenarios, such as a drop in revenue or issues in the market. It's important to clear our minds of biases, prejudices, and second-hand opinions and to gather solid information before making assumptions.
The author also highlights the value of learning from others. While our thinking doesn't necessarily have to be original, it should be solid. By studying what others have done in similar situations, we can gain valuable insights and ideas. Some of the best strategies and ideas often come from learning from others' experiences.
Embrace Creative Thinking and Expand Your Options
One of the main themes of this chapter is the importance of creative thinking in achieving success. Creative thinking is not limited to coming up with original ideas, but also involves analyzing and considering a wide range of possibilities. This stimulates the imagination and allows for the formulation of backup plans in case the chosen solution doesn't work out. Creative thinking makes ideas more appealing to others and can be a powerful tool in attracting attention and admiration.
The chapter highlights the example of Leonardo da Vinci, known for his diverse interests and ideas in fields such as engineering, music, and painting. While not everyone may have da Vinci's level of expertise, the key is to allow oneself to explore their creative side and set their mind free. Embracing creativity can intrigue and attract others, as people are naturally drawn to the fun and engaging aspects of intelligence.
The chapter also emphasizes the need for a strong work ethic in developing creative thinking skills. Doing extra research, analyzing different possibilities, and casting a wide net to consider all options are important aspects of creative thinking. It's not just about waiting for inspiration to strike, but actively engaging in a process that stimulates creativity and expands the range of possibilities.
HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK CHAPTER #4: Make Yourself Part of Something Bigger by Thinking Unselfishly
One of the main themes of this chapter is the power of unselfish thinking and how it can lead to greater fulfillment and success. It emphasizes the importance of helping others and being part of something bigger than oneself. The chapter starts with the example of Alfred Nobel, who realized the negative impact of his invention, dynamite, and decided to dedicate the rest of his life to making positive contributions to the world, leading to the creation of the Nobel Prize. This illustrates that it's never too late to change course and make a meaningful impact.
The chapter also highlights the example of Merck and Company, a pharmaceutical corporation that shifted its focus from solely pursuing profits to finding a cure for river blindness and offering the treatment for free to those who couldn't afford it. This shift in mindset, putting people before profits, became the company's credo and showcased the power of unselfish thinking in driving meaningful change.
The chapter encourages readers to adopt an unselfish mindset and be part of something greater than themselves. It emphasizes that helping others and contributing to the greater good can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose that surpasses personal success. It promotes the idea that being part of a larger cause or purpose can bring greater satisfaction and meaning to one's life.
The chapter concludes with the important lesson that being part of something great is a better goal than trying to be great oneself. It encourages readers to think beyond their own self-interests and consider the impact they can make on others and the world around them. By thinking unselfishly, one can make a positive difference and create a lasting legacy that goes beyond personal achievements.
HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK CHAPTER #5: If you want to get the best outcomes, try to avoid popular thinking
One of the main themes of this chapter is the importance of avoiding popular thinking and learning to think for ourselves in order to achieve the best outcomes in life. It is common for people to adopt popular beliefs and ideas without questioning them, whether it's due to societal norms, traditions, or fear of being different. However, history has shown that popular thinking is not always accurate or beneficial.
The author gives examples of how popular thinking has been proven wrong in the past, such as the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe before Copernicus proved otherwise. He also mentions how in the medical field, before the invention of antiseptic procedures, doctors believed that washing their instruments was unnecessary, which resulted in deadly consequences.
The author emphasizes the need to break the habit of relying on other people's assumptions and encourages readers to do their own research and come to their own conclusions. He shares a personal experience after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, where most people were avoiding visiting New York City, but the author and his family decided to go during that time and had a positive experience, saving money due to low demand for flights, theater tickets, and hotels.
The chapter highlights the importance of thinking critically and independently, even if it goes against popular beliefs or opinions. It encourages readers to question the status quo and not be afraid to have a different perspective or approach. By avoiding popular thinking and learning to think for ourselves, we can achieve better outcomes and make more informed decisions in our lives.
Collaborate for Success: How Working with Others Boosts Your Thinking Process
One of the main themes of this chapter is the importance of collaboration in the thinking process of successful individuals. The author emphasizes that solo thinking may not always be the most effective approach when it comes to learning new skills or achieving innovative breakthroughs. Instead, collaborating with others can lead to better results and increased chances of success.
The author challenges the notion of brilliant thinkers as brooding loners and highlights the role of teamwork in achieving remarkable achievements. Examples such as Marie Curie and Pierre, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and even Einstein's acknowledgement of building on the work of others, support the argument that collaboration is the mother and father of innovation.
However, the author emphasizes that adopting the right mindset is crucial for effective collaboration. This includes being focused, having an open mind, and being receptive to ideas from various sources, regardless of how likely or unlikely they may seem. The author encourages dropping preconceptions and prejudices and actively listening to others, even from unexpected sources like children or taxi drivers, to come across great ideas.
Furthermore, the author emphasizes the importance of embracing collaboration instead of competition. Rather than trying to get ahead of colleagues, the author suggests working alongside them towards a greater goal. This mindset shift from completion to completion can lead to more effective collaboration and better outcomes.
Book Details
- Print length: 127 pages
- Genre: Business, Leadership, Self Help
How Successful People Think Chapters
Chapter 1 :Cultivate Big-Picture Thinking
Chapter 2:Engage in Focused Thinking
Chapter 3:Harness Creative Thinking
Chapter 4:Employ Realistic Thinking
Chapter 5:Utilize Strategic Thinking
Chapter 6:Explore Possibility Thinking
Chapter 7:Learn from Reflective Thinking
Chapter 8:Question Popular Thinking
Chapter 9:Benefit from Shared Thinking
Chapter 10:Practice Unselfish Thinking
Chapter 11:Rely on Bottom-Line Thinking
What is a good quote from How Successful People Think?
Top Quote: "If a change doesn't feel uncomfortable, then it's propably not really a change.” (Meaning) - How Successful People Think Quotes, John C. Maxwell
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "John has been a mentor and teacher for me for many years and what I love most about him is that he has pushed and helped me personally go through the 5 Levels of Leadership!" — Kevin Turner, COO, Microsoft
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
