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Make Today Count

Make Today Count

The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda
by John C. Maxwell 2008 160 pages
4.16
2k+ ratings
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12 minutes
Listen to Summary (12 minutes)

Key Takeaways

1. Make Today Count: Daily Decisions Shape Your Future

"You are preparing for something. The way you live your life today is preparing you for your tomorrow."

Small decisions matter. Every day, you make countless decisions that seem insignificant in the moment, but collectively shape your future. These choices, whether conscious or unconscious, determine your path and ultimately your success.

Intentionality is key. To make today count, approach each day with purpose and intention. Set clear goals, prioritize your activities, and make conscious choices that align with your long-term objectives. This requires discipline and consistency, but the cumulative effect of daily positive actions can lead to remarkable results over time.

Focus on what you can control. While you can't always control external circumstances, you have complete control over your responses and actions. By taking responsibility for your daily decisions and focusing on what you can influence, you empower yourself to create the future you desire, one day at a time.

2. Cultivate a Positive Attitude: The Foundation of Success

"Nobody says that good decisions are always simple, but they are necessary for success."

Attitude is a choice. Your attitude is not predetermined or fixed; it's a deliberate choice you make each day. A positive attitude doesn't mean ignoring life's challenges, but rather approaching them with optimism and resilience.

Impact on success. A positive attitude significantly influences your success in various aspects of life:

  • Relationships: People are naturally drawn to positive individuals
  • Problem-solving: Optimists tend to see opportunities in challenges
  • Resilience: A positive outlook helps you bounce back from setbacks
  • Performance: Positivity often leads to increased productivity and creativity

Practical steps to cultivate positivity:

  • Practice gratitude daily
  • Surround yourself with positive people
  • Reframe negative situations
  • Engage in regular self-reflection
  • Celebrate small victories

3. Prioritize Wisely: Focus on High-Impact Activities

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."

The Pareto Principle. Also known as the 80/20 rule, this principle suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identifying and focusing on these high-impact activities is crucial for maximizing productivity and success.

Effective prioritization strategies:

  • Regularly assess your goals and values
  • Identify tasks that align with your long-term objectives
  • Use tools like time-blocking and to-do lists
  • Learn to say "no" to low-priority commitments
  • Delegate tasks when possible

Continuous evaluation. Priorities can shift over time, so it's essential to regularly reassess and adjust your focus. Be willing to let go of activities that no longer serve your goals, and remain flexible in your approach to prioritization.

4. Invest in Your Health: The Cornerstone of a Fulfilling Life

"If I'd known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself."

Holistic approach to health. True health encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Neglecting any of these aspects can have far-reaching consequences on your overall quality of life and ability to pursue your goals.

Key areas of focus:

  • Physical health: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep
  • Mental health: Stress management, continuous learning, mindfulness practices
  • Emotional health: Building strong relationships, practicing self-compassion

Prevention is key. Investing in your health proactively can prevent many issues before they arise. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and addressing potential problems early can save time, money, and suffering in the long run.

5. Nurture Family Relationships: Your Most Valuable Asset

"Success doesn't just suddenly occur one day in someone's life. For that matter, neither does failure. Each is a process."

Family as a foundation. Strong family relationships provide emotional support, stability, and a sense of belonging that can fuel personal and professional success. Neglecting these relationships in pursuit of other goals often leads to regret and unfulfillment.

Intentional investment. Building strong family bonds requires deliberate effort and time:

  • Prioritize quality time together
  • Communicate openly and honestly
  • Show appreciation and affection regularly
  • Create and maintain family traditions
  • Support each other's individual growth

Balance is crucial. Strive to find a healthy balance between work, personal pursuits, and family time. Remember that success in other areas of life loses much of its meaning without strong family connections to share it with.

6. Develop Good Thinking Habits: The Key to Personal Growth

"Your thinking ability is determined not by your desire to think, but by your past thinking."

Thinking as a skill. Good thinking is not an innate talent but a skill that can be developed and honed over time. By consciously improving your thinking habits, you enhance your decision-making abilities and problem-solving skills.

Types of thinking to cultivate:

  • Critical thinking: Analyzing information objectively
  • Creative thinking: Generating innovative ideas and solutions
  • Strategic thinking: Planning for long-term success
  • Reflective thinking: Learning from past experiences

Practical steps to improve thinking:

  • Set aside dedicated time for thought and reflection
  • Expose yourself to diverse perspectives and ideas
  • Practice questioning assumptions and challenging beliefs
  • Engage in mental exercises and puzzles
  • Seek feedback and engage in constructive discussions

7. Embrace Commitment: The Bridge Between Decision and Action

"When you accomplish something that you once believed was impossible, it makes you a new person."

Commitment as a catalyst. While decisions set the direction, commitment provides the momentum to turn those decisions into reality. Without strong commitment, even the best-laid plans often falter in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

Elements of strong commitment:

  • Clear vision of desired outcomes
  • Willingness to overcome obstacles
  • Persistence in the face of setbacks
  • Accountability to oneself and others
  • Flexibility in approach while maintaining focus on goals

Cultivating commitment. Strengthen your ability to commit by:

  • Setting specific, measurable goals
  • Breaking large objectives into manageable steps
  • Celebrating small victories along the way
  • Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals
  • Regularly reminding yourself of your "why"

8. Master Your Finances: Create Options for Tomorrow

"We will sacrifice today so that we can have options tomorrow."

Financial freedom. Mastering your finances is not about accumulating wealth for its own sake, but about creating options and flexibility in your life. Sound financial management provides security, reduces stress, and allows you to pursue opportunities that align with your values and goals.

Key financial principles:

  • Live below your means
  • Save and invest consistently
  • Avoid unnecessary debt
  • Educate yourself about personal finance
  • Plan for both short-term and long-term goals

Mindset shift. View money as a tool rather than an end goal. Develop a healthy relationship with money by aligning your spending with your values and focusing on experiences and relationships rather than material possessions.

9. Deepen Your Faith: A Source of Strength and Purpose

"Faith like Job's cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken."

Faith as a foundation. For many, faith provides a moral compass, a source of comfort in difficult times, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond material success. Deepening your faith can provide resilience and perspective in both personal and professional life.

Practical ways to deepen faith:

  • Regular study and reflection on spiritual teachings
  • Engaging in prayer or meditation
  • Participating in a faith community
  • Applying faith principles in daily life
  • Serving others in alignment with your beliefs

Faith in action. True faith is not passive but manifests in how you treat others, make decisions, and navigate life's challenges. Strive to live out your faith in tangible ways that positively impact those around you.

10. Build Strong Relationships: The Currency of Life

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Relationships as investments. Strong relationships are built through consistent investment of time, energy, and genuine care. These connections provide support, opportunities, and a sense of belonging that contribute significantly to overall life satisfaction.

Key relationship-building skills:

  • Active listening
  • Empathy and understanding
  • Trustworthiness and reliability
  • Generosity of spirit
  • Effective communication

Quality over quantity. Focus on nurturing deep, meaningful relationships rather than accumulating a large number of superficial connections. Invest in relationships that are mutually beneficial and align with your values and goals.

11. Practice Generosity: Add Value to Others Daily

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Generosity as a mindset. True generosity extends beyond financial giving to include time, attention, skills, and emotional support. Cultivating a generous spirit enriches both the giver and the recipient, creating a positive cycle of goodwill and mutual support.

Benefits of generosity:

  • Increased personal fulfillment and happiness
  • Strengthened relationships and social connections
  • Enhanced perspective and gratitude
  • Positive impact on community and society
  • Personal growth and development of empathy

Daily practice. Look for small ways to be generous every day:

  • Offer a kind word or compliment
  • Share knowledge or skills
  • Volunteer your time
  • Perform random acts of kindness
  • Support causes you believe in

12. Live Your Values: The Compass for Decision-Making

"Try not to become men of success. Rather, become men of value."

Values as guiding principles. Clearly defined personal values provide a framework for decision-making and help ensure that your actions align with your beliefs and long-term goals. Living your values consistently builds integrity and personal satisfaction.

Steps to identify and live your values:

  1. Reflect on what's truly important to you
  2. Prioritize and define your core values
  3. Align your goals and actions with these values
  4. Regularly evaluate decisions against your value system
  5. Be willing to make difficult choices to uphold your values

Integrity in action. Strive for consistency between your stated values and your actions. This alignment builds trust, respect, and a strong sense of personal identity. Remember that your values are most clearly demonstrated not in words, but in the choices you make daily.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "Make Today Count" about?

  • Daily Agenda Focus: "Make Today Count" by John C. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of a daily agenda in determining success. It suggests that success is a result of consistent daily actions rather than sudden occurrences.
  • Key Decisions and Discipline: The book highlights the necessity of making key decisions and managing them with discipline to create a successful life.
  • Preparation for Tomorrow: Maxwell argues that each day is preparation for the next, and the way you live today shapes your future.
  • Masterpiece of Potential: The book encourages readers to make every day a masterpiece by combining good decisions with daily discipline.

Why should I read "Make Today Count"?

  • Practical Guidance: The book offers practical advice on how to structure your daily life to achieve long-term success.
  • Comprehensive Framework: It provides a comprehensive framework for personal development through the "Daily Dozen" decisions.
  • Inspiration and Motivation: Maxwell's personal stories and insights serve as inspiration and motivation for readers to take control of their lives.
  • Proven Strategies: The strategies discussed are based on Maxwell's extensive experience and success as a leadership expert.

What are the key takeaways of "Make Today Count"?

  • Daily Dozen Decisions: The book outlines twelve critical areas for success, including attitude, priorities, health, family, and more.
  • Importance of Consistency: Success is achieved through consistent daily actions and decisions, not through sporadic efforts.
  • Value of Preparation: Each day is preparation for the next, and living intentionally today sets the stage for future success.
  • Role of Discipline: Discipline is essential in managing decisions and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

What is the "Daily Dozen" in "Make Today Count"?

  • Twelve Key Areas: The "Daily Dozen" refers to twelve areas that Maxwell believes are crucial for success, including attitude, priorities, health, family, thinking, commitment, finances, faith, relationships, generosity, values, and growth.
  • Daily Focus: Each area requires daily attention and action to ensure personal and professional growth.
  • Foundation for Success: By focusing on these areas, individuals can create a strong foundation for achieving their goals.
  • Holistic Approach: The "Daily Dozen" covers a wide range of life aspects, promoting a balanced and holistic approach to success.

How does John C. Maxwell define success in "Make Today Count"?

  • Daily Agenda: Success is determined by one's daily agenda and the consistent actions taken each day.
  • Preparation and Process: Success is a process, not a sudden event, and is achieved through daily preparation and discipline.
  • Key Decisions: Making and managing key decisions in daily life is crucial for achieving success.
  • Long-term Vision: Success involves having a long-term vision and working towards it through daily efforts.

What are some of the best quotes from "Make Today Count" and what do they mean?

  • "You will never change your life until you change something you do daily." This quote emphasizes the importance of daily habits in transforming one's life.
  • "Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Potential." It highlights the combination of good decisions and discipline as the formula for unlocking one's potential.
  • "Time is an equal opportunity employer, but how we treat time is not equal." This quote underscores the value of time management and the impact of how we use our time.
  • "The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda." It reinforces the central theme of the book that daily actions and decisions shape success.

How can I apply the "Daily Dozen" to my life?

  • Identify Key Areas: Start by identifying the twelve areas in your life that align with the "Daily Dozen" and are important for your success.
  • Set Daily Goals: Set specific, actionable goals for each area and incorporate them into your daily routine.
  • Monitor Progress: Regularly review and reflect on your progress in each area to ensure you are on track.
  • Adjust as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust your approach as you learn and grow in each area.

What role does discipline play in "Make Today Count"?

  • Essential for Success: Discipline is essential for managing daily decisions and maintaining focus on long-term goals.
  • Consistency and Commitment: It involves being consistent and committed to daily actions that align with your goals.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Discipline helps overcome challenges and distractions that can derail progress.
  • Foundation for Growth: It provides a foundation for personal and professional growth by ensuring that daily actions are aligned with desired outcomes.

How does John C. Maxwell suggest improving one's attitude in "Make Today Count"?

  • Attitude as a Choice: Maxwell emphasizes that attitude is a choice and can be changed by taking responsibility for it.
  • Daily Adjustments: He suggests making daily adjustments to maintain a positive attitude, such as finding something positive in every situation.
  • Value People: Placing a high value on people and developing a high appreciation for life can improve one's attitude.
  • Express Gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude to others helps maintain a positive outlook.

What is the significance of priorities in "Make Today Count"?

  • Focus on Important Tasks: Prioritizing helps focus on tasks that yield the highest return and are most important for success.
  • Daily Evaluation: Maxwell advises evaluating priorities daily to ensure they align with long-term goals.
  • Strength Zone: Staying in your strength zone by focusing on tasks that align with your strengths increases productivity.
  • Delegation: Delegating tasks that others can do allows you to focus on your priorities and maximize your impact.

How does "Make Today Count" address the concept of growth?

  • Personal Growth Plan: Maxwell emphasizes the importance of having a personal growth plan to reach one's potential.
  • Daily Growth Goals: Setting daily growth goals helps ensure continuous improvement and development.
  • Growth Environment: Creating a growth environment by surrounding yourself with supportive and growth-oriented people is crucial.
  • Enjoy the Journey: Learning to enjoy the journey of growth is important for maintaining motivation and commitment.

What is the relationship between values and success in "Make Today Count"?

  • Foundation for Decisions: Values serve as the foundation for making decisions and guide actions towards success.
  • Daily Reflection: Reflecting on values daily helps ensure that actions align with personal beliefs and goals.
  • Integrity and Consistency: Living by one's values consistently builds integrity and credibility.
  • Long-term Fulfillment: Embracing and practicing good values leads to long-term fulfillment and success.

Review Summary

4.16 out of 5
Average of 2k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Make Today Count receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its practical advice and motivational content. Many find it inspiring and appreciate Maxwell's focus on daily habits for personal growth. The book's "Daily Dozen" concept resonates with readers, offering actionable steps for improvement. Some criticize it as overly simplistic or preachy, but most find value in its straightforward approach. Readers particularly appreciate Maxwell's emphasis on attitude, relationships, and personal responsibility. The book is seen as a quick, impactful read for those seeking self-improvement.

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About the Author

John C. Maxwell is a renowned American author, speaker, and pastor known for his expertise in leadership. He has written numerous bestselling books on leadership and personal development, including "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." Maxwell's works have gained widespread recognition, with several appearing on the New York Times Best Seller List. His approach to leadership combines practical advice with inspirational messages, making his books accessible to a broad audience. Maxwell's influence extends beyond writing, as he is also a sought-after speaker and pastor, sharing his insights on leadership and personal growth with audiences worldwide.

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