Values in Action…A Book Review of Today Matters by John C. Maxwell

Today Matters by John Maxwell is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to live a life guided by strong principles and values, regardless of age. John Maxwell, a Methodist pastor and a globally recognized motivational speaker, delves into the 12 essential values that have shaped his life and contributed to his personal and professional success.

In this book, Maxwell explains how these values have influenced his journey from his twenties through his fifties, offering readers practical insights and actionable steps. Now in his seventies, Maxwell remains a highly sought-after speaker on leadership and success, continually inspiring individuals with his timeless wisdom and experience. "Today Matters" is more than just a book; it’s a roadmap to living a purposeful and impactful life every single day.

What is a value?

Has anyone ever asked you what your values are? I remember being asked that question in an interview, and I was stumped. When that question was posed in my twenties, I hadn't thought much about what I valued. The family instantly came to mind; affluence was another, though I was reluctant to divulge that. Somehow, I muttered my way through the question during the interview. However, when I got home, I realized I needed time to reflect on what I genuinely value.

Values guide behavior and reflect what one deems essential in life. Examples of values include the following:

·   Honesty

·   Kindness

·   Discipline

·   Integrity

·   Patience

·   Health

·   Love

Incorporating Values into Your Daily Life

One of John Maxwell’s observations and notable quotes is, “The secret to your success is hidden in your daily routine.” Are you prone to doing the same routine day after day and not seeing progress in your life? I think many people can fall into that trap, sometimes for weeks, years, or even decades. I am no exception.  Getting out of a slump can be difficult, but making a conscious effort and holding yourself accountable to change can lead to a more productive and fulfilling life.

Mr. Maxwell recommends listing your values or using his “daily dozen” from his book and rating yourself from 1 to 12 on how well you practice each value. This is a great way to initiate thoughtful discernment on how you approach life. From there, he suggests selecting a few values to focus on and making progress in fully integrating them into your everyday routine.  You should write a statement about the value and what it means to you.  Reviewing the values daily and keeping them at the forefront of your thinking will aid in the full integration of practicing your values (Maxwell, p. 267, 2004).

What Do You Value?

Let us know what values guide your life and habits.  Do you have any tips or tricks that keep you on point to living with purpose?  We look forward to hearing from you!

Reference:

Maxwell, J. C. (2004). Today matters: 12 daily practices to guarantee tomorrow's success. Center Street.