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©2015 John C. Maxwell

Chapter One Your Life Can

be a Great Story

CHAPTER 1

Your Life Can Be A Great Story

Opening Question

What is your favorite story? It can be from a book, a movie, a TV show, or some other source, but take a moment to share your favorite story and why you think it stuck with you.

Discussion

1. John said that everyone loves a good story. In youropinion, what kinds of stories seem to connect withpeople the most?

2. Why do stories connect with people? What do you thinkmakes stories so powerful?

3. What characters do people normally gravitate toward within a story? Why do you thinkthat is?

4. Which characters do you normally connect with in a story? Do you like the hero? Thesidekick? The villain? What do you think that says about you?

5. In your opinion, do you think most people see themselves as the hero of their ownstory or as a secondary character in someone else’s? What might cause someone tothink that way?

6. John said, “Your best story starts when you put yourself back into it. Be in the picture.”When you think about your life, do you consider yourself “in the picture?” If so, wheredo you find yourself in the picture — in the center, or maybe in the background or onthe sides? Why?

7. When we struggle with being the hero in our own story, it’s often because we’veallowed someone else to fill that role. Is there anyone in your life to whom you concede“hero” status, thus allowing their story to be more important that your own? Why do youthink that is?

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be a Great Story

8. To be the hero of our own story, we must make some tough choices. Where do you find iteasy to make the tough choice? Where do you find it challenging? Why do you think youstruggle to make the tough choices in those areas?

9. John lays out his plan for living a life of significance, or living a better story. He says:

I Want to Make a Difference Doing Something That Makes a Difference With People Who Make a Difference At a Time That Makes a Difference

Do you agree or disagree with his roadmap? If you agree, why? If you disagree, what is it you disagree with and how would you change it?

10. If you could write your future story, what would it look like for you? What things wouldyou change about how you’re currently living, and what new things would you add in?

Application

Being a hero doesn’t mean always getting your way; in fact, true heroes often sacrifice for the greater good of others. The key is that heroes choose to make the sacrifice; they have a reason for doing what they do.

This week, set aside 30 minutes to map out your daily routine. Include everything from waking up until you go to bed. Take a moment to look at it carefully: why are you doing the things you do? What is your reasoning behind how you spend your time? If you find activities that have no compelling reason, ask yourself why you spend your time in that way and jot down your thoughts. Be prepared to share some of your observations when we meet next week.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 2, “Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough,” on pages 27-48.

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be a Great Story

How Your Story Changes You “One of the best places to start to turn your life around is by doing

whatever appears on your mental ‘I Should’ list.”

— Jim Rohn, Entrepreneur and Speaker

The number one catalyst for change is action. And the first thing changed when you act is yourself.

In life, it’s not what we get that makes us valuable. It’s what we become in the process that brings value to our lives. Action is what converts human dreams into significance. It brings personal value that we can gain from no other source.

There are four benefits of taking action to live intentionally:

You Will Re-Affirm Your Values — Acting on what you value will clarify those values and make them a permanent priority.

You Will Find Your Voice — You will have the confidence to speak and live out what you believe in front of others, and begin to develop moral authority.

You Will Develop Your Character — Passive people allow their character to be influenced by others. Active people work to form and maintain their own character and grow and develop because of it.

You Will Experience Inner Fulfillment — Contentment is found in being where you are supposed to be. It’s found when your actions are aligned to who you are.

Which of these four benefits appeals to you most and why?

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Chapter Two Why Good Intentions

Aren’t Enough

CHAPTER 2

Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough

Opening Question

Have you ever gone out of your way to help another person? If so, tell about the experience: what you did, how it helped, and how it made you feel.

Discussion

1. What types of things do people usually have goodintentions about, but rarely ever take action on?

2. John talks about how he wanted to play football in highschool but never did. What’s something you’ve alwayswanted to do but haven’t done yet?

3. In your opinion, what keeps people from transforming their good intentions into action?Why do you think it’s so easy to get stuck?

4. What are some of the biggest barriers you’ve observed that keep people from takingaction in their life? Do you think there’s a particular mindset that gets people stuckmore easily than others?

5. John said that his parents, especially his father, were highly intentional people,but it didn’t connect with him until later in his life. What was your environment likegrowing up, in terms of intentionality? Was your family strategic and active or morespontaneous and laid back?

6. In what area of your life would you say you are the most intentional? Why are youinspired to be intentional there?

7. What are some of your personal barriers to change? If you could get rid of any oneobstacle, what would it be and why?

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Aren’t Enough

8. John tells the story of his rimless basketball goal, and says, “Scoring is the ultimatepurpose of the game, and there’s no scoring without the hoop.” Where in your life do youfeel that there is no hoop? Why do you feel that way?

9. Shifting your thoughts from desire to deeds can help you embrace an intentionallifestyle. Identify some areas where you need to make such a shift — what area criesout most for change and why?

10. Intentional living requires commitment. Are you willing to commit yourself to making theshift from good intentions to intentional living? If not, why do you think you’re hesitant?

Application

The most important part of the mastermind process is helping people take what they learn in discussion and turn it into action in their lives. If your participants agreed to commit to living intentionally, then ask them to do the application assignment below.

Think back to your answer to Question 9 and write down a short list of ways you can make the shift from desire to deeds in that area. Over the next seven days, put that list into action by doing one thing each day. Be prepared to share what you learned from turning intention into action at the next meeting.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 3, “Start Small But Believe Big,” on pages 51-76.

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Aren’t Enough

Where Do I Live?John gives a list of words that describes a life of good intentions, intentional living and a life that matters:

Words of GoodIntentions

Desire

Wish

Someday

Fantasy

Hopefully

Passive

Occasional

Emotion

Somebody Should

Survival

Words of Intentional Learning

Action

Purpose

Today

Strategy

Definitely

Active

Continual

Discipline

I Will

Success

A Life That Matters

Results

Fulfilment

Every Day

Follow Through

Continually

Proactive

Habitual

Lifestyle

I Do

Significance

Which stands out to you from these lists?

Which of these lists most describes the kind of life you currently have? Why?

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Chapter Three Start Small

But Believe Big

CHAPTER 3

Start Small But Believe Big

Opening Question

Describe a person who did something small for you that truly made a difference in your life. How did that person help and why did it make such a strong impression on you?

Discussion

1. What does it mean for someone to “make a difference?”What does that look like in real life?

2. Who do you know whom you would consider to be adifference maker? Why?

3. Why do you think some people start out with a small mindset? What factors do you seethat lead people to believe they can’t make a difference?

4. What do people who believe big have in common? What separates them from otherswho don’t? Are these qualities or skills that anyone can have?

5. John writes that his father’s life inspired him to want to make a difference. And hecredits his meeting with E. Stanley Jones for helping him believe he could make adifference. Did your upbringing inspire and encourage believe in yourself, or did itdiscourage and dissuade you from that belief? Explain.

6. What events have you experienced or actions have you taken that have helped you toincrease your belief in yourself and your ability to make a difference?

7. Think about some of the values or beliefs that are important in your life. If you had to pickthe one that is most important, which would it be and why?

8. What would you say is your greatest strength? How do you use that strength on a dailybasis in your professional life? In your personal life?

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But Believe Big

9. How could you align your greatest strength with your strongest belief to make a smalldifference in the life of another person? Explain.

10. What is currently your greatest obstacle to taking steps forward to do that? What canyou do in the next forty-eight hours to remove that obstacle?

Application

This week, your assignment is to remove the greatest obstacle you see to believing you can make a difference or getting started in a small way. Make the action you will take very specific, and be prepared to report back to the group what you did and how it helped you.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 4, “Search Until You Find Your Why,” on pages 77-102.

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But Believe Big

How to Start Small President Theodore Roosevelt once famously said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Those are great words to keep in mind when you’re wanting to start living with intentionality.

John shares four things that will help you start small but believe big:

Start Where You Are — Opportunity is always wherever you are, so be willing to give of yourself where and when you can. What opportunity do you currently see in your present circumstances and location?

Start With Your One Thing — Everyone has one thing they do better than anyone else — find your one thing and begin developing it. What is your one thing?

Start Watching Your Words — What we say to ourselves either encourages or discourages us, so commit to using positive words of encouragement with yourself. What will you tell yourself every day to encourage you to get started?

Start By Making Small Changes — Small changes in thought, reading, speech or habit — when put together over time — yield big results. What small change can you start making today to improve your ability to make a difference?

Which of these four areas needs your greatest attention and why? How will answering the question help you believe big and start small?

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Chapter Four Search Until You

Find Your Why

CHAPTER 4

Search Until You Find Your Why

Opening Question

What is your favorite commercial of all time and why? And if you can remember, what was the point of it?

Discussion

1. What organizations do you know of that serve agreat purpose? What do you observe about thoseorganizations?

2. John writes that he’s certain that every person has apurpose in life. Do you agree with him? Why or whynot?

3. In your opinion, is purpose in life something you do, or something that determineswhat you do? Explain.

4. Do you think it’s necessary to have a purpose for your life, or can a fulfilling life belived without one? Explain your answers.

5. In the chapter, John asks three questions to help you discover your why. The first is“What do you cry about?” What touches your heart and soul deeply? Take a momentto reflect on that question and share your answer.

6. The second question John asks is “What do you sing about?” Share with the groupsomething that you would do for free just because it brings you joy.

7. The final question is “What do you dream about?” What would you love to accomplishwith your life? Take a moment to think about your answer before sharing with thegroup.

8. How much do the things you cry about, sing about, and dream about influence howyou live your daily life? Are they aligned, or are they disconnected?

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Find Your Why

9. Think about your answers to those three questions, plus the strengths and beliefs youidentified in last week’s discussion. Today, if you were asked to put all those thingstogether to figure out your why, how would you describe it?

10. What could you do this week to begin moving the direction of your why as you currentlyunderstand it?

Application

Your assignment this week is to set aside a block of time and dig deeper into the discovery of your why. Think about the three questions: What do you cry about? What do you sing about? What do you dream about? Think, search for insights, and try to write out a statement that describes why you have been put on this earth. You do not have to come back next week with everything figured out. This is the first part of an ongoing process. Simply investing the time to write out and work through your thoughts on these questions will serve you well.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 5, “Put Other People First,” on pages 105-128.

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Find Your Why

Five Benefits to Finding Your Why Discovering your why is an intensive process. You have to ask and answer a lot of questions, and in the end you still have to figure out a way for your why to impact what you do. But there’s no more significant step for helping you live a life that truly matters.

John shares five benefits to finding your why:

Knowing Your Why Gives You Freedom — You have to find yourself in order to lose yourself. Understanding your why gives you freedom to serve other people and make a significant contribution to your world.

Living Out Your Why Gives You Confidence — our why creates security and comfort for you in everything you do. When you have confidence, other people take notice of you and want to figure out why you’re different.

Layering Your Why Gives You Momentum — There’s a deep connection between your strengths your why. The more you work out of your strengths in pursuit of your why, the more you increase both.

Consistently Living Your Why Gives You Impact — Living out your why on a daily basis creates a compounding effect for your reputation and results, giving you a greater impact on your world.

Knowing Your Why Gives You Longevity — Your why is your motivation to make every day count, no matter your age. It provides you with the necessary fuel to live until you die.

Which benefit appeals to you most — freedom, confidence, momentum, impact or longevity? Why?

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Chapter Five Put Other

People First

CHAPTER 5

Put Other People First

Opening Question

Who is the person in your life that you would stop everything to help? Why is that person so special to you?

Discussion

1. John Maxwell writes about his drive for success early inhis career. Why do you think people are so preoccupiedwith success and personal achievement?

2. How would you personally define success for your life?

3. Can you think of a time when you allowed your quest for success or your pursuit of agoal to hurt others? If so, describe what happened. Was it worth it? Why or why not?

4. In what ways do you find it difficult to put other people ahead of yourself?

5. During the times you have been successful in putting others first, what has been thekey? What can you do to duplicate that success?

6. How would you personally define significance for your life? How would it include andbenefit other people?

7. What role does getting to know people play in being able to put others first?

8. How much effort do you put into getting to know others? Explain.

9. In what ways can you use your skills, talents, or expertise to help people? How wouldthat connect to your definition of significance?

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People First

10. Who do you need to make a greater effort to put first in your life? Why? How can youbetter do that?

Application

Be strategic by intentionally putting at least one person ahead of yourself every day this week. The effort you take can be great or small. Just be sure not to announce that you’re doing it or ask anyone to acknowledge what you’ve done — especially the person you put first.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 6, “Add Value to Others from Your Sweet Spot,” on pages 129-155.

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People First

Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes One of the best ways to develop an “others first” mindset is to spend some time putting yourself in other people’s shoes. Unlike other exercises that have offered you benefits or principles to consider, this mini-lesson is going to ask you to think through a scenario and “walk a mile” in someone else’s shoes.

On page 121, John shares the story of couple that was dining at an understaffed restaurant. While other patrons grumbled about the slow service, the couple noticed that their waiter was serving every table by himself. Because of his massive workload, the waiter was apologetic — but he also kept a positive and upbeat attitude.

Let’s pause the story here and take a moment as a group and talk through the following questions:

• Whatdoyouthinkthewaiterwasfeeling?

• Whatdoyouthinkthewaiterwasthinking?

• Howwouldyouhaverespondedifyouwereinthewaiter’sshoes?

• Howwouldyouhaverespondedifyouwereinthecouple’sshoes?

If you remember the story, you know the couple, who had both worked as servers before, ended up leaving the waiter a $100 tip on a $66 bill because they understood and empathized with his predicament.

• Howdoyouthinkthecouple’sactionimpactedthewaiter?

• Howdoyouthinkthecouple’sactionchangedorimpactedthem?

When we pause for a moment and consider the world from someone else’s point of view, we begin developing an “others first” attitude.

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Chapter Six Add Value to Others

from Your Sweet Spot

CHAPTER 6

Add Value to Others from Your Sweet Spot

Opening Question

If you could have any ONE talent, skill or ability that you currently do not possess, what would it be and why?

Discussion

1. John Maxwell says that his focus while leading his firstchurch was to feel good about what he was accomplishingand to feel indispensable. Why was that wrong for him? Isdoing that always wrong?

2. John says a key to his change for the better waschanging from doing things for people to doing things with people. Why do you think thatmattered?

3. Who is the most talented person you’ve ever seen in action? It can be anyone — anathlete, a musician, an actor, a business person, or someone else. What did watchinghim or her make you think and feel?

4. What can you do that resonates so deeply in your soul that when you do it, you knowyour life is significant?

5. John identifies his greatest talents as communication and leadership. What do you thinkyour greatest talent is? Why? Is there another that comes in a close second?

6. How can you put that talent to use to add value to other people?

7. How have you primarily used your talent up to now? Like John, have you been using it tofeel personal accomplishment? Explain.

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8. What small but important shift can you make in your thinking and in your daily actionsthat will encourage you to place more emphasis on helping others than on promotingyourself?

9. How do you think it will make you feel to place a greater emphasis on adding value toothers using your best skills and talents?

10. Think about your different relationships: at home, at work, among friends. What personin your life right now would most benefit from you investing your talent with them? Howcan you make that happen?

Application

This week’s application is simple: block out 30 minutes of time so you can sit down and re- examine some of your answers to this week’s questions. Specifically identify your greatest skills and talents, and who in your world would benefit most from your investing those talents in Review your ideas for how you can make that happen, and then… take action.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 7, “Connect with Like-Minded People,” on pages 159- 183.

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Learning How You Can Add Value In this chapter, John asks three questions to help you think about how you can immediately begin adding value to people from your sweet spot. Look at the questions and take inventory of what you have to give.

What Have I Been Given? (Looking Backward) What accomplishments, resources, and experiences can you draw upon to add value to others? Often the greatest wisdom we possess comes as the result of positively dealing with loss or tragedy.

What Do I Have to Give? (Looking Inward) Every person has talents, skills, personality traits, and other characteristics that make up who they are. What are yours? Do you take them for granted, or do you value them? What can you draw upon to add value to others?

What Can I Do? (Looking Outward) There are people in your life who would greatly benefit from what you have to give. Are you aware of them? Are you being intentional about doing for them what you’re suited to do?

Can you think of someone you can add value to today based on your answer to these questions?

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Chapter Seven Connect with

Like-Minded People

CHAPTER 7

Connect with Like-Minded People

Opening Question

One of the biggest conventions in the U.S. is San Diego Comic- Con, a gathering of comic book, science fiction, fantasy, and video game enthusiasts. If you were to create a convention for people like you, what would you call it, and what kind of people would you hope to attract?

Discussion 1. Do you prefer to get things done working on your own, or

working with a team of people? Explain.

2. John Maxwell asserts that one is too small a numberto achieve greatness. If you prefer to work alone, how have you tried to deal with thatpreference, and have you been successful?

3. John writes about the importance of having the right people on the bus. Who do yourelate to more: The “driver” of the bus who is choosing the passengers, or the potentialpassenger who is looking for the right bus to board? Explain.

4. Do you think close family and friends automatically qualify as like-minded for you? Whyor why not?

5. How would you describe someone who is like-minded with you? What would they careabout and want to do?

6. Do you consider such people easy or difficult to find? Why?

7. Who do you already know that you would consider like-minded? Have you already triedto partner with them to do significant things? If so, what? If not, why not?

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Like-Minded People

8. John wrote about the “I Have a Dream” card he handed out to people around him. Howwould you go about sharing your dream or vision of significance with others?

9. Which do you think you need to do right now: recruit a team, or find a team alreadyheaded in the direction you want to go for realizing your dream of significance?

10. What obstacles do you see to taking that next step? How can you overcome thoseobstacles?

Application

Your goal this week is to take the next step in the connection process with others.

If you don’t readily connect with others and don’t have a strong network of acquaintances, then start reaching out to others. Just connect with three people this week. Get to know them.

If you readily connect with others and have a strong network of acquaintances, then begin to talking about your dream and asking others about theirs to find like- minded people.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 8, “Partner with Like-Valued People,” on pages 185 ‐210.

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Like-Minded People

The Connection Checklist John Maxwell is a master at connecting with people. In fact, if you’re familiar with him, you know he makes it look easy! But while John’s natural gift for connection is special, we can still learn from his approach.

The following checklist is comprised of nine questions to determine your readiness to connect with others. As the questions are read aloud, rate your preparedness on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being unprepared and 5 being completely prepared. The group will share answers at the end.

1. Are you looking for opportunities right now for making a difference?

2. Do you believe people are coming to you to help you make a difference?

3. Are you willing to make sacrifices in order to make a difference?

4. Are you prepared to move beyond your fear?

5. Are you challenging yourself to stretch to significance?

6. Is your attitude an asset to your dream?

7. Are you connecting with winners to achieve significance?

8. Are you committed to a path with great promise for you and others?

9. Are you ready to start inviting others to join you in living a life that matters?

In which area did you rate yourself the lowest? Why?

In which area did you rate yourself the highest? Why?

How prepared do you think you are to start connecting with others to make a difference? If you scored 36 or more, you’re doing pretty well. If less, you have work to do. Discuss what you could do to better prepare yourself to partner with others.

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Chapter Eight Partner with

Like-Valued People

CHAPTER 8

Partner with Like-Valued People

Opening Question

Image you’re stranded on a desert island. You have provisions and tools at your disposal, but to get off the island you will have to have someone help you. Who would you choose to have on the island with you? Why did you pick that person?

Discussion

1. Which team do you think is the greatest of all time, andwhy? What values did the team exhibit?

2. Do you think the values of the teams you admire transferto your industry or profession? Explain.

3. How do you go about trying to discover what other people’s values are? How successfulare you?

4. What values are most important for the fulfillment of your dream? Identify the top threeto five and why they are necessary.

5. How well do you embody those values? Where would you like to improve?

6. Who do you know that embodies those values? Have you made an attempt to partner withthem? If so, how? If not, why not?

7. The Law of Magnetism from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership says that whoyou are is who you attract. If that is true, what does that say about you? Does thatencourage you or discourage you?

8. Johns’ wife Margaret said, “God didn’t give you your gifts for you to please yourself.He gave them to you to help others.” What is your response to that? Do you believe itapplies to you?

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Like-Valued People

9. What would you try to accomplish if you had the right like-minded and like-valued peoplewith you on a team?

10. What are you willing to do to bring that team together?

Application

This week, pick one person from your family, one friend, and one co-worker, and ask them for 15 minutes of their time. When you meet with them, share that you’re learning about values and growth, and you desire their help. Then, ask them to tell you what they think are your top five values are based on your actions and how you spend your time. Write down what they say, and ask them to explain how they arrived at their conclusions. Listen to their responses, and do not argue or defend yourself if you do not like what you hear.

After you’ve met with them, compile their list and spend thirty minute to an hour thinking about what they had to say. Compare their list to the top 3-5 values you identified for yourself during today’s discussion. Analyze where the lists don’t line up and what you need to change to align your life with the values you desire to live.

Reading

Before the next mastermind meeting, please read Chapter 9, “Live with a Sense of Anticipation,” on pages 213-236.

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Like-Valued People

Finding the “Can- Do” Creative Spirit People who live with intentionality will always face challenges. The key to overcoming those challenges is partnering with people who can and will help you succeed — and there’s often a big difference between someone who can help you and someone who will help you. You want someone with the “can- do” spirit.

John helps us identify the four types of responses to “can- do” challenges:

• “ICan’t”People — These people are convinced they can’t, so they won’t and don’t.

• “IDon’tThinkICan”People — These people might be able to meet the challenge,but they talk themselves out of it, thus creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

• “CanI?”People — The people allow their doubts to control their actions, which canlead to failure.

• “HowCanI?”People — These people have already chosen to tackle the toughjobs. The only challenge they deal with is how they’re going to get the job done.

Which kind of person do you consider yourself? Why? What must you do to become a “How Can I” person?

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Chapter Nine Live with a

Sense of Anticipation

CHAPTER 9

Live with a Sense of Anticipation

Opening Question

What’s the greatest unexpected gift or opportunity you’ve ever received? How did you react when you received it?

Discussion

1. In your opinion, what is the connection between attitudeand opportunity? Do people have a positive attitudebecause they receive opportunities? Or do they receiveopportunities because they have a positive attitude?

2. How would you describe your mindset most days whenyou wake up?

• I’mexpectingtheworst.

• I’mjusthopingtomakeitthroughtheday.

• Ithinkonedayisprettymuchlikeanother—neithergoodnorbad.

• Ilovemyjobandcan’twaittogetstarted.

• I’mfocusedonaddingvaluetoothersandexpectopportunitiestotakeaction.Howdoyouthinkyourmindsetaffectsyourexpectations?

3. Ifyouwentintoeachdayexpectingtofindopportunities,wouldyouprepareforthedaydifferently,andapproachitdifferently?Ifso,how?

4. Johndescribesexperiencingaheartattack.Doyouthinkthereisanycorrelationbetweensurvivingatraumaticexperienceanddevelopingapositiveanticipationforopportunities?Explainyouranswer.

5. WhatisyourreactiontoJohn’sdescriptionofopportunityasaseriesofdoors,ratherthanasingledoor?Ifyouhaveexperiencedhowoneopportunityleadstoanother,describethat.

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6. WhichmindsetdescribedbyJohninthechapterbestdescribesyourthinking:abundance or scarcity? Why do you think you have the mindset you possess?

7. Whydoyouthinkmanypeoplestrugglewithhavinganabundancementality?Inwhatwaysdoyoustrugglewithit?

8. Whatwouldittakeforyoutochangeyourmindsettoembraceabundancemorewholeheartedly?Andwhatdoyouthinktheresultofthatwouldbe?

9. Inchapter2,Johnsaysthathegotupeverymorningforamonthandrepeatedtohimselffiftytimes,“Doitnow.”Whatdoyouthinkyouwouldneedtotellyourselfeverymorningsothatyoulivedyourlifewithasenseofanticipationformakingadifference?

10. Whatareyouwillingtodorightnowtodevelopanticipationinyourlife?

Application

Peoplewithascarcitymindsetoftenhoardwhattheyhavebecausetheyworrythatthere’snotenoughtogoaround.Oneofthebestwaystocombatthisthinkinganddevelopanabundancemindsetistobegenerous.Whenyourepeatedlygiveoutofanabundancemindset,youstarttoassumethatmorewillcomeyourway.

Thisweek’sassignmentistoengageinoneormoreactsofgenerosity.Youcangivemoney,time,opportunities,prizedpossessions—anythingofvalue.Justbesuretogivewithnoexpectationofreturn.

Reading

Beforethenextmastermindmeeting,pleasereadChapter10,“BeUrgentaboutSeizingSignificanceOpportunities,”andtheepilogue,“TellOthersYourStory,”onpages237-268.

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Four Benefits of a Sense of Anticipation Anticipationisthefruitofanabundancemindset—whenyoubelievethatgoodthingsareingreatsupply,youstartexpectingthoseopportunitiestoturnupanywhereyouare.Herearesomebenefitsofasenseofanticipation:

Anticipation Causes Us to Value Today—Expectinggoodthingstohappenonadailybasisprovidesawonderfulmotivationforgettingoutofbedandintoourday.

Anticipation Prompts Us to Prepare—Expectingthatyoucanandwillmakeadifferenceinsomeone’slifetodaymeansyougetyourselfreadytotakeaction.

Anticipation Helps Us Generate Good Ideas—Expectingsuccessandpositivesolutionsfreesyouupfromthefearoffailure,whichhelpsyouthinkcreatively.

Anticipation Prompts Us to Look for Ways to Help Others—Expectingthebestoutofeachdayencouragesyoutosharethatbestwithothersinneed.

Whichofthesefourbenefitswouldyousayyou’recurrentlyexperiencing,ifany?Howisthisbenefitimpactingyourlife?

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Chapter Ten Be Urgent About

Seizing Significance Opportunities

CHAPTER 10

Be Urgent About Seizing Significance Opportunities

Opening Question

If you had to pick a favorite action hero, who would it be and why?

Discussion

1. John Maxwell tells the story of wanting to go to Berlinwhile the Wall was coming down but not seizing theopportunity. What opportunity do you regret not seizing?

2. Is your natural bent to think before you act or to actbefore you think? Explain.

3. How has that natural bent helped you? How has it worked against you?

4. Do you believe people without a bias for action can change the world? Explain youranswer.

5. Do you think a bias for action is learned or something a person is born with? Why?

6. When presented with an opportunity, what (if anything) makes you pause? Why do youthink that is?

7. John described the risk of forming the John Maxwell Team. How do you assess riskwhen measuring an opportunity?

8. In what areas of your life do you feel most confident taking action? In what areas areyou less confident? Why do you think there are differences between those areas?

9. How must you change so that you seize more opportunities to help others in significantways? Are you willing to commit to making those changes?

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10. What specific significance opportunity has presented itself to you lately that you havenot taken advantage of? What action are you willing to take today to seize it and make adifference in someone’s life?

Application

Your final application exercise has two parts. The first is to seize a specific significance opportunity available to you currently. The second is to tell the story of what happened when you followed through. Or you can tell a different significance story you experienced while being part of this mastermind. Go to MyIntentionalLivingStory.com to record it.

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How to Tell Your Story We want to help you tell your story of significance. Begin by answering the five questions. Please write your answers in sentences. If you find writing difficult, ask a friend to help. If you can’t answer one or more of the questions, you may not yet be ready to tell your story. Or you may want to pick another story.

If you’re not sure how to get started telling your story, just answer each of the following questions in order, writing your answers in complete sentences. The result will be a story that is three or more paragraphs long.

Opening Paragraph

1. What is the need you saw, and how did you find out about it?

2. How did it make you feel when you learned about that need?

Middle Paragraph(s)

3. What actions did you take to help the person or people with the need?

Closing Paragraph

4. When was the moment you knew your actions made a positive difference inthe lives of others? Describe it.

5. How was what you did significant?

When you’re finished writing your story, go back and read through it, making any changes or edits desired to improve it. Then give your story a title.

chapter 1 your life can be a great story - amazon web...

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