Beyond Talent By John C. Maxwell

“New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell shows that talent is just the starting point for a successful impact in any organization. It's what takes you beyond your talent that matters.”

In John Maxwell’s book “Beyond Talent”, Maxwell suggests that talent is simply the starting point, not the final destination, and offers suggestions on how we can move beyond our talents. Maxwell's style is to use stories of people and let them illustrate how we can grow beyond our talents.

The major themes of the book include:
Belief lifts your talent.
Initiative activates your talent.
Focus directs your talent.
Preparation positions your talent.
Practice sharpens your talent.
Perseverance sustains your talent.
Character protects your talent. . . . and more!

Maxwell wants to remind us that it is our choices that make all the difference, not the talent that we start with.

I’ve always loved reading leadership books, but this one was a bit disappointing. I felt it was very shallow and just skimmed the top of the subject matter. Maxwell also tends to use a lot of sports anecdotes and analogies. I’m not at all a sports fan, so this really turned me off. I look forward to reading another one of Maxwell’s books, but I wouldn’t recommend this specific one.

Stick with me!

I've read at least four more books but just don't have the energy to write them up yet. They are coming soon! I promise! Hang with me!

8/100: The Help By Karen Stockett

This is my new favorite book. The story is just incredible - funny, exciting, moving. I got the audio version from the library and I would HIGHLY recommend listening to it. They did an excellent job casting the voices and it really told the story.  I can't wait to purchase the book and read it.

7/100: Evermore by Alyson Noel

I was told by the staff at Barnes and Noble that this was the new "Twilight" and so I picked it up for my sister-in-law for Christmas. Once she was finished she passed it on to me (what a great gift! I get to borrow it!). I really enjoyed most of it. Ever (that's her name - Ever. Her friend's name is Haven. Almost too cutesy, but it works), the main character, is a MUCH better character to get attached to than the whiny, swooning Bella. I like her back story and thought she was really interesting. HOWEVER, there seemed to be a lot of holes in the story. Maybe that's because it's a series? Who knows. Well, I will, because I plan on reading the series! Not earth shattering, but definitely a good book.

6/100: In Praise of Stay At Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger

I really have never cared for Dr. Laura, but this book grabbed my attention for obvious reasons. It was interesting, easy to read, and gave me the reassurance I needed to know I am doing the right thing for my family. I borrowed this from the library, but I plan on purchasing it to read again and again.

5/100 : Friends Forever By Jennifer Weiner

I really enjoyed Jennifer's first three books, Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, and Little Earthquakes, but I couldn't manage to finish her books after that. When I noticed Friends Forever in the library, I had to give her another chance. I really liked this book. It had an interesting story line, I could relate to the main character and it kept me wanting to find out what happened next. The ending left something to be desired (I won't ruin it in case anyone decides to read it. I'll just say someone should have apologized and never did...) but overall I enjoyed it!

4/100: A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

I had mixed emotions after finishing this book. It both inspired me and made me uncomfortable.

What I Liked About This Book:
- I really liked how Elizabeth went into detail numerous times about priorities. As a mom with very small kids, they seem to always be first. Jeff has even said to me before that he feels like he has to compete with them for my attention sometimes. While reading this book, I've tried to make a conscious effort to put my husband first. Which brings me to...

What Made me Uncomfortable about this book:
One phrase - 'submit to your husband'. AACK! The idea of submission previously brought to mind timid women who jumped at every command their overbearing husband barked at them. I don't think so! That would NOT be me! BUT Mrs. George made some terrific points on this subject and I'm beginning to understand the true meaning of 'submit to your husband'. (And thankfully I have a good man who would never bark orders at me anyway!)

What I Liked About This Book:
Her focus on prayer and it's importance.

What Made Me Uncomfortable:
The STRUCTURE she seemed to emphasize went along with prayer. When you pray you should have your Bible, a journal, 3X5 notecards, a highlighter, a pen, a quiet place where you won't be interruped...when you pray you should have a list of people you pray for including a chart on how often you'll pray for them (daily? weekly?) and which scriptures you will be praying for them....huh?!?! While reading some of this I wanted to yell, "Lady! I can't even go to the bathroom uninterrupted! How am I suppose to have this whole routine down each day?" So I decided my prayer life will be a little more flexible. I do have my Bible, my journal, a pen and a highlighter with me when I (try to) sit down once a day. Instead of prayer charts, I just shoot a small prayer up whenever I think of someone.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and think it will be one I read and re-read for quite some time. I'm also looking forward to her other books to see what else I can learn.