Insightful ~ Forward Thinking -  Well Written
921762
Mr. McLaughlin has written a very insightful real estate book that I would highly recommend!  A definite must-read for anyone who is considered investing in real estate.
1535874
This book provided unexpected insights. The first section starts you on the path to analyze and make personalized, informed decisions,  I was interested in the portion regarding balancing retirement with work.  I recently made a decision to retire based on what felt right:  leaving an unsatisfactory workplace, a plan for decent income and a long list of to-do projects that had backed up over almost a 15-year period (I believe there may be a few of us who retired on this thinking).  The to-do projects hummed along, yet there was something missing and I wondered if I had made a mistake.  Via well-selected resources, I pinned down my strengths (not many surprises) and my major weakness (huge surprise)!  I discovered the reason why my last job felt so wrong - a good skills match but discordant values match.  I realized accomplishing is not the same as accomplishing with purpose.  With tools in hand to find a good match of skills/strengths and values, I am in the process of making informed additions to my life, rather than thinking I should completely change everything.  Thank you very much to the author for a book of actual, practical tools that enable self-motivation.
3132770
This is an excellent book that is thought-provoking, insightful and extremely well written.  It is also uplifting and inspirational at the same time.  While many of his essays resonated and reinforced my life experiences and family values, there were some that were truly 'foot for thought'.  In this day and edge of materialism and turmoil, it was refreshing give some thought of those behaviors and ideals that do really matter in life.  I would highly recommend "Pushing the Edge" as it is a wonderful read.
2191390
This book was well-written and timely.  I try not develop any preconceived notions about books before reading as I prefer to enter the world of a book completely unprepared and open-minded to my journey.  After reading this book, I was certainly not disappointed.

It reads as a "how to" for military officers who may have the notion that they have "arrived" after being commissioned and can just float through their careers on autopilot.  It gives practical advice that should be put in the hands of all professional military men and women, not just officers.  I especially  appreciated the historical background and foundation offered to readers. This allows one to understand their history, feel a sense of pride from whence they come, and helps to shape the future.

All the important factors of a well-rounded and informed life from career documentation, to the importance of the church, to the importance of family, military and academic training, and to the importance of social graces, etc... are presented to reader in an easy to follow format.  Striving for Perfection offers colorful anecdotes, valuable resources, salient advice and motivation to reach higher.

Well-Done!

Rhondra O. Willis, Ph. D.
Author of Changing the Game: What You are Doing Doesn't Work Anymore
1436417
It's wonderful to see fresh, analytical thinking in an area that really, really needs it. Well written and insightful. I feel smarter already
3535467
This year has been a transitional one for me and my family, so I found myself really looking forward to reading this book.  I think there are things in life that we kind of know, but then another voice articulates it in such a way that it really connects.  There were several of those moments for me in this book.

The premise isn't earth shattering, but Andy Stanley explores the difference between laws and principles and unpacks thoughts surrounding his thesis: "Direction - Not Intention - Determines Your Destination."  Shifting our thinking about why and how we end up wherever we are in life can help us chart a better course, or path.  The author contends that all of life is connected...every decision, choice, impulse, whatever...and that Todays Choices = Tomorrows Experiences.  He brings the discussion to a close by suggesting that what we pay attention to, where we place our focus, will ultimately determine our destination.

There are quite a few personal anecdotes and stories from scripture used to make his case.  I never felt like I was being condemned for bad choices, everyone has made plenty.  I was encouraged to consider the weight of even seemingly inconsequential moments in life and how they can have dramatic outcomes later on.  We're all on a path to somewhere and we can influence our destination through being intentional.  I also thought it was very cool that the author was honest enough to recognize that some dreams may never be reached because of old decisions.  I appreciated the fact that he took some time to help readers digest that and suggest some ways to deal with discouragement and chart a new path to finish well.

There is a study guide at the end of the book that you can go through alone or in a group setting.  After reading this book there is plenty of room for self-evaluation.  You'll probably want to reconsider your own direction a bit and this study guide can serve as a helpful resource.

Overall the book is a relatively easy read and was definitely thought provoking for me.  I will be keeping this one and probably referencing it in my personal life from time to time.

Publisher's Info:

Your Direction, not Your Intention, Determines Your Destination. There is often a tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there. We fail to see that having good intentions is never good enough. Like Charlie Brown, we wrongly believe there's something to be said for trying hard. We need to understand why, in spite of our good intentions, we may have ended up at the wrong destination with our finances, our marriages, our careers, or a host of other dreams. So how do we get from where we are to where we truly want to be? The Principle of the Path is a road map to proper direction and discipline.

*I was given this book to review by booksneeze.com. The opinions in this review are mine alone and are not the opinions of the publisher.
3284650
Andy, through his unique story-telling style of writing, has provided a literary compass to either confirm or deconstruct "that idea that you have" for the "really big thing" that has been consuming  your thoughts.  For those on the other end of the spectrum, those that are  clueless about what they are really supposed to doing with their lives, he  offers insight as to how to begin to address this issue.  Thought-provoking, yet funny, readers will finish the book not only with a  greater appreciation of Nehemiah's management challenge, but a practical  roadmap of how to address the bigger issues in their own lives.
READ THIS  BOOK - AND THEN GIVE IT TO A FRIEND
3137819
Reading Naisbitt's "Mind Set" reminded me of Peter Drucker's observation that only a fool predicts the future, but it is profitable to understand current events and project them into a forseeable future. He also noted that The best way to predict the future is to create it. Naisbitt focus is slightly different noting that most change is not on what we do, but on how we do it.  The more we are able to differentiate between constants and change the better we will be able to create the future we aspire to.
This is an excellent book, Naisbitt expresses himself with clarity, logic, and excellent insights; which are as relevant now as they were when he wrote the book, circa 2006. The two insights that interested me the most was his observation that as more Americans become less informed, active, and independent minded, we risk loosing our innovativness and productivity, something we cannot afford. The second and in my mind the most important one, is his observation that we -- as a society and individually -- do not get results by "solving problems, but by exploiting opportunities." A book that is well worth a careful read.
3314614
Great and insightful look I to the Authors life, development and insight. Excellent source for having a better understanding of understanding your intuition and empathy. Helpful to those who want to understand those on a path of self-discovery. Extremely useful for a neophyte to find helpful advise on feeling your way through an extremely difficult and "taboo" topic. Buying this for a few Gifted friends to benefit from the gentle reminders and guidance. Great job Ms. Andres!  Thank you for writing this book. I look forward to reading more.
3735382
I found Technical Minds to be insightful from both a practical perspective as well as an abstract (principled) view. I'm pretty early in my own technical leadership career with just a few years under my belt, but the content of the text makes it pretty clear to me the author has had his fair share of living technical leadership AND mentoring those less experienced. The text is well-written with a nice cadence of guiding principle, grounded example, and instructive connection.

Having myself taught and advised many students while at MIT, I very much appreciate and seek out people with both accrued knowledge and the ability to impart that knowledge. In Technical Minds, the author demonstrates he has not only the knowledge and ability but also genuine passion conceivably requisite for a truly effective mentor to any less-experienced technical leader.

While the content of the chapters provided plenty of substance for me, the additional questions and answers sections added to the updated edition did not have the same lasting impact (for me). That being said, I do recognize and appreciate the motivation, namely a continued effort to facilitate the reader internalize the underlying message of the chapters.

Bottom-line: the experiences and principles conveyed in Technical Minds undoubtedly come from a veteran of technical leadership who paid attention over the years watching what actions, mindsets, and principles produced relatively good and relatively poor outcomes (and, more importantly, thought through the "why"). The tenets of sound technical leadership depicted in Technical Minds provide clear targets of what appear to be (essentially) axiomatic behavior and thinking towards which a developing technical leader should strive.

Again, I'm still early in my technical leadership career, but the sound guidelines Nazarian lays out net him my confidence. Thank you for setting the bar while sharing your passion!
4521428
A timely, well written, insightful book that we should all read and take to heart.  Each chapter Includes good suggestions for applying the insights and lessons.
3040971
A well-written, quick read, told from a thought-provoking perspective.
4074019
Insightful, pragmatic, optimistic, intelligent, and a very quick read. Although this was written some time ago, it's language, insights and concise manner in which written, makes it a delight to read. And who knows, it may even help me make a better person out of me too!
2925500
I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the insights. Contemplated the importance of the new things I learned and thought about in greater depth.
20581
Well written with insights into attitudes and beliefs that can move a person away from self limitations, and towards better performance, less anxiety, and more joy in whatever you attempt. Dorfman was quite a guy. Went through all topics with 2 sons, who both went on to pitch in college. Insights definitely not limited to pitching.
4255789
This is a well-written book, containing numerous useful reflections for Christian educators at all levels, although the lessons best fit higher education. Lawson's pedagogical insights are insightful and refreshing. Although the content is somewhat scattered, the food-for-thought within is highly beneficial for those who are giving their teaching serious thought. As a young professor, this book was a stimulating read, filled with helpful ideas and many practical examples. I highly recommend this book.
686553
This author presents an excellent, thought-provoking  perspective to decision-making in regards to personal development and spiritual growth. I recommend getting both the text and audio. There are a lot of pages to read and it served me well to go back over sections time and time again.