“Today Matters” by John C. Maxwell is a book that emphasizes the significance of daily decisions. Maxwell, American author and orator, argues that while we often focus on long-term goals or future plans, the small, daily actions shape our lives. By breaking down success into 12 crucial decisions we should make daily, the book is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to wait for a distant tomorrow to make changes – we can start today.
Key Message: Success is Found in Your Daily Habits
Maxwell shares that success doesn’t come from occasional big wins, but from consistent, intentional daily actions. Think about it: Are you setting the foundation for your future today?
“The only adequate preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today. You may have a million reasons not to get started now. In a month, a year, or five years from now, you may have only one regret – that you didn’t start now. Decisions help us start” – John C. Maxwell.
He asks: What are you doing with your 24 hours?
Most of us set goals but forget that it’s our daily habits, not our desires, that dictate whether we achieve them. Maxwell uses the example of professional athletes. People admire the championships but often overlook the discipline in their daily training routines that got them there. This directly correlates to our lives – our relationships, careers, health, and overall happiness are shaped by our daily actions.
“Who we are today is the result of choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow, we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose change” – John C.Maxwell.
The 12 Daily Decisions
Maxwell introduces 12 areas that demand daily focus, each designed to build consistency and discipline. These include:
- Attitude: How you face the day. Think of it like preparing for a race – your mindset shapes your performance. Imagine waking up every morning, choosing to be grateful, no matter the challenges you anticipate.
- Priorities: How you invest your time. Maxwell suggests daily evaluations of our priorities. When was the last time you considered whether your activities today align with your values and long-term goals?
- Health: How you treat your body. He stresses the importance of taking care of your health today, so your future self will thank you. Small steps like drinking more water, walking, or meditation can add up over time.
- Family: How you nurture relationships. The family often gets sidelined by the demands of work, but Maxwell reminds us that a healthy family requires consistent love and attention.
- Thinking: What you feed your mind. Maxwell encourages readers to adopt a habit of reflective thinking every day. What thoughts are dominating your mind today? Are they building you up or bringing you down?
- Commitment: Are you following through on promises? It’s easy to make commitments when things are going well, but what about on tough days? Maxwell’s message is clear: commitment isn’t about feelings; it’s about action.
The remaining six include Finances, Faith, Relationships, Generosity, Values, and Growth. Each chapter provides real-world examples of individuals who have mastered these daily practices and how it has transformed their lives.
Interactive Reflection:
- What is one habit you know you need to change today?
- What small action can you take right now to improve one of Maxwell’s 12 areas?
Maxwell insists that the greatest challenge isn’t knowing what to do, but doing it every day. Think about your life as a garden: If you plant the seeds of good habits today and water them daily, you’ll reap a rich harvest. However, if you neglect today, weeds of procrastination and regret will take root.
One of the most powerful examples Maxwell shares is that of personal growth. He highlights how leaders and successful individuals focus on learning something new each day. Whether reading for 30 minutes, listening to a podcast, or taking time to reflect, small daily growth compounds into massive success over time.
Imagine starting a new hobby. The first day might feel awkward, but if you show up every day – even for a few minutes – you’ll notice improvement. This could be in coding, writing, exercising, or any skill you’re developing. Over a year, those minutes add up.
Maxwell writes, “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”
Inspiration for Today
What resonates most with me is that Maxwell doesn’t just preach lofty ideas. He reminds us that the power to change our lives lies within each day. You don’t need to wait for a new year or a major life event to start changing.
Let’s get personal: What’s one small thing you can commit to today that, if done consistently, would change your life? Maybe it’s reading a chapter from a book, going for a walk, or reaching out to a loved one.
“Today is the only day that matters. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come” – John C. Maxwell
The magic happens in the mundane. Maxwell’s book reminds us that today matters more than we realize. You have the power to turn every day into a stepping stone for greatness.
So, what will you do with today?
Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, CEO/ Lead Consultant, Eugene + George Consulting Limited (www.eugenegeorgeconsulting.com)
