If you want to live a directed, purposeful life, you’re in luck. In their new book, Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want, authors Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy outline a straightforward approach to enjoying and maximizing your life.

I had the privilege of contributing to the authors’ pre-launch effort. My entire remuneration was an advanced copy of the book along with some sweet bonuses you can claim if you order Living Forward by March 12, 2016.

The opportunity to exchange ideas with the pre-launch community and learn from the authors was invaluable. Helping them spread a message that will undoubtedly help millions was the true reward.

I won’t ruin the ending, but you can check out the Living Forward Website, video series, and blog posts as a primer of what to expect.

I would, however, like to share my opinion and quick lessons from some of my favorite quotes from the book.

As for my opinion, the book is nothing short of genius.

The genius isn’t in their observations or discoveries. As people read the book, those who are organized and directed will nod their heads up and down so much they’ll risk neck sprain.

The genius is in the authors’ abilities to strip life down to the most essential areas—areas we all seem to struggle to enjoy to the fullest.

The genius is in their abilities to outline a bulletproof, can’t-miss approach that when applied and followed virtually guarantees you live an enriched, fulfilled life.

As for my favorite quotes…

Barbra sang it best…

“When you are gone, the only truly important thing you will leave behind are the memories you’ve created.”

Your lineage is wonderful. The products or buildings you’ve built are nice too. But, others’ memories of you are your truest leave-behinds. I guess graffiti artist Banksy had it right when he remarked, “I mean, they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time.” How would you like people to think of you when they reminisce?

When you come to a fork in the road, take it…

“Unless we have a destination in mind, it’s tough to separate the opportunities from the distractions.”

Focusing solely on success is a sure way to become unsuccessful. If you focus on living for and according to your purpose, you’re more likely to be happy and fulfilled. You’ll also have clarity and a barometer to filter out the world’s excessive noise.

Where did I put my lemonade maker?

“What does this experience make possible?”

It’s a shame throughout school we’re rewarded for having the right answers. Life is much more about asking the right questions. And, this might be the very best question you can ask yourself at any given moment.

When you encounter a moment of frustration or hit a rough patch, are you inclined to think why me? What if your first thought was what does this experience make possible? This is the difference between living in the past and moving toward a better future.

As a last resort, remember you can never start something—anything—under any conditions other than those you have as you’re reading this. It’s a technical impossibility because you are where you are at any given moment. Put yourself in a frame of mind to make the best of it.

Were you talking to yourself?

“Self-leadership always precedes team leadership.”

Talk to yourself before you talk to anyone else. You’ll save yourself many embarrassing moments. And, remember, leaders build more leaders, not more followers. See 14 Steps to Develop a Winning Attitude.

I meant to do that yesterday…

“What we see ahead impacts actions we take right now.”

The world tends to judge people based on what they do rather than what they think. But, make no mistake; you are what you think in every respect. What you think about you bring about. This is especially true as it relates to the future you envision for yourself.

If you’re wondering whether you’ll live a happy, successful life, you don’t need to look further than your calendar of events for today. Was that schedule prepared so you’re taking steps to build the future you want?

Just say no…

“If you don’t figure out how to say no to good, you won’t get to say yes to great.”

Most of your problems aren’t due to misfortune. They exist because you said yes without thinking first. Take a peek at My Favorite 8 Ways to Politely Say “No.”

On keeping up with the Joneses…

“There is no point keeping up with the Joneses if they’re going someplace you don’t want to go.”

A good life motto is one size fits one. The alternative never worked nor ever will.

Make sure to order your copy now so you can claim those bonuses!

As always, I love to hear from you: What are your best techniques for living forward?

milewalk Store Free Stuff Banner