Book Review - Everyday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey and David K. Hatch
Category Book Review
Everyday Greatness: Inspiration for a Meaningful Life by Stephen R. Covey and David K. Hatch is one of those books meant to be read in small doses so that the concepts can sink in. You may not find all the sections as applicable as others, but no one is together enough to not benefit from *some* part of it...
Contents:
Searching for Meaning: Contribution; Charity; Attention
Taking Charge: Responsibility; Courage; Discipline
Starting Within: Integrity; Humility; Gratitude
Creating the Dream: Vision; Innovation; Quality
Teaming with Others: Respect; Empathy; Unity
Overcoming Adversity: Adaptability; Magnanimity; Perseverance
Blending the Pieces: Balance; Simplicity; Renewal
Afterword; Acknowledgments; Notes
Even though the book has Covey's name on it, the material isn't written by him. The bulk of the material consists of compiled stories and quotes from existing sources and historical figures. Covey adds commentary to each section and chapter in order to tie them all together into a cohesive theme. Each chapter has around three stories that illustrate the particular trait being covered. There is then a Wrap Up and Reflections section that summarizes the stories and theme, as well as questions to ask yourself in order to more deeply examine how that trait would manifest in your life. Finally, the chapter concludes with a number of quotes that stick with the theme but show slightly different facets of it. All in all, there's a lot of inspiration to be had here...
For as good as this book is, I didn't find myself putting it at the top of my priority list to read. I've had it checked out from the library for quite awhile, but there always seemed to be another book that I'd pick up over this one, rather than come back to Everyday Greatness. I'm still not quite sure why I felt that way, but it is what it is. Regardless, I did find a number of valuable insights, and if I owned the book I'd likely revisit it a number of times.
Everyday Greatness: Inspiration for a Meaningful Life by Stephen R. Covey and David K. Hatch is one of those books meant to be read in small doses so that the concepts can sink in. You may not find all the sections as applicable as others, but no one is together enough to not benefit from *some* part of it...
Contents:
Searching for Meaning: Contribution; Charity; Attention
Taking Charge: Responsibility; Courage; Discipline
Starting Within: Integrity; Humility; Gratitude
Creating the Dream: Vision; Innovation; Quality
Teaming with Others: Respect; Empathy; Unity
Overcoming Adversity: Adaptability; Magnanimity; Perseverance
Blending the Pieces: Balance; Simplicity; Renewal
Afterword; Acknowledgments; Notes
Even though the book has Covey's name on it, the material isn't written by him. The bulk of the material consists of compiled stories and quotes from existing sources and historical figures. Covey adds commentary to each section and chapter in order to tie them all together into a cohesive theme. Each chapter has around three stories that illustrate the particular trait being covered. There is then a Wrap Up and Reflections section that summarizes the stories and theme, as well as questions to ask yourself in order to more deeply examine how that trait would manifest in your life. Finally, the chapter concludes with a number of quotes that stick with the theme but show slightly different facets of it. All in all, there's a lot of inspiration to be had here...
For as good as this book is, I didn't find myself putting it at the top of my priority list to read. I've had it checked out from the library for quite awhile, but there always seemed to be another book that I'd pick up over this one, rather than come back to Everyday Greatness. I'm still not quite sure why I felt that way, but it is what it is. Regardless, I did find a number of valuable insights, and if I owned the book I'd likely revisit it a number of times.
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