The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

This book is for anyone wanting a perspective into what should matter in there lives. The most important part is that the information is presented in a loving and caring manner.

Straight to the point

Title: The Principle of the Path: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to BeAuthors: Andy StanleyPublished by Thomas Nelson, 2008204 pages (includes a Study Guide)Where Do You Think You're Going?What grabs your attention? Are you going in the direction that will lead you to your desired destination? How are those questions connected?Most of us have some idea of what we want out of life, out of a job or a marriage, but most of us also find ourselves frustrated, because we never seem to get where we want to go. I wonder how many of us ever stop to ask ourselves if the direction we're heading is leading us to our stated goal. Usually, I think, we simply get frustrated, when we find ourselves someplace we didn't want to be, whether it's stuck in a job we hate or a marriage without mutual love and respect, or facing bankruptcy because we managed our money unwisely. Or didn't manage it, at all.Andy Stanley has identified--not created--a principle that is at work in all our lives, whether we recognize it, or not. It is neither a law nor a rule, both of which can be broken, although breaking them may have undesirable consequences. A principle is at work, whether we are aware of it, believe it, agree with it, fight it or leverage it for our benefit. It just is. And it applies to every area of our lives: job or career, marriage and other relationships, finances, academics, morality or spirituality; every area is either enhanced or degraded as a result of this principle and whether we apply it well or ignore it. And it has nothing to do with our goals, desires or intentions.As I read Stanley's explanations and examples, throughout the book, my mind repeatedly responded with, "Well, of course!" "That's so obvious!" It is all so simple, and yet I had never thought of any of it, myself, and never realized there was a principle at work.Even if you are sitting pretty, right where you want to be, or know that you are on the right path to get there, you will benefit by reading this book. And if you are like most people, frustrated because you can't ever seem to make any headway, heart-broken because of a broken marriage or relationship, going deeper and deeper into debt, or dissatisfied in any other area of your life, this book is a must-read. Every pastor, counselor and coach ought to read it, too. It is that good.

The Principle of the Path is a unique self-help book. While one would expect the usual self-help list of ways to get your life on track and as the subtitle says "to get from where you are to where you want to be." It isn't. There are no steps and no real process. Instead, Stanley lays out a Biblical principle to help any person regardless of whether their life in on track or not to determine if they are on the right path.The principle is simple.... "Attention determines direction. Direction determines destination." Stanley uses lots of scripture to show how God illustrates this principle throughout the Bible.After reading this book, I can see this principle throughout my own life and the lives of others. Stanley compares the Principle of the Path to the Principle of the Harvest as well as scientific principles that we all know to be true. He argues that whether we agree with the principle or not it rules our life, wherever we focus our attention that will determine our direction and thus the destination. He uses a lot of illustrations about driving which make a lot of sense but also make it difficult to explain to someone who hasn't read the entire two or three page story.Stanley uses lots of personal stories to illustrate his point. At times the stories seem to have very little to do with his point and one has to wade through a page or two before seeing the point of the story. His stories can also be a bit wordy.While the points and philosophy of the book make lots of sense, it takes Stanly two chapters to get to the actual principle of the path. One has to be willing to hang in there before actually learning anything. I would prefer that he get to the point and explain the principle up front in the first chapter then launch into why we need to heed the principle.I give this book 4-stars for the principle and the use of scripture, but I give it 3-stars for writing and staying on task. Reading this book is like listening to a genius with ADD. He has brilliant points but it is hard to follow the seemingly random chain of thoughts.

Andy Stanley has a gift of opening our mind’s eye and allowing us to open our hearts in response. The book is an excellent tapestry of perplexity and self examination. It allows us to look inward without regret, that would derail our destination. What has been in our life does not go away, but we can certainly learn from our experiences.

Reading this book has reignited something in me. I was starting to loose sight of that torch light that led to my destination due to all the competing lights such as a career job, finding a good woman to settle down with, even ministry. I still want to build my dream future with God at the head of it, and the last chapter really gave me a lot to think about. I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who feels they have a direction.

Some worthy insights into life management. Got put off with the religious sections in it that I never expected as I never reviewed the book prior to reading. Worthwhile.

I love this book. The condition of the book was not what I would have hoped. It had a stick residue all over it.

Ideal book for anyone wanting to follow the right paths according to the truths in the Bible. And the personal examples in Andy's own life of ups and downs are also a great encouragement.

highly recommend