Thinking About Thinking

How Successful People Think examines different types of thinking and how to cultivate each one. Maxwell argues that what separates successful people isn't intelligence but how they think.

The Book

Maxwell identifies eleven types of thinking: big-picture, focused, creative, realistic, strategic, possibility, reflective, questioning, shared, unselfish, and bottom-line. Each chapter explores one type with examples and application suggestions.

What Works

Useful Framework

Categorizing different thinking modes helps readers identify their strengths and gaps.

Practical Questions

Each chapter includes questions to help apply the concepts to your own thinking patterns.

Quick Read

At 160 pages, it's accessible even for busy readers.

Good Examples

Maxwell illustrates each thinking type with real-world examples that clarify the concepts.

Challenges

Somewhat Generic

The advice, while sound, rarely goes beyond common sense dressed up in categories.

Overlap

Some thinking types feel redundant or too similar to justify separate chapters.

Light on Implementation

Knowing you should think strategically is easier than actually doing it. The "how" is often underdeveloped.

Final Thoughts

How Successful People Think offers a helpful framework for examining your thinking patterns, though it doesn't go deep enough to create real transformation. A solid introduction to the topic.

Rating: 3.0/5

Best for: Readers interested in mental frameworks and self-improvement basics