Finish Strong

Rating:
Summary: Finish Strong Could Have Finished a Little Stronger
Review: Drawing from his experiences as a newspaper publisher and as the Ambassador to Spain, the author has penned out a slightly better than average book about values. The basis of the book revolves around his 200 or so responses to a survey he sent out to numerous friends and acquaintances. The questions were...

"What three accomplishmets do you consider to be the most important in your life?"

"If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what two or three values would you want to be remembered for?"

"Who have been your mentors, and what did they teach you?"

"Name an unsung hero whose values you admire."

The direct quotes from survey respondees are located throughout the book as side pieces called "On the Record". "On the Record" quotes include those made by Gerald Ford, Barabara Bush, Dan Quayle, Don Shula, Ann Landers, and numerous other political and business leaders.

The values that are discussed chapter by chapter include... meaning, authenticity, character, sef-esteem, excellence, trustworthiness, humility, perseverance, optimism, self-renewal, agelessness, compassion, commitment, family, community and faith.
I especially enjoyed the chapters on Perseverance, Excellence and Optimism... finding all three to be very uplifting.

Chapter 8, Perseverance is wonderfully subtitled, "Quit is a Four-Letter Word". This chapter discusses the things that push you on like... respect for the obstacles, encouragement, seeing the big picture, inspiration, enthusiasm and your higher power.

Chapter 9, Optimism, ends with a wonderful checklist that you can use to help inspire you towards a more positive outlook on life. It also talks about developing a passion for life and keeping your thoughts, words, actions, habits and values positive... as they become your destiny.

Chapter 5, Excellence, starts with a wonderful quote by General Daniel "Chappie" James, USAF..."The power of excellence is overwhelming. It is always in demand and nobody cares aboout it's color." It ends with the author's statement, "Set your sights high, then reach just a bit further. Make this "reach" your attitude toward life."

Although I have seen this book marketed as a "Christian" book, I would not classify it as such. The author is in fact a devoted Christian and he makes that known in the book, but Christianity is not the emphasis of this book. Any person, regardless of religious faith, would find this book worthwhile if they are interested in developing their character and values. Because of that, I would classify it as a self-help book, rather than Christian.

The only reason I did not rate this book higher is that I had read nearly all of it's principles before in other motivational books. There was no "defining" moments of insight where I truly felt something unique was being presented. For that reason, I felt the book was not as strong as it could have been.

All in all, it is worth taking the time to read, as it reminds you that in any life, no matter how well lived, there is room for improvemnet.

Rating:
Summary: Finish Strong is inspiration for all of us.
Review: Strong leaders from all walks of life answered Ambassador Richard Capen's questios about what they would like to be remembered for after their lives are through. It brings home the fact that people who do great things in this world don't walk through it alone...and don't want to.

Military and political leaders, neighborhood activists and heads of industry discuss values, mentors, life learnings, and what is most important to them. Family, Faith, and Commitment are the primary topics, along with precious personal glimpses of often public lives.

Ambassador Capen shares many insights from his own life and family, in a warm, conversational style. This book is an inspirational read, and a great gift!