Why does modern life revolve around objectives? From how science is funded, to improving how children are educated -- and nearly everything in-between -- our society has become obsessed with a seductive illusion: that greatness results from doggedly measuring improvement in the relentless pursuit of an ambitious goal. In Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, Stanley and Lehman begin with a surprising scientific discovery in artificial intelligence that leads ultimately to the conclusion that the objective obsession has gone too far. They make the case that great achievement can't be bottled up into mechanical metrics; that innovation is not driven by narrowly focused heroic effort; and that we would be wiser (and the outcomes better) if instead we whole-heartedly embraced serendipitous discovery and playful creativity. Controversial at its heart, yet refreshingly provocative, this book challenges readers to consider life without a destination and discovery without a compass.

Why does modern life revolve around objectives? From how science is funded, to improving how children are educated -- and nearly everything in-between -- our society has become obsessed with a seductive illusion: that greatness results from doggedly measuring improvement in the relentless pursuit of an ambitious goal. In Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, Stanley and Lehman begin with a surprising scientific discovery in artificial intelligence that leads ultimately to the conclusion that the objective obsession has gone too far. They make the case that great achievement can't be bottled up into mechanical metrics; that innovation is not driven by narrowly focused heroic effort; and that we would be wiser (and the outcomes better) if instead we whole-heartedly embraced serendipitous discovery and playful creativity. Controversial at its heart, yet refreshingly provocative, this book challenges readers to consider life without a destination and discovery without a compass.

As a minister, counselor, and teacher, Mary Manin Morrissey has inspired tens of thousands of people to reach higher in life than they ever believed possible. Her message is revolutionary: God has designed each one of us for greatness. And her warmth, candor, and conviction bring this message alive in the heart and mind of everyone who hears her. As children we instinctively know that we are destined to live great lives. As adults we recognize that our true greatness is expressed in our relationships: in deep, fulfilling partnership, vibrant marriage, abiding closeness with children, parents, and friends. Yet fostering such bonds--even with those we cherish most--can be one of the greatest challenges we will ever face. In No Less Than Greatness Mary affirms that love is our birthright--and learning to love well is life’s greatest lesson. She shows that we are not alone in our search. When we learn to ask for and listen to divine guidance, we access a different kind of wisdom, a new kind of hope. Beginning with her own surprising story, Mary shows how ordinary, struggling, or even estranged relationships are a curriculum for learning love, and how our relationships--and we ourselves--can be transformed. Within these pages Mary provides a step-by-step guide to the spiritual principles that bring love into our lives. Her powerful affirmations, meditations, and exercises are designed to help you: • reveal your true self — your most precious gift to others • consciously design the relationships you most want • open yourself to partnering with God • discover the power of unreasonable giving • achieve intimacy by speaking from your heart • heal the hurt in difficult relationships • awaken your love through simple daily acts Let Mary Manin Morrissey show you that you already have what it takes to create what you desire most--and how, with God’s help, even imperfect relationships can lead to perfect love. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Simply put, most entrepreneurial start-ups fail. Those fortunate enough to succeed then face a second, major challenge: how to grow. This book focuses on the key questions an entrepreneur must answer in order to grow a business. Based on extensive research of more than fifty successful growth companies, Grow to Greatness discusses the top ten growth challenges and how to overcome them. Author Edward D. Hess dispels the myth that businesses must grow or die. Growth can create value. But, too much growth too fast outstrips effective processes, controls, or management capacity. Viewing growth as "recurring change," Grow to Greatness lays out a framework for how to approach business development—and how to manage its risks and pace. The book then takes readers through chapters that explore whether the time is right to grow, how to do it, and how to manage the vital reality that growth requires the right leadership, culture, and people. Uniquely, this book aims to prepare readers for the day-to-day reality of growth, offering up the lived experiences of eleven entrepreneurs. Six workshops to assess where readers stand now and a suite of templates that will prove to be useful over time help bring the book's teachings to life. After reading this book, entrepreneurs will have a real understanding of their readiness to grow and place in the growth cycle, as well as a concrete action plan for where to take their businesses next. Many books address how to start a business, but this is a unique, go-to resource for readers who want to learn how to thrive beyond the start-up phase.

Fortune magazine editor Geoff Colvin offers new evidence that top performers in any field are not determined by their inborn talents. Greatness, he argues, does not come from DNA but from practice and perseverance honed over decades. The key to this is how successful people practice, how the results of practice are analysed and how they learn from their mistakes. This new mindset will change the way reader's think about their jobs and careers, and will inspire them to achieve more in all they do.

In Purpose, world-renowned thought leader Nikos Mourkogiannis turns the entire idea of leadership on its head and shows that the choice between values and success is no choice at all. Mourkogiannis argues that companies must satisfy the need for purpose--a set of values that defines an organization and inspires and motivates its employees. Rather than organization and structure, ideas are what cause companies to go from good to great. Drawing on examples from across multiple industries, Mourkogiannis demonstrates how a strong purpose is the essential first step toward lasting success.

Todd Durkin is the most sought-after personal trainer in sports, and if you don't know his name, you've definitely seen his work. He is the man who helped world-class athletes such as quarterback Drew Brees win a Super Bowl MVP, pitcher Cole Hamels win a World Series MVP, and professional snowboarder Shaun White win two Olympic gold medals. He is known throughout sports as the one trainer who can use any person’s unique raw materials to transform them into—quite literally—the best they can be. Now Durkin has tailored his elite training program for anyone looking to transform their bodies. Based on groundbreaking "muscle matrix" research, Durkin’s program is designed to adapt to your body to help you shed flab, build strength and flexibility, and enhance your athletic performance.