The Difference Maker Book Report

In The Difference Maker by John Maxwell, he informs the reader why it is important to have a great attitude. Although having a positive attitude is important, attitude alone will not replace the experience or skill someone has. Maxwell believes attitude is an asset in people’s life because attitude can determine how people interact with others on a daily basis. Since a person’s attitude can influence their future, Maxwell describes five major obstacles people encounter due to their attitude. The “Big Five Attitude” Maxwell discuss throughout the book includes discouragement, change, problems, fear, and failure. In order to overcome these obstacles, Maxwell believes there are certain challenges people must face and accept. For instance, to overcome discouragement one must think of discouragement as temporary. The “Big Five Attitude” can all be solved, but it is up to people to have a positive mind set when they encounter these obstacles in life. In the Difference Maker, John Maxwell changed my perspective on how to look at problems and how to use some of his theories as a future educator in the classroom.
When I faced with problems, I would panic over the situation because I did not know what to do at the moment. After reading the Difference Maker, it made me realize I should look at my problems as an obstacle that can be solved. Not only should I solve the problem, but I should “embrace the problem as a potential opportunity” (Page 113). My perspective on the problems I encounter can also decide if I will receive a blessing depending on the way I solve the problem. Maxwell uses problems to make an acronym which states, “Predictors, Reminders, Opportunities, Blessings, Lessons, Everywhere, Messages, and Solvable” (Page 109). He uses these words to make a problem positive while most people may view them as being