The Book Report - May 2009
by Rolf Crocker 

Put Your Dream To The Test by John C. Maxwell (©2009, Thomas Nelson)

Otis Redding sang "I've Got Dreams to Remember" (Atco 6612).  If you know the song, you know that his 'dream' didn't turn out so well. We all have dreams - it could be about the next level in our career.  It could be about retirement.  It could be about both by winning the lottery.  Some dreams have stuck with us since childhood, while others have been inspired by a person, a book or an event.  Don't you wish there was a way to 'validate' your dream?  To see if could stand up under scrutiny and perhaps have a chance of actually coming true?  If so, have I got a book for you!

Put Your Dream To The Test John C. Maxwell (©2009, Thomas Nelson).  In his latest book, John Maxwell tackles the subject of how to test your dream and see what its chances for fulfillment really are.  As we talked about above, many of us have dreams, deep desires, hopes for our success in life and work.  What Maxwell does in this book is 1) asks the Reader what their Dream is then 2) makes the Reader examine their dream in the light of 10 critical questions that will test your dream and, if answered appropriately, will give you a practical plan on how to get your dream off the ground and flying.  The questions posed by Maxwell are as follows:

• The Ownership Question:  Is my dream really my dream?
• The Clarity Question:  Do I clearly see my dream?
• The Reality Question:  Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?
• The Passion Question:  Does my dream compel me to follow it?
• The People Question:  Have I included the people I need to realize my dream?
• The Cost Question:  Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?
• The Tenacity Question:  Am I moving closer to my dream?
• The Fulfillment Question:  Does working toward my dream bring satisfaction?
• The Significance Question:  Does my dream benefit others?

A couple of my favorites are number one, The Reality Question.  Maxwell, among other examples, draws upon American Idol - specifically the 'horrid' auditions (as Simon Cowell would say).  Many, if not most of those with bad auditions have an amazing amount of self-confidence for a group that overall can't carry a tune in a bucket.  Yet, in the face of multi-platinum selling artists, songwriters and producers, they maintain their commitment to 'their dream', remark upon the judge's total inability to recognize 'great talent,' and vow that 'someday you'll hear of me.'  Doubt it.  There needs to be Reality in your dream that you possess on some level the skill set, talent or gift to actually pull it off.  My number two fave is The Cost Question.  One of my favorite Maxwell-isms is, "You gotta give up to go up."  There is always a price to be paid - personal commitment, sacrifice, ego, among many others.  In addition, it's not a 'one-time' admission charge - a price needs to be continually paid as you move closer to realizing your dream.  It's easy to want the authority of a job, position or title, but something else to take on the responsibility commensurate with it.  That's the equivalent of saying, "I have no experience, but I'm willing to start at the top!"  News flash - there are no shortcuts.  You must be willing to pay the price, whatever it is for you, to realize your dream.

Maxwell continues to deliver in a style that is easy to relate to.  That doesn't mean it will be easy to execute on.  However, if you really want to put YOUR dream to the test, this book will definitely put it through the paces.  4 Stars

[In May 2009 you can find this book online at www.amazon.com under the $25.99 list price. Click on the book above or here for a link to amazon.com book price. The Editor.]

Rolf Crocker

Rolf Crocker is a Vice President of Associa and he can be reached at .