You Can, You Will: 8 Undeniable Qualities of a Winner

In this thoroughly uplifting book, the author shows us how we can have a better life. By adopting and practicing the eight principles, he assures us that there’s hope for a better situation whatever our circumstances.Osteen is the Senior Pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. It’s the largest Protestant church in the United States. He took over the ministry from his father after he passed away in 1999. Young, handsome and charismatic, he has attracted a very large and diverse congregation. He’s been called the Positive Pastor, the Smiling Preacher, America’s Pastor, and so on. The author is light on scripture and doctrine, and heavy on faith and hope. His motivational message focuses on optimism and positivity which accounts for it's appeal to a broad variety of followers.The author devotes an entire chapter to each quality:1. Keep Your Vision in Front of You2. Run Your Race3. Expect Good Things4. Have a Positive Mind Set5. Commit to Excellence6. Keep Growing7. Serve Others8. Stay PassionateThese are the foundation for living your best life. I would add gratitude as the ninth quality. Although he mentions it, I feel it’s important enough to stand alone. I like that he shares experiences from his own life that relate to the eight qualities. It makes him seem more accessible.There are many quotes from the book that I like. One of my favorite passages is:“You may have fallen down, but focus on the fact that you got back up. You’re here today. You may have made a poor choice, but dwell on your good choices. You may have some weaknesses, but remember your strengths. Quit focusing on what’s wrong with you and start focusing on what’s right with you. You won’t ever become all you were created to be if you’re against yourself. You have to retrain your mind. Be disciplined about what you dwell on.”I had the pleasure of meeting the author briefly at a book signing on October 7th at Barnes and Noble in New York City. He was promoting his new book The Power of I Am, which I’m also looking forward to reading.I also attended the author’s Night of Hope on October 16th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The response was so great that the evening program sold out and a matinee was added. The inspiring program included music and singing by his son and daughter who are in the choir. His wife, mother and brother also spoke. He invited ministers from local churches to speak briefly to the audience. He’s been involved with World Vision for many years and volunteers were present to sign up people to sponsor a child. It was touching to see the child that he sponsors come up to the stage to say a few words of gratitude. It was the first time the child had been to the United States.I enjoy watching Osteen’s sermons on TV on Sunday mornings. I always feel good after hearing him speak. His basic message, said in many different ways, is that God always has our back, no matter what. I don’t think we can be reminded of that too many times.Reading this book took my understanding of the author’s inspirational message to another level. I was impressed by his real-world wisdom and unconditional optimism. This is the kind of book that everyone would benefit by reading.

This is a book worth purchasing. I am a fan of Joel's, but found his last few books repetitive. Good to read, but really just a rehash of stories I had already heard. I downloaded this one, and was happy to see it is different from the others. There are fewer parables and stories that you've already heard from his online or TV messages; it is more of a book, less of a transcript from TV.It is also a quick read. You can power through it in a day!The voice that Joel uses is similar to his past tone -- helpful, kind, persuasive and positive. However, there is an additional tone of confidence (I can't think of another word; that is close to what it seems) in what he says. Instead of a "sharing", there is a more authoritative tone -- a "stonger" tone than in the past. He makes even bolder statements about our problems than he has in the past. He is no longer SUGGESTING that we have a different attitude; he is TELLING us to have one. He is the only author/preacher/motivational speaker/whatever who actually does promise a better life. (It is clear in this book that it isn't your attitude that makes the difference, but that GOD makes the difference. Much different than Tony Robbins or The Secret).The best thing about this book is the "actionable" items given the reader. Instead of a just concepts of what you should tell yourself (the words you should be speaking) and parables about what other people have done, the difference from his other books is that there are PLENTY of phrases that you can use verbatim in your own life as an affirmation/mantra/visualization. I have a kindle, and have highlighted many phrases that I intend to repeat throughout the day; I didn't have to wordsmith them to make them work for me. There are black and white specific actions you can take TODAY, not just thoughts to think. Simple stuff. No need to make it complicated.This is a great book, his best so far, IMO. I like the bolder tone, that there are less stories that we've already heard, and that there are many specific phrases I am using verbatim TODAY to live the life I am meant to live.Joel is ALWAYS uplifting to hear and read, but this book is an extra shot of ACTION.Recommended.UPDATE: It is now mid-November; I read this book over a month ago. I still refer to some of the "affirmations" written in the book; I re-wrote them and find they are a positive way to keep on track. So yes, it was a good book when I read it, but I find that I "refer" to it still, even a month later.STILL Recommended!

I love all of Joel Osteen's books. I have several and I start my day reading his books. I give them as gifts. I have not read this one yet and excited to start. Enjoy!

I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of very good incouraging words of wisdom you can immediately apply to your life.

It's a short and inspiring book. I bought this book in a kindle edition, and then ordered a printed edition in order to share its good message with my family. My sons, however, don't seem to finish reading it. Still I give it a five star rate because this book gave me healing time while I was reading it. There is a time in life that everything doesn't look going well and you get depressed and functioning not very well. That was me last winter. I was taking a rest at a lounge of a gym, and I heard a sermon on TV. It was Joel Osteen and his message was 'kind of' inspiring and picking me up, and I decided to take a look into his books. So I picked this book on Amazon, read it within some hours…..and ordered another book….This book gave me better chances to look into my life in more positive way and it pushed me to try more. And now, I am over troubles and I am thankful that I could get across the right book at the right moment. Well, my sons do not seem to be highly motivated to finish reading this book…so be it. I recommend this book to those who are in troubles and needs some inspiring stories…The rest of it, it's up to you.

One of my favourite Joel Osteen books. I felt a different perspective after reading this one... ( I have read several of his books)....He is a great writer and a great Preacher by the sound of it with a huge following.I am not particularly a religious type however, the way he writes resonated with me all the same. I enjoyed this book so much that I downloaded quite a few of his other books!Thank you for a transformative experience Joel!

Very inspiring to read, take it with me when I go out. It helps to keep me focus.

This proves you don't have to be religious to have God in your life, but you really lacking if you don't have your spiritual connection; well worth reading if you've been exploring the meaning of life like me ...

This book was a great motivator! It takes you through the 8 steps on how to reach your highest potential. It is very inspiring and pushed you to always grow as an individual. I definitely recommend this book if you are seeking for something that boosts your self-esteem and confidence on how much you can actually accomplish.

Very easy to read books, good advice, have a feel good factor about them, very inspiring. His free podcasts are worth downloading too.