Younique by Will Mancini–Book Review

First of all, two warnings!

1.  Don’t imagine this book to be a quick read
2.  Don’t imagine you will be only reading a book

The subtitle of this book by Will Mancini is “Designing the Life that God Dreamed for You.”  In essence, it is a very detailed method of evaluating your life, talents, interests, personality, dreams, etc.  and coming up with a plan …. or plans… for 90 days, 3 years, and more.  Of course, there are times for review and revision along the way.  A yearly retreat is recommended, as well as quarterly “how am I doing” check-ups.

There is a wealth of good information and advice, and many interesting exercises for the reader to try.  I did a number, and if you are interested to can refer to these other posts:

L. A. T. C. H. On To Your Core Values

Bulls Eye!

Some of them were definitely interesting and informative.  It did encourage me to think about and articulate some short and longer term goals for different areas of my life.

Here’s my issue with the book:  many people will find it too time consuming and difficult to work through.  Mancini was an engineer at one time and it shows.  He has created a tool that covers just about every facet of life.  For example, at one point he says about an exercise:

“…. name four primary roles for each of your four storylines, then define three secondary roles for each primary role …. In the end, you’ll have forty-eight roles that together describe the manifold ways you relate to the world.”

I’m very motivated when it comes to self discovery, but 48 roles just felt too daunting to contemplate!

The book also in many places directs you to resources and courses available at http://willmancini.com Some of the resources can be downloaded for free, others you must pay for.  This made me feel that the book was designed to sell me additional products.

VERDICT:  I give it three stars.  If you are person who is motivated and interested in detailed planning, it may be right up your alley — but it’s not for most.

If you would like to purchase this book, follow the link below:

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/younique-P005796358

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.  Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR Part 255

 

 

 

 

 

 

L. A. T. C. H. On To Your Core Values

In my last post, I wrote about an exercise to use in determining your LifeCall (taken from the book, Younique by Will Mancini).  Another way to increase your clarity and focus in determining your personal mission, is to think about your core values, or as Mancini terms it, your LifeCore.  These values will help you say “yes” or “no” more confidently when opportunities arise.  Knowing your values will help you do more of the things you do best.  Some of the questions to consider are:

• What motivates you most deeply?
• What would others say you value most?
• What ideals do you want to define your life?
• What do your heroes and heroines stand for?
• Who are you when you are at your best?
• What is always true of you no matter what you are doing, who you are with or where you are?

After spending some time with this, draw up of list (fairly short — 3-5).  Then select a structure to fit your values into.  It could be alliterative or rhythmic, something that makes it easy to remember.  In my case, it turned into the word, “LATCH.”

• Learning
• Attentiveness
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Honesty

Give it a try, readers and authors — then tell us what your core values are–  I’ll be waiting to hear.

For another post on the same book follow this link:

Bulls Eye!

Bulls Eye!

I’m part way through a book that I’ll be reviewing later, and I thought I would share one of the exercises with our readers.  The book is called Younique by Will Mancini and is subtitled “Designing the Life that God Dreamed for You.”

 

Part of that process is determining what your “one thing” is.  This “one thing” will give you clarity, focus and lead you to what the author terms your LifeCall –the personal, unique mission God has for you.  It will help you aim for the bulls eye!  The goal of this exercise is to come up with two words that will complete this sentence:

“I exist to honor God and help others by …..”

Now I’ll walk you through the process and give you my answers as an example.

First, what is your signature (or life) Scripture?  It doesn’t have to be one verse, it could be a chapter or story, a parable or Psalm.  What verse/verses would you want preached at your funeral to sum up all that you are?  You may know immediately what yours is, or you may have to pray and think about it for a while.  If you’ve already done some work on your spiritual gifts, passions, abilities etc.  you may want to compare the Scripture you think of to your awareness of yourself.  Here’s mine:

‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Then list 4 one or two word answers to each of these statements:

“I am created to honor God and help others by leveraging my ability to:

1. Learn
2. Discern
3. Mentor
4.  Encourage

with a deep passion for:

1. Spiritual growth
2.  Communication
3.  Teamwork
4.  Harmony

in the context of

1.  Small groups
2.  Fellow pilgrims
3.  Committed discipleship
4.  Shared growth

Finally, think, pray and meditate about your answers until you come up with the two words that capture your “one thing.”  Mine is ENCOURAGING PERSEVERANCE.  You can then flesh that out a bit to come up with a brief, personal mission statement:  Encouraging spiritual growth in myself and others.

I found this exercise both interesting and helpful and I would love to hear from other readers or authors who are willing to give it a try.

What’s your one thing?  I’m waiting for answers!