Amazing Things Will Happen: A Real–World Guide on Achieving Success and Happiness

praise for Amazing Things Will Happen

"For people who want to make a leap into a new kind of career but just can′t quite make the jump, C.C. Chapman offers practical advice, real–life examples, and thoughtful, realistic encouragement that will allow them to dare to do amazing things."
Gretchen Rubin, author of Happier at Home and The Happiness Project

"This book is a field manual for living life with passion and gusto. Read it only if you′re prepared for amazing things!"
Chris Guillebeau, author of The $100 Startup

This book is not a how–to manual for life. It doesn′t deliver a step–by–step approach that you execute in order to achieve an amazing life. Rather, it offers a collection of thoughts and inspiration that will get you up and guide you on a journey toward a more fulfilling life. Amazing Things Will Happen??shows how others got it done and gives you the inspiration to chase your dreams. You′ll be empowered to:

Cope with the situation you are currently in and make the most of it until you can break free Define your goals and set out realistic tasks to reach them Navigate the sea of doubters and obstacles to get to where you want to be Be happier, satisfied, and more rewarded by the life you choose to lead

Acknowledgments xi

You Choose the Path to Follow xiii

Preface xv

Short On Time, But Still Crave Amazing Things? 1

Why a Guide? 4

Introduction: My Journey So Far 8

Chapter 1 How to Be a Passion Hit 32

Chapter 2 Trust Your Gut 36

Chapter 3 Take Stock 39

Chapter 4 Knowing When to Move On 41

Chapter 5 The Power of Writing It Down 44

Chapter 6 The Three–Word Exercise 48

Chapter 7 The Magic of Turkey Pot Pie 57

Chapter 8 Don t Let the Seagulls Get You Down 61

Chapter 9 Simplify, Focus, and Attack 65

Chapter 10 Everyone Has Excuses 70

Chapter 11 No More Saying, I Can t 72

Chapter 12 Stop Talking; Start Doing 77

Chapter 13 Risk Can Be Scary; Embrace It and Move Forward 82

Chapter 14 Quitting Is Always an Option 85

Chapter 15 Know What You Hate and Then Don t Do It 88

Chapter 16 With a Little Help from Our Friends 91

Chapter 17 Life Is Too Short for Bad Wine 95

Chapter 18 Be a Duck 99

Chapter 19 To Each Their Own . . . 105

Chapter 20 Forget Skipping Pebbles; Throw a Boulder! 108

Chapter 21 Living the Road Less Traveled 112

Chapter 22 Focus on the Flame 115

Chapter 23 Learning to Say No 118

Chapter 24 Have a Small–Town Mentality 124

Chapter 25 Workshifting 134

Chapter 26 Rules Are Like Rubber Bands 140

Chapter 27 Beer and Coffee 144

Chapter 28 Hallway Magic 148

Chapter 29 Celebrate Success of All Sizes 151

Chapter 30 Learn from Failure, But Don t Seek It Out 155

Chapter 31 Don t Let the Asshats and Ankle Biters Get You Down 158

Chapter 32 Can You Idle Well? 163

Chapter 33 Giving Back and Gratitude 167

Chapter 34 Play in the Rain 171

Chapter 35 The End and the Beginning 173

Appendix Dangerous Books 177

C.C. CHAPMAN is the founder of the Cleon Foundation, whose mission is to make the world a better place through creativity. Whether on stage delivering a keynote, in a conference room consulting with some of the largest brands in the world, or through any of his online channels, he always inspires and motivates others. C.C. is considered to be one of the premier thought leaders in creative social media and an innovative marketing expert. He is an advocate of the belief that through being a good hardworking person, anyone can achieve their dreams, and he shares these stories on his popular web series, Passion Hit TV. Visit cc–chapman.com to find out more.