The Way To Greatness: The Five Continual Choices That Lead To The GREAT Life

By Chris McClure

THERE HAS TO BE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS!

If you have ever spoken these words, ever felt the internal battle of wanting more or different, or ever wrestled with yourself to make choices that would maximize your faith, relationships, mindset, finances, or time, THE WAY TO GREATNESS is for you!

You have

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Release date: Sep 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781640854888

Chris McClure

CHRIS McCLURE is a follower of Jesus, a husband to an incredible wife, a father to three amazing kids, a friend to many, and a passionate student of leadership and personal growth. At the age of 19, while completing his first internship, Chris received his first leadership book that began his lifelong love for personal growth and leadership development. After more than 20 years of serving as a full-time pastor, Chris stepped out in faith to go full-time into his God-given business-Lead Life BIG LLC (dba McClure Coaching). As an author, executive coach, leadership trainer, and speaker Chris shares what God has taught him through the years in order to help individuals and organizations reach their potential. Chris lives in the Dayton, Ohio area with his wife, Jill, and their three amazing kids-Ryan, Evan, and Anna.

Book preview

PRAISE FOR The Way To Greatness

The Way To Greatness is a useful, insightful, and impactful guidebook that has been perfectly crafted to help people level-up in order to experience the abundant life that God desires for them. This book was so well written I know it will connect with people in many different life stages and situations. If you want to improve your faith, relationships, mindset, and lifestyle, The Way To Greatness is a must-read!

— Kenston Henderson Sr., CEO of Live With Lyfe, LLC and Author of PARENTING Like A BOSS

Chris McClure has written a timely, practical guide to help people navigate the pressures of trying to be successful in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. He addresses the five core areas that can affect anyone at any given time. He not only highlights the challenges, but he gives step by step instructions to help you experience the abundant life that God desires for you.

— Joan Turley, Coach, Speaker, & Author of

Sacred Work in Secular Places

If you are tired of substitutes and want to go for the real thing, I suggest you read Chris McClure’s excellent book called The Way To Greatness. Chris’s book is a practical yet inspiring and impactful guide to lead people into living an abundant life. It invites you into more, and into living a life that fulfills the intent for which you are born. This extraordinary book will lead you into a deeper place of entrusting yourself to the healing depth of God’s love for you and your world. What could be better? What could be more life-giving? Accept the invitation to walk the path set before you as this book leads you tenderly through the very places you long to go.

— Pat Gano, Author of The Language of Heaven

"Truthful, inspiring, and thought-provoking! The Way To Greatness is an encouraging read with introspective questions at the end of each section. Chris McClure does such a great job allowing you to evaluate your life from every angle through his writings. This is perfect for anyone looking for a breakthrough or to do some self-maintenance. This book has found a permanent spot on my shelf as a guide I will return to over and over again!"

— David Malseed, CEO of Peak BI

You can now make the choice to lead your days with intentionality. Exactly what I intend to do since I now have the tools, resources and reassurance. Uplifting. Inspiring. Encouraging and Convicting. The Way to Greatness will be my go-to-guide for many years to come. Chris McClure nails the call to action in this 5 step guidebook to a GREAT life! It’s a must read…and re-read… and re-read!"

— Beverly Oswalt, Realtor, Irongate Inc. Realtors &

Executive Director of Life Inn His Image (Dayton, OH)

Are you looking to live your greatest life possible? The Way To Greatness: The Five Continual Choices That Lead To The GREAT Life, is your guide to help you take the necessary intentional steps. Practical, insightful, and impactful. No matter where you are in life, you have what it takes, and Chris gives you permission and the actionable steps to improve your faith, relationships, mindset, finances, and time management. Start your way to greatness today!

— Joel Kessel, Strategic Advisor & Executive Coach,

Kessel Strategies

I am an avid reader and student of personal growth and I have to say that The Way to Greatness is a home run. It is God-centered, easy to read, understand, and apply. I found myself both challenged and encouraged as I implemented the practical steps for greatness to my life. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to improve in life.

— Bryan Erdman, President, Linton Industries Incorporated

The Way to Greatness is a brilliant contemplation of ancient and current day wisdom simply compiled for practical instruction. Chris McClure has a unique ability to connect the dots of God’s Word and enhance the reader’s journey to the application of truth in their lives. The compilation contained in the Way to Greatness has helped me contextualize the renewal of my mind to create a better life for my family and me. The processes of making complex wisdom simple will lead to life change for every reader.

— John McCarthy, President, AGI Hospitality & Recruiting

"Chris McClure’s The Way to Greatness is a must-read for anyone who wants to not only be a better version of themselves, but truly wants to be GREAT. You can’t help but be challenged by the thought-provoking questions on the pages of this book. If you’re looking for a life-altering experience, this is the book for you!"

— Mary Valloni, Author of Fundraising Freedom

In this thoughtful book, Chris McClure builds a bridge from the world’s typical concept of greatness, to the Way God has destined for us. Right from the start, Chris reminds us to focus on a core identity and trajectory that is spiritually grounded. He also emphasizes the invaluable nature of relationships, so often overlooked in our transactional world of immediate gratification. You’ll also enjoy Chris’ fresh perspective on stewardship, moving far beyond the treasure message we usually hear, to the importance of stewarding our thoughts and our time. This is a practical book, with insights and reflections that you can apply right away.

— Chuck Proudfit, Founder, At Work On Purpose

So many people accept mediocrity or just getting by as the norm. Why is that? In the society we live in, it is becoming rarer to find a leader who knows how to be great AND shows you the way to your greatness. Chris McClure IS that leader. In his book, The Way to Greatness, Chris breaks down five components that are challenging yet easy to follow to find your own greatness. If you want to move past your everyday routine into a life of fulfillment, purpose, and abundance....this book is a MUST READ.

— Debra Lynn Hayes, Speaker, Coach, and Author of RISE: What To Do When Hell Won’t Back Off

"Chris McClue is a catalyst for G.R.E.A.T. living. His book The Way To Greatness works as a toolkit to help leaders and organizations, with 5 specific approaches, improving their lives and experience higher levels of fulfillment and success. His highly applicable approach to leadership and growth is nicely tucked in this fast paced read loaded with impact and inspiration."

—Niccie Kliegl CLC, RN,

Author of Awaking the Living Legacy

"Very few live great lives even though doing so is within our reach. Chris McClure walks you through the 5 core building blocks of leading a great life. If you’re ready to take your life from normal to great, read this book."

— Jeff Elder, Business Coach & Speaker;

Founder of Rise Global, LLC

Chris McClure is one of the greatest, most humble, and passionate men I know. He has spent countless hours sharing wisdom and coaching direction in my life as well as many others. It is not surprising that he has written a book about greatness! The Way to Greatness offers practical solutions and everyday steps to walking in the abundance with which God has planned for your life. Chris runs after the heart of God with such a love for His goodness, it flows into the message of this timely book. I challenge you to read this amazing guide and be transformed with its message. You will be richly blessed! I know I have been!

— Aurora Newton, Founder of Assert Now, Inc.;

Coach, Counselor, Speaker, and Author of

Wait For It…Walking In Faith

"Chris McClure shows us that the way to a great life is to focus on 5 key choices we all encounter in our lives. The Way to Greatness inspires and empowers the reader with supportive tools, practical examples, insightful questions, and realistic plans that will lead to better decisions along the way. This book is not only a great read, but it also serves as a wonderful reference tool when our lives enter a season of challenge and we need to quickly remind ourselves of our options and the tools we need to stay on the path to a great life."

— Amy Broghamer, Author of The Playbook for Success, Speaker, Coach and Realtor

If you are looking to move past the status quo in your life and not just settle for less then this book is for you. Chris lays out a GREAT action plan for you to follow that makes sense. Now is the time to be intentional. Start making the right choices today outlined in this book and you will be on the path to having the GREAT life you wanted.

— Kevin Deming, Adult Life Pastor, Chestnut Ridge Church

Jesus tells us He has come to give us an abundant, full life. However, if you’re anything like I was, you’ve found yourself wondering how to tap into the abundance Jesus tells us is available in Him. Chris has done an amazing job at laying out a step-by-step process for how to discover the GREAT life God has set up, in advance, for you to walk out. I believe with this book and some focused time in prayer, you can unlock the abundant, full life Christ came to give you.

— David Robertson, Kingdom Business Coach

at TheDavidRobertson.com

The Way To Greatness is a must-read, practical guidebook designed to help growth-minded people make key choices that will up-level their lives from simply ordinary to a life of abundance; in essence, the kind of life God desires for us to live every day. In this book, Chris McClure offers the reader a 5-Step Action Plan to help deepen your faith as well as improve relationships, mindset, finances, and/or time management skills. This is a must-read book for people in all stages of life and circumstances. If YOU are ready to learn and grow and to take it to the next level, do not miss this book!"

— Dorothy Guy Bonvillain, PhD, Founder & CEO of

Dr. Dorothy Guy Bonvillain LLC; Coach, Speaker, and Author of Loving Your Life: 7 Steps for Military Wives

Chris McClure provides the tools and resources you need to live the GREAT Life. This is a must-read book that provides guidelines to help you unleash your greatness.

— Marie Cosgrove, CEO Vestibular Research and Development, LLC

THE WAY TO GREATNESS

The Five Continual Choices That Lead To The GREAT Life

Chris McClure

THE WAY TO GREATNESS © 2019 by Chris McClure

All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

Published by Author Academy Elite

P.O. Box 43, Powell, OH 43065

www.AuthorAcademyElite.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging 2018912662

Paperback: 978-1-64085-486-4

Hardback: 978-1-64085-487-1

Ebook: 978-1-64085-488-8

Available in hardcover, softcover, e-book, and audiobook

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Other Scripture references are from the following sources:

The New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

The New King James Version (NKJV) ®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The New Living Translation (NLT), copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Message (MSG), copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

For Jill, Ryan, Evan, & Anna

Thank you for your unconditional love and support.

I wouldn’t be experiencing The GREAT Life without you.

I love and appreciate you more than I could ever express in words.

CONTENTS

Foreword: Mark Williams

A Note to the Reader

Introduction

Choice #1

Build Your God-Core

Action Step 1: Determine Your Starting Point

Action Step 2: Define Your Desired Destination

Action Step 3: Identify Your Perceived Barriers

Action Step 4: Create Your Initial Plan

Action Step 5: Develop Your Daily Disciplines

Choice #2

Protect Your Relationships

Action Step 6: Assess Your Relationships

Action Step 7: Discover Your Blind Spots

Action Step 8: Heal Your Hurts

Action Step 9: Deepen Your Commitments

Action Step 10: Balance Your Investments

Choice #3

Renew Your Mind

Action Step 11: Understand Your Current Mindset

Action Step 12: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

Action Step 13: Destroy Your Progress Hackers

Action Step 14: Install Your Freeing Beliefs

Action Step 15: Live Your Newfound Clarity

Choice #4

Manage Your Resources

Action Step 16: Assess Your Assets

Action Step 17: Appraise Your Debt

Action Step 18: Attack Your Debt

Action Step 19: Expand Your Resources

Action Step 20: Embrace Your Freedom

Choice #5

Maximize Your Time

Action Step 21: Evaluate Your Schedule

Action Step 22: Clarify Your Priorities

Action Step 23: Create Your Plan

Action Step 24: Command Your Plan

Action Step 25: Enrich Your Life

Conclusion

Notes

Acknowledgements

About The Author

How to Connect with Chris

Your Next Steps with The Way To Greatness

FOREWORD

On June 16, 2015, I made one of the most significant decisions of my life—that was the day I accepted an invitation to join the John Maxwell Team. I was open to everything God wanted to do with my life. Only days later, God used John to connect me to the author of the book you hold in your hands.

I started to read Dr. John C. Maxwell’s books in the early 90’s when our author was a teenager and God was getting a hold on his life. Chris McClure was on The Way To Greatness—he didn’t know that then. But soon, he began to receive some clues. God knew He had a lot to pour into Chris for your benefit, so He had to get started with him early.

Greatness takes time because greatness is grown as a process and revealed in progress. Chris was making choice after choice, following God-prompts. There was greatness in process. There was greatness in progress.

THE WAY TO GREATNESS wasn’t on my radar screen back then, at least I didn’t know this book was. My 30 years of official pastoral ministry had just begun to get challenging. Test after test, choice after choice, my future conversations with Chris McClure were being shaped and filled with experiential content. Our interactions are fascinating and God-proof that there are no coincidences in His plan—just revelations that He has gone ahead of us to lead us on His Way.

THE MESSAGE

Chris has discovered something that it often takes others a whole lifetime to realize, if they realize it at all—The Way To Greatness was first a MESSAGE in a Man Who also was God, Whose Name was and still is Jesus, and Whose Life on earth was a demonstration of The Way. The Way is about the condition of your heart which shows up in your choices and reveals your character.

Jesus told His disciples that He came to serve others, not be served by them; He told them this is The Way To Greatness for everyone. His every Choice revealed that He invested in His relationship with God most which permeated everything about Him, everything about His life.

Chris will give you a glimpse into the way Jesus proved it by The Way He protected His relationships and engaged with people daily, by The Way He