FOREWORD

I’VE ALWAYS believed that life is a very special occasion—and special occasions are meant to be celebrated! Yet the pressures of life often leave us feeling too stressed to enjoy each day, let alone celebrate each moment. This book can change that.

Over twenty years ago I had the good fortune to take one of Jim Steffen’s Aligned Thinking seminars. My book The One Minute Manager had just been published, and I was riding the wave of early success. It was an exciting time—but stressful, too. It seemed that I always had too much to do, too many interruptions, and too little control over my life and that I wasn’t getting enough accomplished. Taking Jim’s seminar was a turning point for me. Shortly afterward, I sent him a copy of my book with the following inscription:

To Jim,

Thanks for sharing your wonderful time management system. If The One Minute Manager gets to be #1, the Aligned Thinking process will have played a major role. It already has made a difference in my life!

           Best regards,
          Ken Blanchard, August 1982

Although I don’t take personal credit for the phenomenal success of The One Minute Manager (to date the book has sold over thirteen million copies in twenty-seven languages), Jim’s teaching certainly helped me to stay focused and appreciate each day.

In his profound book, Jim reveals the secrets of Aligned Thinking. As you walk in the shoes of Ray and Carol Walters, you will discover how to define and live your ideal professional and personal life. You’ll also learn how to overcome the frustration of too much to do, increase accomplishment and satisfaction, reduce stress, get rid of interruptions, and feel more freedom, meaning, and serenity in your life. If you have a significant other, Aligned Thinking will help you have fun together and grow closer. For your organization, it will increase productivity, motivation, and morale. For your clients, it will empower you to deliver better service and increase satisfaction and loyalty.

Many people believe that they could never align every action with what they really want. The story of Ray and Carol Walters will show you why this belief is a myth. Aligned Thinking has made a tremendous difference in my life. I invite you to open this book and learn the answers to the three Life Aligning Questions that lead to the discovery of the MIN Secret, which will help you to live your dreams. Your life is a special occasion, and it’s time to start celebrating!

KEN BLANCHARD
San Diego, California