Book Review: "Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive" (T.D. Jakes)

God bless T.D. Jakes. Not only is he a captivating speaker, but he's also a compelling writer and story-teller. I recently finished reading his latest book "Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive" and I love the way he's used metaphors and imagery of the jungle, personal anecdotes, and the power of the gospel to motivate, encourage, and stimulate his readers.

Much like his widely-circulated sermons, 15-second Instagram clips, and motion pictures have spread messages of empowerment, praise, perseverance, and enlightenment, this book was nothing short of inspirational.

I first got wind of the book via an Oprah special, and hearing the New York Times Bestselling author T.D. Jakes speak to some of the catch phrases from his book. The one that really spoke to me was "instinct has a rhythm." That main theme carries throughout the text as he stresses the importance of listening to your inner voice, and following your passion, your goals, and trusting the natural vibration that will lead you in a positive direction.

It was a great read, and I am better off having digested these words. Here are a few of the fabulous points from Instinct that I made note of--they have been paraphrased:

01) If we are in touch with our instincts, then we will naturally increase our endeavours.

02) Successful businesses, healthy relationships, and most collaborative endeavours require a syncopated alignment of roles, responsibilities, and rhythms.

03) It is time to find the things you are created to do, the people you were meant to affect, and the power that comes from alignment with purpose.

04) Creative careers are produced from words, images, music...require resourceful resilience, and rely on instinct

05) Actively seek elements of excellence that inspire you.

06) Instincts transform adversity into opportunity.

07) Be willing to mobilize those around us to lead in the same direction as our destiny.

08) You can't take everyone with you, just because they were with you where you were before.

09) Many can imitate, but no one can duplicate what you do if you produce outwardly what you possess inwardly.

10) He who wins the race, cannot run with the pack.

11) Don't burn bridges behind you; enough of them will catch fire by themselves.

12) It is not the money, it's the confidence you gained while getting it. It's never the prize, it's what it took to get the prize.

13) God doesn't give details, he gives instinct and opportunity.

14) Never allow other animals to overwhelm you to the point where you lose your way to where you belong. Know your base. Be true to your purpose; never lose sight of your center.

15) Don't spend too much time investing in areas that are not central to your core purpose and passion.

16) Don't walk away from a 20-foot opportunity because of the chatter from 2-foot thinkers.

17) Be aware that you often take on the attributes of the group you gallop with, which will influence your outcome and destination.

18) The giraffe seldom bends low.

19) Strengthen what's within you to change what's around you.

20) Trust your instincts to release instructions.

 Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's Urban Toronto Tales blog.