Catalyst: Ignite Your Spark Within To Achieve Powerful Transformation

Catalyst is an inspiring and challenging read! The book opens with a thoughtful approach to evaluating one's true identity through a lens of vulnerability and transparency. There's a strong call to know yourself before you can lead yourself in future goals. There are also a number of practical steps in each of the chapters; what McClean titles "big ideas" in light of each person's "superpowers". Each chapter feels like a cliffhanger in a mystery novel where the ending of each chapter is really left up to the reader to decide as the reader is asked to make personal choices before moving on to the next chapter. Perhaps more gripping in Catalyst is a section on fear, acknowledging that great success in life is usually within a person's reach when they can overcome their fears. McClean writes, "Once you learn to identify the presence of fear, you can begin to go on the offensive and neutralize its impact... Fear makes you a fugitive on the run." I strongly recommend this book for anyone who's willing to dig deeper in evaluating personal goals and for those who desire to live impactful lives.

I like that this book is full of both inspirational ideas as well as tangible advice -- most books have one or the other, but not both. I much appreciate its concision (I read it in one sitting). The author is bravely willing to share the practices and ideas that have worked for him over the years, but also humanly acknowledge that his own work is always in process. This fits my own philosophy that the work never ends, that there is no finish line, and that all we can really do is share our learnings along the way. Highly recommended.

I found Josh's life story entirely relatable. I particularly liked the section on how he handled fear & how he successfully navigated through that phase to where he is right now. I would never have imagined that someone would be concerned about a big booming voice. However, it goes to show how we can easily fall prey to inner feelings of insecurity & inadequateness. I too often feel like a fraud, and I'm glad Josh gives us the tools to navigate through such challenges in life this book.

The fact that Josh has taken the leap from finance professional to inspirational author is evidence in itself of the power in his way of thinking, which he outlines in the book. He introduces new ideas on how to identify and achieve your long term goals through short term success with tactical ways to find time and mind space from which to do so. If you’re looking for a book to help engage the potential you know you have, this book is for you!

I was drawn to this book by the opening questions of "Have I dreamed for more in life but feel stuck", and "Has fear been holding me back from achieving my full potential." I answer yes to both these questions. I love the quote, "Information overload is suppressing your internal power." This resonates. According to the book, I am a restless achiever. I love the quote, "Job titles do not equal your identity." I am a huge believer in this quote.

I really enjoyed this book! Josh does an excellent job at providing action steps along with simple assessments that help you move from where you are to where you want to be. I loved his chapter on finding superpowers! He has a refreshing way to look at things that may be holding you back and provides exercises to help fuel your passion and motivation. Definitely worth a read! I highly recommend this book!

This book is filled with great ideas presented in an entertaining writing style. Reading this once, I pulled out a few ideas to try. Reading this again in the future, I know I will layer on more and more. This book is very inspirational, and I look forward to continuing on my personal journey renewed and refocused.

I'm halfway through this book and it's already helping me form new habits and change the way I think about how I spend my time. It is not overly sensationalist, the way many self help books tend to be. Instead, it's very honest, vulnerable, and down to earth. Highly recommended for anyone looking to improve themselves.