Some books entertain you, some books teach you, and some books motivate you. Didn’t See it Coming by Carey Nieuwhof does all three. This book stands out with a deeply personal tone, balanced by intensely practical advice. If you are a leader in any station of any kind, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
The premise of this book is that there are seven challenges that every leader faces and how to overcome them. The challenges Nieuwhof deals with are cynicism, compromise, disconnection, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness— I know, light reading, right? These challenges are dealt with delicately as Carey Nieuwhof shares personal stories regarding his struggle with each of these challenges.
Each chapter detailing the challenge and how we get there is followed by a chapter explaining how to avoid or overcome that particular leadership obstacle. One of the most helpful pieces of advice for me was Nieuwhof’s recommendation for overcoming cynicism: cultivate curiosity. As someone who struggles daily with cynicism, I have been intentional about following this suggestion. I noticed over the last month, that when I am curious and constantly learning about something beyond myself, it is much more difficult for cynicism to take root in my heart.
In reality, Didn’t See it Coming is an exercise in self-awareness for all leaders everywhere, because anyone who finds themselves in a leadership capacity at any level will eventually face these challenges, and any leader worth their salt would rather see them coming. If you are a leader, this may be the most powerful, helpful, and practical book you read this year.
Relevant Links
- GoodReads: Didn’t See It Coming
- Amazon: Didn’t See It Coming
- Author Website: Didn’t See It Coming
Unseminary Book Review: Didn’t See It Coming- iHeart The Breakpoint Podcast: Didn’t See It Coming
Official Book Description
An influential pastor, podcaster, and thought leader believes it’s not only possible to predict life’s hardest moments, but also to alter outcomes, overcome challenges, and defeat your fiercest adversaries.
Founding Pastor of one of North America’s most influential churches, Carey Nieuwhof wants to help you avoid and overcome life’s seven hardest and most crippling challenges: cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness. These are challenges that few of us expect but that we all experience at some point. If you have yet to confront these obstacles, Carey provides clear tools and guidelines for anticipation and avoidance. On the other hand, if you already feel stuck in a painful experience or are wrestling with one of these challenges, he provides the steps you need to find a way out and a way forward into a more powerful and vibrant future.
Editorial Reviews
“Astute readers may be wondering about the seven challenges former lawyer and pastor of Connexus Church (Barrie, Ont.) Nieuwhof discusses in his book. Organized by sections—”Cynicism,” “Compromise,” “Disconnection,” “Irrelevance,” “Pride,” “Burnout,” and “Emptiness”— the work demonstrates how a reliance on God and His word can help instill curiosity and strengthen character. Serving as a helpful companion on the journey of life, Nieuwhof shares lessons in how to accept change and offers antidotes to embracing today’s challenges. Writing from firsthand experience and describing both struggles with and victories over life’s obstacles, his advice provides an invigorating way through setbacks and adversity. VERDICT Recommended, particularly for readers of faith-based works.” —Library Journal
“Over the years, one of the things I’ve enjoyed most about being a public speaker is having opportunities to hang out with Carey. We’ve had dozens of meals and more coffees than I can count. I’ve had the good fortune to hear these ideas as they developed and as they’ve helped leaders across the country. It’s not a matter of if you’ll run into these challenges; it’s a matter of when. Be prepared by spending a little time with a leader who has already been there.”
—Jon Acuff, New York Times best-selling author of Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done
“Burnout, cynicism, disconnection, compromise—are these just the inevitable curses of growing older in a rapidly changing, technology-addicted world? Carey Nieuwhof believes we can see these ills coming before they befall us and can take steps to avoid them. If you’re looking for gentle, empathetic life coaching from a Christian perspective, this book is sure to help you.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of New York Times bestsellers When and Drive
“One of the biggest challenges of the Christian life is staying the course. Experiences happening to us and around us every day try to derail us. In this book, Carey will help you identify some of the biggest distractions threatening to keep you from your God-given destiny and will provide you with tools to redirect your focus and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus so you can finish your race strong.”
—Christine Caine, best-selling author and founder of A21 and Propel Women
“Leaders do well when they continually examine themselves, and they set themselves up for failure when they don’t. Carey points leaders to some very important areas to observe.”
—Dr. Henry Cloud, leadership consultant and author of The Power of the Other
“If you don’t take the time to see what’s coming at you, you can’t see the One who’s coming for you. And that’s why you have to read this book, which hands you more than binoculars. Carey Nieuwhof offers you his own beckoning hand. And he is one uncommonly perceptive and generous guide whose fresh, luminous insights are a needed lens for all leaders to scout out more courage, more capacity, more Christ.”
—Ann Voskamp, author of New York Times bestsellers The Broken Way and One Thousand Gifts
“Carey isn’t just a great lawyer; he’s a wise friend. This is a practical book about navigating your life. With clarity and authenticity, Carey reminds us it usually isn’t the destination that’s the problem. It’s the distractions along the way that will get us off course.”
—Bob Goff, author of New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Everybody, Always
“Life has a way of broadsiding us with lessons that we need to learn but would rather avoid. In his new book, Didn’t See It Coming, Carey Nieuwhof candidly addresses seven key life challenges that every leader will face. Carey writes with deep biblical insight, straightforward truth, and practical wisdom to help you grow despite facing life’s obstacles.”
—Craig Groeschel, pastor and New York Times best-selling author
“Carey is a deep thinker with a significant contemporary voice developed from his unique life journey. Through seasons of idealism and cynicism, disillusionment and burnout, Carey has navigated a path through unexpected and enormous challenges to become an influential leader and minister of the gospel. He leads from his life and relationship with Jesus Christ with engaging humility and disarming vulnerability. Carey has carefully and generously assembled the wisdom he has garnered along the way into this powerful, personal, and highly readable book.”
—Brian Houston, global senior pastor of Hillsong Church and author of There Is More
“Whether you’re in the corner office or just getting started as a leader, this book will become one of your greatest allies in your march toward success. In Didn’t See It Coming, Carey Nieuwhof tackles seven life issues that blindside way too many leaders. Whatever challenge you’re facing, whatever obstacle you’re hoping to overcome, whatever future you dream or imagine, there is something powerful for you here.”
—Andy Stanley, author, communicator, and founder of North Point Ministries
“At some point every leader struggles with deeper issues—soul issues, heart issues, life issues. I’ve known Carey Nieuwhof for a long time and have seen him navigate these matters with humility, skill, and effectiveness. Didn’t See It Coming is a masterful treatment of some of the biggest challenges you’ll ever face, and Carey offers you the wisdom and strategies to tackle them.”
—Reggie Joiner, CEO of Orange
“Carey Nieuwhof is one of my favorite people on the planet for a few reasons. First, he’s the genuine article. Second, he challenges the way I think. I believe you’ll feel the same way after reading this book! Few people see the future as clearly as Carey. He will help you not only see a better future but also create it.”
—Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church
“Buckle up, friends! What Carey Nieuwhof has shared in these pages is everything you secretly fear and exactly what you need to hear. Too many of us (myself included) have come dangerously close to being crippled by these seven challenges. Your leadership influence is a sacred responsibility and requires a deep commitment to lead yourself well. If you’re brave enough to do the hard work, this book will be the lifeline you need to keep leading well for the long haul!”
—Jenni Catron, founder of the 4Sight Group
“Communication skills are only half the battle in leadership and life. If we’re honest, the real struggle happens inside our hearts and souls. Nieuwhof’s new book provides expert guidance in the life issues that make or break us as leaders and as people. He addresses each issue honestly and with an accuracy that pierces the heart.”
—Nancy Duarte, best-selling author and CEO of Duarte Inc.
“Carey Nieuwhof cares deeply about leaders and proves it with this challenging yet hopeful book. We all need a guide to help us know what’s around the corner in our leadership journey, and Carey provides helpful perspective for any leader at any level.”
—Brad Lomenick, author of H3 Leadership and The Catalyst Leader and former president of Catalyst
“It’s been said that youth is wasted on the young and wisdom wasted on the old. But what if the wisdom of age and experience could be transferred to anyone still on the journey? That’s exactly what Carey Nieuwhof has done in Didn’t See It Coming. If you’re interested in accelerating your growth as a leader and learning wisdom beyond your years, pick up a copy today.”
—William Vanderbloemen, founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group
“Carey is one of my favorite church leadership voices. If you want to know what the future holds and how to react to it tomorrow, read Didn’t See It Coming today.”
—John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Church and author of I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me
“Many people know Carey because of his wisdom on leadership and the ministry philosophy he offers through his blog and podcast. This book, though, reveals the Carey I know best. This vulnerable perspective on life forced me to look in the mirror and deal with the man I saw staring back at me. No one expects the personal challenges Carey unpacks in this book, but each one has the potential to derail even the best leader. Didn’t See It Coming offers practical steps to overcome our personal stuckness and find a healthy way forward.”
—Tony Morgan, founder (and recovering cynic) of the Unstuck Group
“There aren’t many voices in this world that I trust as much as Carey Nieuwhof’s. Over the last decade of our friendship, I’ve found him to be humble, smart, selfless, futuristic, and passionate. In this incredibly timely publication, Carey helps us understand that what we can’t see often has the greatest consequences. We can learn the hard way, or we can let Carey help. I’ve already made my choice.”
—Clay Scroggins, lead pastor of North Point Community Church and author of How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge
“Before Carey wrote this book, he lived it. This is why I’m grateful he wrote it. Carey is one of my best friends, and I’ve had a front-row seat watching him apply what he wrote about in Didn’t See It Coming. We all know there are challenges heading our way, but as Carey points out, we don’t have to be unsuspecting victims. We can prepare, and the best news of all is that we can overcome.”
—Jeff Henderson, lead pastor of Gwinnett Church
“Like any true leader worth following, the leader looks within himself first. Carey Nieuwhof does just that. Carey’s book is a refreshingly transparent guide for all leaders in a wide variety of industries. Knowing Carey personally, I can attest that this book is loaded with wisdom built from his genuine experiences. You and I have needed a book like this for a long time.”
—Bryan Miles, CEO and cofounder of BELAY
“Seriously, this may be the most important book you read this year. Carey Nieuwhof brilliantly points out the key areas in life and leadership that make or break you. He offers practical solutions, probing questions, and rare insight to help you grow and achieve your potential. Didn’t See It Coming could change the trajectory of your future influence in profound ways.”
—Jud Wilhite, senior pastor of Central Church and author of Pursued
“Carey has given leaders a tremendous gift with the release of Didn’t See It Coming. Reading this book allows each of us to start a journey of learning what must change in order to avoid or get out of the ditches that hinder our leadership.”
—Frank Bealer, executive director of leadership development at Orange and author of The Myth of Balance
“We all have blind spots. We all have areas in our lives that, if left unchecked, can sneak up and rob us of our joy, peace, and potential. In Didn’t See It Coming, Carey brings his years of leadership and life experience forward and brilliantly brings clarity and the gift of foresight to the things in life that can easily trip us up, burn us out, or leave us unfulfilled. This book is a must for anyone looking to get the absolute most out of life!”
—Brent Ingersoll, senior pastor of Kings Church
“Sometimes a book gets written at just the right time to speak to a culture that desperately needs it! Whether you are in ministry, the marketplace, or motherhood, burnout can happen to anyone. Carey has been there and come out on the other side, and this book contains his best insights on how we can all avoid it. Filled with spiritual and practical wisdom for the real world on every page, this book will help make you a better leader, worker, entrepreneur, spouse—the list is endless. It’s a gift to the modern person in so many ways and will save readers from breakdowns, marriage corrosion, health problems, and career dissatisfaction. It’s amazing!”
—Mark Clark, lead pastor of Village Church and author of The Problem of God: Answering a Skeptic’s Challenges to Christianity
