Didn't See It Coming

Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences

By: Carey Nieuwhof

Narrated by: Carey Nieuwhof

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

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.

©2018 Carey Nieuwhof Communications Limited (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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 best-sellers When and Drive)

“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)

Pretty Good

This book is more descriptive then prescriptive. It was comforting to know that other people go through very similar things. Carry shares some helpful tips on dealing with each of the seven issues. There is very limited scripture even though the focus is mostly for Christians. I would have liked to have seen more biblical examples. It’s a quick read (listen) and Carey Does a pretty good job reading it. Pete

Excellent help for growing leaders and senior lead

the author spends a lot of time talking about self-awareness, which is a key and far too uncommon trait in leadership. he also spends a lot of time on the issue of burnout, which is a danger more common than most people understand.

Like a 2 by 4 to wake me up

I am such a Carey fan. This book hit me up side the head like a 2 by 4! It is a book every pastor should read! Thanks for writing it!

If you believe yourself to be a leader or your aspiring to be ... you NEED this book.

Bottom line ... We all have a tendency to be selfish this book hits that head on. Pastor Carey discusses much surrounding the topic of personal growth and health. If you and I are not healthy in our personal life everything is impacted. EVERYTHING. love this book simply because it challenges for the sake of health for its own sake not for a result in what we work towards.

Thank you Pastor Carey.

Great book!

There are so many great nuggets in this book. I’ve learned so much and would definitely recommend this to any leader.

Highly recommend for Christian Leaders!

Carey does an excellent job of talking about things that can trip up Leaders. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Something I really needed to hear...

A good listen, a relevant topic, and some heavey challenges. I resonated with much of what Carey had to share, and I only hope my outcome will be as favourable! Thanks for providing a book that I can share with those who are heading toward these challenges or those who care for those who are.

Refreshingly honest, great read

Carey's book helped me get unstuck in a key decision point in my life. He honestly covers some key challenges that we all face. Although the book comes from a Biblical perspective, it isn't just for Bible thumpers.

Great read.

Very encouraging, practical guide for a faithful life of character in leadership. I won't be able to forget many of the practical examples from Carey's life and leadership that he has shared. Thankful for this book.

I wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars

What a wonderful book it really helped me wade through some of the feelings that I thought I was trying to work through alone. I love the writing style and the very personal reading style of Carey Nieuwhof.

I could relate but...

in a preventive way
thanks Carey for this beautiful, practical read
it was completely more than worth it