Title: Stepping Beyond Intention

Author: Daniel Mangena

Genre: Self-help

Changing behaviors is difficult and changing the ways you think are even harder. In Stepping Beyond Intention, the author outlines an interesting process that promotes positive internal changes that radiate to positive physical outcomes. He explains the four-step process to change the way a person processes their desires and truly figure out what they want in life, then to make small changes that will lead up to those goals.

One of the most interesting points in his process is in step 1. The idea of micro-shifting goes beyond newly popular concepts of manifesting success and daily affirmations. He gives credence to small behavioral changes and allows room for error and growth. Mangena believes these small adjustments can ripple out into grander results. He maintains that speaking positive desires and goals aloud is important, but he also emphasizes deep self-reflection. Instead of asking “What do I want?” he pushes readers to ask themselves “Why do I want the things that I want and why do I think this desire will make me happy?”. These small changes in both thinking and behavior will help those who are feeling wayward to realign the two aspects and set them up well for the rest of the process.

Mangena’s scientific examples, such as the reticular activating system and quantum physics, ground the steps he asks of clients and readers. The examples do not make the self-reflections and actions seem like flimsy superficial mantras, but deep, thought-provoking introspection that can lead a person to make positive changes in their life. Many of the charts and visual aids help to clarify the points of the Stepping Beyond Intention process, too.

He also uses personal experiences to amplify his points throughout the book. While many of these examples are illuminating, without a more fleshed-out scene or supporting characters, some of the anecdotes seem a little vague. In those instances, they can confuse the reader about how they relate to the point of the chapter rather than clarify them.

The journal entries that he suggests readers keep while reading are fun activities that connect them to the process Mangena is discussing. By doing this, he gives the readers agency in the topic and allows them to experience the Stepping Beyond Intention process firsthand. Readers can bond with Mangena through his words in the book and with the philosophy physically through their journaling.

At certain parts in his chapters, Mangena advertises his services on his website while in the middle of discussing a point or step in his process. That may disrupt the reading experience for some because the tone of the content changes. Some readers may feel a disconnection from the abrupt tonal differences instead of connecting more.

Everyone feels hopeless at one point or another in life. Stepping Beyond Intention was written for those moments. Mangena has created a process to change harmful behaviors and thought processes that go way beyond the popular concept of “manifesting.” By weaving science and psychology into his methods, he cements success into the Stepping Beyond Intention practice.

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.