Book Review: Project Fourteen.Four

I was thrilled to receive Project Fourteen.Four as a gift from the author, Mark Cumicek. Not only was I excited to read it, but I also found it incredibly applicable to my life. This book earned a well-deserved 5-star rating from me, and here’s why I believe it should be on the reading list of anyone looking to improve themselves or achieve their goals.

Concise and Accessible

First and foremost, the book is short and straightforward. Its easy-to-understand language and quick sketches make complex concepts accessible. By committing just 1% of your day—specifically, 14 minutes and 24 seconds—you can work toward your goals effectively. This is a resource I can revisit repeatedly, as its brevity and clarity resonate with my own approach to personal development.

Gamifying Your Journey

In Minute 5, titled “Create Your Own Game,” I found a particularly inspiring concept. As someone who thrives on competition—even with myself—turning goal achievement into a game adds an element of fun, which aligns with one of the core values at Dynamic Designs. The cover of the book features 100 dots, each representing 14.4 minutes of your day. By coloring in a dot, you can visually track your progress, making the journey engaging. 

Preparing for Setbacks

Cumicek emphasizes the importance of shrinking the significance of obstacles. By preparing for potential setbacks, they become less daunting. This perspective resonates with my experience in my community project, “The Barnyard Estates.” It has been a journey filled with ups and downs. For instance, a recent board member resigned due to her commitments to multiple committees. Thanks to Cumicek’s insights, I now understand that it’s okay to face these challenges, and the key is to get back on track as soon as possible.

Learning from Experiences

When challenges arise, it’s crucial to reflect on what we can learn from them. Our brief time with this board member was valuable; we successfully completed our five-year financial growth plan, allowing us to advance to the next phase—the capital campaign. People come into our lives for various lengths of time, much like the chapters—or “minutes”—in this book.

Celebrating Progress

Finally, in Minute 14, a chapter I find myself revisiting often, Cumicek addresses the importance of recognizing and celebrating progress. I tend to focus on constant improvement, often overlooking the need to celebrate achievements. This book taught me that acknowledging milestones is vital. As Dr. Benjamin Hardy states, “If you’re not celebrating the wins, you will never want to stay in the game.”

My Challenge to You

As a business owner, volunteer, mother, musician and author myself, I encourage everyone to read Project Fourteen.Four, by author Mark Cumicek—it only takes an hour. Reflect on how you can apply its concepts to both your personal and professional life. Once you start, you might find that you’re not just moving mountains but building them. And when you reach the summit, take a moment to enjoy the view. Thank you, Mark, for this impactful book; I eagerly await your next work!