Aishatu Ibrahim – Assessments – International Institute for Global Leadership

As A Man Thinketh

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This is about the best book I have ever read. I am saying a big Thank You to the International Institute for Global Leadership (IIGL), for changing my life (my thoughts & character). I hear this book talk to me! It has been a wonderful and exciting experience for me. “As a man Thinketh” is a very Practical book. It has forever altered my way of reasoning, the kind of thoughts I will carry and the way I will live my life from now on. I feel refreshed each time I read this book”AMT”. I am recommending this book to my family members and am sure their lives will not remain the same.

I feel the main idea the author is conveying here is none other than the power of our thoughts. He has been able to make me see how my thoughts play a vital role in what I achieve in life. This book made me to know that I control my thoughts, I control my life, I am responsible for the results I get and I can decided to change what I do not like about myself and it remains changed! Hence I should always think of the things I want and they will manifest in the physical. Isn’t this interesting? Imagine what I can do with my thoughts…the list is endless. I am glad I got to ready such book at this time of my life. Thank you IIGL.

2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.

i. Thought and character:

A man is literally what he thinks. His character guides and drives his thoughts. The effects of thoughts are evident on one’s character. If we think good thoughts we would hardly live in sorrow or pain. This was very important to me as purity of thought is the way to happiness.

ii. Effects of thoughts

The effects of our thoughts are enormous and physically evident. It is therefore my responsibility to be mindful of my thoughts. Character only manifest itself in the light of one’s thought. Every man is where he is by the law of his thought.

iii. Thought an purpose

This is the best way to self control and true concentration. It is when an individual deliberately focus on a thought, either good or bad. This done to get the desired result. Focusing on a positive thought gives positive results while concentrating on negative thought produce negative results.

iv. Thought factor

For any man to move to a higher level, he must first consider his thought factor. I must dwell on positive thoughts daily. The higher I lift my thoughts, the greater, the greater will be my success. His achievements will be more glaring, blessed and enduring.

v. Vision:

Since the invincible sustains the visible, so most men are nourished with the dreams of positive people around them. A man without vision is dead, while he lives. I must do whatever it takes to stay positive and be a dreamer. My vision is the promise of what I shall be one day.

vi. Ideals:

She who cherishes a beautiful vision and a lofty ideal in her mind will one day realize it. I strongly agree with this because it works for me already. I have learned to cherish my ideals because out of them will grow all the best conditions in the best environment. My ideal is the prophecy of what I shall at last unveil.

vii. Serenity:

A strong and calm man is always loved and respected. I need to build my inner peace, give more space to peace in my heart. I will not spoil all that is good with an impatient heart or a troubled spirit. Since calmness is power, I will continue to improve on my self-control which is my strength.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Thought and character

Education is the key to creating a better world. While thought and character have major roles to play. I must be careful with the kind of thought I allow into my mind. Also I will do my best in letting the women and girls in my organization are aware for the power of positive thoughts and character.

Effects of thoughts

The effects of thought cannot be over emphasized. Whatever result we get, be it positive or negative, good or bad are results and effects of our thoughts. This makes me to be watchful and very careful about what I hear, see, think about and do. There are various effects of thoughts, some of which are: disappointment, or hope, courage, or cowardice, e.t.c

Thought an purpose

Thoughts are purposeful act carried out in the minds of individuals. Thoughts if not properly guided would yield to negative outcome. Women and girls should have purposeful thoughts. There should adopt a better mindset that will begin to yield the desired result or what they seek.

Thought factor

We must watch what constitute our thoughts. Having in mind that we are wholly responsible for whatever outcome we get. Be it positive or negative.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

1, page 5: “Man is made or unmade by himself”

This means so much to me. It makes me realize the potential that lies within me. I decide to be who I am. I am responsible for the choices I make. This has made me realize that whatever I turn out to be in life wholly depends on the decisions I make now. I have learned to therefore construct tools to give me joy, strength and peace that will make me a satisfied and fulfilled person in life.

1, page 6: “Man is always the Master”

I am the maker of my character; moulder of my life and builder of my destiny. I hold the key to my happiness and sadness. I have learned not to make rash decision during time of stress or weakness because I will come to regret it. I become vulnerable when I am pessimistic, sad or sorrowful.

II, page 8: “thoughts and character are the same”

This is particularly interesting. This tells me that I must concentrate on the things I want to see manifest and stop thinking of things that I do not want.

Whatever I think off, I am bringing to life, either good or bad.

III, page 16: “the body is the slave of the mind”

After reading this part, I realized a lot of situations I would have avoided if only I knew these some years back. It never too late!. I am now aware of the power in my thoughts (under my control). I choose life, youthfulness and good health. I choose to be always optimistic and in control of my thoughts.

V, page 21: “the universe does not favour the greedy”

Wow!. I find this interesting. Greediness limits a man thought, and once there is limitation, it means such a person is in disagreement with the universe. Such a person will not find true happiness or fulfilment in life.

VI, page 23: “the dreamers are the saviours of the world”

Cool! I want to be part of this. I will cherish my visions, my ideals, myself. I will appreciate what I see when I look in the mirror. I will appreciate life and leave my dream. I will work towards making my dream a reality. Nothing is impossible.

VII, page 26: “calmness of mind is one of the most beautiful jewels of wisdom”

Oh! How I cherish this jewel! I want to have all the jewels of wisdom, starting with this one: calmness of mind which is the most beautiful. I know this can only be achieved through monitored positive thoughts of hope.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The contents of this book are very clear, practical and well assimilated by me.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book did not contain an exercise for me to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Most of my thoughts, ideas and comments were covered in the book.

Rating

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

I personally feel the author’s idea is to awaken the spirit of enquiry, creativity and innovation in us (me), which only few individuals have been able to discover over the years. Most Individuals lack the spirit of creativity and innovations. It is time to think outside the box. Many people are stock with ancient ideologies and principles. These have narrowed their productivity and efficiency since their mind set is still fixed and based on what was obtainable in the past. The earlier we realize the “JLS” in us, the better our lives would become. “The awakening of the J.L.S. in us is a necessary tool that brings that quantum leap we have all being waiting for”. When these is achieved, our horizon becomes bigger, better and brighter. The society would benefit from our positive and remarkable ideas, initiatives, plans and projects. There will therefore be an unprecedented awakening and personal transformation in every life these enlightened individuals meet daily. Every challenge must be seen as an avenue to get new and better solutions hence becoming a solution provider. Challenges bring out the best in us and individuals should be ready to welcome them anytime. Challenges must be seen as opportunities to provide many right answers or way out. Regardless of the number of times we fail, unrelenting efforts through determination brings us to that point where we discover answers that we seek.

i. Desire and Enquiry

Desire:Jonathan Livingston Seagull had a passion and desire to learn, he was not contented with the facts he grew up to meet. Even though most gulls preferred food to flying, this particular gull preferred and desire flying than food. Even though his specific way of thinking would not make him popular or his parent happier with him, he persisted. He never relented in his effort to pursue that which mattered to him most. What I learned in this aspect is to be desirous of creativity and innovation. I have learned not to be satisfied with what is available to me. J.L.S has thought me to find new and better ways of making life more remarkable. To think outside the box and not to accept merely the ordinary but go beyond that to an extraordinary realm, possess it and make others aware of the possibilities of a better realm/level. Enquiry:Jonathan Livingston Seagull had the spirit of enquiry “I don’t mind being bone and feathers mum, I just want to know what I can do in the air and what I can’t, that’s all. I just want to know” this was his propelling force. Since he had the desire the next practical step was to find a way out by seeking new ideas. This made him do a lot of trials and error. He was not discouraged but was working towards perfection. The J.L.S that lives in me will continue to seek for better ways of improving my life, better ideas and thoughts that will lead me to the level I desire. I desired for a better approach to life, a fulfilling career and better leadership. My desires lead me to enquire about courses and programs that would guide and improve my thoughts character and actions. This same enquiry made me find IIGL on face book. I am so fortunate to find IIGL. The mind transformation has already begun in me and I am ready to go up higher.

ii. Decision & Determination

Decision: Jonathan Livingston Seagull made a decision that even his parent or tradition could not hinder or change. Against all odds, he decided to be different, he didn’t want t settle for anything less. Made him moved from where he was to where he wanted to be and even beyond. What this means for me is, in life, the decisions I take matters a lot. And I am responsible for whatever decision I make. I will always bear the consequence of my decision. That is why I should make good once since I desire a good. Determination: J.L.S was ready to bring his decision to life. He purpose was firm and resolute. His concept was clearly defined and preposition to render it was more definite and specific. What I gained here is to be assured, bold, brave, certain, confident, firm, steadfast and dogged in quest for the best in life.

iii. Learning

Jonathan Livingston Seagull had relatively lasting change in behaviour that resulted in learning experience. He had to learn what he decided and determined to do. He had to acquire knowledge and skills through practical’s, studying and practicing. He taught himself, he trained himself, he became an apprentice. All of these made him verse in that knowledge. “He uncovered the truth, he understood the way”. (Aisha). His behaviour was gradually modified through constant practise, training and experience. This is very good and works for me too. I have started learning and am working towards self improvement. Life can only get better if I stay focused, resolute, build my character and take control of my thoughts in IIGL.

iv. Striving for continued excellence

Jonathan Living Seagull was exceptional good. He always on the move to the next level. He was not stagnant. He became superior to others gulls. He was a symbol of perfection. He had balance and elegance. He was great and had a grand style. The J.L.S in me will continue to inspire me to grateness. I keep working, I’ll keep excelling and I’ll not stop. I will care more than others think is wise, I ‘ll risk more than others thinks is safe, I’ll dream more than others think is practical and I’ll expect more than others think is possible.

v. Self Control

Most gulls would have been carried away be much fame, but not Jonathan Livingston Seagull. He was focused and balanced. He was able to drive his emotions, behaviour and desire in order to obtain some reward or achieve a goal. He was self governed and self motivated. He had the ability to control impulse and reactions. He had self discipline. It is one of the most important tools for self improvement and for achieving success. This is of paramount importance to me. This would check self-destructive, addictive, obsessive and compulsive behaviour. It would give me balance; help to manifest mental and emotional detachment, which contribute to peace of mind.

vi. Teaching

Jonathan Livingston Seagull did not bury all that he had learnt. He imparted the knowledge and skill he learned. He was born to teach and inspire. He was able to impart knowledge to the younger and upcoming gulls because he had a good knowledge of ‘gull flying’ (the subject matter). He was a master and an expert. He constantly practised, he taught both directly and indirectly. I’ll learn to impart lives positively just like J.L.S.

vii. Leadership development

This is coaching that transforms. Jonathan Livingston Seagull was a good leader. He lead by example, he had the ability to lead. He did not only lead but trained leaders to lead also. He had sense enough to pick good gulls to do what he wanted. He lead by walking beside them, he did not follow where the part lead, rather he where there was no path, he left a trail. This is very good. To me it means there is much more to be done. So much more I need to learn. I welcome IIGL to be part of this remarkable transformation in me.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

i. Desire & Enquiry

Desire: I have a burning passion for the less privilege in my society. I want to help them. These people who are less fortunate than I am and I feel it is my responsibility to do my very best by contributing positively to their lives on a daily basis. The very best of my talent, time and resources are what I intend to contribute to make my desire and aspiration come true.

Enquiry: The urge to doing more for the less privilege in my society especially women and girls, grows continually within me. I see education is the most pressing problem among other challenges (Poverty, Corruption, Diseases, Hunger) faced by Africans today. Nigeria inclusive, where women and girls suffer most: there human rights are denied, two-third of the world’s illiterate are females, and these affect every other area of their lives:

a) Their children will hardly go to school; majority of school age children not in school today are girls.

b) Increased poverty since they produced two-third of the world’s food,

c) Increased child mortality,

d) Reduced maternal health,

e) Increase in HIV/AIDs infection, malaria e.t.c since they are more vulnerable. HIV/AIDS is rapidly becoming a women’s disease.

f) There will be no environment to sustain if women and girls continue to remain victims of illiteracy.

g) There will be no development and hence achieving global partnership will become a mere wish.

ii. Decision & Determination

I have decided to be part of the solution. I cannot fold my arms, watch and complain, while my fellow women and girls suffer terrible fate. Especially in the rural areas where they have to cook with wood from the forest in extreme conditions.(causing global warming and serious deforestation) They are exposed to danger and hence have little or no resistant to diseases lurking around. I have determined to continue doing my best in making the situation of especially rural women better. I am determined to impact positively to their lives and that of their children.

iii. Learning

Since there is much to be done, I am glad I found IIGL. I’ll keep learning I’ll not stop. I’ll keep finding new ways of making a difference in individual lives. The International Institute for Global Leadership (IIGL) has a lot of role to play in my life and that of my society. Together I know my dreams will come through.

iv. Striving for continued excellence

I have learned to utilize my experience; I have decided not to set limits for myself. I want to succeed so I’ll keep moving. I desire the excellence in me to be contagious. I must impart excellence in the lives of individuals I come across.

v. Self Control

Just like Jonathan Livingston Seagull, I’ll be in control of my desires, emotions, aspirations and circumstances. I will remain balanced and optimistic always.

vi. Teaching

I would share resources around, particularly leadership books and other relevant and informative materials to individuals who eager to learn. I will practice and teach all that I will learn in IIGL. My ideas, thoughts, perception and knowledge will be buried within me, but will as a bulb, shine everywhere I go (teaching directly and indirectly).

vii. Leadership development

True success is clearly visible when you begin to see to fruits of desire, enquiry, decision, determination, learning, continued excellence, self control and teaching in a leader that you have mentored. True satisfaction is in leadership development.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

There are some statements the author said that got my attention:

Part 1, page3: “I don’t mind being bone and feathers mum. I just want to know what I can do in the air and what I can’t that’s all. I just want to know. ”

What this means to me is regardless of our background or situations we find ourselves in life, we should strive to go beyond the abilities and potentials we are aware off and seek new and improved ways which would change our situations for better and the lives of others around us for the best.

Part 1, page 7/8: “Such promises are for the gulls that accept the ordinary. One who has touched excellence in learning has no need of that kind of promise”

What these means to me is we should not settle for less. Our goals and aspirations should be high because we can achieve them.

Part 1, page 10: “we can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creature with excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly!”

I believe the key to our success in right in my hand. I choose to be what I am. If I decide to be the best that is what I will become once I work towards achieving it.

Part 1, page 10: “I only want share what I have found. To show these horizons out ahead for us all”

To me, this means being an example, helping others to realize their potential. ‘A deliberate effort to become a signpost for others’

Part 2, page 19: “any number is a limit and perfection doesn’t have limits”

I particularly love this one. I tell myself, “I will not constitute a barrier to myself”

Perfection is a continuous process. For me, I have decided to become enemies with imperfection by removing any and all limitation.

Part 2, page 20: “to fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is”, he said, “You must begin by knowing you have already arrived”

This is good. I learned that my mind set really matters. I’ll therefore keep it in the right direction constantly.

Part 2, page 21: “less fear of learning”

I am not afraid to learn as learning brings new ideas, better challenges and even newer answers to questions and solutions.

Part 2, page 22: “know the meaning of kindness and of love”

I have learned that ‘love’ and ‘kindness’ are key ingredients to succeed as a leaner and a leader.

Part 2, page 23: “the gull sees farthest who fly highest”

Yes. I totally agree with this. Even though I am not a gull, this principle works for me. So why settle for less? I want to see farthest, clearer, better and brighter so I’ll keep flying higher and higher.

Part 2, page 24: “overcome space and all we have is Here, Overcome time, and all we have left is Now”

This is right. I always avoid procrastination. There is much to be done and now is perfect time, here is the perfect place to begin.

Part 2, page 24: “not bone and feathers but a perfect idea of freedom and flight limited by nothing at all”

An idea, a positive idea I right. It kicks out limitations.

Part 3, page 34: “freedom is the very nature of his being, that whatever stands against that freedom must be set aside, be it ritual, or superstition or limitation in any form”

This is my best! Freedom is what we need. I want to be human. Nothing must hold me back, nothing at all!

Part 3, page 34: “the only true law is that which lead to freedom”

Very true! Whatever holds me in bondage limits me and possibly people around me. This bondage must be broken, whatever the cost. I’ll strive it am free, even when it seem as if am all alone, I won’t relent my efforts or be discourage.

Part 3, page 38: “don’t believe what your eyes are telling you, all they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know”

Humans are burned with limitations, but also burned with the ability to step out of these limitations. Reality can be changed! Visible limitations can be turned to possible solutions.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

After reading this book several times, I think I pretty much understand what it is about, I totally agree with the ideas in this book because they are towards self improvement and realization, this works for me. I have learned so much. I am willing to improve. I’ll be a good learner and a better teacher. I would always find a better way out of situation. I’ll see in challenges a good opportunity of finding new solutions.

Thank you.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

This book did not contain exercise for the reader (me) to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

My comments, ideas and thoughts have been covered in previous questions and answers.

Rating

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Pyscho-Cybernetics

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea the author conveyed in Pyscho-cybernetices is the power of self-image in relation to individual’s personality. He tells us of his responsibility to acquire specialized knowledge in psychology. The author made me to understand that there was more to the reconstruction of the physical image than just plastic surgery. The nonphysical face of personality had to be changed. This means a lot to me; I thought about this concept and realized it was true. I have learnt to conceive myself in better terms, always keep a positive mental attitude and to always see a way out in every circumstance. This book have changed my life positively, I feel better, happier and more optimistic about anything and everything. I have learnt not to dwell on past failures, but feed continually on my past success.

Self-Image

The Success Mechanism

Power of Rational thinking

Acquiring Happiness

Emotional Face Lift

Unlocking My Real Personality

Crisis Into a Creative Opportunity

Self-Image: A positive self-image becomes a golden key to living a better life. Most of these beliefs about ourselves have unconsciously been formed from our past experiences, our successes and failures, our humiliations, our triumphs, and the way other people have reacted to us, especially in early childhood. I grew up with the fear of not becoming tall in life. “When I was a kid, my mum told me more than once that I’ll not be a ‘tall’ girl. This demoralized me; I grew up with the fear of being short and the desire of being tall. At age 10, I was the shortest in my class also the youngest. I am now 24 and my height is 1.69 meters. Even though I am still the shortest in my family, I am happy and proud of my height”.

The Success Mechanism: This is important for me because I have learnt more on how many brain works, how I can harness the potentials in my brain. My mistakes are made known to me through negative feedbacks so also my success known to me through positive feedbacks in all this my brain plays a vital role. I am important; my decisions are my tools so are the actions I take, they determine the kind of results/outcome I will get. In life I have taking certain decisions that I am proud of today.

Power of Rational thinking: The minute I change my mind, and stop giving power to the past, the past with its mistakes loses power over me. I have learned to examine the causes of my feeling of remorse, and convince myself in detail of its absurdity. I have decided to excuse all of superstitions still lurking underground. When a rational conviction has been arrived at, it is imperative that I dwell upon it, to follow out its consequences, to search out in one whatever beliefs that is inconsistent with the new conviction that might otherwise survive.

Acquiring Happiness: Happiness is simply a “state of mind in which our thinking is pleasant: a good share of the time.” I have learned to be happy all the time. My countenance shows it. Happiness does not lie in the Future but the Present the time.” I am always happy and it is my utter most concern to put smiles on the faces of people around me. I have also learned that happiness is “contagious”, so is sadness. I discovered that people look forward to seeing the person that brings that spark in their heart, smile on their face; I want to always be that person.

Emotional Face Lift: I am emotional, bold and proud of whom I am. I have a healthy self-image and a SELF-RELIANT, RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE towards life. The person with emotional scars not only has a self-image of an unwanted, unlike, and incapable person, he also has an image of the world in which he lives as a hostile place. We all need a certain amount of emotional toughness and ego-security to protect us from real and fancied ego threats

Unlocking my Real Personality: My real personality has been unlocked! It is evident on me, my character and life style: I do not pretend. The real self within every person is attractive. “Poor personality” and “inhibited personality” are one and the same. The inhibited personality has imposed restraint upon the expression of the real self. Frustration is characteristic of practically every area and activity of the inhibited personality.

Crisis into a Creative Opportunity: This is particularly interesting to me. I have learned to turn most crises I face in life into a creative opportunity. I now see crises as: another way of solving problems and a creative opportunity to exhibit the stuff I am made of. We can maintain an aggressive attitude, react aggressively instead of negatively to threats and crises, the very situation itself can act as a stimulus to release untapped powers.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Self-Image: will help me to improve on the way I see myself and others around me. My self-image builds my confidence, appreciation and optimism. I will do my best to make people around me realize their self-image; concentrating on the positive side while the negative side dies silently. I will be giving them the key to living a better life.

The Success Mechanism: I have learned to avoid negative feedbacks, even though they are bound to come. Success starts from the mind, I must guard my mind, brain and heart diligently because out of them comes issues of life. I see myself passing an examination even before I go in to write it. I picture myself a success and I come out of the examination hall as one.

Power of Rational thinking: I always weigh my options: I leave nothing to chance. I don’t fuel my thought with negativity! I promote my practical knowledge by rehearsal planning. I am starting in the present to acquire some maturity so that my future will be better than my past. The present and the future depend on learning new habits and new ways of looking at old problems.

Acquiring Happiness: very important! I have formed the habit of reacting aggressively and positively toward threats and problems. I also formed the habit of keeping goal-oriented all the time, regardless of what happens. No one can decide what my thoughts shall be but myself. I must make good decisions: make myself happy and stay healthy all the time.

Emotional Face Lift: I do not have any form of emotional scar. I fill fulfilled: I see myself as liked, wanted, acceptable and as an able individual. I have a high degree of self-acceptance. I have a feeling of oneness with others. I am still working towards being a rich store of information and knowledge.

Unlocking My Real Personality: “While most of us are not consciously aware of the fact, when we talk we receive negative feedback data through our ears by listening to or “monitoring” our own voice.” My real personality has been unlocked. I am not bothered with negative feedbacks; my response to feedback is not so sensitive as to result in inhibition.

Crisis into a Creative Opportunity: “Your automatic Success Mechanism must respond appropriately and automatically. Too much tension, too much motivation, too much anxiety for results, jams the mechanism”. I make my nerve work for me. I am aware crises bring power, so I am ready to face it knowing it will only make stronger. My goals are alive in my mind, I intend to go through the crises situation and achieve my goal.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

Finding Your Best Self: My best self is being jovial and optimistic. These bring positive results.

Know the Truth about Yourself: The truth about me is I am a good person. I will always remember this.

If You Cannot Ignore the Response-Delay It: very important to me. I applied it and it worked!

Build Yourself a Quiet Room in Your Mind: This has been very helpful. It is in did my favorite quote!

“Doing Nothing” Is the Proper Response to an Unreal Problem: I personally agree with this strategy. It works! Most of the situations I find myself occasionally are unreal problems. In fact they become what I call them, ‘So Unreal’.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Psycho-Cybernetics is 100% practical. The book has clearly defined concepts and ideas I totally agree with, I am cleared in all areas. Thank you

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book contained exercises at the end of every chapter; I completed all exercise and I found them very practical, inspiring & helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea the author is trying to convey here is the power behind our mental attitude, either positive or negative. This book reads me, I used it as a mirror on a daily bases. I get inspired each time I read Success through a Positive Mental Attitude. It relates to normal challenges I face, it principles are so true and easily applicable. I have seen drastic positive change in my behavior, attitude and mental thinking. It improves my life every day. It has completely restructured my personality, mental attitude and the way I relate to others. I’ll forever be grateful to IIGL for providing me with such opportunity, power, promising life that PMA holds. This book is indeed a road map to my expected future, I am excited. Daily application of these success principles will not only change my life but the lives of people around me and particularly those I come in contact with: I am willing to share and affect lives with my Positive Mental Attitude.

My Importance

17 Success Principles

Clear Thinking & Power of the Mind

Something More

Learning to See

Motivating Myself & Others

raising my Energy Level

My Importance: The most important living person is you. Your success, health, happiness depends on how you use your invisible talisman. Success is achieved by those who try and maintained by those who keep trying with a positive mental attitude. The choice is yours: don’t blame God for your lack of success. Use your positive mental attitude, start now!

17 Success Principles: You can change your world by setting high goals for yourself. Have a positive mental attitude makes you achieve these goals. Imprint the 17 success principle in your memory and memorize the self-motivator: “if a man is right the world will be right”. When you determine your definite aim, there is a tendency for several additional success principles to begin to operate automatically to help you achieve them.

Clear Thinking & Power of the Mind: You are what you think: your thoughts are evaluated weather your attitude are positive or negative. You can clear your mental cobwebs of negative passions, emotions, habits and believe by flipping your invisible talisman from NMA to PMA. Necessity must motivate you to high achievement through your personal honesty and integrity. You are a mind with a body! Self-affirmations repeated with frequency, rapidity and emotion affect the subconscious mind and cause it to react. “Day by day, in every respect, I am getting better and better”.

Something More: The whole is equal to the sum of all the parts and greater than any of its part. Any missing part will delay success. You must be in partnership with your silent senior partner: PMA! The little difference between success and failure id often “something more”. Do not be afraid of failure, always put to practice the principle of controlled attention.

Learning to See: seeing is a learned process. Nine-tenth of seeing takes place in the brain. You must ensure your daily vision is not distorted with false concepts or bumping which will only hurt yourself and others unnecessarily. See the good in others and learn from nature. Relate and assimilate the principles of success through a positive mental attitude.

Motivating Myself & Others: Motivate yourself with PMA. What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve with PMA. Motivation is that which induce action or determine choice. It is the hope that starts an action in an attempt to produce specific results. Hope is the magnificent ingredient in motivating yourself and others. Know the 10 basic motives. Motivate others by example, suggestion, and emotion. Be enthusiastic!

Raising my Energy Level: Always maintain a sound physical and mental/spiritual energy. Push the limit to your endurance then rest and try again. Avoid or neutralize fatigue, eat well balanced diet. Be energetic and increase your energy level through positive mental attitude. PMA attracts good health to you. Think good thoughts, positive and cheerful thoughts will improve the way you feel.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

My Importance: It is quite interesting to know that I am the most important living person. That means I am unique & special! I quickly decided to us my invisible talisman to bury every negative mental attitude inside me, while building more positive mental attitude in me. PMA will take me to the top and keep me there.

17 Success Principles: I am on the road to good success and since PMS is one of the 17 success principles I am will to continue in its path. I have begun to apply a combination of these success principles with a positive mental attitude. I am changing the world with a positive mental attitude!

Clear Thinking & Power of the Mind: Thinking is rational, orderly and my thoughts are processed straight. I have been able to sweep away all negative emotions, feelings, passion, habits, believes, etc. that could cloud my judgment. My thoughts are no more entangled with any of these webs since I have flipped my invisible talisman from NMA to PMA. My success in guaranteed.

Something More: Going the extra mile is something new that I have learned and even practiced. Its results were astonishing. I have adopted this principle due to it’s immerse benefits.

Learning to See: This is most striking to me. Its importance is numerous. I have learned to always to a very good look and recognize what I see. I learn from nature by asking myself specific questions that aid my self-assessment & improvement. I have learned to open my mind: I have learned to see.

Motivating Myself & Others: I always motivate myself with positive mental attitude. Hope is the best and most important ingredient in motivating others & myself. I have learned the 10 basic motives and also applying faith at the time of my greatest need. I have learned to motivate people actions, examples, suggestions and acting enthusiastically.

Raising my Energy Level: I am eager and ready to face task, challenges and my bright future that is eminent! I have learnt to properly harness my physical and mental/spiritual energies. My battery stay fully charged by avoiding & reducing fatigue, eating well balanced diets and with positive mental attitude.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

Chapter 1-“If a man is right, his world will be right again”: I learned here that what I have to do first is work on myself and once am good and everyone else does the same, the world would be a better place.

Chapter 2-“Everyone has many talents for surmounting his special problem”: I learned here that the solutions I seek lies within me. I do not need to look afar for if I exercise patience through a PMA, I would find the answers I seek.

Chapter 4-“Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better”: this has been my daily quote. I have stamped this on my memory, and subsequently my subconscious mind. PMA has made it possible for me to believe in myself. No matter the challenge if face I know every day I am getting better and better.

Chapter 13- “Make investments with OPM”: other people’s money is the way to acquire wealth. I am willing to continue operating with the highest ethical standards of integrity, honor, honesty, loyalty, consent and the Golden Rule.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Success through a positive mental attitude is very practical, it principles are unique, simple and easily applicable. PMA has clearly defined concepts and ideas I totally agree with, I am cleared in all areas. Thank you.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book contained ‘thoughts to steer by’ at the end of each chapter. I found them very practical, inspiring, helpful & easy to remember.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Keys to Success

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Napoleon Hills Keys to success the great! This book gave detailed steps on how each and every of the 17 success principle can be achieved in the life of a determined individual or group of persons. It has greatly affected my life for good. It stressed on some point in success through PMA. The book consists of practical steps to making this principle a part of our daily life. We all need a definite of purpose, establish a mastermind alliance, assemble an attractive personality, use applied faith, go the extra mile, create personal initiative, build a positive mental attitude, control your enthusiasm, enforce self-discipline, think accurately, control your attention, inspire team work, learn from adversity and defeat, cultivate creative vision, sound mental health, budget your time & money and using cosmic habit force. These are concise steps to living a truly remarkable life.

Go the extra mile

Control your enthusiasm

Inspire team work

Learn from adversity & defeat

Cultivate creative vision

Budgeting time and money

Using cosmic habit force

Go the extra mile: Render more and better service than what you are paid and do it with a positive mental attitude. In personal initiative & self-confidence. Also avoid over-confidence. Following the principle will make you indispensible to other people. The principle manifest itself in two important laws: the law of compensation and the law of increasing return. Form the habit of going the extra mile because of what it does to you and the pleasure you derive from doing it.

Control your enthusiasm: enthusiasm is power! It thrives on positive minds and positive actions. Real enthusiasm comes from within. To build controlled enthusiasm, one must adopt a definite major purpose, write clear statement of purpose and plans for attaining it, back your purpose with burning desire, set to work immediately, follow your plan accurately and keep away from joy-killers, keep yourself sold on the idea, and keep your mind positive at all times.

Inspire team work: cooperation, like love and friendship is something you get by giving. Until you become inspired with the spirit of team work and recognize the oneness of all people and the fellowship of all humanity, we will not fully benefit from the principle of cooperative efforts. Teamwork cost little in time and effort, and it pays huge dividends. True teamwork depends on relating yourself to others in such a way that they work with you willingly.

Learn from adversity & defeat: Failure and pain are one language through which nature speaks to every living creature, pointing out mistakes. Defeat is never the same as failure, unless and until it has been accepted as such. You need to thank your fault when they are revealed to you because you cannot truly understand them until you have fought them. Defeat reveals and brake bad habits. It also strengthen you will power by providing it with a challenge to greater efforts.

Cultivate creative vision: creative vision belongs only to people who have the habit of going the extra mile. Creative imagination has it bases in the subconscious. It is a medium through which you recognize ideas and newly learned facts. Creative vision is more than an interest in material things. It is a commitment to better future. Imagination recognizes limitation, handicaps and opposition, while creative vision rides over all these as if they did not exist: For it has it bases in infinite intelligence

Budgeting time and money: Time and money are precious resources. Understanding how to use them is an important part of evaluating your progress towards success. Once you have seen how to improve your use of time, you will be able to devote more of it to managing your money. Your attitude towards life determines your attitude towards money. Recognize your weakness and take immediate steps to correct them. Be a doer not a drifter!

Using cosmic habit force: Cosmic habit force is a law which makes every living creature, every particle of matter subject to the influence of it environment. In the science of personal achievement, you seek to take control of this order by taking control of your habit. Habit becomes a part of your nature by repetition. Embrace good habit, control your will power and always remember the three essentials of cosmic habit force; plasticity, frequency of impression & intensity of impression. Whatever you mind can conceive and believe your mind can achieve!

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Go the extra mile; I have started following this principle in my daily life and it has made me indispensable to others especially those I work with. I derive pleasure by going the extra mile. Seeing the appreciation, surprise and gratitude on the face of others brings fulfillment to me. Going the extra mile is a habit that I advise my friends (you) to emulate. I willingly commit myself to use this principle always, in every area of my life.

Control your enthusiasm; I commit myself wholly to apply controlled enthusiasm in my decision making process, goal settings, aim & objectives. I control my enthusiasm by giving it a worthy goal to focus on; day by day I keep my mind on that goal. These increase my dedication and enthusiasm.

Inspire team work; I am willing to cooperate with others in getting a task done. I have developed the spirit of team work, which has made me more willing, voluntary and free minded. I have begun to inspire people to cooperate willingly. The power of team work endures and the willingness prevails. “That which you share will multiply, that which you hold will diminish” My commitment to use this principle is firm & steadfast.

Learn from adversity & defeat; throughout my life, every defeat or challenge I face has turned out to be a perfect stepping stone for me. (Thank God) I react to defeat in the spirit of determination not to accept it. I always see the positive side of negative things that happens to me and this has helped me to turn my challenges or negativity to stepping stones. My commitment to using this principle is firm and cannot be overemphasized.

Cultivate creative vision; I guard my mind and revitalize it with PMA. I take my time to analyze, compare and make the right decision. Creative vision helps me to generate, visualize and foresee ideas. My creative vision has extended beyond interest and material things. I increase my flow of ideas by developing the habit of taking study time, thinking time and planning time. I always keep calm and listen for that small still voice from within. I commit myself to using this principle daily.

Budgeting time and money; I take personal inventory of myself on a daily basis. I make sure my money and time are spent well. I develop a special plan for time and money. I always use my time judiciously and make appropriate budget for my money. I develop a plan for the use of my income expenses, saving and investment. I use my time wisely towards the attainment of my objective. My commitment to using this principle is unwavering.

Using cosmic habit force: These are powers which I apply with PMA when I use this universal law. Cosmic habit force is employed when I use my mind power. This law is fastened upon me by repeated thoughts. I create patterns of thoughts by repeating certain ideas or behaviors until the law of habit force takes over and make them more or less permanent. I am ruled by habit. I can only replace a habit with another one (good or bad), it’s my choice. However, I have chosen the good habits with PMA. I commit to use this principle in my life for ever. So help me God.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

None in particular, all statement got my attention are share equal importance. I appreciate this book.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book was clear, precise, interesting and practical. It repeated some of the points and scenarios that were in Success through a PMA. However I found it really helpful.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

At the end of each chapter, empty spaces were presented to me to write down my commitments. And I wrote some of my commitment in 3.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Giant Steps
Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

It is indeed a step by step method and laid down rules for living a unique, exciting, contenting and wonderful life style here on earth. It was based upon the finest tools, techniques, principles, guide, logic and strategies that I have ever practiced or read about.

The author: Anthony Robbins wrote to inspire, educate and enlighten me on certain giant steps that only I can take to be a better me. The book: Giant Steps has funnelled my energy into measurable result by getting me to constantly taking simple daily actions. These daily inspiration and step by step action has lead me to giant steps towards my desired goal, quality of my life. There has been tremendous improvement in my life since I started reading this great book “Giant Steps”. It was easily applicable and fit into bit size chunks that can be digested in just few minutes each day. It made me take fundamental steps that have changed my life for the best. I have improved relationship both in school and my family members. This book has greatly improved my health, emotions, character and personality. I will continue reading this book even though it’s for the 4th or 5th time. I thank Anthony Robbins for this wonderful book, more thanks to IIGL.

A. Questions are the answers
B. Get the snack of change
C. How to use your action signals
D. Your personal compass
E. The keys to an expendable life
F. Dreams of destiny
G. The ultimate gift.

A. Questions are the answers.

I haven’t stopped questioning curiosity, since it has its own reason for existing. Quite simple, successful people are those who have asked better questions as a result gotten better answer. I desire to change the quality of my life by changing what I habitually ask myself and others. I learnt that for whatever area of my life I want improvement; there are questions I can ask that will provide me with answers.

B. Get the snack of change

What usually drives our behaviours is gut reaction, not intellectual calculations. I learnt that some of my beliefs, both personal and cultural can hold us back. I realized that if I can instantly create as problem, I can just as quietly and easily create a solution. Am not broken, I do not need to be fixed.

C. How to use your action signals
Emotion brings transformation. I do not need an excuse to allow myself to feel good. I don’t have to wait for anything or anyone. I realized those I once thought as negative emotions are merely calls to actions. If I do not like the way I feel, either I changed my focus or perception or simply change what I am doing or my procedures and I will find an immediate difference in my emotions.

D. Your personal compass

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance. I respect men and women who stand for what they believe, even if we don’t agree with their ideas, about what’s right or wrong. There is undeniable strength in individual who congruently lived lives in which their philosophies and actions are one.

E. The keys to an expendable life

It is not only the reference of our lives that shapes us, but again the meaning we attached to them. I am the master designer of my life. Whether I have it or not. I think of all my experience as a huge tapestry that can be laid out in whatever pattern I wish. Each day I add a thread to the weaving.

F. Dreams of destiny

I have realized the power of single decision acted upon immediately and with utter convictions, no matter what my intent, my commitment to a higher standard compels me to act. Success is the result of good judgment; good judgment is the result of experience and experience is often the result of bad judgment. Success and failure are usually not the result of single event.

G. The ultimate gift

Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfish contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfilment. The only limit to my impact is my imagination and commitment. I realized that whatever am experiencing in my live are the accumulation of a host of small decisions I have made as an individual.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Questions are the answers: All human progress is preceded by new questions. Questions that set off a processional effect that has an impact beyond our imagining. Questioning our limitation is what tears down the wall in business and in relationships between countries. It is not only the question I ask but the question I fail to ask that shape my destiny.

Get the snack of change: I have decided what I really want and ensure that nothing hinders me from achieving them. If you have tried and failed to make a shift, the missing ingredient was probably leveraged. I will always interrupt the limiting pattern. It is time I train myself to feel happy, excited and grateful. Replacing old negative emotional pattern with a pleasurable one. Courage unused diminishes commitment unexercised wanes; passion unexpressed dissipates.

How to use your action signals: I learned that the best time to handle a ‘negative’ emotion is when I first begin to feel it. The first action signal is a key for me: uncomfortable emotions like boredom, impatience, unease distress or mild embarrassment are sending you a negative that something is not quite right: either your perception of the situation is making you uncomfortable or your actions are not supporting you in your goal.

Your personal compass: As I make decision I consider whether these pain or pleasure states will be consequence of our actions. Pleasure values are known as moving towards values. They include such emotions as love, joy freedom, security, passion and peace of mind. Pain value as known as moving away from values. As we make decision we consider whether there pain or pleasure state will be a consequence of our actions.

The keys to an expendable life: I realized I am not limited to my actual experience my imagination has unlimited reference to support me. I realized also that every experience provides something of value. If I look for it, the power to shape my life is gained by changing the meaning you link to an experience. Since I desire enrichment and growth, I must increase my reference by pursing ideas and experience that wouldn’t be part of my life if I didn’t consciously seek them out.

Dreams of destiny: I focus on success and achievement because whatever I consistently think about and focus upon, I move towards. I is working and have decided what I want, I have taken action, I have taken notice of what is working and what is not. I therefore change my approach were necessary until I achieve what I want. Flexibility gives me the power to create a new approach and new result

The ultimate gift: I know the capacity to do the right thing, to dare to take a stand and make a difference is within me right now. When the moment arrives, I am sure I will remember am a heroin and selflessly respond in support of those in need. I will also hold myself to a higher standard and fulfil this promise. Small efforts always add up to giant steps.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Rather than feeling trap, use your pain as your strong ally.” page 56
Instead of me passively waiting for this inevitable emotion (pain), I consciously produce it in a way that motivates me to make my life better.

“Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy.”

I consider belief as one perspective, making sure it is no misinterpretation of the past.

“Quite simple, the words we attach to our experience become our experience.”

This is important to me because language sharpens my experience in life.

“Knowing what to do is not enough, you must do what you know.”

The mark of true champion is consistency. I establish consistency based on my habits which must be good once.
“Your imagination has unlimited reference to support you.”

I am not limited to my actual experience, I can destroy so many barriers when I use the force of my imagination.

“If you were to look up your name in the dictionary, how would you be defined?”

Aisha means: Alive & well, Wife, Pleasing, Goddess, Created, Prophetess, Recent, and Moon.

“Rarely will a great idea interrupt you, you must actively seek it out.”

I seek out ideas that will impart and enrich my life greatly. I engage in dip thoughts which produce positive results. Great ideas improve me rather than interrupt me.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, I found them very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful was the content? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you will give it? 10

How to Win Friends and Influence People
Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

How to win friends and influence people is a wonderful book with so much truth in it. I gained a lot from this book. The main idea conveyed in this book are simple but effective ways of influencing people positively and winning friends. A practical working handbook on human relationships. I consistently remind myself how important this principles are to me. I read each chapter rapidly at first to get a bird-view of it, stopping frequently to think over what I am reading. Asking myself when and how to apply each principle or suggestions. Very interesting book! I recommend to anyone.

A. The big secret of dealing with people
B. A simple way to make a good first impression
C. How to interest people
D. How to make people like you instantly
E. A drop of honey
F. How to get cooperation
G. What everybody wants

The big secret of dealing with people.

By satisfying a person’s need I can get that person to do my biddings. Satisfaction is key. I must be ready to give in order to receive. Also the desire for a feeling of importance is a positive key for dealing with people effectively.

B. A simple way to make a good first impression.

Actions speaks louder than words. What I give out comes back to me. I give out what I want back. I always have a welcome smile.

C. How to interest people.

Talk in terms of the other person interest, this makes them know am not an egocentric person. And it’s all about them. It keeps their interest and makes me a likeable person to them.
D. How to make people like you instantly

Using the all-important law of human conduct will bring countless friends and constant
happiness. Always make the other person feel important.
E. A drop of honey:
This a little something that goes a long way in the life of people. Little things that are negligible really counts. These spices are important for our day to day living. I let the other person do a great deal of the talking

F. How to get cooperation.

It is wiser to make suggestions and make the other person think of the conclusion. It make the person feel important, involved and innovative. Both parties are open to newer ideas.

G. What everybody wants.

Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires. I don’t force my way through people. I try to see a situation from some else’s view. Am not judgmental..

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily Personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The big secret of dealing with people: I have learned to satisfy people desire in order to deal and communicate effectively with them. I get the best out of them when I fulfil their desire. I am aware that people sometimes become invalid in order to win sympathy and attention, and get a feeling of importance. I avoid criticism

A simple way to make a good first impression is through smiling: It’s one of the things am fond of. It is part of me. I always smile and this book have made me to see more benefits of smiling: a positive and effective way of making a first impression

How to interest people: I realized that people want to be the centre of attraction: so make them. I like making people feel important by considering their needs first. This makes them interested in me, knowing am giving and showing concern.

How to make people like you instantly: I always make the other person feel important and I do it sincerely. I ask questions politely.

A drop of honey: Beginning a relationship in a friendly way matter a lot. It determines how far the relationship will last. People don’t want to change their minds, they can’t be forced or driven to agree but they may possibly be led to if we gentle and friendly.

How to get cooperation: Let the other person feel the ideas is his or hers. That way I make them feel important, involved and innovative. These good feeling brings cooperation.

What everybody wants: I try honestly to see things from the other person’s view: this eliminate ill feeling, create good will and make the other person listens attentively.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“How to criticize and not be hated for it.”

I learned to always begin my criticism with praise. Changing to word “but” (which shows fault-finding) to “and” (which encourage continuity). Calling attention to once mistake indirectly works a great deal especially with sensitive people. I would prefer someone who indirectly criticize me. I would not be offended and would make necessary correction/ change. Call attention to people’s mistake indirectly.

“Talk about your own mistake first.”

Be a leader: encourage others by talking about your own mistake first. This instead of ridiculing yourself makes you a better teacher and mentor. It makes you human. I personally like this idea. Many successful people today do not talk about their days of little beginnings filled with bags of mistakes: Many of which turned to miracles. I have learnt from my past mistakes and that’s why I can easy talk about them. It is part of my experience in life.

“Let the other person save face.”

I like to consider other people’s feelings and emotions. Many employees do not take this into cognisance: it is important how we show our displeasure over issues to our neighbours, employees, spouses and children. I personally feel we should let the other person save face, especially in public. I learnt to consider my actions and the words I use whenever am unhappy. I cherish relationships and mistakes are bound to happen. How I handle these mistakes from me or someone else matters a lot.

“How to spur people on to success.”

This is one thing I enjoy doing: spurring people to success. It should be every one’s goal. The use of praise instead of criticism. When criticism is minimized and praise emphasized the good things people do will be reinforced and the poorer things will disappear for lack of attention. I learnt to praise the slightest improvement and every improvement. I will be hearty in my approbation and lavish in my praise.

“Make the fault seem easy to correct.”

I do not emphasize on peoples mistakes: that causes discouragement. I learnt to concentrate on the things that are right and minimize errors by overlooking them. I really want to help other people to improve, even as I keep improving. I always use encouragement, making other peoples fault seem easy to correct. I expect to receive this same attitude back from people but in cases I do not get this same response, I’ll try to give my best back. It’s so much easy doing the right thing, affecting lives positively.

“Making people glad to do what they want to do.”
This is particular interesting to me; making people glad to do what I want them to do. It is very much possible and I learnt to encourage people rather than issue threats. There are many ways of encouraging people when they do the right thing or when they do what I want. I am sincere, I do not promise what I cannot deliver. I know what I want. I am empathic, asking myself what the other person really wants. I also consider the benefit the person will receive from what I really want and I try to match it with their wants.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

No.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful was the content? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you will give it? 9

Real Magic
Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

I see Dr. Wayne W.D as a man of miracles. I agree with his views.
He wants us readers to be aware of miracles that happen around and within us. It is a book that teaches me about my own miracle, how I can create it daily, living as a miracle. The writer has been able to show me the way to create what I previously thought to be impossible in my life. This is a very special and personal book to me. I have seen many of what the writer said came through personally in my life and in the life of people around me. Am s strong believer of miracles. I have started living a life filled with miracles. This book helped me to improve from believing in miracles to knowing they exist and even happened if I choose to make it happen. It is better to know about something than to believe in it existence. Knowing is stage one, while believing is the final stage. Why will i settle for less when I can be in the final stage! Within me is a unified field limitless possibility: Real magic takes place and I can begin to manifest all I seek. I have discovered a new realm of human experience where all things are possible. Limit simple do not exist, just be in the right place and at the right time. I am constantly in a place of higher awareness, thanks to Real Magic; my purpose for life becomes very clear and interesting while mystery silently disappears. My relationship has shifted to a whole new level and my fiancée confessed it! He told me recently, “baby I love you because you are so understanding, optimistic and use every situation positively, you make me happy.” Thanks to Real Magic, I am a better Aisha.
I choose to function at a higher level of awareness with optimal force. Here I experience victory over the materials. The lesson of this book is very simple: you are capable of achieving perfect equilibrium of the mind: this requires commitment to your own inner transformation.

A. Becoming a spiritual being
B. Creating a miracle mind-set
C. Real magic and your physical health
D. Real magic and your relationship
E. Real magic and your prosperity
F. Real magic and your personal identity
G. Real magic and your spiritual revolution

A. Becoming a spiritual being

In order to enter the world of real magic I need to learn to go beyond my rational mind and enter the dimension of spirituality. I have the capacity to create miracles and live a life of real magic, by using my invincible self to influence mu physical reality.

B. Creating a miracle mind-set
I reserve my judgments and disbelief, creating a magic zone in my mind. I affirm to myself loud each day that I am a spiritual being having a human experience and in this spiritual realm there are no limitation.

C. Real magic and your physical healthy

I have learned to develop a consciousness of possibility, rather than impossibilities. I am a physical miracle waiting to unfold.

D. Real magic and your relationship

My mind is all I have for relating. Even my physical touching are experienced in the mind. My thoughts helps me in building a lasting relations.

E. Real magic and your prosperity

I practise the five aspects of prosperity consciousness: I do not need anything else to experience prosperity, I cannot create prosperity if I believe in lack, I am not separated into categories and I cannot experience prosperity if I do not believe I deserve it.

F. Real magic and your personal identity

I have learned to ignore the notion that some people have higher intelligence than others. I see myself living and performing at the level of real magic. I must develop within me a new knowing that I have the capacity, through my invincible spiritual self to create any change I can conceive of for myself

G. Real magic and your spiritual revolution

The rights of an individual to live peacefully, in harmony, lovingly and on purpose are all reflections of a new way of thinking.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Becoming a spiritual being: I know what I know about myself and my proof is my own experience. Imagination is more important than knowledge: I aligned with my spiritual nature before my physical self.

Creating a miracle mind-set: I affirm myself on daily basis as a no-limit person. The choice is always with me, it has nothing to do with luck, but with believing in myself as part of the divine force that suffuses all form in the universe.

Real magic and your physical health: I am convinced that I can have it all when it comes to my physical body. I do not need to experience the limitation that characterize my way of living.

Real magic and your relationship: I take into cognisance the four additional ingredients of relationship at purpose. Which are: Relinquishing my need to be right, Allow space, eliminate the idea of ownership and finally knowing that I do not have to understand everything.

Real magic and your prosperity: Having an overriding spiritual goal that gives meaning to my work, focusing and closing my mind to all distractions, surrender to the process, see myself reaching peak productivity without striving.

Real magic and your personal identity: I have learned about the ‘5 big lie’ and overcoming them all. I have learned how to create my own magical personality by making myself into the person I choose to be: improving my personality, my talents, my intelligence, my habits & customs, my aging and emotional health.

Real magic and your spiritual revolution: I have learned that humanity lies beyond the boundaries of the body. I have learned and adopted the understanding that we are all connected. I now see that what I think about expands.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“We dance around in a ring and suppose, but the answer sit in the middle and know.”

Discover the secret that sits in the centre that knows. When I have answers to this questions, I would have unlatched the most difficult door blocking my entrance to real magic.

“All that you fight weakens you, all that you support empowers you.”

Staying focus on what I am for in life rather than what I am against. This is an excellent method for eliminating much of the inner turmoil and stress.

“Empower others to take control in their own lives.”

Practice life without a force on control. Most conflicts arise from a need to control someone or to prove that you are right and the other person is wrong.

“Develop a conviction in your heart that prosperity truly belongs to you.”

To think about prosperity is great beginning. And I must make these thoughts that I am entitled to prosperity into actual beliefs.

“Substitute knowing and trusting for doubting and fearing.”

In everything I examine in my physical life, and all I would like to see happen for me, just for a short period of time replacing doubt and fear with knowing and trusting.

“Realize that there are no limits.”
There is nothing to stop me from converting my illness to wellness. My body is constantly being recreated each and every moment of my life time. The tools for recreating it, and reproducing the new cells that will replace the old once are all within my invisible self: MY MIND.

“Know that your life has a purpose.”

My visit here as a human being is part of the perfection of this inexplicably divine and perfect universe. My life has a grand a heroic mission.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you will give it? 10

The New Dynamics of Winning
Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This book was on point! It still affects my daily living. I have been able to assimilate each and every principle stated and explained in this book.

The main idea the author conveyed in this book is a winning attitude and mentality. The question “what does it take to be a winner” ignites a hand full of ideas, thoughts, perception and philosophies. I tried to answer the question based on my thoughts and candid opinion. I was glad because most of my ideas were in line with that of the writer. I got wonderful insights on the new dynamics of winning: I realized that I already possess the talent, ability, intelligence and potential to succeed and live as a dynamic winner. However, I am open to improvement: I have got to know how to put my resources to work. In Dynamics of winning, I am constantly reminded of the potential in me to live my dream. This book has built in me practical & mental skills to achieve pick performance in any and everything I choose or set to do. The new dynamics of winning are set goals, set of practical principles that will help build my career, family, morals, spiritual and social life. I cannot do without its principles! Because they work for me by yielding positive result in my life, I will use them daily. Thank you IIGL for hooking me up with this great book!

Some of the major point I grabbed were: how to use stress to my advantage, how paying the price prepares me for success, the components of effective leadership and the importance of coach ability, the secret of mental toughness and how to overcome setbacks. I also learned about the important relationship between integrity and success, how to focus my mind for pick performance anywhere, anytime, the five most prevalent self-destructive beliefs and the most important trait of a champion.

A. Paying the price
B. Visualization of victory
C. Strength through mental toughness
D. The coach-ability factor
E. The quality of leadership
F. Fame, fortune and integrity
G. The quality of leadership

A. Paying the price

This is a key quality in the mind of a champion. The entry fee to success has cost: ‘Total Commitment’. I am motivated to work had and be more committed. I want to be good at what I am doing. I’ll do everything in my power to do this well as I possibly can. I am willing to invest myself whole heartedly in my job: I want to always look forward to Mondays and not Fridays! I will always put myself meaningfully to work and response.

B. Visualization of victory

I am applying the new dynamics of winning in my professional and personal life and I am gradually gaining the mind-set of a champion. I need to relax my mind and body before I can use my imagination effectively. Mental relaxation allows the right hemisphere of my brain more freedom. Physical relaxation puts me in touch with my body’s internal environment, without distraction. This can be maintained by stress reduction: making a written list, create a sub list and make best of it.

C. Strength through mental toughness

I am out of the grand stand and into the winning circle. Mental toughness is the ability to strive on pain and adversity. When it starts to hurt, I start to win. The conversion of stumbling blocks into stepping stone is what truly sets the champion apart from the rest of the society. I listen more rather than talk much! When I hear something directed to me, I take it seriously and act upon it. It will probably prove to be a valuable advice if it is spoken by someone whose credentials I know to be genuine.

D. The coach-ability factor

I am success driven with an intense need to come on top. Losers let it happen, winners make it happen. Even when winners fail, it’s in an active way. Winners look at what they are and at the positive contributions they are determined to make. As long as they are inquisitive, eager to learn, coachable young people out there, I’ll be available to try to be a good coach. I respect the role of authority figures: it doesn’t mean blind submission and robot-like conformity!

E. The quality of leadership

Leaders are never too wise to forget who taught them. Good leadership motivates others to their highest level by offering opportunities not obligations. I improve on my leadership qualities daily. I learnt that leadership isn’t based on theory or techniques. It depends on your ability to subordinate your own ego for the good of the team. A wise leader doesn’t always garb front or centre spotlight but stays more in the background, or at the side of the conference table.

F. Fame, fortune and integrity

I set positive examples of honesty, consistency and commitments in all my relationships. I learnt my attitude is what sustains and keeps me a winner. I question my motives on a daily basis. I show by doing not telling. I am my own investigative reporter. I will continue to remain loyal to my inner circle. I follow through in my organization while looking up to those beneath me. Refusal to punish mistakes is the only way to be certain that error will be reported immediately and in full so that the root causes can be identified and amended.

G. Self Confidence and Self Transformation

I have learned to detect and eliminate self-sabotaging thoughts, feelings and habits: this is a great deal I do towards consistently achieving peak performance. Champions are simply pushing the play button to access their physical and mental preparation. I am optimistic, I feel very so! I avoid drowning in a sea of adrenaline; I avoid replaying yesterday’s mistakes and am more confident of my preparations.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Paying the price: I rate my commitment to achieving my career goals as very high. I am determined to be productive about my physical health, view life as a continuous learning experience, get what I pay for, view mistakes as corrective feedback to get me back on track, set my own internal standards for success, choosing to win always and continue in training & gaining without complaining.

Visualization of victory: My ‘mind set’ is what matters. When my eyes are opened, I see the world that lies outside me. I know the object around are real and separate from myself. I see the act of winning in advance, vivid, multidimensional, textured, and clear. I know that what I see is who I’ll be. My actions both physical and mental will move to bring about in reality the image I am visualizing. I understand the idea of visualization since I practised it all the time and take it to heart.

Strength through mental toughness: I do not rush success; instead I listen to my body. I know my goals are really my own. I know they are realistic in terms of what I have done in the past and what I can do in the future. I avoid negative stimulations: mentally rehearsing problems, exaggerating them of all, creating them out of the air.

The coach-ability factor: I have a healthy personal impulse towards self-direction and freedom of interpretation. I enjoy innovations and have the capacity to form new and different opinions from those held by other people. I also possess high tolerance for order and organization. I am success driven with an intense need to come on top.

The quality of leadership: I try to listen often and as much as possible to what others says and try to do so without prejudice or prejudgment. I don’t put off or penalize anyone in any way for asking questions; instead I use praise frequently and sincerely. If I feel that criticism is definitely required I do not do it in front of others. I am firm and fair. I am not afraid to share my concerns with others.

Fame, fortune and integrity: I show by doing not telling. I will always remember that high expectation is the key. I demand integrity, respect from others and hard work from myself because the values I live by are going to shape the future for me and those around me.

Self Confidence and Self Transformation: I try to enjoy the process and outcome of success since my mind can’t distinguish between real experience and one that is repeatedly or vividly imagined. I can be the scriptwriter, main character and director of a triumphant life (mine). I realized I am my own most important judge. There is no opinion as important to my performance and wellbeing as the opinion I have of myself.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Being a champion means thinking like a champion.”

It is not enough to have the talent, intelligence other necessary resources to achieve anything I want: I have got to know how to put these resources to work. I have learnt to transform my ability into tangible accomplishments.

“Motivation is motive in action.”

I have learnt to transform my aspiration into actions in this real world. I know want I want to achieve in life, I think about it knowing it is achievable. Am optimistic, am trying it out and it is working, gradually improving. I am hopeful and relentless.

“Success is a process, not a place you come to.”

I am set out to achieve my aim and objective. The hope that is in my heart is more value able than whatever goal I may attain. My hope, positive mind set and optimism keeps me going. To travel hopefully is better than to arrive.

“If you try to seat on two chairs, you will fall between them.”

I life I have had many options and choices. Sometimes I feel I could do all when in fact some are contradictory! This book has helped me to narrow down my choices. Choosing wisely, using scale of preference. I step at a time. Taking two steps at a times means falling down.

“You don’t need to experience physical or emotional pain in order to succeed’ page 125

By discarding this dangerous myth, I have been able to avoid emotional burnout and physical exhaustions. I can succeed without failing 99 times. Once I the required effort in the right direction, I know I will hit my target. (Succeed)

“False hope is far less dangerous than having low expectation.”

False hope is bad, low expectation is the worse! I do not need any those. They are to completely unnecessary and totally avoidable on my wonderful path to success.

“Expect the best, plan for the worst and be prepared for surprises.”

This is my new ‘motto’ I expect the best as an optimistic person. But in life, worst things happen, so I plan for it. I am prepared for surprises too: it never cease.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, I found them very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful was the content? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you will give it? 10

Leadership for Dummies

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Leadership for Dummies is not the first book I would initially pick to read from a book shelve! I did not find the title and color of the book appealing but when I started reading its contents I found them very interesting and practical based with enough icons (Red flag, Championship strategy, Anecdote, Tips, Remember, and Warnings) to help make learning easy and interesting. I loved all 7 cartoons by Rich Tennant especially that of part II.

The main idea the authors were trying to convey in this book is a successful leadership, which require three things: eliciting the cooperation of other people, listening to them and putting them before myself. I learned how to develop these three key leadership skills from this book. Leadership for dummies is about the positive qualities of a leader. It was fun to read. I recommend this book for everyone aspiring to be leaders.

A. Being a commander rather than a leader

Being a commander rather a leader is never an acceptable way to lead. It is almost never effective substitute for leading. Apart from guidance which a leader provides, people also expect motivation. It is not possible to be a dictator and a motivator at the same time. A leader should motivate his or her people rather than give room for insubordination.

B. Eagerness

I am eager to learn and embrace new challenges. I am always ready to take up responsibility. I am a volunteer for the task that no one else wants to do. When I resumed my new job with Command Day Secondary School Abuja, I was assigned to teach Senior Secondary School II Computer Studies. This was a responsibility that most computer teachers turned down because it demanded extra time, skill and practical with the SSS II students who then had to write an examination. The examination (NAEC) also known as “Mock Examination” will be marked externally. This means the teacher will be rated based on the students’ performance. I was very confident, I took up this challenge. I taught the students, carried out computer practical with them, the students were very happy to have a computer teacher like me. Finally, my students did very well in the examination. I was appreciated in my school with an award of Excellence on the 2nd of August 2013.

C. Honesty

I love this word and what it stands for. I am glad that my parents and brothers can vouch for me. I am sincere and straight forward and I like people as such. I believe in telling the truth in any circumstance or situation. There is nothing wrong in admitting one’s fault or mistake. This builds trust from the people that look up to me.

D. Courage

Leaders are courageous and brave. Leaders are ready to move ahead into the unknown. They anticipate situations and prepare for them even the unknown. Leaders are brave and take their time to explain calmly to people, leaders also build the faith of the people he leads.

E. Listening

Listening is a very skill in the life of every good leader. I am patient enough to listen to what people tell me. I don not talk I listen at the same time –it is very wrong. Developing one’s listening skill is a key to good leadership. People need to be heard and it gladdens their heart when they know you listen. This means getting to know what the people are saying.

F. Meeting deadlines

Deadlines are good because it keep the project and team members on track. A leader has to be the person to set and enforce the deadlines. This involves saving time and cost, quality job done with the best resources. This however does not means speeding things up on necessary or carelessly.

G. Keeping an open mind

I am open to the taught, dreams and aspiration of others. I do not allow them to affect or change me negatively. Some people may have similar ideas with me, while others might not see things my way. This does not keep me from talking to them, I try as much as possible to keep an open mind, respecting everyone’s believe and what they stand for.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Being a commander rather than a leader: It is clear to me that commanding is not the same thing as leading. This is not suited in a democratic society. I have learnt to work on my cooperation and communication skills rather than on my commanding voice and presence. Am also working on my ability to get people to say YES willingly and joyfully to what I want them to do. Am learning how to be patient and explain things in simple, clear, persuasive manner, presenting the benefits of cooperation.

Eagerness: My personal example in the previous question, No 2, shows my eagerness. Am ready to teach, ready to lend a helping hand. Am happy to answer question just like I ask. I see every situation as an opportunity. I am an optimistic person. No dull moments with me.

Honesty:being honest will certainly bring the right people to you. It true most people easy believe lies! One might even be hated for being too open or honest this is however not an excuse to partake in deception. Directness and honesty will keep me focused.

Courage: A leaders must show confidence in his people. He must be strong enough to make a decision and stand by it. Hence his decision skill must be equipped and developed to consider not just himself but every member of his team or group.

Listening:It is important to listen to people especially those you are in charge of. I listened patiently to my students and I was able to know their needs and areas they needed more clarification. I took my time to ask them question and gave them room to also ask me. I took time listen to them. They know they could always come to me with question aside computer studies and I would give a listening ear and a help hand.

Meeting deadlines:I have met so many deadlines. Both the once in set for myself, the student I teach and the one set by the school. We have a deadline for submission of lesson plan, examination question, marking and recording, etc. in all of these, I have never been late, I always meet up with deadline, if not the first to finish a certain task. This makes me fill happy.

Keeping an open mind:This has helped me in cases that would have normally led to an argument. I see things differently. And since we are all entitled to our own opinions, I believe keeping an open mind will also means being at peace with everyone regardless of who they are and what they stand for.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Leadership myths: understanding what leadership is not is as important as understanding what leadership is because much of the information we have about leadership is false.”

There are so many misunderstandings that this book has really cleared for me. I understand what leadership really is all about.

“The difference between leadership and management.”

I am happy to have known the two important distinction between leadership and management. They are: Things are managed and People are lead. Managers do things right but Leaders do the right things. Both explanations made very and bright Ideas come into my mind. I understood better.

“Establishing goals and mission quickly.”

This particularly got my attention because it worked for me. I established my goals immediately I started working with CDSSA. I knew it would take some time to achieve them all, but I worked in such a way that I saw progress every week. It was a long term goal: the little but continuous progress was evident.

“Using information to build team spirit.”

The right information helps a leader to make the best possible decision. Like taking note of staff birthdays, special family moments. This can boost team spirit within an organization.

“A Vision: this is what defines a future and allow groups to seek continued growth and challenge.”

I have learned that vision comes from three places: experience, knowledge and imagination. Experience lets me visualize from the way I live, knowledge lets me visualize from what I have learned while imagination helps turn randomness into a vision.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Leadership for dummies was clear and interesting.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes it did and I found them very helpful. They include but not limited to:

Part I, chapter 4: Gathering Intelligence. Table 4-1, information indicator.

Part II, chapter 6: Plot your SWOT. Figure 6-1, Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats.

Part III, chapter 8: understanding leadership concepts. Table 8-1.

Part IV, chapter 16: thinking in the boxes. Table 16-1, personal inventory skills.

No.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Law of Attraction

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This book is a Wow! The Law of Attraction by Michael J. Losier is the Best book I have ever been given to read aside the Holy Bible! I recommend this book to everyone. I feel it’s my duty to tell everyone I come in contact with to read this book. I love the book cover color. This book is on point and very direct, so practical. I could feel the book, I barely kept it down before I finished reading it. I then took my time to do all my statement writing and I saw myself filling and getting better day by day. Thank You IIGL for giving me this wonderful book.

The main idea the author is trying to convey in this book is a universal law that attracts whatever a person gives his or her attention to. This wonderful book contains easy to follow steps for students like me and many more out there who are willing to learn using the exercise and tools quickly so we all could be practicing the grate and simple Law of Attraction in our life.

The following seven points were the most important to me from the book:

A. Positive and negative vibrations.

This was important to me because it made me realized that vibe equal a mood or feeling. And each of us sends out either a positive vibe or a negative vibe. Our negative vibe always tends to the left while that of the positive always turn to the right. I have decided to always have and fill good filling since that is just what I want to attract.

B. Understanding the significance of my words.

I realized that man cannot do without words. Even while asleep, we use words, we see, write, think and use them even in our head. I learned from this book that some of the words we use might have different vibes at the time of usage. Our words affect our thoughts and hence our feeling. I learnt to use the best words, ascribing these beautiful to good experiences.

C. The 3 step formula for deliberate attraction

These include identifying my desire, giving my desire attention and allowing my desire come into reality.

D. Identify your desire.

This section deals with contrast and clarity. While contrasts are the things I do not want, clarity are the things I want. It is important to identify contrast because it provided me with clarity.

E. Give your desire attention

This area means to give my desire more action by identifying them and more importantly giving them positive attention. Without attention, energy and focus on my desire they will never be manifested or come to reality.

F. Allowing it

This is simply the absence of a negative vibration. These negative vibes are doubt, fear, stress, impatience, lack of forgiveness, hatred, anger, etc. Allowing step is the most important step in the deliberate attraction process. Allowing occurs in the absence of doubt.

G. Beyond the step 3 formula

I am learning to become more abundant and attract more wealth to myself. Since abundance is a feeling it is easy for me to include it in my current vibration. I am abundant. Today I attracted abundance when I won an award as “The Best Available Temporary Staff in my school.”

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Below are the ideas that will help me most in my personal life and in helping me create a better world:

Positive and negative vibrations: I tend to fill a fluctuation in my vibe, I fill happy most of the time, and then there come tension and stress. The law of attraction has taught me not to allow negative emotions or vibes stay, but should be quickly replaced with their direct opposite.

Understanding the significance of my words: I learned of the words that are causing me to attract what I do not want in my life. These include the Don’t, I’m not, using these words only bring the things I try to avoid. My words have changed, so have my vibes (from partial negative to fully positive). I am not giving my attention to any negative thing but to all positive things I want.

3 step formula for deliberate attraction: Identifying my desire involve thinking and writing down all the things I want, giving each and every one of them attention and allowing them to come to reality.

Identify your desire: I am clear about what I want by paying much attention to what I do not like. My contrast has provided me with clarity. I have identified what makes me fill well and I do more of it, like teaching, counseling youth (mostly females), volunteering, reading and writing.

Give your desire attention: I need all my desires to be inside my vibrational bubble so that they can be manifested. I will not contaminate my vibrational bubble with contrast or things I do n not like. I am including in my vibrational bubble the following: Joy, Peace, Financial security, celebrations, promotion, happy home, perfect health and faith in the Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Allowing it: allowing is the absence of negative vibrations. It is only when my resistance is removed that my desire is manifested. I have a strong desire with no doubt: my desire will be manifested quickly.

Beyond the step 3 formula: to help me maintain a high vibe when dealing with other who have low vibe, I ask them: “So, what do you want?” whenever they complain to me or talk about what they do not like. This simple question reminds me of my vibrational bubble and also raise their own vibe (contrast leading to clarity) to my level.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Whether it is a positive or negative vibration, the law of attraction will give you more of the same.”

This make me know that I observe what I have and receive in my life, while observing, I am sending out vibrations either negative or positive. The law of attraction responds to the vibrations I am sending and as a result I get more of what I vibrate, whether positive or negative.

“Resetting my vibrations.”

I have decided to reset my vibrations to 100% positive by choosing the right words and the right thoughts. I have decided to ignore all wrong thoughts, words and actions.

“Contract brings clarity.”

This is so exciting for me because I now see how easy it is to live the good life. For me, I ask myself now always, ‘so what do I want’. This question sustains clarity.

“Doing more of what I like.”

I have learned to identify what makes me feel good and does no harm to someone else) and do more of it.

“The power of allowing.”

I like this! I have learnt that having a strong desire with no doubt means my desire will be manifested quickly. I allow all my desires to come true. I have taken out every form of doubt.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The Law of Attraction contained exercises such as; “Asking yourself so what do I want.” Clarity through contrast worksheet, Desire statement body, Allowing statements, Sources of Abundance. I did all of the exercise (writing my personal statements and lots more) and I found each and every one of the exercise very helpful to me. Indeed, my life has turned around for the best. Thanks to IIGL and to the author!

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effect People presents a holistic and integrated principle-centered approach for solving professional and personal problems. This profiting book is most thoughtful and enlightening. The book is filled with deep, enriching insights and pointed remedies. The author reveals a step by step path for living with justice, equality, impartiality, fair-mindedness, service, objectivity, even handedness principles that enable us adapt to change and the opportunities it creates. This book has personally changed my life forever.

The seven ideas I found to be most important to me are:

Be proactive
Begin withthe end in mind
Putting first things first
Think win/win
Seek first to understand then to be understood
Synergize
Sharpen the saw

Here is a description of each of the seven points in more detail:

A. Be proactive

I have learned to listen to my language and the language of those around me. Taking note of “if only;” “I can’t;” and “I have to.” I have identified an experience I might encounter in the near future where based on past experience I would probably behave reactively. I have reviewed the situation and prepared my mind to respond in a proactive manner. I keep reminding myself of the gap between stimulus and response. I have made a commitment to myself to exercise my freedom to choose.

B. Begin withthe end in mind.

This is so serious and thoughtful. I took time to reflect on this: starting with a clear understanding of my destination. My life is much more different now that I really know what is more important to me and keeping that picture in mind.

C. Putting first things first

This section deals extensively on time management. I have learned so much about the quadrant II which are not urgent but very important. I am focusing on the activities on this quadrant, because it is the first thing that needs to be put first.

D. Think win/win

I have learned how to dwell in the best paradigm of interaction: Win/Win. This frame of mind and heart constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. I now see life as a cooperative not a competitive arena.

E. Seek first to understand then to be understood

This habit taught me to listen with the intent to understand rather than just reply. It is a deliberate step to understand the other person point of view and or concerns. People feel happy and pleased knowing you understand them.

F. Synergize

I have learned to apply the principles of creative cooperation in my family life, and social interaction. I do not argue with people of different opinion to mine. I simply consider ways in which these differences might be used as stepping stones for me. This would then lead to a win/win for both of us.

G. Sharpen the saw

This is very interesting to me. I like the short story that introduced this topic. Sharpening the saw makes all other habit possible. I have taken time to really sharpen my saw so as to enhance the effectiveness of all seven habits in my daily life.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Below are the ideas that will help me most in my personal life and in helping me create a better world for myself and others:

Be proactive: this book made me realize I am not my feeling, mood or even thoughts. The very fact that I can think about them separates me from them. I have learnt that my capacity is relatively unlimited. Highly proactive people choose their response, thus they are responsible.

Begin withthe end in mind: I took time to reflect on my roles as I now see them. I am satisfied with the mirror image of my life. I have set up time to begin to work on my personal mission statement. I have started sharing the principles of Habit 2 with my family, friends and students. We are in the process of developing respective mission statements.

Putting first things first: I have been able to identify a quadrant II activity (recognizing new opportunities) that I have neglected in my life. One that if I do well, would have a significant impact in my life personally and professionally.

Think win/win: am committed to making a balance between courage and consideration. Try to put myself in the other persons positions and see things their way first.

Seek first to understand then to be understood: I counsel some student that come to me for advice. Before I respond to any of their situations, complains or demands, I make sure I have listened to understand them first. I try to share the concept of empathy with my colleagues, few family members and friends.

Synergize: I now enjoyed the company and contributions of people with different views from mine. I synergize on a daily basis because I meet different people with different ideas and views. I try to first understand their concerns and position on issues then I address those concerns in a creative and mutually beneficial way.

Sharpen the saw: I have a list of activities that will help keep me in good health. They include but not limited to: running, swimming and volleyball. I know I will continue to enjoy these activities over time. I have allocated goals to be achieved by me in the 4 weeks of every month. I am happy to write that I am achieving each and every one so far. Thanks to this wonderful book and mostly to IIGL for helping its students achieve daily victory.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

I like the quotes below the best and explain why after each one:

“The way we see the problem is the problem.”

The way I deal with situations really matters. What I may consider to be a problem might be some else challenge or even my neighbor’s victory story. I have decided to see every challenge that comes my way as my victory story.

“Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can be and should be and he will become as he can and should be.”

We all pamper my youngest brother Isaac at home. We never allow him to do anything himself, and now in his first teenage age, we started treating him as a grownup and he is already acting as one.

“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”

When I first read this sentence, I paused to think about what it meant. I was humbled because I am privileged to be alive and if service is my rent then I would gladly pay it daily.

“The Daily Private victory a minimum of one hour a day in renewal of the physical, spiritual, and mental dimension, is the key to the development of the seven Habits.”

I really liked this quote because of how well it states what to do each day.

“We can’t live without eating but we don’t live to eat.”

We live to do so many things; such as continued service to humanity not just for the basic things of life.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing I can think of.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

There weren’t any exercises in the book to complete. Although each chapter suggests habits to develop and how to practice them each day; which I have started to do.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing else to mention that I can think of; except great book!

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Unlimited Power

Assessment by Aisha Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Anthony Robbins really did a great job in his book Unlimited Power. He made me gain the ability to change, to adapt, to grow and evolve. I learnt that my unlimited power makes the difference in my life. This is the power of people working together and not pulling apart. I dream of a much better life and am glad this book showed me practical steps to getting there in the shortest time possible to me. I have learnt how to take advantage of my situations. I learnt how to model and the advantages of modeling.

My favorite chapter was chapter 10. Energy: The fuel of Excellence.I shared and explain everything in this chapter with my friends and family. Our lives never remained the same. Thank you IIGL ones again for making our lives better day by day.

A. The commodity of kings

I learned that the success is always under construction. It is a progress course not an end to be reached. I learnt that by applying this simple but effective principles I will not only change the way I feel about myself but also the wonderful results I will be producing. Action is what produce result and power is the ability to act. This book has given power to act and I have started getting wonderful results already.

B. The difference that makes the difference.

We get whatever we accept. I learnt from this book that people who succeed do not have fewer problems than people who fail. Whether I believe I can do something or I can’t, I am right. I believe I can achieve all my goals and aspirations. Yes I can.

C. The power of state.

I learned about the different state people and myself can be in during a conversation or response. Understanding state is the key to understanding change and achieving excellence. The ancestor of every action is thoughts. I have learnt to take control of my thought to produce the right results at desired time.

D. Birth of excellence.

Belief: this helped me to know the power in belief and how it works for me and others. This is a map the guides me to my goal and ensures I attain it. My belief system determines how much of my potential I will be able to tap. My belief system turn on or shut off the flow of ideas.

E. The seven lies of success.

My mind is a special place of its own, it can create wonderful and terrible places. I learnt that to be able to model excellence, I have to start with a belief system of excellence. I strongly belief there is no such thing as failure, just an undesired result. Because believing in failure is a way of poisoning the mind. There is no abiding success without commitment.

F. Mastering your mind

How to run your brain – I have decided to focus on what I want and what is important. I have programmed my mind to produce positive I have learnt how to change my feelings to good ones even in bad situations. By thinking of a pleasant situation and replacing how I felt with a bad situations.

G. The syntax of success.

This point helped me to understand the order in which things follow. There are certain pattern that must be followed for us to get the desired result. The meaning of experience is determined by the order of the signal provided to the brain.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The commodity of kings: I have been able to change my life effectively for the best. I have learnt to communicate effectively. I decide the way I act and react to situations that happen around me. I am taking massive, focused and congruent actions that lead to overwhelming results. I am happily turning up the light and sound of the positive messages in my brain because I have dimed the lights and sounds of the negative ones.

The difference that makes the difference: I learned that my mental syntax is important because that is the way my thoughts are organized. Unlocking the codes people use to communicate is one of the best ways to model people’s best qualities.

The power of state: I have learnt about tapping into the most resourceful part of my brain. I learnt that my state has awesome power and I can control it. This is very important to me because I can now choose the right response to situations, even impromptu.

Birth of excellence: Belief: I can do anything I think I can. I learnt how to model the belief that foster excellence which included: my environment, events (small or large), fostering belief through knowledge, past results and creating in my mind the experience I desire in the future as if it were now.

The seven lies of success: I have believed in the 7 lies of success and it has worked positively for me. Everything happens to us for a reason and purpose. Belief in limits create limited people. I take responsibility for whatever happens, that way I arrive at a reasonable solution on time. It is absolutely not necessary to understand everything to be able to use everything. I strongly believe people are my greatest resources that’s why I choose them wisely.

Mastering your mind: How to run your brain- I have learnt how to replace negative images in my brain with positive ones. I can think of something bad and feel good about it by representing all bad and negative situations with good and positive ones.

The syntax of success: I have learnt that there is a combination that opens my vault and other peoples own and I have to find it. I have to know someone learning strategy in order for me to teach that person effectively.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The power of breath.”

I learned the importance of dip breathing how it helps my body to work well. How this also activates the lymph system to work properly. I learnt how to fully cleanse my body through effective breathing. I am living a healthier life, thanks to this book.

“Eating rich water food.”

I learned the importance of eating rich water food and fruits. The right kind of fruits to take and at what time. I also learnt another importance of water: the best solvent in existence. It also interested me to note that herbivores live longer than carnivore. I have decided to be a vegetarian.

“Effective food combining.”

I learned how to combine food the right way that will enhance my body system. Than to the “food combining chat for complete and efficient digestion.” I learned how to avoid morning tiredness by avoiding incompatible combinations of food.

“Law of controlled consumption.”

I want to live around long enough to eat. And the only way to achieve that is eating little. This means so much to me: it has completely changed my eating habits for the best. Am eating less to live more. I am happy doing this with this new eating pattern.

“Effective fruit consumption.”

I enjoyed this point because I have increased knowledge about fruits. I learnt the only food my brain can work on is glucose and fruits primarily produce fructose which can be easily converted into glucose. Fruit is the most perfect food.

“The protein myth.”

I learned of the dangers in eating too much protein. I learned I can be happier and healthier than I am now by deciding I no longer want to eat the flesh or skin of other living or dead being. It interested me to know that most great leader of the past were vegetarians.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes it did, and I completed all the exercises. I found them very helpful to me, my friends and family.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor

Nonviolent Communication
Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea Marshall is trying to convey in Nonviolent Communication is the art of resolving conflicts easily. This book helps to transform thinking, language and moralistic judgment. It helps in breaking the pattern of thoughts that may lead to depression, argument or strive. This book makes communication effective and clear, resolves conflicts in a timely manner. I recommended Nonviolent Communication to my friends and they admit it was very helpful to them.

The ideas are:

i. Giving from the heart
ii. Communication that blocks compassion
iii. Observing without evaluation
iv. Identifying and expressing feeling
v. Taking responsibility for our feelings
vi. Requesting that which would enrich life
vii. Receiving empathically

i. Giving from the heart

Nonviolent Communication is a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart sincerely. It guides me on how to express myself and hear others clearly without interruption, prejudice or fear.

ii. Communication that blocks compassion

There are ways I communicate that have hindered my natural state of compassion. This book has taught me how to communicate in the right way, taking note of my audience and not forgetting my true self that is filled with compassion. I also realize that the way I analyses people around me is actually the expression of my own need and values.

iii. Observing without evaluation

I have stopped combining observation with evaluation because people are quick to here criticism and might be offended. This book has been able to distinguish between the two (observation and evaluation) from the table on page 30, Nonviolent Communication.

iv. Identifying and expressing feeling

I learned the importance of my feelings and how to express them. I also learned that expressing my vulnerability can help in conflict resolution. Hence I am able to distinguish my feelings from my thoughts.

v. Taking responsibility for our feelings

I took serious note of the different between the stimulus and cause. What other do may be the stimulus of our feeling but not the cause. I learned to connect my feelings with my needs.

vi. Requesting that which would enrich life

I have learned to use positive language when making request. It is also important that my request be clear, positive and in concrete action language because it reveals what I really want. I always avoid vague language since it contribute to internal confusion.

vii. Receiving empathically

I have learned to empty my mind and listen with my whole body. I ask before offering advice or reassurance. I am aware that intellectual understanding blocks empathy that why no matter what others say, I only hear what they are observing, feeling, needing and requesting.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Giving from the heart: this helped me to replace the old pattern of defending, withdrawing or attacking in the face of judgment and criticism. I learn to identify and clearly articulate any given situation. The four components of Nonviolent Communication are important and very helpful to me. I am able to observe clearly, I do not allow my feelings to affect my judgment, I consider the needs of others before mine and I am not afraid of making or listening to request.

Communication that blocks compassion: this point has really help me to realize that even “comparison” is a form of judgment that leads to frustration. I have also stopped to classify and judge people as it only leads to more violence. I have learned to replace languages that implies lack of choice with languages that acknowledges choice. I have learned to be conscious of my responsibility on how I behave, think and feel.

Observing without evaluation: Observing without evaluation is very important and possible. I have learned to make observation specific to time and content.

Identifying and expressing feeling: I have been able to distinguish between what I feel (which can be temporal) and what I think I am. What I feel might also be different from how people react or behave towards me. I also built my own vocabulary of feelings. This include: A-Alive; I-Inspired; S-Stimulated; H-Happy; A-Alert.

Taking responsibility for our feelings: is book use are two different I realized that judgments of others are alienated expression of my own unmet needs. If I express my need, I have a better chance of getting them met. If I do not value my needs, others may not either.

Requesting that which would enrich life: when I express my feeling, it may not be clear to the listener what I want them to do. I am conscious of what I am requesting, making sure my request does not sound like demand. I often ask my listener to reflect back I message I sent, these makes me sure that my message was properly received.

Receiving empathically: This has really worked for me: in the process of asking information, I first express my own feeling and needs. I realized that behind intimidating messages are merely people appealing to us to meet their needs so every difficult message becomes an opportunity to enrich someone’s life.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The power of empathy.”

I learned empathy allow us to perceive the world in a new way and to go on. Listening is very important: we say a lot by listening to people’s feelings and needs. I discovered that what bores the listener bores the speaker too because conversations for the speaker are equally so for the listener.

“Connecting passionately with ourselves.”

I have been able to evaluate myself in many ways some of which has engender growth rather than self-hatred. I developed compassion, self-forgiveness and avoided “shoulding” myself. I avoid shame, regret, self-judgment and self-pity.

“Expressing anger fully.”

It is true that I am never angry because of what others say or do but because of the way I respond. I am able to distinguish between stimulus and cause. Truly the cause of anger really lies in my thinking (thought of blame and judgment). I stopped judging other people since it lead to violence. No one can cause me pain unless I allow them to.

“The protective use of force.”

The fear of punishment lead to focus on consequence and not on my own values. This also diminish self-esteem and goodwill.

“Liberating ourselves and counseling others.”

The need to be free from depression and cultural conditioning is important. I personally have learnt to focus on what I want rather than on what went wrong. I have learned to relieve stress by hearing my own feelings & needs and by empathizing with others.

“Expressing appreciation in nonviolent communication.”

Nonviolent Communication has taught me that compliments are often judgments, however positive it may sound. I learnt to express my appreciation to celebrate other and not to manipulate. Compliments and appreciation should be received without false humility or feelings of superiority.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Everything in the book was clear and there isn’t anything I disagreed with.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, chapter 3 to chapter 8 had exercises which I did and found to be very helpful.
Thank you IIGL.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

No there isn’t anything else to comment on.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Goals

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Goals by Brian Tracy is a step by step guild towards setting definite goals and achieving them. I found this book helpful, interesting and challenging. More of my potentials were unlocked and I started to take charge of my life. My values are now clarified and my beliefs analyzed. This book have been able to help me improve in creating a better future for myself and people around me.

i. Starting at the beginning

I have determined the reality of my current situation relative to my major goals, I am not yet where I want to be but am closing on to my goals really fast. I have marked areas that need my special attention and the things I should stop doing. I want to increase my earnings and my goals on finances are achievable. I have determined my hourly rate and am working to improve on what I do each hour of the day. Time is precious and so are my goals. I set goals to increase the value of what I do each hour so as to increase the amount I earn for them.

Tight timing and financial measure has improved my performance. I know my current net worth and I have developed a long term plan. My constant practice of the zero-based thinking has made me free from my mistakes of the past. I constantly evaluate each area of my life, these includes my time, money, business, work, emotions, etc. am prepared to make the necessary changes as nothing is holding me back.

I know my level of skill and ability, I have identified my weakness and I always remember that I am my most valued asset. I do not intend to settle for better but the very best.

ii. Determine your true goal

I still have certain desires in life despite the luxury I enjoy from my parents. I am forever grateful to them. I don’t wish to have what others have or envy others. I do not compete neither am I a jealous person. I work towards achieving my desired goals. My goals are clear, specific, detailed and written down. My goals are measurable and objective. My goals are time bound, with schedule and deadlines. My goals are challenging and they are also in harmony with my values. I have a desire because I believe my goals are achievable. My goals are written down and have determined my starting point and also why I want them. I visualize my goals continually and I will never give up on them

iii. Optimize your health and wellness

I feel I could lose more pounds. Although I’ve maintained 85kg for the past 3 years. I feel great and eat healthy food/fruits. I would do more exercise and drink enough water daily. I have to be alive, healthy and happy to enjoy my success. I desire to enjoy high level of physical well-being and I believe nothing can stop me from eventually achieving a state of all round health. I absolutely believe that absolute physical health is superb physical health is possible for me. It is programmed in my subconscious mind and that means it has gradually began. The benefits of being fit and trimmed are enormous from looking and feeling younger to living a stress free life.

iv. Remove the road block

I a have few major goals, I have identified hindrances and delay towards achieving these goals. Truly I have little fear and fewer doubts about my goals. But I strongly believe I will success and achieve all my set out goals. I think in terms of solutions, I know that temporal failure always precedes success. Nothing holds me back from attaining my goals since I have identified the key constraints in my personality, temperament, skill, ability and my habits. I have determined to overcome these constraints. The two obstacle to success are fear and doubt. These negative emotions must be totally unlearned and eliminated out of my life.

v. Associate with the right people

I have a list of all important people in my life. I have also developed a plan to help each of person in some way. I want them to be happy and I know I was the cause of their joy or success. I does it alone, the right people will always be key to my success. I need people in and around my career, people in groups and organization outside my career and business, my family and friends. I am always building my key business relationships. I avoid working on the wrong task this helps me stay focused on my top priority task. I must sow well to reap well.

vi. Manage your time well

My time is very important. If spent well is worth more than money. Am glad I spend every minute of my time on important things (my goals)I have determined my long term goals and this I did by beginning with a list of thing I want done: My to-do. By writing it down the law of attraction brings it to reality faster than I thought. It also attracts opportunities, people and resources I need. I update my list regularly, since I always meet my target. My subconscious mind works on my list even while I am asleep. Advanced planning has also helped me in achieving my goals. Not all my goals are urgent and not all are important. I have learned to separate the urgent from the important task not forgetting their consequences.

vii. Visualize your goals continually

This is very interesting and practical. I project forward and imagine my life being perfect in all areas. I imagine my perfect life regularly, concentrating daily on the things I want. I rehearse every great moment I expect in my life and it is almost like a habit now. I see the success I desire now by feeing my mind with exciting images I like and want. I do not allow my mental picture to be blurred by doubts or fear. I have developed my own character, this involves: humility, honesty, discipline and temperance. I am what I can be and it is mostly affected by my mental picture of myself. I am performing at my best and then I relax deeply to see the desired result.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Starting at the beginning: I have being doing a complete skill analysis of myself and work this has made me realize my strengths and weakness areas, which need to be improved. I have determined to increase my hourly input to earn more.

I have applied the zero-based-thinking principle to every area of my life. I do not have much to regret about. So far so good, I have a lot to improve in. I have done a complete financial analysis of my life.

My earnings and savings will only increase since I increase my hourly input, work harder and save more. Continually do skill analysis of myself and my work, I know my strengths and areas that need improvements. My most important goal right now is finishing my book review for IIGL Level Two books before 8am today.

Determine your true goal: The goals that would have the greatest positive impact in my life if attained are:

Becoming a Graduate Student of IIGL this year 2014.

Going for my Industrial Training on ICT in the U.S.A. from March – August 2015.

Starting my own registered ICT Company in September 2015.

These goals are exciting for me and also achievable:

Optimize your health and wellness:

I would continue to eat more vegetables, reduce my carbohydrate and avoid beef completely. I would happily replaced beef with fresh fish. Eat more seafood, more freshness. I am aware of the three white poisons: white sugar, white salt and white flour, and reduced the intake of white salt but have been able to totally eliminate white flour and white sugar. This is for my own good. I am self-disciplined and that increased my self-esteem. I am willing to learn more about nutrition, dieting and exercise as this will help me make the right choices and decisions to achieve and maintain high level of fitness and energy. I have developed my eating diet and fitness plan for each week. I am determined to discipline myself to follow through on my commitments.

Remove the road block: Fear and doubt are part of the road blocks to the achievement of my goals. And as I write this book review, they are totally gone. I have removed all road block. My path to success is clear and sure. Courage and confidence is what I need instead of fear and doubt. I do not want to be trapped in my comfort zone as this will lead to stagnancy and limitation. I am not satisfied in a situation or position for long because there is always room for improvements. “Goals” has taught me how to apply the right solutions to the right problems. I want my income to be increased and while I strive for accuracy. I define every obstacle as a positive goal that must be achieved. I have also written goals to remove those obstacles. My ultimate success is guaranteed.

Associate with the right people: I have learned to invest in relationship building, these includes: networking professionally, thinking and planning long terms, giving of myself (time, energy, money, skill), getting around the right people and finally associating with the winners. I have learned to appreciate and value my most important relationship: Family and Friends. This is very important. I am thankful to the person in my personal life, people in my family, community and my friends. I would do my best to make them happy. This book has made me become a relationship expert: Treat everyone you meet like a “million-dollar customer.”

Manage your time well: My list of items to do are organized according to priority. This helps me manage my time well, while taking note of the urgent and non-urgent. I discipline myself to concentrate on my task till it is perfectly completed. I apply the 80/20 rule which state that 20% of your activities will account for 80% of the value of all your activities. I have learned to practice creative procrastination. I procrastinate on the 80% task that contribute little to my desired goal and focus on the 20% task that can make the most difference on my daily activities. I chose wisely the most important and the most valuable task. My choice ultimately determines everything that happens to me. I focus on high value activities, this keeps me on track each day. Am working on my key result areas to make a difference. I have become intensely result oriented while I develop a good habit of time management.

Visualize your goals continually: I continually feed my mind with clear, exciting and emotional pictures. I avoid evil imaginations and dwell on possibilities. My daily visualization is already coming to reality. I have visually designed my dream home, I have complete faith in this process and I will gradually but surely come into existence. Patience is a vital tool for goal realization. I have determined to be patient and optimistic.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Measure your progress”

I take time to evaluate my achievements and successes on a daily basis. I avoid wasteful spending and invest on important areas that will yield me more profits. I resolve to accomplish at least one specific part of a larger goal each day. The three key to pick performance were interesting and important for me. These included: Commitment, Completion and Closure.

“Make a plan of action.”

I have the time and resources necessary for my success. I revisit and revise my plan regularly, especially when I get new information or when things are not going well. The planning process is very important so is putting together my plan. Planning pays off, it saves time and expenses, it is the basis for all great achievement and it is a formula for success.

“Review your goals daily.”

I have already written down goals that I would like to achieve in the next five years. I am convinced that achieving my goals is inevitable. I am working very hard to double the speed of my goal attainment. My subconscious mind is already programmed and activated. I set deadlines on my goals since I want them badly, I trust in this process.

Activate your super-conscious mind: I have complete faith that only the best can happen. I learned the two ways of stimulating my super-conscious mind is: 1) concentrating and working intensely to achieve my goal. 2) To relax completely and get my mind busy with something else.

“Persist until you succeed.”

I have decided never to give up. My determination to persist on my goals has always made to possible to achieve it. I always think in terms of what I can do right now to solve my challenges or achieve my goals and then I get started. The future belongs to the risk takers.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

It did not have exercises.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.7

Goal Setting 101

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Being-purposeful, goal setting, determination, hard work, accomplishment and satisfaction in life is what Gray Ryan Blair in Goal Setting 101 is trying to convey. This book covers the basics in setting and achieving mapped out goals. This book explains the fundamentals in setting goals. Goal setting 101 helped me to plan my way to success and maintain that position.

i. Understand the definition of Goal/Know why goal setting is important

My goal is the exact result I work towards and expect at the end of the day. Achieving my goals are as important to me as the air I breathe. Goals setting is important to me because it establish direction for my life, identify results and challenges me to grow. I have learned the three key element of goals which are: An accomplishment to be achieved, A measurable outcome and A specific date and time to accomplish the goal.

ii. Develop a vision/Create a mission statement

I have a vision and I know it is important. My vision is the best for my life and then will also make the world a better place. My vision is understood, shared, accepted by everyone. My goal is specific, measurable and a time-bound accomplishment. My mission statement interpret reasons for my goals. I have learned to find the fewest and best words to express what I want.

iii. Study the anatomy of a goal/Accept your power of choice

The anatomy of a goal is the foundation question which when answered correctly would be an attainable goal. What, Why & How of my goals.

Every moment offer choice and I choose to exercise the privilege by setting and achieving my goals. What includes my Goals, Why includes the benefits I will get and How is the strategy involved in achieving my goals.

iv. Respect reality – Face the fact/Be Authentic

I need integrity of data and my willingness to operate with it. I accept reality and do not try to play God! There are certain things I simply cannot aim for or set as my goals since they are not attainable. Information is very essential. It is part of the facts I have to face. I am myself, I do not try to copy or compete with any one. I run at my own pace (the best I can do). Reality moves me towards my goals: I have accepted it. I am not ready to be stress or frustrated by denying reality.

v. Cover the ten crucial life dimension /Make everything count

Values, Goals, Mission, Legacy, Groundwork, Fulfillment, Realization. The ten crucial life dimensions which include: Personal, Health, Recreation, Family, Friends, Community, Career, Finance, Household and Spiritual. These ten crucial life dimensions counts! So also anything I do towards achieving my goals. “Values lay the groundwork for your goals. Goals lead to the fulfillment of your mission. Your mission leads to the realization of your life’s work – your legacy.”

vi. Respect your right and responsibilities /Ask the six important goal-setting questions.

I have the right, privilege, responsibility and honor to: Set and achieve a goal, be successful, happy and prosperous, and to pursue my own individual path in life. The six important questions helped me to be more precise, have a definite purpose and be time conscious of my goal. I also have the responsibility to teach and share (which I have been doing) what I have learned in life to others, especially the younger once (youths).

vii. Keep a positive attitude/Work economically

Success is my attitude: I like to keep it. I know I am capable of growing and doing much more than what I am doing. It is my desire to keep improving my life and the life of others. Working economically is also important to me since it leads to maximum productivity. I have adopted success as my attitude. I am ready to stretch and grow, I am ready to manage time and work effectively.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Understand the definition of Goal / Know why goal setting is important:

“A goal is an end towards which you direct specific effort.” Goal setting 101 has helped me understand the three key element of a goal: An accomplishment to be achieved, a measurable outcome and a specific date & time to accomplish the goal. I leaned that goal setting improves my self-image, gives me confidence and forces me to be specific. Goal setting is important because it challenges me to grow, identify results, establish direction, gives me confidence and forces me to be more specific.

Develop a vision/Create a mission statement: I have boiled down my vision and my goals using the fewest and best words to express what I want. Am in the process of creating my mission statement which would be a declaration of who I am, why I exist and what I intent to accomplished. My mission statement clarify my purpose for myself and others. My mission statement gives me meaning for my life and creates a reason for living.

Study the anatomy of a goal / Accept your power of choice: The anatomy of a goal is very essential: provides direction, personal benefits and markers for achievement. My goals are clearly defined and precise. I am exercising my power of choice by setting and holding a clearly defined direction. Success is intentional use of choice and positive decisions. Clearly defined goals transits me to a new and better existence.

Respect reality – Face the fact / Be Authentic: My goals are achievable and realistic. I do not build castles in the air but work with my attainable and sincere desires. I respect reality but not aiming / wishing for the impossible! My goals are definite and they are mine. Not a result of gambling or a bet! I do not struggle to impress people around me but to have self-satisfaction. The way I monitor my progress or know if I have achieved my goal is to identify my successes. I take pride in my goal achievement because it is truly mine. So I proceed happily and fulfilled without being sidetracked by other peoples accomplishments.

Cover the ten crucial life dimensions /Make everything count: My goals already covers the ten crucial life dimension which leads to the fulfillment of my mission and legacy. I regularly observe my quite time, during which I reflect on my own thoughts. I reexamine my life and decisions I make at each step of the way, making sure everything counts. Every thoughts, decision or action I make moves me closer or further away from achieving my goals. I realize that each opportunity offers an exciting and yet challenging adventure. It gives me room for self-improvement, learning and growth.

Respect your right and responsibilities / Ask the six important goal

setting question. I have the right, privilege and responsibility to: Follow through on all my commitments, teach and share with others what I have learnt and become al that I am capable of becoming. The six important goal setting questions have been very helpful to me in setting my goals. These important goal setting question include: Who, What, Where, When, How & Why.

Keep a positive attitude / Work economically: I always keep a positive attitude, even I experience losses, disappointment or unexpected result, and it does not deter me or change my attitude. I am not afraid of bumps on the road to success. I make sure that my time and resources are properly managed. I know my limits. Keeping a positive attitude motivates success and it is the same attitude that keep it.

Maximum productivity is my motto.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Go the extra mile: doing more than I am asked only brings advancement.”

I am willing to go the extra mile and pay the price for success. Advancement only come by going the extra mile.

“Always set deadline: Setting deadline have been key to achieving my

goals. No time limit no Commitment this leads to procrastination (deceptive killer of dreams).”

“I have learned to set deadlines on my goals these helps me achieve them faster.”

Keep moving: success does not call for stagnancy but continued progress and improvement. I am always moving forward. I do not intend to be stagnant, lazy or slacking with my goals.

“Don’t be defeated: I do not allow myself to be sad or regret things

of the past. I only try to do things in a better way.”

And it is working for me. I cannot be defeated only challenged and I am ready to turn challenges to goals I will overcome.

“Celebrate your accomplishments.”

This is a time to feel really good about myself and my achievements. I am a great believer in celebrations and awards even to myself. I am generous to myself. I have put to practice all that have been taught in the book. it has working for me. Thank you IIGL.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

None.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Goal Setting 101 contained four exercises. I completed Exercises 2, 3 and 4. I found all exercises very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

This Child will be Great

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This is the incredible story of a woman who spent her life talking tough to the lunatics surrounding her. It is an accessible walk through contemporary Liberian history, told by someone who was somehow always in the centre of the political storm; during the 1980 coup, Johnson Sirleaf, as the country’s minister of finance, was spared, while 13 colleagues were executed on the beach. After another coup attempt this one aimed at the military strongman Samuel Doe Johnson Sirleaf was taken prisoner and threatened with execution by the paranoid Doe. When Charles Taylor invaded Liberia in 1989, Johnson Sirleaf met in the bush with this wide-eyed guerrilla, determining for herself, she says, that he was “not at all grounded in the very real consequences of the path upon which he had embarked.” But Johnson Sirleaf admirably conveys the hopelessness of the everyday Liberian who still worships futilely, it turns out the United States, waiting for the day when America sweeps in to rescue a country founded by Americans. That day never comes, as “This Child Will Be Great” demonstrates again and again. But perhaps, in electing this no-nonsense, practical technocrat as the first woman to be their president, Liberians are finally ready to make a stab at trying to rescue them. One of her famous quotes: “The size of your dream must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough” Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

i. Climbing the Cooperate ladder

This idea is very important to me. Despite all odds, I still climb higher move forward and become better every day. It’s not an easy road, it’s not an easy journey but I am determined to strive for excellence. No matter how stressful and demanding the road to my success looks, I am determined to finish what I started.

ii. Becoming President

I found this idea interesting because, I want to become a Professor of Computing Science. I started my M.Sc. in Information Technology, February 2017 and I am determined to finish with good grades. I will continue with my good education, I will become what I want to be. I will attain greater heights; I will reach beyond my goals.

iii. Inauguration Day

This makes me feel how happy I will be during my Ph.D. convocation ceremony from a prestigious University. It will be a day of my very own fulfillment. It will be a day of tears, joy, excitements and appreciation. It will definitely be one of my best days.

iv. The First Hundred Days

My very own first hundred days will be filled with lots of achievements awards. It will be remarkable, intense, serious, result oriented and interesting.

v. Some Challenges Ahead

There are definitely challenges ahead. This is normal and expected. Challenges are meant to handle not avoided. I will happily face my challenges and I know it will only make me stronger.

vi. The Future

The future is very bright, I am hopeful, optimistic, happy and grateful for the future. It will be a pleasant one for me, family and friends.

vii. Inaugural Speech by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

I am still working on my speech and it will be ready soon. It’s filled with appreciations and so many thanks.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so how?

Climbing the cooperate ladder: I believe this idea will help me grow bigger, better and faster. Climbing the Cooperate ladder for me means moving forward and progress in whatever you intend doing. I will continue to achieve my daily goals. One step at a time: I will never stop, will keep walking.

Becoming president: I see myself becoming what I want to be, being a happy and fulfilled person. Reaching out to touch lives positively by mainly focusing on gender based issues that affect Africa.

Inauguration day: For me, this day would be one of my happiest days. I will be filled with joy and excitements, celebrations, laughter, friends and family.

The first hundred days: This will be days will be my happiest; my very own first hundred days will be filled with lots of achievements awards. It will be remarkable, intense, serious, result oriented and interesting.

Some challenges ahead: Challenges cannot be totally ruled out or avoided in life. I will face any and every challenge that comes my way.

The future: The future is bright and beautiful. I am ready for it. “The size of your dream must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough,” said Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Inaugural Speech by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: I am still working on my speech and it will be ready soon. It’s filled with appreciations and so many thanks.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“So often, it is the small decisions in life that end up shaping our future the most.”

I find this statement to be true. Whatever decision I take in life, whether small or great becomes what defines my future. Nothing is more important than making the right choices, no matter how small they might be. Only a tiny fraction of the choices I will make in my life, are the ones most likely to determine how happy and useful it will be for me. Some of the small decisions I make are:

Choose to get a Dog

Choose to save money-Automatically

Choose to give money

Choose to eat healthily and exercise daily.

Choose to read a book

Choose to be happy and get excited every day.

Choose the right partner and friends

Choosing to love myself.

“When push comes to shove and at the end of the day, depend on yourself. No one else is guaranteed to be there no one.”

Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more un-sustained I am, the more I will respect myself. It was one thing to make a mistake; it was another thing to keep making it. I knew what happened when I let myself get close to someone, when I started to believe they loved me: I would be disappointed. Depend on someone, and you might as well admit you’re going to be crushed, because when you really needed them, they wouldn’t be there. Either that, or you’d confide in them and you added to their problems. All you ever really had was yourself, and that sort of sucked if you were less than reliable. I don’t compromise myself. Am all I’ve got!

“Domestic violence knows know geographical boundaries.”

Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human right violation, and perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace (Kofi Annan). Violence against is an appealing human right violation. But it is not inevitable. We can put a stop to this (Nicole Kidman). Violence against women is rampant, it affects everyone. It is expensive and hurt both men and children. I am of the opinion that prevention of domestic/gender based violence should start early in life, by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality.

“There are a small handful of people in any government who are really smart and understand how an economy functions. There are also handfuls who are hardworking and a handful that are thoroughly honest. The number of people who combine these three characters [traits] is quite small, but she was clearly one of them.”

I quite agree with this quote. The numbers of people who combine these three characters are quite small. The single most important quality you can ever develop that will enhance every part of your life is the value of integrity. Integrity is the core quality of a successful and happy life. Having integrity means being totally honest and truthful in every part of your life. By making the commitment to become a totally honest person, you will be doing more to ensure your success and happiness in life than anything else you can ever do. The most important characteristic for success is intelligence. In this modern world, intelligent people are given more priority than foolish ones. Intelligent people can pave their own way towards success using their intelligence. Being really smart and understand how an economy function; Being hardworking, and Being thoroughly honest. These are the qualities of a winner (very successful people): we have quite a little number of them. Characteristics of this quite small number of people include but not limited to:

They are adaptable

They understand how much they don’t know.

They have insatiable curiosity.

They ask good questions.

They are sensitive to other people’s experiences

They are open minded but also skeptical.

“You must have an understanding. Your jobs as citizens are to work for your family and your country. Your country’s only job is to work for you.”

I find this quote very interesting and true. It simplifies what roles we play as citizens and as family members. It also simplifies what to expect from my country.

“No task will be more urgent and more compelling; no cause will require my personal attention and engagement more than national reconciliation.”

Reconciliation is a form of community building. It is the ideology for bridging gaps between separate communities. Reconciliation as a human right approaches to regulate and prevent violations of right from happening again. Reconciliation is forgiveness and forgiveness brings healing to the body and the mind.

“In union strong, success is sure! We cannot fail.”

Unity is important because when a team comes together, they can succeed together. Bestselling author and keynote speaker Jon Gordon says that unity is key and that it’s essential to get everyone on a team moving in the right direction. National unity is important because it arises when a country is in crisis, and government parties who are normally in opposition to each other decide to work together to solve pressing issues. The parties decide to put aside their differences and work together because they are all bonded by a love for their country.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book was easy to understand. I am clear her ideas and I agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I found this book very helpful, however it did not contain any exercises for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 7
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8

Business Ventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This was an interesting and detailed book on business. Business Ventures: Twelve Classics Tales from the World of Wall Street is in did a Classic! The twelve stories and their example were The Fluctuation: The Little Crash in 62: Currency fluctuations are a natural outcome of the floating exchange rate system that is the norm for most major economies. The exchange rate of one currency versus the other is influenced by numerous fundamental and technical factors. This was reassuring information, because mixed meant that some were up and some were down, and also because a falling market is universally regarded as far less threatening when the amount of activity in it moderate rather than great. The Fate of the Edsel: A Cautionary Tale: A cautionary tale is a tale told in folklore, to warn its hearer of a danger. There are three essential parts to a cautionary tale, though they can be introduced in a large variety of ways. First, a taboo or prohibition is stated: some act, location, or thing is said to be dangerous. The Federal Income Tax: It’s History and Peculiarities- it is not surprising that the income-tax law is often spoken of as the law of the land that most directly affects the most individuals. An income tax can be truly effective only in an industrial country where there are many wage and salary earners, and the annals of income taxation up to the present century are comparatively short and simple and nine more interesting tales. Thank you IIGL!

i. The Fluctuation: The Little Crash in ’62

Price fluctuations are upward or downward swings in the prices of products in an economy. Fluctuations in prices are a common phenomenon in the economic world, particularly among producers of agricultural products. The degree of attention devoted to the stock market in these news broadcast may have contributed to the uneasiness among some investors. Evidence that people are selling stocks at a time when they ought to be eating lunch is always regarded as a serious matter,

ii. The Fate of the Edsel: A Cautionary Tale

This was important to me because in life I keep modifying, and then modifying my modifications. Finally I’ll have to settle on something because there isn’t any more time. When there is a conflict between owner characteristics and make image, there is greater planning to switch to another make.

iii. The Federal Income Tax: Its History and Peculiarities

This was important to me because when it comes to the income tax, we all want reform. The structure and financing of a tax change are critical to achieving economic growth. Tax rate cut may encourage individuals to work, save, and invest, but if the tax cuts are not financed by immediate spending cuts, they will likely also result in an increased federal budget deficit, which in the long-term will reduce national savings and raise interest rates.

iv. Making the Customers Whole: The Death of a President

This was important to me because one’s idea of public responsibility is evolution. We have been involved in helping other customers solve their problems, knowing that we solve only part of it. While we cannot solve the whole problem, we create great value in helping our customers understand the whole problem.

v. The Impacted Philosophers: Non-Communication at GE

This was important to me because the general thought is clear enough: namely that everything would be all right, first, if we could get through to each other within our own organizations and second, if we, or our organization, could get through to everybody else.

vi. The Last Great Corner: A Company Called Piggy Wiggly

This was important to me because a corner is the most drastic and spectacular of all developments that can occur in the stock market. Because the investor has cornered the market, the investor is able to manipulate price because of the limited available supply of the stock.

vii. A Second Sort of Life: David E. Lilienthal, Businessman

This was important to me because we all have two types of lives: Our Reality and Our imagination. It is interesting to note that our brain cannot differentiate between both. Our brain treats whatever we think or imagine as our reality. We should then be mindful of our thoughts.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Fluctuation: The Little Crash in ’62: The degree of attention devoted to the stock market in these news broadcast may have contributed to the uneasiness among some investors. Everybody has commented on the fact that when closing bell rang, at three-thirty, a cheer went up from the floor. They weren’t cheering because the market was down, they were cheering because it was over!

The Fate of the Edsel: A Cautionary Tale: One of the most persuasive and most frequently cited explanations of the Edsel’s failure is that it was a victim of the time lag between the decision to produce it and the act of putting it on the market. There is some irrational factor in people that makes them want the kind of things they want.

The Federal Income Tax: Its History and Peculiarities

The net impact on growth is uncertain, but many estimates suggest it is either small or negative. Base-broadening measure can eliminate the effect of tax rate cuts on budget deficits, but at the same time, they reduce the impact on labour supply, saving, and investment and thus reduce the direct impact on growth.

Making the Customers Whole: The Death of a President: Customer’s satisfaction is number one target for most companies. It may be that people do not thank banks except in television commercials. Some customers are easy to please and they go home happy while the same cannot be said for some other customers.

The Impacted Philosophers: Non-Communication at GE: This preoccupation with the difficulty of getting a thought out of one head and into another is something the industrialist share with a substantial number of intellectuals and creative writers.

The Last Great Corner: A Company Called Piggy Wiggly: Cornering the price of a commodity is a rare occurrence, and can occur if an unexpected event, such as a natural disaster, destroys a large portion of the supply: situation in which the amount of contracts for the future delivery of a particular commodity are greater than the amount of commodity physically available for delivery.

A Second Sort of Life: David E. Lilienthal, Businessman: This is important to me because I am in control of my thoughts. I choose what to think about and therefore decide to dwell on positive thoughts.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The money value that a market puts on information is often precisely measureable in terms of the change in stock prices that it brings about, and the information is almost as readily convertible into money as any other commodity.”

This was important to me because commodity money is money whose value comes from a commodity of which it is made. Commodity money consists of objects that have value in them as well as value in their use as money

“A call is an option to buy a stated amount of certain stock at a fixed price-generally near the current market price at any time during a stated period.”

This was important to me because a non-tradable call option gives an employee at a publicly traded company the right to buy shares in that company for a certain price. Stock option in this sense are often a part of compensation for major and mid-level executives in large publicly traded companies.

“The incentives that comes with stock ownership benefit both the company and the stockholders.”

This was important to me because the reality is that the shareholder value principle has not failed management; rather, it is management that has betrayed the principle. The idea was to align the interests of management with those of shareholders. But the generous distribution of options largely failed to motivate value-friendly behaviour because their design almost guaranteed that they would produce the opposite result.

“A decision in one case would not control another case with different facts.”

This was important to me because some theorists claim that precedent involves a form of reasoning different to reasoning using rules; although arguments from precedent are extremely common in many institutional and quasi-institutional settings, not merely the law, there is no consensus on the rational basis for their force, nor indeed on whether such arguments have any rational force

“In a society that sociologist are forever characterizing as mass, the notion of making one-of-a-kind things into many –of-a-kind things showed signs of becoming a real compulsion.”

This was important to me because a mass society is a “society in which prosperity and bureaucracy have weakened traditional social ties.” Descriptions of society as a “mass” took form in the 19th century, referring to the leveling tendencies in the period of the Industrial Revolution that undermined traditional and aristocratic values.

“Copying has it abuses, too, and they are clearly serious, the most obvious one is over-copying.”

This was important to me because a more immediate problem of xerography is the overwhelming temptation it offers to violate the copyright laws. Copying has increased our level of mediocrity; it has turned many students into lazy youths.

“Xerography is bringing a reign of terror into the world of publishing.”

This was important to me because this means that every reader can become both author and publisher! This is alarming and disheartening. It should not be encouraged: it should be stopped.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book was easy to understand. I am clear with his ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful, however it did not contain any exercises for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8

Mindset

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The information in this book is overwhelming! This is one of the best books I have read. It just incredible how our mindset affects Everything! I wish I read this book earlier in life, I am glad it’s not too late. I had to mark each and every paragraph. It made so much sense to me. I was surprised to understand how the mindset work, how I had to shift mine from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Our mindset is deep and powerful. Many thanks IIGL. The main idea of this incredible book is the power of our mindset! I choose to have a growth mindset! It’s amazing what we can achieve with a growth mindset. All my life I have thought of being a perfect person when I was supposed to focus on learning and improving myself. I have learnt everything that can be changed do not have to be changed. I have learnt that a fixed mindset stands in the way of development and change while a growth mindset is the starting point for change.

i. Inside the Mindset

This idea was important to me because the mindset controls us and the type of mindset we choose to put up definitely defines us. Success is not about proving I am smart it’s about learning. People with fixed mindset are only concerned with feedback that only reflects on their ability this is due to their brain wave. People with a fixed mindset always feel the urgency to succeed: this always leads to pride. A growth mindset turns failure which should otherwise be a painful experience to a learning experience. It also interest me to know that the more depressed people with the growth mindset felt, the more they took action to confront their problems.

ii. The truth about ability and accomplishments

I learned people with the growth mindset quickly take charge of their learning and motivation. They understand their mistakes rather than regret it. The maintain motivation and hardly lose it. People with the growth mindset stay motivated. They keep their interest growing high. I have learnt that test scores and previous or present ability does not measure achievement. It’s important we both preach and practice a growth mindset. A fixed mindset limits purpose, achievements and growth. I have also learnt there is great danger in praise and positive labels. It’s important we trust other people decision and remain in the growth mindset even when situation do no go our way

iii. Sport: The mindset of a champion

The difference between a champion with a fixed mindset and another with a growth mindset is satisfaction. A champion with a fixed mindset is never satisfied he concentrates on wining instead on enjoying the competition. A champion with a growth mindset is happy and satisfied and actually enjoyed the process of wining. A champion with a growth mindset learns to copes with setbacks this cannot however be said for a champion with a fixed mindset. The mindset of a champion finds success in doing their best in learning and improving, they find setbacks motivating and informative.

iv. Business: Mindset and Leadership

It is amazing how our mindset can affect both our leadership and business life. I have learnt not to put complete faith or worship talent. Leaders with the growth mindset invest in human development; they do not undermine others to feel powerful. They look squarely at their own mistakes and learn from them. They never claim contributions by others. They do not try to impress, they rather develop management skills through practice. In business and leadership, the growth mindset is not worried about measuring or protecting their fixed ability, they alter strategies accordingly, focusing on mistakes and feedbacks.

v. Relationship: Mindset in Love (or Not)

People with the growth mindset are able to heal and move on after a bad experience while those with the fixed mind set do not recover. Their path is often strewn with disappointment and heart break. People with similar mindset tell similar stories. Revenge is the number goal for people with a fixed mindset. The growth mindset understands, forgives and moves on. They understand the importance of communication and they learn to love. To understand all is to forgive all. Relationships are different so are mindset. The growth mindset agrees on everything and their flaws fly away.

vi. Parents, Teachers and Coaches: where do mindsets come from?

Our parent, teachers and coaches pass so many messages about success and failures, student are often praised for their intelligence rather than their efforts these goes beyond academic and athletic to emotional challenges. It is almost impossible to stop praises kids but these can build their mindset from a tender age. It can easily build a fixed mindset than a growth one for the child. Children need the message that skill and achievement comes through commitment and effort. They need to also know that speed and perfection are enemies of perfection. Mindset can be a life and death matter.

vii. Changing Mindset

I am having a growth mindset which is based on the belief in change. Beliefs are the key to happiness and misery. Our mindset go further than we think, it affects our whole life and defines who we are. the growth mindset is all about learning, improving, building, enjoying life and being happy, fulfilled and settled.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Inside the Mindset: I have learned to always shift my fixed mindset to the growth one whenever I feel tired, stressed, dizzy, bored or hungry. I have learnt to seek and accept constructive criticism. I have learned that my past does not determine my intelligence or personality. I have learnt to put on the growth mindset whenever I fill depressed, work harder and let go of things I cannot change.

The truth about ability and accomplishments: I have learned to admire tremendous effort that has great accomplishment in other people lives. I have decided to consider new ideas, work and practice harder, and teach myself more. I am embracing, learning and improvement while avoiding judgments. I have learned not to praise my abilities but rather find a growth mindset way to compliment them. I am willing to create an environment that teaches the growth mindset to both adult and children.

Sport: The mindset of a champion: I have a passion for sport, I am willing to put more effort and see how I improve. For any difficulty I face, I am applying the growth mindset.

I have learned to find success in learning and improving and not just, winning through the growth mindset.

Business: Mindset and Leadership: I have learned to always put up with the growth mindset in my workplace, business meeting and daily activities. I could profit more from feedback I get these are ways I create more learning experience for myself.

Relationship: Mindset in Love (or Not): I do not feel hurt, judged, better or vengeful, but hopeful of forgiving, learning and moving on. I have pictured my ideal love relationship; it does not involve perfect compatibility. I have learned that problems can be a vehicle for developing greater understanding and intimacy.

Parents, Teachers and Coaches: where do mindsets come from? Every word and action from parent to child sends a message. These messages form either a fixed mindset for a growth mindset for the child. Rather than praise intelligence and talent, I have learnt to focus on processes that are used.

Changing Mindset: It’s true I have some form or level of the fixed mindset, but that will not defined me as I am changing it for the growth mindset. I am very much aware of my fixed mindset triggers and how to avoid them.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Risk and effort are two things that might reveal our inadequacies and show that you were not up to the task.”

I find this to be true and particularly interesting because people with fixed mindset do not believe in putting in more effort or getting help. The truth is that people’s ideas about effort and risk grows out of their more basic mindset.

“Fixed mindset makes you concerned with how you’ll be judged: the growth mindset makes you concerned with improving.”

Our personality mindset comes into play in situations that involve our personal qualities. I am thinking of positive ways I might want to think or stretch myself.

“Two meaning to ability, not one: a fixed ability that needs to be proven, and a changeable ability that can be developed through learning.”

I find this quote to be very interesting and important. I never knew ability had two distinct types and meaning.

“Becoming is better than being: the fixed mindset does not allow people the luxury of becoming. They have to already be.”

This is one of my best quotes. I completely agree with this. The mindset of the growth mind is becoming not being.

“Failure has been transformed from action (I failed) to an identity (I am a failure).”

This is terrible and can be devastating. The growth mindset cannot think this way!

“Another way people with the fixed mindset try to repair their self-esteem after failure is by assigning blame or making excuses.”

I have learned that I am not a failure until I start to blame other for anything. I can still be in the process of learning from my mistakes until I deny them.

“People with the growth mindset may appreciate endowment, but they admire effort, for no matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishments.”

I have learned to focus more on effort than accomplishments.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book was amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I found this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Steve Jobs

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This is a wonderful and inspiring book. It contains the life of Steve Jobs, it talked about how Steve Jobs was abandoned and later chosen, how he dropped out of school and brought about a revolution. He journey in life was truly rewarding. This book also contains how the iTunes, iPod, iPad, came into existence and how he finally died of cancer. I have learned to have a personal relationship with my friends and not just a professional one. I have also learnt that recommendations are more persuasive coming from real friends than from “familiar people.”

i. Apple II: Dawn of the New Age

This idea was very important to me because if you know yourself and you know your enemy, you don’t have to fear the outcome of a thousand battles. The dawn of a new age symbolizes the beginning of a new thing. This is a time when a new thing begins. It is a sign of hope and new beginning for me. It is another chance to beginning again or change what was already in existence.

ii. Building the Mac: The Journey is the Reward

This idea was very important to me reward is key. Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey stated Alex Noble, author. “Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be. Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, and you’ll live as you’ve never lived before.”

iii. Gates and Job: When Orbits Intersect

This idea was very important to me because when great minds meet, effectiveness, objectivity and excellence will be the outcome. It is important to meet great minds: they steer and stimulate out mind towards greatness. Skills are improved, better results and bright ideas.

iv. A Regular Guy: Love is just a Four-Letter word

This idea was very important to me because it is possible to love a person and still not be in-love with them; it is possible to be loved by someone without them expecting it back, to love and be loved requires hard work and commitment, just like your career or it just fades away.

v. The Restoration: The Loser Now Will Be Later To Win

This idea was very important to me because losing now does not determine the true state of things. It imperative that we stay hopeful and focused in all situations. Never dwelling on past or present failures but living with determination

vi. Think Different: Jobs as CEO

This idea was very important to me because being able to think differently is a basic definition of innovation but it’s also a definition of how to be smart about your career

vii. Pixar’s Friends and Foes

This idea was very important to me because I need to keep my friends closer and my foes even closer. I do not see my foes as “bad people” they are people who see things differently from me. I have learnt to see a situation from other points of view and not just mine, that way my foes will become friends.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Apple II: Dawn of the New Age: These ideas will help me in many practical ways because I am embarking on new projects that will affect lives positively. These are projects I intend to touch the lives of many young people as possible. I am focusing on the young adult and youths to positively impact their lives with ICT, Leadership training and Agriculture.

Building the Mac: The Journey is the Reward: These ideas will help me in many practical ways because these project are going to be challenging but at the same time, rewarding. I am going to do my best, enjoy myself during the process impact positively at the end. The journey will truly be rewarding for me. It will be memorable, expected and guaranteed.

Gates and Job: When Orbits Intersect: These ideas will help me in many practical ways because during the cause of my rewarding journey I will meet great minds and share ideas with these great people. It is an opportunity to develop myself while offering service. Intersect with great minds will bring positive change.

A Regular Guy: Love is just a Four-Letter word: These ideas will help me in many practical ways because our love is only as strong as we are. If we are weak, our love is weak. If we are strong, our love is strong. If we immortalize our love, it will be immortal. It has made me realize that love does not always mean perfect compatibility or perfect chemistry.

The Restoration: The Loser Now Will Be Later To Win: These ideas will help me in many practical ways winners are driven, are eager to learn, are positive thinkers; Humble, certain and goal setting. They focus on solutions rather than problems. They work hard. They take responsibility, because failing does not determine the true state of things. I will not use my present circumstances to determine or predict my future.

Think Different: Jobs as iCEO: These ideas will help me in many practical ways because in this fast changing world we need to balance how to think differently with how to grow expertise. The reality in thinking differently is we need to be good at thinking. This includes knowing your habit of mind, knowing and breaking category preference.

Pixar’s Friends And Foes: These ideas will help me in many practical ways because foes as important as friends. They make me see things differently and occasionally, they are right. I have learnt to have a personal relationship with my friends and not just a professional one. I have also learnt that recommendations are more persuasive coming from real friends than from “familiar people.”

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“He knew they would have to get their hands on technical journals right away.”

Journals are very important documents that aid in research work, he know he would get better knowledge and ideas when consult technical journals. “The fundamental purpose of scientific discourse is not the mere presentation of information and thought but rather its actual communication. It does not matter how pleased an author might be to have converted all the right data into sentences and paragraphs; it matters only whether a large majority of the reading audience accurately perceives what the author had in mind.” –George Gopen and Judith Swan, the Science of Scientific Writing.

“They reached an important milestone, one that will establish a pattern in their partnerships.”

This was practically interesting to me because there are important milestones we must reach to be able to establish partnership. A successful inbound partnership hits four milestones:

“Inbound game plan: The Game Plan is a strategic plan to unite an organization to the mission of systematically sharing answers to prospect’s and customer’s questions through helpful online content.”

“Building the Engine: The strategy is in place, but in order to bring that strategy to life, we need to create the marketing funnel. This funnel should share content specific for each target persona. The content should educate them through the Buyer’s Journey.”

“Tweaking/Redesigning the website: Even the best Game Plan and marketing automation funnels in the world aren’t enough. A website that isn’t optimized for inbound can hold back the success of a partnership.”

“Inbound campaigns: This is where your journey really takes off. The hardest points are now behind you and you have everything you need to pour your focus into running your campaigns.”

“Patience was never one of his virtues.”

“Patience is a virtue” is a proverbial phrase referring to one of the seven heavenly virtues typically said to date back to Psychomachia, an epic poem written in the fifth century. The ability to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person. It means getting angry when you have to wait is a good trait.

“Jobs found himself deeply influenced by a variety of books on spirituality and enlightenments,” Job said. “It transformed me and my friends.”

Spiritual Enlightenment transcends religion. It transcends thought. It transcends mind and its senses. And it conveys a level of wisdom and knowledge about life and the universe that is unparalleled. The concept of enlightenment implies complete understanding of life and the universe, which usually is accompanied by a detachment of all things impermanent and a complete awareness of everything that is, at the moment that it is.

“If a move they want to make is legal or illegal, they have to try to figure out where their opponent pieces are.”

If you don’t defeat your opponent using the right trigger, take them down with a quick tap of the B button. This cycle will continue until you out-think and defeat your opponent or you call it quits and retreat with your dignity still intact. You must remember that when you figure out a strategy to defeat your opponent, they will also try to figure out how to completely destroy your strategy.

“They are making me take all these courses”. “Job refused to go to the class he wanted, instead he went to the once he wanted.”

It is important parent take out time to find out their children’s passion. Most parent are so preoccupied with other activities, they little or no attention to their children’s passion. It is important we make our kids feel more fulfilled, more productive, more motivated and become a source of motivation to others. It is important we make them realize that family and peer look up to them. This improves their mental health and makes them more effective leaders.

“If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts.”

Every course is unique and important. Students should be encouraged to take as many courses as they intend to take. Students should be motivated and inspired.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book was amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

The Art of Being Unreasonable

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Art of being unreasonable is a simple guide to success. This book has taught me that like wine, an idea may need to age, to go after big games and whether or not I succeed, I have to keep hunting. This book taught me that unreasonable persistence produces big pay offs. This book has helped silence the voice of unconventional wisdom that too often keeps me from even attempting my goal. I have learnt that being unreasonable won’t necessarily make me a good team player, but it can make me a dramatically effective leader. “Why not” should be a question I ask every day. This will enable me get answers, result, and solutions even before challenges arise.

This book has taught me that work does not have to be my life but my life is my work. It has taught me to know what I have to do which is less than I think. The art of being unreasonable has taught me that not everyone need 8 hours sleep, setting priorities means being disciplined but not rigid. The art of being unreasonable has taught me that if I can’t delegate then it’s not my employee’s fault but mine because the key to delegating is to make sure my employees share my priorities. I have learnt to watch my time like I watch my money! The Art of being unreasonable has taught me that even the unreasonable persistent must know when to quit.

i. Do your homework, no matter how much time it takes.

This idea was personally important to be because I do not waste time on shortcuts, they are usually dead ends. I take my time to do my best and I get the best in return. I pay attention to history as it is important to know the past while preparing for the future in the present. Unreasonable thinking is my ticket out of complacency. I avoid the mistake of feeling comfortable with doing what I am good at: I don’t remain stagnant!

ii. The value of Being Second

It is better to be second because I will learn from the failures of the first. I have learnt not to follow the smart fast movers as market evolves and fast movers can’t or won’t keep up. Fast movers always leave some room, it is my duty to find and explore it. I have learnt to make myself an attractive alternative. I spend more time studying a fast mover’s failures for clues to success.

iii. Bright and Young is a winning Combination

This was personally important to me because winning is my goal. I am taking advantage of my youth to do better and impact lives positively. I also know that I am what I wear, people are addressed by the way they are dressed. I prepare for interviews and I know they can be tricky. My youth can be a risky bet and I do not take it for granted.

iv. Risk and How to get Results

I have learned that clinging to safety is more irrational than taking risk. But carefully measured and balanced risk has allowed me to take big gambles without losing sleep. I have learnt to ask question. I have learnt to make sound promises and offer something in return for other. I have realized that I am likely to get a more sympathetic ear if my listener is in his or her comfort zone.

v. Leverage and Marketing

I have learned that leveraging is not always about money, sometimes it is about channeling my energy and effort. I have learnt that leveraging can increase capital for my business and I also use it to get the most out of my marketing. I have learnt that my confidence can make whatever I am trying to sell sounds irresistible. I have learnt that confidence may get me sale but over confidence can lead me to forget to ask myself: what do customers really want and need?

vi. Investing and Negotiation

This was important to me because I do not fear risk and do not take one if I don’t have to. I am focusing on picking an advisor not stock. I learnt that every wealth should give me access to investment most people do not have. I have learnt 3 keys for effective negotiation, they are: making a fair offer, keeping my emotions under control, and taking the other party’s interest into account.

vii. Is that the best you can do? Motivate people by challenging them

Motivating people by challenging them brings out the best in them. It makes them do their best. This book taught me that nothing is better than praise: money and higher expectation. It has taught me that fear is not a motivator but rather a success killer.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Do your homework, no matter how much time it takes: This lesson will help me in practical ways because once I have done my homework, putting in the long effort; it will pay off in unexpected ways. I have learnt that big ideas don’t happen in a moment, it takes time, persistence and competence. I know I cannot do all and everything by myself, so I ask questions and delegate: Keeping in mind that I won’t be able to ask the right question if I haven’t done my homework.

The value of Being Second: I have learned to keep moving! Weather I am the first mover, the second or the last, I’ll just keep moving. I know not everyone can be an original thinker, but everyone can be a rational one. I have learnt that innovation means looking for improve, sharpen and evolve what I do.

Bright and Young is a winning Combination: This lesson will help in practical ways because I know older people can be young too, they were once young. So I appreciate life and people in it. It is so rewarding to live with gratitude and respect for others. I have learnt how to keep my employees once I have hired them. This is possible by giving incentive, paying bonuses, challenging them to do better and give their best.

Risk and How to get Results: I know risk can be contagious, I don’t catch the deadly one because holding on to the “of course not” thinking can paralyze me in the fact of risk. I have learnt to ask key questions. I have learnt that even a good idea looks better when people can see that I am tangibly committed to it. This also means getting my way is easier when people see the direction I am headed.

Leverage and Marketing: I have learned to extend the power of my Naira: buy finding the money that cost less than mine. I use leverage to save my money. I have learnt that leveraging people and effort works just as well as leveraging money. I have learnt to focus on value because my customers will. I have learnt to be a saver and not a spender.

Investing and Negotiation: I have learned that there is always money to be made somewhere in the market if I have a balanced portfolio and maintain some liquidity. I am never afraid to ask the right questions. I am ready to say yes and I do not sit down until I can make a decision. I do not swim wildly; I rather swim close to where I want to end up. I never forget what make my opponent tick!

Is that the best you can do? Motivate people by challenging them: This book taught me that fear gets us unhappy employees and poor work or results. Employees should never be afraid to try and fail. Fear does not inspire loyalty, genuine commitment or creativity

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Applying unreasonable thinking can help you achieve your goal..”

This was important to me because all progress depends upon the unreasonable man. Being unreasonable means trying to adopt the world to yourself and not yourself to the world. Since I know what I want, am going for it. Being unreasonable has helped me to reach unrealistic deadlines.

“Research and using what you learn from you learn from it to analyze every situation is what separates being unreasonable from being irrational.”

There is a distinctive different between being unreasonable and being irrational. Research and using what was learnt from it is what makes the difference. I have learnt to put more time and effort into research. I have learnt how to smoothen my unreasonableness into an artful and focused drive.

“Why not as the first step to success.”

I have learnt asking the question “Why not” is the first step to every successful venture. Imagined obstacles and objections are already solved and overcome. The important and key questions create opportunities and bring ideas to reality.

“Nothing set me off more than being told I can’t do something.”

This was important to me because the idea of “I can’t do something” triggers negative energy and therefore attracts negativity towards me. I try to avoid the “I can’t do spirit”. It is important I remain optimistic and enthusiastic.

“Innovation is a permanent revolution.”

I was important to me because there cannot be revolution without change. It is my duty to be a positive change in my community and society. Focusing on the outcome, bottom-line or the future leads to innovation. Without innovation, stagnation is inevitable. Ignoring conventional wisdom, leads to unreasonable conclusion which will be of more impact.

“Success is a starting point not a conclusion.”

This was particularly important to me because, so many people view success as an achievement or the end result of their achievement. It is important to note that: success should be viewed as the starting point! This will keep the ball rolling and going places. It is also important we don’t believe the conventional wisdom we create for ourselves.

“Looking outside your personal and professional comfort zone.”

This is very important to me because looking inside my professional and comfort zone does not widen my horizon but rather causes stagnation. Focus is important and we achieve what we ever we focus on. To be fully focused requires changing the basic of business to better suite the business goals and aspirations.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book was amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Black Swan

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This book illustrates a severe limitation to our learning from observation or experience and the fragility of our knowledge. A black swan is events that can be capitalize with the following three attributes:

First, it is an outliner, as it lies outside the realm of regular expectations, because nothing in the past can convincingly point to its possibility. Second, it carries an extreme impact.

Third, in spite of its outlier status, human nature makes us concoct explanations for its occurrence after the fact, making it explainable and predictable.

The central idea of this book concerns our blindness with respect to randomness, particularly the large deviations. Black Swan logic makes what you don’t know far more relevant than what you do know. Many Black Swan can be caused and exacerbated by their being unexpected. It has to be some distance from expectation: what you know cannot really hurt you. The inability to predict outliers implies the inability to predict the course of history, given the share of these events in the dynamics of events. The strategy is, then, to think as much as possible and try to collect as many Black Swan opportunities as we can. We do not learn rules, just facts and only fact. This problem lies in our mind.

We scorn the abstract with passion, our minds do not seem made to think and retrospect: if there were, things would be easier for us today. Evidence shows that we do much less thinking than we believe we do-except of course when we think about it. Platonicity is what makes us think that we understand more than we actually do. But this does not happen everywhere. The best in this book is not just the bell curve and the self-deceiving statistician, nor the Platonified scholar who needs theories to fool himself with. It is the drive to “focus” on what makes sense to us. Living in our planet, today, requires a lot more imagination than we are made to have. We lack imagination and repress it in others. The Platonic Fold is the explosive boundary where the platonic mindset enters in contrast with messy reality, where the gap between what we know and what we think we know becomes more dangerously wide. It is here that the Black Swan is produced.

i. The Apprenticeship of an Empirical Skeptic

The human mind suffers from three aliments, and it comes into contrast with history. They are known as the triple of opacity. They are:

a. The illusion of understanding or how everyone thinks he knows what is going on in a world that is more complicated than they realize.

b. The retrospective distortion or how we can assess matters only after fact, as if they were in a rear-view mirror.

c. The overvaluation of factual information and the handicap of authoritative and the learned people, particularly when they create categories- when they “Platonify.”

ii. One Thousand and One Days, or How Not to Be a Sucker

Mistaking a naïve observation of the past as something definitive or representative of the future is the one and only cause of our inability to understand the Black Swan. I realize that you can eliminate a Black Swan science or by keeping an open mind. I can also create a Black Swan with science, by giving people confidence that Back Swan cannot happen- this is when science turns normal people into suckers.

iii. Confirmation Shmonfirmation

The problem of Black Swan is chronic: if you tell people that the key to success is not always skill, they think you are telling think you are telling them it is never skills, always luck.

iv. The Narrative Fallacy

This involves the problem of “narratively.” This concerns “narratively” simplification of the world around us and its effects on perception of the Black Swan and wild uncertainty. The world is dull again until you find another subject to be excited about.

v. Living in the Antechamber of Hope

Our intentions are not cut out for nonlinearities. Consider our life in a primitive environment where process and result are closely connected. In a primitive environment, the relevant is the sensational. If you feel that you are not going anywhere, your emotions will cause you to become demoralized.

vi. Giacomo Casanova’s Unfailing Luck: The Problem of Silent Evidence

Silent evidence is what events use to conceal their own randomness, particularly the Black Swan type of randomness. To understand successes and analyze what caused them, we need to study the traits present in failures. Life is a great deal more fragile than we have allowed for.

vii. The Ludic Fallacy, or The Uncertainty of the Nerd

Probability is a liberal art; it is a child of skepticism, not a tool for people with calculators on their belts to satisfy their desire to produce fancy calculations and certainties. Silent evidence often hinder us from seeing the Black Swan.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Apprenticeship of an Empirical Skeptic: Histories and societies do not crawl. They make jumps. Event presents themselves to us in distorted ways and because our memories is limited and filtered we will be declined to remember those data that subsequently matches that fact unprocessed information.

One Thousand and One Days, or How Not to Be a Sucker: In general, positive Black Swan take time so show their effect while negative once happen very quickly. Some themes arising from our blindness to the Black Swan are as follows: the error of confirmation, the narrative fallacy and the human nature is not programmed for Black Swan.

Confirmation Shmonfirmation: Knowledge, even when it is exact, does not often lead to appropriate actions because we tend to forget what we know, or forget how to process it properly if we do not pay attention even when we are expert. We have a natural tendency to look for instances that confirms our story and our vision of the world.

The Narrative Fallacy: Our propensity to impose meaning and concepts block our awareness of the detail making up the concept. Information is costly, it is costly to store, it is also costly to manipulate and retrieve. Our tendency to perceive, to impose narratively and causality are symptoms of same diseases-dimension reduction.

Living in the Antechamber of Hope: As a matter of fact, our happiness depends far more on the number of instance of positive feelings, what psychologist call “positive effect” than on their intensity when they hit. One of the attributes of a Black Swan is an asymmetry in consequences- either positive or negative.

Giacomo Casanova’s Unfailing Luck: The Problem of Silent Evidence: Our neglect of silent evidence kills people every day. A life saved is a statistic: a person hurt is an anecdote. Statistics are invisible: anecdotes are salient. Likewise, the risk of a Black Swan is invisible.

The Ludic Fallacy, or The Uncertainty of the Nerd: We respect what has happened, ignoring what could have happened. In other words, we are naturally shallow and superficial, and we do not know it. This is not a psychological problem; I comes from the mail property of information. We are shallow with probability; the mother of all abstract notions.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The scandal of prediction.”

We certainly know a lot, but we have a built-in tendency to think that we know a little bit more than we actually do, enough of that little bit to occasionally get us into serious trouble. It simply means the difference between what people actually know and how much they think they know.

“How to look for bird poop.”

We tend to both tunnel and think narrowly, our predictions record is highly overestimated: many people who think they can predict actually can’t. Some Black Swan will remain elusive, enough to kill our forecasts. Almost everything of the moment is the product of serendipity.

“Epistemocracy, a Dream.”

The Black Swan asymmetry allows us to be confident about what is wrong, not about what you believe is right. We sometimes fail to learn about the difference between our past predictions and the subsequent outcomes. When we think of tomorrow, we just predict it as another yesterday. Our problem is not just that we do not know the future; we do not know much of the past either.

“Appelles the painter, or what do you know if you cannot predict?”

We cannot teach people to withhold judgment: judgments are embedded in the way we view objects. For the learning of every virtue there is an appropriate discipline, and for the learning of suspended judgment the best discipline is philosophy.

“From mediocristan to extremistan and back.”

Networks have a natural tendency to organize themselves around an extremely concentrated architecture. A few nodes are extremely connected; others barely so.

“The bell curve, that great intellectual fraud.”

First central assumption: the flips are independent of one another. The coin has no memory. Second central assumption: no “wild” jumps. The step in the building block of the basic random walk is always known, namely one step. Now, if either of these two central assumptions is not met your move will be cumulatively lead to he bell curve.

“The Aesthetics of randomness.”

The great book of nature lies ever open before our eyes and the true philosophy is written in it. But we cannot read it unless we have first learned the language and the characters in which it is written. Some Black Swan arises because we ignore the sources of randomness.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with his ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Where Good Ideas Come From

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Such an amazing book, it contained over 80 Chronology of Key Innovations between the 1400 –2000. It contained notes and further readings. This book has taught me that the relationship between size and speed does not seem to be a linear one. As cities get bigger, they generate ideas at a faster clip, which is also known as super linear scaling. We live in an age of technological acceleration: the new paradigm keeps rolling in, and the intervals between them keeps shortening. This book has taught me that there are many yardsticks to measure innovation, but perhaps the most elemental yardstick is, at least where technology is concerned revolves around the job that the technology in question lets you do. One way to think about evolution is the continuous exploration of the adjacent possible. Exploring the Adjacent Possible can be as simple as opening a door, but sometimes you need to move a wall: Liquid Networks. I have learnt most great ideas first take shape in partial, incomplete form. Serendipity is built out of happy accidents, to be sure, but what makes them happy is the fact that the discovery I have made is meaningful to me.

i. The Adjacent Possible

This was important to me because the adjacent possible is a phrase that captures both the limit and the creative potential of change and innovation. I have to know when the idea and environment is right for the adjacent possible to be effective. It is a map of all the ways a in which the present can reinvent itself. What the adjacent possible tell us is that, at any moment, the world is capable of extraordinary change but only certain changes can happen. Good ideas are not just conjured out of thin air: they are built out of collection of existing parts.

ii. Liquid Networks

This was important to me because it turns out that good ideas have certain signature pattern in the network that they make. I have learnt to push my brain towards more creative network. Connections are essential for day to day functioning of life. When I share a common civic culture with thousands of other people, good ideas have a tendency to flow from mind to mind.

iii. The Slow Hunch

This was important to me because a hunch is an idea that needs to be connected with equally provocative ideas. I can learn a great deal about the history of innovation by examining great ideas that changed the world. The missing element is somewhere else living as another hunch in another person’s head. I have learnt to give my hunch enough nourishment to keep it growing and plant it in a fertile soil.

iv. Serendipity

This was important to me because most of the new neuronal connections are meaningless, but every now and then the dreaming brain stumbles across a valuable link that has escaped waking consciousness. I have learnt that the waking brain has an appetite for the generative chaos that rules in the dream state. The brain’s systems are turned for noise but only in the controlled burst. What we gave up in speed and simplicity, we made up for in creativity. Serendipity needs unlikely collisions and discoveries, but it also needs something to anchor those discoveries.

v. Expatiation

This was important to me because I learned the meaning of expatiation as the process of hijacking the specific use of something into something completely different. Examples can include: taking a machine that get people drunk and truing it into an engine for mass communication. I have learnt to turn something that is of little or no use into something of great importance. If mutation and error and serendipity unlock new doors

vi. Platforms

This was important to me because I learned a new definition of platform. Platform building is by definition, a kind of exercise in emergent behavior. The platform builders and ecosystem engineers do not just open a door in the adjacent possible.

vii. The Fourth Quadrant

This was important to me because this idea will help me in practical ways because I learnt that we all belong to a part in the quadrant of life. (a.)Market/Individual,

(b.)Market/Network, (c.) Non-Market/Individual, (d.) Non-Market/ Network.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Adjacent Possible: This idea will help me in practical ways because the adjacent possible is a kind of shadow future, hovering on the edge of the present state of things. The strange and beautiful truth of the adjacent possible is that its boundaries grow as we explore those boundaries. I have learnt always define the adjacent possible because innovative environment are better at helping their inhabitant explore the adjacent possible.

Liquid Networks: This idea will help me in practical ways because I have learnt to have a densely populated network and that my network be plastic: capable to adapting to new configurations. I have learnt that high-density liquid network make it easier for innovations to happen, but they also serve the essential function of storing those innovation. I have learnt that the quickest way to freeze liquid network is to stuff people in a private office behind closed doors.

The Slow Hunch: This idea will help me in practical ways because I now know that my hunch needs to collide with another hunch to create a possible idea, these can only be achieved by the Adjacent Possible and Liquid Networks. I have realized that most great ideas come into the world half-baked, more hunch than revelation. Liquid Networks are interconnection that nurtures great ideas. The slow hunch is the rule not the exception.

Serendipity is a wonderful word that captures the power of accidental connections. This idea will help me in practical ways because like any other thought, a hunch is simply a network of cells firing inside out brain in an organized pattern and for that hunch to blossom into something more substantial, it has to connect with order ideas. Our hunch require where surprising new connections can be forged. Everything we need to know comes filtered and vetted.

Expatiation: This idea will help me in practical ways because expatiation becomes possible because other expatiation are happening within. The limited reach of the network meant that interesting concept from the outside rarely entered the entrepreneur’s consciousness. A new technology developed in one idea-space can migrate over to another idea-space through long distance connections.

Platforms: This idea will help me in practical ways because if I wish to see first-hand the unpredictable power of an emergent platform, I need to look at what has happened in the past. I have learnt to create an environment where different kinds of thoughts could productively collide and recombine. Sacked platforms are likely that: you think you are fighting the Cold War, and it turns out you are actually helping people figure out where to have lunch.

The Fourth Quadrant: Inventors who planned to capitalize directly from the sale or licensing of their inventions should be classified as Market; those who wished their ideas to flow freely into the info sphere belong to the non-market.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“So instead, Prestero and his team decided to build an incubator out of parts that were already abundant in the developing world.”

Good ideas are inevitably constrained by parts and skills that surround them. This was important to me because we can take away the constrain of Medical device breakdown by using available resources around to build them. This will reduce the number of medical devices breakdown in developing Countries. A gifted minus somehow sees over the deterius of old ideas and ossified traditions.

“Good ideas have a tendency to flow from mind to mind.”

I personally agree with this statement. I believe good ideas will flow freely with likeminded individuals and hence generate new ideas.

“The slow hunch is the rule not the exception.”

A hunch is an idea that needs to be mingling with other hunch to produce better ideas. I have realized that most great ideas come into the world half-baked, more hunch than revelation.

“If the common place book tradition tells us that the best way to nurture hunches is to write down, the serendipity engine of the web suggest a parallel directive: look everything up.”

It is the nature of good ideas to stand on the shoulders of the giant who came before them, which means that by some measure, every important innovation is fundamentally a network affair.

“The value of weak ties lies not just in the speed with which it transmit information across a network: it also promotes the expatiation of those ideas.”

The limited reach of the network meant that interesting concept from rarely entered the entrepreneur’s consciousness. I try to avoid watering down an original design.

“It is not competition that drives process, but rather the inventive collaboration of density.”

Nature has long built its platforms by recycling the available resources, including the waste generated by organisms. But for the most part, the information added to the system would remain trapped on your original page, like lonely cactus waiting for a handful of insect to stumble across it.

“Platform building is by definition, a kind of exercise in emergent behavior.”

The platform builders and ecosystem engineers do not just open a door in the adjacent possible, they build an entire floor.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book was amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did contain exercises for the reader to complete on page 129-219. It was an easy and interesting task.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

12 Hours to a Great Marriage

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

12 Hours to a Great Marriage is an exciting book that talks about Love, Happiness, and a Deeply satisfying lasting marriage. It is about commitment to life time of team work and to have the kind of relationship we want. This book contains wonderful exercises at the end of each chapter of study. It has easy to understand proven programs just one hour at a time, one chapter at a time. It is a wonderful boo for creating dream partnerships. The expectations for romance and passion have skyrocketed. For many there is a gap between what they have and what they think they have. It has gotten easier to end marriages these days because most couples feel marriage is hopeless. In other for our Love to be protected and preserved we have to figure out a way to manage disagreement and solve problems. This book is a research based, field tested marriage enhancement strategy guide. It is based on a program called PREP- Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program. This program helps couples to build strong and happy families. PREP track record is great: it help to better marriages and prevent divorce. It also includes the four hallmark of a Great Marriage: Shared friendship and love, treating each other with kindness and respect, both partners doing their own part, and commitment to staying together. This book talked about the benefit of a lasting marriage. The PREP keys to success: handling conflict, making positive connections, forgiving, and making long-term commitment.

i. Taking a Positive Attitude

This was personally most important to be because are part of every relationship. There are certain risks that can be changed to avoid conflicts in a relationship while there are others that can’t be changed. I also that starting out right is also important in every relationship.

ii. Sample Techniques for Talking Safely and Clearly

This was personally most important to be because I learnt about the “Taking a Time-out Technique” and the “Speak-Listener Technique.” I also learnt about the Communication filters such as Distractions, Emotions, Belief and expectations, Difference in style, and Self-protection.

iii. Handling Your Issues

This was personally most important to be because I have learnt to deal with issues before they get worst by setting aside regular time to work on them, talking when things are calm, and facing issues as a team, with respect, love, and humility. I have also learned to avoid certain events that can lead to a fight.

iv. Solving Your Problems

This was personally most important to be because I realized all couples have problems, and we all want solutions to the problems. The four point about problem solving are: couples who are effective at solving problems work on them as a team, most couple hurry to solve their problems, which doesn’t give time to address certain concerns and not every problem and need can be solved.

v. Great Ground Rules for a Great Relationship

This was personally most important to be because I have learnt about the five ground rules for a great relationship and they are: When conflicts escalates, It’s time to call a Time-out, when I begin to have trouble communicating, I’ll start using the Speaker-Listener Technique, I’ll separate discussing problems from solving problems, either partner can bring up issues at any time, and Holding weekly couple meeting.

vi. Having Fun

This was personally most important to be because I’ve realized am too busy to have fun, I have learnt to keep my fun alive and also to protect fun from conflict. Keeping fun includes: making time to play, being a kid, and protecting fun from conflicts,

vii. Enhancing your Love Life

This was personally most important to be because I have learnt about the two sides of physical intimacy: Sensuality and Sexuality and The importance of protecting my sensual and sexual relation. This is possible by talking over issues, agreeing on a solution, performance anxiety, avoiding conflicts and improving sexual desires.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Taking a Positive Attitude: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by following the four patterns that prevent or changes conflicts. These patterns are: Escalation, Invalidation, Negative interpretations, and Withdrawal.

Sample Techniques for Talking Safely and Clearly: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by overcoming communication filters. This is possible by making sure I have my partner’s complete attention before I say anything important, Creating a safe and supportive environment, using the Speaker-Listener Technique, and dealing with doubts.

Handling Your Issues: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by I have learnt to let annoying events bounce off, controlling negative self-talk, choosing a better time to talk about important issues, and learning from past examples. I have learnt to understand hidden issues such as Power and Control issues, Caring issues, Recognition issues, Integrity issues, Commitment issues, and Acceptance issues.

Solving Your Problems: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing the following important points: Team solve problem best, Quick fixes doesn’t last, not every problem can be solved, the PREP step to problem solving is a very effective tool to avoiding conflicts and divorce in Marriage.

Great Ground Rules for a Great Relationship: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by expressing concern in a positive ways and these includes: treating my partner with respect, being specific, and using the X-Y-Z statements: griping constructively.

Having Fun: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by doings things together for fun. This is possible by agreeing with my partner on a date and time, and deciding what to do. Keeping fun involves: trying not to get in a rut, being sure to enjoy whatever we do, always using friendship talks on my date, and scheduling time for fun.

Enhancing your Love Life: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by effectively communicating my desires. This is possible by telling my partner what I like, taking risks, remembering romance, and making physical intimacy a priority.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Sharing values and core beliefs.”

This was particularly important to be because I have learnt the positive effects of relating religiously or spiritually, the need for social support, sharing a worldview, and handling different worldview in without hurting each other or creating conflicts.

“Meeting Expectations.”

This was particularly important to be because expectations come from family background, relationships, and cultural factors. I have learnt to avoid negative expectations and negative interpretations, how a negative expectation affects relationships and how they can be stopped.

“Forgiving.”

This was particularly important to be because I have learnt the importance of forgiveness: it gives hope, joy and increase love, how un-forgiveness hurts me, the five steps to taking responsibility, and the seven steps to forgiveness.

“Being Friends.”

This was particularly important to be because I have learnt to talk about my relationships, and protecting my friendship by making time to having fun as friends, keeping friendship time safe from conflicts, talking as friends.

“Making the commitment.”

This was particularly important to be because I have learnt the two types of commitment; they are Personal dedication and Constraints commitment. I have also learnt how commitments are grown or eroded, and how showing my dedication matters a lot.

“Keeping the program in play.”

This was particularly important to be because I have learnt to be persistent, patient, hopeful, and happy with my relationships. And also to have confidence that my marriage will succeed. Knowledge, understanding, commitments, and confidence will help me stay on course and will lead to a deeply satisfying marriage.

“Getting more help.”

This was particularly important to be because I have learnt to seek more help for: Financial problems, and serious marital or other family problems and stresses. Paying more attention to my health, domestic violence, and getting help for addictions or other compulsive behaviors,

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book is so amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with all of them. I love this book.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, it did not contain practical exercise at the end of every chapter.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Full Steam Ahead

Assessment Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Full Steam Ahead is incredible! I recommend this book to anyone who needs a vision but is unsure of how to create one. The statement that got my attention the most was “if you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all”. This means time with my loved ones, my dreams, my health, a worthy cause should all be put first at the top of my priority list else when they are gone, I am never getting them back. This book bothers on what’s important and the need to have composed and focused thoughts. Full Steam Ahead or full speed ahead means fully powered, moving ahead with full force. It means to be so clear about your purpose, so committed to it, and so sure about your abilities to accomplish them. It also means moving ahead decisively despite any obstacle. Full Steam Ahead describe the power of vision, the importance of creating a shared vision, being a good manager, the need for a clear vision and the transformative power unleashed by vision.

Full Steam Ahead brings to my mind –knowing where I am going and moving ahead with full force. I have realized that purpose is an important part of vision, having a vision statement does not necessarily create focus and inspiration. I have also learnt that for a good mission statement to be effective, it needs to include a statement of clear purpose. I have learnt to look at my work from the perspective of it purpose, not just the activities I do.

i. Picture of the Future

This was personally most important to me because instead of focusing on what I am giving up, I am focused on the picture of what I want to create. I have realized that the power of picture works when I focus on what I want to create, not what I want to get rid of. I am learning to be proactive, not reactive.

ii. Clear values

This was personally most important to me because values define what is right or fundamentally important to me. If purpose is important because it explains “why”, and picture of the future is important because it indicates “where”, then values are important because they explain how.

iii. You Can’t Get There Unless You Are Hear

This was personally most important to me because an important part of having a vision is to be honest about current realities. I am learning from my past, I am planning for my future, and I am living in the present.

iv. 20/20 Vision

This was personally most important to me because vision has a positive effect on the rest of my company. Vision can start anywhere. I am now aware of three most important values: truth, loving relationship and creative expressions. I have learnt to start my vision in the present tense.

v. How it is Created

This was personally most important to me because I learnt the process of creating my vision is as important as what the vision says. I have learnt to build integrity, relationships and successes.

vi. How it is Communicated

This was personally most important to me because the more I focus on my vision, the clearer it becomes and the more deeply I understand it. Vision is an ongoing process: I need to keep talking about it.

vii. Creating Your Own Vision

This was personally most important to me because I have learnt the three element of a compelling vision: Purpose, Value and Picture of the future and the two important aspect in creating a compelling vision: Content and Process

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Picture of the Future: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by picturing only the end results and not the process of achieving my visions and goals. I would rather describe the end result of what I want than talk about how it is going to be done.

Clear values: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way; both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by safety, ethics and integrity, sustainability, results and passion. I have learned to be fast, accurate, innovative, and hard working.

You Can’t Get There Unless You Are Hear: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by knowing I do not have to figure everything out: things will start will start happening in their own accord since I am clear about my vision and I am honest about my present realities.

20/20 Vision: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by becoming a person of high energy, who is able to see the positive in any event or situation. My vision itself is a creative expression.

How it is Created: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by Ethical behavior, Relationship, and Success.

How it is Communicated: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by encouraging other leaders to refer to their vision as part of their regular work so it would become integrated into their business and the way of doing business.

Creating Your Own Vision: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me create a better world by studying the guidelines for staying the course: keep the vision in mind, staying focused, being prepared, taking action, remembering the three How’s and Visioning (ongoing process).

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Vision Defined.”

This was important to me because the three key element of a compelling vision: Significant Purpose, A picture of the Future, and Clear Values. Vision is knowing who I am, where I am going, and what will guide me there.

“Blurry Vision.”

This was important to me because blurry visions must be avoided and stopped through love, respect, open communication and fun.

“Creative Tension.”

This was important to me because by being honest about my present, accepting the all tension and uncomfortable feeling, I can focus on my vision and discover new options.

“From Vision to Reality: The Three Hows”

This was important to me because I learnt vision is a lot more than putting a plague on the wall. A real vision is lived, not framed.

“How it is lived.”

This was important to me because I cannot hold my staff accountable when they do not behave consistently with my visions. And ignoring the behavior of such staff threatens the trust and commitment of the rest of my team.

“Staying the course.”

This was important to me because my goals are the mile stones that mark my progress towards my vision. I have learned that to be effective, visioning must be an ongoing process, not a one-time activity.

“From Success to Significance.”

This was important to me because I learnt in other to move from success to significance, my vision must benefit everyone it touches. I am confident that as my vision continues to expand, I will recognize future opportunities to act on my vision.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is so amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with their ideas and I totally agree with all of them. I love this book.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes it did, the exercise included “Test your team’s vision” and the “Vision test scoring Key” which I find to be very helpful and exciting.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

How Collaboration Works

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

This book is so simple and straightforward, yet so powerful! I never knew the power and importance of Collaboration until I read Davis Straus’s Book: “How to Make Collaboration Work.” This is one of the most important books I have ever read. I was interesting to know that collaboration is required at every level of every organization. I may not think of what I am doing as collaboration, but if I have to get the support and agreement of others before I can take action of some kind, then I am collaborating. Whatever the situation is, it’s quite clear that I have to work collaboratively with others. It quite interesting to know that a well-managed collaboration effort is like a chemical reaction that creates far more energy than it consumes. Collaboration is an art and needs to be learned.

This book is about the process of collaborative problem solving. Collaboration, collaborative actions, and collaborative problem solving are referred to as process people employ when working together in a group, organization, or community. Part I deals with the important meta-idea of human problem solving. Part II distils the five principles of collaborative problem solving. Taken together, the five principles offer an actionable paradigm, a way of looking at the world that is hopeful. Part III focuses on the future, exploring what happens if you apply these principles of collaboration throughout a whole organization or community. All we have to do is keep pushing on the two prongs of the change effort: demonstrating the power of collaborative action and providing opportunity for people to develop collaborative skills.

i. Design a Process Map

This was important to me because while I must remain open about the content of my final decision, I can be more closed and structured about the process of building consensus. Problem solving is heuristic: there is no one right way. I have learned that stakeholders need to be able to design, visualize, and manage their own multi-stakeholder process of collaborative problem solving in a way that allows flexibility for trial-and-error explorations and does not predetermine the outcomes.

ii. Designate a Process Facilitator

This was important to me because the effectiveness of any single meeting is largely dependent on how well process issues are handled. I learned the best way to deal with this process issues is through the use of a dedicated, neutral process guide called a facilitator. Facilitation is a perfect means of accessing important groups of people working on critical issues.

iii. Harness the Power of Group Memory

This was important to me because in the field of collaborative actions, the concept of group memory stands out. Group memory is a record of the ideas raised and decisions made at a meeting, written on a large paper and posted in full view of group members. I learnt the different ways of harnessing the power of group memory and also how group memory prevents common meetings problems.

iv. Facilitate Leadership

This was important to me because harnessing the power of collaborative action requires a different model of leadership than the classic “command-in-control” model. I learnt that to harness the power of collaborative actions, I must become a facilitative leader: one who engages relevant stakeholders in solving problems collaboratively and works to build a more collaborative culture in his/her organization or community. My role as a facilitative leader is to focus the energies of my organization on the most strategic issues, not to solve them myself.

v. Collaborative Organization

This was important to me because I learnt about the evidence of the high performance of collaborative organizations. These includes: Mission, Involvement, Adaptability and Consistency. It was interesting to read about how to build a collaborative organization. it includes: involve the relevant stakeholders, building consensus phase-by-phase, designing a road map, designate process facilitators and harness the power of group memory, and finally becoming a facilitative leader.

vi. Collaborative Communities

This was important to me because we face governance problem at the community level, the cultural norms of political life violates all six powerful ideas about collaborative action. It is sad to note that public planning process lacks clear, open, and understandable process designs. I think school curriculum need to be more focused on process as well as content. Students will become aware of the heuristic nature of human problem solving and would consciously expand their own repertoire of heuristic strategies.

vii. Where to Go from Here

This was important to me because with learning and practice, I can make collaboration work for me and so can anyone. It is effective, energizing, and it is the right thing to do. Collaboration offers a way for our democratic societies to move beyond the win-lose mechanism of majority voting to develop more inclusive, win-win way of problem solving and decision making.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Design a Process Map: I now understand how process design works. The four element of process design includes: process design in the context of a pathway to action model, agenda planning as a kind of simple process design, how to read and design process maps, and how stakeholders cab ne involved in process design.

Designate a Process Facilitator: I have learned the three dimensions of success which are Results, Process, and Relationships. The four functions of facilitation were of great benefit to me. They include: the facilitator as a process guide, the facilitator as a tool giver, the facilitator as neutral third-party, and the facilitator as a process educator.

Harness the Power of Group Memory: I discovered that there were some problems group memory prevent, these includes: repetition and wheel spinning, lack of a level playing field, associating ideas with people, loss of focus, the limitation of words, information overload, disruption by latecomers, vague or misunderstood agreements, and the failure of memory.

Facilitate Leadership: The four skills set essential to facilitative leadership includes: Choosing when and how much collaboration is appropriate:- this involves five stages (level of ownership vs. level of involvement), they are: decide and announce, gather inputs from individuals and decide, gather inputs from team and decide, seek consensus, delegate with constraints , Being consistent in your words and actions, Supporting and promoting collaborative actions, and Creating a collaborative culture. Managers do things right, leaders do the right things, while facilitative leaders get the right people to collaborate on the right things.

Collaborative Organization: I find it interesting to know what happens when collaborative actions are institutionalized throughout an organization or community. They are: the external force which increases complexity id issues, greater uncertainty in the marketplace, customers demand for more quality and integrated services, and increased competition to reduce cost and speed up time-to-market.

Collaborative Communities: I learned that a collaborative community would contain numerous collaborative organizations in its business and non-profit sectors, so adults would also be able to practice and prepare for participation in a collaborative civic culture. Also, to provide the necessary physical and technological support for productive collaborative problem solving, problem-solving centers would be built in accessible location around the community.

Where to Go from Here: I have decided to hold in my heart two great ideas: every human being has the right to be involved in decisions that affect them, and with good process, people can generate more creative and comprehensive solutions collaboratively than they can by themselves. I have learnt to sing the song of collaboration by trusting the process, and then by just diving in.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“There is no right way.”

This was important to me because the problem solving cycle begins with what we call a strategic moment that familiar point in time at which whatever I have been trying isn’t working anymore. This cycle of action and reaction usually happens so quickly that I am not aware of it.

“A pragmatic theory about learning problem solving skills.”

This was important to me because this is the tool-user analogy: the more tools I have in my tool kit, the more skilful and successful I become. The more heuristic thinking tools I have learned, and know how to use, the more creative and productive I will become.

“Awareness: The key to building your repertoire.”

This was important to me because to increase the number of heuristics in my tool kit and my ability to use them effectively, I must increase my awareness. Awareness I critical not only for acquiring new shots, but for keeping myself in control when things start to go wrong. Process awareness is also essential because I tend to favor certain sets of heuristics based on my personality.

“Externalization and the need for a common language of process.”

This was important to me because if I do not have the right words to describe an experience, it’s often hard to even see or observe it. Being able to attach a specific name or label to a heuristics strategy allows me to organize and access information and experience I gather about its power and limitations. I have learnt the strategy of working backwards involves jumping to where I want to end up and building backwards.

“Relevance to collaborative problem solving.”

This was important to me because I have learnt that Problem Solving is heuristic: there is no one right way to solve problems. Problem solving skills can be learnt, it is important to recognize strategic moments, and having a common language of process is crucial: all stakeholders must agree on a language of process in order to be able to design a common way of working together.

“Involving the relevant stakeholders.”

This was important to me because a stakeholder is quite simply, someone who has a stake in a given situation and the four categories of stakeholders are: Those with the formal power to make a decision, those with the power to block a decision, those affected by a decision, and those with relevant information or expertise.

“Building consensus phase by phase.”

This was important to me because a leader can be collaborative without always trying to reach consensus, but consensus on a win-win solution is usually the best possible outcome. I find it interesting to note the four ideas of consensus. These are: The definition and benefits of Consensus, How consensus is built, the difference between facilitated, collaborative problem solving and mediated negotiations, and what happens if you can’t reach consensus.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book is very important, filled with a lot of wisdom, it contained (clear, easy to understand, and concise) diagrams. I am clear with his ideas, theories and examples: they were interesting and very helpful to me. I totally agree with all of them. I love this book.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

How to Raise an Indigo Child

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

“How to Raise an Indigo Child” is a book I high recommended for Parents and Teachers, and Children/Youth Leaders. This book talked about how classical Indigos needs more than desire to unite, to understand self and others and the connection between the two. They often time have learning disabilities. But one of their strongest abilities is the potential for photographic memory. This book talked about how Respect is the powerful ability to use reasoning for soul growth. I have learnt that separate my experience and memories from my child’s current experience are a milestone for effective planning. Indigo energy brings an incredible opportunity for reuniting the soul.

This book is about the Essentials Life Skills that every soul wants to learn. Indigos are predecessors to children of light. They live fully in the present. They resist being physically restrained with the rules of order that defy creative thoughts. Respect is what the indigos are here to learn and to teach. In many cases the attribute of the gifted child are mirrored in what is now called Indigo child. Both can be compared in the four basic areas: Intellectual traits, Academic Skills, Interests, and Social/Intellectual Characteristics. The relativity of the gifted child to the Indigo when cast in this light speaks to an evolution of thought and consciousness in human beings. Ideal, Purpose and Activity is the secret of life.

i. Undivided attention

This was important to me because attention is the sense of the mind, and it is the mind that can link all five senses of the body (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching). And this is accomplished by mind thoughts, a single point of focus. I have learnt the most important change is for me to be clear in what I communicate. I have learned the first essentials of life skills, as well as undivided attention.

ii. Concentration

This was important to me because I have learnt the importance of concentration: it is used in every act of creation and it is essential in hearing what someone else is saying. In the physical part of mind, concentration is the beginning of stillness, the concept of receptivity. Concentration is the ability to hold my undivided attention upon one subject or thing for as long as I will it.

iii. Memory

This was important to me because the real power of memory is not a physical one, it is a mental one. I realized memory plays an important role in reasoning ability, intelligence is not unitary, intelligence is not fixed neither is it fully measured by IQ.

iv. Listening

This was important to me because listening is science, the benefits of uniting the first four essential life skills: Respect is what directs the Attention towards the one Communicating. The more simple we live, the easier it is to raise an Indigo child. I learnt it is also much easier to be present, and when I am present, I know myself and my daughter knows me.

v. Imagination

This was important to me because imagination is more important than knowledge. Imagination is the creative faculty in man. To be able to imagine something different from what we already know, have or experience is the great impetus for invention. The power of imagination is what makes us human.

vi. Breath

This was important to me because I now know things get better when I pay attention to breathing. I am more in the moment, more in the present. Breath gives me life, ties my soul to my body and is my connection to my creator. Indigos are naturally connected, so to be centered in self, to be at peace with my centeredness and others, is to breathe rhythmically, gently, and intuitively.

vii. Reasoning

This was important to me because reasoning is the power in the waking conscious mind. I learnt that the science of reasoning is found in its universal principle. – Memory, Attention and Imagination. Reasoning is how I know myself as a creator.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Undivided attention: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by desiring to learn and grow, by becoming compatible with the creator, who brought me into existence. All children are bright, and being able to focus and hold their attention is the key to improved memory, faster learning, focused attention and concentration.

Concentration: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by practicing some form of concentration in which I am listening to another person’s thought. I realized that Writing and Counseling is also beneficial in concentration.

Memory: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical ways, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by know that mind mapping is a dynamic tool for using my brain’s potential. Mind maps can be ae on any subject and for any purpose. My heart provides the motivating surge of energy, bringing unparalleled compassion or monumental endurance.

Listening: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by loving my child, showing my child that I love her, and by showing her in a way that she gets it because she is different and unique. I hope her father gets involved someday.

Imagination: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by avoiding one of the greatest killers of imagination: Peer Pressure! Ideal is the image I have in mind, purpose is the power to change my mind inner knowing. The key to successful living and soul growth is in the giving.

Breath: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by being aware of rapid growth which is caused intentionally from one generation to the next. Being aware of the way I breathe determines how I speak, walk, work, use money, make love and even how I die.

Reasoning: These ideas and lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping you create a better world by knowing that the ability to bring the past and future into the present moment to uplift the spirit in a new understanding is the epitome of my reasoning.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Embrace new Awareness.”

This was important to me because by remain open as a parent I am free to learn, every moment, every day. The more I know about learning, the more I can contribute my two year old daughter’s (Gladness) learning. Being conscious of her childhood experience frees me into my learning. Being conscious frees me to be the parent I can be.

“Be willing to become conscious of how you were treated as a child.”

This was important to me because being conscious means frank, bloody and honesty. Being conscious has given me the freedom to respect my own views and has greatly expanded my learning opportunities.

“Meeting up to your ideals.”

This was important to me because every child is mystic, and acceptance is important in raising them. I have also learnt that respect is essential, and my ability for respect determines in large part the destiny of my child. I try to live up to my ideas.

“Respect other people’s opinion.”

This was important to me because this has helped me see the places where my thinking could be swayed or controlled by my thoughts of what other people think. I appreciate my parent so much: they were the riches sources of my self-awareness and intend to be that rich source for my daughter.

“Face what has been unconscious.”

This was important to me because I have learnt that when I am investing to becoming conscious, my daughter helps to accelerate my journey of enlightenment. I will try to avoid the difficulties mot kids face with their parent due to lack of understanding from both sides.

“Acting out is multi-dimension experience.”

This was important to me because there is such a fear in our society that so little is taught about the nature of consciousness. I face what has been unconscious by knowing and open doors to subconscious experiencing, and therefore increase greater understanding. It’s so easy to slip away and over time lose communication with a child.

“I am not going to tell you-is one dimension.”

This was important to me because I have to learn to deal with being “shut out,” this will motivate me to become aware of other levels of connectedness. I have learned to work smarter, become more discipline and be unconditional in my love.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is so amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with all of them. I love this book.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Inner Peace for Busy Women

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Inner Peace for Busy Women is absolutely wonderful! I benefited greatly from Dr. Joan’s immerse wealth of experience and ideas. This great book contains great analysis, important book title for further reading and wonderful quotes, some of which includes: “The New World of Women is a work in progress, I don’t know where it will go, but I do know that it will be good to arrive in one piece.” Some of the main idea the author is trying to convey includes: Champagne Suffering which means every life is without challenges: one may suffer sometimes, but feel much more peaceful, How to make inner peace our first priority by taking ten minutes to focus on spiritual practices that enhance our inner peace. It also includes Lightening up, which simply means not taking life to seriously but rather going out of our own way to enjoy life and be more focused on mindfulness and gratitude. Another idea covered in this book includes: setting boundaries, the essence of bravery, listening to busyness and lots more.

I have learned that authentic compassion comes from not granting everyone’s else’s wish while I sit in a drifty corner but by doing the things I need to do or myself to keep my centre. And only in this centered state can I tell the true difference between the compassion of true caring and the fearful controlling of co-dependency. I have learnt that feeling what I feel now and knowing what I know is a way to stay in the now. Many thanks to IIGL for this wonderful and exciting Book.

i. Champagne Suffering, Lightening up and making inner peace our first priority.

Champagne Suffering means every life is without challenges; one may suffer sometimes, but feel much more peaceful. I have learnt to lighten up by practicing mindfulness, focusing on gratitude, meditate and go for a walk in nature. I have learnt to crake jokes because they pull a frame switch on me. I take few minutes a day to focus on spiritual practices that enhance my inner peace.

ii. The lights are on and somebody’s home and lost and found.

This was important to me because mindfulness is sleepwalking. If I develop mindful habits of turning into my body several times during the day, I’ll wake up and start to notice the signal it’s giving me. The present is the only place I can leave. I have learnt that life is a mix of experience and when the balance is off, it’s within my power to put it right again.

iii. Letting go and the following signs, meditation and inner peace.

This was important to me because nothing stays the same, everything changes and because it changes there are lots of times when I do not know what it coming next. I lighter I get, the more energy I get. Meditation is hard work, the idea is to let them come and go. The biggest pasture is an attitude of mindful curiosity.

iv. Sleeplessness in America, burn out.

This was important to me because sleeplessness is becoming habitual: if I don’t get enough sleep, it’s hard to be kind, keep my priorities straight, and just keep on keeping on. I learned that the effects of sleep deprivation are similar to being drunk and sleeping less or sleep loss makes me fat. I learnt to listen to the wisdom of my body; I have finally put off the negative idea of ‘never put off until tomorrow what you can do at night.

v. If we all leave, then what? Creating financial freedom

I have learned to understand the rule of “the game” as men play it, and then create change from within the system, coming from a position of respect and strength. I have learnt to be single-minded and dedicated to what I do. I am living better on less. I have learnt to live in financial freedom.

vi. Taking care while caretaking, what do women want?

Most women are care givers and if they don’t take care of their health, their immune system weakens, and they are all prone to illness. I have joined a supportive community that targets at improving the health and wellness of women. The choice of how I leave my busy life is up to me. What women really want is sovereignty.

vii. The web that holds the world together, morning blessing.

The web is so important: it holds and connects everything and everyone. It’s almost impossible to do without it. Women reweave the world daily, a form of invisible mending. My essence is pure light and gentleness, although I work tirelessly in a man’s world.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Champagne Suffering which means every life is without challenges: one may suffer sometimes, but feel much more peaceful. I have learnt to make good-hearted fun out of my problems and challenges. I don’t worry about finding the perfect rhyme. Creative activities help bring me out of obsessive thinking and into the Now again. Whatever other priorities look like, I can accomplish them with more efficiency.

I have made mindfulness a household word: a method for paying attention in my life, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. Mindfulness is both a formal meditation practice and a way of life that begins to grow organically out of the practice. Nature is truly the magic land of balance where primal forces bring me back into a mindful appreciation of life.

I have learned to let go of the old even though it can be difficult. I have learnt to relax, concentrate and find my centre. Connecting with my inner guidance happens organically when I have a strong intention to do so. I have learnt that one good thing is as good as another. When I am mindful, labels fall away, and I open myself to a world of surprise and delight.

I learned that getting less than six hours of sleep can affect memory, coordination, reaction time and judgment. I realized that I cannot make up or lost sleep over the weekend. I used to make sleep a low priority, mistakenly believing that six hours is enough, while its not! Relaxation and meditation are wonderful practice for times when I cannot sleep. I learnt the side effect of burn out includes: becoming cynical, apathetic, and exhausted.

It’s sad to note that marriage and a strong family life are considered important to a man’s rank, but a detriment to a woman’s. I have learnt the need to choose my battles wisely. I have learnt the three simple steps in making peace with money.

I have learned that if I want to attain peace of mind, a realistic view of life’s possibilities, even the unthinkable and unpleasant ones, is crucial. Because people are living longer, more of us will need care as elders. When I sovereign over myself, I am free to follow the guidance from within and to create a life that breaks the odd.

At the end of the day, the value in what we accomplish is more likely to be in the invisible realm of those little things. I have learnt to make love visible in everything I do. I pray daily, especially in the mornings. Even a brief prayer carries the fragrance of my soul into a waiting world. It’s a sweet and potent gift of peace that spreads from me to all.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Twisted sisters and the fairy Godmother.”

This was important to me because I learnt that the two most important things about developing good boundaries are that they focus my attention on what really matters and they increases respect. I have learnt to think about my priorities before I say yes to anything. I also consider how my decisions affect my emotions and other priorities. I have learnt to keep my energy focused on what’s important and this has given me time and space for myself.

“The essence of bravery.”

This was important to me because when I put myself in danger by refusing to know what I know, then my denial turns from a mild form of self-protection to an open doorway of self-destruction. I have learnt to be gentle with myself and not to blame myself always. The only truth right now is what I feel and I am in control of that. I choose self-respect over self-deception, having the courage to stay present to what’s me emotionally give me the information I need to make changes in my life.

“Listening to busyness.”

This was important to me because the only thing that matters is my willingness to be aware and stay present to my feelings. I will be even busier than I had been because the distraction of constant doing kept unpleasant motions from coming up. When my life gets to the point where I’ll rather vacuum than feel the emptiness or loneliness inside, I know it’s time to deepen connection to my inner wisdom. Listening to my inner voice makes room for my heart’s voice to be heard.

“How we tend and befriend.”

This was important to me because I have learnt that men and women both respond to stress with fight-or-flight. And that the Male have a more stable physiological profile that makes data easier for them to analyze. I also learned that Oxytocin calms and comforts women, and we in turn calms and comforts others.

“Mother guilt and other guilt.”

This was important to me because guilt is a common emotional thread that runs through most women’s lives. I have learnt that women friends are such an important way of reducing stress and bringing richness and beauty into my lives. I have learnt to make my actions constant with my priorities: this way I feel peaceful and whole and to totally avoid shame because it’s an unhealthy emotion.

“Forgiveness and grace.”

This was important to me because I have learnt the spiritual art of forgiveness: love builds a bridge across a lifetime of guilt, shame and hurt. I am in love with who I am and what I am becoming.

“How to make love visible.”

This was important to me because when work becomes the assassin of love, it becomes the devils bargain. I have learnt that love is bigger than romance giving and receiving love is what we were born for. Everybody is valuable and worthy of note but sometime I put people into categories that makes me ignore them. I have learned the “Five As” to making love visible: Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, Affection, and Allowing.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book is so amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with her ideas and I totally agree with all of them. I love this book.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, however it did not contain any exercises for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Book of Agreements

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

“The Book of Agreements” is a great book that teaches conscious ways that relationships, productivity, and collaboration are intertwined. It contained sections with sample agreements for business organizations, professional and personal relationships. This book sets forth an operative premise that we can arrive at a joint vision of desired results from the common ground that incorporates every one’s concerns. No Agreements is often implicit, causes conflict and chaos. Legalistic agreements for protection is often explicit, it involves power and fear. Results based on agreement is explicit, it involves cooperation and collaboration. The purpose of this book is to introduce simple and powerful tools for agreements for results and collaborative partnerships. The book highlights the following: The difference between agreements for results and agreements for protection, the ten essential element of agreement for result, templates of effective agreements, the value of constructing agreements, and the perspective of seeing the constructive agreements through authentic dialogue as trust-generating success tools. We can eliminate a great deal of conflict if we begin with a solid agreement. Conflicts surfaces even when we have a good agreement, we end up paying the four transaction costs which are: Direct, Productivity, Opportunity, Continuity, and Emotional. This boom contains five parts, part I contain an explanation of agreements for results, along with templates and the principles on which they are based. Part II consist of agreements forms for many aspect of organizational life. Part III contains sample for professional and business relationships. Part IV contains the freedom to negotiate and articulate the unique parameters of a personal relationship. Part V contains an implementation plan.

i. The Law of Agreement and the Ten Essential Element of Effective Agreement

This was personally important to me because I learnt that collaboration is established in language by making implicit (talking to me about what I think the agreements is) and explicit (discussing the agreement with others) agreements: The more seamless the collaboration the stronger the concept. The essential elements of an effective agreement for result are: intent and vision, roles, promise, time and value, measurements of satisfaction, concerns and fears, renegotiation/dissolution, consequences, conflict resolution and agreements.

ii. Three Facts of Agreement, the new mindset

This was personally important to me because I learnt about the process of agreements which is dialogue. This process enables me to determine if shared vision and trust are present, the phenomenon of agreements, the artifacts of agreements, and agreements for results. I have learnt about the difference between agreements for results and agreements for protection.

iii. Legally Binding Contracts, The Revolutionary Model

This was personally important to me because I learnt that agreements for results are legally binding contracts as long as they contain an identifiable promise to perform some service or deliver merchandise of some kind and a promise of some form of consideration.

iv. Employment Relationships, Senior Executives Teams

This was personally important to me because employees often have troubles with their jobs because they do not know what their job is and what is expected of them. I have learnt to ask myself two questions: what does my supervisor expects of me? And what do I expect of my supervisor?

v. Agreements with Suppliers, Sales Agreements

This was personally important to me because suppliers are a critical part of all organizations. My success depends on me delivering what I want for a fair price, on time, and in good condition. It is important to see suppliers as partners, allies, and collaborators who are part of the team and recognize as such.

vi. Team Agreement, Diversity Agreements

This was personally important to me because the critical part of a successful team environment is making sure everyone has the same vision before moving into action. The classic forming, storming, norming, performing stages that team traverse is best resolved with an agreement. The agreement reflects the resolution of the storming.

vii. Learning Agreement, Joint Ventures Agreements

This was personally important to me because the only way organizations and individuals can possibly succeed in the face of immense challenges is to band together in learning organization, populated by individuals who can learn their way through to the solutions of problems that do not have current answers.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Law of Agreement and the Ten Essential Element of Effective Agreement: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by putting into use the principles of agreements, understanding the law and the principles. Understanding and embracing this fundamental truth can provide an extremely useful perspective in my collaboration with others.

Three Facts of Agreement, the new Mindset: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by learning and practicing the process of agreements, and the phenomenon of agreements while taking into consideration intent and vision, roles, promise, time and value, and measurement of satisfaction.

Legally Binding Contracts, the Revolutionary Model: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that no matter how clear and complete an agreement, everything will not be addressed- conflicts and differences will arise that I must be prepared to solve, and by following the seven steps of resolution when there is a conflict.

Employment Relationships, Senior Executives Teams: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by accepting the fact that I have a tendency to be a lone ranger: it goes with the territory of leadership. My individual drive, initiative, and self-confidence dictate that I listen to my own voice and easily come to an agreement.

Agreements with Suppliers, Sales Agreements: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that a written agreement (artifact) describes what someone might have purchase: this might contain much more than the business and legal requirements. It can embody the spirit of agreements, reflecting the relationship created, as well as the positive vision and expectation everyone has for the present time and for the future.

Team Agreement, Diversity Agreements: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that not becoming a diverse organization is a huge strategy mistake. It inhibits an organization from being effective in both the domestic and global marketplace. If I do not have a diverse perspective, I will likely find it difficult to design products and services that will appeal to a diverse global market place.

Learning Agreement, Joint Ventures Agreements: This idea or lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing the importance of a joint venture. A joint venture is an agreement between two or more organizations who undertake a project together. Often people starting a joint venture posture for protection, this takes the focus off the vision of results that initially generated excitements and optimism about the projects.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Agreements between departments.”

This was important to be because I now know that one of the significant impediments to effective and efficient organizational productivity is the ability of departments to collaborate effectively.

“Performance Appraisal Departments.”

This was important to be because the formal appraisal should be nothing more than a report containing a summary of ongoing dialogue that has been taking place. Articulating this as an agreement and practice alleviates a great deal of the anxiety surrounding this sometimes-barbaric ritual.

“Feedback Agreements.”

This was important to be because the purpose of feedbacks is learning. People need to learn how to accept feedback in a positive way, through the effective use of feedback; an organization culture can be shifted to an environment of expectation, achievements, learning, and results.

“Delegation Agreements.”

This was important to be because organizations often take their high performing professional employees and reward them for their achievements by promoting them to manage others. They give them little or no training in management. Even though management competence requires a very different skill set, they expect them to continue being stars.

“Board of Directors Agreements.”

This was important to be because the function of the board of directors is to assess the health of the organization in areas of finance, strategy, and operations. It is useful for a board jointly to express the role of the board, where they think the company is, and the strategic direction that would be best for the company.

“Stockholders Agreements.”

This was important to be because traditionally, stockholders have looked to organizations only for profitability, or return on investment. Progressively and socially responsible investors and stakeholders are looking for more than just financial returns: they want the organization they invest in to be good cooperate citizens, defined as time and experience dictates.

“Stakeholders Agreements.”

This was important to be because the stakeholder is an individual, group or organization that has an interest in the results or impact of an organization. In ways similar to the responsibility that cooperation owes to its stockholders, there is always a group of identifiable stakeholders for each venture.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book is so amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with them. What a great book!

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did contain practical exercise for the reader at the end of every chapter. I completed all exercises and I found them to be very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Power of Failure

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Power of Failure is just incredible, effective and wonderful! This book is about how to use the power of failure to succeed. I would like to enjoy meaningful success where I can learn, grow, and contribute in significant ways; where my life is full, counts for something, and makes a difference. In other to do and achieve all these I must fail: there is no exception to this rule. Failure is one the most dreaded words in English Language. The every idea of failing is enough to stop most people in their track. It can cause the majority to simply pack up, turn around and retreat without even trying. Success on the other hand, is nearly a magical idea for most people. The possibility of succeeding or becoming a success is an almost mythical pursuit. People love to be labeled a success and will often sacrifice greatly to archive this end.

Failure is often a misconception about the difference between what exist and goes unnoticed (such as growth and learning when we fall short of reaching a goal) and what is realized later (longer term success). Failure is also often tied to lack of competence to perform in the face of a specific challenge, but seeing failure can be powerful way to learn and ironically provide the means for life’s greatest breakthroughs. This book has taught me that I too can live as the magnificent beings that I am if I can come to see that: Challenges are disguised opportunities, Differences are gift, Mistakes are learning opportunity, and When I try my best and I am willing to learn, I always succeed, even if I do not achieve the result I hoped for. This book is designed to provide simple yet profound ways to turn seeming failures into successes. It contains practical prescriptions for successfully meeting some of life’s most common setbacks. They include redefining success and failure, winning through losing, coping with failures.

i. To Succeed More, Fail More-Being A Successful Learner By Learning From Failure.

If I want to be more successful, I have to double my failure rate! Failure is not something to be feared. It contains a positive challenge for successful living. Today’s failure contains the seed of tomorrow’s greatest successes. The first step to mastering the art of failing successfully is to come to see failure and success in a whole new light.

ii. Recognizing Failure as the Lifeblood of Success- Learning the Challenging Secret to Successful Failure

I can take a variety of roads in the pursuit of success. One obvious route is to work towards a goal as unerringly as possible until it is achieved. Success is measured by our clear progress towards this end. Failure is not only left out of the equation but it is avoided above all else. It is seen as incompatible with success.

iii. Overcoming the Success Catch -22, Searching for Opportunities, Not Obstacles

I can succeed at learning, at persevering, and at continually growing and developing ourselves in the midst of what appears to be failure. So overcoming the success catch-22 by learning to fail successfully over and over on the way to long-term success. I tend to resist failure when I want to succeed, yet to succeed in new, challenging, and meaningful ways, I must fail.

iv. To Be Real Success, You Must Fail – Sometimes, When You Win, You Lose

Most failures are simple challenges in progress. Whether these challenges ever arrive at success often depends on the strength and experiences I bring to the challenge from struggling with past setbacks and failures. By wrestling with failures, I grow strong wings for soaring to success. I have learnt to persevere in the face of a short-term loss: It could be the prelude to an even greater victory in the end.

v. Sometimes When You Lose, You Win – Succeed at Win/Win and Not Win/Lose

Most of us have been in circumstances where winning seems too easy. In competitions when victories come with little challenges, we can find ourselves unmotivated, complaisant, and losing interest. Continues winning can become so routine that loses much of its value to everyone involved.

vi. Succeed at Being a Tryer-Helping Others Win

The fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles to living a full and rewarding life. Avoiding mistakes or doing a poor job in performing a new activity can cause me to not even try. Real victory is in trying and participating in the challenge.

vii. Lose A Disagreement To Build Relationship – Declare Temporary Sanity

We are almost the key to key to more rewarding and successful life. Unfortunately people are different and frequently disagree. When I find myself in one of these disagreements, I am presented with a golden seed of opportunity in what at first glance looks like the weeds of misfortune. By acknowledging the logic of someone’s differing point of view, and allowing their argument to carry the day, I present them with a special gift.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

To Succeed More, Fail More-Being A Successful Learner By Learning From Failure:

I become a successful learner by learning from failure by mastering these processes: I can purposely choose new and greater challenges to learn from throughout my life that stretch me more and more. Fail at greater and greater worthwhile challenges, and I can learn on my way to ultimate long-term success. Setbacks are simple evidence of a need for change and chance to learn.

Recognizing Failure as the Lifeblood of Success- Learning the Challenging Secret to Successful Failure

There is a powerful but challenging secret about the relationship of short-term failures to longer term successes. This secret is very difficult for many to accept and incorporate into their work and life, but it is an essential part of learning how to use the power of failure. The critical bridge between vision and execution is patience.

Overcoming the Success Catch -22, Searching for Opportunities, not Obstacles

A mistake is an event, the full benefit of which has not yet been turned to my advantage. This kind of thinking is at the heart of harnessing the power of failure. My potential for success in life depends a great deal on the way I think. Focusing primarily on opportunities rather than obstacles, particularly in the failures I experience, is especially important. Long-term success is largely influenced by my capacity to withstand defeat, and to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles.

To Be Real Success, you Must Fail – Sometimes, When You Win, You Lose: Sometimes the only sure way to win in the long run is to lose in the short run. Always striving to be the victor, being right, receiving the award and recognition, can hold me back. Real winners learn the art of winning through losing. The shortest route to victory may be a trap that can cost us more than we stand to gain.

Sometimes When You Lose, You Win – Succeed at Win/Win and Not Win/Lose: There are many ways to win. Some ways involve a heavy emphasis on our wishes and a use of power, intimidation, and even force to get what we want. A perspective designed to avoid the pitfalls potentials win/lose situation has been described as a win/lose approach. When in conflict, work to satisfy the others involved as well as me for a better and more lasting result.

Succeed at Being a Tryer-Helping Others Win: By focusing on helping others get what they want, and not on my own personal gain, I stand to gain a great deal. This desire is most often for my benefit and happiness and not my ego satisfaction.

Lose A Disagreement To Build Relationship – Declare Temporary Sanity: Stepping back from emotionally charged situations and choosing to be sane can limit damage and help build relationships. The greatest mistake I can make in life is to continually fear I will make one.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Accepting when failure is really failure.”

Honestly facing my real failures can help free me from a dark past and prepare me for a bright future. My long term success depends on my accepting, in the short run, when failure is really failure.

“Choose to be happy over being right.”

I have made a commitment to myself to choose being happy often, even when I have to forgo being right: when I realize how much frustration and stress it eliminates, you will in fact find that is right thing to do.

“Use EQ to cooperate with failure to success.”

When I find myself in a battle of egos, I have learnt to ask: do I want to be happy or to be right? I have learnt to adopt emotionally intelligent approach, it can help me to adjust and learn as I go so that I too can harness the power of failure.

“Let mental storm blow through.”

I have learned to attach too much importance to a temporary mood. By allowing these mental storms to blow on through, I allow my dark inner clouds to give way to inner light once again and the inner and other success it can bring.

“Use failure to master yourself.”

I have used the challenges of potential failures as my exercise equipment for achieving self-mastery and future success. I can grow myself-leadership muscles by using the challenge of potential failures as my exercise equipment for future success.

“Discover success at the point of maximum pessimism.”

When pessimism abounds, I do not retreat, I rather move in and look for the treasures that difficult circumstances create for success.

“Both beauty and ugliness are in the eye of the beholder.”

The beauty of a difficult situation may be hidden from my view, but that does not mean it isn’t there: I keep looking around. Virtually nothing comes out right the first time. Failures represent repeated failures, are fingers post on the road to achievement.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Wow! This book is so amazing, incredible, interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with all of them. I love this book.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, it did not contain practical exercise at the end of every chapter.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Abundance Book

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Abundance Book is wonderful and exciting. It has been added to my daily guide books. The idea the Author is trying to convey is that the energy of abundance is constantly radiating from the source within, and moves above the illusion of scarcity into the reality of unlimited wealth. Financial well-being and money is proving that the energy of abundance is constantly radiation from the source. This book provides an easy to read collection of prosperity ideas for easy study and referencing. This book can fit inside a pocket or a purse for easy carriage. It serves as an excellent remainder that “I am the wealth of the universe individualized: the only obstacles I might face are the once I impose for myself!” In part one, the history and message of prosperity is traced although to the beginning. I intend to practice and dedicate myself to the principles in this book, which will guide me to opening consciousness of the infinite riches within. I know my divine inheritance will also be awakened as a result of The Abundance Book. More of my error patterns are eased from my consciousness, as a result of this unique awakening. The good of the whole does begin with each individual.

i. Tracing the principle of all sufficiency

This is important to me because mind and emotions embodying love, gentleness, and peace eliminates limitations. I have realized that God has provided for the most minute needs of my daily life and if I lack anything it is because I have not used my mind to make the right contact with the super mind.

ii. The truth and the law

This is important to me because my outer world of form and experience is a reflection of my inner world of thoughts and feelings. The greater my awareness of the presence of God within me, the more that Presence fills my consciousness.

iii. The Forty Day plan to prosperity

This is important to me because there are certain principles of abundance, specific fundamentals of Truth which, when realized, will free an individual from lack and limitation. A program for prosperity based on truth cannot be implemented by those with greed.

iv. Fruits of harvest

This is important to me because I feel safe to say I am pointed in the right direction. There is increase in abundance already. I am having an immediate manifestation of prosperity: I am so excited I am going through this book.

v. You are your own money

This is important to me because unless I create a cause with my natural energy through expression, I cannot have an effect. My energy is expressed or invested and the yield is my return in the form of visible supply.

vi. A prosperity compilation

This is important to me because money itself will not necessarily make a person happy, but a prosperity consciousness will bring forth poise, confidence, contentment, peace, joy, and freedom from the fear of lack, in addition to tangible supply.

vii. A prosperity checklist

This is important to me because I understand that I am not trying to make anything happen: I am simply releasing the abundance that is already a part of my true nature. I am eliminating all pressure and intensity so that my substance flows into visibility and experience.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Tracing the principle of all sufficiency: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that worldly riches has been feared, despised, condemned, and even hated by spiritual aspirants because of ignorance of how to be in them and not of them, how to possess them and not be possessed by them.

The truth and the law: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that the deeper my understanding of spirit as the Source, Substance and Activity of my supply, the more permanently hat truth will be etched in my consciousness.

The Forty Day plan to prosperity: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that spiritual wealth, both visible and invisible can only be attain through realization, the very fact that the subjective comprehension is held in spiritual consciousness will insure that the manifestation is for the common good.

Fruits of harvest: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that my consciousness is being changed from a vibration of limitation to one of abundance. I am experiencing daily miracles in my life and I am growth marvelously well spiritually.

You are your own money: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that through my thoughts, feelings, words, and physical activities all combined in a daily program of meditation, controlled visualization is for the express purpose of cultivating my energy field for the harvest of money.

A prosperity compilation: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing God is my all sufficiency of supply in all things. Money becomes a spiritual experience when I work with this principle.

A prosperity checklist: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping to create a better world by knowing that critical thoughts and feeling of fear will hold back my good, while a consciousness of love and trust will speed up the flow.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Success and prosperity are spiritual attribute belonging to all people but not necessarily used by all people.”

This is important to me because God dwells in man and the infinite riches is within me and all around me. By learning the laws of the mind, I can extract from the infinite store house within me, everything within me need order. I refuse to tolerate anything less than harmony.

“Man has dominion over all things when he knows the law of Being, and obeys it.”

This is important to me because the law gives me power to attain prosperity and position without infringing the rights and opportunities of others. Regardless of the state of my finances, I have learnt not to be concerned or worried because I know that the law is acting in and through me.

“Money is an effect: when you concentrate on the effect, you are forgetting the cause, and when you forget the cause, the effect begins to diminish.”

This is important to me because when I focus my attention on getting money, I am actually shutting off my supply. I must begin to cease believing that money is my substance, my supply, my security or my safety. Money is not, but God is.

“The creative energy of divine ideas flows into perfect manifestation.”

This is important to me because if I constantly look to the effect, the visible form, I will create a mutation: a less than perfect manifestation. By keeping my focus on Spirit, however, I will keep the channel open for the externalization of Spirit according to the Divine idea.

“Meditation and Controlled Visualization.”

This is important to me because when I concentrate on effect I am forgetting the cause, and when I forget the cause, the effect begins to diminish. Money is my own natural energy yield. The yield is the effect while the cause is my God-given essence-The energy which underlies the outer manifestation. Until I reach the level of consciousness, where I can instantly manifest form out of substance, my visible supply comes through other souls on this planet.

“Intense Love and Joyful Thanksgiving.”

This is important to me because my natural energy is love; therefore my yield is created out of love and returns me on the wings of love. Without the intense radiation of love, there simply cannot be the full and complete manifestation and attraction of supply-in-form. I feel the joy that is rising up in me; it’s the vibration that will keep me in tune with all the channels that God has selected for my good.

“Verbal harmlessness and the Right Action.”

This is important to me because criticism, verbal abuse, selfish speech and words of hate darken the soul. Harmlessness is the destroyer of all limitation. Maintaining order in my life begins with my body, my home and my work activities. I am accepting responsibilities and doing the best I can in every situation.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with all of them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did not contain practical exercise at the end of every chapter.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

The Conscious Heart

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Conscious Heart is a path that invites one to a creative relationship by design instead of by default. It shows a set of stepping stones that will take the reader to riches and magnificent feeling known as Essence. I have learnt that nothing can reveal essence like a close relationship and nothing can obscure it more thoroughly. To open the conscious heart and embrace this essence feeling, I had to master a handful of skills and attitude that are wonderfully simple yet that require being vigilance of the highest level. Life gives me repeated opportunities to make choices that lead me to or farther away from my essence. I continue to be my very own customer in this practice, everyday; I find ways to deepen the practice of supporting and revealing essence in others and in myself. I want to create a world of relationship in which the essence and creativity of each person is nurtured and brought to full flower. All relationships are sacred and sacred space in which we leave out our full development. Essence leaves in the space between everyone as well as us and in the universe at large. I have learnt to seek an experience that unifies rather than divides. If essence dose not leave in our relationship, then it does not leave at all. My relationship brings me joy and rich learning every day because I treat it as my main revolutionary path. I have learnt that close relationship are the greatest sources of pain that most of us ever feel in our lives. At the same time, close relationship are our greatest source of joy. I know deep down in my cell that the whole purpose of the universe is served through surrendering to the resonant union within me and the universe itself.

i. Finding balance

This was personally important to be because people don’t often appreciate or tolerate the hours of practice that makes a balanced relationship possible. I have learnt that balance can be cultivated by deliberately going off- balance and then recovering. Any time I feel stuck, my experimental seesaw may be weighted. I may not realize that I have options to rebalance it.

ii. Cultivating Curiosity

This was personally important to be because curiosity is a set of action, not a static thing: I explore, I turn things over, I turn myself over to look differently, to breathe into the ribs of my curiosity. Everyone has essence, but each of us registers processes and communicates through a unique nervous system. All of us have the same feeling, but not all of us cooperate with them, listen carefully to them, or do our best to express the sound that matches their momentary vibrations.

iii. When a Troublesome Pattern Repeats

This was personally important to be because usually, if a troublesome pattern repeats more than twice, it is recommended that both partners take a look at their role in it. I have learnt that it does little to ask your partner to change something if you do not look carefully at how you might be inviting or contributing to the pattern.

iv. When you don’t feel Loved

This was personally important to be because often, the shift occurs spontaneously, without any behavior change on our part. Looking at my relationship in this new way allowed me to take more charge of myself. By asking “how am I contributing to this situation?” and “what needs to be loved here?”

v. Creating Space for Essence

This was personally important to be because most people long for a balance between chaos and numbering sameness in their relationship. I have learned to renew and refresh my relationship everyday so that I can surf on wave of creative change rather than drown-or fear getting my feet wet.

vi. The Essence of Play

This was personally important to be because play is motion: keeping the spark of invention moving in a new way. I have learnt that changing routine is a great way to play. Play stops in a relationship when the partner start thinking they know all there is to know about each other.

vii. Expressing Gratitude

This was personally important to be because verbal appreciation has more power if they’re specific. Many people have never experienced a clear model of appreciation because they are looking through eyeglasses hat only let in what is wrong, what is missing or what could be improved rather than what is possible or what they are grateful for.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Finding balance: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by attaining balance which also means opening to opposite, eating and digesting opposites in myself so I do not expect my partner or the world to take on that function for me. When I actually see life through my partner’s eyes and take a few stops in his path, I begin to re-own the polarities of separation.

Cultivating curiosity: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by teaching people to reunite their curiosity to preserve social decorum, everyone can be an artist, expressing life as it flows through their mind, heart and guts. I can be touched by life and want to touch back. When I am not curious, I make myself all-knowing. Comparison kills Curiosity: Curiosity heals.

When a troublesome pattern repeats: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by knowing that when creative solutions to couples differences don not spontaneously occur, finding the underlying pattern can help.

When you don’t feel loved: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by take note of this point: Take time to love. I am finding out what it is I am afraid to be wit, then loving it. Many problems disappear in the moment of being present: being with a fear, being loving towards myself, and being open to my creativity.

Creating Space for Essence: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by using the space signal, triggers that let us know we need space. Many couples believe that love means being together or wanting to be together every moment. Giving my relationship some full breathe create space. I can also choose the deep space of being together that is created by breathing.

The Essence of Play: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by knowing that many couple create breakthrough by learning to play with their most deep hidden feelings. Many people feel acutely uncomfortable when anyone is angry.

Expressing Gratitude: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal daily life and in helping me create a better world by knowing that a full heart feeds the eyes. If once has been wounded it becomes hard for that heart to be over flowed with gratitude. Another block to appreciation is ambition.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Blending a family.”

This was important to be because family blend is an art with metaphysical underpinning. In blended families, issues of fairness and equality run rampant, often distorted by what parent provide or did not provide.

“Deepening your connection with essence and creativity.”

This was important to be because the most powerful path to essence that we know of is claiming our own creativity. The quality of our connection deepens with each step we take to become a whole.

“Respect”

This was important to be because this action only takes a moment. But it communicates a world of respect. Respect begins with meeting our own standards. Respect has a powerful healing value.

“When roles and rhythms changes.”

This was important to be because relationships may have life-span that is similar to developmental phases. The shadow of a middle relationship is like the shadow at midlife. Standing together in a larger vision of what I and my partner want keep our commitments same and whole.

“Stretching your relationship.”

This was important to be because the paradox of stretching is that I must stretch against something stable in order to create more length. I have learnt that we always get exactly what we give, and we have only this moment to experience it.

“Dealing with betrayal.”

This was important to be because I am genuinely grateful for the gift of this experience. I am not sure I could have learnt what I needed to know any other way. I have learnt that I deserve to have authenticity and love in my life.

“Finding stillness in the mist of busyness.”

This was important to be because relationship partners often glaze over the opportunity for stillness by driving an agenda in their daily interaction. There is always something I can renew, refresh and embrace.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did contain six exercises in transformation in part four for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Eight Essential Steps to Confict Resolution is an excellent tool for conflict resolution. This is one of my top five IIGL book. It’s wonderful! This book is about resolving conflicts in a way that is both effective and sustainable. I have learnt that conflict is an inescapable part of our daily lives, whether it is in our personal relationships or our business interactions, each of us has our own complex ideas, opinions, and needs, and how we deal with our differences with others which determine our quality of life. Learning how to deal with conflicts effectively is increasingly an essential life skill needed by me. I applied to be one of URI’s Cooperation Circle (Naisha Foundation) here in Abuja, Nigeria and The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution is just one of the best tools I will need to be an effective Mediator and Peace Builder. The skills included in this book are those that have proven effective time and again in resolving almost any type of conflict. I will continue to use this book as a guide to conflict resolution and relationship / peace building. I have learnt that resolving conflicts takes hard work and perseverance; many people also feel that dealing with conflicts is usually a rather hopeless exercise, in that both parties will just fight for what they want because they are not aware of skills that really work. This book contains skills to conflict resolution and effective ways of handling / avoiding conflicts. I realized we have spent far more energy and resources on our materials technologies than we have in developing the people skills to deal effectively with our differences and with building mutual enriching relationships. This book seeks to be a contribution to that end, for the benefit of my own personal and professional life and for my community, and the world at large. Thank You IIGL.

i. Understanding Conflict

This was important to me because much conflict can serve as an opportunity for mutual growth if I develop and utilize positive, constructive conflict resolution skills. The first step in becoming more effective at resolving conflicts is to understand the positive potential that waits in all situation of discord. The first perception in need of transformation is that conflict is always a disruption of order, a negative experience, an error or a mistake in a relationship.

ii. A view of Conflict

This was important to me because a far more effective perception of conflict is that it is but one part of a complex and useful relationship. If dealt with effectively can even help clarify and improve the relationship. People allow themselves to attached good-verse-evil and right-verse-wrong labels to a conflicts that they can convince themselves that their position is beyond question. Rather than jumping into conclusion that conflict involves absolute differences, I need to explore the possibility that a popular conflict may be over subjective preference rather than values.

iii. Five Popular Approaches to Conflict Resolution

This was important to me because there are five approaches to conflict resolution, these approaches which are ineffective are: The Conquest Approach, The Avoidance Approach, The Bargaining Approach, The Quick Fixer or Band-aid Approach and The Role-Player Approach.

iv. The Ingredients of Conflicts

This was important to me because I have learnt about the seven ingredients of conflicts which are: Diversity and divergence; Needs; Perceptions; Power; Values and principles; Feelings and emotions; Internal conflicts

v. The Conflict Partnership Process

This was important to me because the conflict partnership process involves eight steps that can empower people and groups to build mutual beneficial relationships and to resolve conflicts effectively. The basic principles which are behind these steps are five:

We: Not I verse you.

Conflicts are dealt within the context of the overall relationship.

Effective conflict resolution should improve the relationship.

Effective conflict resolution results in mutual benefits, and

Relationship-building and conflict resolution are connected.

vi. The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution I

This was important to me because the first four essential steps to conflict resolution were:

Create an effective atmosphere this includes attention, timing, place, initial comments or opening.

Clarify perceptions this includes clarifying perception of the conflicts, of self, and of their parties.

Focus on individual and shared needs this includes dealing with personal needs, conflict partner’s needs, shared needs and needs of the relationship.

Build shared positive power this includes negative power, positive power, developing positive self-power, positive power of the conflict partner, and shared positive power.

vii. The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution II

This was important to me because the second four essential steps to conflict resolution were:

Look to the future, then learn from the past: I sometimes allow the past to hold present and future possibilities prisoner by thinking that because I did not deal well with a conflict in the past, I cannot deal effectively with a current conflict.

Generate options: My ability to discover new possibilities within relationship and within conflict resolution is often impaired by the “packaged” truth and limited vision I hold onto in times of stress, insecurity and conflict.

Develop “doables”- stepping stones to actions: I dealing with conflicts, I often fail to build the conflict resolution process on stepping-stones, or doables. A doable is an action that embodies a good chance of being accomplished.

Make mutual-benefit agreements: conflict resolution agreements must be realistic and effective enough to survive, and perhaps even to develop further, as the challenges of the future confront them.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Understanding Conflict: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that I have influence and power over whether or not conflict becomes negative, and that influences and power is found in the way I handle it. Another perception in need of transformation is that conflict is always a battle between competing and incompatible self-interests or desires.

A view of Conflict: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing the three levels of conflict resolution: The Top level is reached when parties in conflict come to a resolution that meets some individual and shared needs, The Middle level is reached when parties at odd come to some mutually acceptable agreements that settles a particular conflict for the time being but do little to enhance the relationship, while The Lower level is reached when one party conquers the other: when one part submits to the demands of the other.

Five Popular Approaches to Conflict Resolution: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing the negative effects of the five popular approaches to conflict resolution. The Conquest Approach creates needless and damaging power struggle, The Avoidance Approach merely postpone dealing with the conflict, The Bargaining Approach often obscures the relative value of needs, and interests held by the parties in conflict, The Quick Fixer or Band-aid Approach dis-empowers all parties and The Role-Player Approach creates an adversarial relationship.

The Ingredients of Conflicts: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing the seven basic elements that characterize most conflicts. I have learnt to promote diversity rather than stifle it. Conflicts can arise when I ignore the need of the other party, my own needs or the needs of the relationship. People interpret reality differently, but there is always a true reality. Dealing with conflict using the “power over” pattern proves ineffective. Most conflict involves some investments of feelings and emotion. Conflicts can also arise from eternal voices.

The Conflict Partnership Process: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing the following:

Conflict partnership establishes a foundation on which the people or group involved in a conflict can transform into a healthy attitude.

Conflict partnership process deals with specific conflicts in the context of the overall relationship.

Conflict partnership process employed must improve the overall relationship.

Conflict partnership, all parties involved must feel they have received something of benefit from the process.

Conflict partnership process steps can be used to both resolve specific conflicts and establish and nature healthy relationships.

The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution I: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing the first four essential steps to conflict resolution which is as follows:

Create an effective atmosphere: this can be achieved by choosing a time that is long enough and free enough from outside distractions to allow for effective interaction. Choosing a place that is nonthreatening to all parties, one that helps all parties feel positively empowered to work effectively on the conflict.

Clarify perceptions: if effective conflict resolution is to occur, I need to work with my conflict partners to clarify perceptions of the problem and not simply assuming. I have to learn to sort the Component of a conflict, recognize and avoid ghost conflicts, and deal with value conflicts.

Focus on individual and shared needs: I often confuse needs with desires, understanding the difference between the two is an important component of effective conflict resolution.

Build shared positive power: I can use power either negatively or positively. Conflict partnership employs positive power to deal with conflict effectively and to improve relationships.

The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution II: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by learning the second four essential steps to conflict resolution which are:

Look to the future, and then learn from the past: this involve learning from the past, and focusing on the present and the future.

Generate options: this involve the preparation phase, beware of preconceived answers, imaging options, learning your conflict partners option, free flow optioning, viable options and past experiences.

Develop “doables”- stepping stones to actions: this includes what doables are, examples of doables, and taking care in choosing doables.

Make mutual-benefit agreements: this includes mutual benefit agreements replacement demands, mutual benefit agreements are built on doables, being a caretaker of the partner’s welfare, mutual benefits agreements needs to consider givens, and clarifying specific responsibilities.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Dealing with Anger”

This was important to me because I have learnt to deal with anger; it’s an energy that I am in control of. I have learnt to be in charge of my own anger, and being in charge of how I receive anger. I have also learnt how to express anger constructively.

“When one party thinks there is no Conflict”

This was important to me because when one party does not acknowledge that there is a conflict, there are several possible steps I can take to deal with this problem.

“When you feel unsure about confronting someone.”

This was important to me because I use to see confrontation as a task full of enormous strain and some degree of fear. I have learnt that most people feel 1) Confrontation means conflict and conflict is bad. 2) They feel they have no effective confrontation skills.

“When the other party seem not to want a resolution.”

This was important to me because when the other party seems not to want a resolution I have learnt to look at the atmosphere I am promoting, see if I and the other party are dealing on the same conflict, and make sure that I am focusing on a realistic and specific component of the conflict.

“Dealing with people who only want things done their way.”

This was important to me because when dealing with people who only want things done their way, I have learnt to make sure that I do not allow their behavior to take charge of me or get in my way. Their actions do not determine my decision.

“Dealing with Conflicts involving Injustice.”

This was important to me because when dealing with conflicts involving injustices I make sure that I understand he differences between behavior that is an injustice and merely behavior I do not like.

“Dealing with seemly irresolvable conflicts.”

This was important to me because when dealing with seemly irresolvable conflict, the key task is to focus on the more diligently on the particular conflict partnership skill or skills most pertinent to whatever seemly irresolvable conflict is facing me.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with all of them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did contain practical exercise, scenarios and practical examples in every chapter, all of which I found to be very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The One Minute Manager

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The One Minute Manager is a collection of views, ideas and philosophies of great minds. It is a short but in depth book on management. It is a compilation of great work and product of thoughts that can give me the quantum leap I need and deserve. This book has produced valuable results that are tested and are true. This book is a great source of wisdom. It contains tools and step by step guide on management and productivity which yields results. I am using this book in my daily live and living. I recommend this book to people who want to be the best they can be. I have recognized the importance of wisdoms and its proper applications. This book has taught me to become even a better manager. People who I manage will eventually look up to me as their source of wisdom and abundance. I have learnt to lead and to become a follower. I have learned to be disciplined and trustworthy. This book has imparted my live in many ways; I use it as my daily management guide, as my reference and as one of my source of wisdom. This book has helped be become a better me, produce valuable result and be a source of encouragement to others. The essence of knowledge is, having it, to use it. This book is a compendium of knowledge that should not be far from me. As a result of this book, my relationships are happier, healthier, and more successful. This book has made my live more productive and interesting. I appreciate every day of my life. Thank you Felix Iziomoh, Thank You IIGL.

i. The Search

This was personally important to me because I can’t always get what I want. In my quest for the best I might get something wrought more than being the best. I have learned to look in the right places and not just anywhere. The process of searching is interesting and should be enjoyed.

ii. The One Minute Manager

This was personally important to me because the best way to get results is through people. I have learnt to work and walk with people to get the best from them. They are my assets, my allies and my strength working with people increases and improve my success chances. I have learnt to accept the truth and work with it.

iii. One minute goal

This was personally important to me because the one minute goal is the first of the three secrets to the one minute management. The one minute goal is what we are accountable for and the moment we lose sight of that there is a great need for concern. The one minute goal increase performance and out.

iv. One minute praising

This was personally important to me because it’s important we give and get positive feedback. Praising and commendation increases productivity and everyone love to hear it. it is very important we get crystal clear feedbacks from our staff and employers.

v. The appraisal

This was personally important to me because appraisal increases effectiveness and efficiency in operations and output.

vi. One minute reprimands

This was personally important to me because I have learnt not to spend more time on mistakes. My time should be spent on planning and getting positive results. There is no time to waste and it important I work with time and not be behind schedule.

vii. Why one minute goal works

This was personally important to me because the one minute manager works for all situation theses is because people do well when they are praised, recommended and encouraged. It is the goal of the one minute manager to ensure people around them give their best and these is dependent on what he give them: motivation or mess.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Search: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by knowing that after searching comes results. So I take my time to do it well. I have learnt that the best places to search for results are not always my first options. I have also learnt not to under estimate any one or any thing on my path.

The One minute manager: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by putting in mind that people who feel good about themselves always produce better results. Learning more about people management is a key to success. I have learnt to treat people with respect.

One minute goal: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way; both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by writing down a one page statement for every goal. This is very important as it guides and equips the writer to achieving and actualizing the goals. It means understanding what our responsibilities are.

One minute praising: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by never assuming things for myself. It is important we track each other’s progress. These can be done by keeping detailed records.

The appraisal: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by doing the best I can, as much as I can.

One minute reprimands: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way; both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by responding quickly to mistakes and moving on. I have learnt mistakes are in the past and dwelling in the past is not acceptable.

Why one minute goal works: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily life and in helping me create a better world by becoming the one minute manager. By motivating my staffs, by making people around me feel the best of themselves and by helping them produces the best result. These is possible by keeping them motivated.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“One minute goals: summary”

This was important to me because one minute goals setting is simply agreeing on my goals, seeing what good behavior looks like, writing out my goals, reading them out loud, taking time out daily to look at my performance and seeing whether or not my behavior matches my goals.

“Helping people reach their full potential its best to catch them doing something right”

This was important to me because everyone can do better; everyone can do much better. And it’s my responsibility as an employer to see that my staffs are reaching their full potential on a daily basis.

“The one minute praising summary ”

This was important to me because the one minute praising summary works well when I tell people up front how they are doing, praise people immediately, tell them what they did right, tell them how good I feel about them, stopping for a moment of silence to help them feel how good they are.

“One minute reprimands: summary”

This was important to me because the one minute reprimands works well when I tell people beforehand how their performance are, reprimand people immediately, tell people what they did wrong and stopping for a few seconds for uncomfortable silence to let them feel how I feel.

“The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people”

This was important to me because investments in people cannot go unnoticed. People are our greatest asset and we do everything to make them feel the best of themselves. These reduce negative emotions and improve personal and interpersonal relationship.

“Everyone is a potential winner, some people are disguised as losers, don’t let their appearance fool you.”

This was important to me because there is a winner in everyone. I chose to see that not the impossible.

“Look at your goals, look at your performance, see if your behavior matches your goals.”

This was important to be because taking a look at my goals is very important. T keeps me on tract. Looking at my performance is always helpful, it encourages me to keep up the good work and even improve. It is important my behavior matches my goal, it must be balanced and achievable.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting, it did not however contain for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is quite an interesting book which contains seven distinctive laws to success. It very, start to the point and easy to understand. It talks about the principles of nature and how everything we see, hear, touch, and feel comes to existence. When knowledge is incorporated in our consciousness it gives us the ability to unlimited wealth with effortless ease. It talks about all aspects to success and experiences that might be similar to most of us. It was in did an interesting book. The source of all creation is divinity.

i. The Law of Pure Potential

This was personally important to me because underlying the infinite diversity of life is the unity of one all-pervasive spirit. There is no separation between me and the field of energy. My thinking and behavior are always in anticipation of a response. One way to access the field of potentiality is through daily practice of silence, meditation and non-judgment.

ii. The Law of Giving

This was personally important to me because the flow of life is nothing other than harmonious interactions of all the elements and forces that structure the field of existence. Receiving is the same thing as giving, because giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And if I stop the flow of either, I interfere with nature’s intelligence.

iii. The Law of Karma or Cause and Effect

This was personally important to me because my reaction seems to be automatically to be triggered by people and circumstances and I forget that these are still choices that I am making in every moment of my existence. I simply make these choices unconsciously. Spontaneous right action is the right action at the right moment. It is the right response to every situation as it happens.

iv. The Law of Least Effort

This was personally important to me because this means that there is just a faint idea, and then the manifestation of the idea comes about effortlessly. Least effort is expanded when my actions are motivated by love, because nature is held together by the energy of love. When my actions are motivated by love, my energy multiplies and accumulates.

v. The Law of Intention and Desire

This was personally important to me because not only is the human nervous system capable of becoming aware of the information and energy of its own quantum field, but human consciousness is infinitely flexible through this wonderful nervous system. Conscious change is brought about by the two qualities inherent in consciousness: attention and intention.

vi. The Law of Detachment

This was personally important to me because attachment comes from poverty consciousness, because attachment is always to symbol. Detachment is synonymous with wealth consciousness, because with detachment there is freedom to create. True wealth consciousness is the ability to have anything I want with least effort.

vii. The Law of Purpose in Life

This was personally important to me because there are three components to the Law of Dharma, first, each of us is here to discover our true self. Second, to express our unique talents, and third to server humanity. I am guided by this Law: it’s the purpose of Life.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Law of Pure Potential: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by setting aside time for meditation, making a commitment to maintain certain silence for a certain period of time periodically.

The Law of Giving: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that intention behind my giving and receiving that is the most important. Practicing the law of giving is very simple: learn to give more of what you want. I have learnt to give more of what I seek.

The Law of Karma or Cause and Effect: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that a very interesting mechanism exist that the universe has to help me make spontaneously correct choices. My body experiences are of two kinds of sensation: one is a sensation of comfort and the other is a sensation of discomfort.

The Law of Least Effort: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by putting into action the three things I can do to putting the principle of “do less and accomplish more” into action, which are acceptance, responsibility and defenselessness.

The Law of Intention and Desire: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that as long as I do not violate the other laws of nature, through my intent; I can literally commands the laws of nature to fulfill my dreams and desires.

The Law of Detachment: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by relinquishing my attachment to the known, step into the unknown and I will step into the field of all possibilities. In my willingness to step into the unknown, I will have the wisdom of uncertainty factored in.

The Law of Purpose in Life: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my personal life and in helping me to create a better world by combining my ability to express gratitude my unique talent with service to humanity, then make full use of the Law. This way, real abundance is achieved.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The more turned in you are to the mind of nature, the more you have access to its infinite, unbounded creativity.”

This was important to me because I have to go beyond the turbulence of my internal dialogue to connect with that abundant, affluent, infinite, creative mind. Stillness alone is the potentiality for creativity, but the combination of stillness and movement enables me unleash my creativity in all directions.

“Make the decision that any time you come into contact with anyone, you will give them something. ”

This was important to me because the gift of caring, attention, affection, appreciation, and love are some of the most precious gift I can give and they do not cost me anything. Our true nature is one of affluence and abundance; we are naturally affluent because nature supports every needs and desires.

“This way, while paying your karmic debt, you will have also converted the adversity into a benefit that may bring you wealth and fulfillment.”

This was important to me because this is the transmutation of my karma into a positive experience. All actions are karmic episodes. As long as karma is evolutionary: for both the Self and everyone affected by the Self- then the fruits of karma will be happiness and success.

“You embrace the present and become one with it, and merge with it; you will experience a fire, a glow, a sparkle of ecstasy throbbing in every living sentient being.”

This was important to me because as I begin to experience this exultation of spirit in everything that is alive, as I become intimate with it, joy will be born within me and I will drop the terrible burdens and encumbrances of defensiveness, resentment, and hurtfulness.

“When you follow the five steps for fulfilling your desires, intention generates its own power.”

This was important to me because when I follow the five steps for fulfilling my desires, intention generates its own power: slip into the gap, establish in the state of being, remain the state of self-referral, relinquish my attachment to the outcome and let the universe handle the details.

“One characteristics of the field of all possibilities is infinite correlation.”

This was important to me because when I get attached, I freeze my desire from that infinite fluidity into a rigid framework with interface with the whole process of creation. The Law of Detachment does not interfere with the Law of Intention and Desire.

“If you want to make maximum use of the law of Dharma, then you have to make several commitments.”

This was important to me because I am going to seek my higher self, I am going to discovered my unique talents, I am going to ask myself how I am best suited to serve humanity and discover my divine purpose by answering these questions.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with all of them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did contain practical exercise at the end of every chapter and I found every exercise to be very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Silence of the Heart

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Silence of the Heart is an exceptional book. I cannot be in the heart if I have not forgiven myself and others. I cannot be in the heart if I am worried or angry, if my breathing is shallow or labored. I learnt from this book that when my breathing is shallow, thinking becomes superficial; thinking is driven by fear and anxiety. My mind states will be rooted in the past or in the future, not in the present. I have learnt that unless, I return to the heart I cannot see with compassion. Breathing is a key to living a spiritual life in physical embodiment. Unless I breathe deeply and calmly, I cannot be in my heart. When I am in my heart, I am deeply relaxed, yet surprisingly alert, contented, secure, safe and in the full present. I am in control of my situation and the results I get are positive. I can feel the presence of understanding and compassion in my heart centre, I can feel the love that dwells in my heart and freely extends to others. I move with the wave, yet I know I am not the wave: I am in the silence from which all sounds comes. This book has taught me that observing, breathing deeply and gently is the easiest way to open the heart. This book is about finding a way to access the deeper aspect our being which is at peace. I have learnt not to consume my mind with thinking, planning, and worrying. The more I turn away from myself, the more I abuse the earth and others. The more I forget to breathe the unhealthier the air get and the more interpersonal conflicts arise. If I keep forgetting to breathe, the planet is doomed! I have learnt to breathe deeply for one day at a time and see what happens. It’s not as difficult as I think when I commit myself to the practice of silence, my relationship to the entire universe changes. Earth and heaven meets when our heart joins in silent bliss.

i. Integrity

This was important to me because integrity is there in each one of us; the problem is that most people believe they are not whole. I have stopped believing I need to be fixed or have a false sense of responsibility for others while I do not take enough responsibility for myself. Nothing is broken and nothing needs to be fixed.

ii. Right Relationship

This was important to me because there is only one way we will find genuine fulfillment in my life and that is to learn to develop and accept myself. If my life is a flight from self, my relationships cannot be grounded. I do not seek outside myself for happiness in time of great trauma.

iii. No Other God

This was important to me because the door to the divine presence opens through my kindness and gentle acceptance of others as they are in this moment. The door to divine presence pens through my simple remembrance of God in any moment. It opens when I know that I am not alone, that every decision I make can be given over to God.

iv. Right Livelihood

This was important to me because I have learned not to be selfish and imprison myself in a life style that holds my spirit hostage and provides no spontaneity or grace in my life. Weather I succeed or fail happiness should not be missing in my life. Only that which comes from my heart with great enthusiasm will prosper on all levels.

v. Healing the Divided Self

This was important to me because neither self-indulgence nor self-denial brings peace and happiness. Those who indulge themselves eventually see that their substance of choice is addictive and satisfies less and less. Most people are either recovering addicts or recovering denunciates.

vi. Communion and Commodity

This was important to me because it is not necessary for people to have the same beliefs to experience spiritual communion with one another. Communion happens in spite of the mind, not because of it. Love has within its essence a great purifying and awakening potential. Love is not only a creator but a destroyer: It destroyers the past.

vii. Opening to Miracles

This was important to me because the greatest miracle I will ever experience does not lie outside of me, it lies within. When I am not in touch with God’s love for me, everything that happens in my life seems not good enough. My relationship with my creator determines the quality of my life.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

Integrity: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by learning how to walk through my fears. I am strong in my conviction about my life but gentle with others.

Right Relationship: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that commitment to another is impossible without commitment first to myself. Inappropriate relationships exacerbate the abuse pattern of the past and I must e able to ask unabashedly for what I want.

No Other God: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that God is not abstraction, but a living presence in my life that I can experience. I have learned to be in the silence of my heart: letting my thoughts come and go until the space between them opens.

Right Livelihood: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that appreciation and approval are two entirely different things. Only that which I love will touch others and bring true appreciation my way.

Healing the Divided Self: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that the reconstitution of the divided self is the essence of the healing process, even for those who have not been severely violated.

Communion and Commodity: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by honoring the unique spiritual experiences of our membership. Mutual respect and tolerance for difference are absolutely essential to the creation of a safe, loving space.

Opening to Miracles: This idea and lesson will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that the purpose of life comes from the connection to the divine. It comes from the self-affirmation “I matter. There is something here I am meant to do. God has a plan for me.”

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Maps and Signs”

This was important to me because there comes a point in every situation when preparation end and the experience begin. Knowing that I have prepared well may give me confidence, but only trust in myself enables me to excel. The best that linear, sequential thinking can give me is a map of my potential experience. Signs come from the interface between outer and inner reality. They are created through y intuitive connection with life

“Spiritual Commitments”

This was important to me because the extension of the safe, loving space happens naturally. Growth happens because there is a natural tendency for that which is loving and healing to attract that which is healing and love. As love is naturally and organically extended, and guidance increasingly functions through group consensus, the safe loving space becomes established in the world.

“The Only Authority”

This was important to me because this is the time when all idols must be rejected. All forms of external authority must be stripped of their power. I have learnt to get to know God in my own experience. I do not prescribe for myself, but listen to the voice of God and be guided by it. When I understand that I have direct communication with God at all times, I will stop looking for answers outside myself.

“Nurturing the gift”

This was important to me because the only difficulty I will have in recognizing my gift is that it may not fit my picture of what a gift is supposed to be. Many of my gifts go unacknowledged because I do not match my pictures of what a gift should be. Every time I place a condition on my willingness to offer the gift, I push it further away. I noticed happy people are expressing their gifts all the time, on whatever level and in whatever arena life offers.

“The dawn of a surrender life”

This was important to me because to live a surrendered life is to be present moment to moment with my experience. I become increasingly aware of when I dissociate and gently bring myself back. To bring myself back is the essence of meditation. Thinking is not bad, but if I make it bad, I will create more thinking about thinking. I have learnt to stop resisting my greatest teachers which are pain, discomfort and conflict.

“Congruence”

This was important to me because congruence is exhibit when one’s actions are consistent with one’s word. A congruence person is always learning from experience. A congruence person does not beat himself up when he/she discovers that he/she is in error. I have learnt to make amends, forgive myself, and endeavor not to make the same mistake again.

“Miracles and the Un-miraculous”

This was important to me because linear thinking is always dangerous, but when applied to issues of spirituality, it becomes almost deadly. The real miracle does not lie in my outer event, in the apparent good or bad fortune involved: the real miracle lies in the spiritual purpose behind the event.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did not contain any exercise for the reader to complete.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Your Money or Your Life

Assessment by Aishatu Ibrahim (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Your Money or Your Life is a great book on our attitude towards money. This book taught me that savings means freedom from debt. This book helps me get a competitive game and helps me look more pragmatically at what would actually make my life better. I have shift myself from comparing to considering my needs and desires. This book teaches different perspective on employment, one that opens a far wider possibility for income, security and providing for my needs. My job becomes the centerpiece of my life but no longer the biggest robber of my time; making room for family, friends, fun and sleep. This book has transformed my relationship with money, have more of what I really want, shift from debt to savings. The program in this book is for starters and it has in did helped me. This book is one of our generation’s portals to the good life. This book is also about integration: putting my financial life and the rest of my life back together again. The purpose of this book is to transform my relationship with money. This book not only talks about earning, saving, spending but also debts and the freedom from debts. This book talks about getting a new financial road map towards money to save us from the old financial road map that has succeeded in trapping us. This book has taught me that when I do not take my identity from my job, I am identified as a consumer. One of the key to creating my new road map is FI-Financial Independent, Financial Intelligence and Financial Integrity. I have learned how to get out of debt and have at least six months of basic living expense in the bank. Thank You IIGL.

i. The Old Road Map for Money

This was important to me because I spend more than I make on more than I need. Which send me back to work and get the money to spend to get more. How tragic! I have built my working life on the myth of more, my expectation is to make more money as the years goes on but rather than satisfaction, my experience is that the more I have, the more I want and the less content I am with the status quo.

ii. Money is not what it used to be and never was

This was important to me because the practical-physical realm of money involves me thinking that more money is always better and needed. I see money as security which is one of the more rational insanities I can have. I also see money as power, and acting from this myth has made me miss the many opportunities to exercise “soul power.”

iii. Where is it all going

This was important to me because budgeting has a great role to play in money. Greed is another component of my irrational and addictive relationship with money. I need to identify and follow internal signals, not external admonishments or habitual desires.

iv. The nature of fulfillment

This was important to me because I asked myself three life transforming questions: did I receive fulfillment, satisfaction and value in proportion to life energy spent? Is this expenditure of life energy in alignment with my values and life purpose? How might this expenditure change if I didn’t have to work for a living? I have learnt to evaluate my spending by asking myself these three questions.

v. Seeing progress

This was important to me because I have learnt to work on my personal alignment and personal integration: this is a feedback system for integrity. My statement of value and purpose reflects my highest vision, what I truly want for myself.

vi. The American Dream

This was important to me because enjoyment of the material world is enjoyment of what I have without wastage. I do not need to possess a thing to enjoy it. I have learnt to keep in mind that as I explore ways to save money, does not mean being cheap or making do, or anything like that: now that I know that money is my life energy, it seems foolish to consider wasting it on stuff I do not enjoy or never use.

vii. Valuing You Energy – Work and Income

This was important to me because I have learnt to always ask myself these questions: what do I want to do to earn money? What motivates me to get out of bed five days a week? Answering these questions every day will give me values for my energy and give me increase income for my work.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?

The Old Road Map for Money: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that if more is better, then what I have is not enough. Even when I do get more, I will be convinced that life could still be better. Without satisfaction, life is meaningless. Even though I clearly need to confront my personal addition to growth, I am exhibiting the classic resistance to change called denial.

Money is not what it used to be and never was: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by I have learnt that money is just a token, an essential valueless market for something that theoretically, at one time had value to someone.

Where is it all going: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by redefining my categories. I have learnt to confront my peccadilloes, my indiscretion, in the privacy of my own account book rather than when I get caught. So, I do not skimp on being truthful if I find myself face-to-face with some of my faults and frailties while doing my monthly tabulation.

The nature of fulfillment: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by asking myself these few questions: what did I want when growing up? What have I always wanted to do that I haven’t done yet? If I don’t not have to work for a living, what would I do with my time? Having the right answers to these questions with give me fulfillments.

Seeing progress: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that financial independence is getting out of debt. Like other addiction, debt allows to deny pain, sorrow, loss, anger, and despair.

The American Dream: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by trying not to impress others. Other people as busy trying to impress me that they will at best, not notice my efforts. If I stop trying to impress others, I will save thousands and perhaps millions of naira.

Valuing You Energy – Work and Income: These ideas or lessons will help me in a practical way, both in my daily personal life and in helping me to create a better world by knowing that earning money provides necessities, amenities, luxuries, etc. sense of security, and enjoyment. The real problem with work is that my expectations are too high: I have learnt to not confuse work with paid employment.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Making peace with the past.”

This was important to me because as I survey my relationship with money and the things money can buy, I have learnt to increase my awareness not my arrogance or shame. I need to review without blaming my earning and spending activities in the past.

“Money is something we chose to trade our life energy for.”

This was important to me because my life energy is my allotment of time here on earth, the hours of precious life available to me. This definition of money gives me significant information. My life energy is more real in my actual experience than money. Financial independence is an experience of freedom at a psychological level.

“Redefining my categories.”

This was important to me because refinement will come as I decide on how I want to account for large unusual expenses. As far as I am concerned, there is no right or wrong way of doing this. What I have in front of me, as accurate as it may be, does not yet have the power to transform my relationship with money. I will be financially intelligent.

“Developing an internal yardstick for Fulfillment.”

This was important to me because the primary tool for developing this internal yardstick is awareness. This is actually one part of financial integrity. I have learnt to make financial choices independently.

“Financial independence is money in the bank.”

This was important to me because how much I save now would determine my level of financial freedom tomorrow. With savings, unemployment is not a tragedy. Saving money is like building a dam on a river: the water that builds up the dam has an increasing amount of potential energy.

“Ten sure way to save money.”

This was important to me because the ten sure way to save money includes: Not going shopping, living within my means, taking care of what I have, wear it out, doing it myself, anticipating my needs, research value, buying I for less meeting my needs differently and making sure I follow these nine steps.

“The stunning implication of redefining work.”

This was important to me because redefining work increases choices, allows me to work from inside out, makes life whole again, adds life to my retirement, honors unpaid activity, and reunite work and play.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

This book is interesting and easy to understand. I am clear with the author’s ideas and I totally agree with all of them.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I find this book very helpful and exciting; it did contain practical exercise at the end of every chapter and I found every exercise to be very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

There is nothing in this book I would like to comment on that was not covered in pervious questions.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.