As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Ebeh George (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea for the book is that thought is the ultimate cause in a man’s life that determines his character and circumstances. It is therefore the tool by which his destiny is shaped.
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. Thoughts affect our character
This idea is a very important one because it opens up a new perspective on life and the formation of character. Since every action is preceded by a thought and character is the complete sum of all our thoughts, then it means that man has the power to form any character and to change it at any time by simply focusing on thought and choosing thoughts that will eventually bring about the desired character.
ii. Thoughts affect our circumstances
This also is a life-changing idea to me as it is my desire to keep growing and improving my circumstances and those of the people around me. Therefore, realizing that my circumstances are products of my thoughts puts me in the driver’s seat and ensures that I focus on nurturing thoughts that are in harmony with the circumstances that I desire. My circumstances are external conditions which reveal to a large extent the thoughts which I have been harboring and encouraging. Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results and bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results; just as a cornstalk can never produce mangoes.
iii. Thoughts affect our health
Just as my circumstances depend on the nature of my thoughts and actions, my thoughts also affect the condition of my body whether good or bad. The body is the servant of the mind and as a servant, must obey the commands of the mind, and these commands are transmitted through thought. A healthy body reveals that a foundation of healthy thoughts and actions had been laid, while an unhealthy body indicates that thoughts and actions which encouraged disease and ill-health were entertained. To this end it is important for me to focus on putting my mind right by thinking good thoughts so as to produce the desired results in my life.
iv. Thoughts and purpose
Purposeful thought is the root of all accomplishment. Purpose is the driving force that helps one surmount all obstacles. This is a very important concept because it reminds me of the need to not get complacent with my thoughts and give in to aimlessness and all forms of drifting through life. I am reminded to instead, discipline myself and my thoughts daily, and channeling them to fruitful affairs in my life. Purposeful thought keeps me immune from petty worries, fears, troubles and self-pitying. Purposeful thought is creative and so when I think purposefully I am setting the foundation for whatever form my thought holds.
v. Thoughts, visions and ideals
The general message in this book further emphasizes the popular saying: “you become what you think about.” Even though this is actually true, society has taught most people by default to set their targets low in order to avoid experiencing any form of failure or setback. But as the author rightly says: “Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.” I am reminded that there is no limit to what is possible for any individual provided he/she has a clear vision and is determined to actualize it.
vi. Thoughts and serenity
When we develop a deep understanding of the laws and operation of thought, we become calm and serene because we see how things work together by the action of cause and effect; therefore we do away with all forms of complaining, bickering and quarrelling. One who is calm knows how to govern himself and also how to relate with other people and is greatly loved and respected.
vii. Dream
“Dream lofty dreams and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.”
There is no limit to what we can achieve, hence the size of our dreams/ vision of what our lives should be will correspond to the circumstances that will unfold in our lives as a 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?
These ideas will totally revolutionize my approach towards life because now I know that I am not entirely passive or a victim that is having things done to him without any input on my part. I am now aware that I have the power the affect my character, my circumstances and even my health by encouraging favorable thoughts in my mind which will eventually trigger the right kinds of action required to produce the kind of life that I desire.
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.
“Act is the blossom of thought and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry.”
Whatever actions we undertake are products of thoughts that we have held in our minds whether consciously or subconsciously, that have now begun to manifest outwardly.
“When they begin to reflect upon their condition, and search diligently for the law upon which their being is established, they then become the wise master, directing their energies with intelligence and fashioning their thoughts to fruitful issues.”
We can only live a fruitful life when we begin to examine the way we live and try to understand the correlation between the effects that have manifested around us and the thoughts that we are encouraging which are producing them.
“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.”
Whatever circumstance you find yourself is just a revelation of who you are and the kind of thoughts that you encourage regularly.
“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”
This reminds me of another quote I heard which says that “everybody wants to be a lion until it’s time to do what lions do.”
But now that I can see how my circumstances will not improve until I improve myself and the thoughts that I encourage the most, the I can begin to patiently work on uplifting my thoughts daily and slowly but surely produce the circumstances I desire.
“A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.”
For an individual to be rightly conditioned, he must realize that he is not a spectator in his life or a victim of circumstances, but must accept responsibility for his life and begin to seek knowledge and live with intention.
“Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment”
Thinking for the sake of thinking doesn’t accomplish anything useful. For us to achieve worthwhile ventures, purposeful thought must be employed to map out a path to success.
“Thought allied fearlessly to purpose becomes creative force; he who knows this is ready to become something higher and stronger than a mere bundle of wavering thoughts and fluctuating sensations.”
Creative force is the combination of thought courageously linked with purpose. This combination creates a great and strong individual who will accomplish greatly.
“Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this, in the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding master; He does but sleep; wake Him. Self-control is strength; right thought is mastery; calmness is power. Say unto your heart peace be still.”
This quote to me is the summary of the author’s message. Which is that regardless of our condition in life, our visions and ideals await if we only remember to hold firmly to our thought and let it inspire the kind of actions that will create the life we desire.
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 the book were very clear and concise. I clearly understand everything I read in the 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?
There are no exercises in the book.
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. I think the questions adequately covered all the important points made by the author
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? 9
D.Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Ebeh George (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea that the author is trying to convey is the idea of non-conformity to societal rules, norms and customs that prevent us from trying to achieve our maximum potential, striving to be all we can be and then trying to help others do the same.
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. Find and follow a higher purpose for life.
This for me is the most important idea in the book and the most relevant for me because purpose is like the compass that helps one to live a meaningful life. According to the late Dr. Myles Munroe said “when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable”. The challenges of day-to-day survival can and will get overwhelming and if we do not identify and adopt a higher purpose that drives us, then we will succumb to the pressures of life and begin accept whatever comes our way rather than taking action to achieve our purpose. Personally, having a higher purpose for my life helps me make tough decisions, because it serves as a scale that helps me weigh the different options available to me.
ii. Always push the limits of what is possible and never stop seeking to live, to learn, to discover, and to be free.
Growth is an indispensable characteristic of all living things and so pushing the limits of what is possible implies the desire to grow. This to me is a very important idea because I know that it is by learning and discovering new things that we improve ourselves and our surroundings. When we stop growing, then slowly we have started dying and if we accept limits and don’t try to expand them, then we remain small and our view of the world remains limited. Pushing limits opens up possibilities in a world that we never knew existed and it challenges us to upgrade our skills and become better.
I had always wanted to acquire public speaking skills, being a shy person growing up. I pushed the limits of what was possible for me by joining Toastmasters International in order to overcome my fear of public speaking and in just a few months I have already seen significant improvements in my speaking skills and overall self-confidence; although it’s still work-in-progress.
iii. It takes practice to achieve meaningful success
“Success is not achieved overnight but over time,” is a statement that ties into this idea of practice. Whatever skill we desire or whatever attributes we seek to acquire, will only become our reality through the investment of effort and time in consistent practice. It is during practice that we have the liberty to make mistakes without much pressure. Practice is an essential part of the process of becoming successful at any endeavor.
I love playing soccer and have done so for over three decades. Although I do not play professional soccer today, I derive a lot of benefits from playing and constantly receive admiration and compliments which I attribute to all those years spent practicing and honing my skills on the soccer pitch.
iv. Going against popular thinking or norms will make people dislike you.
In every society, it is essential to have rules or customs that guide people in different areas of life. However, when these rules are made and end in themselves rather than a means by a blind and unexamined adherence even when they hinder our progress, then the purpose for which they exist becomes defeated. Also, since change is the only constant thing in life, it is essential to constantly examine and refine those rules especially where they have become obsolete and begin to hinder rather than promote success. Lastly and most importantly is the issue of conformity. The idea of trying to be like everybody else and do what everyone else is doing even if it goes against what we believe. When we adopt a higher purpose for our lives and truly believe in it, then it becomes easier to focus and avoid conforming to what society or other people approve of.
v. Failure and setbacks are inevitable in the pursuit of any worthwhile goal
Whenever we push the limits of our current reality, failure/setbacks will most likely be encountered as we come to grips with the new venture. However, if viewed as necessary “course corrections” on our journey, they can become lessons that catapult us even faster to our desired goals. Failure is feedback and feedback is essential if we are to achieve success in any meaningful endeavor. This idea is really important to me because I realize that the fear of failure is what holds many people (myself included) back from really living the life they are capable of.
vi. Failure/setbacks will often trigger self-doubt.
This is another lesson/idea that I believe is very important for me because at one point or another in our lives we all have experienced failure-induced self-doubt. As humans, we naturally gravitate towards pleasure and resist pain therefore any experience that causes us pain (physical or emotional) will make us question our motives since that wasn’t the expected outcome. However, when we view setbacks as part of the process it makes the pain of failure bearable. This in turn, enables us to trust our instinct and keep working until we succeed.
vii. You know nothing until you prove it
This lesson reminds me of a quote by the author Neil Donald Walsh in his book “Conversations with God”, which says: “until concept becomes experience, speculation is all there is.” This right here is what I believe separates achievers from those who just talk about what they claim to know. I had struggled with this idea because I used to read up things, gain understanding, and then believe that I was now an expert; but until I could experience that thing, I was just speculating about it. When I was learning computer networking for example, I read a book in order to learn how to prepare Ethernet cables by crimping the RJ-45 connectors to the cables. I learnt everything; from the tools needed, to how to use them and the color codes involved. Even though I had never actually done it, I felt confident in my ability. But the first day I actually got the tools and tried it out for the first time, was a humbling experience. I had successfully attached the connectors as stated in the book I had read but the cable didn’t work and since the book didn’t say anything about what to do if things went wrong, I was stuck. It wasn’t until I tried it severally that I was able figure out what went wrong.
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 ideas I have learned from this book will no doubt be of immense help to me both in my personal life and in other endeavors that I undertake in my life. Most importantly they will help me in creating a better world for myself and everyone else
First, finding and following a higher purpose in life will help me to remain focused when the inevitable distractions and challenges begin to pop up. It will also help me to know that my life stands for a cause greater than me. Something that will keep me motivated to make an impact on the world that will outlive me.
Secondly, learning to always push of what is possible will ensure continuous growth and development in my life and thereby helping me to make an impact positively in the world. Rather than getting comfortable with what I know and accepting a particular way of doing things as the only way, I’ll constantly seek to improve everything I am and everything I do. This will help to make my immediate environment better and by extension the whole world.
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 gull sees the farthest who flies the highest.”
This quote is important because it emphasizes a need for growth through self-development. They more you know, the more you can still learn, as this learning broadens the horizon of what is now possible to me.
“But you can Jonathan, for you have learned. One school is finished and the time has come for another to begin.”
This quote reminds me of the fact that, there is always a greater challenge and more possibilities to be more and do more no matter what you have previously accomplished.
“The most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in that which they most loved to do.”
This quote teaches me to make achieving excellence in the pursuit of my higher purpose the goal of my life. And to let that excellence spread to every area of my life and to the lives of those around 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?
The contents of the book were clear and concise.
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 are no exercises in the book.
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. The questions adequately covered all the important aspects of the 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
PsychoCybernetics
Assessment by George Ebeh (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea in the book is that every individual has a self-image, which is basically that person’s conception of the kind of person he is, which has been built up from his beliefs about himself. Plus all our actions, feelings, behavior – even our abilities are always consistent with this self-image. We will always act like who we are.
Also, this self-image can be changed using our imagination and employing our automatic success mechanism positively.
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 example from your own life.
i. The self-image
This idea is so important to me because it represents a major paradigm shift in the way in which, I perceive myself and evaluate my actions, behavior and circumstances. The discovery of the concept of the self-image has opened my eyes to new truths about being and has given me the power to free myself from the involuntary compulsions of conformity. Also, learning that the self-image can be changed is a big relief and a motivation to learn the necessary techniques that will enable me create a self-image that is adequate and one that promotes success and achievement.
ii. The automatic success mechanism
This is also a key concept in the book, which when properly understood, outlines the process of attaining success in any endeavor. I have learnt that I alone can direct my automatic success mechanism by first of all giving it a goal/target to accomplish. This goal must be conceived in my imagination as already in existence now either in actual or potential form. The automatic success mechanism then supplies the means to achieving the goal I have given it, provided I think in terms of the end result and maintain a strong desire. Because the automatic success mechanism is a servo-mechanism, the goal will ultimately be achieved by going forward, making mistakes and immediately correcting course. This process is repeated until the desired goal is attained. I can relate very well to this idea because I have seen several instances in my life where I have achieved success through this process. For example, when writing an article or a speech, first I have an the picture of what I want to achieve at the end, then I write the first draft, compare it with what I have in mind and keep making corrections until it comes to approximate the image I have seen in my mind.
iii. The use of imagination
Creative imagination is the most important gift we have been given as human beings. It is a tool which enables us to shape our lives and our environments anyhow we like. It sets the good picture which our automatic success mechanism works on. A human being always acts, feels and performs in accordance with what he imagines to be true about himself and his environment. Therefore we act or fail to act not because of will power but because of imagination. This fundamental principle reminds me of the enormous power I possess to shape both my life and my environment through the effective use of my imagination and I have already began to use my imagination in a more deliberate and purposeful way.
iv. Dehypnotize yourself from false beliefs
When hypnotic subjects are convinced that the hypnotist’s words are true, they are able to do surprising things that they previously couldn’t do. This discovery led to the realization that the power of hypnosis is the power of belief. We will always act in accordance with whatever beliefs we hold dear regardless of their veracity or usefulness to us. It doesn’t matter how we got the beliefs or idea as long as we are convinced that the belief is true, then that belief has power over us. This tells me that we are all hypnotized to an extent by all the beliefs that we have picked up voluntarily or involuntarily over the years which may or may not be beneficial to us. Using the techniques outlined in this book – such as rational thinking and imagination- I have learnt to question my beliefs with a view to arriving at only conclusions that are factual and beneficial.
v. The power of rational thinking
This involves the simple use of our God-given reason to change negative beliefs and behavior. All the beliefs we have developed were initiated first through our conscious mind whether they were rational or irrational, and these have become accepted as the beliefs that control our lives today. Hence with the use of rational thought, we can also reexamine the things we believe, and then consciously choose more beneficial and success-oriented beliefs.
vi. How to acquire the habit of happiness
Happiness is a state of mind in which our thinking is pleasant a good share of the time. This is a very important concept and this book has helped to enhance my understanding of what it really means to be happy. I have learned that happiness is a mental habit, a mental attitude and if it not learned and practiced in the present, it is never experienced. We seem to always be in the pursuit of happiness and so are always looking forward to a time or an event that will occur in order for us to be happy, but unfortunately we never seem to attain. I have learned that if I must be happy at all, I must be happy and not happy because of anything.
vii. How to turn a crisis into a creative opportunity
A crisis is a situation which can either make me or break me. If I react properly to the situation, a crisis can give me strength, power, wisdom that I do not ordinarily possess. If I react improperly, a crisis can rob me of the skill, control and ability that I ordinarily have to call upon. I have learned from this book that I need to “practice without pressure” to acquire the skills that I will need in a time of crisis. I also learnt to react to a crisis with an aggressive rather than a defensive attitude, to respond to the challenge not the menace and above all to always keep my goal in mind. These insights make a lot of sense to me and I know that if I apply them to crisis situations, I’ll transform them to opportunities for growth and success in 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 create a better world? If so, how?
All the ideas and lessons I have learned from studying this book are invaluable and very practical. The first and obvious benefit is the assessment of my current self-image, and beliefs with a view to creating a more positive self-image that will enable me actualize my full potential. The use of my imagination to create the clear mental picture of the goal I desire so that my automatic success mechanism can work for me to achieve success. I will also practice the various mental exercises for relaxation that will reduce stress which is a hindrance to peak performance.
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.
“You act and feel not according to what things are really like, but according to the image your mind holds of what they are like”
This is a revelation that can bring a better understanding of the popular saying “one man’s food is another man’s poison.” It explains why everybody seems to have a different interpretation of the same situations, because we usually don’t see things as they are but we use our minds to analyze what things mean to us and then we act based on that conclusion.
“The unhappiest of mortals is that man who insists upon reliving the past, over and over in imagination, continually criticizing himself for past mistakes, continually condemning himself for past sins.”
A lack of understanding of the effects we experience in our lives and the causes behind them, keeps us stuck in certain unhelpful and unhappy states because we haven’t learnt to trace effect to cause, change the cause so as to experience a different effect in the future.
“We are never living but only hoping to live; and looking forward always to being happy, it is inevitable that we never are so.”
This quote reminds me of the fact that all I have is now and if I must be happy in my life, I must learn to be happy now and not keep pursuing some event or state that will bring me happiness in the future.
“Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.”
It’s not the things that happen that are my problems, but rather my interpretation of the things. Hence I will focus more on myself and examine the “lens” with which I interpret the happenings around me.
“Have the courage to act, for only by actions can goals, desires and beliefs be translated into realities.”
When I have thought and planned, I must follow it up with action for any meaningful achievement to be recorded.
“The greatest mistake a man can make is to be afraid of making one.”
Mistakes are inevitable. They are a part of the process of becoming. The avoidance of any situation that may lead to mistakes is life’s greatest mistake.
“The only cure for worry is to make a habit out of immediately substituting pleasant, wholesome mental images for unpleasant worry images.”
Worry is a result of thinking unpleasant thoughts, therefore changing my thoughts to focus only on pleasant and wholesome mental images will dispel all forms of worry.
“It is not retiring from a job that kills men, it is retiring from life. It is the feeling of uselessness, of being washed up; the dampening of self-esteem, courage and self-confidence which our present attitudes of society help to encourage.”
Always have a goal or purpose for existence. Men begin to die when they give all meaningful goals and pursuits in their lives.
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?
All the concepts/ideas in the book were properly understood and I am in complete agreement with the concepts.
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. The book contained several exercises (mental practices) which I completed and found very interesting and 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.
The questions covered all the important concepts in the 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
Keys to Success
Assessment by George Ebeh (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea that the author is trying to convey is the idea that there are principles of success that anyone can learn and if applied consistently towards achieving a goal, then success is inevitable.
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. Definiteness of purpose
This principle, according to the author is the starting point of all achievement. It basically means answering the question; where am I going? The answer to that question helps bring clarity and direction to one’s life. It is when one’s definite purpose is defined, that it becomes possible to be alert to opportunity, make pertinent decisions quickly, seek specialization and cooperation towards achieving it. Personally, having a higher purpose for my life has helped me make tough decisions, and perpetually serves as a scale that helps me weigh the different options available to me.
ii. Establish a Mastermind Alliance
A mastermind alliance is built of two or more minds working actively together in perfect harmony toward a common objective. This is critical to success in any endeavor because, as the author says, no one has ever attained outstanding success in anything without applying this principle. This is because it lets an individual tap into the creative powers and ideas and expertise of others, thereby ensuring an outcome that is greater than what he alone can achieve. Personally, since I came across this principle I have taken advantage of it by first forming a mastermind alliance in my home with my wife and I am also working with a friend to build a coaching and training company. So far it’s been an amazing eye-opening experience that has encouraged me to form more strategic alliances and strengthen the existing ones.
iii. Use Applied Faith
Faith is the awareness of, belief in and harmonizing with the universal powers. This principle is so profound because Faith is a word that is thrown around quite a lot and means different things to different people. But the author here doesn’t just refer to faith but applied faith. This distinction for me is key because it’s in the application of our faith that results are obtained. Because faith is a state of mind, it can only be useful in achieving lasting success if it is made active and not passive. Personally, I have found that having faith in the universal powers and making conscious efforts to apply my faith in any endeavor I undertaking makes me more confident and reduces the anxiety that comes with thinking that you must know the outcome of everything before you start.
iv. Create Personal Initiative
“There are two types of people who never amount to anything. There are those who never do anything except what they are told to do, and there are those cannot even do what they are told to do. The people who get ahead do the things that should be done without being told. And they don’t stop there they go the extra mile and do much more than is expected of them.”
The above quote, for me sums up the idea of taking personal initiative.
Personal initiative is a prerequisite for achieving success because there are things that a person who is trying to achieve success in any endeavor must initiate by himself and always be in the forefront of championing that cause, rather than waiting and hoping that someone else will come and do it.
v. Cultivate Creative Vision
The imagination is the workshop in which the purpose of the brain and the ideals of the soul are fashioned. It is by the power of imagination that man has been able to transform the world and make life more and more civilized. For truly outstanding success, an individual must cultivate the habit of putting his or her imagination to good use.
I have had several occasions where a task I was to perform seemed beyond my reach but because of my willingness and ability to employ my imagination, I was able to find a solution and succeed. This is one principle that I intend to continue practicing for the rest of my life.
vi. Budget Time and Money
This is another lesson/idea that I believe is very important for me because at one point or another in our lives we all have come to acknowledge that it is important to manage the time and money at our disposal very effectively in order to achieve success in life.
However, this doesn’t come naturally to everyone, from my experience as our wants are insatiable and daily we struggle with various distractions that try to steal our productive time. But it is also a non-negotiable fact that a definite plan for managing time and money is an essential ingredient for success in life. This is one principle that I have actually struggled with to an extent, especially when it comes to managing time. I am determined to do better and keep seeking and applying ways of managing my time and money better.
vii. Maintain Sound Health
Being healthy and full of energy is essential to achieving success in anything. The mind and the body are inseparable and anything that affects one will also have an effect on the other. That is why we must be health conscious in our approach to life and as we pursue the attainment of our definite major purpose. This is one area that I have been very conscious of. One of my long-term goals is to be fit and healthy enough to play outdoor sports with my grandchildren someday. This goal has informed majority of the choices I make every day concerning the quantity and quality of food I eat and the amount of exercise and physical activity that I regularly partake in.
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 principles of success I have learnt from this book will no doubt be of immense help to me both in my personal life and in other endeavors that I undertake in my life. Most importantly they will help me in creating a better world for myself and everyone else
First, finding and following a definite major purpose in life will help me to remain focused when the inevitable distractions that will arise along the way.
By incorporating and living out these principles in my life, I am sure to achieve my definite major purpose in life. Especially, imbibing the principles of forming a definite major purpose, then creating a mastermind alliance, using applied faith, taking personal initiative, maintaining sound health and budgeting time and money will no doubt ensure that I stay focused and motivated along the path to personal success.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made particularly got your attention? If so please quote them and comment as to why they are important to you.
“Train yourself not to worry over things you can’t remedy.”
This quote is important because it emphasizes a need for taking control of our thoughts and focusing always on the things that are within our control only.
“If you make your prayers an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessings you already have, instead of a request for things you do not have, you will obtain results faster.”
This quote reminds me of the fact that, gratitude always pays. If we focus on being grateful for the blessings we have received, we are only opening the door to more. But when we neglect all that we have been blessed with and focus instead on the things we don’t have, then we make it more difficult to achieve the things we really want.
“Set aside at least an hour a day to contemplate your relationship to infinite intelligence.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the role of infinite intelligence in the attainment of our definite major purpose. The author even went ahead to ‘prescribe’ a period of at least one hour daily for this exercise to perhaps, emphasize its importance to our success.
“Our real worth is the intangible power of thought.”
This quote recognizes the power of thought as our real wealth because it is by the appropriate use of the power of thought that all achievements spring and are eventually brought to life.
5. Is there anything in the body that you do not understand or are unclear about or are there ideas, which you disagree with and if so why?
The contents of the book were clear and concise.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercises and did you find them helpful?
There are no exercises in the book.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment.
No. The questions adequately covered all the important aspects of the 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