Magdalene Nzisa Muthenya – Assessments

As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Magdalene Nzisa Muthenya (Kenya)

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

The main idea is on thought. That I become what I feed my mind with. If I feed my mind with negative thoughts I will always be negative minded and I will have a negative attitude towards everything and everybody and life for me will become negative. These are thoughts of failure, fear, sicknesses, incapability, doubts, bad desires, and inferiority complex and bad influence. These thoughts will make me crippled and limited and l will have no freedom of moving on. I will always be pitying my self and living on the pity of others. What affects my life or has brought suffering on me is what have fed my mind with and that the kind of thoughts that I entertain comes more from within me.

Once I feed my mind with positive thoughts then I will live positively. I will have a positive attitude towards life and everything that I do. Good thoughts will enable me achieve my goals, be happy and know how to manage anything negative, it will enable me live a satisfied life. I should work on shaping my thoughts by thinking about something constructive I should let go bad thoughts, desires, aspirations, by engaging in rightful thinking. I should not just sit ant think aimlessly building castles and living in fantasies. I should think with purpose which will bring calmness to my mind this I can achieve if I will cultivate an attitude of self-control on my thoughts.

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

The author has brought about different ideas which I found reflected on the subheadings.

A. Thought and character.

Most of the time my mind is full of negative thoughts. Now I realize that I am capable of moving on by thinking positively about myself and my life. My thoughts will build or destroy me.

B. Effects of thought on circumstances.

My mind is a garden and I am a gardener. I should remove bad thoughts which hinder my growth. All that is negative in me and allow pure thoughts into my mind.

C. Circumstance does not make the man: it reveals him to himself.

All that surrounds me should help me in discovering myself and help me to know who I am. My thinking should also touch my heart in order to transform me.

D. Effects of thoughts on health and the body.
Bad thoughts can affect my health and put me down. Thoughts of fear, hatred, and failure in capabilities will affect my health. I should cultivate healthy thoughts for a healthy living.

E. Thought and purpose.

I should have a purpose with my thoughts. Once I realize my purpose in life then my thinking will be geared towards achieving that. I should cultivate and positive purpose in life.

F. Visions and ideas.

Once I overcome negative thoughts I will clearly have a vision and ideal with my life. The vision I have for my life should guide the kind of thoughts I entertain. I suffer because of lacking goals in life.

G. Serenity.

This I will attain once my mind is calm and healthy. In this way I will be able to deal with situations and circumstances positively. Once I am calm I will attain my goals in 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?

I have realized that I am what I feed my mind with. Once I feed my mind with all that is negative I will always be a failure in life, I will always live in fear, I will always have bad dreams, lack vision, hopelessness, and I feel this kind of negative thoughts50 have brought many people down in the society. Many people have a negative attitude towards life and they withdraw from circumstances instead of facing them. But this is a challenge for me and the world that I am capable only if I feed my mind with100 positive thoughts, thoughts that will build me and the world, thoughts that will shade light in to our lives; thoughts that will enable us live happily and peacefully. We should cultivate thoughts courage, hope, capability, love forgiveness. I should think with a purpose with a set goal that 50 I want to achieve. I should think and live positively so that I can overcome all blocks from within me and from outside of me. Once I have worked on this it is only when I will be happy, peaceful, healthy and focused. I should keep my mind rich and 50 active by doing and thinking about what is healthy, by reading a lot and also sharing ideas with other 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.

“Most people do not control their patterns of thinking and are therefore controlled by endless assaults of fruitless thoughts and are left wandering and wishing for more.”

This means that most of us we do not control what we think about. We entertain thoughts which do not help us in anyway and dwell on them.

“Mans mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild.”

My mind is like a garden it is upon me to decide what kind of thoughts I want to take root. I can allow good thoughts and I can get rid of bad thoughts.

“Every thought, seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind and to take root there produces its own blossoming sooner or later into act and bearing its own fruitage. Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit.”

Every thought that I entertain into my mind. Produces it own fruit, it is upon me to decide what kind of thoughts I will entertain and the kind of fruits that I want to sow in my life.

“And man, therefore as the lord and master of thought is the maker of himself the shaper and author of environment.”

I am the master of my own thoughts. It is only me who can control my thoughts and shape up the environment that I live in. no one can think for me but I think for myself.

“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves they therefore remain bound.”

It is obvious I do not want to improve myself because I don’t want to face what am seeing in me. It is easy to work on external factors than what is within me and affecting me.

“Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction.”

I agree that suffering is as a result of negative thoughts of failure, discouragement, hatred, hopelessness, inferiority and incapability.

“A man cannot directly choose his circumstances but he can choose his thoughts and so directly, yet surely shape his circumstances.”

I can choose the circumstances that surround me but I can make a decision on the kind of thoughts that will shape me up but not destroy me.

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

I really find this book enriching. And I feel that it really touches the realities of my way of thinking, the kind of thoughts I dwell on. I have learnt that I’m the master of my mind and of my thoughts. If I want to prosper I should entertain thoughts50 which enable me to reach my goals in life and attain them. It has made me realize that I cannot change the circumstances surrounding me but I can change my thoughts by cultivating positive ones. I have also learnt that my mind is like a garden and I am50 the gardener. It is upon me to uproot all that is hindering my growth and blocking me from achieving my goals by replacing them with positive attitudes. I have also learnt that my achievement in life will be determined by my way of thinking and that I should also 50 help other people in realizing this so that we can all grow and let go all that is negative in us.

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 exercises for the reader to complete and I have completed all of them and I find them really helpful. For me these exercises make it possible for me to reflect on my self and on what I think of most of the time. Do I think of what is constructive or not. Also it is an encouragement for me to put into practice what I read and apply it into my daily living. Also the exercises have encouraged me read and understand the book over and over again. It has made me understand that what I am reading is for is for my personal growth and it will help me and assist other people who do not know how to think and live positively. These exercises are helpful because I have something to think about each day and to look forward to.

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.

For me I feel that what is covered in the book is enough and I can rate it at ten.

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

 

 

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Magdalene Muthenya (Kenya)

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

As I read through the book I realized that the author has different ideas that he is bringing out. He has used Jonathan the seagull to represent me or the community seeking freedom from what is blocking them from being free. Blocks from within and also from external
factors. For a long time he lived in a community whose freedom was limited. They were not ready to come out of there beliefs which were tying them. He made a discovery that there was more in flying than just for food. Change is painful. In order for him to achieve this he made curves which were painful and learnt new flying tactics. The communities’ idea of flying was limited by rules that seagulls should only fly for food and whoever goes against this is considered an out cast.

Jonathan the seagull took the risk and went against this rules to reach is goal of flying higher and learning something new. It is by taking risks that we arrive to our goals and happiness just as Jonathan did. He realized his potential in flying and took the step of overcoming the fear of breaking the rules or being branded an outcast. He was ready for the consequences. After being mistreated by his community he still goes back, forgives them and despite of all that he is willing to teach them what he had learned from the other brotherhood.

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

The seven ‘ideas which are personally important to me are:

A. Search for freedom.

In my life I need to set myself free. There is so much taking away my freedom. I realize I have to work in overcoming all this so that I can be successful in life.

B. Having a vision and setting down goals in life.

I should set goals in my life and work hard towards achieving them. I should aim high with my life and have a positive attitude that I can make it. This will give me something to work hard for.

C. Realizing my potentials.

I should work hard at realizing what I’m good at and break from all that blocks me in my life. It is be realizing what I’m good at that I will be free to follow my dreams in life.

D. A breakthrough in life.
This brings to light what has been hidden within me that I had not discovered. This will be an encouragement to be able even to face criticisms, discouragement and disappointments.

E. Discovering new opportunities.

New opportunities and chances are there but since I’m not free they pass me by. But I thank God for the gift of good friends who have helped me realize that I need to adverse in my education by joining IIGL.

F. Taking risks in life.

By reading this book I realized that there are risks in life worth taking. I should not just sit and fold my hands in hopelessness for fear of taking risks like.

G. Forgiveness and letting go.

The seagull forgave its community which disowned him. For me this is really challenging. I should be willing to forgive and move on peacefully with a free heart.

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?

Yes these ideas are really helpful to me in realizing who I’m, my strengths, and weakness. It is by doing this that I’m able to be free and fly high. I need to know my capabilities, how to live with people in the society being aware that there are those who want me to join their limited world while I want to set myself free from this kind of limitations.

I need to know my fears. Fears of what people will think or talk about me, fears of failure and disappointments. I should know that I am a free being. Loved and willing to love, ready to give and receive from the society. I should be ready to forgive and let go hurts, bitterness, anger, revenge, I should always face situations and people who hurt me and count them as friends so that I do not live with a heavy heart but a heart ready free from all this. I am also invited to seek freedom from within, and move on, I should embrace new opportunities and discover new chances with my life. The world will be a better place to live in I and the others realize that we are free beings capable of loving, forgiving and socializing.

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.

“Most gulls don’t bother to learn more that he simplest facts of fight. For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating.”

For me this is a reflection of my life. For a while have not been learning new things I have been limited in my freedom. But now I’m aiming high and want to achieve my goals.

“Why is it hard to be like the rest of the flock, Jon? I don’t mind being bone and feathers mom.”

I learned that I don’t need to be like the crowd. I should always remember that I’m unique and special. I should always be ready to make a difference.

“Ten times he tried, and all ten times, as he passed through seventy miles per hour, he burst into a churning mass of feathers, out of control, crashing down into the water.”

I learned that I don’t need to try only once, or twice or thrice but as many times as I can without giving up but aiming at my goals. What is it that I really want to achieve in life that will give me satisfaction.

“Get down seagulls never fly in the dark! If you were meant to fly in the dark, you’d have the eyes of an owl you’d have charts for brains! You’d have falcon’s short wings.”

This happens at the moment of discouragement. When that inner voice seems to put me down telling me that I cannot do it. I pray for the strength to overcome such moments in my life.

“That’s the answer! What a fool I’ve been! All I need is a tiny little wing, all I need is to fold most of my wings and fly.”

This is an invitation for me to discover what my driving force is in achieving my goals.. It is a moment of encouragement.

“How much more this now to living! We can lift ourselves our of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free we can learn to fly.”

I have so much to live for. It is time for me to come out of ignorance and put my potentials at work and fly high in my life.

“Who is more responsible than a gull who finds and follows a meaning, a higher purpose for life but now we have a reason to live, to learn to discover to be free! Give me one chance; let me show you what I’ve found.”

I need to be very responsible and be willing to share what I’m discovering with myself to other people who are still blocked, lack freedom or feel that their life has no meaning.

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

I really find this book really enriching and clear. And I feel that it really touches the realities of my own life. It has come to me when I was feeling so down about myself. When I was feeling that my freedom is so limited. When I’m feeling discouraged, bored. When I was feeling blocked and living as if I do not have potentials. I had learnt to withdraw from what challenges me and folded my hands as if all was over. But like Jonathan after reading this book I have realized that I have so much to live for and deserve to be happy. I should aim high in my life. I feel it is a real encouragement to me and my own friend as well. Those who feel down as if the world as fallen on 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.

Yes the book contained exercises which I found to be very helpful. As I was reading at one moment I felt as if it was about me. It has touched aspects of myself that I had neglected. The exercises have guided me into reading the book over and over again and reflecting on the ideas which I find to be very enlightening. This exercises need to be reflected upon and bring them to my own realities and realities of the world. Sometimes we are tied by so many things and happenings in our lives that we forget about the individual self. We fail to realize the opportunities or moments of growth which come our way. I find this book very helpful not only to me as a student but any body can have it and will be set free from all that binds and takes away freedom.

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.

I feel as beginner the book has really enlightened me on so many ideas which are ideal for ones life. I feel that wider part had been covered in the questions. For me I feel that what is covered in the book is enough and I can rate it at ten.

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

Magdalene Muthenya

Keys to Success (Kenya)

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

The main idea that the author is trying to convey in this book is on How to achieve success and the keys to success in life. I realize that that I can achieve success in anything I do, it all depends on the attitudes I have conceived in my mind about success and life itself. I should ask myself the question: where I’m I going? Were I’m I heading to? And what is the plan that I will apply on achieving success in life. I realize that I cannot do it alone I need other people’s opinions, advice, ideas and criticism which will encourage me on working towards a successful in life. I should devout myself into attaining my goals and be focused working on what is negative and what hinders me. I need to realize that which I’m really interested in, that which I want to attain in life. I should analyze and know what is really burning inside of me that I want to achieve and how to attain it. I should know what my interests are, capabilities, potentials and goals in life. I’m invited to have faith that it shall come to be and all obstacles of discouragement, indecision and procrastinating shall come to pass. Also the book brings fourth the seventeen principles of success which are a key to a successful life. I should make them my actions and attitudes and I will realize worthwhile goals in life.

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

The seven ideas which are personally important to me are which are amongst the seventeen principles of life are:

A. Definite of purpose

The advantage is that it develops self-reliance, personal initiative, imagination, enthusiasm, self-discipline and concentrated effort. It also encourages specialization which leads to perfection and a successful life.

B. Flexibility

I should be able to adopt into changing circumstances without fear and panic. Fear blocks me a lot when it comes to facing challenges or even in taking risks. I should be ready to keep moving on without giving up in life so that I can attain my goals and be successful.

C. Overcoming fear

Fear can be a big hindrance into attaining success. I need to work on the fears that are blocking me from realizing and following my dreams. i.e fear of failure, criticism, discrimination or other peoples opinions. Fear takes away the belief and the conviction that I can make it in life and be successful.

D. Going an extra mile

I should always go an extra mile in whatever I’m doing. This is necessary for me in order to achieve my goals in life. I should do the ordinary in an extraordinary way. It is by having personal initiative that I will realize opportunities which are on my way without procrastinating so that I can advance in life

E. Enforce self discipline

This is the channel through which the powers of success flow. I should always think before undertaking any action or making decisions. I should have control over what I think and what I want to do and if it is something that drives me into achieving my goals in life or if will it draws me away. I should also take control of my emotions and feelings. I should always have faith and hope in life.

F. Learning from defeat

Most of the times when I experience defeat I become inferior. I feel bad about myself and give up easily. I realize that in moments of defeat I should keep on trying without loosing faith and hope Moments of defeat should be a time of seeing were I went wrong and be ready to change

G. Inspire team work

That the journey to success I can’t make it by my own. I need to cooperate with those who are also seeking to be successful. I know that not everybody will be supportive but I gain and benefit from their own opinions and sharing of ideas as well.

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 and the 17 principles to personal achievement will mould me into achieving success in life. First of all by realizing that I need to put my definite of purpose in life in work. I should be aware of what I want to do and how to do it without fear of failure and even though failure will come my way. I should be willing to restart again until I achieve that which I’m looking forward. I should also be very open to work with other people bearing in mind that not every one will have a good intention. I am ready for change and embrace both positive and negative feedback from other people. In life I should not be a procrastinator waiting for tomorrow in order to act. As many people do. We should be people of now and then. If we do act now. I will end up not doing it, or forgetting and fears might overcome me. Also I should take care of time without wasting it so that I can work within specific time duration.

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.

“If you would plant for days, plant flowers.”

“If you would plant for years, plant trees.”

“If you would plant for eternity, plant ideas.”

In my life plan I should allow room for new ideas. I should have ideas with will make me be successful. Even if failure come my way is should rise and move on with new ideas and ways of doing things

“Once you have written your plan read it aloud to yourself at least once every day. This fuels your obsession and reinforces its nature in your mind.”

I should have a plan of what I want to achieve. And I should own and possess it so that I work towards achieving my goal in life. I should work on my plan without procrastinating or without fear of failure. I should be hopeful that it will work out well.

“Self discipline makes you jump when your boat comes by.”

In this I realize that many opportunities have come my way and passed because of too much expectations or being too choosy or inferior.. I should not be ignorant in opportunities that come my way.

“When you are an accurate thinker you are the master not the slave of your emotions.”

I should control my thinking and emotions I should not allow other people to take charge. Yes they can advice me, give opinions and ideas but at the end of it all, it’s me to decide and choose what I really want to do and how I want to do it.

“If your habits are poor or bad, it can bring misery and failure. Your success depends on the strength and quality of your controlled habits.”

I learned that if I have bad uncontrolled habits this will bring me failure in life. I should have control of what I do so that I do not neglect other areas which could be of great help to me in achieving my goals on life.

“Don’t pull all your eggs in one basket; you have to put them in one basket and concentrate your attention on protecting that basket and getting it to the market.”

I should develop controlled attention on what I value in life or what is driving me towards success in life. I should not neglect but focus and work really hard on protecting it. That is by being focused.

“Defeat will be nothing but a signal for greater and more determined effort. It will fuel to feed the fires of your will power.”

Defeat or failure should not bring me discouragement but the courage to move on or restarting again. When I fail I feel like a looser, someone with no self worth or importance. But I should take defeat as a way of working on what made me not to reach my goal and moving on.

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

The book Keys to Success is really understandable as it touches realities which drive me towards success or that which take me away from this path. It is really encouraging to know that to attain success is possible so long as I apply the 17 principles of personal achievement. By realizing that I should cancel all that Is negative within me, that which has been preventing me and applying a positive mental attitude. It is an encouragement to know that success is meant for everybody not just a few. We are poor because we live negatively and not positively. I should protect what drives me into a healthy living, into a happy life. I agree fully with the book and for me it is really encouraging and motivating.

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 exercises which are really building and encouraging. I have completed all of them and I really find them helpful even to other people as well. It is a book worth reading and applying in my daily living, in decision making and plans that I have.

I strongly feel that the questions are a clear guide into tackling the book. And it has covered most of the areas. It is really interesting to read and bring all that is in the book into realities of our lives.

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

 

 

Psycho-Cybernetics

Assessment by Magdalene Muthenya (Kenya)

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

The main idea that the author is trying to convey on self image and how it affects our success in life. Maltz wrote that each one of us carries a mental blue print or picture of ourselves and I ask myself what sort if self image I possess. My self image is my own conception of the sort of a person I am. This could be an image of worthiness or of a failure. This could come about due to beliefs about my self from my past and present experiences. Some times people’s negative thoughts and comments about me can affect my self image if I allow it to sink in to my mind. If a person keeps on telling me that I am incapable, or am stupid or am born a failure this might sink deep into my mind and grow in me and bring about feelings of inferiority, unworthiness or the feeling that I’m not good enough which makes me develop a distorted self image. I should learn to cultivate a positive image about myself by believing in myself and having the conviction that I can make it in life by cancelling my old negative beliefs about myself. I should have self worth and self value and the conviction that I am unique and important so that if I receive any negative feedback or criticism, it doesn’t become a hindrance but bring me growth.

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

The author has brought about different ideas on self image.

A. Self–Image: the key to your personality.

My self image is my own conception of the sort of a person I am. If am having an image of a successful woman then that is what I become. But if it is of a failure I become if I don’t work on it to change it into a positive self image

B. You have the power to create change

I will live a fulfilled life once I realize that I am capable of taking control of myself image. I should get rid of old beliefs which have taken root in me and have the conviction that I can change to someone of great worth and importance

C. Relax and turn stress into success.

Stress is a big hindrance to a successful self image. Sometimes when I’ am stressed I always make the wrong decisions and plans because of so much pressure in me. I’m invited to the need to relax at times and take things step by step.

D. How to turn habits of failure into habits of success.

I should not allow peoples opinions about myself to put me down especially what is negative. I need to work on my habits of failure which I have allowed to take root in me. Negative beliefs that I am incapable, that i cannot change or am not good like the other person or one of my friends.

E. Cancel old, negative data

I’m invited to cancel old negative data about myself. I need to be aware of them and work on them always replacing them with what is positive, I need to be focused in life and work hard towards achieving my goals in order to succeed in life. I should have a positive self image of myself as someone capable.

F. Try to do only one thing at a time.

I should not set many projects to work on at the same time otherwise I might not see the fruits of any. This might make me feel like a failure. Yet I can be successful if I plan and organize myself well.

G. Goals: Develop an action plan for your goals

I should start working on achieving my goals with a positive self image that I can make it no matter the obstacles or challenges that I might encounter. Sometimes in life not every one will appreciate me or what I am doing. There are those who will discourage me and make comments to put me down. But I should make each moment a moment of growth.

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 are really helpful to me. Knowing that I need to have a positive self image of myself. I should really work hard to get rid of all that is negative and hidden in me by cancelling what is old and negative in me. That which has been brought about by my past experiences and beliefs. Sometimes people compliment me but others will be there to really put me down. This could be because of jealousy and malice. At the end of the day not every one will appreciate me. So I need to turn negative criticism into moments of growth and love myself. I know that am capable of doing much and succeed in life. But my negative self image has become a hindrance to my achievements. I need to work really hard in order to achieve my goals and prove to myself and others that I can be and I can make it. Once have gotten rid of negative self image I should embrace all that is positive in me. Realizing that I am unique, beautiful. Capable, loving, talented, bright, and that I’m capable of making sacrifices in order to succeed. Also most of the times I find myself doing several things at the same time. Later when I come to reflect I realize that I achieved nothing. I accomplished nothing but am tired and worn out. I should concentrate on one thing at a time so that I can see the fruit of it.

“We all know how easy it is to identify with our disappointment and failures. Instead of telling ourselves I failed to get that job I wanted we conclude I’m a failure.”

This happens many times with me and also many people. I tend to identify myself with failures. I always see what is negative in me and remain with it. But now am invited to come out of this negative self image and learn to grow from my mistake

“Each of us is capable of taking control of our self image and programming our automatic guidance system for success.”

I have the power to change myself image into a good image. I need first to be aware of what is negative and positive about me. I should change all that is negative into positive that will enable me achieve my goals in life. No one can do it for me only I am capable.

“You learn to avoid stress by developing the habit of consciously examining events from a different perspective.”

I am being invited to be meditative on situations. I should also learn to relax not to live or work under pressure. Stress can be a hindrance to my growth and success. I need to learn ways to let go what stresses me by being reflective on situations.

“Make a point of being with people who are supportive and avoiding people who will discourage you.”

That I should stay away from people who discourage and react negatively. People who do not want me to succeed. I should stay away from them for they become a hindrance to my growth and succeeding in life.

“We all have that voice inside us playing and replaying the old tapes telling us, I Can’t.”

Most of the time this voice is so strong in me I Can’t do it. I can’t study, I can’t do that work, I can’t make friends. That I’ am inferior. This is hindrance for me achieving a positive self image and my goals in life. I should challenge that inner voice with the words that I can make it and I can be.

“I won’t do about it today: said fiction’s most famous procrastinator. I’ll think about it tomorrow.”

I feel I am procrastinator. For fear of facing challenges of today or trying to avoid things for fear of becoming a failure. It is an invitation for me to learn to face lives situations without procrastinating. I should work to overcome fears in me.

“We can decide to do something differently only after we accept who we are, where we are and that we are capable of change…the point is not to become acceptable or worthy, but to acknowledge the worthiness that already exists.”

I should acknowledge that I am worthy. And accept myself realizing my strengths and weaknesses. That every moment of my life, every challenge that I encounter should transform me to a better person. I should believe and trust that I can change into a better person and my life can be good and worthwhile.

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

I really find this book enriching and challenging. Most people live in a negative self image. It is not easy for me and for most people to face the person that I am or I have become and be willing to change. This book is an eye opener that once I have a positive self image then I will be successful in life. Most people in the society are poor because they dwell on the negatives on them. They don’t realize that they can rise up and live a worthwhile life. People need really to be enlightened on self image. That is why there are so many sick people in the society. Sick with depression. So many poor people, many suffering from inferiority complex, low self esteem and many without goals in life. This is a challenge for me now that am enlightened on my image I need also to help others. I.e. my own sisters and brothers, friends and many others who need change in their lives.

Yes the book contained exercises for the reader to complete and I have completed all of them and I find them really helpful. For me these exercises make it possible for me to reflect on my self image and I have known that I can change to someone better and successful in life. It has made me realize myself worth. I have known that the door to success is wide open for me I only need to work on some areas within me. I need to accept myself and know that I am someone important and of value. Capable of living happily despite of the different challenges in life.

For me I feel that what is covered in the book is enough and I can rate it at ten.

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

 

 

Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Magdalene Muthenya (Kenya)

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 in this book is on success through positive mental attitude. This can be achieved if a person realizes that he/she is the most important living being unique in own ways. It is an invitation to realize my strengths use them to live positively. I can achieve this by realizing my weaknesses, working on them and transforming them into strengths. It is by realizing that I was born to excel and not to be a failure and that I am not only made of what is negative. I need to fill my mind with positive attitudes and work hard towards succeeding in life. This book is teaching me to make use of new ideas, opportunities and chances that come my way in to something positive it may be something small but by taking it positively it can transform my life. I should be ready to learn new things in life without giving up. Once I quit then am inviting negative mental attitudes which will block and prevent me from moving on. I will always be saying that I am unable to do or I was born that way and I cannot change. It is an invitation for me to realize that I will succeed in life if I have a positive Mental Attitude towards life.

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

The seven ideas which are personally important to me are:

A. A positive mental attitude

In my life I realize that at times I dwell in negative attitudes. Whereby I’m limited by the words I cannot do it, or I cannot make it or I cannot succeed in life. I should have a positive attitude and the courage to say yes I can make it in life and succeed.

B. Definiteness of purpose

It is by realizing my purpose in life that I will bring change. Realizing my potentials, having a vision, setting down goals and having self discipline in to attaining them. PMA should always be my principle number one in my life.

C. Self discipline

In order for me to be successful I need to be self disciplined and with control of whatever I am doing or thinking. I should be reflective in my actions and in decisions that I make in my life so that I do not get carried away and over do things.

D. Going an extra mile.

In life is should aim higher and go an extra mile in order to be successful. I should learn to do away with negative attitudes that do not lead into success. I need to make some sacrifices in order to succeed.

E. You were born a champion

Despite of the many struggles I encounter in life I was born to win not to loose. It’s an invitation for me to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. I should always remain strong. For a long time I thought success will never come my way but now it is my dream and goal.

F. PMA attracts wealth

That I need to be hopeful, optimistic, happy no matter the situations I find myself in. My thoughts and actions should positively be geared towards my success and not downfall. PMA should be the driving force into achieving my goals.

G. You have success born in you

That I was not born a failure but someone successful. Negative mental attitudes have always made me feel that I will never be successful and that it is meant for others. but now I know that success in life is meant also for 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?

These ideas will enable me to cultivate a positive mental attitude towards life in order to be successful. By realizing that I was born to win and not to fail. I was born to be happy, peaceful, loving and successful and hopeful. Success was born in me but slipped my fingers due to negative mental attitudes which have become obstacles in my life and in other people as well. Negative attitudes which have brought me failures and disappointment in life and feelings of incapability. Positive mental attitudes will bring me joy in my life and fulfillment I need to go an extra mile in order to succeed. It could be in my studies, work or even in relationships. I should be ready to learn more and gain more ideas on facts about life. I should have the conviction that I was born to succeed no matter the struggles, obstacles and challenges I encounter i should never give up but remain strong and firm in my decisions. It is great to know that I am the most important person living. And there is no other like me. So I define my own destiny. I want to have positive mental attitudes so that I can live positively and like a hero.

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 day you recognize PMA is the day that you will meet the most important person living.”
Who is this important person and why is it important to meet her. I realize that I am important and I need to face the real me. My strengths and weakness. It’s an invitation for me to live happily, peacefully, joyfully and successfully

“To achieve anything worthwhile in life, it is imperative that you apply PMA, regardless of what other success principles you employ. PMA is the catalyst which makes any combination of success principles work to attain a worthwhile end.”

In order for me to attain a worthwhile living PMA will be my number one principle because if I encourage negative mental attitude I will never live a fulfilled life. I need PMA now that so that I can achieve my dreams.

“You are a mind with a body. Because you are a mind you possess mystical powers- powers known and unknown. Dare to explore the powers of your mind.”

It is an invitation for me to make discoveries that are awaiting me and the change that they can bring into my life. Discoveries that will bring me good health, happiness and inner peace once I feel my mind with what is positive.

“Some people seem to use PMA pretty much all the time, others start then quit. But others the vast majority of us have never really began to use the tremendous powers available to us.”

This is a challenge to me as am wondering were I belong. I should make use of the capabilities and potentials available in me without quitting and giving up. I should discover that which is positive and hidden within me and make use of into attaining my goals in life.

“Accept the priceless gift – the joy of work. Apply the greatest value in life. Love people and serve them.”

This is an invitation for me to value what I do and be ready to go an extra mile by also realizing and living well with the people around me, being committed and loving whatever am doing that is my work and studies as well.

“If you have PMA and don’t succeed it may be because you are not using each of the principles that are necessary in the combination for success to attain our specific goal.”

This is an invitation for me to evaluate my life and see if am succeeding or not. If am living towards my goals and values or not and what kind of attitudes am I living. If they are Negative then I still have a journey to make towards PMA.

“I learned when I am faced with a problem that involves misunderstanding with other persons; I must first start with myself. When I discovered my own mental attitude I discovered it was negative.”
Some misunderstanding I have with people be it in the office or at home, or amongst my friends it is because of having negative attitudes. It is an invitation to me that before I accuse the other person I should see what is in my heart and in my mind at that particular moment

“Hope is the magic ingredient. Hope is a desire with the expectation of obtaining what is desired and belief that its obtainable.”

I should have hope in my life and that I shall succeed in my life. That what am doing today should be geared towards a successful life. I should have the conviction that it s possible and I can attain this no matter the struggles I should let go hopelessness and embrace hope.

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

The book Positive mental attitude is the key to a successful life. This is the reality which I’m living now getting rid of that which is negative and prevents me from attaining and achieving my dreams and goals. These hindrances can be from within me or from other factors. This is an invitation for me to go an extra mile in my life by letting go what is negative and embracing what is positive about me and will make me become successful in life. This book is a real stepping stone for me and to other people as well who feel blocked in life. I’m really working not to be guided by negative attitudes any more. Negative attitudes which make me incapable of living my life fully and finding satisfaction in whatever I do.

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 exercises which I found to be very helpful and interesting. The exercises have guided me into reflecting on my life and on the ideas which I find to be very motivating and helpful. This book is real foundation to a successful life. Every day I should embrace positive attitudes in whatever I’m doing, in my studies and work in my relationships no matter how challenges. For me this book is really necessary for human growth and it can really be helpful to other people as well.

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.

I strongly feel that the questions are a clear guide into tackling the book. And it has covered most of the areas. It is really interesting to read and bring all that is in the book into realities of our lives.

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

 

 

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Magdalene Muthenya (Kenya)

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

The idea that the author is trying to convey in this book is on how to relate with people that I meet every day and how to handle them. Some times it becomes really hard and hectic dealing with people. Some are positive minded while others are negative minded and I have to live with them. This is really challenging and requires a lot of knowledge on how to handle and be with them. Realizing that each one of us has his/her strengths and weaknesses. Some are calm and quite while others will shout and scream or even scold when things seems to go wrong. Others will feel that they are always been blamed when things go wrong. Others are there to criticize and will never see anything positive or good in the other person and will rejoice at the other person’s failure and struggles. I realize that each one us has her own cravings and wants to be met and will work hard towards achieving this. I have a craving of being appreciated, of being successful and of achieving my goals. But how do I meet all this. I can do it by living and relating well with the people that I meet and live with for they will also contribute to my growth in life.

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.

Seven ideas which I found helpful were:

I realize I don’t have to criticize other people negatively and condemn them for what they have done. I need to know why the person is behaving like so and see how I can help out.

B. Give honest and sincere appreciation

Everyone needs to be appreciated. I have the craving to be loved. I need to be sincere at loving and appreciating other people as well.

C. Arouse in the other person an eager want.

I’m invited to respect the wants and needs of the other person so that they also can achieve their goals in life. I should not pull people towards my wants. But allow them also to be and to make their own decisions

D. Become genuinely interested in the other people

I cannot make it alone in life. I have to get interested in other people as well. I should value them, be interested in what they are doing, share ideas and opinions, be friendly and cultivate an attitude of co-operation.

E. Smile

A smile brings life. It costs nothing but creates a lot. Sometimes I might feel so down that I don’t realize when a person smiles at me since I’m lost in my world. Or am sad to the point I cannot smile. A smile just comes freely without any cost. Its of value in ones life.

F. Remember that a persons name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound inside of them.

My name is my identity and I feel bad when I’m called by another persons name or when my name is misspelled. I need to learn calling people by their names which make it very easy to relate and work together.

G. Be a good listener encourage others to talk about themselves

Not everyone is a good listener. Sometimes the temptation is there to keep on talking and talking without giving the other person a chance to express her needs. We all need to be listened to.

These ideas are important in that they help me in knowing how to be with other people. That I’m not the only one that needs to be heard, appreciated and loved. That every person needs to be appreciated and also listened to irrespective of who they are, where they come from and what they are doing. I need to realize that I cannot make it on my own. That I need to hear the ideas, options and criticisms of the other people so that they can enrich me with ideas on how to achieve my goals in life. I need to co-operate with others so that I don’t end up being along. I should not treat other people in a manner that I wouldn’t like to be treated. Also I should value the uniqueness of others and their names which is the identity of a person.

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.

“Criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive and usually makes him strive to justify himself. Criticisms is dangerous and it wounds a persons precious pride, hurts his sense of importance and arouses resentment.”

I realize that I need not always have negative opinion about other people insulting or ridiculing them. I need also see what is positive in them for I also hate being criticized and insulted or made fun of.

“And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character.”

In this I learn that I should learn to give praise when it s due. As I child I was scolded by my mother and reprimanded. I thought that she hated me. But today looking back I realize that she loved me and only did it to mould me to the person I’m today and am grateful to her.

“Instead of condemning people. Let’s try to understand them.”

Sometimes I’m quick to condemn and accuse. But know I need to find out why a person is behaving in a certain manner or does some things which might be hurting and annoying I don’t have to jump into conclusions but try and help out.

“Everybody likes a compliment. The deepest craving in human nature is to be appreciated craving to be appreciated.”

I strongly have the same craving to be appreciated and not being criticized or ridiculed. Being appreciated brings life and the motivation to meet ones goals and objectives in life. If am appreciated it give me more reason to live and be happy.

“I know as you know people who think they had committed a crime if they let their families or employees for six days without food; but they will let them for six days and six weeks and sometimes sixty years without giving them the hearty appreciation that they crave almost as much as they crave for food.”

Lack of appreciation is the worst treatment I can give to a person. I might give them all that they need but without appreciation and love all will be in vain. I will always be distant in their lives. Many homes and relationships are breaking because of lack of appreciation. I need to learn to appreciate people and love them.

“So the only way on earth to influence people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.”

Sometimes the temptation is there only to talk of what I want and forgetting that the other person has needs too and wants to be met. I need to give space to the other person so that they can also speak of what they really want and together work on how to get it or arrive to it.

“Isn’t it wiser to make suggestions and let the other person think out the conclusion? This is a good way of influencing people. I should not force my ideas and opinions on people. I should give suggestions but allow them to decide on what is good for them.”

Most of the times the temptation is there. That I only want my opinion and ideas to be heard and implemented. I must learn to allow the other person to be and allow them to make their own decisions. I can give my suggestions, opinion and new ideas but not make decisions for them.

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

Dale Carnegie has provided a rich advice on how to relate with people and on how to handle them. I should not take people for granted but value them for who they are. I learned that we all need to be appreciated, loved listened to smile at and called by our names. That we are unique and with different needs. And that we need each other in order to journey towards achieving our goals and succeeding in life. I should be sincere and honest. I should not make promises that I cannot live up to in order to make others happy.

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 exercises which are really building and encouraging. I have completed all of them and I really find them helpful even to other people as well. It is a book worth reading and applying in my daily living and in relating with other people as well

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.

I strongly feel that the questions are a clear guide into tackling the book. And it has covered most of the areas. It is really interesting to read and bring all that is in the book into realities of our lives.

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 any one? 10
E. What is the overall rating? 10

Giant Steps
Assessment by Magdalene Muthenya (Kenya)

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 bring out is on taking giant steps in life without fear. And that small change on ones life can bring big changes. It is an encouraging book to read as it helps me and other people to make a simple journey towards succeeding in life. That small actions will lead to giant steps in the quality of my life. I’m invited to get rid of procrastination and make decisions in my life without fear. I realize that all of us in our differences, each one possess a special gift that can make a difference in my life and the lives of others as well. I need to cultivated an attitude of listening and be ready to learn and be helped to bring positive change within me. I have learnt learn that the decisions that I make in my life defines my destiny. I need to be reflective and see if the decisions that I make are to build me or to destroy. I will become good in making decision once I gather courage to make them without fear and more often so that I will be able to overcome fear by making more decisions in life without procrastinating.

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

Seven ideas which I found helpful were:

A. Nothing happens unless first a dream.

I should turn my dreams into reality and that I have special gifts which if I implement I can make a difference in my life and in the lives of others and that the world would become a better place to live in.

B. The more decisions you make, the better you’ll become at making them.

I need to overcome the fear of making decisions and overcome procrastinating for it becomes a draw back in achieving my goal and in my personal growth journey. It is an encouragement that I need to make decisions in my life and be ready for the outcome without fear and be ready to grow.

C. There are no excuses.

I need to make decisions that will change my state of life without giving excuses that I will decide about it tomorrow for fear of facing the challenge today. I fear change so much. But I realize that I must have a positive metal attitude.

D. we all have goals, whether we know it or not.

That in the many goals that I have I must choose work on those worth pursuing. I need to work on those that excite me and motivate me and keep me working. A goal that is challenging and I will work hard towards achieving it.

E. Never leave the site of a goal.

In this I realize I must never give up working on a goal that I have set. Sometimes the feeling that it’s impossible to attain the goals comes to me and this is when I give up and loose hope. But am encouraged to keep on working towards achieving my goal in life.

F. Don’t put off joy and happiness.

I’m encouraged to live each day to the fullest. Finding joy and happiness in all that I do. I need to know the direction am heading to if it will bring me joy in life and if already am happy moving towards that direction or not.

G. To get what I want I should discover what’s preventing me from taking action.

And this I realize that there are several things preventing me the fear of filling pain, fear of not achieving the goals that I have set, fear of challenging results. But am encouraged to overcome that and face the pain now to avoid facing it later. I better work on it now and then.

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 seven ideas are important to me for encourage me to move towards making greater steps in my life without fear and without assuming the simple chances that come my way. It could be insights form other people, or making decisions which I see as small that might bring big. I will see change in my life once I realize my dreams that I want to work on and for me to realize this dreams I must make decisions ready to face the challenges of the outcome of my decision. Some times it becomes difficult for me for fear of change which will come with challenges and more responsibilities. Many times I have excuses to give to myself as to way I can’t make a decision to day. I see the path clearly but again I give my self excuses and fears that I might be a failure which always make me procrastinate whatever I wanted to do and live it for a later date. And my journey towards achieving this dream is one to bring me happiness and joy. I need to face the pain of making a decision today rather than pushing it for another day. Each change comes with its challenge.

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 floodgates can be opened by one decision, bringing us joy or sorrow, prosperity or poverty, companionship or so life or early death.”

That any decision that I make will bring change in my life and this change will me bring me joy, prosperity, sorrow, life or even death. That every decision I make will affect me I one way or the other.

“Strive to live each day to its fullest; squeezing all the joy you can out of each moment.”

I am invited to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of joy that comes my way. Life must not be a cross to me or a burden to bear but a joy to live in.

“What simple act of kindness could you show another person today.”

I need to treat other people well with respect and kindness. I pray that I’m not the kind of a person that People will run away from but a woman who brings life to others by loving and appreciating them.

“We must commit learning from our mistakes instead of agonizing over them, or we’re destined to repeat our errors in the future.”

The mistakes have made in my life should not ground me or put me down but take them as moments of growth and learning. I must work on them so that I do not repeat the same error again but find growth in it.

“To get what you want you must discover what’s preventing you from taking action.”

Sometimes there are setbacks that prevent me from attaining my goals in life. I’m invited to discover what is preventing me from moving on and what is holding me back that I cannot move on with life positively.

“Procrastination is one of the most common ways to avoid pain. But usually if you delay taking action, you only create more pain for yourself later on.”

Yes I do it to avoid pain. But I realize I will have to take action to the situation whether I like it or not and that is when I realize I have to make decisions and face the results. I’m invited not to procrastinate but face the situation and deal with it

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

Giant Steps is a challenging book that is enabling me to overcome fears of making decisions in order to face tomorrow and it is encouraging me to face situations there and then. It is has reflective exercises which I have found to really inspiring it is encouraging me to reach out to other people as well and overcome pride.

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 exercises for me to complete and I found it really helpful and encouraging.

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.

I feel that the book giant steps is clear to read and understand

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 will give it? 10

 

 

Giant Steps

Assessment by Magdalene Muthenya (Kenya)

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 bring out is on taking giant steps in life without fear. And that small change on ones life can bring big changes. It is an encouraging book to read as it helps me and other people to make a simple journey towards succeeding in life. That small actions will lead to giant steps in the quality of my life. I’m invited to get rid of procrastination and make decisions in my life without fear. I realize that all of us in our differences, each one possess a special gift that can make a difference in my life and the lives of others as well. I need to cultivated an attitude of listening and be ready to learn and be helped to bring positive change within me. I have learnt learn that the decisions that I make in my life defines my destiny. I need to be reflective and see if the decisions that I make are to build me or to destroy. I will become good in making decision once I gather courage to make them without fear and more often so that I will be able to overcome fear by making more decisions in life without procrastinating.

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

Seven ideas which I found helpful were:

A. Nothing happens unless first a dream.

I should turn my dreams into reality and that I have special gifts which if I implement I can make a difference in my life and in the lives of others and that the world would become a better place to live in.

B. The more decisions you make, the better you’ll become at making them.

I need to overcome the fear of making decisions and overcome procrastinating for it becomes a draw back in achieving my goal and in my personal growth journey. It is an encouragement that I need to make decisions in my life and be ready for the outcome without fear and be ready to grow.

C. There are no excuses.

I need to make decisions that will change my state of life without giving excuses that I will decide about it tomorrow for fear of facing the challenge today. I fear change so much. But I realize that I must have a positive metal attitude.

D. we all have goals, whether we know it or not.

That in the many goals that I have I must choose work on those worth pursuing. I need to work on those that excite me and motivate me and keep me working. A goal that is challenging and I will work hard towards achieving it.

E. Never leave the site of a goal.

In this I realize I must never give up working on a goal that I have set. Sometimes the feeling that it’s impossible to attain the goals comes to me and this is when I give up and loose hope. But am encouraged to keep on working towards achieving my goal in life.

F. Don’t put off joy and happiness.

I’m encouraged to live each day to the fullest. Finding joy and happiness in all that I do. I need to know the direction am heading to if it will bring me joy in life and if already am happy moving towards that direction or not.

G. To get what I want I should discover what’s preventing me from taking action.

And this I realize that there are several things preventing me the fear of filling pain, fear of not achieving the goals that I have set, fear of challenging results. But am encouraged to overcome that and face the pain now to avoid facing it later. I better work on it now and then.

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 seven ideas are important to me for encourage me to move towards making greater steps in my life without fear and without assuming the simple chances that come my way. It could be insights form other people, or making decisions which I see as small that might bring big. I will see change in my life once I realize my dreams that I want to work on and for me to realize this dreams I must make decisions ready to face the challenges of the outcome of my decision. Some times it becomes difficult for me for fear of change which will come with challenges and more responsibilities. Many times I have excuses to give to myself as to way I can’t make a decision to day. I see the path clearly but again I give my self excuses and fears that I might be a failure which always make me procrastinate whatever I wanted to do and live it for a later date. And my journey towards achieving this dream is one to bring me happiness and joy. I need to face the pain of making a decision today rather than pushing it for another day. Each change comes with its challenge.

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 floodgates can be opened by one decision, bringing us joy or sorrow, prosperity or poverty, companionship or so life or early death.”

That any decision that I make will bring change in my life and this change will me bring me joy, prosperity, sorrow, life or even death. That every decision I make will affect me I one way or the other.

“Strive to live each day to its fullest; squeezing all the joy you can out of each moment.”

I am invited to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of joy that comes my way. Life must not be a cross to me or a burden to bear but a joy to live in.

“What simple act of kindness could you show another person today.”

I need to treat other people well with respect and kindness. I pray that I’m not the kind of a person that People will run away from but a woman who brings life to others by loving and appreciating them.

“We must commit learning from our mistakes instead of agonizing over them, or we’re destined to repeat our errors in the future.”

The mistakes have made in my life should not ground me or put me down but take them as moments of growth and learning. I must work on them so that I do not repeat the same error again but find growth in it.

“To get what you want you must discover what’s preventing you from taking action.”

Sometimes there are setbacks that prevent me from attaining my goals in life. I’m invited to discover what is preventing me from moving on and what is holding me back that I cannot move on with life positively.

“Procrastination is one of the most common ways to avoid pain. But usually if you delay taking action, you only create more pain for yourself later on.”

Yes I do it to avoid pain. But I realize I will have to take action to the situation whether I like it or not and that is when I realize I have to make decisions and face the results. I’m invited not to procrastinate but face the situation and deal with it

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

Giant Steps is a challenging book that is enabling me to overcome fears of making decisions in order to face tomorrow and it is encouraging me to face situations there and then. It is has reflective exercises which I have found to really inspiring it is encouraging me to reach out to other people as well and overcome pride.

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 exercises for me to complete and I found it really helpful and encouraging.

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.

I feel that the book giant steps is clear to read and understand

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 will give it? 10