As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Mark E Mazadu (Nigeria)
This is basically base on, whether you think you can or can’t you right, for a man is made or unmade by whatever he does. (Made by Himself).
A critical look at the above saying implies “nothing comes out of a corn but a corn” As a man thinketh generalizes mans action and thoughts as a machinery towards mans supreme perfection, which sets him above his equals in mind, skills and life.
It also tries to bring out the fact that a mans action and thoughts can never in any way produce him a bad result, same applies to bad thoughts and action, for whatever you give life, so it gives you back.
Having said all these, ones opportunities in life both pleasant and unpleasant are the conditions that makes one an ultimate person.
It is pertinent to note that, your dreams, mission, vision, and goals are all related, moving towards the same drive, only if you use them right and wisely.
We ought to give all we’ve got by making use of our thoughts which is the anchor of the image we paint of ourselves, that determines both our achievements, failure, and tomorrow. One can only conquer by lifting up his thoughts, which is a driving force towards self-actualization, no doubt this can only be achieve through conquering your failure in life, making all your challenges bravely met and overcome.
I’ve also come to realize that ones right thoughts can never be realized without watchfulness. This is one of reasons why most of our youths today are not goal oriented, most especially in African, youths feel they cannot reach their goals due to some social ignorance, thus their potentials which should be linked with their thoughts are totally lost.
Countless have forsaken their dreams, neglected their talents, denying their own greatness, forgetting that we all are in possession of something beautiful and outstanding. However it is important to note that our vision in life is an assignment given to us by GOD and it can be given to someone else if we fail to accomplish it. You do not know how far you can go until you start.
Finally, in the words of Phillips Brooke I say ‘life is too short to nurse ones misery, hurry across the lowlands, that you may spend more time on the mountaintops’ I say any time you are not providing a solution to something, I believe you are creating a problem for someone. That can only be achieved through conquering your doubts and fears in life, which conquers your challenges.
Your thoughts is a real asset of great value, worthy of human effort, allow it to burn as brightly as possible before mending it on to actualization. It is also important to note that laziness is a major cause of failure and poverty. “Success”
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Mark E Mazadu (Nigeria)
The level of your success today divided by the number of years you’ve lived and been working, tells you how far you’ve traded your years. With these I say leadership when applied with life principles, is the breathing ground for trails to create stories, base on how best you give it.
Jonathan Livingston seagull to me is base on ‘power of purpose’ how do I mean? It tends to bring out the fact that people forget their origin, forgetting why they are here. They fail to understand a person without a clear cut goal, vision, and mission in life is forever doomed to sail in circles always frustrated, always rudderless, never getting anywhere. Well it doesn’t just come like that anyway, because it’s the ultimate picture you paint of yourself today that determines your tomorrow.
Relating the principle of seagull to the present day situation in Africa, most especially Nigeria, I’ve found out that people tend to do things with a high speed. They rush a lot, most especially youths; they believe they can make it over night. Forgetting that things don’t work that way. It requires ones time and determination, you have to be focused, believe in the power of your dream and also believe you are there. You don’t need a magician to do things (that’s my own view anyway.) but having an understanding of what you actually want to achieve should be ones ultimate target.
Knowing what you want to do in life is your pathway towards a successful landing, and how can one achieve that? You have to be goal oriented, ‘FOR A MAN WITHOUT A GOAL IS LIKE A GOAT. At this point focus comes in, once you are focus you are already heading towards becoming an effective leader and not a follower.
With the help of SEAGULL I was able to understand that a lot of people allow themselves to be bound by certain cultures and traditions, making them real ‘COMPANIONS OF FOOLS. Taking Nigeria as a case study, you will find out that leaders are not effective and goal oriented because they believe, certain things which were wrong and were not be resolve by past leaders they too can not do anything about it. Thus leading to the saying ‘if you can’t beat them you join them. Which is a very devilish picture most youth’s paint of themselves today. Believe me, walking with such impression will lead one to ‘TOTAL DESTRUCTION and FAILURE IN LIFE.
However the only remedy to this challenge base on SEAGULL’S principle is ‘whatever will stand between you and your goal (success) should be set aside. Be it your culture, beliefs, family, rituals, anything of any kind. For they don’t in any way makes one successful or set him above his equals in life.
People are so afraid to die, that they never begin to live. We all have the power to change situations around us, whether good or bad, for when you walk, you walk with many and when you run you run with a few, but when you fly you fly alone, sky is enough for all to fly. Why then should a man fly with pigeons when he can soar with eagles? We all are born special, gifted, and divine in God’s side, what man needs is focus. For the main purpose of a leader is to maximize peoples strength and minimize their weaknesses and every leader should first believe people want to be inspired by the mandate of his leadership and all they need is the opportunity to see, understand and experience the vision in advance. With the power of love I say Global-leadership is doing a great job Bravo!
Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Reveal the formula of success. Which is working with positive mental attitude. For “anything in life that is worth having is worth working for”. It also tends to look at the lives of successful men.
Part 1 – Content Review
Chapter 1
WHERE THE ROAD TO ACHIEVING BEGINS.
Chapter I (meet the most important living person, this chapter tend to explain how the application of PMA and NMA affects ones life it also explain the fact that greatness comes to those who develop a burning desire to achieve high goals for man’s greatest power of prayer. Subsequently the most important living parson was introduce, who is the reader (you and I) and developing a burning desire to succeed is the ultimate goal in life. For success is achieve and maintained by those who try and keep on trying with PMA.
Chapter 2
( You can change your world achieving a change is your world comes with your ability to achieve anything worthwhile in life, which is imperative that you apply PMA regardless of what other success principles employed, for if a man is right his world will be right. Everyone has many talents for surmounting his special problem, identifying yourself with a successful. Image produces a better result. So what the mind of a man can conceive and believe the mind of man can achieve with PMA, setting your goal in life help you allot.
Chapter 3
CLEAR THE COBWEBS FROM YOUR THINKING.
Having a positive mental attitude makes you set high goals in life. for it is necessary that motivates a man with PMA to action, with transgressing and recognized inviolable standard. It must however be noted that you are what you think and directing your thoughts, controls your emotion, and or dam your destiny. Therefore when you are faced with other persons, starting first with yourself, gives must more better result.
Chapter 4
WILL YOU DARE TO EXPLORE THE POWERS OF YOUR MIND
This tends to explain the conscious and subconscious parts of the mind which also. Highlights the mechanism involved in the mind; so learning to use the proper suggestion in influencing others goes with a PMA which makes you believe so much in yourself.
Chapter 5
(….and something more) seeking success with a PMA keeps one, trying and searching to find something more. One ability to succeed in life sis base on his/ her ability to weapons that will consistently.
CHAPTER 6
YOU’VE A PROBLEM? THAT’S GOOD!
This Chapter brings to our notice the greatest services man can render to fellow man which is to motivate one another to select the right kind of friends and associates. For everyone has a problem but only those with PMA turn their adversities into seeds of equivalent or greater benefits.
It also brings to man’s notice that, man idea over something followed by an action in life be achieve through:
* Asking for divine guidance,
* Thinking’
* Starting the problems
* Analyzing the problems
* Adopting the PMA attitude
* Changing s the adversity into seeds of greater benefits.
Chapter 7
In this chapter, seeing is defined as a learned process which takes place in the brave. However, taking an adequate look at what you desire in life with a PMA is the best. Just, a in the cast of Richard Pope, who looked into the future and as he ever wanted came into reality. For converting what you see into reality by action with PMA results into great success.
Chapter 8
THE SECRET OF GETTING THING DONE
A man with no focus in life ends up doing nothing, for being focused ends you a better result; man has the knowledge of the principles that could help him achieve any worthwhile goal sin life, but not without making these principles a part of his life and applying a PMA for sowing an action reaps you a habits, sowing a habit reaps you a destiny. Finally, it is important to not that, the secret of getting things done is “Do it now”.
Chapter 9
HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF.
How to motivate yourself is the purpose of this chapter, and here motivation is seen as that which induces action or determines choice. For motivating with hope sis the magic ingredient sin motivating yourself and others. Mind can conceive and believe the mind of a man with PMA
Chapter 10
HOW TO MOTIVATE OTHERS
In life, man plays a dual role, which is with a PMA for man is the master gardener of his soul, who has the power to change situations around you him with his action and thoughts which produces a better result.
Chapter 11
Is there a short cut to Riches? Here, the short cut to Riches is seen as and quickly accomplishing something more directly with a positive mental attitude. And the applied will go a long way.
Chapter 12
ATTRACT- DON’T REPEL-WEALTH
Knowing your specific destination and taking the taking step is the ultimate for having taking a start towards achieving desirable goals
* Writing down each goal
* Setting deadlines for reaching them
* Inspecting your written statements daily
are the key points that enhances a real positive mental attitude which gives a success formula.
Chapter 13
IF YOU DON’T HAVE MONEY USE OPM!
Here other peoples money is the way to acquire wealth which is the bask standards of integrity, honor, honesty, loyalty, consent and the golden rule and trying to unlock the combination of success dis by knowing the necessary numbers and one missing number, may keep you from achieving your goal and you can really find the missing number and unlock the door to riches is through a positive mental attitude.
Chapter 14
HOW TO FIND SATISFACTION IN YOUR JOB.
Satisfaction here is a seen as a mental attitude. For a mans mental attitude sis s the only thing that you posse d over which you have complete control and finding an ultimate goal has to do with aiming high in life, knowing the rules and understanding how to apply them. This chapter is really inspirational
Chapter 15
YOUR MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION
This chapter highlights the basic tool for developing a magnificent obsession which is sharing yourself with others without expecting a reward, payment or communication. But keeping your good turns a secret, for sharing with others a part of what you have, that remains a multiply and grow and the burning desire to do something generates the drive to action that is imperative to great achievement. Which takes courage and sacrifice, for anything sin life worth having is worth working for.
Chapter 16
HOW TO RAISE YOUR ENERGY LEVEL
Here the principle of maintaining a level of both physical and mental energy in life needs an exercise of both your body and mind for God is the only person that grant the serenity to accept things. And through these a failure uses up as much energy in his work at failing as a successful person uses in winning success with a positive mental attitude . For increasing your energy level increases your P.M.A.
Chapter 17
You can enjoy good health and live longer with a positive mental attitude for applying good thinking attitude with positive and cheerful thoughts gives an improved result towards the way one feels, what affects the mind and the body.
Applying the positive mental attitude also towards the love ones may be the means of savings their lives, for out of the abundance of hope. There is a potential cure for every ailment in it. All one needs do, is to apply PMA.
Chapter 18
CAN YOU ATTRACT HAPPINESS?
In each and every person, there is a very little difference, but that little difference makes a big difference. For the little difference is attitude. Which is either positive or negative and one of the surest way to find such happiness in life is through devotion of ones energy towards making someone happy. The chapter also goes further to discuss the fact that sharing happiness and all that is good and desirable, attracts happiness and the good.
Chapter 19
GET RID OF THAT GUILT FEELING.
Getting rid of ones guilt feeling, starts with making amends, if there is anything in life that stops you from achieving your noble goal in life should be set aside for the burden of self development is upon man to be able to find what is right or wrong and to know what is good or evil under a given circumstance and at a given time. And one of the best ways to learn that, is by exposing yourself with regularity guidance on a daily basis.
Chapter 20
NOW IT’S TIME TO REST YOUR OWN SUCCESS AVOTIENT.
These bring to man, the various values in developing a desirable habit towards self development by asking yourself the proper question, and striving to find the proper result, is the main focus. In a nutshell, this chapter is all about self assessment .
Chapter 21
AWAKEN THE SLEEPING GIANT WITHIN YOU.
Knowing where you are heading to, and doing that with a positive mental attitude,
is the central message in this chapter for the highest ideal of man is the will of God, and believing you can do it, produces a positive result.
Chapter22
THE AMAZING POWER OF A BIBLIOGRAPHY
Standing on the shoulders of those ahead of you gives you a abetter chance, being a better person and your world being a better place.
Part 2 – Personal Impact & Practical Value
Success through a positive mental attitude is a motivational and inspirational book, which show man the reason behind his existence, the purpose of his action and how he can actually convert creative thinking into reality. It is a book, that has impacted my faith and philosophy, because it showed me that reason behind anything I do and how to apply a positive mental attitude in achieving my set goals in life. Napoleon also brought out the concept that mans action and thoughts with a PMA can never in any way produce him a bad result, vice versa for success through a positive mental attitude makes one realize. The fact that, a beautiful thought in life crystalize into habits of grace and kindness.
However, I also got to really realize that, through a PMA, life becomes a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood, I also got to realize that, the circumstances which man encounters with suffering are as the result of his own mental attitude, while the situation encountered also as a result of ones blessedness which is as a result of his own mental harmony for blessedness measures the night thoughts and wretchedness measures the wrong thoughts.
Finally, I got to understand the principles that, opportunity does not makes a man, however it reveals to him himself with a positive mental attitude. It’s a new dawn.
Part 3 – Summary
Success through a positive mental attitude is an asset of great value, which contents all the vital and essential principles applicable to the laws of success in life.
Real Magic
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Part 1 – Content Review
INTRODUCTION:
Real magic is a philosophical Book about man, and the universe, and all that is in it’s purpose .it is also focused about man’s awareness in a beat to create his miracle world which is term as a blueprint in development and awareness.
However, the Central Theme, is that, “the universe and all that is in it is on purpose and purpose is basically given yourself away and refusing to ask, which is also about relating with love rather than judgement.
Chapter 1:
A TRANSCENDENT VIEW OF MAGIC AND MIRACLE
Every ingredient of a perfect life is found in one, depending on how you build and be put in order, the world is order incarnate it is for us to put ourselves in unison with this order is the central theme of this chapter which seems to affirm that what you do, today determines your tomorrow for we all are in possession of our own destiny. However these cannot be achieved without being enlightened over certain issues which makes man purposeful for the great and glorious masterpiece of man is how to live with purpose, relating it to my religion, purpose is term as the bed rock of success.
Chapter 2
BECOMING A SPIRITUAL BEING
This particular chapter reminds me of the saying that, man is a spirit, he has a soul and they all live in the body. But how can ones spirituality be related to his magic life? Man has nothing to do with spiritual self, and it must be noted that the place for creating real magic will be in your spiritual awakening, yet, it will be manifested in ones physical world when one finds himself everyday. At these point, I will say living a spiritual life is basically to serve others, doing things with love, for the fruit of love is service, which is compassion. In action I most say real self development sharpens ones spirituality as a being but has to be accomplished by realizing that you are almost totally empty space yourself.
This chapter has really improve my thinking making me realize that all that I fight weakens me, but that I supports empowers me.
Chapter 3
CREATING A MIRACLE MIND -SET.
This chapter is a guide for shifting your mind-set to experience a world of where real magic is not only possible, but your birthright. This stage is also referred to as satori. Which s is often described as a turning over” of the mind which can only be manifested with openness and ones willingness to surrender, once you have the inner way, the outer way follows. well at this point i believe all that a man needs a constant meditation. On the 14 keys to miracle mind-sets, which is the best anybody can find in the world. After a critical look at the key points I say it’s a New Dawn to me.
Chapter 4
REAL MAGIC AND YOUR S RELATIONSHIPS.
This chapter points out the fact that, the ability to create magical relationships in your life begins and ends with you. for if you want to create miracles for yourself and truly have a fulfilled self-actualized life, accepting responsibilities well certainly goes a long way which brings us to the most important message in this chapter which is “so too are the relationships them selves some part of a divine necessary” (page 1380. A lot of people take decision whether good or bad because they quality of their lives is directly connected to the quality of their relationships. So what is actually inside you gets there by ways of your thought (As a man Thinkeths). This chapter highlights the fact that, what you do today determines your tomorrow and creating a natural initiative awareness that is present within every cell of life will go a long way. I’ve really learned to be more purposeful.
Chapter 5
REAL MAGIC AND YOUR PROPERTY.
The central message here is how to create a rethinking belief, imbibed, to treat as sacred. These can only be achieved by being focused in life, avoiding any destruction be it your family friends d e.t.c for your today determines your tomorrow. However, being on purpose generally means, you are at peace with your self, and that peace is what you have give. For what goes around truly comes around. But this can only be done by setting a goal, for prosperity is not the result of following a strict set of gimmick and strategics, it is a mind-set, chat is centered on your ability to manifest miracles. Whatever you’ve believed to be impossible, shift it around to create an inner propert ypicture. This chapter makes me realize determines my tomorrow and it’s only when you give you get something in returned. Note “they only way to prosperity is prosperity”.
Chapter 6
REAL MAGIC AND YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY
Self development is the ultimate decision one can ever make, standing on the shoulder’s of those ahead of you sits you high, “for why should a man walk with turkeys when he can soar with eagles. Creating a change that you can conceive of your own self helps in building your personality and this can be achieved through forgetting your past and believing in yourself. I’ve really been able to change my thinking towards inside job, which must be created before manifesting into reality.
Chapter 7
REAL MAGIC AND YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH
Man has the inner capacity to imagine for himself any thing that is in the realm of real magic. Finding a purpose in life comes with a condition towards accomplishing that for when a student is ready for teacher is ready. Every vision or mission has a price and shedding doubt, fear and convert as a spiritual being is the price you have to pay to accomplish real magic. Finally in the words of Hermann Hesse put in his fantastic novel Siddhartha, “ within you there is a stillness and a sanitary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself” therefore that yourself is a real miracle, for it’s the is in you that make you the you that you are
Chapter 8
REAL MAGIC AND THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION.
In the words of Margaret Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”.I say the higher a man thoughts, the higher his success, for one can only conquer by lifting up his thoughts. Nothing is more powerful that an idea whose time has come for every idea in life has a seed, depending on show one nurture it.
Thus linking your thoughts to your purpose foster accomplishment, so believing in yourself sets you high. Thinking rights creates the right result.
Part II – Personal Impact & Practical Value
Real magic has really given me a blueprint in developing my self and awareness being a book base on humanity and the plea towards being focus in life it has really thought me a lot, making realize that the greatest masterpiece of man is how to live with purpose for only when a man is purposeful, he gets to truly flow with life and experiencing a kind of harmony that comes from not having it strive for something else. Initially I never got to understand the real behind purpose, which I know principle has to do with ones ability to always give. Having understood what purpose is all about, I started applying, its principles and my life has never been the same again realizing, that ones determinated gives ahead start in life, which reminds one never to give up, it provides one forward and never back.
Furthermore, Real magic makes me realize that patience is important in ensuring or creating our magic world it keeps us steady, when we are about to burst which makes us respond to the same question said over and over again. Making one to help people sometimes near to despair. It also makes me follow the real magic principles which makes me believe in myself, develop my qualities and use them to spread magical values, morals and personality to others and never stop learning from others.
Getting to do things with love and creating every seed in a idea is one of the qualities I have learnt. It gave me the chance to expore, to be my sself and not to hold back ideas or opinions on account of others. More so, I have able to understand that inner sunshine warms the heart of the owner and moreover of all that comes in contact with it. Which makes me realize that Believing in my spiritual self makes my miracle. Finally I say real magic has really helped me in developing my spirituality and mind-set, which is set for real magic
Part III – Summary
Real Magic is a philosophical book, which is indeed a book with all the basic ingredients of a perfect life. It has really made an impact on me making understand my commitment in life, and ever since my life has never been the same. It is indeed da very rich book which I recommend to all.
Your Sacred Self
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Part 1 – Review of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
This chapter defines our sacred quest, which deals with our own reflection that passes before us at all times. It also brings out the fact that, our understanding of the universe and our participation in it is our invisible flow towards the realization of our sacred self, walking with such understanding makes us realize more that when one reaches that state, knowing who he is, is the unchanging self he will rather build in life to stay on purpose in future.
Subsequently man has further been introduced to some of life greatest challenges which make him realize that learning and knowing how to handle the greatest human quest is what helps in building a better future.
CHAPTER TWO
Making the decision to be free. In these chapter we are made to understand that the greatest human quest is to know what man can do in other to become a real human being. At this stage divinity comes in which is a divine energy man require in his journey of life, the starting point of these glorious journey is realizing that life is all about contribution, and our spirituality determines our spirit self in quest.
In a nut shell this chapter is centered on self awareness as a motivating factor in our quest of ensuring a stress free life in life. It also goes with suggestions that will help man on a daily bases in this glorious quest. These are some of the things a lot of African should seat down to ponder over.
CHAPTER THREE
Releasing old beliefs: these talks about the stage at which every changeable man should try to identify and change the core beliefs he no longer wants to associate himself with, at this point man also gets to realize and appreciate the fact that he is the deeming factor in his quest for a change and only his readiness and trust in his divine power creates room for this change.
CHAPTER FOUR
Banish the doubt: here the consequences of a doubtful heart is being focus on, which become a traitor that hinder man in his journey of life and the only way out is man walking with the consciousness that there is a valid reason behind all he does.
CHAPTER FIVE
Cultivate the witness; this highlights the fact that, cultivating the witness is the second of the four keys to a higher awareness, thereby leading to a higher level of awareness in the quest to a sacred self (mind).
CHAPTER SIX
Shut down the inner dialogue: these deals with our inner frenzy and how we can make it work the right way for us. It also lay emphasis on prayer as the master key in our race towards self actualization (in life) however for a clear understanding, power and the values of prayer , we must throw out our old ways of processing and looking beyond cause and effect as well as time and space.
CHAPTER SEVEN.
Free the higher self from the ego: these chapters bring out the consequences of societal freedom and their possible solution such freedom include, chemical freedom which results to manufacturing of missiles which the super powers use in destroying and killing one another. Sexual freedom, the idea this freedom, has created a counterfeit freedom that has immense appeal to the ego, thereby leading to so many sexually transmitted in diseases in the history of humanity. I think such freedom is the one cherish most in Africa, leading to an increase in HIV/AIDS.
Financial freedom: Stages at which you can spend although you don’t even have yet. This led to high level of poverty and corruption. Finally the only way out of such, challenges is changing our attitude and looking up to God.
CHAPTER EIGHT
From turmoil to peace: here peace is being focused at, as one of the basic ingrediances towards a hearty future, for all God wants of man is a peaceful heart and unless he is at peace with himself and his neighbor , things never work or turnout good.
CHAPTER NINE
From deception to trust: the main aim of this chapter is to help man move and embrace truth into his life by identifying behaviors and rationales that are keeping you from that divine truth and basically, embracing the truth is welcoming your higher self and coming to know God. However one has to make an arrangement with his determination to accept the truth
The reward system for your Ego when you choose reception over truth.
* it attracts you to what makes you feel very special thereby bring the real false picture of man.
* It ensures the survival of itself why because it uses deception in order to maintain it own survival.
* It gives room for seeking game for the more it succeed the more it keeps you from your higher self.
The truth shall set you free because a scary idea of man, due to the presence of the active Ego in man.
* It makes you embrace worthlessness and this is when you are convinced by your false idea of yourself that you are without worth.
* It loves to see you in a tenuous self doubting attitude.
HOW TO EMBRACE TRUTH
– Being committed to a new relationship with truth.
– Working with the consciousness that the world is not in any way a scary and dangerous place
– Engaging in mental discipline.
– Being silent and being at peace with your inner self.
– Resisting boastfulness and talking about you.
– Never find yourself exaggerating.
– Be a man of honor by writing out a personal code.
CHAPTER TEN
From fear to love: this chapter is basically on the dangers of Ego to man, for it uses fear as a way to keep authentic love out of our lives. Ego also tries to disconnect us from the loving presence inside us. However it begins to develop a relationship with the inner part of ourselves with fear, it also causes us to transmit fear energy instead of love energy.
FEAR BASED BEHAVIORS.
– Choosing judgment instead of compassion.
– An ongoing inner dialogue of self criticism.
– Insensitivity and disrespect
– Avoidance of authentic intimacy.
– Excusing your selfish behavior.
– An Egocentric lifestyle.
PREMIUMS RECEIVED FOR USING FEAR INSTEAD OF LOVE.
your Ego thrives on guilt. it is in direct conflict with your true purpose for being here. By hanging onto the fear of your insufficiently you can avoid taking any risk.
KEY IDEAS FOR BRINGING LOVE RATHER THAN FEAR INTO YOUR LIFE.
– Reminding yourself that God creates you in perfect love
– Forgiving yourself and accepting Godís love back into your life.
– Noticing people’s kindness rather than their wrong.
– Taking the risk of intimacy whenever possible.
– Accepting that you are enough.
CHAPTER ELEVEEN
From outward appearance to inner substance; this chapter talks about the dignity man carries in himself, which does not necessarily matter outwardly but inwardly. Just as in the words of Aristotle the great ‘dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them’ these means how long one lives doesn’t really matter a lot but how well one lives.
CHAPTER TWELEVE
From striving to arriving: these talk about purpose, which is base on that which given to man by God right from the moment of conception. Even though only man determine his purpose in life, though God has design his own plan (purpose). The chapter also fuses on freedom as a determinant in the quest for the journey of life.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
From dominance to tolerance.
CHARACTERISTIC OF TOLERANCE
– Letting things be intimacy.
– Listening.
– Giving
– Patience
– Curbing our needs to be right.
– Demonstrating tolerance and love
CHARACTERISTICS OF DOMINANCE.
– Greed.
– Selfishness
– Anger
– Boastfulness
– Wanting to make it fast in life
– Aggression
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
From toxicity to purity: blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God, for as a man thinketh in his heart so is he, so before a man gets in full contact with his sacred self, he must have to first of all purify his thinking, dropping certain beliefs and picking the right beliefs. However man has to be pure in thoughts and behavior and some of the things man have to do away with are as follows:
– prejudice (Judgmental attitude}
– Libido (Biological urges and sexual desires.)
– Addictive thinking ( believing we must have something external to ourselves in order to avoid suffering)
– Contrary thinking
– Comparison thinking.
More so certain aspects too must not be forgotten, such as our ability to purify our emotions and behavior.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Towards an Egoless world: this chapter talks about the brilliance of the divine light, which when looked up to is the right way forward, also we need empowerment, i.e. people empowering people and getting to learn the act of doing thing with love, and living with peace and harmony with one another.
PART II – Personal Impact
Your sacred self is an inspiring book which treats us to a treasure of love and spiritual wisdom. Which when imbibed by man will certainly go along way in ensuring ones success in life.
The book also brings out the fact that self esteem indeed plays a vital role in self realization, which leads to the fact that before we discover out sacred self we must let go of any attachment to special ness or identification with the Ego which is a mare symbol of what is regarded as success.
Furthermore with the high level of awareness strategies, of the sacred self, I got to realize the fact that, most problems faced by nations today were as a result of our lack of awareness, most especially problems Africa is facing today, and one such problems includes: the freedom of sexuality which led of HIV/AIDS to a high level which is killing a lot of talented people.
One of the greatest lessons I also got to learnt was the teaching on how change our beliefs and learning not to blame people for our mistakes but rather work out good plans in ensuring things are made better than we met them.
Finally the author proponed possible solutions that can help man out of such vicious cycle, and such suggestions include. Cultivating the culture of hard work
Living with peace and harmony with one another.
Indeed this book is an epitome of great value which reveals to us our place in the world and how to gain satisfaction. If African youth can really put just put some of the principles of this book in their every day life, believe me within few months a lot of the bad things going on in Africa will reduce drastically.
PART III -Summary
I honestly recommend this fantastic book to all, most especially to my fellow brothers and sisters on our great continent Africa. It will certainly go a long way in changing our level of thinking.
Seeds of Greatness
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Part 1 – Review of Contents
CHAPTER ONE – THE SEED OF SELF ESTEEM
Talking about self esteem, Self esteem is the feeling of worth, happiness with ones owns character, while ability is one of the basic keys to personal development. Just as Waitley points out the reason why fear of success is so prevalent in the world today, which is the manner to which we are trained as children. For instance in Africa, most especially Nigeria, a lot of parents make their children belief that money is very difficult to get instead of telling them it’s very easy to get but with adequate hard work.
Having understood the concept behind the fear of success syndrome, I’ve been able to come to a logical conclusion that, the genesis of such problems is our inadequacy to do things with love. I believe if you love me, there are better ways you can make me understand certain issues rather we tend to rather prefer to be selfish most especially the corrupt nations.
CHAPTER TWO – THE SEED OF CREATIVITY.
Imagination rules the world and our ability to be creative is being imaginative. A lot feel inadequate to create wonderful things why? Because, an inner seed of ‘I CAN’T DO IT’ has already been planted in them and this is one of the biggest challenges Africa is facing today most especially African youths.
However, walking with the consciousness that what we watch does have an effect on our imagination, our learning process and behavior will certainly go along way. Because we first get exposed to such things, next we learn them and then we go ahead to adopt it making it part of us.
I also got to appreciate the fact that the human brain is the only thing that does not take no for an answer, whatever command you give it, it responds, which leads to the saying and the fact that man is the most important and unique critic of himself.
Finally whatever one sees in his / she dream and imagination will always rule your world for our mental picture of us is the key to our healthy and personal development.
CHAPTER THREE – SEED OF RESPONSIBILITY
In every human being there lies a seed and the seed of responsibility is the focus of this chapter.
Man is the sum total of his action, therefore his own character cannot be counterfeited nor can it be put on and cast off as if it were a garment to meet the whims of the moment.
Furthermore I was also able to fully understand the concept behind self reliance, which I take to be one of the basic principles behind capacity building. Therefore walking with such principles make one realize the fact that, his own true rewards in life will depend on the quality and amount of contribution he makes which makes him know the concept behind risk calculation. For the greatest risk in life is to wait for and depend upon others for your own security but a man with the ultimate seeds of responsibility ultimately knows how to calculate his own security.
CHAPTER FOUR – SEED OF WISDOM
Wisdom as a seed can be seen as a wax, which is our ability to develop out of our own inner potential until it got bigger and visible.
However wisdom can be seen as our ability to anticipate the probable effect of our decision on other peoples lives, as well as our own life for when we consider the well being of others, before we decide to profit our consciousness, we become truly rich the deepest sense. I believe the best gift a man can ask from God apart from the gift of life is the seed of wisdom for it brings knowledge and understanding.
CHAPTER FIVE – SEED OF PURPOSE
Based on this chapter, I got to realize that purpose is the reason behind anything, which empowers our ability. Behind every purpose there is a great price, for there is nothing loaded in a man that comes out on its own. Rather it requires our hard work to bring out that which is loaded in us.
A man’s destiny is essentially a product of his personal adventure, which places demand on him who desires to fulfill it. For society may predict but only you can determine your future. So a mans purpose in life, determine his end result.
CHAPTER SIX – THE SEED OF COMMUNICATION
In communication there is nothing as important as walking in another’s moccasins before speaking ones mind..
However the pathway to communication is accepting the fact that every human being is a distinctly unique, individual and thinking how good that is, basically no two identical twins think the same way. I think this is a very good instance. So the act of viewing other peoples world as they see it is communicating with them.
Communication indeed builds the world, just as Denis communicated the values of the seed that forms greatness to me and all readers of his books, which help in building the values in man.
CHAPTER SEVEN – THE SEED OF FAITH
Faith the power of positive believing, is also the key to unlock the doors of success in life for every human being needs an absolute power to do certain things.
Reading through autobiographies of different great men and women, I got to realize that they all had one thing common. And that thing is FAITH. They all had faith in all they did in life. This can be practically seen in the lives of people like Zig Ziglar, David Oyedepo, Arnold, Michael Lightweaver e.t.c. Arnold believe and had faith in his abilities, that was what led to his breaking the worlds weight lifting record. Michael Lightweaverbelieved and had faith that Global institute is going to grow big and today its showing.
CHAPTER EIGHT – THE SEED OF ADAPTABILITY.
Turning problems into opportunities, this chapter is a call to innovation, which brings to our knowledge that an innovative minds help build the world.
CHAPTER NINE – THE SEED OF PERSEVERANCE.
Talking about the seed of perseverance, it goes with commitment. For every committed person has to persevere in order to stay focused. Just as the author puts, ìit is the test of faithî
CHAPTER TEN – THE SEED OF PERSPECTIVE.
This is another important greatness seed which brings to our understanding that the picture we paint of ourselves determines our tomorrow. (i.e. how one sees life from within) which deals strongly with our self esteem, for now we see life from within, we see wisdom, purpose and faith as cornerstones for our capacity building.
PART II – Personal Impact
Seed of greatness is indeed a great book with all the formulas for a stress free life. It has really helped my way for thinking and had also helped me in realizing that there are certain issues in my man life that he has to address well if he is too succeed in life. Which leads to the saying that it is important one knows certain fact of life that he would need to know where he is, as well as how to get where he wants to be.
Furthermore the book makes us realize that it doesn’t take much to find the high road to success, but to reach it, one needs an agenda for the present, he also needs direction for today, and purpose to determine his tomorrow.
Finally a call was made on people to look not at problem anymore but the opportunities which lie within the problem. I believe this is what my African brothers needs to understand, and once the understand and put such into practice Africa will be great.
PART III
Seed of greatness is a real success formula which when applied to very day life fetches a great result.
Awaken The Giant Within
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Part 1 – Review of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
We all have different dreams in life but what actually makes the difference is the quality and substance our dreams carry. Every glorious destiny carries a glorious price, so for our dreams to carry a qualitative substance we must be ready to wake up by being committed to our work through working out of strategies which will produce a specific, measurable, long-lasting change in us and otherís, for every man is destined for his own unique form of greatness. But our individual approach determines the end result.
HOW TO CREATE A LASTING CHANGE.
Every change carries with it an ultimate price, change begins with oneself and some of the so many things that have to be done to effect changes are:
Changing our limiting beliefs,
Changing your strategies.
Believing in our self.
CHAPTER TWO
This chapter brings out the fact that man determines where he wants to be in few years to come, as different actions produces different result, because in any action is a cause set to move us in a definite direction and every direction leads us on an ultimate destination. I believe that itís your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. Man is not the creator of circumstances; rather circumstances are the creatures of men. Our decisions are not the conditions of our lives that past determines our destiny; rather it helps us understand that the fact that using the power of decision gives us the capacity to get past any excuse to change every part of your life. In an instant which can change our relationship, our working environment, your level of physical fitness, your income and emotions which also determines our state of mind.
Formula for success.
* Decide what you want.
* Take action.
* Notice whatís working or not.
Change your approach until you achieve what you want.
Decision comes from a Latin work roots which means ‘from’ and caedere, which means ‘to cut’, however to create a better decision is to make more of them persistent. Decision making also focuses at improving, getting better the way you finally want to do it.
Knowledge is any simple distinction, strategy, belief, skills or tools, the minute we understand it, we can apply it to make immediate increase in the quality of our lives.
Three decisions you make that control your destiny.
* What to fuse on.
* What things mean to you.
* What to do to create the result you desire.
In conclusion success is the result of good judgment and good judgment is the experience and experience is often the result of bad judgment.
CHAPTER THREE
(THE FORCE THAT SHAPES YOUR LIFE.)
For every behavior of man, there is a motivating factor. For in every thing we do there is a reason and in all we do we do it either out of our need to avoid pain or our desire to gain pleasure but its important we note, for every pain or gain we go t through there is a lasting changes and improvement you desire for yourself and those you care about
The most important thing we learn in life is creates pain, and pleasure for us and unless you give and love people you never appreciate life at all. One of the best qualities of a man is his ability to adapt to transformation, manipulation, objects or enforces the factors that shape our lives; Robert highlighted the need for financial management, which makes us good managers of many in future. It also brings out the fact that due to the corrupt nature of man, every rich or wealthy must have in one way or the other due to his corrupt nature took advantage of others.
CHAPTER FOUR
It is not the events of our lives that shape us but our beliefs as to what those events mean to us, is the central theme of this chapter.
Our beliefs determine our capability which generalizes a long term and consistent change in our behavior. However every man must change his belief most especially those holding him back, for in every belief there is the power to create and the power to destroy. A clear instance I can give is about myself on I use to have a serious belief that I canít learn mathís and that was how that believe led to my failing mathís. Until when I change the belief I never had the good side of mathematics. Which made me to realize that we all have the capacity to create meanings that empowers us and so many donít realize this fact which leads to a lot of failure in life.
POWER OF BELIEF
Out belief makes the difference in us.
It has the capacity to make us sick or make us healthy.
It gives us the resolve to take action, or weaken and destroy our drive.
It strengthens us or limit ate us within a specific context.
It gives us an identity in life
QUALITITIES OF A LEADER
The most important quality of a Leader is the fact that leaders are rarely realistic but intelligent and accurate. They are good managers of time.
The reason why success eludes most people is thee fact that they have insufficient reference of succeeding in the past but it is important we note the past doesnít equal the future. How we deal with adversity and challenge will shape our lives more than almost anything else.
We must be ready to begin to feel that things are pointless that theyíre helpless or worthless, such beliefs makes an aim low in life and must never be indulge in if we ever expect to succeed and achieve something in life. For achievers never see a challenge as permanent but those who fail, see even the smallest challenge as permanent thing.
STEPS TO TAKE IN ORDER TO CHANGE SOME BELIFES.
Getting your brain associate massive pain to the old belief.
.
If we must have to also change our belief, we must also change our identity, and our conviction has the power to drive us to action and push us to pass through obstacles
CLASSIFICATION OF BELIEFS
* Opinion
* Belief
* Conviction.
Finally what really matters in life is whether your belief empowers you or disempowers you but developing the habit of focusing on the consequences of all our beliefs sets us high, for society may predict, but only one will determine his destiny.
CHAPTER FIVE
For every change there is a price, but we must first believe we can change and at the end also believe in the capacity to do it quickly and powerfully, such understanding helps us accomplish virtually all we desire to accomplish, but we must also understand that, that is being commanded by man and every significant amount of pain or pleasure are being searched by the brain for the cause and it records it in our nervous system which enables us to make better decision about what to do in future. And For whatever action we take, we create a physical connection and as we repeat over, over and over such actions the stronger we become and the stronger it also becomes too.
CHAPTER SIX
(HOW TO CHANGE SCIENCE OF NEURO-ASSOCIATION CONDITIONING.) The chapter introduces us fully to the six steps of NCP which show s us how to create a direct high way out of pain and anything in your life, into pleasure with no disempowering detours which are as follows. Our ability to decide what we want and what ís preventing us from having it now.
Getting leverage
Interrupt the limiting pattern
All this has to do with our beliefs, a man’s belief that helps or guides his conclusion, therefore our ability to change any thing lies in our hands. And all this has a different level of impact on the quality of our lives even though some are very specific. This chapter is indeed of great interest and I recommend to all.
CHAPTER SEVEN.
HOW TO GET WHAT YOU REALLY WANT. This chapter focuses on the purpose in life as machinery for capacity building and our capacity to understand this foundation which awakens the giant within.
At whatever state we are our future perception is determined, in a nutshell, this chapter brings to our understanding the fact that our behavior is not the result of our ability, but rather the state that we are in at a moment.
Our emotions is created by our motion, the emotion one may pass through in a week where highlighted which is being regards as a short menu of emotional choices when you consider thousands of enticing states available ,one of the way to improve our life is learning how to laugh.
The key the success is creating a pattern of movement that creates confidence, a sense of strength, flexibility, a sense of personal power and fun.
What we focus on becomes our idea of reality; whatever we focus on will determine how we feel.
Our ability to change the way we feel depends upon our ability to change our sub modalities, Robbins also defined success as a living process in live in which we live in a way that causes us to feel tons of pleasure and every little pain.
CHAPTER EIGHT.
QUESTIONS ARE THE ANSWER. Here the ability of man to think which fetches him a good or bad result is the central theme of this chapter.
It also focuses on the fact that man should by all means be in the capacity to change things around him, there by thinking the right way and with a positive mental attitude.
It brings out a clear distinction btw successful people and less successful people which depend on their ability to think the right way though with different motives.
Modeling the questions not only helps us build ourselves but it equally helps us to empower others as well.
CHAPTER NINE.
THE VOCABULARY OF ULTIMATE SUCCESS. This chapter introduces to man the ability of words, which can make our noblest intention felt and our deepest desire known. It also makes us understand the fact that only the Wight kind of words
That transforms us, which either negative or positive transformation. It was also brought to our notice that the words we habitually choose also affect how we communicate with ourselves and therefore what we experience.
I also got to realize that mans words are like fabric from which all questions of life are cut.
CHAPTER TEN.
(Destroy the blocks, break down the wall, let go of the rope and dance your way to success; the power of life metaphor.) We all are made to understand that learning is the process of making new associations I our minds, which creates new meaning and metaphor ideally suited for it, but not until we anchor what we do on the creator of man (page 229, line 38-40) it also describes to us the metaphor of life, which is what determines our actions.
Finally it also brought to our notice that, taking control of our metaphor and creating a new world for ourselves is creating a world of possibilities, riches wonderís and joy.
CHAPTER ELEVEN.
(The ten emotions of power).
Getting to understand the power behind every emotion and Robbins was also able to give a detailed explanation of the four basic ways in which people deal with emotions which are as follows:
*Avoidance
*Denial
*Competition
Learning and making use of what you’ve leant.
The author went ahead to discuss the ten action signals and how to apply them in our every day life. He also concluded with a detailed explanation of the ten different emotions of power. I so much cherish this chapter.
CHAPTER TWELVE.
(The magnificent obsession – creating a compelling future.) This is level at which every goal produces a giant motivation and which also takes us beyond out limit to a world of unlimited power. I also got to realize and confirm the belief in me that for every goal which seems impossible to achieve one should try and suspend every belief system about what she/he were capable of doing.(achieving)
However it is important we understand that setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible to the visible in the foundation for all success in life, but the development of a plan and massive and consistent action towards its fulfillment.
Finally it is important that each and everyone of us bears in mind that compelling future creates a dynamic sense of growth for where there is no vision the people perish (prov 29:18)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
The ten-day mental challenge. The chapter is basically aim at assisting us establishing habits of excellence, I personally got to realize that a variety of fundamental strategies and distinctions that can empowers my life is the power of whatever decision I make which has really help me improve on my decision making process.
Finally I also got to realize and appreciate the saying by John Dryden ìwe first make our habits and then our habits makes usî. I believe what makes you is within you, itís left to you to determine or discover that thing.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
Ultimate influence; your master system.
Here the chapter talks about having a system or procedure that we do through in order to determine what things mean to us and what we need to do about them in virtually any situation in life and Robbins also in his own way tries to discuss wealth as a result of effective evaluation which I truly and strongly believe.
Our ability can also create a change which can be a powerful force for shaping destiny. It is a real psychological chapter which goes deep in ensuring out our ability to think deeply.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
Life values; your personal compass. Writing about this chapter reminds me on build my mind on capacity building, for walking with the right character and values makes you a better person (leader) and we all must also appreciate the fact that all decision making processes comes down to value clarification and our inability to know our values which prepares us for real pain, why because every decision is guided by these values and in most cases we need set them up.
Furthermore understanding our values is like automatically changing our life and in whatever situation we find ourselves we should always by all means to try and keep the fire burning.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
(Rules: if you’re not happy here’s why). Our understanding of the fact that nothing has to happen in order for you to feel good but rather as long as we structure our lives in a way where our happiness is dependent upon something we cannot control,, we will experience pain and our beliefs about what is good and what we must do are critical and are criteriaís of what is believed to be labeled as rules. It is also important we have it at hearth that only those who keep rules become rulers.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
References: the fabric of life. Reference: is one of the most important element of our decision making process, which leads to the fact that the larger the number the greater the quality of our references, the greater out potential level of choice.
Certainly without valuable reference, we live in doubt, which makes us understand more the fact that only readers become effective leaders and most powerful way to have a greater understanding of life and people s to give ourselves the greatest level of choice which is aimed at exposing us to as many different types of reference as possible.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Identity: the key to expansion. This chapter talks about our beliefs which goes a log way and which works side by side with our identity, it also helps our beliefs to have an expansion influence on our belief that directly controls the consistency of our lifeís decision which leads to your fall identity which is simply the beliefs you are using to make you unique, good, bad or indifferent from others a and one of the strongest force behind every identity in man organism is the need for consistency for a shift in ones identity can cause a shift in his entire master system. In a nut shell our ultimate identity in life is nothing but the decision weíve decided to focus ourselves with.
CHAPTER NINENTEEN
The seven days to shape your life, emotional destiny: the only true success. I’m made to realize that fact in these chapter that, my emotional success is what really determines my success in life, it also makes me realize the changing power of ones emotion which is the motivation behind all behavior, which is what I term as the principle of LIFEMATICîS, why because it reveals to man a lot about life and itís challenge.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Prison of pain or palace of pleasure. The purpose of this chapter is sharing with man the fundamental secret that empowers him to accomplish certain task in life for the human body is the best picture of the soul and unless we are physically spiritually and mentally sound our growth becomes less consistent.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
The place to share and care. I got to really appreciate the fact that our measurability enhances the quality of our personal relationship and deepens our emotional connection with the people we care about most by reviewing the six fundamentals of successful relationships. This is basically the central message of this chapter.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Financial destiny: small steps to a small or large fortune;
Money I believe is what every body desires to have, for a lot at all cost. It’s also one of the emotionally charged issues of our lives that are the reason why some say, it is the root of all evil. Why because it is potent source associated with both pain and gain with in our society.
However the key ability to earn more income more than ever before is our ability to create wealth and how can we create wealth? We create wealth by being innovative, valuable and it has really become a belief within me, and what one has to really do to achieve great financial wealth is to truly understand the various types of investment and what my potential risk and return are. It also made me realize the beauty which is by giving away more than enough.
Finally the beauty of changing ones belief and mastering it financially lies in ones incredibility in rewarding experience in personal development.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Be impeccable; Your code of conduct; this chapter brings out the fact that it is indeed possible to have great values, to have all your rules aligned to support and to have to ask yourself the right question and not to be living your values in the moment, it also highlights the need for a clear cut way to ensure that we are consistently living in the values which weíve committed ourselves and away of measuring whether or not weíre actually achieving that value on a daily bases.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Master your time and your life: this is the day six exercise which teaches us how to use time to our own advantage rather than allowing our time rule our levels of satisfaction and stress.
Therefore the central message in this chapter is time management which is an asset of great value. It is not only an asset of great value alone, but everybodyís inheritance which God has shared among both the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, what it only requires is our ability to manage it properly which determines out accomplishment in life.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Rest and play: even though God took one day off, this is the stage of achieving some balance which is the resting day. Basically which is the day of doing something that takes one outside him for all work no play makes Jack a dull guy. Well I so much belief in real time management and I believe nothing will make Jack a dull guy unless Jack chooses not to do the right thing, he can never be dull.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
A lesson in destiny: the ultimate challenge, what one person can do:
This is the concluding part of the book, which I most say is the most loaded. It has really given a detailed account of ones capacity to build his own world which most go with a positive mental attitude, each and every one of us has the power right within to control how he thinks, which is basically an important factor in awakening the conviction that one is truly the master gardener of his fate and the director of his destiny.
Finally as people with the right attitude, we all must therefore be in our nature to have it at the back of our minds that, it is the small decision we make every day that creates our destinies for as young people we have the ability to rule our world, through the placement God has given us in our various talents, and skills, but it rather takes our determination
PART TWO – Personal Impact
Awaken the giant within is a personal achievement and wealth creating book which makes man realize the fact that we determine what are and what we want to be, through the power of our purpose in life, which is the reason for things that empowers ability, command ,authority,confies fulfillment and secures destiny.
Robinson also brought out the fact that, there is a force behind every decision in life, for whatever we do in life can either fact us positively or negatively and the ability to effect in whichever manner is the force behind that decision. For instance in Africa, a lot of youth’s believe they cannot do certain things, why because, it is the belief the carry in them that I’ll not be able to achieve or get to a particular level in life and why does such happen to them, the issues of ‘as a man thinketh’s in his hearth so is heî these are some of the things Robins of the looked into.
Subsequently the issue of man not being the creature of circumstances, but rather, circumstances are the creature of men, comes in which leads to the strong believe I have in me as one of Robins central message which is people empowering people. And what do I mean? What I actually mean is that Robins wrote this book with the soul aim of empowering other’s for in life is either I find a way or ultimately creates one.
I also so much believe in the lesson of belief in chapter four and as a result of the impact of the lesson within a short period of time I was able to make some people around me change their negative beliefs to positive ones. The lesson also makes us understand how we can work with the right belief which is a building block that makes us realize that each and every belief comes true.
Finally I most confess, Tony has really fed me with a great meal of success and positive thinking which Iíve really applied and is already working for me. I honestly recommend this book to all most especially to my African brother. It is indeed a great book which I’ll never recover from.
PART THREE – Summary
Tony Robins has really done all astonishing job, in this book, which is a great communicator in making one realize that personal success maybe predicted but only man determines the end result.
Psycho-Cybernetics 200
Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Content Review
CHAPTER ONE
Your self-image and how it affects you:
Talking about self-image and how it affects us, these means that every one of us always acts, feels, and behaves in a way that is consistent with our self, regardless of the reality of that image. Furthermore, the image we carry of ourselves is the key to our own personality which determines our success and failure in life.
CHAPTER TWO
HOW TO PROGRAM YOUR SUCCESS MECHANISM
These requires our walking in the realm of reality to effect changes in our societies and applying the Craft system or rather approach, will certainly go a long way.
CHAPTER THREE
FAKE IT YOU MAKE IT, IMAGINING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS.
This chapter deals on how our behavior can condition what we imagine to be true and how we can change our behavior by focusing on our imagination.
CHAPTER FOUR
FREE YOURSELF FROM FALSE BELIEFS.
There are different kinds of belief and false belief is one of it, and such beliefs confines mans activities in so many ways, unless he is willing and ready to change such beliefs to that which will empower him to break his chains and when such belief ( ie beliefs that empowers us) becomes part of the fundamental ways we regard ourselves they certainly will become a driving force in us.
CHAPTER FIVE
GIVE YOUR SUCCESS MECHANISM SOME SLACK; LEARN TO RELAX.
The chapter introduces us to relaxation as a success mechanism and its benefits which helps us in freeing the mind for creative, holistic, right-brain problem solving.
CHAPTER SIX
JUST SAY YES; DE-STRESS YOURSELF WITH DRUG-FREE TRANQUILIZERS:
The chapter dealt with the natural tranquilizers, which are the habits one can change though with the right mental attitude and one of such habits is, imaginary dragon.
CHAPTER SEVEN
LIVE LIFE BY YOUR OWN SCRIPT; HOW TO CHOOSE AND SET GOELS.
A man or woman without a goal is like a ship without a rudder or an anchor. Each will drift and not drive, each will end up on the beaches of despire, defeat, and despondency. This basically forms the central theme of this chapter which speaks for itself.
CHAPTER EIGHT
MOVE AHEAD FROM GOAL SETTING TO GOAL GETTING.
A lot of people set goals but don’t really know what it takes to achieve such goals. They also tend to forget the fact that commitment to a mission that grantees a colorful future. Most especially Nigerian youths a lot of them want to make quick money which leads to their putting pleasure before pressure and at the end die in pressure. At this point I’ll like to say no where under heaven that productivity is not rewarded and at this point I say your perspective towards your goals determines the result you get.
CHAPTER NINE
YOUR SUCCESS MECHANISM REVISITED; DRAWING A BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE.
This chapter talks on plan as a guide in creating ones blueprint and keeping in mind that one does not need outside help to make him become aware of his need for change helps. Therefore walking with the right plan makes man identify the beliefs that keeps him follow negative habits, which helps in making him realize how to relax to set ultimate goals.
CHAPTER TEN
BEYOND THE SELF-IMAGE SHAPING YOUR PERSONALITY FOR SUCCESS;
Skills, qualities and how man acquires it, is the central message of this chapter. These however work effectively with the manner we look at life, priorities and changes. This works hand in hand with self confidence.
CHAPTER ELEVEEN
FINDING THE DANGER SIGNALS; HOW TO AVOID FAILURE;
In this chapter lies the every secret a man needs in his quest towards the avoidance of failure, which lies basically in aggressive-ness into assertiveness. These are also strategies for going after what you want in life.
CHAPTER TWELVE
REMOVING THE GLITCHES FROM YOUR PERSONALITY.
Doing away with glitches in ones life seems a beat difficult from what I have gathered, but applying the forgiveness method is the only method which seems to be moving on. Forgiveness is the key to freeing oneself from the scar tissue caused by emotional wounds in the past. And only if you forgive, things don’t really seem to be moving on good.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
MAKING THE MOST OF PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS; BEING ALIVE VERSUS LIVING.
Having read the whole book, this chapter is like an evaluation chapter which argues man to embark on a self evaluation assessment. I.e. comparing life before and after he most have started applying the principles in the book,
It also communicates to us the core values of humanity, which deals basically with the way we feel about our self, which can have impact on our longevity, but not until man strengthens his life force by taking control of his own life.
PART II – Personal Impact
Psycho-cybernetics 2000 is indeed a book which offers dozens of tested techniques and proven-in-action strategies in the lives of so many great men and women of destiny.
It is also a psychological book as the name implies, which enhances various strategies that inspires and changes they ways man thinks and the manner at which he handles certain issues with regards to his capacity and ability to boast his self image.
Through the techniques of this book, I’m now able and capable of overcoming some psychological issues that seems so difficult to handle before.
In addition the book is the key to life fulfilling adventure, which opens our imagination and qualities as a strategy in reshaping life.
It is however, if everybody will work with such beliefs, the world will surely be a better place for all to live in.
Finally one of the greatest lessons of this book is that, good culture must be grabbed Firmly, forcefully, with a strong commitment. Regardless of how one feels at a particular moment, any decision reinforced by ones will to take action on his commitment will produce the desired result in amazingly short period of time.
PART III – summary
In summary it is worth mentioning that, in life you can only succeed with a high sense of hard work and commitment to be able to affect the lives of people around you.
Unconditional Life
Assessment by Mark Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART I – Content Review
This book talks about how unconditional life is, which is a path way to the discovery of the power of fulfilling ones desire.
In the first chapter, we saw how lack of purpose can destroy the chances of ones breakthrough, just as it points out in paragraph one lines two and three page three, and I quote ‘HE SLUMPED IN HIS CHAIR AND HIS FACE DARKENED’ ‘SIX MONTHS AGO ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS STAYING ALIVE’ according to my own understanding from the above that shows that, for the past six months the patient had suffered severe depression why, because , he probably most have not discovered his purpose and right to stay free from depression as a child of the most high, or probably lacked the belief to be healed possibly due to the nature of his case.
Furthermore, in page nine paragraph four, lines five, it was stated that ‘dying everyday would be an ideal way to live, because every morning would be new’ I must say this sentence explains the need for every repentant man to look forward by forgetting his past and aiming the way forward. A practical instance is the case of Barbara and I code from the 5th paragraph ‘she was escaping the threat of death by dying to her old habits and false values’. Having died she discovered that new life rushed into fills the vacuum.
I also got to realize the fact that, touching a new level of consciousness can result in a new nature (world been created) for a mans goal is not just to be bright, alert, or imaginative, but to shape existence itself.
The book also talks about freedom as an experiment knowledge of a mans nature, for it begins with a sense of specialness, of being charmed, of being the exception and, of being eternally protected.
Fear was also intensively discussed in this book, which was described as negative kind of picture. Even though challenges sometimes sets the stage for greater and mightier things.
DANGER OF STRUGGLES
It slows the process of our breakthrough
It inculcates fear in us.
It makes us give up early.
It makes the process more painful.
Taking a critical look at the above dangers I got to realize that, there is no point struggling in life, most especially struggling towards those things that are not rightfully yours. Just as the writer pointed out and I quote ‘inside you is just you’ even though you might split it up into a brave you. That is trying to suppress or defeat a fearful you, the result still depends on you.
Unconditional life is a great meal of knowledge which awakens the dream in every living soul when applied to every day life.
PART II – Personal Impact
Unconditional love is a great book, which brings out the fact that an individual is essentially a function of how buoyant and positioned minded he/she is.
The book also greatly talked about the ability of man, creating a higher level of consciousness which results into creative and productive ideas.
Base on the productive aspect of man, it centered on the power behind knowledge in the realization of oneself. Knowledge was therefore seen as the master key that opens up doors in a mans life, which I strongly belief will take a man places. For unless you have an appropriate knowledge about a particular thing, you remain in the dark.
I also learnt the power of a persistent mind. Which affords man the awesome opportunity of every impossible possible, the possible likely, and the definite. Likes just like one living with HIV/AIDS only constant persistence can really make such person believe life must move on. Another practical instance is what happened to me two months ago, when I lost a childhood friend (John) life than became meaningless to me. Despite many books I read about life. Persistently I got to realize that John is gone and life must move on.
I also got to realize the power of belief as a healing fact. That is both the ancient and the scientific healing methods. I still remember my grandma’s story on how her own grand mother cured them of different sicknesses with different varieties of leaves which she boils and give them to drink. To me it worked on them because they had the belief that once they drink of the concussion they will certainly be healed.
The lessons of belief I must say has great impact on me to the fullest. I use to doubt certain things even things in regard to my health in terms of medication. But I thank God I now walk with the belief that unless a man believes psychologically he is heal or he can do it, he may not be able to accomplish certain task in life.
It’s obvious a lot of people think a man’s goal in life is only to be bright, alert, or imaginative. A mans just more than this things, for it really needs to be shaped up with existence itself.
For any dream to carry substance (be accomplished) it must be backed up with a high level of commitment and productivity. Looking at productivity I got to realize that every productive man is joyous, therefore productivity answers to joy. Joy on the other hand is connects man to inspiration which is the highest channel of knowledge for without joy man is limited. One thing I realize common among those who face hardships over and over is that they lack joy.
Finally through the help of this book I got to appreciate the fact that on excited people excel.
PART III
Unconditional life has really thought me how to overcome certain issues in life. It however centered on ‘THE SCIENCE OF A GLORIUOS AND FULFIL LIFE’
Giant Steps
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Content Review
Giant steps talks basically on the giant steps a man needs take in other to accomplish a glorious destiny. It focuses on dreams of destiny, the capital price of success, leadership, relationship and finances.
DREAMS OF DESTINY:
This is basically on decision making and goal setting. It centers on making decisions that positively affect peoples lives and setting goals that are exciting enough and that which truly inspires your creativity and that which ignites your passion.
What then is the real purpose of goal setting? Setting goals is mainly what keeps one moving while you pursue other things in life. Therefore who you become as a person is the ultimate reward of dreaming big and setting ultimate and realistic goals.
THE CAPITAL PRICE OF SUCCESS:
As part of the need to be successful in life, always see that you refuse to be where you are today, be determined to have the best and nothing but the best. Try as much as you can to be diligent in your ways.
Top up diligence with commitment, focus on a particular thing at a time, keep digging at the best to achieve your aim, for you never generate a global impact without paying a global price.
Your objectives should also rule your person (life) always create numerous positive ways to change things around you for the better, change your outlook, for it is the mind that maketh good of ill, that maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor and how can you make that in favor of your person? Believe you can, for beliefs guilds us in making decisions about how to avoid pain or gain pleasure more quickly.
LEADERSHIP:
The leadership aspect of giant steps is mainly on the basic requirement of being a leader. Remember leaders are not born but are made. So you too can become a leader in your own right. But there is a price for everything. It is believed everything rise and falls on leadership, what then are the steps towards becoming an effective leader?
Hard work
Diligence
Commitment
Discipline
Being a great contributor
Looking up to your creator.
The above steps are just a few things an effective leader should look up to, and when this is done, believe me the sky will surely be the limit for such up coming leader.
RELATIONSHIP:
Talking about relationship is a very complex thing, most people don’t want to even talk about it, that’s why today we have so many broken relationships here and there, we fail to understand that the most important way to ensure an enforcing success, is in a relationship, why? Because taking decisions at times for some people needs a kind of advice from other people, probably those you love and cherish, your wife, fiancee or maybe those you respect their opinions too. And how can a relationship last? When you begin to see it as a place you go to give, more one of the principle towards a lasting relationship is never, never in any way threaten your relationship. Quite a good lesson on relationship Tony has done.
FINANCES:
Most times when we talk about finance the first thing that comes to mind is money, yes money is involved but there is more to our financial life than the money factor alone, I’m not going to go into that now, but what I understood as part of the lesson in Tony’s book is there is nothing magical about money. He tried to center so much on the science of money, pointing out the fact that money eludes people why? Because they tend to have mixed feeling about it. It is also important we note that richest does not answer to words of the mouth but level of your productively.
PART TWO – Personal Impact
Giant steps is a life long changing ingredient for a successful living. It focus mainly on dreams, desires, destiny, purpose e.t.c with various strategies of a stress free life, it tends to lay much emphasis on self mastery and how to achieve success.
One thing I so much cherish about the book is it’s teachings on the act of responsibility. It saw responsibility as a bid towards maximizing ones life and that can be maximize by first being responsible for there is no shortcut to life, only responsible and committed people can run the race effectively. More so being responsible goes with a belief system but that has to be the right kind of belief and must also be that which strengthens and empowers you.
Obviously the willingness and ability to live a successful life must be put into consideration, for as a man thinketh so is he. A lot of people aspire to be successful but basically don’t have the zeal to be able to carry out what it takes to be successful. Well that won’t really work for such persons, you want to come out with a first class from college, you have to think and behave first class, therefore getting to challenge your mental capability will certainly go along way.
As part of the lessons in giant steps, is the need to always catch a dream. Why? Because dreams defines the limit of your destiny and without a dream, you destiny are never going to see the best in you. Therefore without something you look up to, how far you can really go is never guaranteed. So connecting to the right source and running with an ultimate passion attracts the profit of life which surely will answer to every aspect of life.
Finally I see giant steps as a processor, which passes raw materials, through series of processing, aiming to refine the raw material, by way of injecting good success formula which in no time turnís out into a finished product which I called brand new successful people. And until you pass through this process, success will be no pleasure to you. Itís usually difficult at first but remember, no portion has color at the beginning, every portion gets color at the end.
PART THREE – Summary
No man is created to be dominated but created to have his own dominion that’s the central message in the great book.
Nonviolent Communication
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Content Review
According to William, nonviolent communication is a simple yet powerful methodology for communicating in a way that meets both parties needs which guarantees true co-existence.
Being a book signifying inner and outer love, it becomes a guideline in reforming how we express ourselves by way of hearing others. It also guide us on how to observe carefully and how to be able to specify behaviors and conditions affecting us
The book also brought out the fact that giving benefits both the giver and the receiver, for the giver benefits from the enhanced self esteem that results. When we see our efforts contributing to someone’s well being. It is also a book which helps in connecting with each other and us in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish.
However the component of nonviolent communication (NVC) entails the separation of observation from evaluation. Even though when we combine observation with evaluation, others are apt to hear criticism and tend to resist what we are saying.
More so nonviolent communication (NVC) assumes that enriching life is the most satisfying motivation for doing things, rather than being motivated by fear, guilt, blame or shame. It also emphasizes on taking personal responsibility for choices and improving the quality of relationship as a primary goal.
As part of dealing with self and world violence, nonviolent communication (NVC) gradually succeed when followed amicably. First you have to observe, feel, have a need, request and all these processes includes various dialogistic approaches towards dispute settlement and a more cordial and efficient communication system.
Although there is violence all over the world. We have to live a non-violent life and also practice the value of non violence. By upholding a culture of non violent approach to life we will be cultivating a culture of non violence and peace that the world will be a better place to live and in a non violent life we need to give out love and respect to all human beings by also learning to tolerate the opinions of others.
It is important we note there is always a non violent and peaceful solution to any problem. The world would be a better place for all to live if we try by striving hard to build a culture of peace and nonviolence and by so doing that we will stultified all achievement made thus far by the human species and sentenced future generation to bleak and better future.
PART TWO – Personal Impact
Nonviolent communication is all about finding ways we can settle disputes among ourselves. That is it tends to discuss the protective uses of force in dispute management. The most crucial application of nonviolent communication may basically be in ways we treat ourselves. We ways we address matters.
One thing Iíve so much appreciated about the book is the fact that it talk’s about world peace, how to achieve peace of mind that is our inner peace and how to live with people even when they are violent. It is important we note that offering empathy to people in stressful situation can defuse potential violence, which basically is characterized by the state of mind.
Well since its aim at reprieving our world in a new way and move on, I guess our ability to therefore offer empathy can allow us to stay vulnerable, defuse potential violence, help us hear the word no without taking it as a rejection revive a lifeless conversation.
As part of the lessons in the book, I got to realize that we ought to use positive language when making request that is making request that is clear, positive and concrete action language which reveals what we really want and trying to avoid vague language for it contribute to internal confusion. When we speak the hearer ought to receive what ever we are communicating in a friendly manner. That is the tone we use should be that which communicates love.
Whenever we communicate we should at least communicate with intent of passing out a message and that which we are communicating should be that which we are conveying, I guess we need to learn how to find out if our message has been accurately heard. Especially when dealing with a group.
Nonviolent communication has really taught me a lot with regards to self control, peaceful stage and partnership. It has also taught me how to resolve feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and depression.
We need to live a non violent life and also practice the value of non violence. Asides from that we also need to communicate love most especially those who need our love and care and by upholding a culture of non violent approach to life we will be cultivating a culture of non violence and peace that the world will be a better place to live and in a non violent life we need to give out love and respect to all human beings by also learning to tolerate the opinions of others.
You will never know a one single word of love can change somebody entire world. Speak peace, live peaceful, think peaceful, behave peaceful and the world will surely be a better place for all to live.
More so reject physical, mental and economic violence respect the life and dignity of every human being learn to imbibe the culture of self control for most violence begins from the heart, for as a man thinketh so is he, therefore when you think violence you behave in a violent way. Violence is one thing we need do away with if we should progress in life there is more to life and more to dispute settlement than violence. Peace!!!
PART THREE – Summary
Nonviolent communication is a psychological book which tackles the various problems in relation to violence. It is a must read.
The Magic Lamp
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Content Review
‘The magic lamp’ is a beautifully written and inspirational goal setting guide that can be appreciated by all age groups.
Talking about the lamp process as a strategy for goal setting, four things stand out clearly.
L – Lock on.
A – Act.
M – Manage your process.
P – Persist.
And in these four letter word above lies the remarkable power to make every wish of yours come true, if adhered to properly. Now the lamp process proper.
LOCK ON: These basically give a highlight on what one should wish for. It tells how you first of all need to think about whatever you intend wishing for. That is the effects you intend to cause in life. And what are these effects? These are things you choose to become, by making them happen, but not until you choose what you want and how you intend to achieve it. And that involves you using your brain, a serious brainstorming I guess over your strategies, which should be strategies you intend to employ, your priorities and also getting to reckon yourself with purposeful desires.
The next question that should come to your mind is, I am willing to pay the price? For it is not what you achieve that brings you joy and fulfillment, rather it is the person you must become in order to achieve such success. And at this point one should to remember there is no free lunch in life, therefore you have to pay the price to achieve your aim in life.
Also with time you have to get to think of ways you need take to achieve such for no wish is worth sacrificing values one’s character or integrity. Therefore your wish needs to be presentable and by doing so, try to avoid things like… Ambiguity and unintended results, well that should of course go with proper planning and always bear in mind that no body hates to succeed, therefore your approach matters for proper planning prevents poor performance [P5].
ACT: Taking action is the next step, a body in motion tends to remain in motion and a body at rest tends to remain at rest. These basically gives approval to the fact that, the most natural thing in the world will be for a man to take the next step and then the next step until he has finally completed his wish and part of the action plan should be imbibing certain habits and doing away with certain things which solely depend on our beliefs anyway.
As part of taking action, one has to also walk with time, which is an asset of great values, remember time wait for no one, therefore walking with time and managing it well will certainly to a long way in aiding true success.
Finally as an actor, be ready to face challenges when they come. Every one is bound to face challenges. For only those in the cemeteries without challenges.
MANAGE YOUR PROGRESS: I guess this has to do with ones approach. For only an extra ordinary approach fetches an extra ordinary result. So being a man of focus, helps in defining your priorities.
Secondly you have to connect to the right source. Using your brain by way of thinking and believing in your creator [GOD], for no man’s success will last without his creators favor anyway success is a matter of the number of options you give yourself.
You also need to work with the right attitude, which has to be that attitude which empowers you, for our attitude is simply a matter of habit, like posture and breathing. Therefore it is important we keep practicing positive thoughts and actions until they become our second nature.
PERSIST: persistence is very important for success only belong to those who refuse to settle for less. Therefore there is the need to persist until you get what you want it’s just the matter of trying over and over and over until you get there.
One common nature that persistence is that it goes with a belief, for without belief there will be no effort and without effort, there will be no result. Therefore belief is the foundation of persistence for once there is no belief, there will be no accomplishment.
Therefore commitment goes with persistence, for commitment is the most valuable treasure in the market of destiny. It takes a glorious approach to command a glorious result.
PART TWO – Personal Impact
Magic lamp centers on goal setting. It talks so much on the demands of destiny. It tends to bring out the fact that there is nothing loaded in a man that comes out on its own rather it requires hard work to bring out that which is in you.
The book also seems to have lay much emphasis on responsibility which is the greatest price of success therefore it takes only a responsible man to take his place in destiny.
Destiny is no cheap adventure but a costly one and knowing that challenges makes champions should essentially be one of a manís principles in his journey of life. Keith did a nice job by saying ‘the people who are most successful at making their wishes come true are the people who know who they are and what they want.’ Without you knowing your place in destiny all you are doing is total nonsense.
I’ll like to say a very big thank you to the philosopher who programmed his answering machine with the questions WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT? Most people don’t know who they are, they therefore don’t set any goals and when they fail in life they begin to say ‘my great grand Mother is after me she is a witch.’ This is mostly peculiar to Africanís most especially Nigerians.
Now the main issue we have to make appropriate wishes, for wishes are the most powerful forces at our command but remember, you must have to set wishes you can pay the price that is things you are capable of doing so as to avoid unwanted failure, even though it is not a crime to fail, you can keep on trying. therefore it is important we learn how to work with time, confine in people we trust and those ahead of us, accepting challenges and taking appropriate actions on how to over come our challenges and finally believing in our capabilities and most of all trusting God and learning to do away with things that are disempowering to us, for what ever you donít want, you don’t watch.
PART THREE – Summary
Magic lamp focuses on a beautiful future, which must have to be sown to harvest a joyful and abundant life.
Ten Secrets For Success And Inner Peace
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Content Review
In secret for success and inner peace, Dyer offered the 10 principles or secrets that allow a manís spirit to guide him.
HAVE A MIND THAT IS OPEN TO EVERYTHING AND ATTACHED TO NOTHING:
I see these as one of the most basic principles that you can adopt to contribute to individual and world peace. An open mind allows you to explore and create and grow a close mind seals off any such creative explanation
Progress would be impossible if we always did things the way we always have for the ability to participate in miracles- true miracles in your life happens when you open your mind to your ulimited potential.
Our attachments are the sources of all our problems and to release such attachment we have to make a shift in how we view ourselves.
DON’T DIE WITH YOUR MUSIC STILL IN YOU:
This is a call to dying empty which is releasing all your potentials, through having a passion over what your belief are. However one thing stands out clear, which stops people from achieving their aim fear which I call the fear of the unknown, these can be eliminated by love. Love for yourself, love for what you do, love for others, love for your planet and love for humanity. When you have love, fear cannot survive, more so when you love and respect yourself. Someone’s disapproval is not something you fear and avoid.
YOU CAN’T GIVE AWAY WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE:
This brings us to the saying charity begins at home. A man cannot grow anger in him and harvest love, never. Just as a man cannot grow coffee and harvest rice. A man can only give that which he has. And this is possible by way of sowing the right kind of seed, by way of becoming a man of purpose, honor and dignity. In line with your purpose it has to be that which benefits you and those around you.
EMBRACE SILENCE:
One of the greatest challenges of the world today is people inadequacy to meditate [think]. Every man needs silence to be able to touch souls which includes a man’s soul. Looking at things critically everything that is created comes out to silence even a man’s thoughts and words. Therefore meditation not only affects you, but also goes a long way impacting everyone around you.
GIVE UP YOUR PERSONAL HISTORY:
These principle basically talks on practicing an act of living in the moment and refusing to allow any of your thoughts based on the past to define you in the present, and also a man truly comes to know God, when he/she give up the past and the future in his mind and merge totally into the now, because God is always here now.
YOU CAN’T SOLVE A PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MIND THAT CREATED IT:
Basically the principle is about, resolving issues. Well that’s an act of creating solution to past problems from a different perspective entirely. And this has to do with creating a different mindset for you, which involves taking a different approach aimed at commanding a different result, a better one anyway. I guess this is how brief I can go with this.
THERE ARE NO JUSTIFIED RESENTMENTS:
Being the 7th principle, it focus so much on emotional consequences of being resentful which leads to manipulation and destruction most times. Resentment is seen to be that which send God out of our life while we remain offended with ourselves, our friends.
TREAT YOURSELF AS IF YOU ALREADY ARE WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO BE:
This is a call to collective responsibility, which is working with people beside you, which basically drive away fear from you. Therefore seeing the future in terms of how you want it to be and then acting exactly in that manner will certainly go a long way in helping a man accomplish his goal in life.
TREASURE YOUR DIVINITY:
The secret of success is continuality through divinity and purpose. Therefore for everyman to be successful important principles must never be mended. And on a final note, a man is limited without help from above in the pursuit of his destiny, therefore there is a need for one to treasure his/her own divinity.
WISDOM IS AVOIDING ALL THOUGHTS THAT WEAKENS YOU:
It is believed every thought a man has can either be that which empowers him or that which weakens him. Therefore man’s ability to determine the right kind of thought is in his hands. However, the most empowering thoughts he could get are those of peace, joy, love, acceptance and willingness.
PART TWO – Personal Impact
Coming across the ten secrets for success and inner peace is one of my dreams come true. It is a book I cherish so much which is highly loaded with the realities of life.
It talked so much about passion, which is basically seen as that which empowers us in our race in life. More so Dyer tried to also focus on knowledge being the master key that opens up doors in a man’s life, which implies, having the basic knowledge of what you really want in life and step by which you ought to take to realize your desired aim.
One thing that also stands out clearly is the fact that we ought at all times refuse to work with low expectations about what we’re capable of creating. I can do it and with a positive mental attitude I’ll achieve it rather than I don’t know, I’ll try.
Getting to realize that learning how to follow ones own right thoughts is one thing I appreciated much. We ought to listen to our own unique kind of music, for the more you see yourself as you’d like to become, the more inspired you become.
Subsequently as a growing successful man, it is mandatory we learn to do away with certain acts, which should include things like, thing that don’t empower you at all. And also we need have faith in whatever we are doing, believe in yourself, have faith in God and keep moving things will work out good so far you are doing the right thing.
As part of doing the right thing at the right time you will gradually get to realize that it is impossible to be offended by the beliefs and conduct of others, a lot of people tend to be scare away once this is the case, which brings in fear and every thought you have in a state of fear keeps you away from your ultimate purpose and simultaneously weakens you, then the end result turns out not too good, except something is done.
We ought to learn enough about our mindset, how it functions and how we can get it work for us. Rather against us. One mechanism in us we need understand is called the guardian of the mind. Remember as a man thinketh so is he.
It should be obvious we understand we cannot manifest any success in any area of our life when we are tangled with what I call anti-success beliefs. Getting the right kind of belief is an essential component of one of the most oft-quoted success formula.
Finally I would like to say having the right kind of thoughts and doing away with resentment which destroys you and causes manipulation should be the only remedy needed and most of all believing in God who is the giver of all good things.
PART THREE – Summary
There is nothing of great value without a cost stand out to be the central theme of the book. Kudos to Dr Wayne Dyer, he has really done a great job.
Unlimited Power
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Content Review
Unlimited power being an interested book by Anthony Robbins talks about the different parameters of life. That is the ups and downs of life. It also tends to have made definite definition of success as an ongoing process of striving to become more, it also saw success again as an opportunity to continually grow emotionally, socially, spiritually, physiologically, intellectually and financially while contributing in some positive way to others.
In Anthony’s ideological look at power, he defined power as an ability to produce the result you desire most and create values for others in the process in order to be unlimited.
Furthermore unlimited power looked at aspects like the difference that makes the difference, (our approach) and practically that fact can be seen in everyday activities of human beings, for as beings we all are capable of creating and facing problems except for those in the cemeteries.
Unlimited power also looked at power as a state, that is neurophysiological state (which is the enabling state) and paralyzing state, (disenabling state) which is highly characterize by confusion, depression e.t.c however the act of understanding the states is the key to understanding changes and achieving excellence. This brings out the fact that as our behavior is capable of changing as a result of our state of mind, so is the environment capable of changing as a result of its climatic condition or state. These bring us to the issue of empowerment. In the sense that no matter how terrible a situation is, one can represent it in a way he/she feels or wants.
The book also focused on excellence as a success formula, which deals basically with our belief system which is seen as a powerful force for creating well (good) in a man’s life, even though such forces cannot ultimately be achieved without having a strong passion for you cannot give what you don’t have.
What then is passion? Passion is the driving force towards achieving anything a man desires. So running with a passion in life makes you an agent of change and dominion in your generation.
More so before success can be fully realize, there are things we need to consider, that is the physiological avenues that should not be ignored, and such physiological avenues that ought not to be ignored include energy and commitment, energy is seen as the fuel of excellence for the more efficient a man’s body, the better he feels and the more he will use his talent to produce outstanding result and talking about commitment, commitment is an act of selling to be dedicated. That is an act of a man being sold to his vision and mission in life and he/she is ready to stand for that which he beliefs at all cost.
Tony also tends to highlight the fact that no ultimate success without a man formulating his goalís, dreams, desires and vision, unless a man begins that, wining in life turns out to be more difficult, and how do people achieve success mostly? True dreaming big dreams, for there is no proper thinking in a man’s life without him dreaming and aiming high in life, for even the Bible makes us understand that ‘when there is no vision the people perish’.
Furthermore one important aspect of achieving success is getting to mingle with people and refusing to be discouraged. For only those who stand on the shoulders of those ahead of them stand a better chance of making it in life fast, due to the experiences those ahead of them had. Well I believe that way success becomes much more astonishing, most especially when reactions from different groups are involved, for two heads are better than one. So when people are involve in a group work and in a more cordial manner things tends to work out good. And one important thing too is refusing to be discouraged for trying and trying over and over again will make it work over time. ìRemember no man is ever perfect except the Supreme Being (GOD).
On a final note, Iíll like to say one of the challenges of leadership is to have enough power and vision to be able to project in advance what outcome will result from actions weather large or small but not until we use the right approach.
PART TWO – Personal Impact
Unlimited power is a book I cherish so much; it has really taught me a lot most especially with regards to team work. I never so much believe in team work but after reading this great book I realize that teaming is good, that way work tends to be much easier and better of compared to work done alone. Well I’m not saying working alone is bad or insufficient never, what I’m saying is, working in a team is equally good it makes things easier and faster.
Tony was also able to look at both the good, the better and the bad aspect of life, he went as far as distinguishing between those who use their brain in handling matters and those who just take decisions without really sitting down to know what such decision entails. That is why there are those who say they don’t really believe in something, which means they had already concluded by a way of believe that such things are not true.
I also got to realize that man is the master planner of the happenings around him. Why because his ability to use his brain, that is his thinking faculty makes him king over his own kingdom. For the mind never takes no for an answer, you tell it you want to do something, once you’ve agreed on it, the mind goes with it.
Furthermore I got to realize that it takes tremendous effort and time to be an effective leader, just as it takes time too, to turn a lifelong mismatcher into a matcher for we got to talk the talk and also got to walk the talk. (We need to take action in all we do so as to be above our equals.)
I have this strong belief that unlimited power is indeed the hottest trend in the human potential movement, just as it remains a comprehensive and intelligent success achievement program for setting and following through with personal and professional goals. What a book!!!
Looking at the present day situation in Nigeria, the issue of people wanting to make it fast, though not only peculiar to Nigeria alone was also tackled, I believe reading unlimited power will go a long way in inspiring and motivating people on how to get to know the basic steps in setting their goals and things they ought to stand for if such goals must be realized.
At this point Iíll say unlimited power is indeed a great meal, which is capable beyond every reasonable doubt of digesting ultimate and appropriate success which every success testy man needs in his quest.
One thing I so much like again from the book is the fact that the writer tries to bring out those things that people are being lied to about success and ways to change such perceptions. Well I guess this is because people have all kinds of goals, well it good to have all kinds of goals but having the right goals I believe should be the right thing to do. Itís another thing to set goals, just as itís another thing to accomplish such goals. We all ought to have goals we can define any day anytime.
Finally, being able to achieve real happiness and success in life should not just be as a result of what we have, but rather as a result of how we live.
PART THREE – Summary
At this point I will like to say, your approach in life, determines your result. And one thing we should always be aware of is that problems are common, but results differ, for what makes the difference is our approach. Be a man of unlimited power today. Shalom!!!
You Can Have It All
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
PART ONE – Review of Content
SECTION ONE [THE BASICS]
This section deals with the basics of true success that is the foundation of every success. Things you need to work with and what generally what life entails, what the universe is made of which includes everything in existence from the largest galaxy to the tiniest particle. The section also talked about energy. In chapter four (4) which is seen both at the materialized and unmaterialized form.
Further more this section did a comprehensive analysis of infinite intelligence, which is seen or referred to as God, being the essence in everything and this same intelligence is responsible for creating and sustaining everything in existence.
This leads us to perfection, which is described as the way in which universe functions It is indeed a marvelous principle that allows us to see all aspects of our lives from the highest vantage point, even though perfection is available only to those who use it.
The section ends with a call to free will perfection, which is the freedom to choose at any moment the life we want, thereby determining our result and finally with a call to mutual support, which is a universal function in which each and every thing in existence relates to and affects every other thing.
SECTION TWO [FEELING]
Talking about feeling, it basically has to do with beliefs and illusion, for our beliefs determines our experiences.
However focusing our awareness on what is real is the most efficient way to move beyond our illusory beliefs. It is also important to note that beliefs we hold have such a strong influence on our lives which helps to understand how we come to hold these beliefs. What then are the sources of beliefs? Beliefs are handed down from generation to generation. Many of our beliefs are part of our unconscious makeup when we’re born, others are taken on as we grow up, starting at an early age.
Here our intuition comes in which is infinite intelligence talking to us between our thoughts; I guess our feelings are the source of our power, our creativity and our unlimited abundance.
SECTION THREE [AWARENESS]
The issue of cause and effect tells us we are creators of circumstances surrounding us and our relationship with God comes in at this point for developing a close relationship with God, it is helpful to understand that God is not a separate entity but a unified holistic energy that encompasses everyone and everything in the universe. We need to also make use of time in determining our past, the present and the future.
SECTION FOUR [ABUNDANCE]
Abundance is the infinite expression of energy in the universe and mastering abundance means mastering energy and at this point we have to give out something before we can get something in return and we only open to abundance by feeling gratitude for all that we presently have.
SECTION FIVE [SELF LOVE]
Self love is dealing with purpose and what you stand for in life, everything under the heaven is for a purpose and we become aware of our purpose by opening our heart and feeling our oneness. For us to achieve our purpose in life we need to be committed to all we stand for as individuals and that way the sky will surely be our limit.
SECTION SIX [MEANS AND ENDS]
Dealing with means and ends, means dealing with the same thing. This means action and outcome. For instance when you want to eat bread, you need buy bread, therefore to enjoy life to the fullest we need work hard to fetch the desired result.
SECTION SEVEN [THE SUPPORT GROUP]
Every relationship in our lives shows our relationship with ourselves and for a group to move forward, it must never by any chance forget it ancient landmark. That is its aim, vision and mission such things are important it they must stay on track.
SECTION EIGHT [BEYONG BASICS]
This basically deals with the creative nature of life, for unless you are creative you remain where you are, that is unless there is creativity there is no change in the society. Basically only creative people are celebrated people and unless you are a positive thinker you are not creative.
PART TWO – Personal Impact
You can have it all is mainly on self improvement. That is, man being in charge of the circumstances surrounding him.
The book also talked about the basics of having it all, that is the beliefs we hold, things we stand for as individuals our perceptions and abilities.
It also focused on the emotional, aspect of a mans beliefs which I’ve really gained a lot from such lesson and also things we need to be aware of that is the cause and their effects of things that happen around, whether good or bad.
One thing I cherish so much about the book is the writers choice of words and the way he points out that fact that ones dominion position to be actualize is realizing that being purposeful and a visionary should be the watch word.
Further more I’ve lent that commitment of each person determines his placement in life. For you can never have it and have it all without being committed and disciplined.
I also got to appreciate the fact that nothing of great value without a cost. For whatever you don’t want you certainly do not strive to keep.
Creativity hands to the works of your hand, curiosity ought to be ones approach so long as you are creative. And with a committed heart you turn out to be valuable, treasured and honored.
Commitment is the most valuable treasure in the market of destiny. We all ought to be committed.
Emphasis was also laid on the need for to walk into his natural state, which is highly characterized by pure consciousness, our essence which is accompanied by joyfulness. Normally the human body is a magnificent instrument, which tells us at any point in time just how aligned we are with the energy flowing around and through us.
Therefore any discomfort in the body is a signal that we are resisting the flow of energy or love. The greater the discomfort, the more we know we are resisting giving and receiving love.
We best support ourselves by focusing on our awareness on our feeling, feeling them fully and then feeling love for them and for ourselves. Energy only flows well when love is flowing.
PART THREE -Summary
You can have it all is a life long treasure of an abundant life. I recommend to all
Educating For Human Greatness
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Educating for human greatness is an asset of great educational values; it brings out the qualities and techniques for a prosperous educational system base on a sound character with practical instances.
Discuss The Main Ideas That You found Most Important In this Book and Why They Were Important To You.
* Lynn Stoddard’s philosophy which is that of trust and faith in people and their rights to direct their own learning.
In his philosophy, Lynn beliefs a child or one can do better if given the moral stand to do so, and by so doing with practical examples from his lessons, I’ve come to realize that the power behind self realization is solely base on a sound will + counseling and not by compulsion. It is believed that the school curriculum today is the sole aim of our educational goals, forgetting the moral standard and what the students feels as an individual. A good example of such is the story of Mr. Hrschi and his student Steve; I saw how a change in thinking and approach changes the entire life style of an individual. See Steve’s case for example, he changed from backwardness and ruggedness to a boy of sound morals and personality. Why? Because there was a shift in approach to how Steve was being looked at as an individual.
Be as it may, Lynn’s philosophy also tries to bring to light the negative aspect of certain traditions, most especially on youths. I felt Mr. Stoddard was directly talking to me because such practices he highlighted were solely the practices going on in most public schools in my locality; though he viewed such base on the American perspective, they were practical and directly pointing at Nigerian public schools. In an attempt to throw light on the ways out of such predicaments, Lynn proponed a way out, which is base on our ability to change our thinking, which in turn creates an avenue of changing traditions that have been detrimental to our educational system, base on our understanding of the roots of such harmful traditional beliefs.
It is pertinent to also note that Lynn’s philosophy tends to address the issues of students denied the right to direct their own learning and build their own future themselves.
It highlights the fact, we all have a matrix of intelligence that makes others great, but only those who know what it takes to build such matrix succeed, for the more we develop qualities of responsibility and integrity, reliability, honesty, dependability, decency and wholeness, the greater we become.
* The freedom of will and creative thinking
In the lesson imbibed under freedom of will and creative thinking, mans ability to determine what he wants is being portrayed. It is often said the mighty force of freewill can be ours if we know what to do, how to do it, when to do it and where to do it.
I got my freedom for the shackles of backwardness, when I discovered myself and began to talk to the right people, ther after life has been awesome.
We all need to continue to progress towards self actualization within the framework and freedom of self directed program (focus). For only that way we can experience self discipline, self acceptance and understanding. Each passing day ought to be a new adventure in our lives. And the first step to achieving that which is achievable in life is to dare to imagine you can do it. That way, you are free from the shackles of fear, for without your freedom of thoughts, there will be no creative thinking.
However our understanding of the fact that true freedom is extricably tied to responsibility and integrity is the ultimate. I often tell people, responsibility is the capital price of greatness. I once asked someone very close to my heart, how do you manage people? And he said we manage people by teaching them how to be responsible. Without a sound responsible character, there is a limit to how far you can go in life. Schools today hardly teach on responsibility, because the legislative and executive system of teaching is still there.
Furthermore, it is the discovery and development of ones assets, ones latent potential that opens the door to an acceptance of ones deficits and a desire to do something. Without creative thinking and other higher levels of cognition and emotional reasoning, we are left undiscovered and undeveloped. It is often said, one of the greatest discoveries in life is the discovery of self. Each of us possesses a dormant set of power that if fully developed would astound everyone, but only those who knows what it takes, accomplishes such, and without a good network of communication there will be no such development, which is exactly what Lynn highlights with regards to teachers being restricted base on certain executive and legislative activities that limits their potentials base on the school curriculum.
Insight and sensitive perception
It takes a man of insight and sensitive perception to coax the best from another person. It is believed, charity begins at home and after that, then one is free to explore others and in exploring others, their insight and sensitivity matters a lot.
Insight and perception are activated with love, genuine unconditional love; that way, the more likely we are to provide the right amount of control and encouragement for people in their efforts to fly.
However when we draw forth a persons assets and nurture them, we automatically honor positive human diversity, which is exactly what IIGL is all about. These are the things our public educational sector lacks, why? because, it prefers to answer to the bluff of legislative and business executive system of education that so much beliefs in curriculum development and not mental development, there by creating graduates, instead of world changers and expert thinkers.
Mining for treasure
Mining for treasure is base on a sound and clear point of view which highlights the following facts:
* To value people is to value variety.
* The ultimate kind of valuing is unconditional, with all your heart kind of love.
* Every unique human brain is at the top of a unique nervous system.
Mining treasure does give a positive diversity to human dignity, in the sense that, it helps one to deeply care about himself and all other people in the world., it also provides an avenue where people find the causes of other peoples pains and propound solutions to alleviate such sufferings.
It also give a clear insight on how we can appreciate the uniqueness of everyone around us, by way of collaborating with others and combining our gifts (talents) together to create a new, previously unknown ideas, circumstances or products.
I so much appreciate the wonderful lesson here because collective responsibility gives hope to our nation, most especially Nigeria that is suffering from people being motioned to devalue those who are different, most especially base on educational terms.
Can You Relate The Ideas Or Concepts In This Book To Your Personal Circumstances In Life Such As Your Relationships, Your Beliefs, Your goals, Your Values, Etc.? Explain.
I’ve really drank much from Lynn’s cup of wisdom, that relating the book to my personal circumstance or my environment is a perfect match.
First and foremost, in understanding the reason behind anything in life, you first have to understand the principle behind that particular thing, and In Lynns wisdom on educating for human greatness, he brought out the fact that public schools do not function or operate in ways that are compatible with how human brains work, so he propounded a possible way out. Lynn ultimately portrays the educational decadents that exist in most Nigerian public schools (but in an American context) which brings a kind of class difference within the educational system.
Today in Nigeria, it is very normal to find a school drop out and a high school graduate teaching in a public school, just as it sounds normal for a master degree holder teaching. Such long standing practice has had its bad effect on our educational system, leading to high rates of failure and indiscipline in our public schools.
In learning Lynn’s principle for a better educational standard, I’ve come to realize that there is more to our educational growth than just adhering strictly to curriculum, base on practical experiences of pupils moving from doom to greatness, I began to see hope for African children, it has really made me to respect pupils for who they are and what they are capable of achieving. Some teachers in our public schools today have the ideas of a students capabilities, even without the student discovering such but are often scared to help such student develop that due to one reason or the other, one of which is the possibility of parent telling such teacher I want my son to be a pilot, so please don’t divert his attention to something else.
Developmentally, I’ve learnt the powers of ideas, I learnt we validate a person’s self and give permission for him or her to exist as an individual base on our interaction with such person. That way it means you have appreciated your uniqueness and that of another.
However, it is pertinent to also note that, our mental metamorphosis with our belief system determines our level of achievement in life. Looking at things base on our present day educational system that is solely on executive and legislative curriculum system as portrayed by Stoddard, it is crystal clear that we tend to forget our level of interaction with people, due to our being chained in curriculum system, thereby creating a devaluing system towards those different from us.
A good example of the message I’m trying to portray is the existence of the people of Koma in Ganye local government of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Koma being a remote village was far from civilization, nobody had the idea that such a place existed, just as the zeal for an adventurous life was far away from those around and beyond the locality, maybe as a result of everybody focusing on the school system of education that was curriculum base, to the greatest surprise of everybody, Koma existed and was far behind civilization. Some of the inhabitants still dress on leaves and go about their activities.
These people dress in such manner because they still believe in the old tradition, despite civilization. No one with a different mindset amongst them to tell them you could do it this way or you could do it that way. In a stage where different senses, attitudes and perceptions are activated, it is the stage where everything changes but with a high level of intelligence.
What Are The Most Important New Ideas Or Concepts You Learned From This Book? Please Explain.
I learnt the three best concepts ever, when it comes to educating for human greatness, which are as follows:
* Identity.
* Interaction.
* Inquiry.
IDENTITY INTERACTION INQUIRY
High self-esteem, Compassion, love Curiosity, zeal for Confidence Empathy learning
Development of Respect, Kindness, Ability to acquire,
Individual gifts, talents and Consideration for other process, and use
Potential people information
Responsibility, self-discipline Cooperation, healthy Ability to gain
Self-discipline, self-reliance Communication skills knowledge and foster
Honesty understanding
Sense of the spiritual humility Responsible citizenship Ability to solve
Problems successfully.
Health and fitness
Table source: Page 105 (educating for human greatness).
It was amazing getting to know or learn the three dimensions of human greatness that focuses on the six principles of educating for human greatness. A good description of the uniqueness of the above table is below.
Identity: Focuses on the drive to be a recognized somebody, meaning I know and love who I am and can sense my unlimited potential.
Interaction: focus on the drive for warm human relationships, meaning I love every member of the human family, as well as myself.
Inquiry: the drive for truth and knowledge, meaning I am in charge and responsible for my own learning and behavior.
Put differently, it ultimately means, to succeed you have to know, WHO YOU ARE, WHY YOU ARE HERE AND WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. I don’t know if it makes sense to any body, to me it is the beginning of human greatness so far it grows corn.
However the most captivating question in relation to the three ultimate dimensions is the question asked by Stoddard and it goes, suppose for a minute every person in the world had these qualities. qualities in the table above) What would it be like? It is a question that ought to be answered by all. The ball is in your court. But I guess it speaks for itself and ought not to be debated upon.
Has This Book Challenged Or Changed Your Thinking In Any Way? If So, Explain How?
Yes educating for human greatness has really changed my thinking and my perspective towards the public educational system.
It has given me a real insight on the fact that free choice comes responsibility for the choices. I used to believe, from age 2 to 10 opinions should only be respected and listened to but should not be a determinant in decision making, forgetting the fact that the secret to education lies in respecting the pupil.
It has further challenged my thinking in the sense that it made me to still belief there is hope for the down trodden Nigerian children, making me feel like traveling into time to correct my past mistakes, most especially when I read the stories of young talented men and women that were once lost but later found and put on track there after becoming great people.
Stoddard’s Educating for human greatness is an epitome of great knowledge that challenges me day in, day out, making believe, great men and women of worth, leader and not followers are not far fetched so far we adhere strictly to the principles of the book. I see hope for our educational system.
Are There Ideas In The Book That You Totally Disagree With? If So, Why?
There were no ideas in the book that I totally disagree with. All is good and straight to the point, with practical examples for our understanding.
What Did You Find Most Helpful And Least Helpful In This Book?
I found the concepts on identity, interaction and inquiry, as well as Stoddard’s philosophy on a modern educational system most helpful and found the book cover least helpful.
In 50 Words Or Less, Please Describe the Main Idea The Whole Book Is Trying to Convey?
The main ideas in the book are that of, the best that an individual can do is to be left to concentrate on what he or she can do, in the course of a burning effort to do it better for education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another, raising a new generation of leaders.
RATING
A. How interesting was it to read? 9.5
B. How helpful were the contents? Very helpful ( 9.5)
C. How easy was it to understand very easy ( 9.5)
D. Would you recommend it to others? Yes ( A must read)
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? (9.5)
The Law Of Attraction
Assessment by Mark Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
“The heart delivers both what is wanted and what is unwanted through the law of attraction.”
A contextual look at the above statement implies man is the master gardener of his soul. I.e. he determines what kind of motivation he works with at any point in time, why, because man is where he is by the law of his being.
Put differently the above statement tries to explain the fact that it is the law of nature that is in man, that constantly responds to whether he knows it or not.
However this goes with the complete purpose of life, which is to know and experience complete joy, that is the exact message contained in the law of attraction that sees everybody using different strategies to experience joy. Meaning the result one gets as a result of anything he/she does in life is solely dependent on the vibration he/she gives to his/she self.
THE THREE-STEP FORMULA FOR DELIBRATE ATTRACTION.
Identify your desire
This is the stage of identifying what you want from life, that is the real purpose of your existence and having a close look at things you’d want to achieve within a particular point in time. The purpose of this step is that once your desires are identified, things get lot easier for you to vibrate more of what you really want. The identification step is awesome and much Impact-full and very practical and easy to understand, I recommend to everybody in the journey of changing his mode of thinking.
Contrast and Clarity
Contrast: Accomplishing the science of attraction involves getting clear about what you don’t want, which has to do with whatever that does not feel good and puts you in a negative mood. A clear observation of contrast creates clarity.
Clarity: this involves things to redirect onto which gives a clearer understanding about our desires. I so much love the lesson in the above sub topic because it gives a clearer understanding on how one can stop his pattern of negative thinking by way of rephrasing what one thinks and says, that way you become more aware of your use of language and its importance in ones vibration.
Raise your vibration
This is an act of discovering how you can deliberately raise your vibration by the help of the “desire statement, which helps one state his desires in writing that makes it more achievable. I realized from the book, one of the keys to making your dreams or desires come true or better still the law of attraction come work for you lies in keeping your desires at the forefront of your mind, thus giving them positive affirmations and focus.
Allow it
The allow it stage is a stage of learning how to reduce and eliminate the doubt and resistance that stops one from attracting what he/she wants, which is also known as the stage of allowing things flow towards the right position.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values etc.? Explain
The law of attraction has taught me a lot in the sense that, it has given me a practical insight on how to do away with what I don’t need through the science of attraction By way of attracting more of what I want through making positive desires. It has also helped me through the benefits of a creating desire statement base on the following.
Feeling of excitement.
Feeling of possibility.
Feeling of hope.
And it has helped me a building a stronger relationship with people around me including those in my family and has increased my hopes of accomplishing that which I lost confidence in.
Practically the science of attraction will best work in Nigeria, which is an environment where people so much believe that our economy will never improve, corruption will never reduce, I can’t do it, my day will be rough, oh money can’t just come my way today, I can’t get a good job since I don’t have a god father and so on. These are statements that weaken our zeal to do, our zeal to accomplish, to work hard and believe in ourselves. The law of attraction only works with the principle of a strong desire to accomplish in life that is the zeal for accomplishment that over shadows that which is doubtful or resistant.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
First and foremost, I learnt the power of directing that, which I desire through positive thoughts and the right mental attitude; this was possible because I was able to identify what makes me feel good and doing more of it.
More so I learnt the principle power of allowing. And what is allowing? Allowing is the absence of doubt in carrying out your affairs. That way you are open to lots of seen and unseen opportunities. Allowing is characterized into three broad categories which are as follows.
The stage of having strong desires with strong doubt which means your desires will not be realized.
Having strong desires with just a little bit of doubt which means your desires will come though slowly.
Having strong desires with no doubt which means your desires will be actualized so quickly that it’ll knock your socks off.
Each and every one of us I guess can determine the category he/she falls into, believe me I’ve tested all and found out that the last works for me best. You know this things are determined by your state of mind, and the mind is so unique that it takes no for an answer, you tell it doubt my capabilities, and before you know it, it is done in a perfect condition. We all need to study the science of attraction to broaden our understanding of our own paths to a successful living. See abundance is a feeling and no two ways about it and only you can determine your flow thought that creates wealth for you.
THE BOOK OF EVIDENCE.
“Keeping a diary or log of evidence of the law of attraction in your life will help you believe it more, get excited more, allow more and trust more, regardless of the size of the manifestation” page 82 paragraph one. This is one thing I’ve also learnt which I never thought of before, agree I read that in so any other books before but that has never being my priority until I read that with a different mindset in the law of attraction. This principle within the few days I’ve learnt has helped me access my journey so far and has also help in correcting other decisions I made that were not properly taken.
I’ve also learnt to maintain an attitude of appreciation and gratitude. Meaning each and every one of us belief in a creator and it is best for us to say thank you for what he has done and about to do. Appreciation and gratitude are the highest forms of vibration, which I never knew they are the highest. And when you appreciate something, you are already offering a feeling and vibration of pure joy. Just take a close look at it, you appreciate your friendship with a friend, it keeps burning and the same thing applies to your successes in life, your relationship with your spouse, your family, and employee and so on. We ought o make decisions base on how they make our fan blow, which makes things great and easy to accomplish.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
The law of attraction has really challenged my thinking in such a way that, it has made me to believe, whatever I have my attention centered on is what I will create in my physical world. I can’t say how you choose to make yours work, but this is just a clue about the effect and power of the science of attraction. Your goals and decision you have chosen for yourself are determined by the goals you’ve set for yourself that guides your decision.
Success in life is all a matter of choice, for no one celebrates being a beggar, therefore whether you think you can or cant you are ultimately right, for it is the you in you that make you the you that you are. Therefore accomplishing that which you desire is only possible if and only if you have identified what makes you feel good and doing more of it. The law of attraction has really changed my science of attraction.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so, why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found the science of attraction that is divided into three different formulas mentioned in 1 above very helpful and found the nothing least helpful.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The ideas of the book are that of, you are where you are by the law of your being and you have the power to change situations around you, whether good or bad.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? Very interesting
B. How helpful were the contents? Very helpful
C. How easy was it to understand? Perfectly easy with practical exercise
D. Would you recommend it to others? I not only recommend to others but everybody
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.9
Grow Rich With Peace Of Mind
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Part 1 – Content Review
Grow rich with peace of mind by Napoleon Hill is a value loaded book, which indicates a set of basic principle or values and attitude towards a successful living, it also contains all the answer basic question for successful living, below is a general review of what the book is all about and the basic areas discussed.
KNOW YOUR OWN MIND, LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE.
You have a great potential for success but first you must know your own mind and live your own life-then you will find and enjoy that mighty potential. Become acquainted with your inner self and you can win what you want within a time limit of your own choosing. This is the most captivating aspect of chapter one and two which serves like an anchor for high fliers.
CLOSE THE DOORS ON YOUR PAST.
“Whenever you meet a misfortune put it into your past” is the central message embedded in close the doors on your past. It also highlights the fact that we need move with time, for unless you close the door on ugly experiences, disappointments and frustration. Then the great magician, time, can transmute past sorrows and mistake into present rewards, success and happiness. The chapter also collates the relationship between being wealthy and having peace of mind, which I will throw more light on.
THE BASIC MENTAL ATTITUDE THAT BRINGS WEALTH AND PEACE OF MIND
“The mind of man is far more wonderful than any machine” which brings us to what chapter three stands for, it also tends to deal with The Nine Major Motives as recognised by Napoleon Hill, which includes:
The emotions of love
The emotions of sex
The desires for material gain
The desire for self- preservation
The desire for freedom of body and mind
The desire for self-expression
The desires for perpetuation of life after death.
THE TWO NEGATIVE EMOTIONS ARE:
# The emotions of Anger and Revenge
# The emotion of Fear.
On a final note the, chapter talks much on the need to maintain a positive mental attitude if we want to succeed, I so much love the chapter because it brings to your notice things you need watch so as to establish a stress free life the chapter is really wonder.
WHEN YOU ARE FREE OF FEAR, YOU ARE FREE TO LIVE.
Fear in grow rich with peace of mind was seen as one of the man-made devil which robs most people of their destinies, most especially those who are yet to discover themselves fully in life. Napoleon categorized such fear into different categories which we must be aware of in order to accomplish our goals in life.
]These include:
The fear of poverty
The fear of criticism
The fear of ill health
The fear of the loss of love
The fear of the loss of liberty
Fear of old age.
However it is very crucial to note that our ability to manage the above categories of fear determines how far we can go either as a company executives, friends, an institute, people or as an individual, therefore self confidence, faith in ones self are both the man-made weapon which defeats this devil and the man-made tool which builds a triumphant life. I so much love the lessons because there is nothing much more fulfilling then understanding your weak points and taking immediate corrections.
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Will you master money or will it master you? This is one aspect of the book I equally love, it throws much light in simple terms on the fact that, yes there is the need to Grow rich with peace of mind but only those who know what it takes get there succeed. I consider money management very crucial and important because it can build and destroy at the same time. And anything that robs you of peace of mind robs you of life’s greatest wealth, just as, if you don’t know how to manage money, money will manages you. Its important we be good managers of resources for a lack of money makes the business of living so difficult, it is very likely to also destroy peace of mind, therefore our fortunes are a blessing only when they are used in good part to benefit others for when we begin to earn money our earning power becomes part of our self- fulfillment.
THE SHARING CONCEPT
Wealth that is shared creates more wealth, when you share you create a basic harmony which adds to your success and peace of mind in everything you do. It is often said, one of the most valuable gifts you can give any man is the gift of direction, show him how to gather his forces and focus then the way he wants to go and literally you do more for him than if you handed him a million dollar. Pg 79 and what is the rule of the game? Simple, wealth creates wealth and since wealth creates wealth, we ought to give to those who help themselves so as to achieve a productive life.
TO SUCCEED IN LIFE, SUCCEED IN BEING YOURSELF.
I got a deeper understanding on the fact that until you are willing to be your own self, at your own level, you cannot know yourself, nor know what your mind can accomplish, which ultimately distinguishes leaders and followers, therefore to accomplish that which you desire, you need be at peace with yourself, by way of seeking divine presence and doing the right things. However there are fourthly three items which pertains to being yourself (pages 120-122) it has really helped me and I’m certain it will go along way for others who are interested.
WE ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR A LITTLE WHILE, NOT TOO MUCH, NOT TOO LITTLE.
This collates with the fact that, when you take your affairs too seriously you steal from your peace of mind, therefore our understanding of the overall purpose of life, along with our glorious ability to live according to that purpose should be our complete mastery towards life. While not too much, not too little perceives our potential for wealth, which are also the advantages of wealth building potentials or opportunities around. Page 179 it is important to note that peace of mind is an essential ingredient for wealth creation, even though it still has to do with our approach and we must remember without a strategy even a genius gets stranded.
THE MAGIC POWER OF BELIEF
Belief is the key to basic mind power which turns concepts into realities, it brings us to the fact that anything the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve. This principle is known as the supreme secret and what is the supreme secret? It is a foundation-secret which is forever of mans efforts to control his destiny.” Mere wishes won’t make it so for it does not penetrate the depths of the mind, but a true belief becomes part of your complete being.
PART 2 – Personal Impact
In trying to discuss the major points in grow rich with peace of mind and how it relates to my personal situation in life, I’d like to refine what the book is all about. To my own understanding again Grow rich with peace of mind is an epitome of self realisation and actualization, which I also refer to as an epitome of hope. Why? Because it has increased my insight on the need to always stay on track base on practical examples in the hope.
It also gave me a border perspectives on how success is an inward matter which each of us must build within his/her self, rather than wait for someone to hand over to you what you want, these brings us to one of the major aspect I’d like to throw light on, which is the need to be dream driven.
Mediating one Sunday afternoon three weeks ago on what I read, an inner voice whispered to me and said mark “you can’t build any career beyond the size of your dream” why? Because you got to know your own mind in order to live your own life. Put differently you got to know who you are, why you are here and what this is really all about. Fantastic I told myself.
“Every man has a great potential to succeed, but first you must know your own mind and live your own life” (page 1)
I interpreted the above quotation as a call to be dream driven and who then can determine your dream? The answer is “You” in paragraph 3 line 1 and I quote “the creator gave man the prerogative to power over his own mind” which could probably suggest the creators purpose to encourage man to live his own life. Therefore unless you look up to a particular thing in life there is a limit to how far you can go. These brings us to the next point which is, NEVER BELIEVE YOU DON’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES these also centres on dreams, responsibility and character and a good example of a character shift is in the life of Napoleon hill, nobody knew him for a good deed before but not until his step mom changed his whole life for good, I so much love and way Mr Hill puts it and I quote “ when there is a dream to drive you, anything can happen, for only your dream can drive the best out of you, another practical example is how IIGL has change my life for good by way of helping me build my castle and I would eternally remain grateful to IIGL.
DISCIPLINE
“Discipline is the soul of an army” George Washington.
It is pertinent to know that discipline enhances our future; I’ve come to realize one particular thing about life which is the fact that no playboy has ever achieve lasting success in life which brings us to character formation. The quality of our character is the measure of your leadership effectiveness for only if you conquer yourself, you can’t conquer any kingdom.
MASTER MIND CONCEPT
This is one of the concepts I value so much in grow rich with peace of mind, it visualizes the boundless reservoir of thought-vibration, which builds a kind of a harmonious relationship between two or more individuals for he who has a corps of assistants with whom he maintains amiable relationship has at his disposal far more than the knowledge his assistants may give him by obvious means. In a nutshell the attainment of mind to mind result in the “tuning in” of incalculable values a practical example of these is the mentor assignment which I advice every IIGL student to look up to with every seriousness.
Therefore, it is important we note that whenever two or more minds are blended in a spirit of perfect harmony, the pursuit of a definite purpose in born of that alliance which is greater than that of all the individual minds combined and what am I saying? All I’m trying to pass cross is the power behind mentorship which is also embedded in the master mind concept or principle, believe me its working and I can tell you better base on my relationship with my mentors.
More so before you can build an established mind blowing concept, you need be responsible, which I believe is the culture every youth should cultivate most especially Nigerian youths, I see responsibility as what builds a total man and it is important we appreciate it base on the fact that life is real, simple and practical, but only those who give it the practical approach makes the most of it. As some one very close to my heart would say, the most important thing to always ask yourself is does it grow corns? If it does fine keep moving. End of master mind concept.
In general term, I never really knew much about character formation not until I joined IIGL and began to read the right kinds of book and talk to the right people and I’m happy to say at this juncture that, you may read all my assessments, all my writing ups but you will never know my secret until you know my heart beat for the I AM THAT I AM and those close to my heart (i.e. those whose love has touched my heart).
One thing I consider very essential in life is character, why? Because character makes a leader and it speaks for him when he can’t speak. Therefore until you are of good and sound character no one will tempt you with any leadership position. Take some Nigerian youths for instance; there are some of them that you cannot endorse 50 Naira for why? Because, they lack the character while there are some you can endorse 2million naira for to start a business, because the character is there and it can speak for them even when they are not there. It is pertinent we understand that character and responsibility cover all aspect of a man’s life, lets take saving as another example, and in the words of Napoleon Hill and I quote “saving is an index of character, for character has much to do with a man’s sense of purpose and his ability to manage his affairs. In a nutshell, until you change your way of life, you do not change your character and until you change your character to your purpose no accomplishment.
Finally, I must say I’ve really enjoyed reading grow rich with peace of mind; it’s a great philosophical book with all the ingredients of a successful living. I cherish the book so much and I’m happy to say I’ll indeed flourish and grow rich with peace of mind. Bravo
PART – Summary
Cherish your vision and your dreams. They are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements is the central theme of this book, which I recommend to very body.
The Millionaire Course
Assessment by Mark Mazadu (Nigeria)
The millionaire course is a life-transforming book by Marc Allen that is capable of changing serious minded people and their world positively.
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
You will become as great as your dominant aspiration, if you cherish a vision, a lofty ideal in your heart, you will realize it. James Allen
The above statement by J. Allen in his book “As you think” tries to express the fact that, you are a powerful, a creative person, able to do, be and have what you want in life; able to do what you love and to do it in your own way, which is the ultimate message in the millionaire course.
Being a visionary plan for creating the life of your dreams, Marc Allen in his attempt to highlight the visionary tools, saw visionaries as those who envision those who imagine, those who dream and from those dreams, create possible scenarios in their imagination, their minds eye. This is a very crucial and vital aspect of a man’s life, that needs to be defined and in which I cherish so well.
Put differently, the visionary plan gives me a clear understanding that when your spirit rises and you dare to dream of doing, being and having what you want in life, the creative forces of the universe mysteriously appear and give you all the support you will need. That is all you need is rightly within you but only those who knows what it takes accomplish such. This is one of the best ideas I’ve come across and my understanding of what this is all about means all resources are at our command, all we need do is ask for them. remember “ask and it shall be given to you”
DREAM FREELY AND DEFINE SUCCESS
This ultimately means the secret of getting ahead is getting started. Your mental development is your foundation for excellence in life. I.e. unless you are ready to freely work hard to catch a dream and take a thrown, success becomes a difficult task, for you have no place in the place of destiny.
THE POWER OF IMPRINTING
“Your subconscious mind is a vast reservoir of energy that powerfully supports you in whatever you think or dream about”
A critical look at the above statement implies our subconscious mind always says yes. That is, when we fantasize something, we come up with a dream and our subconscious mind says yes and immediately gets to work to manifest that dream. In a nutshell, when we affirm we’re going to create our dream in an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way things work a lot easier. That’s why I always tell myself each morning, Mark you will never fail; rather you will live to fulfill all your dreams and aspirations.
DISCOVER YOUR VOCATION AND PURPOSE
If you don’t know what your passion is, realize that one reason for your existence on earth is to find out. Oprah Winfrey.
Honestly I so much love writing when it comes to writing on purpose, why because I see purpose as the ultimate reason for our existence. Put differently I see purpose as the reason for a thing, which empowers ability, commands authority, confines fulfillment and secures destiny. I often tell people we are pilgrims in this world, and each and every one of us came as an answer to someone’s question and to establish the best in life, one must never forget his purpose. Our purpose therefore is to evolve into something greater, to transform our lives and our world for the better.
Therefore it is pertinent to note that vocation and purpose are very powerful and crucial words, and in discovering our vocation and purpose each and every one of us has to understand we all have different and unique purpose for living and each of us has unique talent and abilities to accomplish that purpose. Therefore when you think of something that calls to you as something you want to do you’ve therefore define your vocation.
The most important thing to note is purpose and vocation contains expansion, growth, and fulfillment. Therefore the most important thing to do in life is to live a life we can look back on with satisfaction and affection.
MOVING FROM STRUGGLE TO SUCCESS
(CAPACITY BUILDING)
This is the distinction between those who continually struggle and those who create success. That is those who focus on the problem and those who focus on the solution. Those who focus primarily on the difficulties on what isn’t working, they complain a lot, or else suffer in silence, they struggle; they are powerless. While those who focus primarily on what is working and what could – conceivably work in future and just like everyone else, what they give their attention to expend in their minds and in their lives. They focus more on possible solutions then they do on the problem. This is what I call, a clear distinction between leaders and followers, why, because the others capacity is higher than the other.
Capacity building is a matter of personal development. Which bring forth that which is in you. Common how does it really feel, when you are talking and everybody wants to listen to you. I call that capacity building, because for you to achieve that you must have increased on your former ability.
POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
The more you live and work in partnership with all, the happier, healthier and more successful you will be, for living and working in partnership is far more fun than being trapped in exploiting and domination with its endless conflict and resentment. Therefore when you work in partnership with others you discover how to turn conflict into harmony, treat others as you wish to be treated. That way everyone becomes a winner.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your goals, your values, etc? Explain
I’ve really learnt a lot from Marc Allen’s millionaire course meant for the seagulls. It has taught me how to set realistic goals using different approaches, it has also taught me how to partner with others making me see the universe as supremely responsive to every thoughts every word and it is infinitely prosperous-read, wining and able to share its infinite abundance with you and with everyone else who asks for it. Therefore, it is our awareness of ourselves- something each of us has and calls quality learning that gives us the key to a life of grace, ease and lightness.
In dealing with relationship, Marc Allen’s concept of grace, ease and lightness is really helping for me in shaping my life and the lives of those around me. Thus making me work with the mentality of being a gardener who tends to grow things organically, planting tiny seeds and nurturing them into fullness with patience and persistence. This is not only good nourishment but also satisfying. Why because it makes me want to accomplish more, more and more without any fear.
Furthermore I’ve learnt the greatest lesson for meditation, which is extremely working for me. With the power of meditation I’ve learnt how to communicate to the Supreme Being one on one in the silence of my heart, letting go of every challenge. I also so much love Allen’s view on how words are inadequate in describing the power of meditation, just as you can’t describe the taste of an orange to people who have never tasted it, for they will know what you mean until they actually taste an orange. This is the same with meditation and if you want to have a good taste of it, please try it and find out for yourself.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
* The profit sharing formula, which unleashes a powerful creative force that results in greater profits for everyone, from what I read, using that formula accounts for 95% success of an organization or business.
The different countless ways to meditate and the power of relaxation, which are all powerful tools in understanding the key within, these, are all part of our essential nature, I’ve tried it and its really working for me, most especially in coming up with brilliant ideas.
The power of generosity that enables us creates a dynamic set of solutions to the problems in our lives and in our world. It contains the power to generate at least 10 percent changes that betters the world.
In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, I am now taking a quantum leap- personally, emotionally and financially. An opportunity creating formula I’ve learnt that do way with every negative attitudes that comes my way and which strengthens me day in day out.
The strategies of nurturing a good business right from infancy, adolescence and adulthood. This served as a great insight to me because I learnt from Allen that be not impatient in delay, but wait as one who understands which is an architect of abundance.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
The millionaire course has really changed and challenged my thinking in the sense that it gave me a real insight on the fact that an empty life would surely produce empty results, just as sustenance of success is only possible as a product of accumulated strength in time past.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
NO
6. What did you find most helpful and why?
The profit sharing formula, which unleashes a powerful creative force that turns a mediocre employee into a good employee, a good employee into an excellent one and an excellent employee into a creative, visionary force that helps the company immensely.
The different ways to meditate which is a powerful tool in understanding the key within, these, are all part of out essential nature, I’ve tried it and its really working for me, most especially in coming up with brilliant ideas.
The principles of goals setting and conflict management, which make things healthy, ease and rewarding.
In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The idea of society may predict but you determine what happens to your life and also the idea of nothing magical about money, just catch a dream and take the throne.
Rating
How interested was it to you? 8.5
How helpful were the contents? 9
How easy was it to understand? 9.5
Would you recommend it to others? 10
What is the overall rating you would give it? 8.5
Confession Of An Economic Hit Man
Assessment by Mark Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
In the book, the author outlines the dangerous path his country (the united states of America) is taking as it moves away from the original ideals of the American republic and towards a quest for a global empire.
The confession of an economic hit man is a confession, pure and simple of a man who allowed himself to become a pawn, an economic hit man, a man who bought into a corrupt system, why? Because it offered so many perks and because buying in was easy to justify. A man who knew better but who could always find excuses for his own greed for exploiting desperate people and fill aging the planet, a man who took full advantage of the fact that he was born into one of the wealthiest societies history has ever known and who also could pity himself because his parents were not at the top of the pyramid.
The book also exposes or shows how economic hit men promote the U.S foreign policy and corporate interest, driven by greed rather than by a desire to make life better for the vast majority most especially in its activities in Indonesia.
It also went further to describe the role of the economic hit men, who are paid to cheat countries in Quote “ Developing countries” around the globe out of billions of dollars and how do they do it? They use people’s weaknesses to hit at them. For instance the way they use the Saudi, policy of leaving trash to the beast in the open air to formulate their own exploitive policies.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
The book has really made me believe the world is indeed as you dream it. Through the activities of the economic hit men, I saw strategic intent and thinking in the attainment of their goals. I read how a man sold his pride by supplying his clients who is a top Arabian authority a prostitute, just in the name of achieving his goals, which is the selfish aim of his country. This is what I called a true sense and spirit of nationalism which becomes a very big lesson for most Africans, in the sense that, if each and everyone of us can throw away his pride to fight the issue of corruption and bad leadership, all will work out good.
Lets take the issue of nation building for example, a man has no place in a nation he does not love, meaning your affection secures your position in your nation or whatever nation you love. This can be applied to not only nations but also our personal life and business. The truth of the matter is that, you cannot give what you don’t have, its either you are in or you are out.
At this point is pertinent to note that, you have no place in a nation you have no passion for, which is exactly what the economic hit men are into, they do this to the under-developed worlds, through reforms they present to people and make them believe its for their own good, whereas such reforms are for their selfish purpose and the purpose of exploiting the people.
In a nutshell, the economic hit men are poised to building an America that controls the world and all its resources, a world that answered to the commands of that America, a United States military that would enforce the rules as they were written by America and an International trade and banking system that supports America as CEOs of the global empire.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
I learnt quite a lot, the details on the U.S attack on panama, which was reported to be the largest airborne assault on a city since the Second World War. This attack did not only brought untold hardship on people; it went as far as affecting the economy and the social structure of panama.
I also read on how people were sent to close the deals on what would become mains (main is one of the top organization for the economic hit men) truly comprehensive master development plan, which will create a justification for world bank, inter-American development bank and USAID. Investment of billions of Dollars in the energy, transportation and Agricultural sectors of this tiny and very crucial country which is a way of making such countries indebted and thereby returning it to its puppet status. This is a clear picture of people working hard to crumble other peoples economy, just because of riches, popularity and power.
As I’ve said, they make use of peoples weaknesses to hit at them. They believe they are working hard to make the world a more civilized and prosperous place, unknown to the people such moves are deceptive.
I’ve come to also realize that the primary objective of the economic hit men (EHM) is to burden developing countries with debts it could never repay and to find way that the larger portion of petrodollar found their way back to the United State of America.
Today America complains of terrorism. Unknown to the majority of Americans, the Economic hit men were the original sponsors of the big terrorist today. Take for instance the long standing relationship that existed between the Bush family, the house of Sauid and the Bin-laden family which existed for more than 20 years, ironically the result of such long standing relationship. If I may guess is the 9/11 attack on the United States by Osama Bin Laden. (Forgive me if I’m wrong, I’m only saying what I had observed) well I believe the evil men do, lives after them, the activities of the Economic hit men I would say led to the emergence of Osama and his group.
Furthermore, I appreciate the prophecy of the condor and eagle which explains that back in the mist of history, human societies were divided and took two different paths, that of the condor (representing the heart, intuitive and mystical) and that of the eagle representing the brain, rational and material) in a nut shell, the prophecy forestall the sharing of indigenous knowledge with the technologies of science, the balancing of yin and yang and the bridging of northern and southern cultures and most powerful it offers about consciousness.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
John Perkins confession has really challenged my thinking in the sense that, it made me believe you are entitled to unlimited destiny in a country that you have no love for. For instance John being a graduate of business Administration from Boston University with emphasis on marketing and a major in American literature turns out to performing the duties of a chief economist and manager of economics and regional planning all with the sole aim of performing the functions being expected of him by his bosses and clients, why? Because he was empowered and he had passion for that which he is doing, this is a clear picture of interest and support, which is very evident and desirable in all we do in life
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found the confession of John Perkins very helpful, one thing I found most helpful is the manner in which he exposes the activities of the Economic hit men, I also cherish the writer’s choice of words in conveying the message of the book. Well I must say I found nothing least helpful in the entire book, the lessons are very clear and some worth easy to understand, even though a lot of thinking is reacquired in order to understand certain terms used by the Economic hit men.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The main ideas of the book are that of, the world is as you dream it and as a result of that, the book went further to explain the fact that, confession is an essential part of our personal wake-up call, be it financially, academically, socially and so on and also confession is the first step towards our redemption in any quest we embark.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9.5
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Developing The Leader Within You
Assessment by Mark Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
John Maxwell’s developing the leader within you is a workbook that defines effectiveness in whatever areas of our lives as the foundation of success, it spells out the qualities of a leader and what a leader must first do in order to effect personal changes. It also explains the fact that leadership begins with the heart, not the head and people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
In John’s workbook, leadership is said not to be an exclusive club for those who were “born with it” but rather a raw trait that is acquired. Leadership according to him is developed, not discovered. The truly “born leader” will always emerge; but to stay on top, natural leadership characteristics must be developed, which must be base on the following levels of leadership or categories.
THE LEADING LEADER
Is born with leadership qualities.
Has seen leadership modeled throughout life.
Has learned added leadership through training.
Has self-discipline to become a great leader.
THE LEARNED LEADER
Has seen leadership modeled most of life.
Has learned leadership through training.
Has self-discipline to be a great leader.
THE LATENT LEADER
Has just recently seen leadership modeled.
Is learning to be a leader through training.
Has self-discipline to become a good leader.
THE LIMITED LEADER
Has little or no exposure to leaders.
Has little or no exposure to leadership training.
Has desire to become a leader.
In line with the above, there are also five basic characteristics that set “leader managers” apart from run of the mill managers”
Leader managers are long-term thinkers who see beyond the day’s crises and the quarterly report.
Leader manager’s interest in their companies does not stop with the units they head. They want to know how all of the company’s departments affect one another, and they are constantly reaching beyond their specific areas of influence.
Leader managers put heavy emphasis on vision, values and motivation.
Leader managers have strong political skills to cope with conflicting requirements of multiple constituents.
Leader managers don’t accept the status quo.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Since leadership begins with the heart, not the head, I see leadership as taking the lead in meeting needs this brings us to the fact that; you can love people without leading them but cannot lead people without loving them. Lets take for instance the life of Michael lightweaver the director of the International Institute for global leadership, it was Michael’s love for humanity that gave birth to the institute, which I call, a royal academy, and the birthplace of positive and expert thinkers.
In developing the leader within, I’ve come to be able to carry people along, you have to posses a genuine love for the people, that is an act of thinking about how much you benefit from the people on your team, you also need to make those who work with you more successful by way of putting them in a position they to will win, giving everybody equal opportunity. Leaders need to see through the peoples eyes, that is ask people for their input and never love the procedure more than the people and so many principle that works for us on an individual basis, I personally have been putting these principles into my work with the orphans and my studies, believe me, it has been a win-win approach ever since, not only for me but even those around me that key to the principle.
Character wise, I’ve learnt when gold is mined several tons of dirt must be moved to get all ounce of gold, but one doesn’t go into the mine looking for dirt, one goes into the mine looking for Gold, this implies, power leads to the abuse of power and abuse of power leads to the loss of power. This defines the character aspect of leadership, a man without a good character can never be said to belong to himself. He belongs to whatever can make captive of him. This is one aspect of leadership most people fail to understand. They fail to understand character defines the totality of a leader. I so much love the saying; character is like pregnancy, just as a woman can never hide the fact she is pregnant for a long time, so will a man never hide his character.
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Most people think success is luck and they keep trying to win the lottery of life. I’ll like to say life is too short not to be fun; our best work takes place when we enjoy it. Therefore success is base on the following.
o The result of planning
o Most people look at it as a moment, an event or a place in time it’s not but rather a process
o Finally success is learning from failure.
In a nutshell, in other to be successful in developing others, we need to
o Make the right assumptions about people
o Ask the right questions about people
o Give the right assistance to people.
I’ve come to realize in life, there is hardly a higher compliment you can pay an individual than to help that person be useful and find satisfaction and significance.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
There are so many ideas and new concepts I’ve learnt, first is the Pareto principal, which spelt out the fact that, 20% of our priorities will give us 80% of our production. If we spend our time, energy, money and personnel on the top 20% of our priorities, I believe every leader needs to understand the Pareto principle in the area of people over sight and leadership.
Another new idea is the tem commandment of confrontation. Confrontation is very difficult for most people and to know how to clarify issues with people, the confrontation commandments will certainly go a long way. I wish I knew the Ten Commandments much earlier these commandments are as follows.
1. Do it privately, not publicly
2. Do it as soon as possible. That is more natural than waiting a long time.
3. Speak to one issue at a time. Don’t overload the person with a long list of issue
4. Once you’re made a point, don’t keep repeating it.
5. Deal only with actions the person can change. If you ask the person to do something he or she is unable to do, frustration builds in your relationship.
6. Avoid sarcasms. Sarcasm signals that you are angry at people, not at their actions and may cause them to resent you.
7. Avoid words like always and never. They usually detract from accuracy and make people defensive.
8. Present criticisms as suggestions or questions if possible
9. Don’t apologize for the confrontational meeting, doing so detracts from it and may indicate you are not sure you had the right to say what you did
10. Don’t forget the compliments. Use what I call the “sandwich” in these types of meetings: compliment-confront-compliment.
In leadership, everyone has the idea, just as everyone who has never taken a shower has an idea but, it the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it, who makes a difference. In leadership, until you take total responsibility for your attitude that shows you’ve truly grown up. I’ve learnt, its better to make a time commitment to people who never take time then to over look them. In leadership a leader should never solve problems for a person, but solve it with that person.
PRINCIPLES FOR PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
Our success in developing others will depend on how well we deal with each of the following.
o Value of people: an issue of our attitude
o Commitment of people: issues of our time
o Integrity with people: issues of our character
o Standard for people: issues of our vision
o Influence over people: issues of our leaders
The price tag of leadership is self-discipline; we are blind until we see that in the human plan nothing is worth the making if it does not make the man, why build these cities glorious if man unbuilded goes? In vain we build the world unless the builder also grows it is said discipline is the soul of an army, and as we work through our weak areas, we ought to keep our eyes on the goal.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
I must say developing the leader within you has really challenged and has changed my thinking about leaders, how they lead and how best they do it.
It has also encouraged me in my quest for leadership and has given me an insight into integrity, being the gift that holds a man’s way of life together. John Maxwell has taught me when you take total responsibility for your attitude it shows you’ve truly grown up. And you become an ineffective leader when you do not put it into practice. Therefore, leaders should always be on the move.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
MAKING LEADERSHIP DECISION
Decision-making is the most important day-to-day job of leaders; the term decision-making is used in a very specific sense, making decisions focus on resources, plans, mission and goals. By decision making you create a plan and turn it into a mission you check it constantly and then make small course corrections as new information comes in or as the unexpected pops up.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The idea of the book is that of the world is as you dream it, therefore it’s important to catch a dream and take a thrown.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Full Steam Ahead
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. What Ideas were personally most important to you in this book? Explain or discuss why they were important to you, using personal examples.
Full stream ahead takes the mystery out of the vision thing. It makes vision accessible to everyone, in both their organizations and their personal lives. It takes the three key elements of a compelling vision and how to create a shared vision that unleashes energy and potential.
Furthermore the book gives a practical idea on how to create a vision by fully understanding and empowering people to move ahead full force, this also implies having a vision of where you are going to and vision for people you work with.
Be it as it may, the most important idea in the book is the concept behind steaming ahead. This concept implies being fully empowered, knowing how you are, where you are going and moving ahead, which includes being so clear about your purpose, so committed to it and so sure of your ability to accomplish it, despite potential or obstacle encountered.
In full stream ahead, purpose is one of the secrets to a fulfilled vision. By purpose you understand who you are, why you exist and where you are going. This concept is basically that of, the higher you fly, the greater guaranteed your future, which literally implies you either work now and play later or play now and work later, which ever one works for you. Therefore once you are on purpose you are on a platform that you see yourself leading others in totally new ways, and with that, you eventually bring more people close to you compared to when you were trying so hard to have them behave the way you wanted them to.
It is, however, pertinent to note that, with full stream ahead, which teaches how to unleash the power of vision. Man is not only in control of his life but equally in control of people he works with and his organization. This is very important because once this is understood, everybody know his/her role and that way everybody is set for unlimited exploits.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Relating the main ideas of this book to my personal life implies steaming head like an eagle, which also implies anything is possible if we try it. Today in Africa, most especially in my country Nigeria, people tend to be complaining that society is bad; the society is that, forgetting one ultimate fact, which is, if the society does not care for you, you care for yourself and how do you care for yourself? You care for yourself by securing a vision, running with a passion and trying it till it works.
With vision you become a tower builder and every tower builder is a tower thinker, in a nutshell, your vision is worthless if you decide not to think. Your mind is where knowledge is acquired, it is the place of understanding and also the seat of wisdom, therefore until you put your mind into productive thinking, there is a limit to how far you can go in life.
Full steam ahead, has really taught me how to live and not frame my vision and from what I understood, to live my vision, certain values must be put into consideration, such values are known as broad guidelines on how one should proceed as one pursues his purpose. It is therefore very important to note that values are the key elements of our vision.
Furthermore the book also makes me understand that Man is not the creator of circumstances; rather circumstances are the creatures of men. Our decisions are not the conditions of our lives that past determines our destiny; rather it helps us understand that the fact that using the power of decision gives us the capacity to get past any excuse to change every part of your life. In an instant, which can change our relationship, our working environment, you’re level of physical fitness, your income and emotions, which also determine our state of mind.
Formula for success
I. Decide what you want.
II. Take action.
III. Notice what’s working or not.
Change your approach until you achieve what you want.
Decision comes from a Latin work roots which means “from” and caedere, which means, “to cut”, however to create a better decision is to make more of them persistent. Decision-making also focuses at improving, getting better the way you finally want to do it. Knowledge is any simple distinction, strategy, belief, skills or tools, the minute we understand it, we can apply it to make immediate increase in the quality of our lives.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
The book covers a great wealth of knowledge and I must say I’ve learnt a lot from it, most especially new ideas and approaches to goal setting, vision and the power of purpose.
Values: the quality of a thing that makes it wanted or desirable for instance the values of true brotherhood.
One fundamental idea, I learnt about that is that values define what is right or fundamentally important to each and every one of us in the attainment of our vision. It provides guidelines for our choices and action.
IMPORTANCE OF VALUES
* It helps shape a culture that will support our individual purpose. E.g. the issue I brought much earlier on people complaining about the society, forgetting that they can inculcate the values of carrying for themselves and the society they are complaining about.
* Secondly it guides people as they pursue their purpose, which I called a road map to a tower building.
* Values serves as decision-making tools to us and here we think of ethics and partnership and relationship, for instance in a facility management firm or business, this means people need to be trusted and taken care of. They can’t trust unless ethics and partnership relationship is developed.
The clearest and most cogent idea of the book is the idea on how to make vision a journey, something we love and can be proud of anytime. We most understand it is an ongoing process; you need to keep talking about until it works.
Also another important concept is that of identifying with what we know best, which I called the power of purpose, this works side by side with our identity, it also helps our beliefs to have an expansion influence on our belief that directly controls the consistency of our life’s decision which leads to your fall identity which is simply the beliefs you are using to make you unique, good, bad or indifferent from others and one of the strongest force behind every identity in man organism is the need for consistency for a shift in ones identity can cause a shift in his entire master system. In a nutshell our ultimate identity in life is nothing but the decision we’ve decided to focus ourselves with.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Full stream ahead has really challenged and has changed my thinking in the sense that, it has made me believe there is nothing mystical about unleashing the powers of vision in my studies, work and life. It has also made me belief, the moment my vision becomes conscious, I have to start living it, which implies I can only learn from the past, plan for the future and live in the present.
One ultimate shift in thought I got as a result of the lessons in this book, is the knowledge of knowing that the main purpose of ones vision is to teach oneself the simple truth that helps one and others awaken the presence of God in their lives. Working with such knowledge helps one make life changing decision that will not only affect his life alone but the lives of those he comes in contact with.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
The most helpful ideas I leant are as follows
THE THREE KEY ELEMENTS OF A COMPELLING VISION
* Significant purpose: this defines who you are, why you are here and what this is all about. Once one is able to define that, then you are set for the task ahead. It also answers the why question.
* Clear values: clear values define the quality of a thing that is important to you.
* A picture of the future: The power of picture works when you focus on what you want to create not what you want to get rid of. In a nut shell the picture of the future is a picture of the end result, something you can actually see, not something vague.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The main idea of the book is that of a call for us to live our vision moment by moment.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9.9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Long Walk To Freedom
Assessment by Mark Mazadu (Nigeria)
1.Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Long walk to freedom is an epitome of knowledge; it describes Mandela’s country home and the background to which he is coming from.
Being a man of his time, his interest in history had early roots and was encouraged by his father. Although his father could neither read nor write, he was repute to be an excellent orator who captivated his audience by entertainment as well as teaching them how to be responsible. His life taught me the fact that when you develop yourself, everybody would like to listen to you, which is a great sense of capacity building.
In the book, the accommodative nature of the Africans was seen, this can be clearly seen in the Life of Nelson’s guardian the regent, who welcomes everybody to his palace and always ready to listen to people.
Mandela as a growing guy was faced with so many challenges faced by most African children. He started his school under the supervision of his strict dad and later his strict guardian after the death of his father. He later proceeded to fort Hare University where he started achieving his educational goals. He later moved to Johannesburg without completing his academic goal as a result of the fear of being forced into marriage organized by his guardian for him and his uncle’s son.
On getting to Johannesburg life began for Madiba, there he realized life was not a bed of roses, which made him also realize you have to make your way on the basis of your ability, not your heritage. He began working and after working for a while madiba decided to go back to school to pursue his educational goals, as a result of that he secured a place at the University of South Africa where he studied LLB
Since it was believed by Dr verwoerd the then minister of Bantu education who explained that education “ must train and teach people in accordance with their opportunities in life, meaning the Africans did not and would not have any opportunities therefore, why educate them, there is no place for the Bantu in the European community above the level of certain forms of labor, stating in short, Africans should be trained to be menial workers, to be in a position of perpetual subordination to the white man. This was a clear sense of man’s inhumanity to man that was rampant in the then south Africa. As a result of that Mandela later joined a political movement, aimed at restoring the dignity of the black race in the then South Africa.
However despite all the racism, there were still good spirited Africans that were ready to die for their people, which includes people like Mathew, who wrote to the Education minister stating, “education is for ignorance and for inferiority in Vervoerds schools, stating its worse than no education at all” and as a result of his quest to proof it mustn’t be white to be right, him and his colleagues staged a mass boycott of the European system of Education, thereby opening schools for boycotting children in port Elizabeth, Germiston . In 1956, seventy of the boycotting children were presented for standard VI examination, even though all but three passed, it was a good struggle for the restoration of the dignity of the black man’s quest for knowledge.
Madiba also teamed with Oliver Tamba and Walter Sisulu just but a few to mention in the fight against racial discrimination in the liberation struggle. The spirit behind such struggle was that, they belief it was not lack of ability that limited Africans but lack of opportunity.
This great hero’s of their time ventured into different lands and areas of life all with the aim of removing the whites supremacy over the black. This was indeed a great spirit of nationalism and of course we saw people like Rev Tantsi who despite his poor health condition was very much ready to go to jail for a just cause and again Nana Situ, who was the president of the Transvaal Indian congress, who served a month in jail for his passive resistance during the 1946 protest campaign, despite his advance age and acute arthritis.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Mandela’s freedom fight is indeed a Manuel for human beings and should be read by all. It reveals the passion of a man for the restoration of the dignity of the black race. It also shows the extraordinary work of a vicious and courageous freedom fighter who despite so many pressures from different quarters, was still studying and preparing for his LLB examination, which he wrote and passed. This shows the highest level of responsibility and commitment on his path, which reveals to me personally that no sacrifice is too great in the struggle for freedom.
Madiba was sent to life imprisonment because of his passion and belief in his people and values for others, he never considered his life sentence as the end of life but rather he considered it as the beginning of life, hoping that one day he would once again feel the grass under his feet and walk in the power of belief. This is a good example of crisis management faced by leaders, not only leaders but people generally.
POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Partnership and cooperation was one of the major factors that contributed to the success of the freedom fight. This was achieved as a result of a high level of cooperation amongst the prisoners and warders by way of the warder supplying information to the prisoner about their families and what was happening outside the prison.
Mandela’s quest for knowledge has really taught me education is the greatest engine for personal development, it has revealed to me in a different dimension that through education the daughter of a Tomato Farmer, a truck pusher or a beggar become a doctor, A martin Luther king and the son of a mine worker becoming the head of the mine and a farmer becoming the president of a great nation.
The life of madiba has significant lessons to our everyday life and it reveals the function of a great leader in every setting, which includes
o The ability to plan every action no matter how small and insignificant
o The ability to never assume anything is innocent
o Belief in everything is questionable
o Ability to perform to the best of ability
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
Long walk to freedom portrays the concept of African nationalism, which teaches on the ideological creed of politics, patriotism all known as the creed of nationalism.
It revealed the concept of great resistance by a man against his values and I quote “ I was made by the law a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience. Can it be any wonder to anybody that such conditions make a man an outlaw of society? Can it be wondered that such a man having been outlawed by the government should be prepared to lead the life of an outlaw as I have lived for some months, according to evidence before the court? This is what I called the highest form of patriotism on Mandela’s part and the highest form of racial discrimination and mans inhumanity to man that was so rampant in the then south Africa.
I love the concept of the evil men do lives after them, this was seen in the consequences of the Bantu education coming back to hunt the government in unforeseen ways. For it was Bantu’s education that produced in the 1970’s the angriest, most rebellious generation of black youths the country had ever had.
One of the greatest and unforgettable lessons I’ve learnt is that of: to survive one must develop ways to take satisfaction in ones daily life.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
The book has really challenge my thinking because it captivates the extra-ordinary life of a freedom fighter, who despite his being behind bars for a period of 27 years has continued the struggle for his beloved nation, forgetting his family, friends and all forms of enjoyment.
He remained not only a prisoner but also a great academic giant among his colleagues, teaching them, the history of ANC and political economy. This is indeed a great food for thought for me and to most Nigerians who are not behind bars but still have less to offer, due to lack of purpose. The book has really challenged my thinking, making me want to do more thereby creating opportunities for others.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why
Well, to the ideas of the author no but to the idea of Verwoerd, the then Bantu education minister on the ground that Africans were beneath animals. This idea was not only untrue but also devilish.
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
In every paragraph in this great touching chronicle of extraordinary political tale, there is a lesson, therefore, I found everything in the book very helpful, most especially the credibility, honesty and commitment of Mandela all for the purpose of restoring the dignity of the black man in the then South Africa that was battered by whites supremacy.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The central summery I can give this book is … “The freedom of a man is the pinnacle of his ambition, from which nothing can turn his passion aside” What a great memoire.
Please rate this book 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? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Built To Last
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Built to last can be seen as the discovery of the fundamental underpinning strategies of outstanding companies that have stood the test of time, It gives an immense amount of details and evidence base on the four key concepts of managerial career and lessons to pass to others which define effectiveness in whatever aspect of our life as the foundation of success.
BE A CLOCK BUILDER- AN- ARCHITECT- NOT A TIME TELLER
Having a great idea or being a charismatic visionary leader is “time telling building a company that can prosper far beyond the presence of any single leader and through multiple product Life cycles is “clock building”- visionary builders tend to be clock builders, not time tellers, they concentrate primarily on building their capacity. Organization building a ticking clock- rather than on hitting a market just right with a visionary product idea and siding the growth curve of all attractive product life cycle and instead of concentrating on acquiring the individual personality traits of visionary- leadership, they take an architect rural approach and concentrate on building the organizational traits of visionary companies.
The primary output of their efforts is not the tangible implementation of a great idea, the expression of a charismatic personality, the gratification of their ego or the accumulation of personal wealth, their greatest creation is the character traits of an individual and what they stand for.
EMBRACE THE GENIUS OF THE AND
The tyranny of the OR, which embraces the genius of the AND pushes people to believe that things must be either A or B, but not both which usually comes or makes the following proclamations.
o “You can have change OR stability”
o “You can be conservative OR bold”
o “You can have low cost OR high quality”
o “You can have creative autonomy OR consistency and control”
o “You can invest for the future OR do well in the short term”
o “You can make progress by methodical planning OR by opportunistic grouping”
All this brings to mind the fact that, the world changes and continues to change at an accelerated pace-but that does not mean we should abandon the quest for fundamental concept that stand the test of time and again instead of being oppressed by the tyranny of the OR. Highly visionary companies liberate themselves with the “genius of the AND the ability to embrace both extremes of a number of dimensions at the same time. Instead of choosing between A or B, they figure out a way to have both A and B.
PERSERVE THE CORE/STIMULATE PROGRESS
Paul Galvin urges us to keep moving forward, to be in motion for motion sake… he urged continues renewal… change unto itself is essential. But taken alone: it is limited. Yes, renewal is change, it calls for “do differently” it is willing to replace and redo. But it also cherishes the proven basics. (Robert W. Galvin, former CEO Motorola, 1999.
A company can have the worlds most deeply cherished and meaningful core ideology, but if it just sits still or refuses to change, the world will pass it by. Like in the words of Sam Walton, “you can’t just keep doing what works one time, because everything around it is always changing and to succeed, you have to say out in front of that change.
It has really come to our knowledge during the course of my studies that companies that get into trouble by confusing core ideology with specific, non core practices, companies can cling too long to non core times- things that should be changed in order for the company to adapt and move forward. This brings to mind a crucial point that a visionary company carefully preserves and protect its core ideology, get all the specific manifestations of its core ideology must be open for change and evolution.
Core ideology in a visionary company works hand in hand with a relentless drive for progress that impels change and forward movement in all that is not part of the core ideology, the drive for progress arises from a deep human urge to explore to create, to discover, to achieve, to change, to improve. The drive for progress is not sterile, intellectual recognition that “progress” is healthy organization should change and improve or that should have goals” rather, it’s a deep inner, compulsive-almost primal-drive.
SEEK CONSISTENT ALIGNMENT
Creating alignment requires two key processes which are as follows:
1. Developing new alignment to preserve the core and stimulate progress.
2. Eliminating misalignments-those that drive the company away from the core ideology and those that impede progress toward the envisioned future.
The first process is a reactive process requiring the invention of new mechanisms processes and strategies to bring the core values and purpose to life and to stimulate progress toward the envisioned future.
The second part of alignment is all analytic of the organization-its processes structure and strategies to uncover misalignments that promote behavior inconsistent with the core ideology or that impede progress.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life, such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
“ I look back on my life’s work, I’m probably most proud of having helped to create a company that by virtue of its values, practice, and success has had a tremendous impact on the way companies are managed around the world. I’m particularly proud that I’m leaving behind an on going organization that can live on as a role model long after I’m gone”. (William R. Hewlett, co-founder, Hewlett Packard company, 1990)
William R. Hewlett’s view reminds me of the following fact which I’ll be throwing more light on.
Train up a child the way he should grow, so that when he grows he will never depart from it. I must say this is basically the message Collins and Porras are passing across, in relating the ideas or concepts in this book to my personal-circumstances in life such as my relationships, beliefs, goals and values. I must whatever that will come out of it is base on the twelve shattered myths as propounded by Collins and Porras during the course of their research which is as follows:
Myth 1: it takes a great idea to start a great company.
Reality: Starting a company with a “great idea” might be bad idea. Few of the visionary companies began life with a great idea. In fact, some began life without any specific idea and a few even began with outright failures. Furthermore, regardless of the founding concept, the visionary companies were significantly less likely to have early entrepreneurial success than the comparison companies in our study. Like the parable of the tortoise and the hare, visionary companies often get off to a slow start, but win the long race.
Myth 2: Visionary companies require great and charismatic visionary leaders.
Reality: A charismatic visionary leader is absolutely not required for a visionary company and, in fact can be detrimental to a company’s long term prospects. Some of the most significant CEOs in the history of visionary companies did not fit the model of the high-profile, charismatic leader-indeed, some explicitly shied away from that model.
Myth 3: The most successful companies exist first and foremost to maximize profits.
Reality: contrary to business school doctrine, “maximizing share-holder wealth” or “profit maximization” has not been the dominant driving force or primary objective through the history of the visionary companies. Visionary companies pursue a cluster of objectives, of which making money is only one and not necessarily the primary one. They seek profits, but they’re equally guided by a core ideology core values and sense of purpose beyond just making money.
Myth 4: Visionary companies share a common subset of “correct” core values.
Reality: There is no “right” set of core values for being a visionary company. Indeed, two companies can have radically different ideologies, yet both are visionary. Core values in a visionary company don’t even have to be “enlightened” or “humanistic,” although they often are. The crucial variable is not the content of a company’s ideology, but how deeply it believes its ideology and how consistently it lives, breathes, and expresses it in all that it does.
Myth 5: The only constant is change.
Reality: A visionary company almost religiously preserves its core ideology changing it seldom, if ever. Core values in a visionary company form a rock-slid foundation and do not drift with the trends and fashions of the day; in some cases, the core values have remained intact for well over one hundred years.
Myth 6: Blue chip companies play it safe.
Reality: Visionary companies may appear straitlaced and conservative to outsider, but they’re not afraid to make bold commitments to “BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOALS” (BHAGs)
Myth 7: Visionary companies are great places to work, for everyone.
Reality: Only those who fit extremely well with the core ideology and demanding standards of a visionary company will find it a great place to work. If you go to work at a visionary company, you will either fit and flourish-probably couldn’t be happier or you will likely be expunged like a virus.
Myth 8: Highly successful companies make their best moves by brilliant and complex strategic planning.
Reality: Visionary companies make some of their best moves by experimentation, trial and error, opportunism, not quite literally accident. What looks in retrospect like brilliant foresight and preplanning was often the result of “let’s just try a lot of stuff and keep what works.
Myth 9: Companies should hire outside CEOs to stimulate fundamental change.
Reality: seventeen hundred years of combined life span across the visionary companies, only four (4) individual incidents of going outside for a CEO and those in only two companies. Home grown management rules at the visionary companies to a far greater degree than at the comparison companies (by a factor of six).
Myth 10: The most successful companies focus primarily on beating the competition.
Reality: Visionary companies focus primarily on beating themselves. Success and beating of competitors comes to visionary companies not so much as the end goal, but as a residual result of relentlessly asking the question “how can we improve ourselves to do better tomorrow than we did today?
Myth 11: You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Reality: Visionary companies do not brutalize themselves with tyranny of the OR” the purely rational view that says you can have either A or B, but not both they reject having to make a choice between stability OR progress;
Myth 12: Companies become visionary primarily through “vision statement.”
Reality: The visionary companies attained their stature not so much because they made visionary pronouncement (although they often did make such pronouncements).
I consider the above twelve myths as the core principles that if I can key into will certainly go a long way in redefining my relationship with people, my beliefs, goals, and values.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
There are so many ideas or new concept I learnt from the book, some of which include the following:
First the fact that, the essence of visionary company comes in the translation of its core ideology and its own unique drive for progress into the very fabric of the organization into goals, strategies, tactics, policies, processes, cultural practices, management behavior, building layout, pay systems, accounting systems, job design into everything that the company does.
Secondly the central concept of alignment that ran through a considerable chapter in the book which implies the concept that all the elements of a company work together in concert within the context of the company’s core ideology and the type of progress it aims to achieve its vision.
There were both good and bad news with regards to visionary company’s, the good news is that one of the key element of being a visionary company is strikingly simple, old fashioned hard work, dedication to improvement and continually building for the future will take a long way. While the bad news is that creating a visionary company requires huge quantities of good old fashioned hard work, dedication to improvement, and continually building for the future. In a nutshell we need to bring to mind the fact that there are no shortcuts, magic potion, or work around to building a visionary company, but the ability to be ready for the long, hard pull. Success is never final. It is a lesson Howard Johnson never learned.
DISCIPLINE AND CHARACTER
Visionary companies like I learned attain their extraordinary position not so much because of superior insight or special “secrets” of success but largely because of the simple fact that they are so terribly demanding of themselves and accomplishing that required oodles of plain old fashioned discipline, hard work, and a visceral revulsion to any tendency towards smug-self-satisfaction.
What then is discipline?
Discipline is the greatest thing in the world, where there is no discipline, there is no character and without character, there is no progress… adversity gives us opportunities to grow and we usually get what we work for when we overcome our challenges, we grow tall in character and the qualities that brings success. Base on the above fact and my little knowledge on organizational discipline and character formation, I must say lack of discipline and sound character is the core reason why organizations decline. A good example is the Nigerian civil service, which is far less impact-full in terms of input on the lives of the citizens, why because most lack the required discipline and character, take a good look at the senate president who was forced to resigned due to corruption allegations leveled against him.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
A Collins and Porras view are really challenging and has changed my thinking in so many ways; however, I’ll be taking my view from three different angles
Core Ideology: it defines the enduring character of an organization. Its self identity that remains consistent through time and transcends product/market life cycles, technological break through, management fads and individual leaders.
The central message of this ideology can be seen in the lives of company builders like David Packard, Masaru Ibuka of Sony, George Merch of Merch, William McKnight of 3m and Paul Galvin of Motorola understood that it is far more important to know who you are than where you are going, for where you are going will certainly change as the world about you changes, leaders die, products become obsolete, markets change, new technologies emerge, management fads come and go but core ideology is as great company endures a source of guidance and inspiration.
Core Values: The organizations essential and enduring tenets- a small set of timeless guiding principles that require no external justification they have intrinsic value and importance to those inside the organization. The key point here is, an enduring great company decides for itself what values it holds to be core largely independent of the current environment, competition, requirement, or management fad, one important fact to be noted is the fact that in identifying the core values of your own organization, push with relentless self- honesty for truly core values.
Core Purpose: Organizations fundamental reason for being an effective purpose reflects the importance people attach to the company’s work- it taps their idealistic motivations rather than just describing the organizations output or target customers. It also captures the soul of the organization.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found the technique in which the writers used in revealing the fundamental studies that made octane companies what they are today. And found nothing least helpful.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
A guide to visionary excellence in the 21st centaury, which reveals the fact that visionary excellence, is in ranges and each range it equally significant. I recommend to all who are interested.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8
The Mediators Handbook
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
The book presents a structural mediation process which is designed for resolving conflicts which arises in our work, our relationship with people, in our communities and in our families.
Mediation is useful in a wide variety of conflicts particularly in the aftermath of an ugly incident. Occasionally mediation sessions crash and burn leaving parties feeling more angry and hopeless than before. However it gives people the chance to air their wounds since it’s not bound by the rules of a formal processing which provides an avenue where parties can bring up whatever concerns them most. They are not restricted to those issues which are the official public subject of dispute.
Even if a mediated agreement does not end a conflict, it can protect the parties from further friction and misunderstandings so that the conflict can fade away. It is a base on respect for all participants, seeks to diminish the influence of threats, fear and find solutions that are in everyone’s interest.
When is mediation useful?
Mediation becomes very useful base on the following situations:
o The issues are complicated by a strong emotional elements
o The parties know each other
o Maintaining a relationship with the other party is important
o One party feels uncomfortable confronting the other side unless someone else is present
o A decision must be reached soon
o One or both parties want to avoid formal proceedings e.t.c
When is mediation not appropriate?
Mediation may be unsuccessful or even harmful, do not recommend mediation if any of the following are true.
o A serious incident has just occurred and people are still too upset to carry on a successful conversation.
o One party seems incapable of listening to anything you say, or seems otherwise too disturbed to negotiate a workable agreement.
o The main problem is, in your judgment unmediated
o You believe that one party might be better off using the court or other forum power imbalance makes fair agreement unlikely.
o Key parties are unwilling to participate.
What disputes can be mediated?
Disputes involving specialized mediation
o Public and institutional disputes
o Disputes involving families, children
o Consumer disputes
Disputes involving sample mediation
o Non-profit organization
o Consumer
o Neighbor
o Landlord/tenant
o Family and friends
o Schools and colleges
o Congregation
o Small business
o Corporations and bureaucracies
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Conflict is a natural part of life brought on by different beliefs, experiences and values. But conflict is often something we dread. When managed well, resolving conflicts can improve our relationships and give us confidence.
Therefore in solving problems or issues, what really is at stake is helping the parties solve the problem, an easy way to fix a problem will be glaringly obvious to the mediators. A good example of where mediation can go a long way is in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. Lagos is a city where people don’t have regards for human being, it is a very easy thing to hear a Lagosian say “I’ll kill you today.” Three weeks ago I was going for weekend and I saw a group of school boys fighting over biscuit, throwing stones at each other and abuses, when you begin to wonder why they tell you Lagos life. At parks you see people fighting over little issues, grown up, people that are old enough to have grandchildren, all in the name of Lagos life.
I believe if I’m to fully apply the principles of the mediators handbook, I’ll start with Lagos and my starting point will be motor parks and markets. Below is a seven way strategy on how to resolve conflict respectively.
SEVEN WAYS ON HOW TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS RESPECTFULLY
AND IN A N EASY AND RELEXED MANNER
(A) Treat the other person with respect. Although respecting the other person during a conflict is challenging, we must try. Words of disrespect block communication and may create wounds that never heal.
(B) Confront the problem. Find a time and place to discuss the conflict with the other person, but choose a time when you aren’t angry. The place should be comfortable for both of you and away from either party’s “turf”.
(C) Define the conflict. Describe the conflict in clear, concrete terms. Describe behaviors, feelings consequences and desired changes. Be specific and start sentences with “I” – not “you”. Focus on problem behaviors not people. Define the conflict as a problem for both of you to solve together – not a battle to be won.
(D) Communicate understanding. Listen to really understand the other person’s feelings and needs. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Care for the other person’s well being and spiritual growth. Step back and try to imagine how the other person sees things. Discuss changes in the way you see things.
(E) Explore alternative solutions. Take turns offering alternatives. List them all. Be non-judgmental of other’s ideas. Examine consequences of each solution. Think and talk positively.
(F) Agree on the most workable solution. Agree, if possible, to a solution you both understand and agree.
(G) Evaluate and pray. Set a time to check in on how well the solution is working. Adjust the resolution if necessary. Pray for each other.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
There are so many concepts I’ve learned from the book, while I was reading the book, people see me with the book and ask, Mark why are you reading such a book? And my answer had always been the fact that I want to learn how to try to be a repairer of breaches and a restorer of paths and I think I’ve succeeded to an extent. Now I try to help people get together and resolve their conflicts.
Other remarkable lessons I’ve learned from the book are mostly the application of the mediation process to concepts related to conflict resolution in the International system, the role of women in conflict resolution within the international system.
The need for Confidentiality in conflict is equally a lesson worthy of mention. Before getting hold of the book, my view had been, for any mediation to be transparent, there should be nothing confidential about the process, except things the mediator want to use for his final analysis, unknown to me confidentiality is the bed rock of the whole process, that way people open and the whole process becomes much easier.
CONFIDENTIALITY GUIDELINES
Here are some guidelines to consider in developing your own policy
o Reveal any connection with the parties or potential conflicts of interest before the mediation begins.
o Destroy all but essential notes after the final session.
o Tell referral sources only whether mediation was held and if so, whether an agreement was reached
o Describe the mediation and participants to others in such a way that those familiar with the conflict will not recognize the identity of the parties. Do not use parties names outside the session.
o Decide what you will do should a court subpoena you.
o Develop a clear policy about how you handle information that you cannot legally, professionally, or morally keep confidential, e.g. child abuse, danger of harm, some kinds of illegal activities.
o If a particular case would be useful for publication or research, ask the parties for written permission.
o Decline to mediate if you think the conflict, the negotiations, or the agreement should not be secret or exclusive.
CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION-THE ROLE OF WOMEN
Conflict is a gendered activity: women and men have different access to resources, power and decision making before, during and after conflicts. The experience of women and men in situations of tension, war, and post-conflict reconstruction is significantly different. Approximately 90% of today’s civilian casualties are women and 90% of all refugees and internally displaced people worldwide are women and children. As emphasized in the Platform for Action of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, “while entire communities suffer the consequences of armed conflict and terrorism, women and girls are particularly affected because of their status in society and their sex”.
Women are thus caught in a vicious paradox: while they are the main civilian victims of conflicts, they are often powerless to prevent them, excluded from the negotiations when it comes to their resolution and confined to a marginal role in the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. The general exclusion of women from decision-making positions prior to, during and following violent conflicts reinforces their victimization.
The Parliamentary Assembly considers that women can play a particularly important role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, and appreciates the positive contribution women can make in post-conflict reconstruction and peace consolidation. Empowering women in conflict situations would help prevent gender-based violence such as the abominable crimes of rape, forced pregnancy, sexual slavery and others.
The maintenance and promotion of international peace and security cannot be realized without fully understanding the impact of armed conflicts on women and without appropriate measures being taken to ensure their empowerment and security. Women’s equal participation in the peace process is an essential precondition for establishing lasting peace. Women also bring alternative perspectives to conflict prevention, which is more focused on the grass roots and community levels. Practical steps and initiatives should be taken to advance the role of women in all aspects of conflict prevention and post-conflict peace building.
During resolution: issues to be considered can include the following
a. To include gender experts and expertise in all levels and aspects of peace operations, including in technical surveys, the design of concepts of operation, training, staffing and programmes;
b. To provide personal security to women through the police forces, protecting them from all forms of sexual and domestic violence;
c. To ensure that actions against trafficking in women in areas affected by conflict form part of peace and security initiatives and that they take women’s specific needs into account
d. To facilitate the input of women’s peace groups and organizations into key peace conferences at all levels through systematic consultation with them, ensuring that their problems and priorities are reflected in the official peace process;
e. To take necessary measures to train women as mediators to be involved in peace missions, conflict resolution and peace support operations;
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
The book has challenged my thinking in different dimensions, one of which is the fact that, when God sees a breach, he builds a bridge. And he calls us to help in the process by being peacemakers. Therefore it is now in our capacity never to reject an idea because it will create conflict. Never to reject an idea because we have to change our minds or way of doing things, Never to reject an idea because it’s going to create problem or its dangerous or risky but to be positive saying yes to an idea if its going to help people who are in pain, saying yes to an idea if it hold the prospect of contributing to peace, prosperity, and pride in the human family.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found the fact that in life being a peacemaker is dangerous. It is slippery. You can fall and break your neck. You can drown. But it’s the only way to get the other side. Playing the role of mediator is risky but it’s necessary if breaches are to be repaired. Isn’t it interesting? Yes in that light I found nothing least helpful.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
Peacemaking is not always easy. There are times when our inner conflicts and insecurities hold us back from being “repairers of the breach and restorers of the path of peace. What helps us then? The restoring power of love
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8.5
Real Boys By William Pollack
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Unless they are conditioned not to be, boys are eminently loving and caring human beings, they sincerely want to help others, sensitive to what other people feel and does not want to hurt them.
Growing up as a boy brings its own special difficulties but the good news is that boys can and do overcome them when and if they feel connected to their families, friends and communities.
Real boys explains the fact that despite societies traumatizing pressure on boys to disconnect from their vulnerable inner selves, many if not most boys maintain an inner well-spring of emotional connectedness, a resilience that helps to sustain them.
Pollack’s work is an in-depth into an inestimable value in bringing balance to our understanding of the educational needs of boys today. Also in his analysis of the above subject matter, he gave a considerable recognition of the psychology of boys and men as legitimate field of specializing in psychoanalytic relationship. He also played a dynamic formative role in enhancing and deepening our appreciation of boys’ inner lives.
In our contemporary world, the old boy code still holds to a double standard of masculinity. On the one hand, boys are told they should act in tough, conventionally “guy” like ways and on the other, they are chastised when they don’t act “sensitive” “caring” or empathic enough. Therefore it is mothers, the first women who are deeply involved in the emotional lives of most boys who are in fact the earliest teachers of today’s masculinity.
POWER OF A MOTHER
The love of a mother, on most cases is what helps a boy launch himself or themselves (boys) into healthy masculine life.
It also helps in making boys turn into men, create connection that boys rely on all their life and provide boys the courage to explore the outside world.
How mothers can stay close and still prepare their boys for the “real world”
It is a known fact that most mothers face several hurdles in raising boys. First it could be a result of struggles with the constant pressure they feel to separate from their sons which in their hearts they learn to stay close to them. Secondly they are put into a catch-22 situation because though they’re expected to raise boys to be loving have to deal with the ways in which their sons in response to society’s shaming message about masculinity begin to harden themselves and thus resist their mothers’ overtures at closeness and connection.
Strategies mothers should use to deal with these challenges and to forge a closer successful relationship with their sons.
o Talk openly about the boy code
o Teach others about the problem of the boy code
o Teach your son about masculinity by talking about the men you love and why you love them.
o Rotate parenting responsibilities
o When your son is hurting, don’t hesitate to ask him whether he’d like to talk about it
o Avoid shaming your boy if he refuses to talk with you
o Honor your sons need for timed silence
o When your boy seeks reconnection, try your best to be there for him
o Experiment with connection through action
o Don’t hold back.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Most parents are gentle and thoughtful people, but are often unable to feel comfortable staying emotionally connected to their son once all emergency had passed.
Before reading this book, my idea of the boy code was always that which implies “boys will always be boys”, “boys don’t cry in front of women” and “boys don’t open up too much to women”, this were actually the principle that led to my making so many mistake as a growing child. But that’s another topic on its own entirely. however it is pertinent to note that, this is exactly the point when parents invest in their children must especially the fathers. I believe fathers should invest early in nurturing their sons and keep at it throughout adolescence and adulthood, that way not only will their boys be better of emotionally and intellectually, but they as fathers will feel enhanced self esteem, enjoy a critical second chance for father-son-bounding and receive the bonus of increased marital satisfaction and of greater professional and personal success.
I’ll like to share my four year experience, I was passing by in a neighborhood, I now heard a man shouting at his wife, it is never my responsibility to look after or train the children, my work is to provide money and food period. And any other responsibility is that of the woman, that minute I felt like being a father to show those children love, I must say that mans belief is not uncommon, most especially in Africa, and this is basically what leads to a break in father-son relationship if there is any. What we fail to understand is the fact that, it is better to be there, to say to your son like Abraham or as Abraham in the Bible did, here I am! And parents simply must hang in there for their sons’ because the risk involve in giving up are too great, they may be forced to deal with drugs, depression, AIDS, violence and all the rest, just to handle issues on their own.
And I think such situations will be best detected fast in industrialized countries whereby if your parents don’t dictate that, teachers in school will because of the special units created in most schools to handle such matters, while coming to African where I belong, I must say the situation is far much better than what we have elsewhere, lack of parental care over here most especially among father-son relationship and sons hiding behind the mask for mothers, boys tend to get depressed, smoke, go into drugs violence in a bit to handle minor or major issues their own way and they succeed in doing that because nobody will even know, the parent off the key and teachers probably reluctant and except for the few boys attending good private schools where there are teacher monitoring children behavior, but believe me, only those whose parents can afford, the rest are left at the mercy of God.
Therefore parents must let their children understand that through the potency of connection and certainly not drugs or alcohol that the adolescent years can become a time when a solid self takes shape and when the real boy starts to become a real and successful man that is for parents who understand the importance of that. Today it is a common over here is Nigeria to see boys depressed and all most parents do say to such children is “better be a man, I don’t have time for all your nonsense” or “better be a man, your mates are making money out there for their families and we are here petting you” at this point I must say every boy needs the comfort of a loving arm, someone to tell him, how much he hurt and wished to be help.
LOVE THROUGH ACTION
Because in the past relatively few men had fathers who participated actively in their day to day emotional development as children, it is hard for many of them to know exactly how to initiate a close relationship with their own sons.
Our society places much emphasis on the conventional female approach of bonding verbally by sharing feeling through words we often loose sight of what illuminates that fathers frequently show that they care and nurture their sons through action. Most fathers believe, ah my dad never gave me much attention yet I’m still kicking up, any other approach aside from that of my Dad is a no go area. Well it’s a known fact that, for those who actually know that while words and emotions may be exchanged openly, many times its just being “at the same time”, “at the same place” and doing some activity together that help father and son grow close to one another.
One of the most essential ingredients in mother-son bonding is the fathers capacity to know when and how to intervene in his boys relationship with the mother the fathers involvement is the need to rear his adolescent son to stand on his own two feet, spurring him on to become an independent boy-man.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
Friendship is a place to let down the mask or at least to let it slip a little bit, with a friend; a boy can show his vulnerabilities and not be shamed for them. Few months ago I visited a friend, and during the course of my visit I was opportune to interact well with two of his siblings and during our interaction I realize one of them was not looking happy and I quickly used my discretion to find out what was wrong, he failed to open at first but with more persuasion he eventually did, there I got to realize he was into a relationship at age sixteen and he felt if he tells his siblings he will be deeply criticized (“what do you know about girls at your age, common get to your books”), honestly he would in the Nigerian setting. Well having understood his view, I eventually told his elder brother and we both agreed he will be tolerant and understandable, today I must say he is happy in a relationship and still doing well in school.
DO NOT BE THE POLICEMAN DAD.
There are four basic categories of fathers
1. Care takers
2. Playmate teachers
3. Disciplinarians
4. Disengaged father.
Having known the four categories of dads, it must be noted that while caretakers and playmate-teachers dads are those who have a positive effect on their sons disciplinarians and disengaged dada by contrast found it very difficult to develop close relationship with their sons, in a nutshell there is no reason a father should come to be the only parent who handout the reprimands, both parents should participate fully and appropriately to discipline the boy not only so that the boy comes to understand and respect his mothers authority, but also so that he is not led to see his father as a stereotypical tough guy as the parent who feels less empathy.
Just to share yet another experience, I was visiting a family in Jos late last year and while visiting the children were playing around me in the seating room all of a sudden they heard the sound of their dads car and everybody jump down on the floor looking so serious, It was like.. No don’t seat there, seat with me on the chair and they confessed to me “Daddy will beat us” that was a clear example of a real police dad.
A policeman dad treatment to children tend to make them hide their yearnings for genuine relationship or connection with their parents, they tend to believe, they hate us, they don’t want to see us happy which is detrimental to a child’s orientation.
PREMATURE SEPARATION-THE TRAUMA OF BOYHOOD
For all of society’s mandates to boys to act like invulnerable super horses, among all the subtle message given to boys to downplay their sadness and pain, premature separation is the deepest hurt of all.
At the heart of society’s belief about boys are the ideas that, early on boys need to achieve “masculine autonomy” and that even today this is a prerequisite for a boy’s healthy psychological development.
Since boys are taught at early age that staying close to their mothers is something shameful, one of their natural responses is to turn to their fathers for love, yet fathers often work long hours, tend to leave parenting to the mother, or are not able to nurture their sons’ emotional development. I remember one of my early childhood memories, my mom was going on a trip and I was so much interested in going with her but it was obvious that was not the families initial plan, my uncle who happens to live with us then now told me that men don’t go on trip with women, stating that men are better of around men, so I should stay with him and dad, and he (my uncle was equally traveling but the next day) I was its okay since I got persuaded. My uncle left and behold I was left with my dad, after a while dad told me, Mark you have to be good take good care of yourself, I’ll see you later I’m off to work. Then I realize I was separated from my mom for a while.
At this point I will like to say, at a very young age a boy may feel emotionally abandoned, without knowing that’s what he feels. For instance in the book I read how seventeen year old Jamal who explained “my dad always seemed jealous and would throw these real temper tantrum if my mom let me lean on her. So by the time I was five, neither one of them acted like they really understood what I was going through” such painful separation process by which many very young boys are shamed into withdrawing from their mothers move than they naturally want to and then are only partially nurtured by their fathers is a devastating disruption in a boys emotional life.
If a boy is allowed to separate at his own pace such longing and sadness would not be there or would be much less. Today is a known fact that majority of those diagnosed with conduct disorder or with what is often called attention deficit disorder or ADD are misbehaving not because they have biological imbalance or deficit but because they are seeking attention to replace the void left by their moms and dads.
According to research at birth and for several months afterward, male infants are actually more emotionally expressive than female babies, but by the time they reach elementary school much of their emotional expressiveness has been lost or has gone underground, this is not only true in most cases but equally practical in most places including Nigeria.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Pollack’s revelation of the several causes for boys current crisis of meaning has really challenge my thinking, it equally comes with it a considerable recognition of the psychology of boys and men as legitimate beings, revealing the boy code double standard of masculinity.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
So many things are helpful in Pollack’s piece of work one of which is the view that if we withhold our love and affection, our boys feels ashamed and then hardens himself. If we don’t stay active in his emotional life and listen to his feeling, he comes to believe that his emotions are not welcomed.
The Benefits of consistent co-parenting
The relationship between parents and ex-spouses maybe full of anger, blame and sadness, but research has also shown that boys fare better when both parents remain involved in his life, which brings to the fact that unless the relationship between mother and father is acrimonious. It provides more grief and support. It is important for a boy to feel that his parents don’t hate each other and that he need not choose sides (mom or dad I personally feel very comfortable when I see my parents living happily).
Real boys needs people to be with who allow them to show all of their emotions, including their most intense feeling of sadness, disappointment and fear.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
A thought provoking masterpiece which contains the revelation of the causes of boys current crisis of meaning aimed at helping us respond to the needs of boys.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Black Death (Aids In Africa)
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
HIV originated around 1930 in rural areas of Central Africa, where the virus may have been present for many years in isolated communities. The virus probably did not spread because members of these rural communities had limited contact with people from other areas. But in the 1960s and 1970s, political upheaval, wars, drought, and famine forced many people from these rural areas to migrate to cities to find jobs. During this time, the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV infection, accelerated and quickly spread throughout Africa.
According to McMichael, “the health of populations is primarily a product….Of the interaction of human societies with the wider environment, it various ecosystems and other life-support process. With the larger scheme of things, human health and survival depends on our ability to maintain a functional ecosphere that can continue to support human biological and social needs.” In view of that the Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), human viral disease ravages the immune system, it undermines the body’s ability to defend itself from infection and disease. Caused the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS leaves an infected person vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Such infections are harmless in healthy people, but in those whose immune systems have been greatly weakened, they can prove fatal. Although there is no cure for AIDS, new drugs are available that can prolong the life spans and improve the quality of life of infected people.
Susan Hunter also goes further to explain the worst human misery ever seen, caused by the oppressive conditions of colonial labor. From the copper mines in quiilota, Chile, “the laboring men work very hard and with twelve pounds per annum, they have to clothe themselves and support their families, men were also salt to be carrying ore 450 feet up ladders to the surface and each man carried 200 pounds on his back “quite naked excepting drawers” pale, poor and kept alive on boiled beans and bread.
The book also brings to notice the fact that, HIV/AIDS is fast becoming the worst human disease disaster the world has ever seen. Although still in its infancy in some parts of the world, it is clear that in the next ten to fifteen years AIDS will claims more lives than they other human epidemic ever recorded. Even if a cure is found tomorrow, AIDS is triggering a disease worse than any the human race has ever known. The global drag the virus has created is affecting every single human being on the planet without exception and is soon to get much, much more bad as epidemics in Africa and Asia hit their stride.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Well, relating Susan’s Ideas on HIV/AIDS to my personal circumstances in life, such as my beliefs, goals and values, is a unique one but will not be very exclusive since I had little contacts with HIV/AIDS persons during my short stay on earth. I must say my first contact with a known HIV/AIDS person that I’ve held and talked to was during my first official visit to Our Lady of Fatima Orphanage home in Zawan, Plateau State Nigeria under the Beacon of Love Orphanage support programme. During that visit, myself and my friends met with the Orphans, we played with them, wash for them and helped them with homework’s, but the must remarkable and unforgettable experience for me personally was meeting 3 _ years old Pam, Pam was born HIV/AIDS positive yet you could see the passion in his eyes for survival at that tender age, ready to learn and would always want to be part of all the activities going on around him. I so much loved his little disturbances which showed he was always with us. Pam’s case and many other cases in Nigeria are not different which brings to mind my next point of discuss, “HIV/AIDS in Nigeria”.
HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA
Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, it has a population of around 140 million and life expectancy is around 50 years. It is an ethnically and religiously complex country with over 250 ethnic groups. More than 50% of the populations belong to the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Ibo ethnic groups.
Aside from that, Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa with 1 in 5 Africans being Nigerian. Although HIV prevalence rates are much lower in Nigeria than in other African countries such as South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, the size of Nigeria’s population meant that by the end of 2003, there were an estimated 3,600,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. This is the largest number in the world after South Africa and India and 170,000 Nigerians died of AIDS
It is a known fact in Nigeria today that HIV/AIDS has already badly affected our society and economy and if the epidemic continues at its current rate, there could be knock on effects in other West African countries and the whole region could be affected.
It must also be noted that the first case of AIDS was identified in Nigeria in 1986 and the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate rose from 1.8% in 1988 to 5.8% in 2001. At 5.6%, HIV/AIDS prevalence rates are highest for young people between the ages of 20 and 24 compared with other age groups. Nigeria’s STD/HIV Control estimates that over 60% of new HIV infections are in the 15-25 year old age group.
Over the years, it was estimated there were between 170,000 to 300,000 deaths from AIDS and 2 million AIDS orphans in Nigeria. Which is an alarming increase in the number of HIV positive children in recent years 90% of which contract the virus from their mothers.
Also, over the past years, very few Nigerians had access to basic HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support or treatment services. But thanks for the efforts of good spirited individual, organizations and the government for intervening, at least there is an increase in treatment, care and prevention. Around 520, 000 people are estimated to require ART (antiretroviral therapy) and only 17,000 are currently receiving treatment. At present there are more than fifty five treatment sites for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Modes of Transmission in Nigeria
(1). Sex with an Infected Person, which amounts to 80% transmission
(2). Contact with Infected Blood accounting for 10% infraction
(3). Mother-to-Child Transmission, this account for 90% of all cases in children infected.
(4). Misperceptions about HIV Transmission accounts to 5% to 10% infection
Other factors contributing to the spread of the disease includes:
(1). Lack of adequate enlightenment campaign
(2). Stigma and discrimination
(3). Harsh economic condition which results in people indulging in commercial sex to make both ends meet. E.t.c
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
It is an undeniable fact for me that Susan Hunter and her team really did a good job in their quest to enlighten people on the Black Death issue. Before I go any further to list out the new concepts and ideas I’ve learned, I would like to say testing positive to HIV/AIDS is not the end of the road, therefore infected persons ought to live responsibly. And at this point I would equally love to say, HIV/AIDS death touches many African family, mostly the young adults and breadwinners. Very young children and relief workers say fear and emotional exhaustion are overwhelming. And today the average life span after one is infected with the virus is 5-10 yrs, hospitals are overcrowded and there is a large market in herbal medicines and in some cases witchcraft to treat the dieses. Having said all that, I would like to share many fundamental basic facts I’ve learned.
DO YOU KNOW THAT…..?
* Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, belongs to a set of Retro-viruses called lentiviruses that causes slow progressive diseases?
* HIV is rendered inactive by bleach, alcohol or soap and water and is vulnerable to the stomach acids that protect humans from a whole array of other germs?
* Seventy percent of the worlds 1.2 billion extremely poor people are women?
* In 2001, 11 million African children under 15 years of age were orphaned by AIDS?
* About 2 million U.S patients acquire infections in hospitals every year and about 90,000 of them die as a result and seventy percent of the bacteria that caused such infections are resistant to at least one of the antibiotics used to treat them, according to the centers for disease control, but such diseases spread in hospitals because staff members forget to use basic hygienic precautions?
* Gonococcus responsible for gonorrhea was identified by a German dermatologist, Albert Neisser?
* Syphilis caused 197,000 deaths in the world in 2001, Chlamydia caused 7,000 and gonorrhea caused 4,000; 101,000 of these deaths were in Africa, and 96,000 in southern Asia? (Gonorrhea, syphilis, and Chlamydia) are caused by bacteria, and most of the rest are caused by viruses. Chlamydia trachmatis is a parasitic bacterium that resembles a virus because it can not reproduce outside a living cell although it can be treated by antibiotics
* “Poverty is pain” says a poor woman in Moldova. “It feels like a disease, it attacks a person not only materially, but also morally. It eats away ones dignity and drives one into total despair.”? Well this is not to make any body feel bad but to motivate us to care for the needy.
* Genetic evidence now shows that every living person descended from a relatively small group of Africans who lived between 100,000 and 200,000 yrs ago (Darwin)?
* In seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, tuberculosis (TB) killed one in five adults, it stepped up its pace in the nineteenth centaury when it caused one in three deaths and killed more people than any other epidemic disease?
* Darker skinned people have a higher concentration of melanin near the skins surface, which blocks ultraviolet radiation and lowers the rate of skin cancer?
* Dysentery, caused by the shigella bacteria caused a four years epidemic in Central America, beginning in 1968 and has caused epidemics in Africa since 1979, usually in impoverished areas?
* Polluted food and water killed 5,000 children a day in 2002?
* 27,000 French troops including General Charles LeClerc (for those who love History) died of yellow fever in 1853?
* Sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) killed 800 people worldwide in 2003?
* Yellow fever was first recorded in the Yucartar and Havana in 1648 with reported outbreak soon after in Brazil (1686) Martinique (1696) Cadiz Spain (1730) and later in Marseilles and Swansea Wales?
* The demographic results of European contact with Native Americans were so disastrous that colonialists, despairing at the rapid loss of plantation labor, decided to import African slaves starting in the late 1500s. Africans were especially valuable because they had developed at least a partial resistance to yellow fever, probably because of their long exposure to the disease?
* Chinese and Melanesian laborers brought leprosy to Hawaii in 1875 and 1830s?
* Cholera epidemics fanned out from India to other parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and North and South America in 1817, 1826, to 1837, 1841 to 1859, 1863 to 1875 and 1881 to 1896?
The above statistics, information’s and basic facts are not in any way to scare anyone but to help enlighten us in our understanding the HIV/AIDS virus and other diseases affecting the world today. This are facts that has really helped me a lot, it has helped me in my relationship with people and would certainly help me in relating to those affected with the HIV/AIDS virus both within and outside my cultural setting.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Even Though I’m not a science student, but with my little knowledge on the sciences most especially in Biology from high school, I know it will take an extraordinary person to come up with a lasting solution for HIV/AIDS virus.
However with my knowledge starting from high school, knowledge gotten from Susan Hunter’s delightful meal on the science of AIDS and other related diseases, and knowledge gotten from other relevant materials I’ve been able to come out with a care management mechanism which can be seen below.
HIV/AIDS TREATMENT AND CARE
The treatment of HIV/AIDS differs from community to community and depending on the situation at hand, however it must be noted that in dealing with HIV/AIDS treatment extra caution needs to be applied so as not to complicate matters or better still the treatment. In view of the above, in communities where there is a high level of HIV/AIDS infection, the comprehensive care that needs to be provided is shown diagrammatically below.
COMPREHENSIVE HIV/AIDS CARE GUIDE
Progression of HIV infection starts from asymptomatic stage _ symptomatic stage _ End of life stage
Base on the above diagram, Treatment and care consists of a number of different elements including voluntary counseling and testing, food and nutrition, prevention of onward transmission, follow-up counseling, protection from stigma and discrimination by way of boasting self esteem, spiritual support, the provision of antiretroviral, treatment of STIs, management of nutritional effects, prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections, traditional treatment, palliative care, preparing for death, family and orphan support.
It is also very pertinent to note, HIV positive people have differing needs according to the stage of their infection.
The first stage is when people are Asymptomatic, which is when they have no signs/symptoms of their infection.
The voluntary counseling and testing: This plays an important role in HIV-related prevention and care. It is important as a starting point for the access of other HIV/AIDS-related services. Without voluntary counseling and testing persons hardly know they are infected and thus cannot get any form of treatment or care.
Be it as it may, many places people are diagnosed with HIV when seriously ill and at that particular point and the opportunities are few for cost-effective interventions, which increases quality of life.
VCT is also a unique benefit for those who test negative. For them (those negative), it may result in a change of behavior or the beginning of a new chapter entirely or who knows the beginning of becoming great counselors as well.
Prevention of transmission: when it comes to the transmission of HIV/AIDS, there are basically two modes of transmission namely
(1) Person to person (adult transmission) transmission: This is the most and commonly known mode of transmission of the virus, in view of that persons who are HIV positive are advised to receive counseling to help prevent transmitting the virus to another person.
Also Sexual behavioral counseling should include information on safer sexual behavior which involves the use of condom, fidelity and abstinence if possible. However it must be noted that infected person should be respected during the course of the Counseling and in a situation that involves communities, lay counselors can be trained from the community, and should also be taught how to challenge cultural barriers that may otherwise prevent condom use, without hurting such people.
(2) Mother to child transmission: mother to child transmission is another known means for the transmission of the virus, this usually occurs during pregnancy, during delivery, and after birth through breastfeeding.
To further prevent this means of transmission HIV education should be given to mothers to be, which must include talks on clean hygiene, mothers own opinion and her baby’s health.
More so HIV positive women should also be clinically taken care of, so as to avoid any unnecessary invasive procedures during labor and delivery.
Further more transmission through breastfeeding is another significant route of transmission of HIV, and it is recommended that replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, HIV positive mothers should avoid all breastfeeding so as to avoid mother to child transmission.
Food and Nutrition: since nutrition involves study of how food affects the health and survival of the human body. Human beings require food to grow, reproduce, and maintain good health. Without food, our bodies could not stay warm, build or repair tissue, or maintain a heartbeat. History has shown that HIV in the United States and other countries, developed opportunistic infections, progressed to AIDS and died, even though they had an excellent diet. However, good nutrition may help prolong the period of time between HIV infection and the onset of OIs. Aside from that nutrition plays an important role in regard to the provision of antiretroviral drugs.
Constant counseling: this is a continues attempted to further enlighten people for those not infected but for those infected it is a kind of an avenue to help them understand cope and ways to manage their status. And of course it is an already known fact that support is also crucial to the success of any medical treatment. It is important that the person understands why and how illnesses related to HIV should be treated.
Boasting of self esteem: The purpose of this is to make patients realize who they are, why they are here and what this is all about, That way they are already fighting against Stigma and discrimination associated with the virus, which is one of the greatest barrier in preventing further infections, Stigma and discrimination are triggered by many factors, including lack of understanding of self and the virus in question, myths about how HIV is transmitted, prejudice, lack of treatment and social fears. Stigma and discrimination can deter people from getting tested, contribute to them infecting others and prevent people who are infected from receiving adequate care and treatment.
STD(S) (Sexually transmitted diseases): formerly known as venereal diseases, more than 25 infections passed from one person to another primarily during sexual contact. STIs are among the most common infections known, more than 15 million people in the United States become infected with one or more STIs every year and a major health challenge in developing countries.
And of course an untreated STI can increase both the acquisition and transmission of HIV by up to tenfold which suggests that STI control has the potential to play an important role in the reduction of sexually acquired HIV transmission. , treatment of such diseases during the asymptomatic stage of HIV is important, since this can keep the person healthy for a longer period.
Spiritual Support: “if you don’t believe in a higher power go make a blade of grass” this brings to mind there is a higher power above that of man and capable of granting the wishes of man. With such power, all things are possible, besides many people get comfort by be spiritual.
Antiretroviral treatment and provision: The provision of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) is just one part of the treatment and care that needs to be provided for HIV positive people. Though efforts have been made to provide ARVs for developing countries, the reality is that for many communities it will be some time before ARVs are available. Its access will indeed go a long way to encouraging people more, must especially those infected and for those not infected, making them care more once they see improvement in the disease management.
The second stage is the symptoms stage, which is a stage when people have symptoms of HIV infection. Under this stage comes the following factor.
Food and Nutrition: HIV/AIDS and malnutrition are interrelated. It is established fact that in Africa AIDS was initially known as ‘slim disease’ because of the wasting syndrome typically experienced by people with the disease.
Malnutrition associated with HIV infection has serious and direct implications for the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS. Weight loss is often the event that begins a vicious circle of increased fatigue and decreased physical activity, including the inability to prepare and consume food and reduced work productivity.
One thing people fail to understand is that, when food is restricted, the body responds by altering insulin and glucagons, which regulate the flow of sugar and other nutrients in the intestine, blood, liver and other body tissues. Over time, the body uses up its carbohydrate stores from muscle and liver tissue and it begins to break down body protein to produce glucose, which causes protein loss and muscle wasting.
Treatment of related cases: As a result of people weak immune system, the contraction of more diseases related to HIV/AIDS is a possible phenomenon and challenge as well. In view of that, providing prevention and treatment for such cases can, Prevent the further spread of TB and other transmittable opportunistic infections, Reduce the suffering of people living with HIV/AIDS and improve their quality of life and the quality of life for their families and Allowing infected members of a family contribute to their families and communities for as long as possible.
Herbal or traditional treatment: There are little evidence to whether herbal or traditional treatments are safe and effective in treating HIV infection. Whilst it is a clear fact some of the traditional treatments maybe helpful, others may do more harm than good. Since Traditional medicine differs greatly from region to region and is often very specific to a location. However, in the absence of western (clinical) treatments, traditional medicine can be a feasible option if it relieves pain and makes the patient feel better.
The third stage relates to support and care of people who are terminally ill and nearing the end of their life.
Palliative care: this involves caring at home for the patient, such are aims to provide comfort and support for people who are terminally ill and, ultimately, to allow them to die with dignity. In such cases pain medication are reviewed frequently and increased when necessary, and pain also controlled in a way that keeps the patient as alert and active as possible.
Preparing for Death (divine call): Since the result of almost every HIV/AIDS case results in death, it is rather crucial to plan for such triumphant call, Even though it’s not always a good factor or thing to discuss, those interested should put the following into account:
Practical issues to be discussed before death:
Custody of children
Family support
Making a will
Funeral costs
Future school fees
Emotional issues to be discussed before death:
Resolve old quarrels
Tell patient and family members that they are loved
Share hopes for the future especially for children who are left behind
Say goodbye to careers and providers.
Just to proof the importance of this second to the last factor which most people consider not to be vital, in page 205 paragraph 2 line 4 and I quote “ Before Julius keeya Kintu’s father died of AIDS 5yrs ago, he taught his son how to grow coffee, squash and cassava, whose root is Uganda’s staple food, and in paragraph 3 lines 2 we realized that Julius mom sick with AIDS and unable to care for herself decided to leave for her mothers home to die living the children behind with 13 yrs old Julius who was the oldest of seven children as the bread winner. Without his Fathers training Julius and his siblings would have probably been on the street begging for what to eat.
Family support and Orphanage support: There are situations where by people loss family member to HIV/AIDS and no one want to associate with them again, a good example is the story told by molly on how women and children are discriminated and sometimes allowed to die due to starvation, this is the time family support plays an important role in the lives of such people, showing them love and caring for their basic needs, for orphan, the orphanage becomes their home where good spirited individual take good care of them.
4. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
Yes and I quote “while primary and secondary syphilis declined drastically in blacks and Hispania’s during the 1990’s, they still have 3 times the number of cases as whites” well this is not in any way a criticism of the writers view and hard work, her view is a good one but I totally disagree with that since she had no statistical proof to backup her point.
5. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
This piece of beautiful work is indeed loaded, I must confess I’ve learned a lot, during the cause of my reading the book, I came across one ultimate point which was according to genetiest Himla Soodyall and I quote “the basis of our genetic diversity was established in Africa, at some point a group of people who carried just a subset of the diversity left Africa” this antiquity explains why Africans have the greatest genetic diversity of any human group alive today and why there is a rise to all the population that we experience today outside Africa. This point did not only challenge my thinking alone but at least became an ultimate success for me after giving two friends who hate extra reading and today they are ready to read and rope minds with Susan Hunter. This is indeed remarkable.
6. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
Testing positive to HIV/AIDS is not the end of the road; therefore live, think and even act positively
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 7
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Essential Lifeskills – Positive Thinking
Assessment by Mark Mazadu
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Positive thinking show you how to transform your approach to living so you can feel good about yourself, create worthwhile relationships and perform successfully. It focuses on enthusiasm and optimism in all areas of life.
Understanding positive thinking
The act of thinking positively helps you get the best out of life which first deals with feelings, thoughts and beliefs, having said that, I see positive thinking as the thought that one has, it is an absolute approach to life.
However in order to create a positive world, it is important to note that experience is the determinant of your thinking. When a man is determined he goes to any length to accomplish his aims.
Appreciating positivity
Positive thinking means keeping sufficiently balanced in your awareness of problems to stay motivated, able to take action and feel good about what you are doing. Therefore your ability to appreciate positivity attracts a positive feeling through it.
Human feelings and positive thinking
Your mental approach to life is a combination of your feelings, thoughts and beliefs. Identifying and distinguishing these three elements is the first crucial step that you must take if you are to shift your outlook from negative to positive.
The more aware you are of emotional signals, the more you will be able to make your feelings from negative to positive.
NEGATIVE THINKING POSITIVE THINKING
You see yourself as unlovable You see that people value you
You think you always fail You do the best you can
You fell helpless You know you can take control
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
When events trigger your emotions, there is always an accompanying thought and since there are always two ways of thinking about anything in life – negatively or positively, the choice is yours. However the core strategy of positive thinking is to adapt these thoughts emphasizing the positive and defusing the negative vice versa. Alter your emotions and redirect your actions.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Each time I come across any work that has to do with positive thinking, the first thing that comes to my mind is the fact that, as a man thinketh, so is he. Like I’ve earlier on said, the core strategy of positive thinking is to adapt those thoughts emphasizing the positive and defusing the negative.
It is popularly known that when a man alters his thoughts, he automatically alters his emotions and redirected his actions.
Each time I think of the above statement one thing that comes to mind is the fact that the reason why Nigerians are still suffering from abject poverty today is as a result of our thought patterns, instead we rather choose to always attract negative thoughts thereby making us take the wrong decisions in life. Just this morning during the weekly chapel service we have in school (Covenant University College of business and social services every Wednesday 8am – 9:30 am) the chaplain in his message on the need to be responsible leaders and how to enhance positivity for nation building gave an illustration that three days ago it was on CNN news that three people defrauded the American government $18 million and the fellows that were involved were all Nigerians. To the dismay of the Seagull among us majority clapped, shouting and giving the fellows Kudos, in fact the fellow next to me said they are fools; they should have double the number.
The reason why things keep moving backward for us as a nation is not because of anything but as a result of the fact that we prefer to swim in negativity. Very few want to think positively towards our dear nation, many tend to think of only what they can get not what they can give, forgetting the fact that until we think towards the right direction, there is a limit to how far we can go. This brings me to my next point of discuss which is “belief system”
UNDERSTANDING BELIEFS
The bedrock of a man’s thinking is his beliefs deep-rooted ideas that are the result of his experience.
A negative belief undermines ones joy in life but because beliefs are fundamental to our thinking, when we analyze a negative belief and turn it into a positive belief, our whole approach to life becomes confident.
Taking us back to the fraud issue involving Nigerians in the U.S, I believe the reason behind students clapping to such unholy offense is the fact that Nigerians celebrate crime and thieves caused by a negative belief system. Today it is very common most especially in the eastern past of the country that, people don’t care how you make money, the moment you make a reasonable amount and you bribe few of the chiefs to honor you with a title, ex-criminals are titled men today, they tell you “na my money buy yam” (my money bought it for me) most people belief the economy is so bad that the best way to make it is to defraud people which is popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” (internet scam” the term yahoo is used because the email addresses)
Today anywhere you go, the moment you show green passport (Nigerian international passport) people look at you twice, including our African brothers. Nigerians tend to celebrate criminals thats why people go to any length to make it through the hard way at all means, forgetting that a negative thought creates a negative feeling and motivates negative action. Our feelings, thoughts and beliefs can be shifted from negative to positive by way of doing the right things.
ESTABLISHING SELF ESTEEM
Having a positive outlook means having a high self-esteem. People who have high self-esteem are natural positive thinkers. It is as a result of low self esteem that people tend to gamble to make it in life, bribe to have their way and defraud people. How then can we achieve (positivity) positive self esteem as a Nation? We got to use the positive thinking techniques to enhance core beliefs and self esteem. These techniques are as follows:
o Acknowledging when things go wrong
o Considering how to tackle the problem
o Taking action to solve the problem
o Creating further improvements
o Feeling good about yourself
o Beginning to create an improvement.
Self-esteem can trigger a spiral of good or bad feeling, according to how high or low it is. With high self esteem, you can cope with any difficulties that arise; acknowledge the problem and confidence will set you on the right path.
If you largely succeed in what you expect of yourself, yourself esteem will be solid, therefore your ability to aim only as high as we can realistically reach, rather than thinking we ought to be perfect.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
Working with emotions
Your emotions are the first signals generated by your body and mind when there is something in your life to which you need to pay attention. Having said that, our ability to take control of our emotions puts us in the position to be able to look at a problem rationally
Managing your feelings
Basically there are some emotions that are more challenging than others and can deeply affect your self esteem and your relationships. Developing ways to manage them actively on a day-by-day basis will certainly go a long way. However three things must be put into consideration.
1. To help anger die away, breathe slowly and deeply.
2. If you are angry with someone, use imagination to see them as a fictional character, whose actions do not hurt you.
3. As part of mastering the art of assertiveness, practice summarizing a point you would like to make in not more than five words.
How to maintain a positive mental attitude
The more positive you are the more positive you learn to be. Expand the positive thinking opportunities in your life, catch yourself every time you slip into negativity and consciously replace that with a positive thought.
Start with the most stress-free areas of your life and gradually expand your positivity throughout all areas of your life. If you meet major challenges to your positivity try acting “as if” everything is fine. Act as if you like yourself, or as if you accept others; act as if your future is bright, or as if your past is resolved.
Building confidence
The application of positive thinking to performance generate or results in confidence and in dealing with how to build a confident heart, there are three basic things to put into consideration
1. Erasing failure
2. Concentrating on the success
3. Extending your confidence range
THE DO(S) AND DON’T(S) OF BUILDING CONFIDENCE
THING’S TO DO THING’S TO AVOID
Do identify the most confident person you know, ask them about how they remember success and forget failure. Avoid people who sap your confidence by diminishing your success.
Do look back over your achievement diary regularly, to remind yourself of how you will have done. Avoid unconfident thought, replace them by confident-boosting affirmations and repeat until you feel more relaxed.
Do practice confident body language, so that when you feel nervous, you can step into a confident mood. Avoid nervous paralysis when you need to be confident. Take a deep breath and stretch to release tension.
Uncovering meaning in Life
Knowing you have a purpose in life makes you have content day to day, as well as more able to face problems and crises with equanimity.
The stronger a person sense of purpose and meaning in life, the happier and more positive they will be. Therefore making a determined effort to find meaning in what you are doing, and cultivating beliefs and experiences that reflect that meaning to live with a sense of purpose you need to discover and keep in mind an ultimate mission in the world.
Significance of the choice of color in living a positive life
When deciding the décor of your room, remember that colors affects mood. Therefore we need to build positivity by combining mood-lifting shades.
o Blue: calms, settles
o Yellow: invigorates, warm
o Green: soothes, harmonizes
o Red: stimulates, arouse
o Purple: energize, inspire
o Orange: welcome, warm
o White: enhances natural light
o Colors like black, brown and grey should be avoided.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking any way? If so explain how?
Yep
o A positive belief influences our whole approach to life
o Unless the people themselves are changed, no other change will happen.
o When you take total responsibility for your attitude, which shows you’ve truly grown up.
5. re there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
Loving with Heart
If you want to be loved, be positive to gain love, begin with a strong, positive image of yourself. The more you believe you are attractive, the more others will believe it too. Positive people are fun to be with, confident in their own abilities able to give and take. The end result of their positive outlook is that they can develop and maintain relationships easily.
Aging with attitude
The key to ageing positively is to realize that, with current health care and society’s support, ageing is now a positive experience. In nutshell positive thinking can alter the length as well as the equality of life. It is generally accepted that with a positive outlook on life not only can you move into the later years feeling both fulfilled and contented, you can also actively prolong your life.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
The whole idea is that of “Until your thoughts are linked to your purpose, there is no accomplishment.
Please rate this book 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? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
The Leadership Pill
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
Leadership pill contains a tower building formula for effective leadership. It is a must read. (Mark Elisha Mazadu, IIGL Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Do you have leadership qualities? Do you believe you have what it takes to be a good leader? Is your employer looking to develop potential leaders? How can you become a successful manager? Leadership pill considers what makes a good leader, and examines the fit – or sometimes the mis-fit – between company needs and individual talent, effective leaders and mis-fit leaders.
Each time I ask myself what leadership means, the easiest definition that flips my mind is the definition that leadership is taking the lead in meeting needs.
Another mind blowing definition is by Ed Brennan who said “Leadership is one of those things you know when you see it” (Ed Brennan)
In view of the two definitions above, I know I’ve been led by way of reading leadership pill by Blanchard and Muchnick.
Blanchard and Muchnick described the power balance between leaders using the wrong ingredient for effective leadership and those using the right ingredients.
In their postulation they both agreed that an inspiring and supportive leader supplies the right ingredients, earning his teams respect and trust with a blend of integrity, partnership, and affirmation and the hard won result being a highly motivated team producing consistent top performance and genuine success, While the person using the wrong ingredient stimulates himself in an obsessive and shortsighted direction with disastrous results.
In line with the above, there are also five basic characteristics that set “leader” apart from runoff “followers”
Leaders’ are long-term thinkers who see beyond the day’s crises and the quarterly report.
Leaders’ interest in their affairs does not stop with the units they head. They want to know how all they do affect one another, and they are constantly reaching beyond their specific areas of influence.
Leaders’ put heavy emphasis on vision, values and motivation.
Leaders’ have strong political skills to cope with conflicting requirements of multiple constituents.
Leaders’ don’t accept the status quo. (As adapted by John Maxwell)
It becomes very crucial to note that, an effective leader recognizes each person as an individual with different values and beliefs. Such influences as experience from birth, environment, long term, ethnic background, and religious heritage determine an individual’s personality, values, and beliefs. Because of these differences, it should be highly noted that the actions we take might affect one member of our work group differently than another. Our actions could have a positive effect on one person and a negative effect on another.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Leading effectively means more than just getting results, it means getting the commitment of the team. Many leaders focus only on the results part and forget about their people. Their definition of success is the teams’ short term output. The true test of leadership, on the other hand, is to win the trust and respect of the team, keep their motivation running high, and help them reach new heights.
As conscientious leaders, we should strive to identify and consider these differences when deciding upon a course of action. By considering these individual differences, we will avoid many misunderstandings and have a more positive influence on our subordinates. They will respect us as persons who support equal opportunity for all. Success comes only through honest, equal, and thoughtful supervision of our people.
Remember, since people are our greatest resource, they are worthy of our understanding and respect. When we apply the basics of leadership, we will have a foundation upon which we can build. The leadership structure we build is only as good as the foundation we lay.
Some people have one style of leadership, which is fine if they can find a situation that requires that style of leadership. For Ken Blanchard and Marc Muchnick the style is through the use of prescription as tool for effective leadership which involves three main ingredients; Integrity, Partnership and Affirmation.
Integrity is the number one thing people want in a leader. It is about creating a set of operating values and then living true to them and this is the number one thing most Nigerian leader’s lack, which leads to a high level of corruption and embezzlement in different sectors. When a leader’s actions embody the organizations values, the result is a value driven culture. You cannot be swimming in dishonesty and expect those you are leading to be honest. Things don’t work that way, we ought to practice exactly what we preach and the moment we start doing that, believe me it will certainly show. (Integrity lays the foundation for trust and respect).
Partnership implies that people work hand in hand with one another to learn and grow together in unity. When you partner with your team, you not only learn from each other but you get to know people you work with beyond their job titles, that way you find out what makes each individual on your team unique. Choosing the best people for such team is a skill. A CEO after all is a human being and does not have an answer for everything. But by working together he creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect; the team then always finds the best solution. I like using Nigeria as examples each time I want to illustrate a point, using that as a base I must say the reason why most Nigerian leaders fail to partner with people for maximum impact is the fact that they are highly corrupt and partnering with others is like inviting someone else into your world of so many secrets with regards to dirty deals and since they would not want to be exposed they prefer working alone and comfortable with whatever result they get.
Affirmation, unless leaders learn to value people they work with, there is a limit to how far they would go as a team. Saying thank you is one way to do that. An appreciative tongue will change your perspective on things, if you appreciate someone, he will become a better manager, colleague, husband, teacher, wife and friend.
Praise when it comes to leadership is most effective when it is specific, sincere, and given as soon as possible after desired behavior occurs. Not praising people each time they do something right helps them learn to praise themselves instead of relying on others to do it all the time.
When evaluating people, you treasure them more than you will criticize them. This is a very common challenge in most Nigerian firm, establishment and organization. People are not in any way valued and their attitude towards work is lackadaisical, some will tell you “Na ma papa get the job?” meaning “Besides the job is not my fathers” why because whatever they do they are not praises but rather criticized. Praise is an easy, cost free way to make people feel valued.
All I’ve been trying to communicate is the fact that a good leader must always keep motivating his team mates for good work and should maintain healthy environment. He must also give first priority to safety of workers and see that they are not exploited by superiors. I’ve come to realize in life, there is hardly a higher compliment you can pay an individual than to help that person be useful and find satisfaction and significance this is another leadership style.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
I’ve learned so many things in the book part of which is how to use the three basic ingredients for effective leadership which includes Integrity, partnership and Affirmation.
Other lessons include the fact that, the highest achievement as a leader is wining the respect and trust of your team.
Furthermore is the fact that Leadership qualities are different for different position. For a director or CEO he/she must be thinking for stabilizing the current business and always looking for future scope of expansion. He/she must also be able to look beyond where they are today as a firm or an organization, group or even as an individual to know where the business is going, and be able to use that vision to move the company forward. Being able to do that is a rare skill among companies, except for the highly visionary companies.
Aside from that I’d like to say leadership pills is more or less based on organizational leadership (development) in view of that, I’d like to share with all what I’ve written on organizational development in the past which I’ve shared with relatively very few people, I guess my mentor with few other guys or so, well its move on.
First we must understand that, organizational development seeks to improve the performances of people, departments, groups, and the overall organization. It can also be seen as an organization wide planned effort managed from the top, with the goal of increasing organizational performance through planned interventions and training experiences.
It also seeks to change attitudes, values, organizational structures and managerial practices in an effort to improve organizational environment so that managers and employees can use their development skills and abilities to the fullest.
And Since every organizational development strategy is to recognize and manage organizational performances. Organizational development efforts are made up of the following phases.
Diagnosis
Strategy planning
Education
Evaluation
* Diagnosis: gathering information from employees through the use of questionnaires or attitude survey.
* Strategy planning: A plan for organizational improvement base on diagnosis data, it also outlines problems and steps in coming out with solutions.
* Education: stage of sharing the information obtained in the diagnosis with the employees who are affected by it and helping them realize the need for changed behavior. It often involves the use of outside consultants.
* Evaluation: stage of working on solutions gotten and coming out with additional plans and educational efforts.
How to build a distinct organizational relationship
In building the right relationship that enhances the smooth running of affairs in an organization, the following factors needs to be put into consideration.
First there must be a high level of understanding. I.e. those in the helm of affairs need understand what their partners hope to get out of it and to work hard to help them achieve that goal, This is called partnership and the more you live and work in partnership with all, the happier, healthier and more successful you will be, for living and working in partnership is far more fun than being trapped in exploiting and domination with its endless conflict and resentment. Therefore when you work in partnership with others you discover how to turn conflict into harmony, treat others as you wish to be treated. That way everyone becomes a winner.
Secondly you have to deliver on your promise reliably and consistently. While keeping things fresh is important, leaders cannot change direction frequently. They will lose people’s confidence
You must build the relationship between individuals and not between your organization and a company or government.
You must also be as flexible as possible, invite people in, try and discuss the problem or opportunity with them.
Recognize the fact that others may actually know more than you do about something that way you learn from them.
These are many more will certainly go a long way in making us distinct in our various endeavors.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Has it challenged my thinking? Yep and in so many ways most of which are not things or concept that are relatively new to me but I can’t deny the fact that I keep learning more of such concept day by day and believe me the moment we key into or keep keying into such concepts the sky will surely be our limits.
First, the fact that communication is the key to effective leadership, the reason for this is simple: if a leader possesses other leadership qualities but fails to communicate well, he will never be great leader; this is very obvious in most geographical settings.
The most valuable asset of a leader is honesty. He must be honest with both his employees and the management committee.
Organizational wise the aim of an organization is to improve their performance by selecting and developing individual potential. At the outset, the needs of the organization are usually well-defined but the individuals, who may become leaders, are unknown. The organizational task is therefore one of:
identifying the profile of people who will enhance organizational performance
selecting individuals whose character, skills and potential closely match that profile
developing those individuals so their potential becomes a reality
I guess the outline above are exactly what IIGL is doing, well that’s another story on its own, back to the business of the day.
Organizations develop a framework to assess people and develop those who are chosen. An individual’s perspective, however, is very different: the aim is for the individual to develop into a position of leadership. You are who you are, and if your profile does not fit that of the organization you are working for, then your task is to: understand your own attributes or potential, find a new role or organization where your profile will be valued. Meaning “your apathy seems or must fit with the culture around you”.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
Nope (No)
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found helpful the fact that leadership is the process of getting everyone to the place they are supposed to go. Nothing least helpful to me in the book, every line carries its own meaning.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
Leadership is nothing but the quality which makes a person stands out different from other ordinary employees or people.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9.5
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
The Power Of Now
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everybody should follow one path. Listen to your own truth.” – Ram Dass
“The longest journey of any person is the journey inward.” – Unknown
Tolle in his work expresses the true essence and benefits of the Now, which determines whatever we do and will become in future. One unique essence of the work is the awesome description that’s tends to address the fact that the mind habitually deny or resist the Now, Because it cannot function and remain in control without time, which is past and future, so it perceives the timeless Now as threatening. Time and mind are in fact inseparable.
Like I’ve indicated in the quote at the top of this page, the journey to a concept of spirituality is highly personal. Each individual human being must decide for him or herself whether to accept one of the many spiritual or religious philosophies already in existence, or to create one based upon a personal journey of discovery, or to disregard spirituality altogether.
Enlightenment is one such journey and it does not happen in the mind. However it is a little-recognized fact that it eventually gets in incorporated into the mind as well. In fact, enlightenment happens in the body first and spreads upwards like a tree going through the emotional, mental and innumerable unnamed bodies.
How can I get enlightenment? By first, clearing the blockages that prevent life, consciousness and energy from entering my body, Notice that this takes place far outside of the mind.
When you clear obstructions to awareness then you will start to taste the oneness that you have heard about but not known for so achingly long. How amazing this statement can be…I experienced that. I must say what can be said in words is an interpretation conveyed by concepts. If you are not enlightened then you will not know exactly what is being described. However, enlightenment is never very far away, it is as close to you as your own consciousness. But generally people do not really want enlightenment, as it ruins deeply held illusions about life.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life, such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold that is how important you are – Eckhart Tolle
A spiritual root is the only guarantee for sustained accomplishment in life. The reason why most people fail today is not because they cannot do it but the lack that concrete foundation to build their house on.
I never believed my rapid understanding of the subject matter of the book, I must say the book serves a place, and at a higher level of consciousness. Probably more for people who are earlier on their paths and who want to become the real Gurus.
I was looking for applications of the power of now to studies, relationships, business, friendship e.t.c on a more refined level and was not disappointed. There seems to be some good stories. Some of the principles are redundant for me. Other parts seem heady, but not in a way that is not engaging for me personally.
Was challenged when I read that not to be able to stop thinking is a dreadful affliction. My principle was, thinking is everything, just realized I was a sort of incorrect. I guess we don’t get to realize it is an affliction since almost everybody is guilty of it.
At this point identification with ones mind creates an opaque screen of concepts, words, images, judgments and all manner definitions that blocks all truce relationships which comes between one and oneself.
Have tried of recent to be aware of the fact that underneath all levels of physical appearances and separate forms, I’m one with all that is. This belief seems comforting but I believe it will soon be liberating with much experiences. I know I’ll not be disappointed.
Today in our society thinking has really become a disease, things are getting out of balance, that’s why there are lots of crises and inter ethnic wars, for how long will it continue? God knows…we need use our minds as superb instruments. People think by building atomic bombs they are making good use of their mind…bla bla bla but did I say our mind is an instrument? Yes I did, it is there to be used for a specific task, and when the task is completed, we lay it down. I guess some will choose to put theirs in there pockets. 🙂
Enlightenment, I guess must not be conceived simply as a general process affecting all humanity; it must not be conceived only as an obligation prescribed to individuals: it now appears as a political problem. The question, in any event, is that of knowing how the use of reason can take the public form that it requires, how the audacity to know can be exercised in broad daylight, while individuals are obeying as scrupulously as possible.
While it’s true that “enlightenment,” or the final goal of all spiritual striving, has always referred to an experiential recognition of that which is absolute by nature, what that absolute actually is, and what it may have to do with human life, always has been and continues to be up to this day quite ambiguous. The more we have looked, the more fascinated we have become to discover the enormity of diverging views about this most challenging concept.
Our thinking mind is used in the enlightenment state when needed, but in a much more focused and effective way than before. That’s was why I said much earlier society thinking has become a disease. We ought to think practically and purposefully and must be free of the involuntary internal dialogue and there is inner stillness.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
How to access the now
To be able to feel the essence of the power of now around us we need to be free of time for a moment, which will lead to moving into the now and thereafter perceiving whatever you are feeling without the screen of the mind. This is one process I keep learning over and over and will keep doing it till I master it. I guess it’s because it’s not what we think it is, since the mind is not the primary force. One can’t think about a unique presence, and the mind can’t understand it. Understanding presence is being present. This is pleonastic, I love it.
To access the now you will have to put down for a moment your personal baggage of problems, of past and future, as well as all your knowledge; otherwise, you will see but not see, hear but not hear. Your total presence is also required; this had always been a unique experience for me. Don’t you think beyond the beauty of the external forms, there is more here? I guess so. I guess there is something that cannot be named, something ineffable, some deep, inner, holy essence. Whenever and wherever there is beauty. This inner essence shines through somehow. It only reveals itself to you when you are present.
Many people are so imprisoned in their minds that the beauty of nature does not really exist for them. Oh what a beautiful color but they don’t truly see the color, don’t feel its essence, its holiness-just as they don’t know themselves, don’t feel their own essence, their own holiness. Well I was once guilty of this as well but can now say all this was curriculum.
Everything that exist has being, has God essence, has some degree of consciousness. Even a stone has rudimentary consciousness; otherwise, it would not be, and its atoms and molecules would disperse. Everything is alive, the sun, moon, plant, earth-all are expressions of consciousness in varying degrees, consciousness manifesting as form. The world arises when consciousness takes on shape and forms, thought forms and material forms.
Consciousness takes on the disguise of forms until they reach such complexity that it complexity loses itself in them. I’m sure we all know today human consciousness is completely identified with its disguise. It only knows itself as form and lives in fear of the annihilation of its physical or psychological form. And when it frees itself from its identification with physical mental forms, it becomes what we may call pure or enlightened consciousness or presence.
Silence is an even more potent carrier of presence, so when one reads or listens, one should beware of the silence between and underneath the words. Even if there is noise, there is always some silence underneath and in between the sounds. Listening to the silence immediately creates stillness inside one. And what is stillness other than presence, consciousness freed from thought forms
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Tolle has really inspired me. Patanjali suggested that inspiration involves a mind that transcends all limitations, thoughts that break all their bonds, and a consciousness that expands in every direction. This is how the power of now has inspired me.
It helped me pictured more of the things I want to be and have inspired me towards working to see those aspirations are accomplished.
In the practical aspect of my life, time now does not only involve the clock time but present awareness, gone are the days I consider waiting to be a waste of time, rather I see it as more blessing and time to enjoy inner sun shine.
Clock time is not just making an appointment; it includes learning from the past so that we don’t repeat the same mistake over and over. Here I also got to understand the present moment still remains the essential factors.
Needless to say consciousness is everything. We have always been consciousness. In consciousness there is no time or space. We created a world of time and space in which to pretend to be separate – which is asleep to our true nature. Generally, we do not wish to wake up, not yet because that would ruin the game.
Freedom from unhappiness: To be able to be free from all manner of thoughts, which could be in form of a habit, job stress e.t.c we need take a good look inside. Are there resentments in the unwillingness? If there is, observe it on both the mental and the emotional levels what thought is your mind creating-around this situation? Look at the emotions, feel them. Does it fee; pleasant or unpleasant? Whether your thoughts and emotions about this situation are justified or not makes no difference. The fact is that you are resisting what is, you are making the present moment into all enemy creating conflict between inner and outer. Your unhappiness is pointing not only your own inner being and those around you but also the collective human psyche of which you are an inseparable part.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
Found the essence of the creative use of the mind to be most helpful, it seeks to address the fact that, a creative use of the mind should be in conjunction with our inner body. Only if we are able to be conscious without thought can one use his mind creatively, and the easiest way to enter that state it through our body.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
A timeless journey that reveals there is only one true moment the “NOW” do not die with your music inside you…
8. Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
How To Use Your Creative Imagination
By Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. What Ideas were personally most important to you in this book? Do not simply list the ideas, but explain or discuss why they were important to you, using personal examples.
Thinking is the only way to generate viable ideas, as ideas are communicated through thoughts…
You can remove or rise above all obstacles to effective living and freedom of expression is a truism… if there is any distinguishing trait that sets modern humans apart from all other species on the planet is their powerful “human imagination”.
Imagination makes it possible to experience a whole world inside the mind. It gives the ability to look at any situation from a different point of view and enables one to mentally explore the past and the future.
Human creativity is the undisputed power behind all human endeavors. It created the “mind” of mankind, the past network of human minds of the past and present are able to communicate across time and distance imagination made the amazing human adventure possible.
Creative imagination allowed man to create words, languages and stories that explain everything humans encounter-whether or not the stories and concepts are correct. In our imagination we travel anywhere in the world in the speed of light without any obstacles. It can make one feel free, though temporality and only in the mind, from tasks, difficulties and unpleasant circumstances.
Lack of understanding is equally the primary obstacle to creative imagination. The power to perceive; the illusional sense of selfhood; the faculty of intelligence; and the mind are the four aspects of individualized awareness. Your mind emanates from you. It records and processes perceptions and is superior to the brain. It is blended with part of omnipresent mind which is responsive to the mental states you assume or allow to prevail, the thoughts you think, and the desires and aspirations you maintain.
There are so many troublesome mental conditions when it comes to cultivating the correct mind set. This conditions are common when ones awareness is ordinary are confusion, restlessness, doubt, pessimism, inability e.t.c we can only banish such confusion by acquiring accurate information and cultivating the habit of rational thinking, replacing restlessness with soul contentment, doubt with self-confidence, self-reliance with faith.
Constructive, enjoyable actions replace unpleasant feelings associated with memories of misfortune, failures, loss or pain. You will soon be able to relate to all of your memories without having any unwanted mental or emotional reactions, the psychic force that was formerly identified with memories of unpleasantness and to be used for constructive, life-enhancing purpose.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life, such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
The truth is spend more time in our imagination than most people have ever realized. No matter what self help book you read most of the technique involved rely on manipulating the imagination, but the approach is mostly indirect because few have perceived that imagination is the sole key to self improvement and spirituality.
Recently i get to fully realize mind is in constant creation. The creative imagination and creative intelligence, these are constantly creating our reality, our perceptions, existence, paradigms e.t.c if some pulls out in front of one on the parkway, the imagination will most likely scan over every other time such an occurrence happened in our life and remind us of how we felt at that time through association.
I’ve been able to solve so many problems by way of developing creative imagination. A developed and strong imagination however does not make you a daydreamer and impractical on the contrary, it strengthens your creative abilities, and is a great tool for recreating and remodeling your world and life.
I was not disappointed when I read, creativity is the ability to manifest or produce a thing, event, or circumstance. Imagination is the innate spiritual power we have to form a mental picture or concept of something which does not yet exist or is not presently perceived. This is a power that can change ones whole life. It is used extensively in magic, creative visualization and affirmations. It is the creator of circumstances and events when one know how to work it, you can make your hearts desires come true as like I’ve been working and making mine come true. Believe me you will not be disappointed.
Creative imagination has really played a great role in my life. It has an important role to play in your life as well….it is the tool for recreating and remodeling your world and life. We all use it either consciously or unconsciously, in most of our daily affairs those who use it unconsciously who are not aware of the possibility of using it with conscious intention, or who know that it can be done but choose not to be responsible for their actions are self confined by their undisciplined behaviors.
We need to effectively use our innate power to imagine ideal circumstances and have them actualized. Most people imagine things any how. Oh God I can’t imagine being broke, and before you know it, you are more than broke but broken. “as a man thinketh, so is he” we need to have clearly defined concepts of what we consider to be essential for our highest good and mastery of our attention. There is power in the tongue through your imagination, your imagination either builds you or destroys you.
The power of observation and concentration can be vastly improved by nurturing enthusiasm, and by regular, alert practice of meditation being enthusiastic banishes apathy and disinterest. Lack of understanding of the power of the imagination is responsible for the suffering, incompetence, difficulties, failures and unhappiness people experience. For some reason, most people are inclined to think in a negative way.
Life is very sweet if we can make good use of our imagination. Has it ever occur to you why an insect flies when you pick up a broom to kill or why an animal runs when you want to throw stone at it. Through awareness of our imaginations we can take control of our lives and life itself through controlling our imaginations controls us. It’s a new dawn for me.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
Human imagination is the undisputed power behind all human endeavors, Isaac Newton said “if I have been able to see further than others-it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants”
It’s with great credit that I now know with greater understanding that creative power of imagination has an important role in the achievement of success in any field, but faith comes in as well, what we imagine with faith and feelings come into being.
Each time I confront unpleasant situations or what I call dramas in my life, I visualize myself handling the matter easily and comfortably. If you are naturally positive, you attract positive results. We all are part of the omnipotent power that has created the universe; which implies we participate in the process of creation. I rapidly understood our thought is energy, and by having certain thoughts in our minds, these thought automatically turns out to become our inner power.
Mind power and prosperity: there is no separation between spiritual and material realities. Material things are formed by energy of consciousness.
Prosperity and success can be ours if we need to find out our inhibiting thoughts, analyze them and learn to get rid of them.
Desires to have what we need and we acquire it by performing right actions and using imagination to attract supportive events and circumstances. Everything that we need for our well-being is available for us to acknowledge and accept.
I’ve learnt to visualize clearly my desires by putting feelings into my mental images, faith and belief creating a might power.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Yes I’ve really been challenged in the sense that, I now have an indepth understanding of the fact that by changing our thoughts and mental pictures we change our “reality” when we try to change our thoughts, we are employing magic or supernatural powers as well as creating and changing our life and circumstances. During this process I got to understand it is not something “material” that we create or change; but our thoughts, which are the world.
Life universal creative power, desires to constantly express and manifest itself and it does so through the physical frame of plants, animals and human beings. It means if I do not recognize the importance of the power of imagination and let it run riot, ones life may not be as happy and successful as one would have wanted it to be.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
Nope
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
How to acquire valid knowledge: there are so many details or guidelines that must not be left out when creating a sound knowledge base, but that depends on what fires you up as an individual.
To acquire valid knowledge on a general parameter aside from what fires you up one needs disregard ideas, opinions and beliefs which are not based on fact. Avoid illusions by insightful observation and analysis of what is observed, thought, heard, or experienced.
Inability to concentrate maybe due to lack of interest, emotional unrest, mental restlessness or confusion, insufficient sleep, tiredness or reluctance to use will power. Cultivate emotional and mental peace; discipline your thoughts, moods and behavior.
What is perceived, thought, or felt is impressed in the subconscious level of the mind as a memory by referring to our memories we can be aware of past events and acquired knowledge.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
“Thinking is the only way to generate viable ideas, as ideas are communicated through thoughts”.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
The Winning Attitude
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
A person cannot travel within and stand still without.
I’ve read so many books on winning attitude. Each comes with its own unique style of communicating the intended message. I must say Johns writing is outstanding and below are some of the ideas important to me.
Every outstanding result comes out of a good understanding. Man’s ability over all other creature on earth is the ability to think. All successful people use this talent to improve their lives and control their own destiny. You can’t start building a house before you begin to decide where the pillar will be, where the pillar will be is determined on the drawing board. Put differently, John expresses the fact that only you can take the initial step toward the unleashing of the power within your own mind.
Until you answer or address your attitude, you are not set for the best. What then is attitude according to John Maxwell? John sees attitude as an inward feeling expressed by behavior. Wow isn’t it amazing seeing ones attitude without a word being said? I must say its more than amazing, that’s why I keep telling people character is like pregnancy.
Basically when you put on a happy face, it reminds one the fact that expressions usually reflect our inward feeling. Sometimes the attitude can equally be masked outwardly and others who see us are fooled, but usually the cover ups will not last long. This is indeed a clear reflection of the fact character is like pregnancy, Just as a woman will never hide the fact that she is pregnant for long, so you can never hide your character. There is that constant struggle as the attitude tries to wiggle its way out whether we like it or not.
Your greatest asset in life is your heart, and until you shape your heart with the right attitude there is a limit to how far you can go in life.
Our attitude determines our approach to life. It tells us what we expect from life. Many of our work habits are the result of years of previous jobs and careers, some of which were counterproductive. In order to break down and change them for the better we must be willing to ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this particular task this way and not how I can improve it.
One of the valid ways to test your attitude is to answer this question: “Do I feel my world is treating me well?” if your attitude towards the world is excellent, you will receive excellent result. If you feel so-so about the world, your response from the world will be average.
The world doesn’t care whether we free ourselves from attitude prison or not it marches on. Adopting a good, healthy attitude toward life does not affect society nearly so much as it affects us and the change cannot come from others it must come from us. We are individually responsible for our view of life given the bible say whatsoever a man saws this he will also reap” our attitude towards life helps determine what happens to us.
It is impossible to tailor all situations to fit our lives perfectly. But it is possible to tailor make our attitude to fit. The greatest favor a man can do to himself is to boast his destiny by cultivating the right attitude.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life, such as your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
I cannot say the winning attitude idea is completely new to me; I looked for a different approach to win-win attitude and was very much impressed by what I read. No wonder it is said, the art of being wise is the art of knowing what to over look, winning attitude is vital and must not be neglected if we must succeed.
History’s greatest achievements have been made by men who excelled only slightly over the masses of others in their field. Many times that slight difference is attitude. Certainly aptitude is important to our success in life yet success or failure in any understanding is caused more by mental attitude when by mere mental capabilities.
There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. Little difference is attitude. Your attitude to life can be different from mine. Why because my own view is different from yours. The big different is whether it is positive or negative. To be honest, this is one attitude I’ve learned to apply in my life and I’ve not been disappointed. Nowhere is this principle better illustrated than in the way we view life.
Our attitude at the beginning of a task will affect its outcome more than anything else. “They can because they think they can” (Virgil). You can only accomplish what you believe you can. If you do not believe you can, you are telling yourself you want it, but it’s not obtainable. Mans limits are self imposed by what the mind is given to believe. Most projects fail or succeed before they begin. Many times we have been guilty of viewing our future challenges as the sunset of life rather than the sunrise of a bright new opportunity. I’ve had times when I embark on certain task but keep asking myself, gosh will this be possible? And immediately this tiny voice within will say hey you can make it with the right attitude.
What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it, every opportunity has a difficulty and every difficulty has an opportunity. When confronted with difficult situation, a person with an outstanding attitude makes the best of it while he gets the worst of it. Isn’t it amazing what our attitude can do? It is, life can be likened to a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you depend upon what you are made of. It takes serious approach to emerge as a winner, our attitude places demand on those who desire to fulfill their purpose in life.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
I’ve added quite a lot to things I’ve previously read on winning attitude. It was not really disappointing when I read your attitude markets you in the market of destiny. To make that a reality there are certain basic principles that must be put into consideration which are as follows.
* A Childs formative year is the most important for instilling the right attitude.
* An attitude growth never stops.
* The more our attitude grows on the same foundation the more solid it becomes.
* Many builders help construct our attitude at a certain time and place.
* There is no such thing as a perfect flawless attitude.
Having listed out the five basic principles we must note that our attitude does not remain stagnant. Our attitudes need adjustment with every change that comes into our lives.
Another lesson worthy of mentioning is on self image…our performance is based on our perception of ourselves; one of the best ways to improve the inward feelings is to put some success under your belt. How we see ourselves reflects how others see us. If we like ourselves it increases the odds that others will like us. Self image is the parameters to the construction of our attitude.
We already have a number of opportunities in our hand. We must decide whether to take a risk and act on them. Nothing in life causes more stress, yet at the same time provides more opportunities for growth, than new experiences.
Another good reminder was the fact that there is no success without suffering. If you are successful and have not suffered for you and if you are suffering without succeeding, perhaps someone may succeed after you but there is no success without suffering. This was indeed refreshing and a good reminder.
Our attitude is the determining factor of whether our failures make or break us. The persistence of a person who encounters failure is one sign of a healthily attitude but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing the person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, grow, feel, change, love, and live.
The Conflict Of Change
It is indeed true we resist nothing more than change many times we enjoy the rewards of change but endure its process we first form habits, then our habits form us. We are what we repeatedly do. It is easy to see our perspective and when that occurs, we stagnate and become narrow. The following I believe will give us a better understanding
Change brings growth
Growth brings change
Change brings growth and growth brings change is a truism only if your attitude is right with the proper attitude all change, whether positive or negative, will be a learning experience which results in a growing experience.
Change is essential for growth. The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. I’ve had times when I tried doing things in a particular way but get an unexpected result but the moment I adopt new strategies which basically I was reluctant to, automatically makes it a huge success. Who we are today is indeed the result of choices made yesterday. Tomorrow we will become what we choose to change. This is the greatest motivation of all nothing sparks the fires of desire more than the sudden realization that you do not have to stay the same.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Like every other book, it came with its mind blowing challenges which are as follows.
What really matters is what happens in us, not to us, which is more important-wrong-action directed at us or wrong reaction within us.
What we sow, we always reap
The difference between success and failure in decision making is often timing, when does a winner make his decisions? When do I make mine?
I can’t really say lessons on the first inward storm which is fear of failure is completely new to me but it equally came with it new strategies and I got to realize so many ways to deal with it. Some people determine, “if at first you don’t succeed, destroy all the evidence that you’ve tried”
I also enjoyed reading about the lives of so many great men and women by way of John’s style of expressing or conveying his message. One consistent fact I notice is all successful people experienced one form of failure or the other, most even began with failure.
Without the physical vitality to take action, nothing would ever come of our system to this point. The passion could build our belief of accomplishment could be overwhelming, we could have the best strategy or map to achieve the ultimate value for our own life but if not for taking the first step, nothing could ever be accomplish. Great success cannot be separated from physical, spiritual and mental energy that allows us, compels us, to accomplish the most with what we have to work with. Physical energy comes from the strength of the body itself fueled by our intake of nourishment this is one important fact I learnt which has challenged me a lot.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
No
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
One fact I deeply appreciated was the fact that “you don’t have to make noise to make news, you make moves to make news and the moves you make determines the waves you cause determines the news you make and there are four aspects of human life where we need to cultivate the right attitude.
Attitude to life
Attitude to God
Attitude to work
Attitude to money
And the moment we realize life is a changing process, with all of its transitions comes new opportunities for growth the better our chances.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
“There is only one success-to be able to spend your life in your own way”
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Developing The Leader Around You
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu
There is no success without a successor.
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
The bottom line- and the essential message of developing the leaders around you- is that you can’t do it alone. In Maxwell’s analogy, which I agree to…if you really want to be a successful leader, you must develop other leaders around you, you must establish a team. You must find a way to get your vision seen, implemented, and contributed to by others.
The leader sees the big picture, but he needs other leaders to help make his mental picture a reality. Most leaders have followers around them. They believe the key to leadership is gaining more followers. Few leaders surround themselves with other leaders. The ones who do bring great value to their organizations, not only is their burden lightened but their vision is carried on and enlarged.
Why leaders need to reproduce leaders:
The key to surrounding yourself with other leaders is to find the best people you can, then develop them into the best leaders they can be. Great leaders produce other leaders.
Every person carries a leadership seed closest to the leader will determine the success level of that leader. No man is an island therefore we need one another to succeed.
It equally takes a leader to know a leader, grow a leader and show a leader. Why because leaders attract potential leaders and such attraction is the obvious first step, yet many people in leadership position who are unable to accomplish this task, true leaders are able to attract potential leaders because:
* Leaders think like them
* Leaders express feeling that other leader sense
* Leaders create an environment that attracts potential leaders attract.
* Leaders are not threatened by people with great potential.
Any leader who has only followers around him will be called upon to continually draw on his own resources to get things done. Without other leaders to carry the lead, he will become fatigued and burnt out and unless you want to carry the whole load yourself, you need to be developing leaders.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have, and a leader’s success can be defined as the maximum utilization of the abilities of those under him.
I believe before I can become an effective leader I must create an environment that will attract leaders that equally share the same purpose with me. Today it is a known fact in our generation that only the man who has found his true self can know himself, find his own best talents and achieve his own high success we need to live our own lives and this attitude must be instilled in childhood.
When you share in your own home you create a basic harmony which adds to your success and inner peace. One of the most valuable gift you can give any man is the gift of direction show him how to gather his forces and focus them the way he wants to go and literally you do more for him than if you handed him a million dollar. Successful leaders recognize the personal growth and the development of leadership skills are lifetime pursuits.
I’ve tried adopting the principle, the environment in which you live or work will influence you and those you lead, this has indeed been fetching me good results by way of boasting my relationship with others. I’m not perfect in it but I believe I’ll someday be there. LOL
Identifying potential leaders is one aspect of life I really enjoyed working on. It is said there is something much more important and scarce than ability; it is the ability to recognize ability and one of the primary responsibly of who know what he’s doing.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
A positive attitude is one of the most valuable assets a person can have in life. The individual whose attitude causes him to approach life from an entirely positive perspective is someone who can be called a no limit person. In other words, the person doesn’t accept the normal limitations of life as most people do.
A person with a positive attitude is like a bumblebee. The bumblebee should not be able to fly because the size, weight and shape of its body in relationship to its wingspread makes flying aerodynamically impossible but the bumblebee, being ignorant of scientific theory, flies and makes honey everybody. This illustrate is indeed awesome.
I’ve also added quite a lot to my knowledge bank, LOL….most of the ideas I must confess are not relatively new but each ideas comes with it new level of understanding…I guess we ought to keep understanding that leadership is all about influence…and every leader has two characteristics:
A. He/she is going somewhere……
B. He/she is able to persuade others to go with him.
Influence by itself and all standard is not enough…that influence must be measured to determine its quality. When we are looking for potential leaders that following must also be closely looked at…
* What is the leader’s level of influence?
* Who influences the leader?
* Whom does he influence?
Every leader must know where he is going and every follower had better be sure he’s behind a leader
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
Like said I’ve added quite a lot to my knowledge bank and most of the ideas I must confess are not relatively new to me but each ideas comes with it news level of understanding…lessons such as… the highest achievement as a leader is wining the respect and trust of your team was very much reawakening.
Checking out the fact that positive interaction with others a primary concern gives a kind of glamour to ones understating and I believe with that our behavior towards others determines their behavior towards us. Leaders come in all sizes, ages, shapes and conditions. Some are poor administrators, some not overly bright but there is no clue for spotting them…I was speaking to a group of 7’s some weeks back and I asked the group what leadership was and Seth 61/2 yrs said leadership is for all ages…it was a kind funny to all of us that were there but ultimately true…some people parse are mediocre, the true leader can be recognized because of his ability to carry everybody along or his people consistently turn in superior performances.
Again people will not follow a leader who does not have confidence in himself. In fact people are naturally attracted to people who convey confidence, confidence is characteristic of a positive attitude, the greatest achievers and leaders remain confident regardless of circumstances.
I believe confidence is not simply for show, it’s something that you carry to empower you. A good leader must be confident in his approach and in handling situation…and such confidence must be such that that attracts positive results. On the other hand, if you are fearful and negative, than you expect negative results and behave, look and talk accordingly. Than you reap troubles…our thought changes the balance of energy around us, and in a natural way brings changes in the environment in accordance with them.
Meanwhile when we are to look into the issue of excellent people skills, we must note a leader without people skills soon has no followers…Andrew Carnegie, a fantastic leader is reported to have paid Charles Schwab a salary of $1 million a year simply because of his excellent people skills.
An excellent people skill involves a genuine concern for others, the ability to understand people, and the decision to make positive interaction with others a primary concern.
Effective communication skills are another great lesson worthy of mentioning. The first thing that caught my attention was the facts that ‘never underestimate the importance of communication. President Gerald Ford once said, ‘Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively. He is not capable of reaching his potential without effective communication skills.
Communication is positive interaction when communication is one sided, it can be comical and when looking for potential leaders we must look at the following.
* A genuine concern for the person he’s talking to
* The ability to focus on the responder
* The ability to communicate with all kinds of people
* Eye contact with the person he’s speaking to
* A warm smile.
People think personal growth is a natural result of being alive… well it not, growth is not automatic, and it’s a process which must be well nurtured.
One of the best things you can do for the people you are developing, besides modeling personal growth yourself, is to help them develop their own personal plan for growth. Zig Ziglar said “you were born to be a winner, but to be a winner you must plan to win and prepare to win” Growing is the same. You have to create a plan and follow it.
Successful leader must be able to identify potential leaders…this is one area most Nigerians need to work on and I believe its going to be a process that will teach other until a reasonable figure apply themselves to such principle. “Men are developed the same way gold is mined…several tons of dirt must be moved to get announce of gold. But you don’t go into the mine looking for dirt” and this is exactly the way to develop positive, successful people, by looking for the gold not the dirt, the good, not the bad.
I must also mention at this point that the first thing to look out for in any kind of leaders or potential leader is strength of character. Character development is a very big challenge today in the lives of most youths. No wonder it is said character is who you are. I’ve found nothing more important than this quality. Serious character flaws cannot be ignored if we must become effective leaders and this is exactly the challenge of most leaders, especially young leaders with such character deficiency flaws leaders eventually become ineffective-every time.
Maybe it will be good to slightly state that character flaws are not the same with weaknesses, we all have our weaknesses, we all have our weaknesses which can be over come by training or experience. While character flaws cannot be changed overnight, such change takes time…some of the qualities that make up a good character include honesty, integrity, self-discipline, teach ability, dependability, perseverance, conscientiousness, and a strong, work ethic.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
I must say I’ve been challenged to an extent, most especially the success stories of men and women of exploits. We come to fully realize by such stories that “all of us are born for a reason, but all of us don’t discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.
Another fact worthy of mention is the fact that it is one of the most beautiful compensation of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. The moment we get to remind ourselves of such, the more we try to pit in our best, this is indeed a clear sense of, when you nurture the people around you, and everyone wins, so it’s basically a win-win potentiality.
Every good piece of information a person finds needs to be processed and filed. I’ve been using this method for quite some time now and must say I’ve never been disappointed; I now have lots of relevant information to rely on.
I searched for how to fully empower people and was not misled….when I read people become empowered when you provide them with three things…opportunity, freedom, and security. This has added a new dimension to my leadership skills and has really empowered my value list.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
Nope (No)
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
Leaders think big, where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches or pounds, or college degrees, or family background, they are measured by the size of their thinking. How big we think determines the size of our accomplishment.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
You can’t do it alone; all leaders must take the crucial step of allowing others to take part of the load.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Good To Great
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Beryl Markham said, “that’s what makes death so hard – unsatisfied curiosity.
Good is the enemy of great and that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great.
Many people dream of owning their own business or companies, being their own boss, and enjoying the reward of unlimited earnings, that sounds really cool but most people hesitate to take the plunge.
For those who may wish to know, good to great contains those discovered leadership requirements for turning a good company into a great one compared to high-profile leaders with big personalities who make head lines and become celebrities, the good to great leaders seem to have come from mars self effacing, quite, reserved, even shy. These leaders are paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. They are more like Lincoln and Socrates, than Patton or Caesar 🙂
For every good to great transformation, there must be a build up, and when it comes to this build up, there are five breakthrough ladders to lookout to
1. First who…then what: it is expected that good to great leaders would begin by setting a new vision and strategy. First get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus and the right people in the right seats- and then they figured out where to drive it. This concept is vital because people are not your most important asset but the right people are.
2. Confronting the brutal facts: Every good to great leader must embrace the Stockdale paradox, must especially with company leadership, and as such maintaining unwavering faith that one can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties and at the same time having the discipline to confront the most brutal fact of ones current reality, whatever they might be is very vital.
3. A culture of discipline: companies have culture, some companies have discipline, but few companies have a culture of discipline and when you have disciplined people, you don’t need hierarchy, and all this goes a long way enhancing greatness
4. Technology Acceleration: good to great companies think differently about the role of technology. The never use technology as the primary means of igniting a transformation, yet they seems to be pioneers in the application of carefully selected technologies.
5. The hedgehog concept: to go from goodness to greatness requires transcending the curse of competence. Just because something is your core business, just because you’ve been doing it for years, or perhaps even decades does not necessarily mean you can be the best in the world at it. Therefore your strategy for greatness must be replaced with simple concept that reflects deep understanding of three intersecting circles.
In a nutshell, good to great is ultimately about the timeless principles of good to great, Its about how you take a good organization and turn it into one that produces sustained great results using whatever definition of results best applies to your organization.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
I’ve heard it said, “In African villages if somebody died three hundred years ago and resurrected, the fellow will still find his way round the village because the village is the same way. He will eat the same food he ate 300yrs ago because food is still prepared the same way, he will even wear the same cloths because cloth is still been sown the same way. : ) Zig Ziglar said, “To be doing the same thing the same way and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity”
In my country Nigeria, almost every leader is seen as a good leader so far he can bribe his way to get whatever he/she wants…this however leads to the fact that only opportunists are found in the system, leaders that derive joy in diverting public funds for personal use. I believe the reason why a man will die 300yrs ago and still finds everything the way he left is due to the fact that we keep doing the same thing over and over again. If the blind keeps leading the blind, they eventually fall into a ditch. We as a nation have good leaders but few great leaders that can take the lead…today public looting is a celebrated way of life, you see leaders that are empathy to the core that you can’t even see what we as a nation are looking up to in them huum how said.
I must say I personally have seen a different way of eating my leadership meal. It is said leadership is the answer to everything. Life is not easy for any of us, but what of that! We must be persevering and above all, confident in ourselves. I’ve gained a new confidence level by way of studying and understanding good to great. I believe we all are gifted for something and that this thing at whatever cost must be attained.
I believe you don’t need to be conscious to posses integrity but being conscious is an added advantage. The good to great leaders never wanted to become larger than life heroes. They aspired to be put on a pedestal or become unreachable icons. They were seemingly ordinary people quietly producing extra-ordinary results.
Our system in Nigeria has been so bastardized why? Because, we have the wrong people on the bus, if we get the right people on the bus, the right people in the right seats, and the wrong people off the bus, then we’ve figure out how to go somewhere great. I’ll like to say, good to great leaders understand three simple truths, which I believe if Nigerians can adopt…will go a long way restoring our dignity as a nation.
1. If we begin with “who” rather “what” we can move easily-adapt to a changing world. If people join the bus primarily because of where it is going, what happens if you get tem miles down the road and you need to change direction when you’ve got a problem? But if people are on the bus because of whom else is on the bus, then it’s much easier to change direction. This is basically the issue with must Nigerian politicians…who are mostly sleeping drivers playing the role of leaders.
2. If you have the right people on the bus, the problem of how to motivate and manage people largely goes a way the right people don’t need to be tightly managed or fired up, they will be self motivated by the inner drive to produce the best results and to be part of creating something great.
3. If you have the wrong people, it doesn’t matter whether you discover the right direction. You still won’t have a great leadership. Great vision without great people is irrelevant.
I must say these are simple but yet powerful concepts I’ve tried to adopt in my life ever since I read the book good to great and I know if our Nigerian leaders can adopt such principles, it will certainly go a long way restoring the dignity of our nation because only the right people will do the right things and deliver the best results they’re capable of regardless of the incentive system.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
I came across powerful ideas and approaches to greatness and I believe the best way to train our minds to recognize such opportunities is to broaden it with lots of new experiences by keeping an eye out of every opportunity, no matter what you are doing.
I learned the moment you feel the need to tightly manage someone, you’ve made a hiring mistake, the best people don’t need to be managed, guided, taught, led-yes, but not tightly managed.
The good-to-great leaders did not pursue an expedient, try a lot of people and keep who works model of management. I’ve also came to realized that every minute devoted to putting the proper person in the proper slot is worth weeks of time later.
It was exciting when I uncovered three practical disciplines for being rigorous is in people decision:
When in doubt, don’t hire keep looking
* When you know you need to make people change, act
* Put your best people on your biggest problem and most importantly good to great management team consist of people who debate variously in search of the best answers yet who unify behind decisions, regardless of parochial interests.
Again one cogent idea is that of “Good to Great” leaders or companies set their goals and strategies base on understanding; comparison leaders or companies set their goals and strategies based on Bravado and the key is to understand what your organization can be the best in the world at, and equally important what it cannot be the best at not what it wants to be the best at.
It is now clear to me that strategy per se did not separate the good to great companies or leaders from comparison leaders or companies. Both sets had strategies and there is no evidence that the good to great leaders or companies spent more time on strategic planning than the comparison leaders or companies.
It was good a reminder reading a culture of discipline is not just about action. It is about getting disciplined people who engage in disciplined thought and who then take disciplined action.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Has this book challenged my thinking? Yep…very interesting most especially reading “there is a need not to cast or pearls before swine…top executive of a large corporation could devote much of their time responding to questions, comments and criticisms that are really not worth the investment. They must be careful that their time is given only to that which merits attention.
The surest way to success for a business executive is to put the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats, which is the surest way to making the leap.
I got to realize your result speak for you in your corporate life, there will be times when your credentials and experience are questioned when this happens as much as possible , tell what you have done, not what you think of yourself, don’t be defensive but let your record speak for you. This does not only boast your self image but goes a long way towards enhanced transparency.
Lastly I must say, a fundamental management principle, both for individual and for organization is to have a plan to which you are deeply commitment and then to set out with determination to accomplish it.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
I neither agree to all the ideas nor disagree, I simply find them interesting and illuminating because they give me a window into my modern psyche.
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I fully got to realize that if you want to succeed you need study, learn and apply the management principles and when you diligently and successfully apply each of the concepts in the framework and you continue to push in a consistent direction on the fly-wheel, accumulating momentum step by step and turn by turn, you’ll eventually reach breakthrough.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
Good to Great is about how you take a good organization or team and turn it into one that produces sustained great results, using whatever definition of results best applies to your team or organization.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8
Becoming a Person of Influence
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
“Influence doesn’t come to us instantaneously. It grows by stages”
Everyone is an influencer of other people. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your occupation is.
If your desire is to be successful or to make a positive impact on your world you need to become a person of influence. Without influence, there is no success, for instance if you’re a manager, your success depends on your ability to influence your employees.
The question now is do we need Influence? I guess each and every one of us needs influence, I believe, no matter what your goals are in life or what you want to accomplish, you can achieve them faster, you can more effective, and the contribution you make can be longer lasting if you learn how to become a person of influence.
Maxwell in his work also tried to make us understand the fact that influence is a curious thing. Even though we have an impact on nearly every one around us our level of influence is not the same with every one.
One person may think all your ideas are inspired. Another may view everything you say with skepticism, no doubt you can identity which one you have the influence with, yet that same skeptical person may love every single idea presented by your colleague or friend that just shows your influence with that person may not be as strong as that of someone else.
Once you start paying closer attention to people responses to yourself and others, you’ll see that people respond to one another according to their level of influence. Just as life is in stages so in our level of influence on one another. However the ultimate goal of every leader will be at its lowest level when it is based on position only. It grows and goes to a higher level as you develop relationship with others that when they give you permission to lead beyond the limits of your job description. Influence also functions in a similar way as well. It doesn’t come to us instantaneously; instead, it grows by stages which are as follows: Model-motivate-mentor-multiply I will not go as far as describing these stages but we must understand they are very vital if we must succeed in influencing those around us.
We have all known people that have exhibited the ability to get along with anyone and every one. The ability to be a chameleon is truly the ability to connect with and bond with others. This is as a result of our level of influence which is either positive or negative, this becomes the ability to build rapport, being able to deal with others, if I may recall Anthony Robbins “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we perceive the world and use the understanding as a guide to our communication with others. That’s okay for now; grab your copy for more details 🙂
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
Frankly I must say…life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives. Whether we like it or not we need influence to make it in life. Martin Luther king Jr. One of the most influential Americans of the twentieth centaury acknowledged the positive impact Jackie Robinson made on his life and the cause for which he fought.
We most times recognize the influence we have on those who are closest to us in our lives for good or ill, but sometimes we overlook the impact we can have on other people around us.
I use to believe you can only influence someone with money your car, cloths e.t.c my perception of what our influence could be gradually changed over the last two and a half years. I also gradually realized that by my style of leadership I’ve not only influenced my siblings but friends and relatives.
The truth is…we don’t know the kind of influence we have on others, it could be from the way we talk, eat, walk, work, smile, laugh, behave e.t.c I’m sure I can go on and on and all traced to the fact that our actions touching the lives of thousands of people.
Recently I met a friend whom I’ve not seen for 4yrs, this friend of mine shared so much fantastic stories with me told by people who testified to him on a visit to my former high school on how I’ve influenced them…I was so astonished shedding tears and at the same time I was Gosh, you mean I’ve done so much without knowing, with this crazy life style of mine? And he said yes… it seems crazy to you but a life changing message to others. With that I got to realize that yes…some of the crazy things I do meant lot to others. : )
Honestly I do not know exactly what your dream is in life or what kind of legacy you want to leave. But if you want to make an impact, you will have to become a man or woman capable of influencing others. There is no other way of effectively touching people lives and if you become a person of influence then may be someday when other people write down names of those who made a difference in their lives your name just might be on the list. Having shared a bit of my experience and what influence entails, how then can be fully model our influence.
Genuine integrity is one way we can influence others the need for integrity today is perhaps as great as it has ever been and it is absolutely essential for anyone who desires to become a person of influence, today there are people you can never endorse even I Bucks in their hands, yet there are others you can endorse even $10million into their hands why because some lack integrity.
Character issues is every where and in every aspect of life. One of the realities of life is that if you can’t trust a person at all points, you can’t truly trust him or her at any point. Even people who are able to hide their lack of integrity for a period of time will eventually influence they have temporarily gained will disappear because of character deficiency
The Webster’s new universal unabridged dictionary describes integrity as “adherence to moral. And ethical principles, soundness of moral character, honesty”
Ethical principles are not flexible. A little white lie is still a lie. Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain to people over things, to service over power, to principle over convenience, to the long view over the immediate.
If you really want to see men/women who lack integrity to the core…watch senate update a weekly television network program. I’d say character is made in the small moments of our lives. Anytime you break a moral principle, you create a small crack in the foundation of integrity, and when times get tough, it becomes harder to act with integrity. Character isn’t created in crisis, it only comes to light. Everything you have done in the past and the things you have neglected to do-come to a head when you’re under pressure.
I’ve decided to place mush emphasis on character because this is only aspect many people are guilty of one deficiency or the other. A good character ought to be our clothing if we must be able to influence others. Character comes from who we are but some people would like to be judged not by who they are, but by the tittles they have earned or the position they hold, regardless of the nature of their character. The desire is to influence others by the weight of their credentials rather than the strength of their character. This is one issue most Nigerians are guilty of. We tend to forget credentials can never accomplish what character can and I believe in my own little way I’ve been able to convince people that character is the ultimate… it is permanent while credentials are transient. It’s indeed a new dawn for me.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
I’ve learned plenty-including most meaningfully, what Leo Rosten had in mind when he said “ Each of us is a little lonely, deep inside, and cries to be understood” I’ve learned how it is with the stumbling, tortured people in this world who have nobody to talk to,
German Statesman Konrad Adenauer statement was also an eye opener, he said “we all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon” I guess this was a kind of a reminder of the fact that we as influencers, we have the goal of helping others see beyond today and their current circumstances and dream big dreams and when we put our faith in people, we help them to expand their horizon and motive them to move to a whole new level of living and to help people believe they can achieve victory, put them in a position to experience small successes.
Integrity to that new way living is a change in attitude. According to Denis Waitley, “The winners’ edge is not in the gifted birth, a high IQ, or in talent. The winners’ edge is all in the attitude not aptitude. Attitude is the criterion for success” as people’s attitude change from doubt to confidence-in themselves and their ability to succeed and reach their potential everything in their lives changes for the better.
I got to also realize that putting your faith in others involves taking a chance. But the rewards outweigh the risks Robert Louis Stevenson said “To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life and when you put your faith in others, you help them reach their potentials and you become an important influencer in their lives.
Another vital aspect of the book is the emphasis placed on the fact that they key to success is understanding people. If you can’t understand people and work with them you cant accomplish anything and you certainly cant become a person of influence. The ability to understand people is one of the greatest assets anyone can ever have. Understanding people certainly impacts your ability to communicate with others and lack of understanding concerning others is a recurrent source of tension in our society. We once heard an attorney say “Half of all the controversies and conflicts that arise among people are caused not by difference of opinion or an inability to agree but by their lack of understanding for one another. If we could reduce the number of misunderstandings, the courts wouldn’t be as crowded, there would be fewer violent crimes, the divorce rates would be reduced and amount of everyday stress most people experience would drop drastically.
And talking about a positive attitude about people, Author Harper Lee wrote “People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for. If you have a positive attitude about people, believe the best of them and act on your beliefs, then you can have an impact on their lives. Our attitude toward people is one of the most important choices you’ll ever make. If your thinking is positive you can really make an impact on them.
It was equally a great reminder when I read “there is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being to help someone succeed helping others enlarge themselves is one of the most incredible things you can ever do for them. Robert Gross, former president of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation once explained to his supervisors, its one thing to build a company, because companies are nothing but men and the things that come out of them is no better than the people themselves.
Businessman George Crane claimed that “There is no future in any job, the future lies in the man who holds the Job” when you enlarge other people, you brighten their future. When they expand their horizon, improve their attitude, increase their skills, or learn new ways to think, they perform and live better and that increases their potential.
I’ll conclude with the words of Napoleon Hill…Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements and if we can help people discover their dreams and truly believe in them, we can help them become persons they were designed to be.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
There are lots of mind blowing challenges nourishing my soul now, first the book gave me an insight and the zeal to understand the fact that it is not in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we are unconsciously giving other people permission to do same. This has indeed challenged and changed my thinking.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
Nope (No) I don’t want to disagree with any point for I may see them differently tomorrow.
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found very helpful the very fact that one of the greatest things about becoming a person of influence is that you consciously get to see the lives of others changes before your very eyes.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
What best can be described as the main idea of the book to the best of my knowledge is “It is not in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we are unconsciously giving other people permission to do same.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
High Five
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
High five discusses the leadership essence of sustaining the on going identity and purpose of any group or organization. The ability to motivate and guide people toward a goal is the essence of leadership.
Leadership is seen as an instrument of goal achievement, in helping group members achieve their goals and meet their needs. In other words leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal, but to be able to effectively achieve that goal; there must be a combination of skills for an individual. Skill reaches its potential when combined with other skills.
Every leader needs a team and the intent behind emergent teams is to cultivate people’s competences so they can be as good as they can be, and to create diverse opportunities for them to participate in and contribute to organizational goals. People also in emergent teams actually participate in shaping the task that might impact the entire organization. The belief here is that when people are connected to their work or what fires them up, they flourish.
I believe the key to leadership is working with the right team, Great leaders- the truly successful one are in the top, they know the acquiring and keeping good people is a leader’s most important task. An organization cannot increase its productivity- but people can. The asset that truly appreciate within any organization is people
Those closest to the leader will determine the success level of that leader, just as those closest to the leader will determine the level of failure for that leader. The truth is that there isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t have the desire to be someone, to have significance, even the least ambitious and unassuming person wants to be regarded highly by others.
Contrary to popular belief, there are no such things as self made men and women. Everybody needs friendship, encourage and help, what people can accomplish by themselves is almost nothing compared to their potential when working with others and doing thing with other people tends to bring contentment.
I’ll elaborate more on high five and how none of us is as smart as all of us relates to the magic of working together when addressing subsequent questions.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
People who try to do everything alone often get themselves into trouble. No man is an island…we all needs people to succeed. It is said two is better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up, but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together they will keep warm but how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
There are decisions I make in life that, its just a must I include certain people, I believe those people know themselves so no need to mention names everybody needs somebody to come alongside and help if you understand that are willing to give to others and help them, and maintain the right motives, their lives and yours can change.
Our leaders today are in the business of setting solution instead of problems, they believe it’s a one mans business to lead, in our society today, most people feel isolated the strong sense of community that was once enjoyed has become. People prefer to work alone than believe in others or work as a team for better result, that’s why we keep doing things the same way and expects to get a better result.
I believe our ability to work as a team has much to do with our positive self-worth. A poor self concept can have all kinds of negative effects on a person’s life. If I have a poor self concept, I begin the view others that way poet T.S Eliot asserted, “Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important…they do not mean to do harm, they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.” The views of so many people is “I know I’m not good but because of a low self esteem I prefer to work alone than work with a team and at the end, disgrace myself” Basically the challenge here is in two folds “Self concept” and “Greed”. These are basically the problems or challenges of most youths, you know you can’t do it alone but prefer to remain alone.
All great teams begins with a particular quality and members caring for one another is the foundation upon which everything else is built, teams that don’t bond cant build because they never become a cohesive unit. For a team to be successful the teammates have to know they will look out for one another and I have found that one of the greatest way to get members of a team to care about one another is to get them together outside of work context in order to build relationships. This is one aspect of team building I keep improving upon and believe me its rewarding.
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
I’ve learned quite a lot, one of which is none of us is as smart as all of us. This is one principle that keeps me going ever since I came across it which enhances the real magic of working together. The truth is that we all need each other…and the team that cant bond can’t build together. One thing I so much enjoyed was the illustrations by Ken and Sheldon and in their illustration they said team experience is how the team functions as a single unit. All of its parts have a common goal and purpose and this quality is developed by making sure each team member knows what is important to the team.
Team members also need to communicate with one another to function or achieve their goals effectively. This was one lesson that was not disappointing. I also got so refreshed when I read it is important for the team leader to communicate what is important to the team and in the style or manner they’d understand best. Without such good communication, the team is likely to work against each other. People on each team must be made to feel that they are in an environment where it is safe to offer suggestion or criticism without feeling threatened, freely trade information in spirit of cooperation, and discuss ideas without being negatively criticized.
I got to realize as people who care about each other grow together and work towards a common goal, they get to know each other better. They start to appreciate each others strengths and become aware of each others weaknesses. (Weatherby, Alan, Riverbend Warriors, Jed and others in this book are good examples of what I’m trying to explain).
Another cogent idea worthy of mention is… good team fit requires an attitude of partnership. Every team member must respect the other player and off course once team members believe in the goal of their team and begin to develop genuine trust in one another, they will be in a position to demonstrate true teamwork. Their mutual trust will make it possible for them to place their own right and privileges beneath the best interest of the team.
Other lessons worthy of mention are, One, if you have the basic skills and a game plan, then stick to it that’s better than no plan even if you’re the most skilled people playing or working.
Secondly the three boys with the lowest skill level can beat the three top boys if the three low boys work together and the three top boys don’t. its just like an army of sheep’s led by a lions, defeating an army of lions led by a sheep.
Furthermore skills are important, but once you have the basic skills, working together is more important than having better skills. And some of the keys to successful team building are as follows;
Provide a clear purpose with shared values and goals
* Unleash and develop skills, contribute to achieving the purpose
* None of us is as smart as all of us, is real about harmony
A high performing team will have the following:
P- Purpose and value
E- Empowerment
R- Relationship and commitment
F- Flexibility
O- Optimal performance
R- Recognition and appreciation
M- Morale
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Most of the ideas are not new but served as reminder to what I’ve read in other similar books and to be honest the ideas were challenging most especially the Enthusiasm of the Riverbend Warriors as a result of a successful team work, caused as a result of the need to expand.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
Nope (No)
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
I found helpful the fact you can buy a man’s time, you can even buy his physical presence at a give place, but you can’t buy enthusiasm…you cannot buy loyalty…you cannot buy the devotion of hearts, minds, or souls. You must earn these if you must work as one.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
We need to begin with the right raw material to create a wining team for none of us is as smart as all of us.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9.5
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Good Business
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.
Good business is yet another book that takes the mystery out of the challenges that constitute the real meaning of happiness, which enhances good businesses practices with admirable deliberation.
It makes the business of leadership, flow and the making of meaning easily accessible to readers and also easily applicable with determination.
Though most of the ideas were not relatively new to me, CsiKszentmihalyi in his unique way of communication drew on the experiences of leaders of major corporations, which served as a survey of some of their values, their goals there mode of operation- their ways of conducting business that is both successful and humane.
Good business has a more modest ambition, it explores how leaders who have impressed their peers for both their business success and their commitment to broader social good go about their jobs- what ambitions motivate them, and what kind of organizations they try to develop in pursuit of those ideals.
CsiKszentmihalyi in his analysis brought to our understanding that, we must first consider what it means to be a successful leader in the past, so that we can understand better what options the future may hold. He portrays his message by making us realize that as humans, we cannot survive without hope, for when we lack reasons for living apart from the urges that biology has built into our nervous system we soon revert to an animal level of existence where only food, comfort, and sex matters. By contrast, the remarkable cultures that some of the great world civilizations have occasionally achieved were made possible by two very different prerequisites, a reasonable level of resources and the technology to use them, leading to a material surplus; and a defined set of goals that helped their citizens overcome the inevitable obstacles and tragedies inherent in living.
The world today is primarily businesses that have the power and the responsibility to make our lives comfortable and secured, and to build an enterprise that will endure one must believe in the believe in the value of ones work and this can only be achieved through good life and a good life consists of enjoyable experiences but must also have a meaningful pattern, a trajectory of growth that results in the development of increasing emotion, cognitive, and social complexity.
Philosophers have long held that happiness is the ultimate goal of existence. Aristotle called it the Summum bonum the “Chief Good” in that while we desire other goods, such as money or power, because we believe they will make us happy, we want happiness for its own sake, even though a state of perfect happiness may be an illusion, we all recognize that, relatively speaking, we are more satisfied, content and joyous at some times compared to others and it is the search for such moments that constitute each individuals Summum bonum.
The total fulfillment of ones potentialities which usually generates happiness depends on the simultaneous presence of two processes. The first being the process of differentiation which involves realizing that we are unique individuals, responsible for our survival and well-being and the second process involves integration, or the realization that however unique we are, we are also completely enmeshed in networks of relationships with other human beings, with cultural symbols and artifacts, and with the surrounding natural environment. Therefore a person who is fully differentiated and integrated both in his business and daily living becomes a complex individual one who has the best chance at leading a happy, vital, and meaningful life.
2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as, your relationship, your beliefs, your goals, and your values e.t.c? Explain
The world is basically as we see it. Every man is where he is by the law of he’s being. A change in diet basically helps a man change he’s thoughts. I realized to be a complex man, i.e. one who has the best chance at leading a happy, vital and meaningful life, I need the two components of complexity, differentiation and integration. This is an area I have had to work on lately and for me to be a complex man, I need enjoy doing that which I’m doing, i.e. to be able to spend my life my own way, while at the same time contributing to something beyond myself, so basically for me the lessons here are, practical and applicable.
Flow makes us feel better in the moment enabling us to experience the remarkable potential of the body and mind fully functioning in harmony. But what makes flow an even more significant tool is its ability to improve the quality of life in the long run, and ofcourse a good flow activity is one that offers a very high ceiling of opportunities for improvement-thinking or reading a book is a book example, which provides almost infinite challenges, thus it invites growth. If one wants to staying flow, he/she must progress and learn more skills, rising to new levels of complexity.
How does it feel to be in Flow?
1. Goals are clear
2. Feedback is immediate
3. A balance between opportunity and capacity
4. Concentration Deepens
5. The present is what matters
6. Control is no problem
7. The sense of time is altered
8. The loss of ego
3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.
Not all the ideas/concepts in this book are new to me; I’ve read books similar in views to CsiKszentmihalyi’s. I must admit I read a new approach to the analysis of man’s response to his inner instinctive voice which is translated into great adventures like his happiness, career and inner flow, and in creating one’s self, it makes sense to build on ones strengths. While the statement “all men are created equal” is an enlightened political idea, it does not describe the reality of human condition. Some of us are born with superior physical strength, others with a greater facility to visualize objects in space; some seem able to memorize, read fast with out effort and others have a Sharpe memory of things. Those blessed with a particular gift will typically pursue what comes easily to them often; however, we don’t have a good notion of what our talents are, because we have never had a chance to try them out.
4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so explain how?
Has this book challenged my thinking? Yes and No… yes in the sense that, it was a reminder to so many concepts, No because those concepts weren’t changed but strengthen. One of which is the reminder on the fundamentals of well-being and achievement which are unique factors that shapes our views on how human institution can achieve the optimal flow that is base on equal opportunities for everyone who wants to experience life to the fullest and there are no limits to it.
5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?
As usual I neither agree to all the ideas nor disagree, I simply find them interesting and illuminating because they give me a window into my modern psyche.
6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?
It was helpful the understanding that the mind is dual in its aspect; conscious, active and intelligent for that reason one must first embark on the formidable journey for self- discovery in order to create a vision with authentic soul and also knowing oneself is not so much a question of discovering what is present in oneself, but rather of creating who one wants to be…this were most pertinent ideas to me.
7. In 50 words or less please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.
Good Business is a look into the challenges of the universal nature of man, which causes the manifestation of his flow, leadership and the making of meaning.
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 7
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8
True Prosperity
Assessment by Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The book is base on the ancient secret of the wisdom of Kabbalah, which offers the secret tools to the world of Abundance. It explained in details the spiritual and physical laws that govern the human soul
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.
Money by itself, even tankers full of it, Is a poor substitute for that fulfillment (pg 4) This was a great reminder for me, there are moments in my life that I feel a certain amount of money can solve all problems in my life, yet at the end these problems remind despite having such amount believe to do the magic. It brings to mind that fact that, there is more to happiness than the magic of money.
You achieve prosperity not because you’re smart or lucky, or because you’re so ruthlessly pillaged your competition, but because you followed the rules of the universe. This is very true, true in the sense that our journey in life no matter how we choose to go about it will certainly lead to an ever satisfying awareness of our life in the Universe and the universe in us. There are times I try to do things of my own will but fail, but the moment I work with the consciousness that the Universe is, everything that exists comes from it, the journey gets brighter and better, so it’s the question of recognizing there is a higher force somewhere, which makes us see good in all that we do.
You are here because you asked to be- which means that you devised the original business plan yourself. Here the author in he’s analysis makes us understand that we’ve been handed over the endless world with no effort. This comes with a deeper understanding of the fact that the creator invented this to each of us to be the cause and creator of our own universe and true prosperity lies in accomplishing just that. However we are faced wit different day to day dramas which we ought to assess every bit of opportunity in it to bring about more good into our lives. In other words choosing to see good in challenging situation or moments are just another opportunities at times, which can always be used for learning, as a way of growing from a lesser level to a greater level and such understanding is ultimately what the writer describes base on the Kabbalistic teaching as the endless world handed over to us with no effort to be the cause in our lives and not the effect.
Without an opponent, there is no challenges, no purpose, no fun (Pg 16) here the ultimate competitor is been referred to as the opponent by the Kabbalist, which is also called Satan pronounced suh-tan seen as adversary. The opponent operates inside us through thinking our thoughts and speaking our voice. In other words this opponent controls our beliefs system with our own knowledge. Lets don’t forget our belief are like commanders of the brain, they take no for an answer. I’ve been faced with different challenges in life which most times I tend to be very positive about but somehow in the process I tend to have a little shift in my thinking but I think most times I tend to remind myself of such shift by saying “Mark have you been thinking black thoughts?” the thing is things will always be the way they are except we decide to make a change which is very much needed in life.
The teachings of Kabbalah with regards the suddenly syndrome as an illusion was a fantastic reminder, I’ve read something similar during my studies but not from this perspective. Its true we inhabit a cause and effect universe, not a suddenly universe. There are times when I hold the intention of manifesting certain things in life, and when such things finally get manifested, the sudden syndrome comes in forgetting my obligation to show gratitude for the manifestation. This is one syndrome I’m really working to push out of my life, it was really amazing reading about tools I can use as suggested by the author through he’s deep understanding of the teachings of Kabbalah.
…Reality isn’t even real, this explains the wisdom behind 99% of the universe as unseen, unheard and unperceived, while the everyday, physical world as 1% reality which means the spiritual world, the world of thoughts and consciousness and light the 99% world. We spend so much time after the 1% of true happiness, forgetting the 99% ultimate fulfillment. This is very ironical and a serious drama we face in everyday life and I believe the real pursuit of happiness should be geared towards the 99% true abundance; I’m blessed to have read that concept.
Leadership is contagious is another great lesson, over time I’ve come to realize that the physical world is our learning environment, it is our classroom and the universe works as the wisdom that each and everyone of us need to learn to take charge of the happenings in our lives, this could come through challenges of our relationship with people and negative image of these happenings do not reflect the reality of the universe which is base on love, therefore the law of life is base on cause and effect which we can also describe as what is being believed and experienced. Let’s take the journey of personal growth of example, if you want to be a multi millionaire, you should think, act and network with millionaires and let these processes and network teach you on just how to position yourself in the top percentage of what you want. Such role is indeed a leading tool in understanding true Abundance, not just into our lives but also to the lives of others.
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?
Lesson One: The tools in this book are real fantastic tools in helping me assess every bit of opportunity in life that bring about more good into the universe and to my life, the dimensions are highly spiritual and rewarding.
Lesson Two: It provided me with one of the most fantastic instrument of being the CAUSE at all times, considering the fact that I AM HERE BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO BE HERE, this is a privilege handed over to us with no effort, and how beautiful our universe will be if we all work with this consciousness in bringing about every good we desire in life.
Lesson Three: The gap between cause and effect is time, which allow us freedom of choice and here the issue of leadership comes in which becomes very imperative, with freedom of choice, we must take the lead in meeting our own needs and that of others, therefore time allows us the freedom to choose, and we can choose the 1% path or the 99% path. We can be the light, or venture down the road filled with victim consciousness. It all about choice
Lesson Four: To the Universe, “YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND” and one vital process to get that wish accomplished is by ASKING, asking for the abundance that is waiting you. This is very cool; it could be asking for the help of others on the journey, there are many instances in my journey that I had to share so many day to day drama’s going on in my life with people I connect with, and in turn I’m being offered exceptional advice that which offers me great wisdom to handle these drama’s going on in my life. Checkout the uniqueness of what I’m saying …you don’t have all the answers. (pg 151) it’s important to accept it when someone comes to share with you. You don’t have to take their advice, but you do need to be open. Be open enough to ask for advice; be open to asking help from the Light; and be open to receive the light. (pg 151-2) this simply tells us, every life is transformed by the words spoken to it and that transformation is a product of value added information.
Lesson Five: True prosperity is the offspring of (spiritual) wisdom, in other words the light consciousness is the womb that birth true prosperity and the spark plug of that wisdom is excitement.
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.
(A). The competitor is hiding himself in something we all have, and something that derails us from ever having true fulfillment. And that disguise is EGO. Hidden in the word EGO is this phrase
E-Everyone’s
G-Got
O-One
This was actually beautifully explained by the Author, it was a great reminder for me and a total new approach to looking at the hidden competitor. (See pg 26 for details)
(B). In light consciousness, you’ll have no idea how it happens, but you’ll somehow find yourself at the right place at the right time. ( pg 48) this brings to mind the concept of time and change as it affects the cause in our life and not the effect., with this consciousness, we get to realize that everything and everyone counts, you recognize that there are no accident or coincidences; everything has a reason because everything is connected. There are times I fail to see reasons to why certain people show up in my journey, forgetting the ultimate rule that everything is connected. And I so much appreciate the writers mind when he sum it up with the phrase “The light wants you to grow, to take back your life, and to become the cause in your universe.”
(C). When the light is your corner, you don’t have to wait years for wealth to show up (Page 90) Most want their abundance NOW and the only way it have it NOW is to act like the LIGHT, therefore LIGHT + CAUSE + CERTAINTY = TRUE ABUNDABCE
(D). “Tithing is the way to buy out” this is indeed a beautiful perspective most especially the discovery that the 10% tithe erases guilt and obliterates obstacles to true prosperity. This is a reminder for me on the need to be more committed with my tithe.
(E). …”True prosperity is really what each of us was put on earth to achieve” this is a personal gift to all of us, if only we choose to see the LIGHT.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
None
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
The exercise I’d say is a life long exercises which is “Demand it, Take it, Earn it, and Enjoy it”
8. 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 wisdom of Kabbalah is the womb that births True and unshakable Abundance, therefore RECEIVE it and ENJOY it.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
A Complaint Free World
Mark Elisha Mazadu
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Gary Zukav in his review of the book captured the main idea the author is trying convey “A complaint free world is an engaging enjoyable easy-to-read reminder that the only permanent constructive changes you can make in the world are the changes that you make in yourself
Will Bowen developed the life changing a complaint free world plan based on the simple idea that good thing will happen for you (us) in abundance if you (we) can just leave your (our) grumbling behind, he reveals to us what constitute a complaint, why we complain, what benefits we think we receive from complaining, how complaining is destructive to our lives, and how we can get others around us to stop complaining and steps to eradicating this poisonous form of expression from your life.
2. What were the 7 ideas which were personally most important to you and why?
* Our thoughts create our lives and our words indicate what we are thinking. Put differently what you articulate you demonstrate. This was most important to me because, it reminded me of the fact that, there are so many things in my life I need to be grateful about than complain about. Complaining is talking about things you do not want rather than what you want. When we complain, we are using words to focus on things that are not as we would like. Accepting this idea was hard for me. I grew up with the belief that, before things can be fixed a complain would have to be made, so why can’t I complain? As I read further, I discovered that, you are creating your life in every moment with the thoughts to which you give the most attention. In other words, increased thoughts of anger make you angrier. Off-course this complains free world idea is anything but new. It seems to be reaching a critical mass in our universal understanding today but thousands of great philosophy and teachers have told us this for millennia.
* Jesus, reminded us of the fact that “as thou has believed, so be it done unto thee” Mathew 8:13, James Allen said “you are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. According to Buddha, “we are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. Then why do we complain since our words indicate what we are thinking and our thoughts create our lives. People fall long a great continuum of being positive or negative. In my experience, I have never known anyone who thinks they are a negative person. No one I’ve yet known truly gets it when their thoughts are more destructive than constructive which leads to the fact that it is vital that we control our minds in order to re-create our lives. This reminder was important to me as communicated by the author.
* Complaining and health: the idea in this chapter opens with a beautiful quote by Marilyn Ferguson “of all the self -fulfilling prophecies in our culture, the assumption that aging means decline and poor health is probably the deadliest the truth is, that has been my thinking forgetting the fact that when you complain, about your health, you are putting out negative statements that your body hears; it registers and your mind directs the energy in your body more health challenges. This explains to me the fact that, anytime I complain more and more on a particular thing, the more I attract that thing to myself.
* When you enter the conscious incompetence stage you are uncomfortably aware of just how often you complain (are incompetent) this idea is very true and evident in my everyday life and my relationship with people. The truth is, when we complain, we may gain the benefits of attention sympathy. We may also avoid having to do something that causes us to stretch but we walk a fine line when we complain. Chronic- complainers can end up ostracized by those around them who find their energy drained by the complainer. I know a lot of people who leave me feeling depleted through their complaining nature, these people literally draw my energy as it is converted into commiseration. Therefore, recognizing the problem and taking a set toward funding a lasting solution is a step in the right direction.
* We have met the enemy and he is us. In other words, man is the master gardener of his soul. We are concerned only with complaints we speak, therefore, we must work to eradicate complaints that we express. We may think, it doesn’t count, but we’ll find out that as we say fewer and fewer complaints, our mind will produce, fewer and fewer of them. This will help us focus on any griping that actually escapes our mouth and also help us become aware of what we say and more important, the energy behind what we’re saying.
* Silence and the language of complaint: These describe the conscious competence stage. At this stage you begin to be aware of everything you are saying, talking in more positive terms because you are beginning to catch the words before they come out of your mouth.
Silence as explained by the author, affords us the opportunity to speak from our higher self rather than our human self. In other words silence is a bridge to the infinite, and yet it is something with which many are uncomfortable, the practice here really helped me in improving on my meditation techniques because the conscious competence state is a good time to deepen your moment of peace and silence (prayer) life which is life transforming.
* unconscious competent stage: This is regarded as the mastery stage, a stage where ones thoughts are now on what he/she want, and you are beginning to notice that not only are you happier but the people around you seem happier. A point or stage where you are attracting up beat people, and your positive nature is inspiring those around you to even higher mental and emotional level. I’d called it a time which you have become the change you wish to see in the world. For me this was the yes I can stage, here I began to feel grateful for the smallest things, I took for granted. Here I began to draw more of what I want to myself with less effort, this is an all important step for me.
* Who you are creates an impact on your world. In the past that impact may have been negative because of your propensity to complain but by modeling optimism and a better world for all through a complain free society, you are ripple in the great ocean of humanity that resounds around the world, that exactly turnout to be the result of my applying the principles outlined by Will Bowen the author. I feel extremely blessed.
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?
I’ve come to appreciate principle that “change your thoughts and you change your world” practically, I’ve transformed from the stage of vibrating negative emotions to a higher level of vibration positive emotions, I’m now at the level of creating my life in every moment with the thoughts to which I give the most attention. I now thankful for the smallest things I took for granted before.
4. Quotes: Are there any statement 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 universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.
* Our thoughts create our lives and our words indicate what we are thinking.
* Your attitude, which is an outward expression of your inner thoughts, dictates how people will relate to you.
* No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
The above quotes reminds to me of the need to create the experience I desire, through the power of my thoughts.
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?
NO
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercise and did you find them helpful?
Yes, a 21 days complaint free challenge, which involves a simple concept of putting a purple silicone bracelet on one’s wrist and then switching it from wrist to wrist until one has managed to go 21 consecutive days without complaining, criticizing or gossiping. I haven’t completed the task (21 days without complaining, yet the result is astonishing and life transforming).
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.
Complaining is not to be confused with informing someone of a mistake or deficiency so that it can be put right. And to refrain from complaining doesn’t necessarily mean putting up with bad quality or behavior. There is no ego in telling the waiter your soup is cold and need to be heated up- if you stick to the facts which are always neutral “ How dare you serve me cold soup…? That’s complaining (Eckhart Tolle)
I’d say the best summary of the book, comes from the above quote by Eckhart Tolle. The quote helped me fully understand the principle(s) Will Bowen tried to communicate. This is one aspect we must understand, if not the whole idea that is being conveyed will be misunderstood.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 7
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Thank You Power:
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The book thank you power conveys inspiring stories on the impact of positive emotions in our lives which regardless of our age, religion, financial status, or any other classification society can dream up, we have within us the tools to live a life of satisfaction, security, and optimism we long for and that power begins with two words “Thank you”
We’ve all hear it before, count your blessing, and name them one by one, but actually putting it into practice and becoming a more grateful person can be easily pushed aside in this hurried world indeed in her analysis Deborah Norville shows that an attitude of gratitude not only makes for a nicer world but also makes you a happier person.
The society these days like we are told seems uncivilized. A sense of entitlement is found everywhere from the child who expect an A on his report card, without the test score to back it up, to the office worker who wants a promotion despite lackluster performance. Manners are regarded as a relic of the old days who hasn’t been annoyed by the loud mouth with the cell phone on the commuter bus or shocked when a guest forget to say thank you.
It is not that we don’t have plenty to be thankful for, according to a research, fourty-two percent of those earning between $50,000 and $89,999 say they are very happy while 43 percent of those earning more than $190,000 also rate themselves as very happy. Divorce, suicide, and depression rates, however, do rise. Is there a connection?
Frankly, saying thank you, mentally as well as verbally, was probably a better way to go through life than barreling through days as a crabby old grouch. Most of us bias through each day, virtually unaware of what goes on around us. One aspect of feeling good about life is noticing certain things about life and acknowledging the good stuff.
We all have had challenge(s) getting through different situations in life. Personally I’ve had one of those desperate conversations with God about “how will I get out of this financial picket. We tend to forget in everything give thanks. You can be grateful for not only the big things but also the sometimes hard details of your life. The formula has just been given to us in a unique way in this book by Deborah Norville which can make the whole world a happier place in which to live
2. What were the 7 ideas which were personally most important to you and why?
* There is magic in each moment, this was not entirely new idea to me, it was more of a reminder but from a different and unique perspective. The idea that everyday miracles help us find that magic was indeed refreshing. For me this reminds me of the fact that life is a puzzle and everyday the universe unfolds to us part(s) of the puzzle which helps us in our journey.
* A grateful heart is always ready for a miracle; this reminds me of the fact that when you thank the universe for its finger, you’ll definitely see its hand. There are moments I easily find solutions to challenges in my life just by expressing gratitude despite the challenging situation. Indeed, thank you power has reminded me to enjoy the moment which is magical.
* Grow where you’re planted: we all know that stuff happens, its just not supposed to happen to us yesterday without warning, something bumped, which affected many, yet we learned from that experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our disposition, and not upon our circumstances, grow where you planted as explained by Deborah, was a fantastic vehicle through which we were able to conquer our challenges yesterday.
* The power of resilience: for me this was very important because with the power of resilience’s comes positive emotions during coping process in an event of challenges. In other words, even if thank you power isn’t a regular part of one’s life, the person who looks for and counts the blessings he or she can find, will weather a crisis better.
* No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. Ever since I made connection with this lovely quote by saint Ambrose “ the act of gratitude which is that pleasing quality that makes one want to express appreciation even though no appreciation is expected” takes on a new dimension in my life, making every moment of my life, brighter, more optimistic, more hopeful and positive.
* Write a gratitude letter to someone: why was this important to me? This is in view of the fact that, silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone. So I decided to write someone I had taken for granted. It was amazing the reply I received from the person. “… Your letter just brought me out of a serious depression, thank you for appreciating me…” from that moment, I’ve made it a personal goal to always say thank you to someone overdue to hear it.
* Psalm 118:1 “Give thanks to the lord, for he is good”… like many ideas in this book, this is not new to me but a good reminder. Whenever I talked to the universe, it listened, and provided answers I couldn’t have imagined. Indeed, my relationship with the universe is easier, the grease that makes the wheels spin more smoothly. I now experience greater joy each day, deeper peace and closer and more fulfilling relationship with the people I love and the universe. The power to have it all is indeed right in those two little words “Thank you”.
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?
The big lesson for me is the idea that if you want to enjoy all the joy and happiness not only to which you are entitled but also that the universe (God) wants for you, say thank you. Applying this principle to my everyday life and my relationship with people has really proved to me that indeed, people want to be appreciated and the most important thing you do each day is to say thank you.
4. Quotes: Are there any statement which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so please, quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
Stop staring in the mirror-look out the window instead,
* A person starts to live when he live outside himself
* Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves
* If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else
These were so important to me because, it reminded me of the fact that happiness is a by-product of an effort to make someone else happy and if you want to feel really good about yourself, do something for someone else.
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?
NO
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercise and did you find them helpful?
Yes, listing things for which we are thankful and expressing the power of thanks. The exercise has been very helpful to me with fantastic results; I further realized that we will be happier, healthier, and better able to handle the stresses of daily life simply by saying thank you.
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.
Thank you power motivates you to;
* Be more optimistic
* Be less intimidated by challenges
* Think more creatively
* And live longer
8. Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8
The Four Spiritual Laws Of Prosperity
Assessment By Mark Elisha Mazadu (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
As human beings living on this planet, our life is subject to a multitude of laws. If we do not obey these laws, things are not gonna go the way we want them to go and we may even find ourselves in a whole lot of trouble, the four spiritual laws of prosperity: A simple guide to unlimited abundance by Edwene Gaines reveals to us these laws that govern true prosperity, bringing out practical steps to help us in our prosperity journey.
2. What were the 7 ideas which were personally most important to you and why?
Most of the ideas outlined in this book are not really new to me, considering the uniqueness of the IIGL curriculum, but I must say its indeed fabulous looking at this fundamental ideas from the point of view of the author; I’ll outline some of the ideas I consider of great importance to me, like I’ve said, they are not entirely new to me, I simply consider these ideas as reminders.
God (The Universe, Allah, Buddah, Jesus, e.t.c) is not up on some cloud, distant and unreachable, God (the universe) is active and present in everything, everywhere, all around us. I was raised in a fundamentalist faith, church attendance was a regular activity for us; similar to what the author described, every time a preacher spoke, I kept hearing why God does not answer us is due to our not praying hard, how unworthy, shameful and sinful we are. This became a source of deep suffering for me. It was like drinking milk that is not creamy. Year in year out, the struggle continued, and then one day as a result of my quest for knowledge, I found the right word, the right set of beliefs which are overwhelming with blessings of peace, joy and unconditional love. I began to feel good and loved, I came to the realization that the universe (God) is within me and since the universe is within me, I am naturally good and loved. It didn’t take time for me to begin living my personal truth, giving my best to my world and making a difference. Now I need no angle to make me realize that God the source of our being is right here in this moment and every moment of our life, surrounding, embracing, connecting and awakening in us.
The second most important idea conveyed is “I am not at the mercy of fate; instead, I create my experience by what I choose to think and believe”. This is actually a reminder for me, and this reminder came when I was actually going through a difficult situation, which made me forget all of the beautiful promises of life by the source of my being. So been reminded of whom I am and what life’s situation is all about was indeed a wake up call for me. I began to create the kinds of positive vibration I wish to see, allowing myself connect with the universe and receiving divine guidance, it was simply unimaginable how most of the challenges I was facing vanished with least efforts, making me fully realize that nothing in this life really fails until faith fails, and in my own case, my inability to triumph long ago was due to a breakdown of faith. this brings me to the third most important idea. The belief system.
In her message, Edwene tries to convey to the reader that our beliefs control our reality which also defines that state of our internal representation that governs behavior. In other words faith is what links our present situation to our expectant future. It is the force that connects us to the world of possibilities and the only way to make that connection is to seek, discover, and follow our divine purpose. Meaning, we must assign significance and meaning to our life, giving ourselves strength and endurance and bringing joy to our existence on a daily basis. In essence prosperity is not just about money, but a combination of physical body to provide a comfortable worldly home for the spiritual beings that we are, a relationship that are satisfying, nurturing, honest and world all the time and all the money we can spend. Wow, that was when it dawned on me that, there is more to prosperity then I had imagined and the best way to partake of that abundance is to allow the universe the chance to make good on its promises of an abundant life by having the faith, seeking, listening to answers and doing what it entails.
The fourth lesson is learning how to ask. It is interesting how many like me want something but because of the limitations we place on ourselves we tend to pretend not to like it anymore. For majority, this denial is often backed-up with interesting scriptural references that suggest the nobility of poverty. We tend to forget that it is the same scriptures which said “whatever it is that you want, if you ask for it in my name, you’ll get it” Here if we analyze the statement it is clear that the promise is so straightforward, and there are no qualifiers. No if’s, and’s or buts’. There’s no, as long as it’s a good idea or as long as your not trying to be materialistic. in other words, the universe is not glorified by our poverty, illness, guilt, unworthiness, the me-so-sad attitude but glorified when we learn to stand up and acknowledge who we are, why we are here and what this is all about. Living life, for the highest good and having every good thing that life has to offer.
I serve the universe (God) and money serves me. Is the fifth important lesson for me. I came to the realization that when you trust the universe, you have funds, then why do I have to always suffer, when I know if I simply ask, it will be given unto me, which also means, I can have everything I want in this life, I can be free from the grips of poverty, and live a life of joy, faith and prosperity. I think the reminder here for me is, my divine purpose, in line with the universe’s plan, with everything I could possibly want or need at my fingertips is achievable if I place my order with the universe.
Another lesson and a reminder is the importance of tithing. Here the author describes it as one of the secrets for acquiring wealth and living abundantly. She defined tithing as giving back to the universe (God) one-tenth of everything we receive. Gaines brought out unique dimensions to why we tithe, and the spiritual blessings that follow. The lesson for me is now, I tithe with the realization that I’m acknowledging the universe as the source of my good and I’m aware and grateful for the good I receive
The mysterious power of forgiveness was also another significant lesson, Gained described forgiveness as something we do for ourselves, which can be likened to emotional house-keeping. “are you kidding me” was my first reaction, what has forgiveness got to do with prosperity. As I read further the word became clear to me, realizing that “every-time you hold unto your resentments it is costing you money” and as human’s we are problem-solving critters. It’s our nature to find answers, seek solutions, fix what’s broken and simple forgiveness is the tool for fixing what’s broken, in our bodies, in our relationships, in our finances, in our careers and in our world.
Many like me tend to forget harboring grudges completely blocks our ability to experience our abundance. In essence, forgiveness frees us from the endless loop of blame, and bad feeling that keeps our minds focused on all the wrong things. With forgiveness, we can let go of the past and turn to other more important issues in our lives-such as how to be truly happy, to have the things we want, and to thrive with a sense that we are, joyfully fulfilling our life purpose. The lesson for me here is giving myself fully the gift of forgiveness, the joy of living without judgment or blame is increasing in my life and my relationship with others. It was amazing coming up with a list of people I needed to completely forgive during my forgiveness inventory as suggested by the author.
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?
It is often said, it is the one you work, that will work for you. For me, living my personal truth practically as a result of the lesson in this book will help me give my best to the world, and make a difference by living an abundant life and helping others enjoy same.
4. Quotes: Are there any statement 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 are a divine being, a child of God that most high, a person who deserve to have every good thing that life has to offer”, I consider this not only a great quote but a good affirmation that reminds me of why I am here and what my journey is all about.
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?
NO
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercise and did you find them helpful?
Yes. A forgiveness inventory exercise which brought healing, peace and joy to me, making me see the bright and shining light in others.
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
Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9