As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the maim idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea that the author is trying to convey in this book is that a man’s character purpose, vision, and achievement including his prevailing circumstance are a direct result of his thought. He also proved that the mind or thought center is the soil of life where both fortune and misfortune, good character or bad character, virtue and vice, success and failure, achievements and depreciations grow whether sown or unsown into fruition. He went further to explain that cause and effect are hidden in the realm of thoughts. He also exposed that “man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and the shaper of condition, environment and destiny. He taught that unless man comes to terms with the law of his being, which is the law of thought he cannot make a head way. Furthermore, good thought, bad thoughts, bad action and good action in a correlation only produces result after their kind. Moreover, he clearly explained the fact that accumulating thought of a man determines the health status of that man: healthy thought will express them selves through a healthy body and sickly thought will manifest themselves through a sickly body. He also stated that the thought is the fount of life action and manifestation therefore, a pure thought produce a pure life while an impure thought gushes forth an impure life style. The book also explains the effect of thought on the achievement of purpose and stressed the need for there to be fearlessness as thought allied fearlessly to purpose and a straight plan brings one into the door of achievement. He also pointed out that what we have is a direct result of what we have thought, that people with idea and vision rule their world. He crowned it all up by saying that a calm, peaceful, tranquil and steady mind is a beautiful jewel of wisdom
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as why it was important to you. Use personal explanation from your own life.
The seven ideas which were personally most important to me are:
The joys and the suffering of a man are the fruits of his
thought: this idea is a secret; that of attraction. It is important to me because it helps me shape, choose and carefully scrutinize the things that take the center stage in my thought. In my personal experience, I have observed that my joys in life today are direct products of the big positive thoughts I once had. Each time I think of sad moments, even the ones I experienced in the past, same moment present themselves again, each time think about happy moments, I end up a happy man. So I now spend more time in thinking positive and let negative thoughts be for negative people.
Man is the maker of his character, the molder of his life and the builder of his destiny:
The environment of a man is not and can never be the molder of a man’s life and destiny, when God created man; he made man with freewill to choose between life and death, good and evil. Here, the power at work in my life is the decisions I made yesterday. Our lives,character, and destiny revolves around the thoughts we have and the decisions we make.
3. How will this idea or lesson help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so how?
I now know and believe in the power of thought, purpose, action and calm mind, I only think good, big and positive, they will help me define a better way to shape my destiny, and look for better ways to impart the life of people around me. As my actions, which are the products of my thought will go a long way to affect the people around me, I therefore change my thought toward people I now make people believe that there is something in them. These ideas will help me always keep in thought my purpose in life until I see it
manifest.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them.
“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” man is the direct product of the content of his thought.
“Thought in the mind hath made us” we are a product of our thought, what we have in our mind.
“Man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker shaper of condition, environment and destiny”. All that we are, see, experience and expect are all the result of the thought and activities of man.
“Only by much searching and mining are gold obtained, and man finds every truth connected with his being if he will dig deep into the mine of his soul”. Every one should look into themselves to discover the sleeping giant in them for greater accomplishment the world is waitingfor.
“Only by patience, practice and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the door of the temple of knowledge” only by experience will you learn better.
“Every man is where he is by the law of his being, the thought which he has built into his character have brought him there, and the arrangement of his life, there is no element of chance but all is the result of a law which cannot err”. For a better circumstance in life,there need be a law of thought.
Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are”. This is the infallible law of attraction, if you are happy you attract more happiness but if you are always sad, you remain thatway.
Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves, they therefore remain bound” let us go from seeking a change in circumstances to improving our selves because that will directly affect our circumstance.
“Law not confusion is the dominating principle in the universe; Justice not injustice is the soul and substance of life”. Lawlessness and injustice denies us of the fun in life.
“You will all be what you will to be, let failure find its first content in the poor word “environment”, but spirit scorns it and is free”. Man is not made by his environment but by his willpower.
“Be not impatient in delay, but wait as one who understands”. Always be patient with the tides of life.
When spirits rises and commands, the gods are ready to obey”. Have a will and desire and what you want, the universe willrelease
“Thought is the fount of action, life and manifestation, make the fountain pure, and all will be made pure” if I were you I will spend the rest of my life in thinking pure thoughts.
“There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ill of the body” rejoice always, I say again, rejoice.
“The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do”. Go for knowledge.16. “He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure” if you fear to fail, you surely will cause that which you fear the most is what happens.
“As he thinks, so is he, as he continues to think, so he remains”. Always change the size of you thoughts if you want to change your position in life.
“There can be no progress or achievement without sacrifice”. Sacrifice is the force of all accomplishment in life.
“Spiritual achievements are the consummation of holy aspiration”. Make your aspiration holy and you grow spiritually.
“By the aid of self-control, resolution, purity,righteousness, and well directed thought, a man ascends”. Only the pure in heart will see God
“He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly” show me your sacrifice and I will tell you your height.
“To desire is to obtain, to aspire is to achieve”. Watch your desire cause you get what you desire.
“The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream”. Cherish you dreams.
“You cannot travel within and stand still without” try to correlate the depth of your thought with the gravity of your actions.
“In the core of your soul reclines the commanding master; he does but sleep; wake him up” Awaken the giant in you.
5. Is there anything in the book that you don’t understand or are unclear about, or are there idea which you disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas in the book are understandable and are simple idea that I learn to the realization of ones limits.
6. Did the book contain any exercises for the reader to complete, if so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
This book did not contain exercises as such.
7. Was there any thing you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so, please comment.
There is no other thing left to be commented on.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read: 10
B. How helpful was the content: 10
C. How easy was it to understand: 7
D. would you recommend it to others: 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it: 10
Jonathan Living Seagull
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the Author is trying to covey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey is the power in thoughts: that one is only limited not by the environment he finds himself, or the prevailing circumstances around him but by his thought. He described thoughts as the pathway to perfection. There is no limit as to what one can achieve if only he will dare for the impossible, the unattainable. That the ability of a man is not Stereotypic but diverse and can be seen in arena of impossibility.
That in all one likes and loves to do, there a room for growth and perfection “there is no such thing as perfection”. That one reaches perfection, the peak of life through constant practice in one direction.
He also expresses the fact that the heart of a wise man is always inquisitive and ready to learn. That love for something brings one to perfection in it. The Author also expresses that love is the universal driving force that leads to perfection. He however proved that one is not made handicap by nature but by his prevailing thoughts.
He crowned it all up by saying that all that a man is, has, undergo, experiences and will pass through is as a result of his thoughts. Man is no better than his thought.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally more important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation as to why it is important. Use personal examples from your own life?
The seven ideas which are personally more important to meare:
a. Never give up: The idea is very important because it reveals the strength of a man; a surety for high achievements like the seagull, he tried flying beyond what his peers called “limits”, despite the fact that he fell or failed several times, he never gave up, he watched his flying dream came to the limelight of manifestation. My life has been the one of struggle, with many failures especially in my academics. I have witnessed a rise and fall in grades but I never gave up. Inept my hope high that there is always light (perfection) at the end of the tunnel. many a time I have been faced by challenges which introduced me to thoughts of backing out from my academic race but I always know that no body ever gets to the promised land without crossing the red sea so I kept trying and never gave up. And today I am a product of my persistence.
b. One is a product of ones thought: This idea is important to me because it is a secret upon which all that we see that is made by human hands stands. The arena of thought is a place where by that which has no form takes shape and begins to exist. I have come to a realization that what I am today is as a result of what I have once throughout about. a practical example is my result in my academics. One thing I have never thought of is a carry over. I have always thought of A’s and my thoughts have always attracted these A’s to me, the grades I score in school at the end of each semester are products of the thought I have about them. In some relationships of mine, I have never thought of separation and that never happened. However, all relationships about which my predominant thoughts are break-ups, ends that way. So my thought just becomes things.
c. Limitations are for those who accept the ordinary: This idea is so practical to be over emphasized. It is important because it is what we experience in our every day lives. Those who only believe the ordinary, feasible and the possible can only achieve what they believe. I grew up to believe that anything that is imaginable and conceivable is achievable even if it is not feasible. They may take a long time but I am very sure that it will someday exist. in my life, I never saw myself as being with a limitation for example, I am an agricultural student but I did not limit myself to just that. I am also good at nutritional biochemistry, poetry, prose and drama. While my course mates only specialize (limits) themselves to our subject matter, I went wide and wild because I have always believed that “I can do all things” and that was my driving force’
d. Those who are responsible are those who find and follow a meaning, a higher purpose for life:Yes! Purpose is the reason for living, the meaning to life; that which one lives for and is ready to die for. It is said that if you do not have anything to die for then you do not deserve to live.
This idea is very important because even the seagull had a purpose:
flying very high above the normal and wining perfection. That was his anchor for more work and practice. Purpose is that for which we work. As a practical example all my work in life is geared toward my number one purpose:being a great researcher, despite the so great a limitation I see around me, I held my goal and nurse it with work till I see it come true. My purpose is what makes me responsible. From where I was till today, my purpose has always been higher than me so I realize also that following it will make me equal with it someday. In fact my purpose is that for which I can die.
e. Love is the greatest power in the
universe: I cherish this idea so much that my heart melts for it. Love is a force, a driving passion and that which attracts true happiness and perfection; it is that which keeps one focus on goal and purpose. It is a purpose for living. I term love as the essence for living. My love for agriculture has kept me thus far in my studies; my love for research has brought me close to perfection. My love for anything that I do takes me to the room for perfection. Take away love and you take away heaven.
Take away heaven, and perfection gets lost. My love foreknowledge has broadened my scope and has driven me to reading what ever is written. This power cannot be over emphasized it is in fact preached by every religion, proclaimed by every tribe and practice in one way or the other knowingly or unknowingly by every creature on earth. Take away love and the world will go back to its beginning.
f. People who are special and gifted are those who understand what that really are and have begin to practice it: in every one, there is a giant, lying dormant to be discovered, a genius to be activated and only those who discover this, are said to be gifted and special. There is that which everyone can in fact do without stress, that, everyone must seek to develop through practice and press on to perfection. I know I was special and gifted when I discovered that I can make someone smile no matter the magnitude of sorrow in one’s heart so I developed this talent through constant practice by seeking those things that makes people unhappy and deal with it. Moreover, I know I was gifted in writing when I had to write a story (an essay) in my examination. I never read a story before but I wrote one with a happy ending so I dedicate my self to reading and writing until I go beyond that level where my writings will wear smiles like the painting of Monalisa.
g. Giving others a reason to live by believing in
them: One of ways of giving people a reason to live is by discovering the potentials in them and helping them to achieve it by believing in them. I have a friend in school that almost drooped out of the university due to financial constraints,when he shared his problem with me, I told him, “I can see you a graduate already” but you have to see that for your self. I also told him that whatever it takes to survive that I have we will share together. Now he is graduating not because he had the means but because I made him believe he would. Like the seagull, he makes other gull in the flock believe that they can break the normal and reach the peak of
happiness: fly
3. How will this idea help you in a practical way both your daily personal life in helping you to create a better world? If so how?
These ideas are a leap to greatness, legacy and ultimate achievement. I term this idea a step to perfection. These ideas will go a long way to practically make me believe I am not limited to any circumstance. I can easily change the world by changing people. I know that I now understand the principle of perfection which is constant practice mixed with love. If I produces a work in it perfect state, my world will feel a touch of perfection ones more. I know that my thoughts are capable of making or marring me so I make a solemn promise to myself to always think bigger than I can see.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention. If so please quotes them and comment as to why they are important to you.
a. “I don’t mind being bone and feather mom. I just want to know what I can do in air and what I can’t that is all. I just want to know” It is important to me because it makes me want to know my abilities fromimpossibilities.
b. “ten times he tried and all ten times… he burst into a chummy man of feathers out of control, crashing down into the water” in all I do, I always expect to make mistake and sometimes fail because those who get to the top, fail their way there.
c. “But the speed was power and the speed was joy and the speed was pure beauty”. It makes me understand that my purpose should be my power, joy and above all what I pursue because of it beautiful end.
d. “How much more there is now to living… there is a reason to life. We can lift ourselves from ignorance…we can fly! This makes me believe that there is more to life that I can afford to be ignorant about.
e. “Who is more responsible than a gull that finds and follows a meaning, a higher purpose for life?” I understand hear that the purpose of life is to live a lifepurpose.
f. “His one sorrow was not solitude, it was that other gulls refuse to believe the glory of the flight that awaits them” I also feel bad each time I try to make people believe in themselves and it proves abortive.
g. “Jonathan seagull discovered that boredom, fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is so short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed”. Since I know that no vice and worry can take anywhere so I subscribe to virtue and happiness.
h. “Here were seagulls who thought as his thoughts. For each of them, the most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in that which they loved to do and that was to fly” I now only mingle with people of like thought with me because together we can soar as a team.
i. “No Jonathan, there is no such place. Heaven is not a place and is not a time. Heaven is being perfect” I always strive for heaven in all that I do¬-being perfect.
j. “Because any number is a limit but perfection doesn’t have limits” I no longer work with figures but unlimited.
k. The gull who scorns perfection for the sake of travel, go nowhere slowly. Those who put aside travel for the sake of perfection go anywhere instantly”. I have a hunger and thirst for the unseen but available.
l. “To fly as fast as thought, to any where… begin by knowing that you have already arrived”. My faith now is that I am already that which I want to be.
m. “Till you can fly the past and the future… you will be ready to begin to fly up and know the meaning of kindness and love”. At an instance, I studied my past, present and future only to know that I owe the world my love and kindness.
n. “keep working in love” I now lean on the arm of love for my creator, fellow creature and myself to getanywhere.
o. “The gull sees the farthest that flies the highest”. I unceasingly broaden my scope and expand my heart to see the opportunity aroundme.
p. “But overcome space, and all we have left is here; overcome time, and all we have here is now” All I have is here and now so I try to do the best with all Ihave.
q. “Maynard Gull, you have the freedom to be yourself, here and now, and nothing can stand-in your way. It is the law of the great gull, the law that is”. I know that the best I can ever be is nobody but me.
r. “The only true law is that which leads to freedom” Jonathan said, “there is no other”
I only subscribe to a law that leads to freedom in attaining an unlimitedheight-perfection.
s. “Very well, Fletcher, remember what we are saying about one’s body being nothing more than thought itself” I refuse to think how negative and all dark all I think about is happiness and by to get there.
t. “Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation”.
The eye is the laziest part of the body so I only see with the eye of faith.
u. “You have got to understand that a sea gull is an unlimited idea of freedom, an image of the great Gull, and your whole body from wingtip to wingtip, is nothing more than your thought itself”. I believe that I am unlimited genius that whatever want to be I will be through the power of my thoughts.
5. Is there anything in the book that you don’t understand or are unclear about, or are there idea which you disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas in the book are understandable and are simple idea that I learn to the realization of ones limits.
6. Did the book contain any exercises for the reader to complete, if so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
This book did not contain exercises as such.
7. Was there any thing you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so, please comment.
There is no other thing left to be commented on.
Please rate the following questions on a scale of 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful was the content? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Psycho-Cybernetics
Assessment by Ocheja Linus L (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey in the book is the one of success though having a high esteem. He stated that the self-image controls what you can and cannot achieve or accomplish, what is difficult or easy for you, even how others respond to you just as certainly and scientific as a thermostat controls the temperature in your home. He also argued that the greatest psychology of modern times is the psychology of self image. He also taught the fact that in every individual, there is an automatic success mechanism that gets things don without the conscious effort of the individual. Imagination is the power that awakens the automatic mechanism and sets it to action, that can be given to on individual is not an external physical facelift but an emotional facelift. Further more he described the word success as having a sense of: direction, understanding, courage, charity, Esteem, self-confidence and self-acceptance. He also described failure as frustration, aggressiveness, insecurity, loneliness, uncertain, resentment and emptiness. That in every one, there is a success and failure mechanism and these two produce results in accordance with the manner of information they are being fed. He concluded by saying that we should not put a limit to our acceptance of life by our own feelings unworthiness and low self-esteem because God has offered us forgiveness and the peace of mind and happiness from self-acceptance.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally more important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation as to why it is important. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. The most important discovery of recent times is the psychology of self-image: most at times people do not get what they want, they get what the are. Your self-image today is what attracts your personality tomorrow. While I was a child, I never thought I could speak I public without stuttering, I only knew I was a stutterer and that’s final. However when I came to discover that I am more than I have seen my self to be, I changed my self image and today I can speak in public without itches my self image I have been able to change brought in my work life. This is so real.
ii. Nurture not nature is the basics for success: success has no part in the body system of a man it is inculcated, it is not natural but natural. I was born with no element or iota of success I was only born with a mind which can successes so as I grew to experience both future and success, I knew I could spend more time developing myself to adapt to the requirements of success. I nurture myself to success because it was not my nature.
iii. We are made with an automatic success mechanism that operates more marvelous than any electric brain or given system ever dreamed of: the human brain is the most complex memory created by God in speed, accuracy complexity; it is more than the computer. I was in a tight Conner on afternoon that I had to think my way out within the span 5 minutes. I put my brain to work, gave my subconscious mind the assignment and immediately I saw myself out of that situation as easy and fast as that. We are complex, faster and more accurate than any computer brain you can ever think of made by human hand.
iv. Human being always act and feel and perform in accordance with they imagine to be true about them self. One of the greatest powers within the universe is the power of imagination. Nothing is ever built or achieved without having passed through the corridors of imagination. All that we are and have products of what we once imagined. I am what I am today because I have ever imagined it I always have reading motivational book in my imagination so on went on, I found myself investing in them until I met the bums, ”IIGL”.
v. One can relax and still get things done with the help of the automatic success mechanism. I love this idea so much that I can`t over emphasize I am a poet, some time; I struggled with a conscious effort to drop a line. but all to know avail, but I find it easy if I just give the tittle to my subconscious mind and I get words arranged just like that and before you know it, I have a verse already without stress and effort its so easy.
vi. Personality is not acquire from without, but it is released from within. Who you are or what you are is not what people call you but what you call your self. Fact with funny omens may exist around you but it is your opinion to adopt them in to your personality. Often at times I don’t have enough money to meet my immediate needs but I don’t allow that to be seen as part of me. Folks and fellows often think that I am not well to do but deep within me I feel, know and believe am rich and wealthy; I have all that I need. with that Quantum of self esteem, I attract some magnitude of respect even from people who think I don’t have each time I refuse to bend to poor suggestion:- I have always seen my self as rich and that exactly is my personality.
vii. Your psychological health Takes care of your physical health; people who take care to smile much and frown not eventually live linger. Happiness as a state of the mind is a secret of long and young life. In my life, I discovered that I live younger during the time I smile often and give my frown a rest. This is a very important idea especially for the people grow older before their time. Check how often you smile.
3. How will this idea help you in a practical way both in your daily life in helping you to better your world? If so how?
Honestly, the idea in this book was a hidden secret from me before I meet IIGL. It is an idea of easiness with life things and people with the idea; my writing skill is improved because I allow my automatic success mechanism do the job. In studies my memory is enhanced because I always relax my mind; picture my self reading and understanding before approaching the study. I never had specific shirt term goals that when big enough but with the help of idea in this book I have goals that are wild and crazy and are pushing toward a successful end. In my daily goals arrangement, there is always a goal to and affect a life positively and I try to meet that goal before the day runs out.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please wrote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“the self-image then control what you can and cannot accomplish, what is difficult or easy for you even how others respond to you just as certainly and scientifically as a thermostat control the temperature in your home”. This is the underlined principle linking the self-image and the achievement of a man.
“Wealth, success, power and celebrity are no more guaranty of happiness and peace of mind than surface improvement of some personal appearance flaw”. Your personality determent your happiness and not your wealth and power it always your self-image.
“The secret is this: To really live, that is to find life reconably satisfying, you must have an adequate and realistic self-image that you can live with” you live what exactly that which you see your self to be.
“The brain is roughly three pounds, yet, it contains the equivalent of entire cities full of giant building s full of computer circuitry”. The brain is reposed here as the most complex and unexploited memory.
“…subconscious mind is not a mind at all but a goal string servomechanism consisting of the brain and nervous system which is used and directed by the mind”. This reveals the nature and composition of the subconscious mind.
“Nurture not nature is the basis for success”. Nobody is born successfully we all have the instinct to succeed.
“Do not tolerate for a minute the ideal that you are prohibited from any achievement by the absence of inborn talent or ability, this is a lie of the grandest order, an excuse of the saddest kind”. The only person to stop you from succeeding is “you”.
“You can imagine your future” imagination is something that had no law against, so I will just freely imagine my future.
“Human being always act and feel and perform in accordance with what they imagine to be true about themselves and there environment”. I know one thing for sure that I am that right person in the right place to succeed.
“When you see a thing clearly in your mind, your creative “success mechanism within you takes over and done the job much better then you would do it by concurs effort or will power” this is a secret of getting creative things done effortlessly.
“Rational thought, to be effective in changing belief and behavior, must be accompanied with deep feeling and desire “desire mixed with feeling gets the desired result so I will not just stop at thinking.
“Every human being has the mysterious something we call personality”. I will everyday unlock it.
“It is the nature of things that we progress by acting, making mistakes, and correcting courses” I will not wait until all factor fall in line before I act because they never will so I succeed with mistakes.
“Life is worthwhile only when you have firmly fixed in your sights worthwhile goals”. I cannot wait to make life worthwhile by setting goals.
“It seems that some people literally go through life waiting to be offended. They are rarely disappointed: I will now go through life expecting offenses from friends.
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 any exercise for the reader to complete, if so did you complete the exercise, did you find them helpful?
The book contains so many mental training exercises and prescription; some I already started practicing before I read the book. The once I started practicing from the book are indeed helpful.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not coverall in the previous question? If so please comment.
All the comments I had to make about the book are answered to the previous question.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1-10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful was the content? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Ocheja Linus L. (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey in the book is that in every man there is a talisman; an invincible “PMA” emblazoned on one side and “NMA” on the other .PMA stands for positive mental attitude while NMA stands for a negative mental attitude. He stated that PMA is the right mental attitude which comprises of “plus”characteristics symbolized by such word as faith, integrity, hope, optimism, courage, initiative, generosity, tolerance, fact, kindness, and a good common sense. He also stated that a person with positive mental attitude aims for high goals and constantly strives to achieve them. That NMA is a negative mental attitude and it has the opposite characteristics to PMA. The Authors also taught that there are 17 principles which anyone who want to succeed must at least apply a good number of. These principle are: A positive mental attitude , Definiteness of purpose, Going the extra mile, Accurate thinking, self-discipline, The master mind, applied faith, A pleasant personality, personal initiative, enthusiasm, controlled attention, team work, learning from defeats, creative vision, budgeting time and money, maintaining sound physically and mentally and using cosmic force which the universal law. They also stated that a positive mental attitude mixed with six or more of this principles will bring one to the land of success; Also that a negative mental attitude mixed with any of the above stated principles leads to failure. He emphasized on how powerful the mind of man is and on many occasions stated that what the mind of a man can conceive, the man of man can achieve through PMA.
2. What are the seven ideas which are personally most important and why? List the seven idea followed by an explanation after each one as to why important to you.
Napoleon Hill and W.Climent Stone never assumed political position as presidents of a country, but they are ruling the world with their ideas. They may be long dead but their teaching and idea lived as long as time. The ideas in this book are all important that you can not neglect any one if you really what to succeed. But for the purpose of this study, the following ideas are enumerated with explanation and examples from my personal experience.
i. The starting point of all achievements is definiteness of purpose
with positive mental attitude. Nothing has ever been achieved clearly stated and defined. This idea is built upon the foundation of a four letter word. A word that is purpose for living, that which is worth working for. It is that which you live, without which you do not deserve to live-“Goal” it is. All that I have achieve are just the result of what I set-goal. This idea is the driving force to all accomplishment. Each time I remember my goals and how big they are, I remember also how hard I will have to work to achieve them. With this idea, I now set goals in every aspect of my life and more toward achieving them.
ii. If a man is right his world will be right. Many a times, I run into
conflict with those whom I relate. Often in this times, I put the blame on them but by the time I have a second thought, I discovered I was wrong. if only I had been a little patient, if only I had been a little gentle and calm, if only I had endured patiently, it would have been on record that I’m war with a fellow man. It begins with you if you right, your world (the people and environment around you) will be. It is an inside out thing, lets all go inside ourselves and make things right then our world will be.
iii. Every Adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit:
When faced with adversity, do you ask “why did it happened?” “What next now had happened”. In two months time from the time of writing this assessment, I was supposed to round up my student industrial work experience scheme program and stars final year course. But there arose a conflict that leads to an indefinite closure of the school. This was an adversity; it went against my initial plan. How ever, in advertising, I have enough time to improve myself, read self-help books and increase my success quotient. Knowing that I will be set to break my reward in my academicals pursuit and set new and higher ones. Yard it was an adversity, a disappointment that come with plenty of blessings attached.
iv. Man’s greatest power, lies in the power of prayer. In prayer there is a flow of communication between man and the divine intelligence. In prayer, one gets an update of happening around him, a direction, a guide to success. In communicating with God, one gets the light that shine in the darkest part, fears are killed while hope is restored, virtue is refined while faith is strengthened, love is cultivated and discipline understood. Once I was faced with four different things to accomplish that has 24hrs as dateline. Confused and don’t know where to start I reached for my knee, and before that day ran out, everything took than proper place. There is suit no power like the power in prayer.
v. To become an export achiever in any human activity, it takes practice… practice… practice…: I had a great like for chess; I wanted to be great in the game like my desire. As time went by I came to find a friend who volunteers to teach me the game. After the first lesson, I decided to practice it as often as I could. I practice because I want to beat my teacher. The more I try the more he beat me and fells me. “History will always repeat it-self” but I was not discouraged I understood what practice can do. I kept practicing until one day I only had to make three moves to end the game by wining. So you want to be an expert, keep practicing.
vi. That which you shear with others will multiply and that which you
withhold will diminish: Apostle Paul said “there is more blessings in giving than in receiving”. It’s a golden rule, “Do unto others what you would like them do unto you. While your hands are always open to give, it remains to receive. Then more but on the contrary, if you withhold from someone, you end up using up that which you possess and run into lack. Each time are give a smile, it simple, what I get is also a trouble, it land longer than I expect. This idea is a universal law.
vii. The secret of getting things done is to “Do It Now.” Nothing kills dream like procrastination; the thought and feelings of “I will do it latter” you keep procrastinating until you end up getting things not done. I end up using “a fire brigand. Approach” to get things haphazardly done because each time it occurs to me to get them done, I said I will do it but not now. If employ the habit of doing things now, you just are unstoppable, you will succeed even on time.
3. How will these idea or lessons help you in practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so how?
There is just one decision one has to make after reading this book and that decision is “to apply the ideas in this book”. For health, wealth and success the ideas in this book are helpful. A summary of the benefits in this book are stated in the following “I wills”
* Goal: I will set goal for my self knowing that my success is equal to my goals.
* Work: I will go extra miles in working knowing that it is the priceless gift.
* Love: I will love all around me and serve them without expecting any pay because I know that it is the greatest value in life.
* Happiness: I will give happiness to anybody as much as I can because I believe in what I give will comes back to me in multiple ways.
* Try: I will keep trying because I have every thing to gain and nothing to loose by trying. Success is maintained by those who try and keep on trying with PMA.
* Think: I will keep thinking, planning and studying until I get what I want.
* Pray: I will pray without ceasing until I see the light.
* Wealth: I will guard my heart with all diligent because out of it comes the issuer of life and the wealth I desire.
* Health: I will talk health and happiness to every one.
* Money: I will practice the five laws of gold because money is easy to spend than to acquire.
4. Quotes: Are there any quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list them and comment on them.
“Anything in life worth having is worth working for” what you want, deserve your work.
“It is the sign of a book when the book read you” books are meant to make you and not mare you.
“The greatest secret of success is: there is no secret”. The secret are written in books, find them.
“Motivation is like a fire: unless you continue toad fuel, it will go out” motivate yourself and don’t stop at just a book, try another one.
“We are poor not because of God”. All of creation is a product of a wealthy God who saw all he created as “goo”.
“You have every thing to gain and nothing to loose by trying. Success is achieved and maintained by those who keep trying”. There is harm in trying.
“Every adversity has a seed of an equivalent or greater benefits” in every disappointment there is an appointment.
“Greatness comes to those who develop a burning desire to achieve high goals” it begins and ends at the door of desire.
“Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep on trying with positive mortal attitude”. Why not try for once.
“I am the master in my fate; I am the captain in my soul”. My destiny in my lands”.
“Man’s greatest power lies in the power of prayer.” Pray your way to success.
“If you know what you want, you can find a way to get it.” It starts with knowing what you want.
“If you are right, your work will be right, be right at all times.
“Day by day, in every way, through the grace of God, I am getting better and better.” Do not forget this affirmation its great.
“You can do, if you believe you can.” Just believe it is the secret of great accomplishment.
“You are a mind with a body.” use the power of your mind and release your body.
“Are you in partnership with your silent senior partner?” How strong is your relationship with God?
“Do it now” yes now and not latter.
“Keep your mind in the things you do want and of the things you don’t want.” You attract that which you think about often
“The more you share, the more you have” just give.
“The highest ideal of man is the will of God.” He is our land end.
“OPM: Other people money is the way to acquire wealth.” Act on leverages.
“To be energetic, act energetically” it is the first aid.
“It can be done” All problems have a solution with God.
“There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” Which end of the difference do you belong?
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are under about or are there ideals which disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas hear are simple, easy to practice and live by. They met my standard and faith.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
Yes! It was and gracious doing the Franklin Bettger’s virtue exercise and other self motivation exercise.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment?
No. Not really.
Please rate the following question on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Keys to Success
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
There is a way of getting things don and Napoleon Hill in this book described the way to succeed. The main idea the author is trying to convey is that for anybody to succeed he or she should have a major definite purpose mixed with faith and a mental attitude and any other of the 17 principle of success enumerated in this book. These 17 principles are as follows.
1. Develop definiteness of purpose
2. Establish a mastermind alliance
3. Assemble an attractive personality
4. Use applied faith
5. Go the extra mile
6. Create personal initiative
7. Build a positive mental attitude
8. Controlled enthusiasm
9. Enforce self discipline
10. Think accurately
11. Controlled attention
12. Inspire team work
13. Learn from adversity and defeat
14. Cultivate creative vision
15. Maintain sound health
16. Budget your time and money
17. Use cosmic habit force.
The author stated that a combination a few of the principle will bring about the attainment of a major definite purpose. He emphasized that a positive mental altitude is the inevitable principle in the path way to achievements that success attained is all in the state of the mind that whatever is achieved has first been conceived and believed with a positive mental attitude.
2. What are the seven main idea which are personally most important to for and why? List these seven idea followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal example from your own life.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote ‘’one single idea may have greater weight than labor of all men animals and engine for century.” Permit me to say that this book by Napoleon Hill is Heavy, very Heavy because it is pack full with life changing idea . There are more than a hundred ideas in this book which are personally important to me but for the
purpose of this assessment, the following seven are enumerated.
i. Definiteness of purpose encourages for specializing, and specialization leads to perfection. One tends to harness the power of oneself when one specializes and what brings about specialization is definiteness of purpose. I grew up to know myself as a very talented human being who is good at a number of art and science .however I know that I can’t be a jack of all trade and a mater of none and yet succeed so I chose a particular carrier to specialize in . My area of specialization is crop production and I tell you, I am not far from perfection.
ii. Render more and better services than you are paid for, and sooner or later you will receive compound interest from your investment. This is the idea behind the principle of going the extra mile. It works, after each sale in my mother’s grain store; I usually go the extra mile to move the customer’s goods to the motor park. It wasn’t simple or funny however I come back each time richer than I left the shop. It’s something I do and enjoy doing.
iii. Cooperation like love and friendship is something you get by giving: I came to understand that the word “team” is an acronym which stands for the phrase: Together Everybody Achieves Much. I have led in some church organization and the greatest accomplishment came when working as a team. In class I make my most in academics when I study with a team of smart student and most at time I get to know more if I take time to teach some one who doesn’t.
iv. Personal initiative creates advancement: in everything we do, there need be advancement, a movement, and growth from one stage or level to another and this advancement is sometimes facilitated by our application of personal initiative that driving force that enables you to do things without being told to. As a student conducting supervised project I am ahead of my peers because I use my personal initiative to get things done and often at times my supervisor appreciation that. While my colleague wait for instruction on what to do, I go ahead and get it done and it will be rightly done. Today I am at the verge of completing my work even before my final year, a work others are yet to start.
v. Enthusiasm changes lives: I know of a number of people who my enthusiasm about them changed their course of action than decision. I have a friend in school whose means of surviving in school and in academics was in the hands of fate. At a point, the best he could decide for himself was to give up and droop out of school. However when he met me, I made him believe that the God that made it possible for him to start will bring him to a successful end if only he will hold on a little longer. Two years after our conversation, the young man met me and said “how would it have been if I never met you”. I was enthusiastic about his success, I believed in him and I helped him to believe in himself; he did and today he is graduating with a good grade.
vi. Faith and religion are stimulate of the order: it is written that “faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of god” it is simple when ever I need an assurance amidst uncertainties, I just study my bible from it I get to understand that God is with me in all I do so I will have to live without fear and with a strength I never had to do that which is expected of me according to my major definite purpose. If I want to be happy I just go to church and I come back revived.
vii. Defeat strengthens your will by providing it with challenges to greater effort: twice in school I ended semesters with poor grades. Deep down inside, I know I don’t fail, I know I failed in doing something. My effort was not good enough so i was faced with the challenge of greater effort in my study. I changed my study plan, attended all my lectures, did all my assignments discussed more with my class mates and change my result by adding just a little effort.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world, if so how?
The idea in this book has brought a great change in my way of life, my quest for success and my relationship with others. The ideas in this book will help me manage time and money; knowing that what I do with them will determine the kind of success I will have. I also know how to create an attractive personality as my success in life depends on the support of others. It will also enable me to harness the power of others for a great achievement in a master mind alliance and in a team the idea in this book will also help me to apply self discipline faith and tact without which no success can be attained.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes in this book which really caught your attention if so pleas list them and comment on them.
“Your progress toward success begins with a fundamental question:
where are you going?” if you know where you are going, you will start looking for the way.
“If you would plant for days, plant flowers. If you would plant for
years, plant trees, if you would plant for eternity, plant ideas” you may be long dead, but your ideas live for ever after.
“If you can see an opportunity as quickly as you can see the fault of others, you will soon succeed” opportunity is all about you just see.
“You will begin to take charge of the effort of others only when you take complete charge of the power of your own mind” it begins with you.
“Impatience with others is a visible expression of selfishness and lack of self-discipline” Be discipline enough to listen than speak.
“You are what you are and where you are because of the dominating
thoughts in your mind” Guard your heart with all diligence.
“The trouble with most people is that they quit before they start.” This quality makes you a coward.
“Wail not precious chances passed away” doesn’t waste time watching
when you should be seeing.
“At sun rise ever soul is born again” every day comes an opportunity to succeed.
“To vanished Joys be blind and deaf and dumb” the splendor of yesterday cannot be compared with the glory of tomorrow.
“Every day in every way, I am getting better and better” power affirmation that makes you better indeed.
“Tell me how you use your time and spend your money, and I will tell you where and what you will be ten years from now” your success is equal to what you do.
“Your attitude toward life determines your attitude toward time” are you a doer or a drifter.
“You do not always get what you expect unless you inspect with PMA” engage in study thinking and planning time.
“That which you share will multiply; that which you withhold will diminish” this is the law of increase.
5. Is there any thing in book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas you disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas in this book are right true and real.
6. Did the book contain certain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercises and did you find them helpful?
I am still carrying out the exercises in this book and indeed, they are helpful.
7. Was there anything you read that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so please comment.
The comments I have made on the previous questions are satisfactory. There isn’t anything else.
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 the read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Assessment by Linus Lawrence Ocheja (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the Author is trying to convey in the book is that of creating influence with people you meet in your daily life. He expressed vividly using common and simple terms the principles employed in making people agree with you in every circumstances. He also exposed in the book the secrets behind starting and sustaining diplomatic relationship and the fundamental techniques of handling peoples. As a leadership mentor, he taught in the book how to change people without giving offence. The book is all about you and the people.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it is important to you. Use examples from your personal life?
The seven (7) main ideas that are important to me are:
A. Avoid criticizing
It works! People do not want to be told their faults directly; they do not want to be told their mistakes, they want to discover it in themselves. Before now I was swift in telling people and making them see their faults and this very attitude of mine kept friends away from me. I was happy doing this but my friends kept away from me as well. However, with the ideas in this book, no matter their mistake I will never tell it to their face, I will only device means to make them discover see these fault in themselves and correct it.
B. To be a good conversationalist, be a good listener.
Once again everybody has something to say, they want to be heard; moreover, nobody want to listen no one want to hear since people need ears to be hear them talk, listen to people, their problem and complains. This makes you understand them and gives them a sense of importance. Many a friend I have made because I have once given them an ear to talk into. I shared to them, I first had to listen and they end up being relieved. My listening to them makes them feel important and they will never forget me.
C. Begin in a friendly way.
A good example to illustrate this idea in my life is this; when I was to go for a viva after my students industrial work experience scheme, many that met the supervisor before me spent longer time answering questions. However, when I met the supervisor I made him feel important by empathizing with him for having stayed that long in the office. I made him laugh to ease off the stress. I never had to spend up to five minutes in his office before I finished the viva. You know what that means.
D. A smile is a simple way to make a good first impression.
As a leader, I want people to work with me, to agree with my ideals and to be a part of my team. I was known to be a leader that was too strict and too serious with little or no smiles attached whenever I talked. I discover the way to get result and quick response, how I got to achieve this is that I engage in every conservation with a smile and each time I do, I get smiles in return and that means agreements.
E. A person’s name is the sweetness languages he or she wants to hear.
I learned that people feel important and special if they are called by their names the second time after meeting them for the first time. I have a friend I met for barely two weeks and before I knew it, I became her best. While we were evaluating our friendship, I discovered that each time, I call her by a name her father calls her, she feels good and special. As a leader, I kept followers by calling each one by the first name and the surname along side.
F. Admitting your wrongs solves problems
Right from my childhood days, I knew that it would take nothing away from me to say sorry even if I were not at fault. I had an issue with a security staff in school and by virtue of this a scheduled meeting was about to be cancelled because, I got no official permission from him to use the venue. “I have been very stupid not to have gotten an official permission from you before using the venue” was what I told him. He felt important, he felt right and that was it. Even without the official permission the meeting held.
G. To be a good leader ask question instead of give orders.
“But don’t you think we should go and get water,” this is a question I ask my roommate and he will end up going alone to get the water. All I do, is ask him vital questions. John Mansion said “the problems of life are solved in asking the right questions.” To get it done make it a question.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you create better world? If so, how?
Many people apply the principles in this book without knowing that these are the secrets of starting, building and keeping a long lasting relationship. The principles in this book will help me get along with people who will hold my hand to that height I want to attain.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them?
“If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the bee hive.”
Avoid condemnation criticism and complains.
“As much as we thirst, for approval, we dread condemnation.”
Give more of approval than condemnation.
“Don’t criticize them: they are just what we would be under similar
Circumstances.”
Before you shout, ask yourself “what if it were me”.
“A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little man.”
If at all you are great, thinks of where you started.
“Be hearty in your appreciation and lavish in your praise;” it costs nothing.
“Don’t be afraid of enemies who attack you, be afraid of friends
who flatter you.”
Beware of friends.
“Use what language you will, you can never say anything but what
you are;” you are what you say.
Talk well.
“People who can put themselves in the place of others people, who
understand the working of their minds, never worry about what the future holds for them.”
Know your worth and don’t worry.
“To recall a voters name is statesmanship to forget it is oblivion”
Peoples’ names are their treasures.
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”
You can’t win an argument, forget it.
“A man without smiling face must not open a shop smile to sell.”
Carry out a ‘quick smile check’ whenever customers don’t show up again
“Man must be taught as if you taught them not and things unknown
proposed as things forgot;” that’s the real secret of winning approval.
“You cannot teach a man anything, you can help him to find it
within himself.”
It’s all about adding faith knowing that it is in you.
“One thing I know and that is that I know nothing.”
Ignorance is the beginning of knowledge.
“He who trends safely, goes far” slow and steady wins the race.”
“Your smile is a messenger of goodwill” use smiles to tell the
world that your heart holds good tidings for them.
“Thought is supreme.”
Your thought becomes things.
“There is nothing either good or bad’ but thinking makes it so.”
Guard then your heart with all diligence!
“All things comes through desire and every prayer is answered” just ask!
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their mind to be. It
is in the decision you make decide to be happy and you certainly will.”
“Thus the sovereign path to cheerfulness if our cheerfulness be
lost, is to act and speak as if cheerfulness were already here.”
Faith is often what we do.
“You must have a good time meeting people if you expect them to
have a good time meeting you.”
It begins with you.
“People rarely succeed at anything unless they have fun doing it.”
At the end of the day you, just get paid for enjoying yourself.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
None.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
Yes they were helpful.
7. Was there anything you read in the hook that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so please comment.
This book is full of diplomatic secrets that will make you get on top without using coercion, force of tyranny. The content of this book has been a guide to great leaders who have changed their world by the things they did and refused to do. Read this book and apply the principles therein.
Please rate the following questions on a scale 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? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Real Magic
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey is that of the possibility of creating miracles in everyday life. That one can shift from just existing to living; that deep within man lie’s that field of limitless possibilities. He also taught about the mastery of the mind as all that we are or get from life is a direct result of what the garden of our mind had cultivated. In order for us to create miracles in our daily lives, we have to go from believing we can, to knowing that we can. The author also stated clearly the difference between a spiritual being and an unspiritual being. Man is not a body with a soul, but a soul in a body is his strong point of emphasis, while he explain the fact that life on earth is a space within a parenthesis, and that existence began in eternity and there is life after now which is eternity. The purpose of life he said is love and where there is love, there is always a miracle. For man to achieve miracle in his everyday endeavor, he should shift from struggle to flow. He added that this purpose is usually met in how much we give more than how much we receive. He also added that man is that miracle he is looking for. While he advised the future generation on the way to go if they must touch perfection, he expressed joy at the ongoing global drive to save the planet earth.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it is important to you. Use examples from your personal life?
This book is more than just an idea to write, it is born out of a desire to make known some great secrets of the ages. It is not a book in which you’ll find one idea in ten lines, because if you follow the author closely, you’ll see ten ideas in just one line. For the purpose of this assessment, the following ideas are important to me:
A. There is an invisible but knowable life force within you.
This is the greatest idea that has ever lived and if I must explain, this invisible life force is the presence of God. Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry taught that God is in all of creation. Paul the apostle even clearly stated it that it is in him that we live, move and have our being. I have lived my life not just believing but knowing that he is with me always. Even the psalmist said “ even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil for thou art with me” everyone who has a success story in one way or the other knows that there is a higher being that is invisible and that this knowledge brings about a feeling that eliminates fear.
Each time I am in danger, the knowledge of the fact that I am not alone eliminates my fears and anxieties right there. In my academics I have come to excel because I know that there is a being that knows more than my teacher and that this being is there to help me succeed.
B. The ancestor to every action is thought: to be frank with you.
I have never taken a step as bold as typing my IIGL book assessment myself. I have never gone to a computer school, and I don’t have a personal computer. Each time I sit alone, I use to envisage myself typing at a pace not too bad for a novice. I thought that all I have to do to learn is to think I can. It began one evening I collected a friend’s laptop computer and started typing. James Allen in his book As a man thinketh said that when you think big, your deeds will rise.
All I have to do was think it possible and that was it. With first taking whatever it is I want to get done to heart, all that is required is made available. Indeed, the origin of every action is thought; it all began with a thought.
C. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
As a student, I have come to agree with this idea because it has been very practical in my day to day experience. When I was a child, I had cooking as a hobby and I was open and receptive to whoever it was that will teach me how to. I then noticed a shift in my life as in almost all the places I went to, I never left without learning from someone something new about my hobby. In fact, I had to be moved out of my parent place to a place where I lived with a cousin whose neighbor is vast in preparing many local cuisines and I spent up to two years of my life learning how to cook. The moment I feel I am ready to learn or to know about something that I have been heard much of, the teacher will just appear.
D. There are no limits: all the things I knew as limits before now.
All the things I knew I could never be or achieve are just that way because I thought them to be so. The moment I start seeing them from a different light, the light of possibility, it turns out to be so.
There are indeed no limits. The only one that there is, is the one we see ourselves. Paul the apostle attested to that when he said that “I can do All Things through Christ which strengthens me” and in another place he said that “if God be for us, who can be against us”. Christ himself thought this philosophy of no limits when he said that “all things are possible unto them that believe”. With this kind of word at stake, all I have to do is believe it and I will live. From the moment I came to agree with this idea, I believe that no change so great in a positive direction is impossible. With my kind of faith, I believe that one day, despite the high rate of corruption and decrease in moral standard witnessed In all spheres of life, a time will come and it is already here when only the voice of the righteous shall be heard.
E. Meditation makes you alert and able to think clearly.
Recently in March 2013, I sat for an assessment test, and the moment I receive the question paper, I was thrown off balance because I couldn’t remember all that I read while preparing for the test. I got to remember that in calmness and tranquility shall be my strength so I resorted to meditation. During my meditation, I could see all the things I read as they appear in my lecture note. I wrote the test and scored 61%. If my
life is in a shamble and I want to restructure all I do is go into
meditation and everything will take the right shape.
F. We are all connected.
I have come to know that everyone needs everyone, and I also believed that that every one born of a woman is important and will help me achieve my purpose because we are connected. This idea eliminates a felling of worries; worries about ‘how, when and where to get to a certain height. Paul the apostle in his letter to the Romans said that “all things work together for good to them that love God and work according to his purpose”. I know that everyone I meet has a role to play in my life and that we are connected by a force unseen and that this force will bring us together someday.
G. Life has a purpose.
Right from when I was a child, I have always known that I was not born because I wanted to be born, but because there is a purpose; that reason why I was born. This idea has helped me looked for that purpose of my existence and I try to fulfill it.
Each time I do something good, something that makes someone happy and save a life, I know I am on purpose.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world If so, how?
To start with, I know that all what I need to live a perfect live is here, so I will just add faith. Each time I do this, I get miraculous and astonishing outcomes. I know also that the miracle I am looking for is in me so I will stop going outside and I will start looking inside for solution to problems. My purpose in life is to live a life of purpose and this purpose is love; a selfless service to humanity, I will live my everyday life knowing that I have a role to play in making the world a better place and I will always try to Identify this role and act.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them?
“All the ingredients of a perfect life is here, just add faith.”
Just believe it, ask and you will receive it.
“I have been all things unholy; if God can work through me, he can
work through anyone.”
Yes, God has no favorite for we all are his offspring.
“Complete possession is proved only by giving. All that you are
unable to give possesses you.”
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
Are you a student ready to learn, watch out for the teacher.
“We are born into the world of nature; our second birth is into the
world of spirit.”
We shall not all sleep but we shall be transformed; just keep working on love.
“When you find the way, others will find you.”
Never stop even if others do until you find the solution.
“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
Your faith is the money with which\h you buy from the universal market anything you want. This is a great secret of wealth.
“There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of
improving, and that’s your own self” in you there is always a room for improvement, you can do better.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Just join us to think that change you seek.
“All you behold; though it appears without, it is within; in your imagination, of which this world of mortality is but a shadow.”
The only true reality is the world of the spirit, where souls never die.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are under about or are there ideals which disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas hear are simple, easy to practice and live by. They met my standard and faith.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
Meditation on a daily basis has been very helpful, and repeating some of the affirmation creates power for greater achievements.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment?
No. Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
The New Dynamics of Winning
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
In every work of life, every field, business and occupation in which man is involved there are rudiments, tips and paths for achieving peak performance. These skills and techniques involved in the methods employed in achieving peak performance is what the author Denis Waitley of the new dynamics of winning is trying to convey. He defined winning as taking the talent and potentials you were born with, developing it and using it fully for the purpose that makes you fell worthwhile. Real winners succeed not only in their given specialty or profession, but in their personal lives as well. They set and achieve goals that benefit others and themselves. They believe that happiness is not a goal to be chased, but that it’s the by-product of living a worthwhile life. Winners never risk playing the fool because they know that there never was a winner who wasn’t at one time a beginner. For every trophy lifted, a price was paid and making true commitment is when one takes a moment and turns it into an opportunity.
In every man, There is sited a winner “Olympian” who deserves to win even before the competition begins. Integrity is making a committed decision to win and staying up to it every day. Visualization he said is the ability to believe that success is sure and can be attained, any day any time. He also added that we get only the things we can visualize and believe. Self confidence is what makes winning and success entirely easy to attain. The strength we use to execute a task is from our mental toughness; your ability to tell yourself that you are strong in the face of weakness. Being a good coach begins with one becoming coachable himself. Leadership is the ability to empower someone, leaving him/her better than you met them.
He concluded by enumerating the creed for making the most of one’s self:
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it is important to you. Use examples from your personal life?
It was a book written to the real champion in life, those unsung heroes and heroines, the role models, mentors, and coaches who teach us how to win, watching quietly from the sidelines, with inner pride, as we act out their knowledge and experience and claim the medal and the fame as our own. It’s a book I dedicate to the author who shared himself in ideas that exposes one to the peak of achievements. The book is a parcel of ideas to anyone aspiring to succeed. The seven most important ideas to me herein are:
A. Champions are born, losers are made: we want to believe deep down in our soul that we all have a desire to succeed, and that we want the best life has to offer.
This desire is born out of who we really are and that we are nothing but winners. Winners, is who we indeed are, losers is what we have come to believe that we are and that is what makes us. There was a time in my life when I asked myself “who am I to excel in school?” and while I spent time meditating on that, the thought increased and so was the outcome; negative as the thought that produced it. As time went on I came to agree with the truth: the truth that I was made in the image and like a God who has never failed; that I have the mind of Christ, the brain of Plato and the hands of Shakesphere. That was all I needed to succeed and that marked my turning point in life.
B. Success begins with a dream: dreams are the seeds of yesterday that bears the fruits we now enjoy, and are the seeds of greatness for the future.
Every land ever marked as an achievement, every goal ever achieved, every city ever built, every seat ever won, every home ever made and every relationship ever kept all began with one word “Dream.”
As a youngster, I have always dreamt of having a personal library where people will borrow books to help themselves with, I knew also that I never had the money to stock a house with books I will latter call a library. However, I won’t tell you that I now have a library, but I am on the way of making, a great one at that. It began one evening with a dream.
C. A high expectation of success is more important than ability or the lack thereof: No matter the prevailing circumstance, I just believed that at the end of the road, success is inevitable.
This was more important to me than imputes towards a noble course. All I ever needed to succeed was an expectation of it. In as much as I always expected the best to start, I also created a space for the worse. My will to excel is the trigger I needed to move cause “when the spirit rises and commands, the gods will obey.”
D. Nobody else is going to take you fishing: While I was a child, I thought that to get to a place or attain some heights, someone will hold me by the hand to where ever I want to go.
I however was faced with the realities of life when I expected my father to travel with me to the state where I now school but the reverse was the case the day I was told to get ready and get started. Until I am almost graduating from the University, my parents never knew my school and it was fun doing it all by myself.
E. Total commitment is the entry fee to success. My desire to succeed was supported by a consistent action, and that was my motivation.
Every day, I just must do something towards my goal, and I never let any day pass by without having done something tangible. I make each day worth a while. I may not have reached the peak I so desire to attain, I know I am not far from it. I am still committed.
F. To succeed, go with the flow: whether you agree with this idea or not, all things done with ease makes work easy and success fun; this ease, this move toward a specific task is what I call flow.
As a student I don’t go with the crowd. I used to feel intimidated whenever I see my peers going to read and sometimes I feel tempted to go with them. Most times, I end up achieving nothing because I struggled to read to no avail. However, there are times I feel that the most important thing to do was to read… that is my moment of flow, a moment when I will read without getting tired. It applies to all forms of work we do as humans let us go with the flow to make work easier.
G. The three most important words are “if you please.” Yes! These are the three most important words.
You will agree with me, that everyone on wants to feel important. Words like please and thank you if used properly can get you anything any time. To make getting a thing from someone easy, I just add please and to create a chance for future request to be made, I just say thank you.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your daily personal life, and in helping you create a better world If so, how?
I know that the first sin to self is the sin of self deception, so to avoid this I must be true to myself. I will also make each day my masterpiece knowing that my success is a function of what I do on a daily basis. I will also take time to help others succeed because love is what I give and not what I take. I will always read good books knowing that I can never grow smatter than I know. Because I need people to win, I will make friendship a fine art. Because i expect to succeed, I also make reservations for the worse by building a shelter against a rainy day. I am not alone in this journey of success for God is with me and in agreement with my desire to succeed; knowing that all things work for good, I will always pray and ask for guidance while I give thanks for the blessings that comes each day.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them?
“Going through what I’ve gone through, there’s obstacle I can’t overcome. Imagine how you grew up from a chromosome cell to who you are today, It is obvious, there’s no obstacle you can’t overcome.”
“Before you can see it, you must believe it.”
Yes what you see today was what you believed to be true yesterday.
“I can’t grow taller, but I can always grow a lot smarter.”
There is always a room for improvement.
“Losers let it happen, winners make it happen. Take a massive action towards success, you sure will make it happen.”
“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you’re not. Stop thinking small, start thinking big.
“You don’t have to know everything, as long as you know people who
know the things you don’t”
Thank God I have someone as important as you reading this assessment.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are under about or are there ideals which disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas hear are simple, easy to practice and live by. They met my standard and faith.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
Executing the twenty-one days daily plan for winning was worth a while. It was fun completing them.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment?
No! Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Giant Steps
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
Dreams it is that everyone has. Anthony Robbins in giant steps expressed with hypothetical examples reasons why and ways which dreams can be realized. Indeed, just as little droplets of water makes a mighty ocean, small changes Anthony says makes a big differences. The book is all about daily practices that lead to self-mastery. He identified emotions and belief as the brain child behind all human action. That our goals are those daring adventures that wakes up the sleeping powers of the human spirit. He stated that a mere desire not stated down and defined with specification cannot be met. He express that the turning point of a man’s life from good to ill, freedom or slavery lies within the power of one word he called “Decision.” That it is better to make a decision and be wrong at it than not to make one at all because not to make decision is a decision itself. He emphasized that just as muscles grow stronger with use, so is our decision making muscles that they get stronger the more we make decisions. Following Anthony in this book will teach you how to set goals that are worthwhile. He enumerated what he calls the ultimate success formula which I am pleased to add to this assessment.
The Ultimate Success Formula
1. Decide what you want. (Be precise! Clarity is power)
2. Take action (because desire is not enough)
3. Notice what’s working or not (you don’t want to expend energy on an approach that’s worthless)
4. Change your approach until you achieve what you want. (Flexibility gives you the power to create a new approach and a new result.)
Once you can define what you want, you set a plan to achieve it because the human spirit is unconquerable. He stated that the principle of pain and pleasure is what determines what we do and that pain can be your friend if you use it effectively. That which we hold most dear as beliefs is the power we have to create anything or destroy it. He pointed out that beliefs are those forces that determine what we try or fail to try to accomplish in our lives. Moreover, the author supported the fact that the problems of life are solved in asking the right question. He added that no one is responsible for the change we desire, we must take personal responsibility for our change, we must condition ourselves. He also taught that the power with which we can change our emotion in an instant is transformational vocabulary concluding here that words are power. Emotions are our products so we can chose to produce good emotions or bad once. We are the authors of whatever circumstance it is we are passing through emotionally. He however enumerated the emotions of power which one should cultivate in this pathway to our greatest achievement. He also pointed out that the human mind cannot be limited or restricted by anything once it is determined to achieve something. That the mark of a true champion is consistency and also that knowing what to do is not enough but doing what one knows. He summed it all up by saying that our success is not a measure of what we receive but give.
2. What are the seven ideas that are most important to you? State these seven ideas following an explanation using examples from your personal experience as to why they are important.
Indeed, the book is a package of Giant Steps to greatness. Full of ideas, the book contains life transforming ideas that if followed using the prescription of Anthony, will leave no one the same. For the purpose of this assessment, the following ideas are important to me.
A. Our decisions – not the condition of our lives determine our destiny.
No one is born with a silver spoon. I have seen people who were born and bred in wealthy homes ended up being the worse in class and in business. This wasn’t because their condition was bad or that of their parent. No, they had all they wanted, they had the money to pay the tuition and they are from a functional family. However, the flaws they record in the paths of life happen just because they fail to decide for themselves what they want. So too, I have seen people whose family background cannot be traced or written, people who never stood a chance to see the four walls of a school not because they don’t have the desire to, but because they had no tuition or a starting capital. It was in them: the decision to excel an do valiantly in life, the quest for wealth happiness and success, that burning desire to make a difference, to tell the world that they can create a significant change no matter the cost. It was in them and they knew it, so the only thing they did was to make a true committed decision to bring about that which they seek. It happened to me, every exploit I have recorded in life happened not because of conditions but the decisions I made in my daily life. I decided to do whatever it takes within my powers to always be outstanding in my pursuit and providence moved too.
B. Change your mental focus to change your emotions.
In life, we come to the cross roads between laughter and tears, smiles and frowns, joy and sorrows, pain and pleasure. What we feel is however a function of what we focus on. Each time I am made to feel bad either by an unwanted circumstance, all I do to change my emotion is to change my focus. I just at that point of realization, I will just stop thinking or focusing on what I don’t want and focus on what I want. I usually apply emotional shifters, it may be a song or a portion of the Holy Bible and in a flash I will start feeling good again.
C. If we want to change the quality of our lives, we must change what we habitually ask of ourselves or others.
The problems of life are solved in asking the right question. Before no I never knew how to solve problems especially one that has to do with my relationships. However, the reverse is the case since I started asking problem solving questions. Each question asked, provided a solution that opened up a way for better questions that eliminates the worries.
D. The words we attach to our experience become our experience.
I may be feeling just tired probably because of the fatigue in the work I am doing; but each time I scream “I am weak.” I feel real weakness and that is far worse than mere tiredness. There times someone does something annoying, instead of using a term like annoyed to describe what I feel, I just take it to the extreme by saying ‘I am angry’ and there at that instant, I become severely angry and rage becomes what I feel. However, no matter what negative emotion I feel, I just use a simple term in describing what I feel and that solves the problem right there.
E. Change your approach and you can still achieve what you want.
While I was in high school, if my teacher wants us to go to a place outside the school to get something done, all he just says is, “all roads lead to that place.” The route doesn’t matter, what matters is the going and getting there. Indeed, when you have mapped out a plan for yourself as to how to get to a place, and you find out that the defined path isn’t working, that is not a time to quit, it is a time to change the approach. You must be persistent enough to see success at the end even when the going gets tough. Don’t give up, just change your approach.
F. The secret of living is giving.
I have spent most of my life time giving and that I think is the reason I am living. I have never stopped improving in myself because I am always looking for what to give that will change a life and make a difference. Of course, you don’t give what you don’t have, so the more you desire to give, the more you go all out to acquire so that you may give. I work hard not to live, but to give because a am deeply convinced that living is giving.
G. Leaders are readers.
One of the major failures witnessed in contemporary leadership is that leaders don’t read. They are not vast in knowledge and they are not exposed to recent discoveries on self-improvement and how to get things done using tested problem solving approaches. I love Felix Iziomoh of IIGL Nigeria each time he sends me a mail. Beneath each mail a text that runs “a book can change a mind and a mind can change the world.” Leaders who spend their time acquiring knowledge and applying the make the vest leaders who end up changing their world. Moreover, readers irrespective of the fact that that they occupy no position in the organ-o-gram of their organization as top executives, create influence because of their wealth of knowledge and their depth of insight to the issues of life.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your daily personal life, and in helping you to create a better, if so, how?
Success is within the reach of any man who decides to succeed. I will decide today to succeed in everything I do knowing that my entire life depends on what I have to give and that I can’t give what I don’t have. I will take a massive action harnessing the power of concentration because my success depends not only on my desire but the steps I take and the things I do. I will also take stock of what’s working and what is not and when I take notice of what isn’t working, I will change my approach. What measures my success, is not those things I can call my own but those thing I can share with those around me. So I will continue in the path of love, the road of giving until I touch perfection.
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.
“Nothing happens unless first a dream” it all started with one thought, a real thing, a dream until one day after being guarded and guided through the tunnel of faith it comes out a reality.”
“Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm.”
Despite the hard times, when once you summon guts a dare to say it can change and you are enthusiastic about your desire, you will watch it happen.
“It is the mind that maketh good or ill, that maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor.”
The same mind that is in the king is also in the slave, the use is what makes the difference.
“Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of master.”
Be careful that which you make your daily habit cause they have the capacity to bring you before the king or before the judge.
“Words form the thread on which we string our experiences” the power of life and death lies in the tongue.”
“There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotions.”
What do you do when you feel angry and at the same time afraid? Make it your goal then to face that which you fear but makes you angry.
“Man’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.”
There is room not for mediocrity; but for growth.
“Noting splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dare believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.”
The human mind can never be defeated by circumstances.
“If all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”
We are powerful beyond measure if only we know.
“Go put your creed into your deed.”
Your deeds are what makes the difference.
“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies if love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man would have discovered fire.”
Love it is; the greatest commandment, show it.
5. Is there anything in the book you do not understand and or are there ideals which you disagree with and if so why?
All the steps as giant as they may seem, are simple to understand and agree with my own beliefs.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
The book is packed full of exercises, some I have completed and some are ongoing.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comments.
Not really.
Please rate the following question on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Leadership for Dummies
Assessment by Ocheja, Linus L. (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the authors are trying to convey in this book is that leaders are made and not born. They taught that anyone at anytime anywhere can be a leader if only they take responsibility. They defined leadership as the ability to create influence and meet the need of a particular group of people. They taught that successful leaders should have the ability to elicit the cooperation of others, listen and put the needs of others before your own. They distinguished clearly the difference between leadership and management and that leadership does not happen in an act but as a process. They enumerated the following skills as skills to be required of every leader:
They also discussed the following as the characteristics of a true leader:
Eagerness, Cheerfulness, Honesty, Resourcefulness, Persuasiveness, Cooperation, Altruism, Courage, Supportiveness, Assertiveness
They also stated the following as the ten ways to master leadership skills:
Preparing, Volunteering, Keeping an open mind, Giving speeches, Developing discipline, Meeting deadlines, Staying in touch, Cooperating, Doing things for others
They equally taught the common mistakes every leader makes and these include:
Repeating the same mistakes, Being inflexible, Trying to be what you are not, Being a commander rather than a leader, Failing to listen, Getting caught up in your own glory, Expecting it to last, Hoarding skills or information, Taking yourself
too seriously, Missing the gray areas.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why is important to you. Use personal examples from your life?
i. Leaders are not born they are made.
Everyone has the potential to be a leader. Eliciting the cooperation of others, listen to others and putting the need of others above your own are the qualities that anyone can choose to make their own. The moment you can align yourself with this qualities, no matter the personality trait you have, you certainly will take the lead. I was faced with a practical example of leading at a very tender age in school, I found it difficult because I felt I was too small and may not be able to lead people bigger than myself. My teacher saw it in me and taught me how to and without stress I did.
ii. Leadership begins with the willingness to take responsibility.
At a point in my life, i had to struggle between to opinions: to either put the blame of poor results and outcome on my team or to accept responsibility for what has happened. As a leader, i took responsibility for every flop we experienced; for every mistake. I became proactive in such a way that i often review what is working and what is not and each time i do, the mistakes are avoided and that brings out the leader in me.
iii. Leadership is situational.
When I first started a degree programme in school, during the first week of my resumption, I felt a need for my class mates and i to come together, meet ourselves and of course decide who does what and how the class be run. I got up, made an announcement in the class that initiated a discussion. Some days later, there was an election which set me as the class representative because I took responsibility and met the needs of the entire class.
iv. Leadership works when you put others before yourself.
Leadership itself is sacrificial and must be selfless. I notice that each time i try to put my ideas before the groups, and try to convince the group towards accepting my ideas on the way forward, and if i do not get a positive response from other team members, i know it is time to sacrifice what i know and feel for the decision of the team to have sway if not so, there will be a serious disagreement among the team members and that is never ideal for a team that wants to succeed.
There need be flexibility in the choice of leadership style, between two opinions or leadership structures if one must become a leader that must fit all situations as they may arise. Approaches to problem solving are numerous so there need not be any element of rigidity to one approach if that approach will not solve the problem at hand. Flexibility is what makes a leader available to take the lead any day, anywhere and anytime.
vi. A leader has a mission to fulfill.
Every leader has a mission to fulfil, an expectation to meet. To whom much is given, much is expected and uneasy lie’s the head that wears the crown. A lot is expected of a leader from his followers and from himself. The first thing a leader must do is to state clearly his mission and this must capture both his own expectation at the end of the game and that of the people. Goal and clarity of purpose will fuel the mission and vision. If the expectation of the people must be met then a leader must be goal oriented.
The end and success of every leadership career is the raising up of leaders who will replicate you achievements and even more, potential successors who even while you are still in power can represent you any day and anywhere and at any time. The point of exit is the definition point for every leader. It is the point where the worth of every true leader is tested. I had an experience where I was approaching the end of a leadership career I knew that at this point, I needed to be a coach, a person minded leader so that I may raise leaders who will take after me long when I am gone and thank God it was as I planned.
3. How will this ideas and lessons help in a practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you create better world? If so how?
Leadership is a way of life; it is a culture for everyday living. In places where there are problems unsolved, I believe leadership is lacking in such a place, The world is crying not because there no people in leadership position but because she seek a change these leaders are not ready to create. I will apply the skills I learned to provide leadership wherever I find myself using creative and entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems that are facing the world around me as the arise. Leadership is not optional but situational, I will therefore arise to meet the needs of a people in need of a voice; a leader. At home, in school, at work and even in the streets I will work with people knowing that I need their cooperation to succeed. I will listen to those I leader as they are my most valuable resources. I now know the common mistakes every leader make so in avoiding them, I will make a better leader.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them.
“Every French soldier carries a marshal’s baton in his knapsack.”
Everyone is a potential leader.
“The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on.”
You need leadership skills to move on.
“Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where it most promises.”
Things will not always go as you expect.
“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are facing.”
Your goal determines your success as a leader so you can not hesitate to have one.
“He had decided to live forever or die in the attempt, and his only mission each time he went up was to come down alive.”
As e leader all that is required of you at the beginning is a measure of sacrifice, for that is why you were there.
5. Is there anything in book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas you disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas here are simple, easy to practice and live by. They met my standard and beliefs
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful.
The book is a manual a graceful leadership experience in everyday life, and like the French soldier I will always carry the lessons in this book in my knapsack so that I may use them whenever the need arise, so practicing the exercises is not for a moment but for a life time. I am really finding them helpful.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment?
No. Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it read? 10
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Maximum Achievement
Assessment by Ocheja, Linus L. (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
The author Brian Tracy in the book: Maximum Achievement had it as an aim to expose the secrets behind great accomplishments in business and life. In the book he stated how one can improve one’s life and become a better person. That one can achieve his or her goal and realize one’s full potential. He also expressed vividly, that no matter who you are or what situation you may be in, you have within you right now the ability to accomplish more than you ever have before. That anyone has the potential to succeed and equally exceed all previous levels of accomplishments. That one can be, do and have more than one has ever imagined. He enumerated the laws that governs success in life and stated that anyone who either accomplished something great or small has applied these laws in one way or the other either for an advantage or disadvantage. He taught that these laws are as precise as the natural laws f the universe and it works for everyone. These laws include: The law of control; The law of cause and effect; The law of belief; The law of expectation; The law of attraction; The law of correspondence; The law of mental equivalence.
According to Brian the following are the seven ingredients of success:
Peace of mind, Health and energy, Loving relation, Financial freedom, Worthy goals, Self knowledge and self awareness, Personal fulfillment.
He however stated that the major ingredient of accomplishment beyond limits is a positive mental attitude. He also expressed that goals are fuel to these intended accomplishments, that they are the furnace of great achievement. While he taught the process of goal setting, he equally emphasized that the super-conscious mind is the source of inspiration which of course is the centre of creativity. He concluded by teaching that to whom much is given much is expected, that love through acts of charity is the greatest good and it is the essence of living.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after which one as to why it is important to you. Use examples from your personal life.
The book itself is an embodiment of great ideas that are vital for a successful living. However for the purpose of this assessment, we shall consider the following:
i. The most important ingredient of success is peace of mind.
Whatever it is a man wants, once his peace of mind is abridged, the possibility of continuing with every element of certainty towards a worthwhile goal is very slim. We actually do things in line with our inner values and convictions and when once we go against them, our peace of mind is robbed and unhappiness sets in. All i am doing at the moment is the recovery of my peace of mind which was lost as a result work not yet done and work unfinished.
ii. Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.
We achieve only that which we can define within a time frame. Waking up one morning and discovered that I have lots of work undone, assignment to complete and tasks to execute I was so bored so I decided to make them my short term goals. I had them clearly stated down with a time frame, weeks later I discovered that I have met almost everything I set for myself as a goal. Whenever I find anything difficult to accomplish, all I just do is to break it down into small short term attainable goals and at the end, the mountain I once saw just became a plain.
iii. One of the best ways to stop worrying is to live one day at a time.
With worries on ground, the peace of mind is tempered with, it is something we experience most times we are indecisive. The main reasons why we often times are for things which may never happen, things we can’t change or things that are less important and these form the basis f stress we witness in our daily lives. One day at a time is what I tell myself whenever I feel worried about the future that is so uncertain. The moment I know that today’s worry is the evil thereof and that tomorrow will take care of it own worries, that eliminates the worry right there.
iv. You lose all the friends when you win all the arguments.
My class in school is an agricultural class whose majority are people who argue about almost everything including the ant in the hole. I learned to keep my cool when such talk sets sail because in most cases it ends up in strong disagreements, which makes enemies of many. In keeping quiet, I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. It simple, agree with people and you will win them over.
v. Smile to express acceptance.
It is simple to be in a place with people and notice that you are the most preferred even though everyone is equal in some sense. What makes the difference is a smile. A man once told me that he likes my charisma and when I asked him why he said that I exude charm each time I smile as I always do. The pure mark of acceptance is evident when a man smiles you use more energy to frown and grin than it is required to smile. So you ought to make it a habit to smile often and give your frown a rest.
vi. The expression of praise is one of the fastest and most predictable ways to make people feel happy and proud.
When you tell a friend that you are proud of them, you raise in them an awareness of being accepted and that they are appreciated, that feel loved. I have a student in school I mentor and each time I say things like “I am proud of you” she gets excited and that is the best time to start correcting her mistakes and with that I have nothing to struggle with.
vii. Only what is done with love will last.
Indeed, if there is no love attached to what we do, and life is only a passing shadow then the most boring thing to do is to exist. The joys the sorrows, the thrills, the laughter and the pain we experience daily is as a result of life which revolve around love. Love is the essence of living and our wealth is not a measure of what we receive but what we give, and that is the only thing that will last after we are gone so let us stop existing and start living.
3. How will this ideas and lessons help in a practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you create better world? If so how?
With the ideas in this book, I will be enabled to be more, do more and have more so that I can finally give more to the society from which I have received.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them.
“Only one life that soon is passed; only what is done with love will last.”
All is good but only one is eternal and that is love.
“A man without a smile should not open a shop.”
You cannot sell your product without first of all sell yourself.
“No success in public life can compensate for failure in the home.”
Charity begins at home.
“Love is the total commitment to the development of the potential of the other.”
You must be committed to loving them to be able to help them.
“Children learn what they live.”
Bring a child up I a way he should go.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear.”
Fear kills faster than a bullet but love breeds faith.
“A gentle answer turneth away wrath.”
Make the answer meek and mild and issues would be settled.
5. Is there anything in book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas you disagree with and if so why?
All the ideas hear are simple, easy to practice and live by. They met my standard and faith.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful.
The book is a manual for success so practicing the exercises is not for a moment but for a life time. I am really finding them helpful.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment?
No. Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it read? 8
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Unlimited Power
Assessment by Ocheja, Linus L. (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
A quick row of the boat down memory stream I see a little boy back then in the days whose desire is to be first among equals, he always wanted the best for himself, he wants to be a solution to the problems around him, he always wanted more, he knew he could be more, he has a quest to go to a place he knew nothing about, to become what someone else already is. Without knowing any law yet, he struggled to err out his dreams an off it went to the ear of the maker who has led him in the paths of right to fulfill his destiny. After the recall, I only realize that that boy was me. What an experience life has to offer all of which I have thought about. With my beliefs as a torch I found my way towards my ultimate achievement. The moment I took off to the road that leads to excellence I knew, just as Anthony would teach that information is the commodity of kings, that master communicators are those who know what they want and take effective action, varying their behavior until they achieve their outcome; that the pathway to excellence is modeling. If you find people who created massive success, you can model the specific action they consistently take to produced result: their beliefs, mental syntax, and psychology, so you can produce similar result in a shorter learning time. He also talked about the power of state, how a powerful resourceful and effective behavior influences ones neuro-physiological state. He also talked about belief, how empowering beliefs unlock the door to excellence. He also taught the steps towards mastering ones brain. Using the ultimate success formula he made known how one can rise from nothing to something. The moment you discover what is important for you that is when you have discovered your value. While energy he said is the fuel of excellence, leadership is it challenge he concluded.
2. What are the seven ideas that are most important to you? State these seven ideas following an explanation using examples from your personal experience as to why they are important.
i. If you know someone’s strategy, you can produce the same result.
It is that simple, just know what they do and how and you will not be far from the truth. While I was in primary school, I always wanted to come first position in class,, however the more I tried, the less I emerged. At seven consecutive times I came second in class. In the same class is a friend who comes first with ease, what did she do always to achieve such a landmark in academics? I enquire and discovered that she always does her homework everyday immediately after school before launch each time she got home. Now I know the secret, I increased my performance at once. Although it was towards the latter end of my stay in school, I finished top in the class. You too can if you know what successful people do.
ii. Everything happens for a reason and a purpose and it serves.
I remember some months ago, I wrote a plan for my life, how I am to achieve my major goal within the shortest possible time. However I didn’t make provision or create a space for adversity. The projected date for the completion of my undergraduate studies was October 2013. While I finished my first semester in June and my break was on, the academic staff union of Nigerian universities embarked on an indefinite industrial strike action which rendered my plans useless. You will call it an adversity, but it all happened for a reason. It availed me the opportunity to read my books from IIGL as fast I could and I also used the opportunity to grow in grace by attending programs for spiritual growth. I saw an opportunity in adversity.
iii. Depression is a state that people can pop into and out.
Just as Anthony described, when you are faced down and shoulder low, you are evidently depressed. However, the moment you put up a smile no matter how, shoulder high and head up, your state changes immediately such that you can choose to be depress or not to be. Like an author once said, if you want to be happy, just be.
iv. The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.
If you get paid for the things you enjoy doing, at the end of the day, don’t you think that you just got paid for enjoying yourself and having fun? Since I discovered this secret, I don’t do something I am not happy doing no matter the pay. Success is doing what you like doing with joy attached.
v. Energy is the fuel of excellence.
It is never said and never heard that a man lives an excellent life in a dilapidated state of health. Once you are not in a state of energy, you cannot deliver as you should. Whenever I am sick, I don’t read as fast as I used to, writing becomes tedious because if there is no energy, there is no flow so the output will not be as expected. So to get it right, I do what will get me energized. I may decide to meditate or exercise with football. Once I am done I get back to work and start producing results.
vi. The difference in people’s ability to fully tap their personal resources is directed by their goals.
As I approached my final year, my goal was to have done 60% of my project before the expiration of first semester, as at that time, I haven’t gotten materials to do my practical so I started off knowing that it was in me. All I presented to my supervisor after six months was results from my work most time I didn’t have to consult him to get things done. All I had to know was what to do ant if I do, I go inside to get the how.
vii. Believing it can be done is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The best words ever spoken to a weakling is “it can be done” if these words are believed, they have the capacity to make king of a slave, warrior of a coward, and god out of a man. The day you believe it, you get it. All we are is a result of what we have thought and believed.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better, if so, how?
I have my goals stated both major and minor, I will use the ultimate success formula to achieve them. I will also know what is working and what is not so that I can get there and impact the word around me and make it a better place.
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 are important to you.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
I love this quote because Ralph in his wealth of knowledge did not describe success as what you have but give.
“The great end of life is not knowledge but action” we shall be judge not by what we know but what we do.”
“Things do not change; we change.”
You are the change that you seek.
“Where there is no vision, people perish.”
You cannot go farther than you can see.
5. Is there anything in the book you do not understand and or are there ideals which you disagree with and if so why?
The book is self-explanatory. However, I don’t understand the theory of Neuro-Linguistic programming NLP, maybe it’s because I am seeing it for the first time. Need not worry, during subsequent reviews and additional research i will come to the light of it.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
The book contains exercises which I completed and they were helpful.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so please comment.
Not really.
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? 6
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
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? 8
Goals!
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to covey in the book
A precise and concise and concise work on goal setting was done by Brian Tracy. Again, Brian teaches the principles of personal achievement. According to Brian, success is goals. Goals as stated in this book are the direction towards which we steer the course of our lives. Using examples from his personal life and the life of other great achievers, Brian taught that goals are the starting point of all achievements. He also taught how to unlock the power of the mind stating that if only the mind can conceive, believe and hold on to one thought consistently without shifting grounds although there may be challenges, it will be achieved. There is a potential in every man with which one can achieve anything if it can be stated clearly. Man is totally responsible for any circumstance he may find himself in, for what we are today is as a result of what we have thought in the past. As it is inside so it is outside. Clarity of values without making reference to what people want for us or from us is what makes the difference in our lives. Our beliefs must however be consistent with our goals and achieving them. We can create our own future by imagining them and knowing that there are no limits as to what we can be do or have. It all begins with a decision; the decision to be, do and have something. The decision to be healthy, wealthy, and successful. We can think about and plan our future because everyone features only in a future they can picture. Clarity is essential to the attainment of any goal, so we must be precise and clear about what we really want. Set goals but be realistic while evaluating where you were, where you are, what you have and where you want to be. Every goal must have a time limit because that is the compelling power that forces one to do what needs to be done, when it has to be done even if its pleasant doing it or not. At that is the principle of self-discipline. Financial goals must be set and worked for their attainment as it is the underlying criterion for the actualization of other goals. Become an expert in your field, be one of the very best at what you do to join the top 10 percent in your field. 20 percent of what we do daily produces 80 percent of ore result therefore we need to be result oriented. Let the 20 percent of the work you do daily be such that will produce the 80 percent result you require. It all concerns the people around you make it a goal therefore to improve your family life and relationships. Decide to create and enjoy a wonderful life with your family and the people around you. Make it a goal to live a long, healthy and happy life. To achieve this,, you must optimize your health and wellness. An unexamined life is not worth living so as the day goes by, measure your progress know what is working and what is not, be precise about your goals but be flexible in your approach; it is a process so progress should be measured. There are bound to be obstacles, in the path to the attainment of any worthwhile endeavor called problems and these have to be solved if goals must be attained. We are not better than our close associates so it is expedient that work, associate and socialize with the right people. Every goal should have a well thought out plan of it attainment and that is the meaning of intelligence. If properly managed, time is the most important factor that brings about great achievements. It is not a once in a life time exercise therefore goals should be reviewed daily. After activating your super-conscious mind, you need to persist without quitting if you must be successful.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it is important. Use examples from your personal life.
Every idea in this book is vital and important to me. For the purpose of this assessment; the following are enumerated bellow.
i. Success is goals
The starting point of every achievement is desire and this desire which should be pressed upon the subconscious mind must be clearly stated. As they are stated with clarity, everything possible will then be carefully thought, planned and done in order to attain them. There Is no success without a goal. During my undergraduate studies, my life had two phases. I witnessed failures at the early part of my studies because I never had clearly stated goals written down, however at the latter part in school when I was in my third year in school, my academics witness a turn around and this could be attributed to the fact that I set goals and I was precise about what grade I wanted in each course I sat for. I moved from a “C” student to being an “A” student.
ii. The greatest enemies of success are negative emotions.
We never can be, do or have anything more than that which we feel. If our emotions are negative, it will be evident in the result we get. Any day I frown in displeasure over any negative situation, with all manner of certainty, that day, I will have it hard from friends. It will be as if everyone around planned to get me angry.
iii. You can create your own future.
People who take charge and the lead in life are those with a clearly stated specific goal. Leaders exercise the power of vision. They usually think ahead, after my final examination in school I asked one question which is ‘what next’ I started thinking about where to go from where I was and what to do for the time being before I go for my NYSC. I had it well thought out and planned. I knew I was in charge so I took charge.
iv. Planning saves time and money
It takes longer time to accomplish a task if there is no concrete plan than it does if there were a plan. The “hows” will are usually answered on the planning table. Planning makes the process easier than thought. I experienced exactly the same scenario. Any task I have to complete and I did not sit and map out the strategy to employ procrastination and delays takes hold of me and the task at hand.
v. Chunk time if created are essential for the accomplishment of any large important task
A secret I must reveal here is that every task I accomplish with speed, I usually spare at least five hours of a day and that at early hours of the mornings.
vi. Know the most people and be at the top.
In my prayer group I know more people and when it’s time to take the lead even the coordinator and the PRO could not stand me. It’s simple get more people into your contact and the top will be under you.
vii. You become the thing you think about most of the time.
The Linus you are proud of today once thought about it in the past; that one day I will emerge top among many; that no matter what happens I will always be the best; I conceived it, I believed it and I’m achieving it.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a more practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so how?
There are 21 things which the ideas in this book will help me in achieving even in making my world a better place. They are simple things which I shall do that will make a great difference.
I will unlock my potential. I shall always remember that my true potential is unlimited and that whatever I have accomplished in the past is only a preparation for the amazing things I can accomplish in the future.
I will take charge of my life from hence forth and be responsible for everything I think, be, do or have. If there should be a source of influence on my life then it comes from my inside. I will make progress towards my goals every
I will carefully chose and clarify my values and they shall be values that are in tendon with my major definite purpose
I will have more influence on myself by analyzing my beliefs an synchronize them with my true goals.
With the power of my imagination I will visualize my knowing that all the resources I require are available.
I will decide for myself what I really want. I shall determine my true goals and set towards accomplishing them
I will equally decide upon my major definite purpose.
I have carefully analyzed my starting point and I was realistic about it now, I set off towards the achievement of my goals.
I will set an achieve all my financial goals
I am an agronomist and I will strive to become an expert in my field and join the top 10 percent.
I shall improve my family life and relationships because my success is all about the people around me. I will make everyone I meet feel that there is something in then.
I set goals to live a long, healthy and happy life by optimizing my health and wellness
I will measure my progress to aid me in knowing what is working and what is not
I shall solve all the problems I encounter as obstacles because my goal is all about solving problems and meeting needs.
I shall associate with the right people; people who will aid me in attaining my goals.
The ideas here will help me in accomplishing my task faster because I will plan all through.
I will manage my time well because it is my most valuable resource.
As the day breaks, I will review my goals twice a day before twilight.
I will practice visualization as explained in this book and I will be vivid and clear about what I want.
I will now activate the power of my mind, put it to work, achieve all my goals and contribute to the society I find myself.
I shall never ever give up or quit.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them.
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Good intensions are not good enough.
“It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again. Just don’t give in and do not give up.”
5. Is there anything in this book that you do not understand or are unclear about or are there ideas you disagree with and if so why?
No all the ideas are perfectly ok.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader, to complete? If so did you complete all the exercises, did you find them helpful?
Yes! All the exercises are wonderful and ere very helpful.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so please comment.
There is nothing to comment about that was not covered in the previous questions.
Please rate the following question on a scale 1 to 10. Ten is good, one is poor
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would recommend it for others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Assessment Ocheja Linus Lawrence ( Nigeria )
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to covey in the book?
Stephen Covey in this book taught certain principles which in harmony with natural laws of growth provide an incremental, sequential, highly integrated approach to the development of personal and interpersonal effectiveness. These principles, moves us progressively on a maturity continuum from dependence to independence to interdependence. Our character is a composite of our habits. Habits are powerful factors of our lives. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily express our character and produce our effectiveness or ineffectiveness. Here, Covey defined habit as the intersection of knowledge skill and desire. Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm; the what to do and the why? Skill is the how to do. And desire is the motivation, the want to do. In order to make something a habit in our lives we have to have all three.
On the maturity continuum, he described dependence as the paradigm of you; where it is all about looking up to people to see to your welfare, when they do not, you tend to blame them. Independence is the paradigm of i: where people take responsibility for their lives, I can do it becomes the statement that is prevalent. Interdependence is the paradigm of We. We can do it. Here team play, human relations and combination of talent and skills and experience is carried out to achieve results. It deals with cooperating with others. Habit 1,2,3 dealt with self- mastery. They move a person from dependence to independence. They are the “private victories”, the essence of character growth. Private victory precceeds public victory. Public victories are team work, cooperation, and communication in habit 4,5and 6. Habit 7 is the habit of renewal, a regular renewal and balance in the four basic dimension of human life. It circles and embodies all the other habits. It is the habit of continuous improvement that creates the upward spiral growth that lifts one to new levels of understanding and living each of the habits as you come around them on a progressive higher plane.
Effectiveness is defined as the balance between production and production capabilities. Production is the desired result while production capability is the quality of the asset to produce the desired result. The following were stated as the 7 habits of highly effective people.
Be proactive (Principle of personal vision)
Begin with the end in mind (Personal of personal leadership)
Put first things first (Principle of personal management)
Think win/win (Principle of interpersonal leadership)
Seek to understand then to be understood (Principle of empathic communication)
Synergize (Principle of creative cooperation)
Sharpen the saw (Principle of balanced self-renewal)
In the principle of personal vision, Covey talked about being proactive and not reactive. It’s all about taking initiative and being responsible for our own lives. Proactive people are not influenced by their environment, reactive people are. The principle of personal leadership is all about leading yourself. Begin with the end in mind stating with a clear understanding of your destination. We do not need to be caught up in spontaneous activities but carefully we should set goals, plan, have a target and work to attain them. It also requires that we have a personal mission statement which comprises of what we want to be, do, and have, and the principle upon which being and doing http://depends.to/”>depends to write a personal mission statement we must begin at the very center of our circle of influence, that center compose of our most basic paradigm. Whatever is at the center of our lives will be source of our security, guidance, wisdom and power. The principle of personal management is aimed at managing resources as are available to us in our daily, family, social, business, and professional life. These resources are time and money. The aim is to do what has to be done, to be effective. To be result oriented, to have an increase in performance in both domestic and professional life. Here you are the manager applying the resource of time and money to achieve desired results. Effective management is putting first things first and management is all about discipline; carrying it out. Principle of interpersonal leadership is all about building cooperation, building a team out of a sustainable inter-personal relationship that brings about great effectiveness and productivity. The most important paradigm of human interaction is win/win. Where everyone wins and no one is hurt at the end of the day. It is also about understanding people, respecting their values and opinions and listening to them, being empathic with them because there is a reason in their heart which reason knows nothing about. The principle of creative cooperation is aimed at creating unity among team members of an organization. It is about unity of purpose. Habit 7 is the principle of renewal; it is the singular habit upon which all the other habits depend. It creates a balance and renewal in the four dimensions of nature- physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it is important. Use examples from your personal life.
i. No one can hurt you without your consent.
Our response to stimulus whether good or bad will tell whether we get hurt or not. If they must hurt you, they must ask your permission. It all depends on your reaction. If you react positive no one will get hurt but if otherwise, the reverse becomes the case. In order not to get hurt instead of responding with negative emotions in mind, keep quiet, try to feel good inside and as it is inside, so outside.
ii. Keeping commitments is the essence of our growth.
The more committed we are to our task, relationships, our jobs or projects will determine our altitude. I had a problem with a friend just because I was showing little commitment to the relationship than she had wanted. I was uncomfortable with the situation an state of the friendship so I called her. We sat down and got talking. We spelt out in clear terms what really was the problem. I discovered the fault lies with me. So I started showing commitment, I try as much as possible to live a wish with her each day that passes an today she trust me in a different way.
iii. All things are created twice: the art of creation takes place twice; first in the mind and the spiritual world before it manifests in the physical.
The house where you are right now was first built in the mind of the engineers before its actual construction. All we have now is just a result of what we have created in the immaterial.
iv. Self-discipline is the common denominator of success.
The successful man has the habit of doing things that failures do no. the ability to do what you have to do, when you have to, whether you like it or not determine the degree to which you succeed discipline is the language failure don’t understand and they don’t want to speak. The assessment of this book was completed because someone disciplined himself to read despite the inconvenience and write the assessment.
v. Trust is built when deposits are made into the emotional bank account.
I have also a friend who found it difficult believing me when I said I care. This was because what I do is not in line with what I say. I started giving without expecting in return. The more I give the higher the trust and today I feel happy about my relationship.
vi. Listening gives people a psychological air.
The only way people can understand you and meet your needs is by giving them a listening ear- listening to them empathically. Make them and what they feel important. Give them an ear; speak less than you know. Everyone wants to be heard and no one wants to listen. The moment you talk by keeping quiet, you will surely win.
vii. We are strongest when we are meek and gentle.
This truth is not only important to me, it is also vital for all. Whenever there is trouble between me and friends, my peace of mind is abridged. I usually make it an aim to reconcile by saying sorry. Most people think that is a display of weakness, I know it is an interplay of charisma, love and power. That makes me strong. Gentility as I have experimented is an act for the brave.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a more practical way both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so how?
In whatever area of life we may think of, all that is important is to effective; maintaining a balance in the four dimensions of life. With the lessons in this book, I will always be proactive; taking responsibility for whatever happens to me. I know I am in charge so I will react positively to situation to avoid being hurt either by myself or by others. I shall take the lead in my life by beginning every task with the end in mind. Every resource I have either material or immaterial I shall mange, making use of every opportunity, focusing on important things and putting first things first. I also now know how to negotiate deals with people and coming to an agreement without anyone getting hurt. I shall now apply the value of empathy with people, listening to them. I shall create cooperation in any place I find myself I will seek help and assistance from people who are relevant to the attainment of my goals. I now know the importance of a mission statement both at home and work, therefore setting one will just be right. Physically, spiritually, mentally and socially I will strive to maintain a balance taking a retreat once in a while. I will practice these seven habits because they are the building blocks for an ideal character. Because I want to succeed in place, I shall discipline myself to do the task which I have to do whether it pleases me or not knowing that it is the common denominator of success. I will read to know, develop my skills which will be applicable for this is the definition of a habit.
4. Quotes: are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so please list and comment on them.
“What we are we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Excellence is a sum total of daily habits… if the habit is right, excellence is certain.
“Things which matters must never be at the mercy of things which matters least.”
Put first things first; prioritize!
“Successful people have the habit of doing things failures don’t like to do.”
Avoid discipline and become a stranger to success.
“If you are going to bow, bow low.”
Humility should be sincere and complete.
“It is the weak who are cruel/ gentleness can only be expected from the strong.”
This is the brutal fact.
“We have committed the golden rule to memory, let us commit it to heart.”
Application is the value of every knowledge if not it remains useless.
“The heart has a reason which reason knows nothing about.”
Be open to listening to people, to know the reason behind their expression.
5. Is there anything in this book that you do not understand or are unclear about or are there ideas you disagree with and if so why?
Not really.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader, to complete? If so did you complete all the exercises, did you find them helpful?
Yes! All the exercises are wonderful and are very helpful.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so please comment.
A little comment about the importance of a mission statement: Every great company and accomplishment began with the end in mind. This aided the use of a mission statement geared towards creating and making a difference; meeting needs. As they set towards meeting the needs of the world, the world equally met theirs.
Please rate the following question on a scale 1 to 10. Ten is good, one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would recommend it for others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Nonviolent Communication
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
In 2005 I successfully completed the HIV/AIDS peers educators training program. I graduated, got certified and was now ready to become a peer educator on matters concerning HIV/AIDS, guidance and counseling. It was however required that I deal with people during counseling sessions and most of these people would not want to share their ordeals with anyone. These issues had confidential nature so one must possess skills vital for the collection of information, negotiation and problem solving. As authorized by Marshall, nonviolent communication is a way of communication that leads us to consciously give and receive from the heart. It enables us to perceive relationships in a new light, hear our own deeper needs and those of others. He stated four component of NVC as observation, feelings, needs and request applying these components therefore makes it a process involving: The concrete action we observe that affects our well being; How we feel in relation to what we observe; The needs, values, desires that create our feelings; The concrete actions we request in order to enrich our lives.
The entire NVC process is however divided into 2 parts which are Expressing honesty through the four components and Receiving empathically through the four components.
In as much as NVC seeks to make compassion flourish by guiding us to frame the way we express ourselves and listen to others, there are however some life alienating communication which are specific forms of language and communication that contributes to our behaving violently towards each other and ourselves. NVC is a process of language that discourages static generalization. Instead, observation and evaluation are to be separated if criticism must be avoided. Feelings also have to be identified and separated from thoughts if they must be expressed. There is a need behind our feelings and this must be specified if we must accept responsibility for our feelings NVC also addresses the question of what we would like to request in order to enrich each other’s lives. The objectives of NVC is not to change people and their behavior in order to get our way, it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfill everyone’s needs.
2. What are the seven ideas that are most important to you? State these seven ideas following an explanation using examples from your personal experience as to why they are important.
If problems, conflicts and issues concerning the needs and feelings of people must be resolved, then the ideas in non violent communication must be applied. Every page in this book has an idea that is applicable in solving one problem or the other. For the purpose of this assessment however, the following ideas are enumerated below.
i. Classifying and Judging people promotes Violence.
In dealing with people, one of my most favorites quote is “Judge nothing before the time.” In times past, instead of expressing my needs to my friends, I them judge as not being there for me when I needed them. I classify them as people who don’t care for friends and don’t understand. This form of judgment rather bread un-forgiveness, grudge and violent form of communications which I used on my friends all in a bit to make them feel guilty. Issues rather grew worse. I stopped judging people, I stopped classifying them. In other not to get hurt, I stopped having expectations. This brought about a shift from violence to nonviolence. Instead of judging them I tend to understand why my needs are not met yet.
ii. What others do may be the stimulus of our feelings, but not the cause.
It is a choice whether to get hurt by what people do or not. A folk once termed me as wicked and hard simply because I wasn’t feeling bad when I was wronged by her. I remained positive and feeling enthusiastic while the problem between us lasted. What we feel is a matter of choice and it is not dependent on external factor. One who doesn’t expect anything seldom gets disappointed. The feeling of hurt and disappointment often comes when we expect people to treat us in a certain way although the aftermath is the choice. If you want to be happy, you are responsible for it whether you are happy, hurt or not.
iii. When we stay with empathy, we allow speakers to touch deeper levels of them.
A friend once told me that the more she tries to avoid me, the more she feels I was there for her and to achieve this aim, she stirs up problems between us. We got talking I asked her why. She told me that each time she needs me around I was far. I empathized by asking if she was feeling hurt she’d because expected that I’d be there to listen to her whenever she needs me she latter open up and told me that she was feeling frustrated each time she know that it wasn’t possible to meet her needs. I empathize with her and allowed her to touch deeper levels of what she is really feeling.
iv. We say a lot by listening.
She broke into tears after a long conversation with me. She cried not because she was hurt or feeling bad but when I asked her why the tears, she responded: “all my life, I have not found someone who would listen to me the way you just did”. A problem shared is a problem half solved. She had this guilt and inability to forgive herself and move on with her life. It was a serious problem and the only solution was an ear that will not only hear but listen. I listen and at that moment, happiness and gladness was restored to a weary heart.
v. When we listen for people’s feelings and needs we no longer see people as monsters.
From the way she spoke, I felt she was hard and harsh. That was a moralize judgment. The negative reaction goes on and on. I never listened to her needs which triggered her feelings. But when I did; when I listened, after observing I knew what she wanted, while I empathized, the human in her broke-out, she is no longer hard, now she is soft.
vi. When we judge others, we contribute to violence.
It is simple the only thing that makes me treat people with sarcasm is when they label me as being tough, complex and difficult. I have a need which has to be met and because that was yet to be my feelings turn to be negative. If only I could be listened to concerning my deepest needs, violent communication shall be avoided.
vii. Our need is for the other person to truly hear our pain.
I called a friend on phone after a few days we spoke and she refused taking the telephone. While I asked question using NVC I discovered that she was in pains the last time we spoke but I was too busy to hear her pains. I wasn’t patient at all. She told me that she thought I would share her pains by listening to her.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your personal life and in helping you to create a better world. If so how?
The process of nonviolent communication is vital in conflict resolution. I will apply the steps and processes of NVC to settle communal and residential disputes. I shall practice non-judgment, reduce violence by listening to people’s pain and feelings and meeting their needs. Everyone needs a listening ear. With my knowledge of empathy I shall empathize with people, listen to them with the heart, touch their deep feelings and meet their needs of empathy. Reading this book is a plus to my guidance and counseling skills.
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.
“What I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.”
That indeed is the deepest need of every individual.
“I never feel more given to them when you take from me.”
There is more blessing in giving than receiving.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Or as you judge others, so you will yourself be judged.”
People should not break this rule of judgment; it is golden.
“Observe!! There are few things as important, as religious as that it is one thing at a time, observe before you evaluate.”
“People are disturbed, not by things but by the view they take of them.”
If we feel good or bad, it a matter of choice!
“Let us become the change we seek in the world.”
If only we can change certainly other will.
“Humanity has been sleeping and still sleeps lulled within the narrowly confirming joys of it closed love men only wake up when they regain consciousness to the need for love.”
“If I’m ninety eight percent perfect in any thing I do, it’s the two percent I have messed up l will remember when I’m through.”
People tend to recall the bad than the good.
5. Is there anything in the book you do not understand and or are there ideas which you disagree with and if so why?
The process of nonviolent communication is simple to understand although it is a difficult process requiring enough time of study for mastery to be attained.
6. Did the book contain any exercise for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
To be sincere the only way to understand this book is to apply the read knowledge in the exercise at the end of each chapter.
7. Was there anything you read that you like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question?, if so please comment.
Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from one to ten. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
The Law of Attraction
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to convey in the book?
In 2003 my father retired from active service, relocated from a government owned resident to a rented apartment. It was like a movement from good to bad. Here we are in an apartment without facilities that would have given us a little bit of comfort. At this point he was at home and comfortable but deep within my siblings, my mother and I, there is this desire for more. We needed our own apartment, something we could be proud of although, all my father ever wanted was to go back to the village from whence we hail, all we wanted was to stay in the city where we grew up. We lived within the confines of our thoughts and desire until 10 years latter in 2013 my father approved the idea of having a house in the city we would call our own. Eight months after a payment of one million naira was made by my parent for a plot of land in the city, my father who is now 68years old fell ill and went to join his ancestors. At his demise, we never thought that all hope was lost. We kept our dreams and desires alive. We put all hands on deck to make sure our dream came true. The after math of his death was not a good story to tell but to God be the glory, not up to one year after his internment, my family now lives in a four bed room bungalow, well furnish with all the necessary facilities. The entirety of the events in one’s life is brought about by one law: it is attraction. Through this law, one can steer the course of his life from poverty to riches, sickness to health, empty to full, lack to plenty. Esther and Jerry in this book present us with a concise work on the law of attraction which says “that which is like unto itself is drawn”, the law of deliberate creation which says “that which I give thought to and that which I believe or expect- is” and the art of allowing which says “I am that which I am and I am willing to allow all others to be that which they are” in applying the law of attraction you have to see yourself as a magnet attracting to yourself the essence of that which you are thinking and feeling. In other words, you cannot attract thin if you are thinking and felling fat and this is applicable in all areas of life. With no exception, that which you give thought to is that which you begin to invite into your experience.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. You experience that which you give thought to.
As I narrated earlier in the first question I answered, my brothers and I spent time discussing and envisaging the type of house we would to have. While we worked in the store, we did that with a consciousness of having a new house soon, the challenges we faced never deterred us from achieving our dreams. To quote Berton Braley: “if you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it, work day and night for it, give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it, if only desire for it makes you quite mad enough never to tire of it, makes you hold all other thing tawdry and cheap for it, if life seems all empty and useless without it and all that you scheme and dream is about it, if gladly you’ll sweat for it, fret for it, plan for it, if you’ll simply go after that thing you want with all your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith hope and confidence, stern pertinacity, if neither cold nor poverty, famish and gaunt, nor sickness nor pain of body or brain can turn you away from the thing that you want, if dogged and grim you besiege and beset it, you’ll get it.” Yes you’ll get just it.
ii. Pure desires are always accompanied by positive emotions.
When God made man, he gave man a will to choose to be good or bad. The sacred scripture says that the conscience which God puts in a man is the light of man to guide him in the ways of peace. When the thoughts are pure the conscience is at peace and positive emotions are felt but when the thoughts are impure the conscience is aroused and leads to conviction and even lost of strength. For conscience sake, Saint Paul recommends: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are if good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think of these things.
iii. There is nothing that you cannot be, do or have.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe once said and I quote “concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth- that the moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too.” If only you can be committed, no matter the size of the goal, you will always find a way.
iv. You attract to yourself that which you don’t want if you pay your attention to it.
Indeed the law says you get whatever it is you focus on whether good or bad. While in school, at the earlier part of my studies I realized that I wasn’t performing as I ought to that brought about me feeling bad. Instead of focusing on what I want, I rather paid attention to what I do not want. The more I thought, the worse situation become. I used to say ‘I don’t want a bad grade’ and the more low grades I score in my courses. I latter came to an understanding of the law of attraction and how it works and at that moment I started focusing on what I want and things turn for the better .
v. Life experience not words, brings about our knowing
Experience they say is the best teacher. The horizon of our knowledge and understanding is broadened by the degree to which we yield ourselves to learn from our experiences in life. I am a student of the school of the spirit; I call it school of the spirit because all I have experienced has a lesson to teach me while others call it school of experience. Whichever way it is call, I know that events don’t just occur, they have been ordain by God for our good. Saint Paul of Tarsus has this to say about events:”and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. For all those living a life of purpose all things whether good or bad happens for good.
vi. You uplift through my experience of well being.
Great teachers teach less with words but with the examples in their experiences. Whatever success you may have recorded, in has a cause. Share with people you success story tell them where you were, what you did and where you are. If they can attest to it, their faith will increase… they will equally expect a change for good.
vii. If I can imagine it, it’s realistic.
“Man’s only limitation, within reason lies in his development and the use of his imagination;” by Napoleon Hill. Towards the last part of my degree program, I imagined having all As in my courses that semester, I wrote down what I had imagined. I thought about it often and in the end, of the eight courses I registered I made 7As and 1B.
3. How will these ideas and lessons help you in a practical way both in your personal life and in helping you to create a better world, if so how?
Having known the laws of attraction and deliberate creation, I shall through conscious effort create through focus only on what I want and letting all others be. A deep understanding of the art of allowing will enable me to allow people be what they are without a felling of resentment while I equally will be myself. Everything I experience is for good so I will always be open to learn from them. The only way i can help other become more is by becoming more myself and this I will do. I will share this truth about the law of attraction with people around me so that together we can create a world where everyone is happy and at peace. Finally because my feelings carry the power that create my experience, no matter what happens, I will always feel good.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“The law of attraction says that which is like unto itself is drawn.”
Yes as within, so it is without.
“Pure desire is usually accompanied by positive emotions.”
“That which you really want, you get-and that which you really, really do not want, you get.”
This proves the infallibility of the law of attraction.
5. Is there anything in the book you do not understand and or are there ideas which you disagree with and if so why?
Before this time I have read a lot of books but I was yet to come to a full understanding of the law of attraction. After reading this book a got a clear understanding of the law of attraction and how it works.
6. Did the book contain any exercise for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercise, did you find them helpful?
To be sincere the only way to understand this book is to apply the read knowledge in the exercise at the end of each chapter.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not really.
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? 6
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 7
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 7
This Child Will be Great
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Sometimes around 1993 my late father Mr. Lawrence Ocheja, was flown from Monrovia in Liberia, to Lagos in Nigeria. He was part of the Nigerian Special Military Envoy to Liberia under The ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia. Liberia was at war and the task of this joint force was to keep peace in the country. During the war my father’s unit was attacked and he was shot while he tried supplying ammunition to members of his team. Thank goodness there was a medical rescue craft around in the air space and immediately he was flown back home for treatments. The injury he sustained did not actually cause a major damage to his system but it took time to heal. I was still a child then, very young and I had a lot of questions to ask about my father’s condition. What brought about the war? I asked, why did it result to taking soldiers from Nigeria to Liberia for the same purpose? Why can’t they just capture and kill those fueling the fire and just end the war? So I asked as I waited for time to give me answers even as the war lingered. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf did not only provide answers to all these questions in my mind, she stated details about the war, the warring parties or factions, the times and the dates as the events unfolded, the view of the international community about the situation of things and their response to them, the suffering of the people, the devastations, the crimes, the death toll, the economic downturn, racial and ethnic difference which tore a country as small as Liberia apart, the political instability, the inhumanity of the men in the country, human right abuses, child right abuses, victimization of women and a sub-region in kayos. In this book, she also talked about her career, her relationship with family, her spiritual life, her involvement in the political structuring of Liberia, her contributions to international development as member of the IMF and the UN, and also her rise to power as the first female President not only in the history of Liberia but also in Africa. This book also contains a concise history about the Liberian Civil wars as it can only take someone as close to the polity as Ellen was at that time to both tell the stories, and to also see a better future for this country which was so much devastated by wars. Ellen also stated how she kept the faith in what she believed in despite all odds, pressure from friends and family, doing what she had to do while waiting for the right time to rise and achieve her long lasted dream. Indeed, the child in Ellen was destined to be truly great and she proved this not in the luxury she enjoyed but in the problems she had to solve, the challenges she faced and the disappointments she experienced and how she saw things differently.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
This book is more than a biography, it is a prophesy about my life and that of many people who are aspiring to be great and also those who believe they are destined to be great. However, for the purpose of this assessment, the seven ideas personally most important to me from this book include the following:
i. Predestination
While Ellen was only but a little child, an elderly man told her mother “this child will be great” and her mother did not only hear those words, she prayed to see that day. When Ellen was growing up she was also told and made to know about herself Predestination is a concept I believe in even as a Christian. For even sacred scriptures has instances of the same idea. In 2013 a Pastoprophert met me and told me “you will make a great man of God as a minister of his word”, Shortly after my NYSC service year as a Nigerian Graduate, I sought the Lord in prayers as to where I will go to from there and what to do, and after my prayers, a Prophetess met me and told me that I would make a great Preacher of the gospel of Christ Jesus. This is destiny and necessity calls. These words have helped shaped my life in some way, I have been actively involved in the church’s work of evangelization and believing in this destiny of greatness, I am at the time of this assessment undergoing formation to the Priesthood with the Order of preachers the Dominicans Province of Nigeria and Ghana. We all are destined to be great in some way.
ii. Telling the truth and standing for it no matter what it cost.
Elle always told the truth even against a blood thirsty government like that of Samuel Doe and Charles Taylor. She always told them the thing the way it is, no faking it, no sugar coating it. And there is nothing I like more about her than this. I have also had logger heads with so many people who seems not to like me because of the truth I always tell. I like being straight and plain, seeing things the way they are, although believing the best to come in the future. Ellen was never liked for that especially by those whose life style told a different tale from the one she told. For people like us, greatness is only a way of life and not a summit because I believe strongly that people, event and issues that matters will wait our manifestation.
iii. Everything is for a time appointed and your time, is your time
I have also always known that the only enemy I have is time. I am innocent like Ellen, I have a beautiful soul and when the time is ripe, not only Nigeria but the world will hear me. A friend talking based on my skills in public speaking told me it is time to start traveling around the world delivering lecture on self-help programs, he said this because each time he runs to me for help I always knew the right strategy to apply to get him out of trouble, this is not my making, it is the mercy and grace of God at my disposal. In response I told him I still have like ten more years to go, I told him that when the time is set the spirit in me will know and when she rises and commands, the gods will obey.
iv. Hustle while you wait.
The destination is certain, the times are set but until then, what do you do? Hustle while you wait, this is exactly what Ellen did, the wars were on and the worst she could ever have done is to go to Liberia to do anything political. While she waited for her time, she stayed away, went about doing her job working and creating connections which she would later need to fulfill her dreams of rebuilding Liberia and fixing the economy and giving the people better opportunities. Same thing with me, shortly after my youth service I was working at a grain store while I waited for my admission to scale through to the major seminary for further studies, when the set time came, I knew and went for it immediately.
v. Family first
Despite her busy life Ellen always leaned on family for all the support she could get, she knew that nothing is to take the place of family not even money. My family has always been a very integral part of my life, no matter the height I may attain in life and society I think I still have enough time and soul to cook lunch in Mama’s kitchen.
vi. Knowing others is wise but knowing yourself is power.
President Ellen during her presidential campaign against Weah, knew her opponent so much that he was young, vibrant and the choice of the people majority of which were young people. She also knew her strengths, that she’s got the experience a crawling Nation like Liberia needs, she’s got education necessary for national development, she’s got the experience and capabilities to be the leader and so she rested her oars on these which actually gave her the deserved victory. We got the street, Ellen got the people I would say and this is all that matters.
vii. In times of trouble a friend is better than a brother.
Ellen had Clave, a friend indeed, who stood in even when family was out and she was better than family at some points in her life. I also have friends with whom I share any challenges some of which I do not share with my family. To these set of people, I would always fall back and I would say, that these people are just the roses on this path to greatness.
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?
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had a way of overcoming fear and still face things and people the way they are. She always believed in God protecting her and having her back in every situation and that vanquished fears. I will also hold the hands of God and face my fears knowing that he got my back. Ellen always had the welfare of her people back home in Liberia at heart hence the reason for her huge success over time, I will have the salvation of the people around me at heart, I will always think progress and see things differently. I will also work with the right people, people who see things the way I do to bring about that change the world longs for. I will work, doing what I have to do while I wait for the time to be what I want to be. I am not alone so I will feel the peoples pain, I will be compassionate allowing my love lead the way unto purpose then I can go back home to create the needed change. The world needs people who will be transparent in dealing with issues of life, I will try daily to be one and meet the need just as Ellen did. We are one, I will see everyone else as my own and I will live a life of love and concern for people’s pain.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the Author that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they are important to you.
“Where is all this greatness that was predicted? My mother would ask. Sometimes she laughed, sometimes she cried. Always she prayed.”
“The extend family system in Africa assumes that everyone is his brother’s keeper, it is one of our strengths.”
“In the end I have been, throughout my life, first and foremost, ahead of everything, a Liberian. Everything else came afterward.”
“Domestic violence knows no geographical boundaries.”
“Divorce is difficult even when it is absolutely necessary.”
“There is only so much one can steal from an economy and expect the economy to keep prospering.”
“Every country needs some great cause to bind its citizens.”
“Be still and know that I am God.”
“The public can make a difference if it is willing to take a position and stand up for a cause in which it believes.”
“Each time I fell out with of favor with the governing powers, there was a way to crawl backward a little, to get a job, take a breather, recharge, rest, and wait for the opportunity to reengage.”
“If you want to lead and be hailed, you must also be prepared to be ostracized, because surely it will happen at some point in your career.”
5. Is there anything in this book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and if so, why?
This book is the sweetest autobiography I have ever read and I want to read it again, all is clear and well.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
This book is an exercise one will live out for a life time so let us roll.
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, not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
A Long Walk to Freedom
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely I am not free when freedom is taken away from me… But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended. These were the concluding words of Nelson Madiba Mandela in his Long Walk to freedom, a 625 paged book, containing a detailed description and analysis of the life of a freedom fighter. Nelson Madiba Mandela was Born on the eighteenth of july, 1918, at Mveso, a tiny village on the bank of the Mbashe River in the district of Umtata, the capital of Transkei in South Africa. Transkei is home to the Thembu people, who are part of the Xhosa nation, of which Mandela is a member. Mandela in this book tells of the history of the struggle for a free and sovereign black nation, which was at that time under the tyranny of the Afrikaans, white people, who although are the minorities, because of the color of their skin exercised brutality and superiority over the majority comprising mostly of the Blacks. The apartheid rule of the Afrikaans, told harshly on the blacks, Mandela happens to be born and he lived in the face of this struggle. Black people were denied housing, lands, health care, education, rights to social amenities. They were used as forced laborers, mostly as slaves in their own country. And for the record, it was written and constitutional, that any form of political protest against the governing body on political grounds, was punished. Freedom for all was what Nelson Mandela lived for, and for which he was ready to die.
For the noble course of freedom from all in South Africa, the right for a free people in a free state, the right to speak and be heard, the right to vote and be voted for, the right to equality was the reason why comrades willingly gave their lives. They however did this under an umbrella body or movement, and for Mandela it was the African National Congress (ANC). Through this body Mandela and his colleagues were able to state their grievances and the changes they wanted to see in the political structure of the Nation. Of course there were many other political structure fighting for one thing or the other, the ANC however was encompassing as, it beliefs was that of a multiracial government, democratically elected in a situation where citizen of South Africa has the right to vote and be voted for. These was the point of struggle, which the sitting government at that time does not want to hear since, it is made up of the Minority whites. Hence the reason for the apartheid system of government. Mandel joined in this struggle, along the line he got arrested and was sent to prison as a political prisoner, there he remained for twenty-seven years in different locations. His faith did not waver, his hope undimmed and his love for country urged him on even after his release, to continue in the struggle for which he was imprisoned alongside others. The political atmosphere became tensed after he was released, while negotiations were on for a unitary government, so many lost their live due to the unfaithfulness of the governing body to keep to their own terms of the peace treaty.
These deaths however, did not hamper upon the negotiations on going. At long last, a consensus wan reached and for the first time a democratic election would hold, for the first time blacks and colored folks in South Africa could go anywhere they wanted without a permit, Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize 1993 and was elected president the following year. The book actually gives a very detailed history of the south African people, their rich cultural heritage, the apartheid, the struggle against the menace, the applications of both non-violent and violent approaches in the struggle, the wars that were fought and the victories won. Mandela is actually a man who fought for what he believed but this never happened without sacrifice. It was a fight for freedom, for the love of God, country, family, self and humanity.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Sacrifice
For every freedom fighter to win the freedom for which he so fights, there must be some sort of sacrifice. Sacrifice is actually a way of life for every freedom fighter. There is just something important to you which you must let go, if you must win the freedom either of yourself or the people for whom you fight. Nelson Mandela sacrificed his livelihood, his profession, his profession, his family and relationship for the freedom of his nation. Jesus of Nazareth Paid the supreme Price for the salvation of mankind, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Sacrificed her family and pride, for the sack of peace in Liberia. As for me I am also a freedom fighter, I believe I was born to liberate men from the darkness which holds them bound. The darkness of sin and fear of death, which resides in the soul of men is the worst thing to happen to man. For this reason, Christ came, lived and died. I am to preach the Gospel of salvation to all men in my time. In order to achieve this aim, I had to sacrifice life, accept the life of celibacy, become a religious and a priest for my own salvation and that of those around me. To be free is not to cast off one’s chains, but to live in such a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
ii. Prisoners
The Africans were not actually free; they were also in chains since the spent all their energy abusing their freedom in that they abused the freedom of others. There is no better prisoner than the jailer himself, for he will not dare move an inch least the prisoner escapes. True freedom is living in such a way that enhances the lives of others, I am actually in a quest for freedom of the mind, however, I know that this can be attained when with my mind, I make conscious effort to show love and respect to other people’s opinion and thoughts.
iii. An unjust law is no law at all.
A law is supposed to be a set rule or principle which will guide the practice of a people, in order to prevent any form of infringement on the rights of someone by another. If the law is one sided, it become unjust. Because there is no law at all, people are free to live their lives the way they want. With an unjust law in place, the government should prepare for war, because that group against which such laws were legislated will someday rise to fight for their right based on the content of the moral law in their conscience. This was what Nelson Mandela fought against. I hate seeing people being oppressed unjustly, worst still if it is done by legislation of some sort. And if that is the system, it is about time to sue for a change.
iv. African culture
The African culture is built upon an extended family structure, which sees one’s distant relatives and close relatives. I am an African, Nigerian, and I tell you, nothing gives me more comfort and joy, like traveling to my village for a holiday. One thing was always fun, every female there is my sister, every male is my brother. The reason for me is that my both parents are from the ruling families in the village, so I have cousins all around. Because we see each other as relatives with strong bonds, we had no relationship issues at all. I could sleep anywhere the night falls and meets me. It is so beautiful and I love this traditional African family setting.
v. With education comes enlightenment, with enlightenment, freedom.
The struggle for freedom in any nation can only be won with a clear understanding of the law of governance, by a people who are not strangers to the truths that sets free. A man of knowledge is a free man indeed, for he can see for himself and others what is best for their overall wellbeing. It was at a time, when education among the blacks became a priority that secondary school students waged war against the law that has bound them for so long a time, they knew and so the fought. No one is free, who does not know. Education is the tool for bringing people out of the darkness of ignorance and the tyranny of the wicked.
vi. Love your enemies
Love your enemies but hate the system that kept both of you apart. Love for one’s enemies is actually the only way to win them, but if there is a system that keeps both of you apart, then you do all you can to destroy the system. I have often had disagreements with people, sometimes they end up hating me. I learn to love them, no matter what they have done to me, however, I will never accept the very reason for which they so hate me, which is a system they have, their way of dealings, which I do not accept as it is not morally right.
vii. The greatest resource of a nation, is her human resources.
I have seen countries with no mineral resources of any kind, but through obscurity, they developed themselves into knowing the use of resources, and adding value to life. Today they are among the world’s leading economy. Human capacity development should be the hallmark of any nation or organization that wants to witness a steady growth. In as much as natural resources and minerals are important for economic advancements, I still feel that the people need to be educated and trained to effectively manage these resources.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so how?
The ideas above and many others which I learned in this book, will help me so much in keep hope alive, no matter the degree of darkness along the way, as I journey towards sell actualization. I will also respect people, their rights and individual beliefs, knowing that we all have something in common irrespective of the color of our skin and the language in our tongue. I will live for peace and equality in any society I find myself. I will fight for the right of the oppressed knowing that I am not truly free until we all are free. Life is a journey, a long walk to freedom and I must learn to walk, with patience and endurance, building my character which will bring me to the doors of greatness. I will live for love, of the world, my continent, my country, my people, my family, sharing love and happiness with all, because this is the essence of living.
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 are important to you.
“Perhaps, it requires such depth of oppression to create such height of character. Oppression, suffering, shame and pain if patiently endured produces character, this is important to me because I will patiently endure suffering which will in turn build my character.”
I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity. No man is born a beast. In us all, there is there is a lion and a lamb, but the one we feed will be the one to manifest. I will feed my lamb and tame my lion.
“Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but can never be hidden. In all men, there is a flame of goodness and also a fire of evil, both are alive and active, goodness is always there no matter how wicked and evil a man tends to be. He can be good, he can change, he only needs to decide to.”
“My place is to see the good in all men and treat them the way they need.”
I was born with a hunger to be free. I everyone is born with this hunger and everyday people work, live, get married, travel and have a lot of things only to be to be free.
“The sight of freedom looming on the horizon should encourage us to redouble our effort.”
“Hope does not disappoint; therefore, we should keep striving to achieve our dreams.”
“An oppressive system cannot be reformed; it must be entirely cast aside.”
“History shows that penalty do not deter men when their conscience is aroused, nor will they deter my people or the colleagues with whom I have worked before.”
“For to men, freedom in their own land is the pinnacle of their ambitions, from which nothing can turn men of conviction aside.”
“Prison not only take robs you of your freedom, it attempts to take away your identity.
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.”
“Men I think are not incapable of doing nothing, of saying nothing, of not reacting to injustice, of not protesting against oppression, of not striving for the good society and the good life in the way they see it.”
“We were limited by lesser facilities but not by what we could read or think or dream.”
“The road to freedom is via the cross.”
5. Is there anything in this book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and if so, why?
Not really, the book was clear and well detailed.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
The book did not contain any exercises to be completed.
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?
Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Deepak Chopra in this book wrote about the possibilities of living a long, healthy and strong life. He made mention of tips, principles and methods of living strong, even after retirement. He stated that the beliefs of a man, what he has as information about aging, goes a long way to determine behavioural patterns at old age. Many people who live around people who are aged or retired, have this mindset that the moment they are retired they cannot be useful again. The book however pointed out clearly that once a man cultivates the habit of usefulness even in old age, he can still be strong and healthy. Old age begins in the state of the mind and not on the grey hair on one’s head. Among other factors the Author stated the following as negative factors that accelerates aging:
Depression
Inability to express emotions
Feeling helpless to change oneself and others
Living alone
Loneliness, absence of close friends
Lack of regular daily routine
Lack of regular work routine
Job dissatisfaction
Having to work more than 40 hours per week
Financial burdens, being in debt
Habitual or excessive worry
Regrets for sacrifices made in the past
Irritability, getting angry easily, or being unable to express anger
Criticism of self or others
Of all these factors, he highlighted four which has most effect on the aging of an individual they are: Depression; Lack of regular routine; Lack of regular work routine; Job dissatisfaction.
There are also positive factors which retards aging:
Happy marriage (or satisfying long-term relationship)
Job satisfaction
Feeling of personal happiness
Ability to laugh easily
Satisfactory sex life
Ability to make and keep close friends
Regular daily routine
Regular work routine
Taking at least one week vacation every year
Feeling in control
Enjoyable leisure time, satisfying hobbies
Ability to express feelings easily
Optimistic about the future
Feeling financially secure, living within means
Just toward the end of the book, the author stated that there are three forces pervading all life: creation, maintenance, and destruction. As long as creation dominates your existence, you will keep growing and evolving. Evolution he said thwarts entropy, decay, and aging. The most creative people in any field intuitively draw on this understanding. They grow with full consciousness that they are the source of their own power and whatever their field, certain traits are generally shared by them:
They are able to contact and enjoy silence.
They connect with and enjoy nature.
They trust their feelings.
They can remain centered and function amid confusion and chaos.
They are child-like, they enjoy fantasy and play.
They self-refer: they place the highest trust in their own consciousness.
They are not rigidly attached at any point to any point of view: although passionate committed to their creativity, they remain open to new possibilities.
In order to stay ever young in both mind and body, the author taught that people need to cultivate the habit of constant creativity, doing something meaningful all the time.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. People who meditate long time actually look younger than their age
Meditation is an act whereby one empties one’s mind, connect with the present and relaxes the body from all forms of stress. It actually heals the wounded and tired parts of the body. I started practicing meditation some years back and I tell you I look younger than my original age. There is actually no significant difference in my face when you see the picture I took in 2013 and the one I took in 2018. Five years have gone by but it seems to me as if it is just one day. Meditation is the first rule for maintain an ageless body and a timeless mind.
ii. When someone’s interpretation changes, a change in their reality also occurs
Things are not what they seems, they are always what we see them to be. I once had a problem with a friend about the use of a community computer, he actually refused that I use a particular system for some obvious reasons. I was angry and immediately I thought never to ask him of a computer system again. After I had a second thought, I changed my view about our conversation. I thought that he is working for my ultimate good, and that he and the computer is both mine. The moment I saw this issue differently, all things fell in line. I now use the system even without his permission.
iii. Your body is a material result of all the intentions you have ever had
We are where we are, because what we really intended to be. Most times, our true intentions are only expressed by the way we fell. I have always had the intention of being ever young. Healthy, happy and strong and life has always found a way of meeting these intentions. I always get an opportunity to do one activity or the other to keep me as I intend to be.
iv. Constantly, we make and unmake our bodies through our beliefs
I have always known that we live our lives a s trees. Trees are known for the ability to shed their leaves, develop new ones at the turn of the season. Excess energy in trees are excretes as fruits; while older leaves pass on the nitrogen they possess to younger leaves, they leave the stage and the tree, developing new leaves becomes fresh and young. As a man, I make my body look like a baby when I fast from food for some time, during wish drink plenty of fresh water, eat more of vegetables, pulses and fruits. At the end of the program, I look reduced, and the process of building up starts all over again. “It is the space in the spoke that makes the wheel move” says Lao Tzu.
v. Silence is a great
The greatest sages that have ever lived shared one thing in common, the ability to keep silent, retire to a solitary place and listen to the one who Is. Silence is key, if you must do any good. Thomas Edison said that if he had done the world any good, it is to sit silent and listen. The world is a noisy place and the only way we can connect with our being, our essence and our reality is to find a solitary place to stay and listen quietly. We will definitely find the answer s to the most pressing problems of our live. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear, but he needs to listen to the one whose voice is so loud in silence. For me I do this daily, envelope myself in the golden blanket of silence.
vi. Eating frugally controls the entire biological processes in man
I have observed this in my life too. When I fast from food, I am sharper both physically and mentally, I an stronger to do the normal routines and I also sleep less. With my body under subjection, sexual life is inactive, I sometimes see the opposite sex as same as myself. With this principle, I look younger than my age. I ones told a friend my age, she doubted because my voice instead of being the normal masculine voice, it is still that of a teen, although I am in my late twenties.
vii. Daily work routine is key in maintaining an ever young and healthy body
As a religious, nothing interests me more like the routine in which is life, joy and happiness. For me here, it is wake up before the sun, meditate go for the liturgy in the chapel, eat breakfast, go for lectures, do other in hose chores use my creative potential to do something I have never done before and so on from Sunday to Saturday. It is li8fe, it is renewing it is power. I remain every young, non aging and always healthy.
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?
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It contains not only a summary of the books I have read about a healthy and a happy living, it is also concise. I will find a way of applying these principles in my daily life. My intention is to live a healthy and a happy long life. It will help me to achieve this intention of mine. I will also share this knowledge with those around me as a sign of my love for life and humanity. I know the things that posses threats to a long and healthy living, I will be disciplined enough to avoid these things.
4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.
“Every worldview creates its own world.”
As you see the world through the windows of your mind, so you get is.
“Beliefs creates biology”
“Although my spirit may wonder the four corners of the earth, let if come back to me again so that I may live and journey here”
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?
Not really.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
Yes the breathing and mind control exercises were very nice. They helped me to meditate effectively and to connect with my environment. The book is indeed a masterpiece, and the author is life coach.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Becoming a Person of Influence
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
In this book, John and Jim gave practical and applicable methods and insights into not only influencing people but of also helping people grow in a positive way. This is a book for mentors, teachers, soul winners, destiny helpers and life coaches who want to leave people better than they meet them. In order to become a person of influence they gave the following steps:
Modeling integrity with everyone that comes your way: people are looking for who they can trust and they will give you their support if only they can trust you, integrity is the price tag for trusting people. Being true to oneself and values no matter what it may cost is very vital for developing integrity in relationship.
Nurture the people in your life to make them feel valued: two things makes the value of people come out, these are nature and nurture. People want to be made to know in some way that they are important by being taught some step or processes involved in personal achievement. Nurturing people creates an avenue whereby people will see the leader in them and harnessed it potentials. Nurturing people requires a great sacrifice on the part of the mentor who has to patiently follow the client, correcting l\mistakes and offering advice and counsel for better accomplishments.
Show faith in others so that they can believe in themselves: some people do not believe in themselves or in what they are capable of doing. They need to be helped in order to believe in themselves, and this can be done through having faith in them. Mentors need to trust the mentees so much so that they allow them do certain things themselves, such allowance actually builds self-confidence.
Listening to people, so that you can build your relationship with them: everyone wants to talk but no one wants to listen. People of influence are deep listeners; they listen to people’s silence and help them to build good and effective relationship
Understanding them so that you can help them achieve their dreams: where there is a misunderstanding, there is always bound to be conflict. People want to be understood even to the level of the intentions for their action, for this reason, influencers need to build this level of understanding that will help people achieve their dreams. This will help in parenting. Parents and mentors need to understand what people want for themselves, so that they will consciously follow them through with necessary tips which will help then in a special way to achieve their dreams.
Enlarging them in order to increase their potential: by giving people the opportunities they need to soar, they get are enlarged. Through the supports of materials given to help them, position given them to occupy they have better chances to show their self worth and manifest their potentials
Navigating people through life’s difficulties until they can do it themselves: People know what they really want for themselves. They are ready to do all that it takes to get them. However the road is marked with challenges and difficulties. Sometimes they will even fail but a person of influence is to help them find a way out of their difficulties, he is to help them see the positive side of their crises and see to it that they get out them.
Connecting with them so that you can move them to a higher level: It is important to connect with people at deeper and if possible at emotional levels in order to lift them higher. A person of influence would want to get into helping their client deal with personal and emotional issues. This makes it possible for there to be a connection that will life them higher. It also involves partnering with them in certain areas of business so that they can learn from the experience. Empowering them to become the person they were created to be: people need to be empowered with special training in order for them to be all they were created to be. during the course of mentorship, the mentee to be given some responsibility, let us say a position and the other members of the firm need to know the powers of the new appointment, so that regards for the leader will increase his worth and help him to grow as he enjoys the support of the others. Reproducing other leaders so that your influence continues to grow through others: This is the climax of influence since there is no success without a successor. A person of influence grows in influence to the level that he pours himself into others and make them influencers too. He trains others to become if not like him, more than him.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Without influence, there is no success
There are people in my life who I term as ‘successful’. This not because they have a fat account, or they built the biggest farms or industries, it is simple because they influenced me in a certain way to becoming what I am today. I started believing in myself and what I can do when in secondary school I represented my school in an inter-school debate. Immediately after the debate which my team won, one of the organizers of the debate met me; she looked at me with a heavenly smile on her face and told me “you are a bomb”. Diana Egwuda said that to me, she did not know that she was sparking in me a fire that will burn in my generation. From that day on, I represented the school in debate and quiz completion and you know what, I always win because I believe I am a bomb and bombs just detonate. I will say less about Edward Onah, Mark Baseey, Peter Idoko whose word and encouragement have brought me thus far. To me they are not just influential but successful and I will give in my best to bringing out the best in others.
ii. Trust is the single most important factor in personal and professional relationship
Relationships are built and they thrive on trust. I knew this that is the reason why I do not give anyone a reason not to trust me. During my National Youth Service Corp Programme, I belonged to a Platoon 3. During Platoon activities, funds were raised. Although the platoon elected six leaders to see to the affairs of the platoon, when it was time to know who would be the treasure of the platoon neither of the leaders were willing to take the responsibility nor other platoon members. A Platoon member came up and made a statement that struck me, he actually was among the six leaders he said “I will only contribute to the common purse of the platoon if it is Linus Ocheja that will keep the money and account for them.” This statement surprised me and at the same time humbled me. He trusted that I could keep the money hence the reason he made the statement. The entire platoon would go with his opinion and hand the money over to me. Knowing that there is a person who trusts me, I cannot but keep this trust by doing all I could to be accountable and transparent. People would give you, if only they can trust you; they will tell you if you can keep the tale; they can stay with you if they feel safe around you. A friend I love so much ones told me something about herself and at the end she remarked “I have never told this to my mother.” I knew she trusted me enough to have told me and I am duty bound to tell it to only myself.
iii. Nurturing others is done by giving and not by getting
My feet used to wear at the doors of my first set of disciples, young Christian believers with whom I am privileged to share my life in this journey of discovery. I poured my life out for them like oil in labors of love, in suffering, tears, pain, attention, in hard times, persecution. Nothing gives me joy to know that they have grown now and they are nurturing others in the faith. it would not have been possible if I did not make myself and my time available. I did not bother about the reward, but I tell you, they came by themselves. You can only successfully nurture people if you are ready to be spent.
iv. With little faith in themselves people can do miraculous things
Few months after I left Calabar for the Major Seminary, I got a call from Boniface my friend and he shared with me how I changed his life. The day I visited him for the first time, I looked at him and told him he can live better than what I saw if only he believed. We prayed, and I told him to get to work. in no more than a year he changed everything in his looks, his house and life. it was a miracle. How did it happen? It was not as if I gave him any money, I just made him believe in himself.
v. Valuing people is the first step to connecting with them
I have come to connect with a lot of people on a deeper level because I value them. people want to be made to know that they are important. How I do this is simple, when I meet a person for the first time, I get their mobile number and immediately we part ways, I will send them a text message, telling them of how important they mean to me and how I appreciate meeting them. I go on to tell them that I will always pray for them and I will be there to listen to them if they do not mind. Whenever they need someone to talk to, you already know who they will call.
vi. We grow by dreams
My life is one big dream coming true, a project in progress, a vision getting brighter and bigger as the day draws close. I have dreamt of being what I am today and I am, I have dreamt of doing what I am today, and I am, I have dreamt of having what I have today, and I do. I still dream of better moments full of joy, love and laughter and I will have this too. Life is beautiful if only we have “a dream and a pencil.”
vii. The least most important word is “I”
Since I have learned the principles of relationship. I am always careful the way I use the word ‘I’. It only denotes selfishness, self-contentedness, and ego. The world’s problems are caused by these and I cannot add to it. I am also careful with people who like using the word. it is one letter, but powerful enough to set the world ablaze.
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?
Knowing that my influence grow bigger and better if I raise other influencers, I will be better committed to building people and watching them grow. I will become a model for people to follow by living a life of integrity building trust in people’s hearts. I will motivate people by making them have faith in themselves, nurturing them, listening to them at deeper levels, understanding where they are while I work with them to bring them to where they are. I will work to help them develop their potential, thus enlarging them. Problems are bound to occur during this process of a long period of time, I will help them navigate their way out of difficulties, connect with them, empower them and help them to grow. It is all about people I will be there.
4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.
“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.”
What more will I ever wish for but to live a full life with a measurable impact on people’s lives.
“Few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder.”
What more should be the standard, I want to be there for this man.
“Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from his neck saying, ‘make me feel important!’ Never forget this message when working with people.”
I will never forget it is just true.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
The book was simple and easy to understand.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
Yes, I found the exercise helpful as I am still practicing the exercises.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
The Essential Gandhi
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The book contains not only the biography of Mahatma Gandhi; it also contains his life work and struggle for the liberation of Indians from the British rule. in this book Gandhi would teach a process of Non-cooperation or as may he puts it non-violence as a method of bringing about the libration and freedom of a people under an unjust rule. ‘Satyagrah.’;the word Gandhi used in describing the struggle was derived from the words Satya which means Truth implies love, and Agraha meaning firmness which engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force. That is to say, the force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence. satyagraha is a process of Non-violence which according to Gandhi does not apply the use of physical force as Gandhi saw physical force a that which instead of protecting the weak, makes them weaker. However, of a Satyagrahist Gandhi said would never use physical force even if he had to suffer. As a method Satyagraha is based on self-help, self-sacrifice, and faith in God. While seeing civility as the most difficult part of satyagraha, Gandhi thought that civility does not mean the mere outward gentleness of speech cultivated for that occasion, but an inborn gentleness and desire to do the opponent good. Gandhi draws his inspiration from Hindu scripture and the Holy Bible and taught through this process the principle of love for one’s enemies. he called all men to take responsible for their action, work out the change which they seek in themselves and then find a way of sharing same. putting the common good before individual and personal gain is the sole aim of the campaign of non-violence and there in the streets of India, people risked their lives in adopting this process of non-cooperation with the government and it worked. today all round the world many countries have applied this method for the emancipation of their libration and it it working wonders irrespective of the fact that those practicing satyagraha are the minority, Gandhi believes that the majority would always follow the minority. Through this process Gandhi brought to the awareness of the international community that an unjust law is no law at all and that people should be treated equally in that we all have the dignity which makes us humans
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.
Gandhi was so deep spiritually that he was described by the people as a saint involved in politics. His ideas for fight for freedom, is one of the purest and should be adopted by any people. The following idea caught my attention:
i. The happier we make others, the happier we get: indeed, our true
wealth does not lie in how happy we can get or on how much we have in our bank accounts.
Our true wealth lies in how many people we have been able to make happy and smile and I also believe that the degree to which we make others happy is the same degree to which we will be happy and that is when we will be living our lives on purpose. As a person, nothing gives me pleasure like an opportunity to share my life with people especially those around me, nothing makes me happier. Sometimes, if I see people who are worried or having some sort of trouble in their minds, I do not know how this happens, somehow, I know and the moment I do, happiness leaves me and until I get to know what is bothering them, and probably find a possible solution to their problems, I naturally become unhappy myself. The moment they are happy, I regain my lost joy.
ii. Idleness leads to poverty: Gandhi spotted that the poverty of Indians was as a result of the fact that they are idle people without jobs to do.
There is a similar case in Africa where people go about looking for handouts to feed just because there is no job to do. When people are idle, then poverty sets in. I just hope the system especially in developing countries would provide enough employment for the teaming population and beat down the rate of poverty today.
iii. Every good deed is its own advertisement: when you do something
good, some good job or some perfect work with a touch of creativity, it has the tendency of attracting more work.
Indians are known for marketing and they are known for their marketing skills and they are expanding. The reason is simple, when they treat their customers well, focusing on the action and not on the result, they grow. As a person, I usually and myself into the trouble of doing more work whenever I do one well and although it could be tasking, it is strengthening and gives me a sense of fulfillment.
iv. Religion
A covert’s enthusiasm for his new religion is greater than that of a person born in it: one cannot actually talk about Gandhi without making mention of the word religion. as a religious too, I have seen and monitored the zeal with which people serve God and also worship, I realized that people with the greatest zeal are new converts, people who were born into a religion develop this contempt even for sacred things because over the course of time, they became familiar with the signs and gestures of religious piety. New converts on the other hand are drawn not by the signs which actually talks about the reality, but by the power of religion and so this power keeps them and urges them on their new path.
v. Conscience is the highest law
Whether we have a law skewed to our side or in our favor, it doesn’t really matter, what matters is the conscience for after all said and done, at the end of the day, after the legislations, enforcements, executions and prosecutions, we will go home and lay on our bed with the highest judge, our consciences. In us all is a law, the moral principle upon which good and bad conducts are based; by it we know when we are right or wrong. This law is there from the first moment of our being and not even the state or the church dares asks one to do anything contrary to this law. Whenever I do anything wrong, I lost inner peace and this is because my conscience would be pointing out loudly that what I have done is wrong and In order to get peace I need to accept that I am wrong and seek reconciliation.
vi. A government that is evil have no room for good men except in its prisons
History has always taught me that when government policies, laws and programs are bad and are challenged by people who stand for the truth and want the right things to be done, they are often misunderstood, persecuted, tortured, imprisoned and often times, killed. Jesus Christ was killed for “bearing witness to the truth,” Gandhi was imprisoned, Nelson Mandela was also imprisoned, and many others who posterity will always remember. My point is that no matter how much evil thrives it can never suppress the good.
vii. Making mistake and correcting them is the proper way to success
Many people are so afraid of making mistakes and also of failing so much so that they end up doing nothing all their lives. In life, we fail our way to success. Knowing this truth has always helped me in my drive towards the actualization of my dreams. I am not afraid to fail, I am only afraid of remaining where I failed. Whenever I fall, I courageously accept the fact, rise from the dust and move one. I am happy today not because I did not makes mistakes as I grew, but because the mistake I made actually strengthen me to aspire for greater things and nothing makes feel more powerful.
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?
There are lots of things going wrong in the society especially in Africa and the dignity of man is often looked down on by those in authority. African leaders are so selfish that they believe that power is absolute. Gandhi’s non-cooperation method will go a long way to helping me and my fellow citizens, to fight for what are right. Our leaders need to know that power actually belongs to the people; that they need to respect both the choices and voices of the people irrespective of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations. I have learned to respect people no matter who they are; to love people even if they are my enemies. I can only lay claim to having God in my life as a religious if and only if I live the life of truth, peace morals and justice for all people. I will keep my environment clean having known that I am part of the universe and doing any harm to the environment would actually be harm to me. I will not be lazy but hard working in order to not only avoid poverty but to create opportunities for people to work and being productive I will reduce the rate of poverty. I will listen to the voice of conscience which judges me with the highest law so that I will always do what is right and maintain inner peace.
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.
“Civility does not here mean the mere outward gentleness of speech cultivated for the occasion, but an inborn gentleness and desire to do the opponent good with this I can tell how many people are actually civilized among the so called.”
“All terrorism is bad whether put up in a good cause or bad.”
I wish our religious political and religious leaders will know this.
“Our contribution to the progress of the world must, therefore, consist in setting our own house in order if there is charity to be done, let it begin at home.”
“Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from and indomitable will through this kind of faith, people have actually been made strong in weakness.”
“We must have the liberty to do evil before we learn to do good.”
People will reveal their true nature and worth if they have choices to make and freedom to decide.
“Love is the subtlest force in the world if shown to an enemy it destroys him, let love win.”
“True religion being the greatest thing in life and in the world, it has been exploited actually the most heinous crimes are being committed under the guise of religion.”
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?
Not really.
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?
Not really.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
There are actually no extra comments to be made on the teachings of Gandhi; I just hope the world will hear him.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Built to Last
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
This book is an extensive research work on the factors responsible for the ultimate performance of big corporations. Away from the conventional factors like strategic planning and organizational structure, Jim and Jerry while sharing their findings from the research, revealed that there are other factors which kept those he termed as visionary companies above comparison companies. The research shattered the following twelve myths which are being held as factors responsible for the prosperity of big corporations.
1. It takes a great idea to start a great company: from the research, they found out that visionary companies start of without any specific idea but in the end although the moved slowly, they win the long race.
2. Visionary companies require great and charismatic visionary leaders: A charismatic visionary leader is not required for a visionary company and in fact can be detrimental to a long term proceed. the thing is that if the visionary leader leaves as may be seen in most cases, the company leaves with him.
3. The most successful company exists first and foremost to maximize profit: this is not so against the business school doctrine of maximizing profit as visionary companies pursue a cluster of objectives of which profit is only but one.
4. Visionary companies share a common subset of correct core values: There is no correct core value as companies can have a radically different set of core values but still remain visionary.
5. The only constant is change: this is not also true as visionary companies religiously preserve their core ideology, and changing it is seldom if ever.
6. Blue-chip companies play safe: visionary companies may appear straitlaced and conservative to outside, the do not however play safe as some may think because inside, the set Big Hairy Audacious goals (B.H.A.G.), which the live and work to attain.
7. Visionary companies are great places to work for any one: only those who fit very well with the core ideology of the company can work there. if you go to work for a visionary company, you will either fit and flourish, probably couldn’t be happier, or you will likely be expunged like a virus.
8. Highly successful companies make their best moves by brilliant strategic planning: Visionary companies make their best moves by experimentation, trial and error, opportunism, and quite literally, accident. in this sense, visionary companies mimic the biological evolution of species.
9. Companies should hire outside CEOs to stimulate fundamental change: Significant change and fresh ideas in visionary companies come from inside. Visionary companies appoint CEOs from inside, people who are well acquainted with the modus operandi of the company.
10. The most successful companies focus primarily on beating the competition: Visionary companies focus primarily on beating themselves by answering the question “how can we improve ourselves to do better tomorrow than we did today.
11. You can’t have your cake and eat it too: Visionary companies do not brutalize themselves with the “Tyranny of the OR”, the purely rational view that says you can have either A or B, but not both. Visionary companies embrace the genius of the AND, paradoxical view that allows them to pursue both A AND B at the same time.
12. Companies become visionary primarily through vision statements: Creating a vision statement can be a helpful steps in building a visionary company, but it only one of thousands of steps in a never ending process of expressing the fundamental characteristics defined in the visionary companies.
What therefore makes a visionary company? In answering this question, Jim and Jerry highlighted the following factors:
Visionary companies build clock and not tell time: For visionary companies, their greatest creation is not the people, the product or even the stocks. Their greatest creation is the company itself and what it stands for. Having a great idea or being charismatic visionary is “time telling”; building a company that can prosper beyond the presence of any single leader and through multiple product life cycles is “clock building”.
Visionary companies allow no “Tyranny of the OR”, they embrace the “Genius of the And:” in using the yin/yang symbol from the Chinese dualistic philosophy, they explained that visionary company do not allow themselves to be caught up in the tyranny of the OR, the embrace the paradox of the AND. The tyranny of the OR pushes people to believe that you can either maintain the core ideology of a company, remain conservative OR you stimulate progress, you cannot have both. While on the other hand the Genius of the AND urges visionary not to seek balance, but to preserve the core ideologies of the company and at the same time, stimulate progress.
Visionary companies make more than profits: visionary companies do not have profit as their primary and fundamental purpose. They set out to solve a problem, meet a need, make life easier, make a name, stimulate progress in every possible way. Most visionary companies did not start out to really make profit. They set out to meet the needs of the growing human population with its unending demands. The circumstance and economic downturns do not in any way influence the behavior of visionary companies against their core ideologies which actually the reason why the company exists in the first place. Profitability is a necessary condition for existence and a means to more important ends, but it is not the end in itself for many of the visionary companies. Profit like oxygen, food, water and blood for the body, they are not the point of life, but without them, there is no life. On the other hand, comparison companies set out to maximize profits and investors dividends.
Visionary companies preserve the core and stimulate progress: a visionary company carefully preserves and protects its core ideology, yet all the specific manifestations of its ideology must be open for change and evolution. They have a relentless drive for progress that impels change and forward movement in all products so long as it is consonance with the core ideologies.
Visionary companies set “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” (B.H.A.G): visionary companies set a big hairy audacious goal, which engages people. It reaches out and grabs them in the gut. It is tangible, energizing, highly focused. People “get it right” away, it takes little or no explanation. B.H.A.H.s are a powerful mechanism which stimulates progress in visionary companies. Most times, the goals are so scary that the first response CEOs get is that of pessimism when they first hear a mention of the goal being made.
Visionary companies have cult-like cultures: visionary companies have a cult like structure where they hold fervently to their ideology, indoctrinate their members, tighten their fit, and encourage elitism. Secrets do not easily gout of visionary companies, they have a language, culture and make sure they live like a family or better still an institute.
Visionary company try a lot of things and keep what works: In visionary companies, new ideas, initiatives and counsels are not only welcomed but encouraged and implemented. They experiment on new products, while using the evolution theory of Darwin, they eliminate the ideas and product that cannot survive and keep the strong ones.
Visionary companies use home grown management: CEOs in most visionary companies are not employed from outside. It is only in rare cases that employment was carried out visionary companies where CEOs were employed from outside. Visionary companies use managers grown and trained within the company, people who know the way about business in the companies. This brings about continuous success in the companies profile.
For visionary companies, good is never enough: visionary companies believe that there is always room for improvements and that the problem is not the competitor but themselves. They always seek for ways to beat their current records and stimulate progress.
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.
This is the best business management book I have ever read. In it are ideas that one can practically apply even if one were not CEO. The ideas most striking tome include:
i. Starting off with a great idea might be a bad idea
I grew up to meet a family grain business initiated by my mother. During our discussion, she used to say that the business has evolved to where it is now does not mean that she started with a great idea. All she had was a burning desire to meet the needs of those around her and actually, the business she started with is not the same she has now. She started with a small idea which today is really a big game in the grain retail industry.
ii. Core values are internal beliefs which are irrespective of the external environment
As a person I have values I live by. These values are irrespective of the external environment around me. For example, prayer for me is a value I would not compromise for anything in the world, no matter the pressure around me I make sure I do not lose touch with the divine.
iii. To succeed you have to stay out in front of change
In as much as I love to preserve my core values, I am open to changes which may arise in the course of my life. These changes I have to be open to in order to keep moving. I am conscious of the signs of the time i find myself hence the need to grow with the time if I must succeed.
iv. Detailed plans usually fail because circumstances usually inevitably change
I will use my IIGL studies as an example. When I started, I had a detailed plan to finish this study in four years like I would in any Nigerian University if it were to be a formal education. I later came to realize that my plans did not work out because sometimes I find myself in places where I cannot read a book or assess them, while in other times I can even read and assess two books in one month. In other for me to succeed, I use every opportunity I have.
v. In order to succeed, set big hairy audacious goal
I am currently living the life of the goal I set five years ago. Goals are powerful enough to want to make us reach out for the best in us. The education goals I have for the next ten years as I continue my studies as a religious are to make first class grade in Philosophy and first class grade in theology. It scares me but at the same time it energizes and inspires me to study for it.
vi. The greatest creation is the company itself
I enjoy having friends, meeting people and inspiring them to live life to the fullest. However, I also know that instead of finding better ways of doing what I enjoy doing, I rather become better. it is not in what we do that our success lies, but in what we become. Success may short term and if there is a behavioral crisis, it will negatively affect success in the long run.
vii. Visionary companies focus on beating themselves
This is my focus also, to keep beating myself. to change and to grow, to become better every day. I do not have time for useless competitions, because I live on purpose and this is what visionary people and companies do.
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?
Preserving the core ideology and stimulating progress is the major idea in this book. This singular idea will help me press for a positive change, growth and evolution even as I maintain the values and ideologies guiding my life, like a lamp in a dark place. My management abilities has been boosted by the training in from this book, it will help me become a better manager of any task I am given. I know also that it is not all about the profit but about the values and ideals which I represent and I will not trade these for any amount of money.
4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.
“I have concentrated all along on building the finest retailing company that we possibly could, period. Creating a huge personal fortune was never particularly a goal of mine.”
Statements like this are usually said by people who have a drive to transform the world.
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, still retain the ability to function.”
This what it means to maintain the core and stimulate progress.
“At times we must engage in an act of faith that key things are doable that are not possible.”
This best explains the art of setting BHAGs.
“Nordstrom Rules: Rule#1; Use your good judgment in all situations. There will be no other rule.”
Such rules allows for personal initiative.
“Failure is our most important product.”
People do not actually know that life is a game for people who enjoy failing forward.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
This book is revealing and highly scientific in its methods.
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 application of the principles of this book is a lifelong process.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution
Assessment by Ocheja Linus Lawrence (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Weeks, in this book did an extensive work on the various means, methods and processes involved in conflict resolution. He defined a conflict simply as “an outgrowth of the diversity that characterized our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and social systems and structure.” He therefore prescribed that the first step in becoming more effective at resolving conflict is to understand the positive potential that await in all situation of discord. In other words, we need to transform how we think about conflict.
There are five popular (but ineffective) approaches to conflict resolution theses are:
First, The conquest approach: in this approach, both parties, through their lawyers do everything they can to create the perception that the other party is at fault and that the settlement should reflect this fact by greatly penalizing the offending party and rewarding the offended party. In other words, a conflict becomes a battle to win, a struggle to gain advantage in a relationship or to gain dominance in a relationship.
Next, The avoidance approach: in this approach to conflict resolution, there is a fear of getting into conflict; that more energy is expended in avoiding getting into relationship with people with different idea, values, lifestyle and a host of other characteristics. There is also a pretense that there is no conflict because there is no confidence in being able to deal with the conflict or by sidestepping confrontations with the other person.
Third, The bargaining approach: The bargainer sees conflict resolution as a game in which portion of demands and interests are traded and success is defined by how much each party concedes.
Fourth, the Role player approach: In this approach, people hide behind their roles in a bit to resolve conflicts. Instead of relating to others as people, they relate only from a persona: boss to employee, teacher to student, parent or child, and so on point of view.
Last, Quick-fixer or Band-Aid approach: here, people are so uncomfortable with conflict situations that they get any quick-fix solution to the problem. Most time people use this approach to avoid going into areas that will expose their personal vulnerabilities which might suggest a definite need for improvement in some aspects of their behavior.
In as much as these conflict resolution methods may have some elements of good, they are not sufficient in resolving conflicts as they leave one of the conflicting parties either defeated or their needs unmet. However the book recommends eight steps to be followed in resolving conflict as contained in the conflict-partnership approach. These steps tend to focus more in meeting the needs of the parties involved for a lasting solution to conflicts. These steps are:
Creating an effective atmosphere: This includes attention to, among other things, your personal preparation, the timing, the location, and the initial opening statements of the parties in conflict make once they are together.
Clarify perceptions: perceptions are the lenses through which we see ourselves, others, our relationship and the situation we encounter. if we perceive something in a certain way in our minds, even if we are not correct, it is that way, and we often base our behavior on that perception. The conflict partnership process focuses on clarifying perceptions in three critical areas: perceptions of the conflict, of the self, and of the conflict partner.
Focus on individual shared needs: needs are building blocks for effective conflict resolution, they form an essential foundation of relationships and unless the needs of the parties in a relationship are dealt with, the relationship cannot realize its full potential. We often times confuse needs with desire. Understanding the difference between them is an important component in conflict resolution. In relationships, the personal needs perceived by individuals should allow for consideration of the needs of the relationship.
Build shared positive power: Power consists of attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors that give people and groups the ability to act or perform effectively. Conflicting individuals must learn to see the conflict from a more positive point of view and find a way they can work together by seeing what the other party can do for the common good.
Look to the future, Then learn from the past: every relationship and every conflict has a past, present and a future, and resolving conflict effectively requires that we deal with all three. The conflict-partnership approach encourages us to use positive power to focus on the present and the future and not on the past. The past is capable of impeding conflict resolution. Focus on time frame helps in resolving conflict if there is a focus on the present and the future.
Generate options: in resolving conflicts, after both individual and shared needs have been analyzed, options needs to be generated by the conflicting parties to better arrive at a positive resolution of the said conflict. This should be a team work not by only one party.
Develop “doables” the stepping-stone to action: after having generated options as to what to do in order to resolve the conflict, the next step is to develop activities the parties involved in the conflict would do in order to arrive at a resolution.
Make mutual-benefit agreements: this is the last stage of conflict resolution. Here, a mutual agreement is drawn up by both parties. This agreement must be realistic and effective enough to survive and perhaps even to develop further as the challenges of the future confronts.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Resolving conflict takes hard work and perseverance
Resolving conflict is not a quick-fix thing. It requires courage to face the truth both about one’s self, the other party and the shared need. Resolution may not be arrived at immediately talks start, it sure will take time and with some cases sometimes years. I attend a family reconciliation program in the northern part of Nigerian sometime around 2016. The family in question is a polygamous family and sure there are disagreements between members of the family. we have to stay awake all night resolving issues. Through the gospel of Christ which we proclaimed. They were able to reach an agreement to work together. Initially we thought we could sort things out quick enough but no, it required our patience to listen to both parties, help them enumerate their individual and shared needs and finally we arrived at an agreement.
ii. A perception greatly influences people’s behavior
There are people in my life I know and because of the impression they had on me for the first time, it had a negative effect on the perception I had on them and truly, I find it difficult relating with them. They are not entirely bad in themselves, just that I see them from the mirror of one bad mistake they may have done, or one thing they did not do. There are people also in my life who have this negative perception about me; this is because of my personality type. Because I am a self-assertive person and some do not know what it means to be self-assertive, the mistake it to be pride. I am often misunderstood and this has been a major source of conflict between people and me.
iii. Conflict is an outgrowth of diversity and differences
Where there is no appreciation of differences, there will be no conflict. Diversity and varieties are the spices of life. However, where there is no perfect blend of these diversities, conflict becomes eminent. Diversities may be in form of language, culture, ideals, perceptions, Thoughts and whenever there a misconception and a misinterpretation or better still, when people see things differently from us and we are not courageous enough to see the truth in their thoughts, conflict grows. I live in an international community of brothers from different countries and our major source of conflict is our perception of things based on the differences in the environment which informs our ideals.
iv. Past Hurts if focused on impairs conflict resolution
Many people are trapped in the cocoons of their past experiences and as a result, the conflict they have with others lasts. If only they are willing to let go of these past events and focus on the present which will eventually form the basis for a better relationship in the future, they will be happier. This is common among people who have suffered from abuses when they were young especially sexual abuses, you find not having any trust in anyone who will have any sexual relationship with them. Women who suffer series of heart breaks from men would just draw a conclusion that all men are bad and at such would not enjoy a warm relationship with men even if they were angels.
v. Developing a realistic work plan helps in conflict resolution.
Dr. Weeks calls this “doables.” I had a conflict with a colleague which lingers for weeks. It has to do with position. I was supposed to report to him since he is my supervisor and I was also expected to use my personal initiative which the organization encourages. We were no longer comfortable at the glitches and we sat to talk. While we talked on our likes and dislikes, needs and concerns, we came up with a plan to do something together I order to cement the relationship.
vi. Understanding the conflict partner’s needs helps in conflict resolution
We all have needs, and a simple understanding of what people need would help us to resolve our conflict with them. I have a friend who often gets angry each time she calls me on the phone and I do not take the call and forget to return the call. She gets really mad at me. when I called her for us to talk about it, I found out that she needed me to be there just to listen to her as that is all she wanted, someone to talk to. I also made to understand that I needed her to be patient with me that I may not be always there when she wants, considering my busy schedule but I will always make out time to talk with here. We ended up agreeing on the times we will be talking since we will not always be there. If we did not both understand each other’s need, we will not have been having a smooth relationship.
vii. Effective conflict resolution improves the relationship
When I was a child, I used to know that if two friends do not fight, have a misunderstanding or a quarrel, the friendship will not be sweet. When there is this misunderstanding and there is reconciliation, the respect, love and unity of purpose, becomes stronger than it was before, this only happens when the conflict resolution method is effective. If the method is conventional and it is not partnership approach, the relationship ends with the resolution.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
I have read so many books on conflict resolution, I have settled disputes, reconciled families and even marriages, this is the first time I am seeing in written form some of the principles I have been using. With the ideas provided for use in this book, I will better resolve conflict, both internal and external. It is great to have read this book.
4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.
There are no quotes in this book I haven’t all ready shared!
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?
Not really, the ideas are truthful.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
I have read the book, what is left is the application of the knowledge acquired as I live on.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not really.
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? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9