Osayi Ujunwa Lynda – Assessments – International Institute for Global Leadership

As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The mind is the architect of a man and it determines both the character of a man and his surrounding circumstances.

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

The seven ideas that are personally most important to me are;

1. Man holds the key to every situation and contains within himself that transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he wills.
2. Man is where he is that he may learn that he may grow; and as he learns the spiritual lesson which any circumstance contains for him, it passes away and gives place to other circumstances.
3. When a man earnestly applies himself to remedy the defect in his character, and makes swift and marked progress, he passes rapidly through a succession of vicissitudes.
4. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely shape his circumstances.
5. Out of a clean heart come a clean life and a clean body.
6. Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment.
7. He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.

Why they are important to me

Man holds the key to every situation and contain within himself that transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he wills.

This has made me to understand that I can alter the situation around me and shape it in a way to suit me. I live in an environment where the conditions necessary for proper development of an individual like facilities for learning (quality library, internet facilities, steady electricity etc) are inadequate. I have come to realise that I can still become whatever I want to be in spite of the situation. But first, I have to always keep in mind the idea that I hold the key to every situation and that my success in life depends basically on me.

Man is where he is that he may learn that he may grow; and as he learns the spiritual lesson which any circumstance contains for him, it passes away and gives place to other circumstances.

This idea has thought me to regard every circumstance surrounding me both the good and the bad ones as a teacher. I should see them as instrument of growth. Unsteady power supply in my place has made me to adapt to the use of other sources of light like candles and lanterns to study. It also has made me to read books more than I watch movies. It is now this unsteady power supply that has made me to develop interest in reading, going to seminars and engaging in other self development programs. I now strongly believe that circumstances around me have something to teach me.

When a man earnestly applies himself to remedy the defects in his character, and makes swift and marked progress, he passes rapidly through a succession of vicissitudes.

This idea has encouraged me to change some of my bad characters knowing that if I truly try, I will overcome them and it will help me to progress rapidly in life. Lack of good planning and organization, poor listening skill and procrastination are some of my weaknesses I need to change. I know that these characters have hampered my progress and for me to move forward I need to change them. Keeping good company could go a long way in helping me to strengthen some of these weaknesses of mine.

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

This idea has made me to understand that I cannot choose the circumstances surrounding my life and family directly, but I can shape my circumstances by shaping my thoughts. I now know the importance of being conscious of my thoughts. For me to be able to shape my circumstances in a way to suit me, I will have to first of all shape my thoughts rightly. It will be a great challenge to always be conscious of my thought but I believe that there will be a remarkable improvement in my life when I start being conscious of it.

Out of a clean heart come a clean life and a clean body.

This is important to me because I have come to realize that my mind controls my body and can determine the condition of my body. There is therefore a need for me to erase negative thoughts from my mind in other to make my life better. I have understood that anything done to the body without doing it to the mind first will yield no positive result. When I was younger, I use to have a certain skin disease that appears during hot weather, so that made me to look out for the disease whenever the weather is hot. The disease persisted even after series of treatment. It stopped when I became busy at school and forgot all about it and it has not appeared again for a long time now. I now believe strongly that my mind has a lot to do with what happens in my body.

Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment.

This has thought me to channel my thoughts to the attainment of my dreams or goals in life. It will help me to remain focused on my purpose and prevent me from wasting my time on things that do not relate with my purpose. Since thoughts nurtured and cultivated purely produces good results. It is necessary that I cultivate and nurture my mind with good ideas relating to what I want to accomplish. This will help to remove worries, fear and self pitying from my life and help me to accomplish intelligently. I have to train my mind to think positively.

He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.

Fear of failure, ridicule and doubt has kept me from doing certain things that I ought to do. I have come to discover that it is wrong to allow them to stop me in any way. There are essay competitions that I had allowed to pass by without my participating, there are some also I attempted but did not submit because of fear of failure. I did not learn how to ride bicycle when I was younger because I was afraid. Fear has made me to lose so many things. I now know that for me to overcome failure in life there is a need for me to overcome fear and doubt. That is why this idea is important to me.

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

These ideas will help me in this way

To look inwards of myself in other to get a clearer knowledge of myself. This can be done by being conscious of my thoughts and fashioning them to fruitful issues. This will help me to be able to get rid of impure thoughts in my mind and try to trace the effects on my actions, character, others and on my circumstances. Knowing that I hold the key to every situation, I will start facing my problems squarely and try to see the lessons they have for me. Being in control of my thoughts will help me to have confidence in myself and believe in myself. Wherever I find myself I will always believe that I am a successful person. In all I do everyday I will have to try and maintain positive thoughts and actions. This I believe will produce positive circumstances around me. In my relationship with my friends and family, I need to understand them to be able to relate with them very well without falling out with them. In my relationship with my lecturers and people around me also I need understanding to be able to relate with them effectively.

Being able to control my thoughts and circumstances, my purpose in life will come to fulfilment and through that, I will create a better world.

4. Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? Quote them and comment as to why they are important to you.

Man is made or unmade by himself

Not what a man wished and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns.

A particular train of thoughts persisted in, be it good or bad cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances.

If you would perfect your body, guard your mind.

To put away aimlessness and weakness and to begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment.

He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.

These statements are like food that gives life. If anyone keeps them to heart and applies them, there will be a great change in the person’s life. My healthy life, success and happiness in life will surely be assured if I apply them.

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

I understood the book a great deal and I do not disagree with any of the author’s ideas because some of them are also in the bible.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The book generally is wonderfully written and very educative. I can refer to it as a life changing piece of writing.

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea is that man is perfect and limitless.

The seven ideas that are most important to me are;

* For each of them the most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in that which they most loved to do.

* We choose our next world through what we learn in this one.

* The trick was to know that his true nature lived, as perfect as an unwritten number, everywhere at once across space and time.

* Chiang exhorted them never to stop learning and their practicing and their striving to understand more of the perfect invisible principle of life.

* You will certainly never get it if you make it pull so hard.

* Your whole body, is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body too.

* Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.

Why they are important to me;

For each of them the most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in what they most loved to do

This idea is important to me because I have understood that I can be perfect in things that I love to do if only I reach out and learn and practice. I love baking and knitting. For me to be perfect in them, I will have to start learning more about them and also practice. Also I love my carrier as nurse so much and I believe I can become an intelligent and a model nurse if I keep learning and practising. I will try not to miss any opportunity to learn. One of my aims living should be to reach perfection in all that I can do. This will encourage me to continue learning and practicing, day in day out.

We choose our next world through what we learn in this one. Learn nothing and the next world is the same as this one, all the same limitations and lead weights to overcome.

I have learnt from this idea that in other to be great in future I will have to learn much now because if I do not learn, I will make little or no progress in life. Anything that is deterring me from learning now I should put aside immediately because if I do not, I will go no further. My greatness depends on my ability to overcome my limitations and my ability to unlearn in other to learn.

The much I learn now, determines how great I will become in the future. This entails that I have to invest in myself now with all my strength. I will have to sacrifice some of my pleasure time for learning and improving my skills. I will also have to convert my free periods, some of my time for sleeping, etc for more productive things.

The trick was to know that his true nature lived as perfect as an unwritten number, everywhere at once across space and time.

I have come to understand that my true nature is not dormant but active and has always been perfect. That means that I can do all things. I am perfectly made, I am not an accident. I have to begin to see myself as not being trapped inside my body but very free to do all I can think of and believe. This understanding will help me to expand my scope of reasoning.

I have to stop myself from thinking that I cannot do something for one reason or the other. I have to believe that where I am coming from, how I am or look, do not determine how far I go in life. But what really determines my life is my ability to show forth the perfection within me. I am perfect any where and any time.

Chiang exhorted them never to stop learning and their practising and their striving to understand more of the perfect invisible principle of all life.

This idea has made me understand that continuous learning and practicing is very important in ones life. Also there is a need for me to understand the invincible principle of life in other to make a rapid progress. I can inculcate this habit of learning and practicing by a strong determination and positive actions. Giving up on a seeming difficult task I now understand will move no further in life. I have to keep at what I am doing no matter how hard it may seem because once a problem is solved it is no longer a problem and through problem solving, one is empowered. Understanding the principles of life will help me not to violate them and make way for smooth progress to occur in my life. This understanding can be achieved not only by looking inside of myself but also on the circumstances surrounding me.

You will certainly never get it if you make it pull so hard.

I now realize the need for patience and persistence in practice in other overcome failure. When faced with a seeming difficult situation, trying to face it fearlessly will help me to overcome it. Getting angry with a difficult situation will only make it worse and could deter me from making progress. Quitting to try to solve a problem because of previous failures will lead me no where so, persistence and patience should be highly encouraged in everybody’s life. I should try not to crucify myself for not doing it right but I should patiently continue to do it right.

Your whole body, is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body too.

My thoughts could make or mar my efforts. That is what I have come to understand. Efforts without a positive thought will amount to nothing. My thought can limit my performance. If I make up my mind that I cannot do something, I will not be able to do it. But if I get it into my mind that I can, I will be able to do it. There is much I can do but I now believe that I can do much more if I condition my mind to do better.

Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.

This has made me to understand the fact that there is more to life than what we see around us. I have always thought that there is a limit to what a man can do. I now strongly believe that man is limitless and that there is such thing as perfection. I am limited by nothing but myself. Once I am able to perfectly understand myself, I will be limitless. I will always try to improve my ability this will help me to overcome my limitations. I will never try to stop learning.

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

These lessons will help me to recognize myself as a perfect and limitless being capable of doing all things. This consciousness will boast my self confidence and image. I now know the importance of pure thoughts and also the importance of persistence in all that I do. When I apply these lessons in my life I believe I will progress. I will be able to relate with people effectively.

I can create a better world by helping people around me to know what I have learnt. Also I will contribute to the development of the world by fulfilling my vision in life which is to improve health conditions of people and also to encourage people.

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

These statements really got my attention;

1. there is such a thing as perfection
2. our purpose of living is to find perfection and show it forth.
3. those who put away travel for the sake of perfection go anywhere instantly
4. you have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way.
5. the only difference the very only one, is that they have begun to understand what they really are and have begun to practise it.
6. this kind of flying has always been here to be learned by anybody who wanted to discover it, that’s got nothing to do with time.
7. you have to practise and see the real gull, the good in everyone of them, and to help them see it themselves. That is what I mean by love.

These are as true as they can be. They are motivating and inspirational. They have given me the insight on the way to live a good life. They have really planted a good seed in my life and I know they will produce a positive reality. That is why they are important to me.

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

The book was presented in an interesting and simple way to understand. I understood the points passed across and I do not disagree with any of the ideas.

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 does not contain any exercise for the reader to complete. I know it would have been helpful if it contained 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.

I like to comment that generally the book is very interesting. It is well constructed and presented in a way that it will be easily understood and enjoyed. It is highly educative and has a strong reformatory power. It is a piece of literal excellence.

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? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Keys To Success
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in the book is achieving success and fulfillment by applying the principles of success.

i. If you are going to achieve success, you will do so only by extraordinary effort.

This idea is particularly important to me because it brings out the fact that hard work is prerequisite for success in life. The author wrote that man profit more from money that he earns than what he did not earn. I have come to understand that it pays to work hard. The value of wealth that comes with success is that it carries with it the lessons you have learned in acquiring it. I now have the belief that if I desire success in life, I must back it up with the required effort.

ii. Those that have faith in infinite intelligence, faith in themselves, and faith in others inspire others to have faith in them.

This idea points out to me that for a man to get other people to have faith and trust in him, he will first of all have faith in infinite intelligence, faith in himself and faith in others too. I have found out that it is reciprocal. If I do not have faith in myself, there is no way I can inspire others to have faith in me. So, as someone that desire to succeed in life, I must develop this positive attitude. To lead effectively, a leader has to develop this attitude.

iii. You will never command more than average compensation until you become indispensable to somebody or some group.

The knowledge of the importance of being indispensable wherever I find myself makes this important to me. I have understood that one’s presence in a group is felt more when he has something to contribute. It is very important for one to get involved in whatever is going in any group one finds him/herself in. This is because that could be a place where your talents will be developed or enhanced and at same time contributing to other people’s lives. Becoming indispensable in a group can make someone get promotion easily. I have resolved to try and become indispensable everywhere I am, in school, at home, etc. This I can do by contributing the little I can.

iv. Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.

This statement, to me is very important because there is no achievement without any underlying purpose. I have to define my goals and make them definite in other to have a clearer course to my achieving them. Indecisiveness is indeed like a rope that drags people around a point and prevents them from makings headways. Definiteness of purpose is the answer to achieving success. Sometimes challenges can make someone feel like changing his/her goals, although it may help sometimes but it could also a way of making someone lose focus. I to come to the understanding that too many goals can make someone run in circle and never move on in life. One achieves more when his/her goals are well defined and definite. Definiteness of purpose makes one to be focused and determined in pursuit of his/her goals.

v. Never wait for some outside force to trigger your actions.

Acting when necessary is the lesson I got from this statement. This is a salient fact that holds many people down. Most times, people wait for something to happen before they act even though they know it is something to be done. I am a victim of this kind of behavior but I have found out that it is abysmal. I wait for someone to make me do some things that I am supposed to do. In other words, I rely on people to spur me into action. Sometimes fear of the unknown or fear of being ridiculed by my friends keeps me from acting. I have realized that this is really an obstacle to my growth. I have to start acting even in the absence things that pushes me into action.

vi. Learn to like people just as they are, instead of demanding that they be just as you want them to be.

Realizing the fact that other people have weaknesses and also strengths will help one to associate better with them. This statement relays the importance of understanding people in other to relate well them. When you are sensitive to other people’s behaviour and feelings, it enhances your relationship with them. Sometimes people turn out to be totally different from what you perceive them to be. Relating and learning about people will make you have a better understanding of them and so the best way to get along with them will be revealed. Everybody is unique in his/her own way. There are no two people with exactly the same behavior and so, different character should be expected from different people. Demanding that people be just the way you want them to only create conflicts and never agreement. This idea will help me as an entrepreneur, a leader and a student.

vii. Creative visions belong only to people who have the habit of going extra mile.
This book teaches that anything worth doing is worth doing well and when you go extra mile, there is a reward accruing to it. The habit of going extra mile will make someone indispensable in any group. It can also bring out the “star” in someone. I must develop this habit of going extra mile for it pays to do so. It will also help me to be creative.

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

These ideas will help me in my daily life to behave like someone with a vision. Inculcating these ideas in my life will mould me to a refined person that I need to be to succeed. “Action speaks louder than words” is a sentence I will have to keep in mind daily to enable me to move forward.

These ideas will help me create a better world by making me see ways to attain my goals on time. I will make a positive impact in the world when I achieve my goals.

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 author made the following statements that got my attention.

If you your prayer is an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings you already have, instead of requests for things you do not have, you will obtain results much faster.

Be sincere first of all with yourself, and you will steadily grow in self-reliance.

The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing that can happen to you if you don’t let it get best of you.

Managing your time- like managing your life-requires knowing what you want to use it for.

Repeating a fear over and over in your mind makes you more susceptible to the things you fear.

The story of civilization is punctuated with greatness achieved by individuals in spite of physical limitations because these people possessed smoothly functioning minds.

You must learn to work with natural forces, not fight them.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful. The self-analysis techniques was also very helpful.

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

No, I have no other comment to make.

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

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

Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in the book is achieving success through a positive mental attitude.

i. Success is achieved by those who try and maintained by those who keep trying with positive mental attitude.

This statement is important to me because it relays the vitality of trying, persistence and PMA in achievement of success. This shows me that if I must achieve success, I will have to try and persist in every action I undertake. Trying does not kill instead it opens and exposes one to ideas and opportunities necessary for success. Jonathan in the book JONATHAN SEAGALL persisted and achieved great success. He did not allow his challenges and failures to weigh him down instead he continued and of course he got his rewards.

ii. To become an expert achiever in any human activity, it takes practice… practice… practice.

This idea reminds me that practice makes for perfection. For me to be expert in my field, I must practice to an extent. This reminds me again of Jonathan in the book “JONATHAN SEAGULL” by Richard Bach. He continued practicing even when it seemed he was not doing any better until he became perfect. This shows that persistent practicing could be a key to attaining perfection in any area of life. I have to get this attitude of persistent practice deep down inside of me because I know it will help me. Sometimes, I get so discouraged that I do not feel like going ahead with a task and this often makes feel a kind of depressed. But I think this statement and the story of Jonathan have brought liberation to me. I want to be an expert achiever so I have to practice.

iii. Man’s greatest power lies in the power of prayer.

This tries to encourage prayerfulness in the life of every individual. It projects prayer as the primary source of power for man and must be employed for one to be truly successful in life. This statement goes in line with one statement I have always believed in that “for anyone to go far in life, he/she must have a strong spiritual backup”. I must learn to pray often and never overlook the effect of prayer in my life. I now strongly believe that a prayerful man is a powerful man. I have heard many stories about men who have done so many great things with faith and prayer.

iv. Greatness comes to those who develop a burning desire to achieve high goals.

This idea has made me understand that a burning desire to achieve could be a prerequisite for success in life. It has a posed a challenge to me to develop a desire to attain high goals. Sometimes because of fear of failure, I do not aim so high but now I have learnt to set high goals. I have found out that high goals actually make one work harder. It expands someone’s horizon for knowledge and skills and will make one to be great. A burning desire can indeed serve as fuel in someone’s life for it makes one do things that ordinarily he/she will not do just because he wants to achieve something. This now paves way for extraordinary success. I must develop a strong desire to achieve my goals.

v. When there is nothing to lose by trying and everything to gain if successful, by all means try!

This idea brings out the need to try out things. Trying could help open doors of success for someone. It helps to widen one’s scope and opportunities. I like trying out so many things and I can attest that it has really helped me a lot. Sometimes trying could be a risk but most times when it is towards something good it always worth it. So many hidden things about one surfaces by trying out new things. I am sometimes perplexed seeing my self doing something I thought I may not be able to do. I found out that I have a kind of inner joy whenever I try out a new thing and come out successful.

vi. “Too often what we read and profess becomes a part of our vocabularies, instead of becoming a part of our lives.”

This, I must say is a hard truth and so, I must make sure that I inculcate what I learn and read into my life. That is the only way I can achieve my goals and become great. There should a difference between a reader and someone that does not read. Reading should develop someone all round; physically, intellectually emotionally, spiritually, etc. It is not just enough to be a voracious reader, what you read should shape every aspect your life. I’ve got to keep this idea in mind and try and put whatever I learn into practice.

vii. It’s a habit that will make you an outstanding achiever.

Habit they say makes a man. I must develop habits that will help me excel in life. Time management, daily planning, cleanliness, etc are some of the habits I must work on. Sometimes, it looks as if it is difficult to break a bad habit or even develop a new one but, I believe that a positive mindset and persistent practice can be of great help. Good habits will make a great man.

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

These life changing ideas will help me a lot practically. They will help develop the necessary skills that I need to succeed in life. My behavior and attitude towards some life issues are shaped by these ideas. I can confess that they have affected my life tremendously. These ideas make me strongly believe that I can achieve my goals. This mindset will definitely help me to create a better world because attaining my goals means that I have made a significant positive impact in the world.

A better world needs better persons. I am made better by these lessons and so it will reflect in my world.

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

The author made the following statements that got my attention.

Have the courage to face the truth.

Develop inspirational dissatisfaction.

The more you share, the more you will have.

If you know your destination and take the first step, you’re on your way.

Anything in life worth having is worth working for

A burning desire can generate the drive to action that is imperative to great achievement.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful.

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

I have no further comments.

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

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

PsychoCybernetics
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda

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

The main idea in the book is achieving success and personal fulfillment through self image enhancement.

The seven ideas which are personally most important to me are;

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

* We all possess a built-in guidance system that moves us towards the things we think about. If we watch limits instead of destinations, bump up against limits.

* Anything that has been learned can be revaluated and challenged. Anything that has been challenged can be relearned with new data to replace the old.

* ’’Fake it till you make it’’. Act as if you have already achieved success and your feeling, attitudes and behaviors will become consistent with actual success.

* Through your imagination you can create positive images of yourself that with time and repeated practice will become your actual self image.

* being able to withstand disappointment and its concomitant stress will strengthen your self image as you move towards your goals.

* When we have no personal goal which we are interested in and which means something to us, we are apt to go ‘’around’’ in circles, feel ‘lost’’ and find life itself ‘’ aimless’’.

The reasons why these ideas are important to me

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

The idea that my self image has a lot to do to the way I act, my achievements, my relationship with people, success in my academics and other endeavors makes this idea vital to me. I have realized that I possess the power to program my automatic guidance system for success. This I can do effectively if I do not allow my self image to set limits to what my guidance system aims for. If I associate myself with any negative behaviour for instance shyness, the possibility that my internal guidance system will reach out to be bold is almost non-existent. Thus, this idea challenges me to take charge of my automatic guidance system.

* We all possess a built-in guidance system that moves us towards the things we think about. If we watch limits instead of destinations, bump up against limits.

This idea calls me back to what James Allen pointed out in his book AS A MAN THINKETH “the soul attracts that which it secretly harbors, that which it loves and also that which it fears’’. The realization that my actions, feelings, behaviour and the situations around me are as a result of what I imagine to be true makes this idea important to me. It has made me see reasons why I should reinforce images of success in my imagination and erase images of failure. Through this I can magnet success to myself and repel failure.

* Anything that has been learned can be revaluated and challenged. Anything that has been challenged can be relearned with new data to replace the old.

This idea spurs me into action to change some of my behaviours that are abysmal. It gives me a strong mind that any behaviour no matter how many years I have stayed with it can be changed to a desired one.

By challenging them these bad characters and replacing them with better qualities, I can possess any behaviour I want. I can develop winsome characters that will help me achieve lasting success.

* ’’Fake it till you make it’’. Act as if you have already achieved success and your feeling, attitudes and behaviour will become consistent with actual success.

This idea has revealed to me the power of believing that I have already possessed a particular thing I have set out to get and behaving as though I have it already. I have learned to see my achievement before it comes and condition my mind, attitudes and behaviour to having achieved it; this I now believe can bring true success and also help me build a strong positive self-image.

* Through your imagination you can create positive images of yourself that with time and repeated practice will become your actual self image.

The knowledge of the strong influence my imaginations and beliefs can have on my behaviour makes this idea important to me. Before now, there were ideas and beliefs I had about myself, some things and my environment which I taught to be true. Those ideas really kept me from improving both in my social and academic life. One of them was that I am slow in doing many things. The belief affected me because I found out that even when writing examinations, I run short of time. I got that perception from my sister who then always complained that I am sluggish in everything I do. This idea became my own and I thought it was true. I have come to realize that all those ideas and belief are false. They can be changed to positive beliefs that can turn my behaviour around and expand my range of potentials. I now believe strongly that I can create positive images of myself that with time will be my actual self image.

* Being able to withstand disappointment and its concomitant stress will strengthen your self image as you move towards your goals.

I felt so bad when I got the result of one my courses in school that I know I prepared very well before taking the examination. The grade I got was not what I expected. I was so ashamed and disappointed that I almost got sick. My main fear was how my friends and my parents will react when they get to know about it. This idea has helped me to understand that the most important thing is to learn from my disappointment and refuse to acknowledge failure. Regarding them as stepping stones rather than obstacles will help me to achieve my goal.

This idea points out that it is indeed very abysmal for someone to go through life without having a definite goal which he is interested in. it is really important because it shows the vitality of definite personal goal.

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

These ideas will help me in my daily personal life and also help me to create a better world if I incorporate them in my life.

The lessons I got from this book especially that I am capable of taking control of my self image and programming my servomechanism always points me to the fact that a change is possible in attitude, character and the situations around me. I can employ the CRAFT and SEED methods explained in this book to change some of negative behaviours. I can use CRAFT method to change behaviour like being slow in my actions.

C. Cancel; I will cancel the idea ‘’I am always slow’’

R. Replace; I will replace it with ‘’I am sharp and smart’’ each time the negative idea creeps into my memory.

A. Affirm; I will affirm my new self image by telling my roommates and friends about my goal, and also write it on the front cover of my jotter.

F. Focus; I will make out about 10 minute everyday to visualized myself as having attained my goal of being sharp and smart.

T. Train; I will patiently train myself to achieve my desired self image by allotting time to everything I do and make sure that I finish it at the time.

This CRAFT method can go a long way in helping me realize my desired self image.

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 following statements made by the author particularly got to me.

“ If we are to “ Get more living out of life”, we should not limit the channels through which life may come to us.

Develop and attitude of love, because love erases the imaginary boundaries between self, others, and the world’’.

Forgiveness is the key to freeing yourself from the “scar tissue” caused by emotional wounds in the past.

Approach goals as a process, not as a place to be.

Your perception of what is real is entirely the function of what you imagine to be real.

By freeing yourself from false beliefs, you expand the range of potential targets for your automatic mechanism.

These statements are very important to me because they encourage me to persist in all I do.

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

No, I do not disagree with any idea. I understood the author’s points very 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?

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful.

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

No, I have nothing to comment on.

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

Giant Steps

Assessment by Osayi Ujunway Lynda (Nigeria)

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

Gaining access to the best parts of ourselves so that we can consistently produce the results we desire.

The ideas which were personally most important to me are;

i. If you’ve ever found yourself taking two steps forward and one step back, invariably it’s because you have mixed associations.

This idea has taught me the effect of mixed emotions on someone’s achievements in life. This idea is like an eye opener to me because sometimes I associate my goal to both pain and pleasure. For example I have always wanted to be a public figure i.e. a commissioner for health, president/founder of health organizations, or a senator but I associate a woman leader to bad home keeper. I have come to understand that associating both pain and pleasure can limit the level of my success in life. It is important to associate achieving my goals with positive things in other to move forward ever.

ii. True genius is the ability to marshal our most potent resources simply by putting ourselves in a state of absolute certainty.

Absolute certainty of my ability can put me in a chance of becoming a genius in my own field. This idea strengthens my knowledge from the previous books that I have the capacity to become whoever or whatever I want to be. My belief system can make or mar my success my in life. For example I was to give a welcome address in a leadership program some time ago. I knew I will be able to give the address very well because I prepared it myself and I also practiced. On the day o f the program, our coordinator added so many things to my introduction. The feeling that I will fail to present the address came into me. I tried to push the feeling aside but at last I presented the address below my expectation. This tells me that my belief can go a long way in affecting my achievements in life.

I now have the knowledge that I am more likely to succeed in any area if I not only commit to achieving a result, but also absolutely certain I can do so.

iii. Questions are laser of human consciousness.

This idea has exposed me more to the need to ask questions. I have come to see that successful people actually ask questions. Our thinking processes involve asking and answering questions. Since what I habitually think manifests in my life, I must improve the quality of my life by changing what I ask myself and others. With the illustration given in this book using children I have come to embrace the fact that questions help to shape our destinies.

iv. We must take personal responsibility for change.

My change depends on me. It does not come by reading books, attending seminars, workshops, etc. change comes by putting what I learnt, heard, read into practice. No one, book, or seminar can condition me for change. I must condition myself for lasting change to occur in my life. For example I use to fear speaking to any group of people and this led to my being tensed up whenever I’m to present anything before a group. After my presentation, I normally walk out feeling so bad but I have learnt that I can change by practicing all I have learnt in the act of public speaking. It will do me no good to attend seminars and read books on the subject without practicing them.

v. It is not only the references of our lives that shape us but, again, the meaning we attach to them.

This idea has made me understand the fact that the same experience will have different meanings to different people. The meaning we attach to any experience will affect our lives either negatively or positively. I can change any behavior that I detest if I alter the meaning that I attach to it such as associating pain or pleasure to it. For example I use to be very shy when I was younger and I have discovered that what actually made me to overcome it was because I associated shyness with somebody that it timid. Because I hate being referred to as timid I made a conscious effort to build my self image.

vi. We can adapt to anything if we make the right demands upon ourselves incrementally.

This idea is important to me because of an experience I had one morning. I woke up and decided to go for morning jogging alone. I went to the field and started practicing a particular technique in sports that was difficult for me to do correctly. I had this unusual feeling that I can get it and even more and because of this belief I was able to do it several times. After a while I asked myself what has just happened and this came to my mind “when you stretch to your limit, your limit can become your starting point”.

And here in this book the author used Mittleman to illustrate that man can adapt to anything if we make the right demands upon ourselves incrementally. This has made it clearer to me that I can do virtually anything if only I can subject my mind and body to proper training and reinforcement.

vii. Surmounting difficulty is the crucible that forms character.

I have to understand that in life difficulties come but they do not come to destroy us but instead to strengthen us. It is only our attitudes towards the “difficulty” that can make it a destroyer or a builder. If we face the problem squarely and with determination, it will be conquered at the end of the day and a great lesson will come out of it. Overcoming difficulties gives one a wider view and belief of what he or se can do. This now makes the person develop a character that is consistent with the circumstance.

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?

In fact, these ideas are practical guide to a happy and fulfilled life. I will apply them in my daily life by being conscious of them.

In the relationships with my friends, family, roommates, I will try and apply those principles in other to have a loving and lasting relationship with them. For example if I am annoyed by any of my associates, I will find the appropriate words to use in other not to put tension in the relationship. Inculcating the habit of giving will also be a pillar that will help me in life especially in my relationships.

In my academic endeavors, I will always keep in mind that any difficulty I face has something positive to offer. I will always face them squarely knowing that it is a challenge for something greater.

In my life goals I will keep in mind that it is good to start small. I will live each day knowing that it counts for my achievements in life. If I keep in mind that I can become a hero in field then I can be. I can not forget the impact of references and my attitudes towards them. I have to increase my life references by reading books, attending seminars, watching television, etc..This will also help to increase the quality of my life.

I will try to make high and positive demands in all areas of my life in other to affect lasting changes. This I can do by committing myself to a particular task and striving to meet up with an allotted time. If I do not meet up, I will keep trying till I make it. I know that I can adapt to any situation I choose to.

These lessons will indeed help me create a better world by making me a better individual. Also they will help me fulfill my purpose on earth which I believe will count in this age.

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.

Statements that particularly got my attention and my comments on why they are important to me;

“Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”

This helps me to remember that my imagination has a strong effect on my life.

“Achievers usually see problems as transitory, while those who fail usually see even the smallest problems as everlasting.”

This helps me to keep in mind that problems are stepping stones to greatness.

“All human progress is preceded by new questions.”

This makes me know that appropriate questions are needed for my growth in life.

“Anything we fail to reinforce will eventually dissipate.”

This makes me to remember that reinforcing anything I learn new makes it permanent in my life.

“The best time to handle a “negative” emotion is when you first begin to feel it.”

It is never good to keep negative emotions for it can precipitate into something worse than one can think of.

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

Action speaks louder than voice is what this statement reminds of. I must practice what I know not merely knowing them.

“Change your evaluation, and you immediately change your life.”

My evaluation of situations determines the way I act towards them and this can have positive or negative effects in my life.

“People are not their behaviors. Understand what drives them, and you will really know them.”

This tells me that understanding the people I relate with is one of the keys for developing happy and lasting relationships.

“Don’t look for heroes. Be one!”

This makes me to be aware of the fact that I can be a hero.

“Trying to achieve the pleasure of success without risking the pain of rejection would never work.”

This makes me to understand that I will not always be accepted, rejection will definitely come but I don’t have to be discouraged.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful. There were questions made to stir ones memory. They also aided my understanding.

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.

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

Real Magic

Assessment by Osayi Ujunway Lynda (Nigeria)

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

Human beings are capable of transforming their world by taping into their spirit self.

The seven ideas which were personally most important to me are;

i. There are no accidents; everything I am experiencing is in some way necessary for me to move ahead to the next step.

This idea makes me see every experience whether good or bad as beneficial to my life. I have come to the understanding that shifting my mind from the hurtful feelings a bad experience brings to the lessons accompanying it, keeps me from suffering. I will adopt the use of these helping self questions the author used- “How can I create the outcome that I want with this setbacks I am presently experiencing? “ What can I learn about myself and how much strength can I muster to deal effectively with this problem?

This book has given me “giant” reasons for living at outcome instead of suffering. It gives one’s life focus and keeps one motivated to set higher goals. It also eliminates self pity that can come through suffering.

ii. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

This sentence struck a cord in me when I read it. It is a statement that stirred me up to think. It is only when I am willing to learn and acknowledge the fact that everyone and everything is in some way my teacher that assistance which will help me learn appears.

There is deeper understanding in me that every experience or encounter with anybody has something to offer that I will benefit from. My teacher can be anybody old and young or anything including “bad” experiences. Teachers are very important in life and acknowledging them will be of great help to anyone.

iii. A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any force in the universe.

This is a characteristic of the spiritual being as the author puts it. The understanding that there is an enormous power that comes with the ability to manipulate the physical world with ones mind makes this statement important to me. This has buttressed the ideas I got from James Allen’s book. There is power that goes with personal empowerment which I and everybody must cultivate in other to live a truly happy life.

iv. The spiritual being knows that we are all connected and he is able to see the fullness of God in each person with whom he makes contact.

This statement made me see life from another dimension I have never thought of. To me, this is one of the secretes of peaceful living. Seeing God in every person I come in contact with means that I will behave as though I am in the presence of God at all times and also whatever I say or do to people will be as though I am saying or doing it to God. Unconditional love will be easy to practice even when surrounded by “difficult” persons. A spiritual being is indeed a state I have to attain in other to live a peaceful and prosperous life.

v. The spiritual being knows that everything that he hates and fights weakens him, and all that he is for, all that he supports, empowers him.

This has given me more insight on characters of a spiritual being which I have come to believe to be worth living. I have to start living for what I am for and not what I am against. That is what I have come to understand that makes one flow in life. In other to live this life of miracles, I must imbibe the culture of totally focusing on the things I am for.

vi. Have an overriding spiritual goal that gives meaning to your work.

This statement actually got me thinking and I understood the fact that having a spiritual goal in everything one does makes the person put in his or her best. He/she overlooks the odds and challenges and gives his best to achieving his/her goal. I have got a clearer view of the need to focus on the process which is about purpose and not just the result. It will make me at ease with what I am doing at all times and reduce stress that comes with envy, jealousy, etc. If I am able to create a spiritual goal for everything I do, I am convinced that I will be more productive.

vii. If material poverty is to be avoided, spiritual poverty should be abhorred! For it is spiritual poverty, not material lack that lies at the core of all human suffering.

I have realized that spiritual consciousness is vital for one to live a purposeful and fulfilled life. If spiritual aspect of life is totally neglected, life losses it’s true value. I have to cultivate a very strong spiritual consciousness in other to lead a meaningful life. I have to work seriously on my spiritual life for that is were everything lies.

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

These ideas will help me to actually create miracles in my everyday life. If I cultivate these ideas in my life, I will lead a purposeful and tension free life. These ideas centers on my life and they have made me strongly believe that I can achieve anything I want to achieve. In every area of my life and in everything I do, I have to see myself as a spiritual being. In everything I do, the process shall be my concentration and never the result.

Also, I will apply a spiritual goal to every task I undertake. With these ideas, my life is a life of miracles and my world is a world of miracles. The world will be a better place as long as my kind of person exists.

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 message of your life is in what you give.”

Giving is a virtue that must be part of my life for me to lead a happy and fulfilled life. I have to commit to a life of giving.

“ Be consistently aware of the need to serve God and to serve others in any and all of your actions.”

A life of service is what makes for greatness in life. Serving God and others have to be the center of my life.

“Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.”

I should be able to give out anything I possess just like Abraham in the Bible if I must be in charge of everything I have. If not, they will be in control of me.”

I shall strive to possess and not be possessed by things.

“When you fight evil by employing the methods of hatred and violence, you are part of the hatred and violence of evil itself, despite the rightness of your position in your own mind.”

Evil is not fought by violence and hatred. Love is the tool for combating evil.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his own dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”

There is every need for me to keep my dreams alive and active in mind because it is one sure way of making it to manifest in a short while.

“What you can conceive of as a picture in your mind, you can create in the physical world, provided you do not let go of the picture.”

If man actually think with pictures then it is important that I create images of success in my mind. This will help in bringing my dreams to reality.

“Our beliefs are the invisible ingredients in all of activities.”

I have to watch what I believe because it can be a catalyst or otherwise in the actualization of my goals in life.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

There were no exercises contained in the book for the reader to complete. There are suggestions on how to implement some of the ideas in the book for example the act of meditation. I found those suggestions very helpful.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
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 Osayi Ujunway Lynda (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 anybody can become a champion in any field of life by employing the right attitudes.

The seven ideas which were personally most important to me are;

i. Champions in every sport and in every industry are driven by a burning desire to succeed.

Burning desire is indeed the root of every good success. If I have a strong desire to achieve a particular goal, the result is almost always positive. My mentors are champions in their fields and I have discovered that they have this common strong desire to be successful.

ii. Champions know that the greatest risk is doing nothing, and that the real security derives from constantly testing your potential.

Success never comes without action. Success comes when potentials are tested constantly. I have to imbibe this idea of always testing my potentials.

I know that some of my potentials are lying dormant because I have not put them to use. I must do something about it.

iii. If the commitment is there, the achievements will follow.

Commitment to every goal I set out to achieve is one attitude I have to work on because I have come to realize that it is one of the secretes of success.

iv. Instead of achieving or performing to impress the world or your peers, seek to do something that you love, something that is excellent, and beneficial.

This idea is like a reminder to me. It is important to do things that I love doing and not things that will make my peers or family impressed.

This is a sure way to personal fulfillment.

v. Age should never be a barrier to full participation in life.

Sometimes I feel that I have to reach a certain age for me to become capable of achieving certain goals. This idea is like an encouragement to me. I should never think of myself too young to attain any height in life.

vi. Your own sense of value determines the quality of your performance.

The sense of value I place on a particular task and even on myself will determine the quality of my performance. This idea has made me to understand that my sense of value affects my performance in one way or the other.

vii. Avoid associating with people who have the same unresolved problems or who are frustrated by their lack of achievement.

I have tried to get to get along with people like this and I have discovered that they offer nothing but discouragement. This idea to me is like a warning to avoid such people.

Someone once told me that reading motivational book is of no use. He said that the suggestions that the authors give does not work. If I keep listening to this type of story, I may end up being discouraged.

It is important that I take to heart this idea.

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

These ideas will help me in my daily work with people. The ideas will help me to establish good and quality relationships void of stress or tension. Relationship is a vital part of life and so when it is handled well, it brings harmony and success.

I see some people as difficult to move along with, but these ideas have made me to understand that if one applies the principles sited in this book very well, he or she will be able to move along with almost everybody.

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.

“Maximum success is built upon mini goals.”

This statement reminds me of the fact that it is better to split a “mega” goal into smaller goals in other to make the achievement of the “mega” goal easier.

“You need no one else to measure you or your skill. Your main audience should be your own self-respect.”

This idea encourages me to avoid a world of too much competition or dependent on people’s recommendations. You feel happier and more fulfilled when you don’t compare or allow people to measure your skill.

“The less you try to impress, the more impressive you are.”

Trying to impress others can make one venture into activities that doesn’t bring joy to him or her. It can cause so much struggling and stress to someone. This statement is making me to see the reason why it is better to avoid trying to impress people.

“Demand integrity, respect for others, and hard work from yourself, because the values you live by are going to shape the future for you and those around you.”

This statement caught my attention when I read it and I asked myself “do I have values that I live by?, if there are, what are they? This idea encourages me to imbibe values that will be of benefit to me and to my world. Values such as genuine love for God and neighbor, obedience, respect for self and others, hard work, humility, patience, gentleness, self control, etc.

“Your statements should always generate feelings of focus, confidence, strengths, good health, and happiness.

The importance of positive statements is what this idea reminds me of. My words count for my success in life and so there is need for me to watch what comes out from my mouth because it can make or mar my success in life.

“One of the ways champions get into the peak performance zone is by approaching each day as a whole new event, with the past forgotten.”

This reminds of this popular statement “forward ever, backward never”. The rewards of yesterday can mar the result of tomorrow. It is of more benefit to learn from the past experiences and move on. Living on the past glory makes one think that he or she has got it all. It blinds one to the reality of what lies ahead. Getting on no matter the failures and achievements so far is what this statement is encouraging me to inculcate.

“Real power comes by empowering others.”

It is wise to empower others when we are empowered for that is a sure route to power and true success.

“Real winners succeed not only in their given specialty or profession, but in their personal lives as well.”

It is important that success is not just one sided but all round.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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 contains a twenty-one days practical exercise designed to make the reader learn to apply the principles explained in the book. The exercise will help me to develop the skills I learnt from the book.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

How To Win Friends & Influence People

Assessment by Osayi Ujunway Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in the book is that if the right principles of human relation are applied, fruitful and lasting relationships can be established with ease.

The seven ideas which were personally most important to me are;

i. Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them.

This idea has exposed me to the importance of understanding the behaviors of the people I deal with everyday. My relationship with people will be enhanced if I imbibe this skill because it will make me know why individuals behave the way they do. I have to understand that people are different and so I do not expect them to behave the way I would want them to behave.

There are some of my classmates that I initially dislike because of their outward disposition most of the time. But, I found out later that there is something particular about these persons that make them behave that way.

Some of them feel that the only way to make people like them is by joking excessively, making-up too much, etc. while some are dull, quiet, etc because they feel that is the way they can measure up to others.

I believe that understanding people is one of the ways of making a relationship worthwhile.

ii. Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise, and people will cherish your words and treasure them and repeat them over a lifetime.

One of the things we like our mother for in my family is her manner of appreciation. Any little thing someone gives my mother or any little help she receives from someone will invite a whole lot of words of appreciation. The person receiving the appreciation will be convinced that it is from her heart.

This single character of hers makes people want to give her a helping hand in anything she sets out to do. It also makes I and my siblings unconsciously want to do things right and also to do the best we can in everything so that we will receive that hearty appreciation from her.

I have learnt that strong relationships are built when we praise and appreciate people. It also helps in bringing out the best in individuals.

iii. ”if there is any one secrete of success, it lies in the ability to get other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as from your own.

Sometimes what brings about quarrel and argument is the inability to get the other person’s point of view. It is imperative that I learn this, in other to relate with people more effectively. I must admit that sometimes it seems difficult but I believe that it is something that can be worked on.

iv. if we want to make friends, let’s put ourselves out to do things for other people – things that require time, energy, unselfishness and thoughtfulness.

Doing things selflessly is one sure way of making good friends. I have learnt that lending a helping hand makes one likable and attractive to people because people like to be helped in one way or the other.

I have a couple of friends because I volunteered to help them in one way or the other

v. If we want to make friends, let’s greet people with animation and enthusiasm.

This idea has made understand the reason why some peoples’ greetings give more light than others’. It is because their greetings are different. While some greet with enthusiasm, others greet with coldness that is, without putting “life” in it.

I must imbibe this attitude of greeting people with animation and enthusiasm.

vi. You must have a good time meeting people if you expect them to have a good time meeting you.

The importance having fun in doing everything I set out to do. According to the author, people rarely succeed at anything unless they have fun doing it. I have learnt that people enjoy meeting individuals that show that they are really happy meeting them. I have discovered that it affects my whole being if I decide to be happy and cheerful to everyone. I have this inner joy that does not allow anger or any negative thought to come in. It also make friends always want to be around me.

vi. One of the simplest, most important ways of gaining good will was by remembering names and making people feel important.

This idea is like a challenge to me. Sometimes I find it difficult to remember peoples’ names and it makes me feel uncomfortable when I meet such persons again. I must learn to remember peoples’ names having seen that it is imperative in effective relationship. Sometime ago, I met a childhood classmate that I have not seen for years, I was able to remember both her surname and her name. She was surprised and at the same time happy after I finished introducing myself to her. We became friends after then.

I accept the fact that remembering peoples’ names makes them feel important. It is an ability that everyone who wants to have a good relational skill should strive to possess.

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

These ideas will be very helpful to me in my daily relationship with people. Any leader without a good relational skill will encounter a lot of obstacles. Nobody is an island and therefore one must need people in one way or the other. The way I relate with people will determine the level of relationship I will develop with them.

I must strive to imbibe these ideas because it will go a long way in making me a better person and therefore a better world.

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

“To be interesting, be interested. Ask questions that other persons will enjoy answering.”

Showing interest in what someone is saying makes the person enjoy being with you. This is one basic thing that this idea exposed me to.

“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.”

This has made me to understand that it is better to allow someone teach him by helping him to find it within him. It is a better approach that leaves both parties with their ego in tact.

“By fighting you never get enough, but by yielding you get more than you expected.”

This idea made me to understand the fact that it is of more gain to yield to the other person than trying to get the person yield to you.

“Nothing good is accomplished and a lot of damage can be done if you tell a person straight out that he or she is wrong.”

Everybody has an ego to protect so, telling someone out rightly that he or she is wrong is like touching a sensitive part of him or her. This can make one lose someone as a close friend or even lose any help that the person would have freely rendered.

“Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.”

Seeing things from the other person’s point of view is a way of showing a person that he or she is important. This is an attitude I must imbibe because I know that it will help me.

“Talk about your mistakes before criticizing the other person”.

From the author’s examples, I have come to realize that when one starts with talking about his own mistakes before criticizing the other person, it produces a better result. This idea will help me in my relationships especially with my younger ones.

“Abilities wither under criticism; they blossom under encouragement.”

This idea reveals to me the importance of encouragement. Criticism is never good for anybody at all. I lacked encouragement as a young person and I know that it affected me so much. It must learn to avoid criticism.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

There were no exercises contained in the book for the reader to complete. The author used so many examples to explain his points and they made the ideas more practicable.

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.

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Goal Setting 101

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The author tried to give a step by step ways of setting and achieving goals.

The ideas which were personally most important to me are;

* For your vision to be translated to action, it must be shared with the people who will be impacted by it.

This statement is like an eye opener to me. Sometimes I find it difficult to share my vision with others including those that ill be impacted by it. The reason could be that I wouldn’t want to hear discouraging comments from people. But I have come to understand that it is very important to share my vision with people because it could serve as a catalyst that will spur me into action.

* You are born with great capabilities, but you will not achieve your potential until you call upon yourself to fulfill it.

Success depends largely on the individual that desires to achieve it. If I must achieve success in life, I must take it upon myself to achieve it. I have to keep this idea in mind in other not to continue running in circles thinking that my abilities will develop themselves without my own conscious efforts.

* The effective goal setter is not content to make the most of what happens to come his way. They devise, invent, and create situations tailored to their strengths.

This is actually one of the important ideas to keep in mind in other to achieve a set goal. If I keep waiting for a perfect situation to achieve my goals, I may end up not achieving them. I will always make it my aim to devise, invent, and create situations tailored to my strength and that will also help me achieve my goals. I must not settle for only what comes my way.

* Results are the judge and jury. In the long run, it’s what you do, not what you say, that will destroy you.

Results are very important; I have to strive to do the right things because it is the result of my actions that defines my success or failure in life.

* When you have gone just as far as you can go, you can still go a little bit further.

This idea is pointing to me the fact that there is every tendency for someone to relax in his/her achieved success. I have to keep in mind that no mater how far I have gone in achieving my goals, I can still go further. This reminds of Jonathan in the book “JONATHAN SEAGULL” whenever he begins to think that he has finally arrived to a particular level, he will see another seagull that has passed that level and so, he will be challenged to move further. An achiever must always see that there are things lying ahead.

* If there is any doubt or fear in your voice, you and others around you will feel it and cave in.

It is indeed very imperative that there is strong conviction about the goals one wants to achieve. When you don’t truly believe in your goals and your ability to achieve them, it will surely show in your voice or in your conduct. I have come to see that one’s voice has a strong effect on the person speaking and also others around him/her. I have to make goals that I have no doubt of achieving so that when I am talking about it, I will be speaking with confidence.

* Performance standards indicate the level of results expected for each goal.

This idea has opened my eyes to the fact that it is very important to set performance standards. They will help me to know my progress towards achieving my goals and also when my goals have been achieved.

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

These ideas will help me to make effective goals. When I make and achieve my goals, my personal life will improve and I will make the world a better place by the better person I will become.

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.

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

The only way to achieve a goal is to lead yourself to victory.

This statement is strong motivator for me. For me to actualize my goal, I must lead myself to victory.

Implementation is everything and it better be fast.

It does not just end in having all the ideas, it is in the implementation of those ideas that the major thing lies. “Delay is dangerous” they say, I must not wait for external factors to implement my goals. I have to be conscious of the time I laid out for each of my goals.

Temporary discomfort is better than temporary relief- if it averts permanent catastrophe.

The need to move out of my comfort zone in other to achieve my set goals is what this idea points out for me.

Successful people do what unsuccessful people simply won’t or can’t do.

Successful people always see opportunities were others see obstacles. They are willing to take risks where other people are not willing to take and this propels them to success.

5. Only by stretching do we grow. If you push the limits, you define new limits, and then you should push those.

It is imperative that one stretches to his/her limits. It brings out the best in a person. I have experienced this in my sports activities. There were activities that I thought would be impossible for me to learn, but when I tried further, it became very easy and there was a redefinition of my limits. This I now believe strongly applies to every goal I set to achieve.

Never close yourself to suggestion and insight from others.

Nobody knows it all. Inspirations and ideas can come from anybody, so it is important that I welcome people’s suggestions and ideas.

It takes courage and character to be a success.

Success is always possible when a person has courage and character. This idea shows me the importance of character and courage in life.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful. They serve as practical guide to setting and achieving goals.

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.

I do not have any comment. The ideas were precise and straight to the point.

Rating

Law of Attraction

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in the book is how to attract more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.

The ideas which were personally most important to me are:

Reasons why these ideas are important to me

a. I attract to my life whatever I give my attention, energy and focus to, whether positive or negative. This idea is like a reminder of what James Allen wrote in his book As A Man Thinketh. I have come to more understanding of the fact that what I give my attention and focus to maters. If I desire good things in my life, I have to pay more attention to good things. I have discovered that things that are going wrong around me capture my attention easily. Most times those things cause me pain even though they don’t concern me. I now see reasons why I have to focus more on those things I desire.

b. The words we think and use generate the vibration we send out. The importance of using positive words in my daily life is what this idea is making me to understand. I have become more careful about the words I use. Using positive words at all times actually makes one feel better.

c. The mood or feeling you are experiencing is causing you to emit or send out a negative or positive vibration. In sending negative or positive vibrations, my feelings and moods have major roles to play. This is what this idea is making realize. If I must send out positive vibrations, then I have to make my feelings and moods match my desire. It does not just end in my positive words but the feeling attached to it.

d. Observing contrast helps you to become clearer about what you want.

For me to know what I want, I have to first of all identify those things I don’t want. I tried this in my Education, finances and relationships and I discovered that I was able to come up with so many things I don’t want and they helped me to know what I really want. Indeed, this idea is helping me. I have to apply it in so many other areas of my life.

e. When you hear yourself saying don’t, not and no, ask yourself “ So, what do I want?” This is a very good practical way of changing every negative mental attitude in my life. I must adopt the use of this question “so, what do I want? In my life and also teach the people around me to do the same. I used it in the exercises included in the book and it helped me to call to mind what I want.

f. It is the absence of doubt that will bring your desire faster. Doubt is a great resistance to my getting what I desire. There is need for me not to doubt at all if I want to see my desires materialize. The tools the author offered in the book for eliminating doubt will be useful for me to eliminate all doubt from my mind.

g. Take time to appreciate anything. It’s the feeling that’s attached to your appreciation that is important. Appreciation and gratitude help you offer strong, positive vibrations. This idea has opened my eyes to another importance of showing appreciation apart from improving the quality of our relationships. It actually makes one offer strong vibrations which are needed for the law of attraction to work. I have to therefore pay attention to the feelings I attach to appreciations that I give to people.

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 ideas will obviously make me a better person and therefore a better world by making me attract situations and circumstances that I desire.

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

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

a. “When your words change, your vibrations changes, and the best news of all is that you can only send out one vibration at a time.”This statement has made me to understand that I can replace my negative words with positive ones and the positive ones will stand because only one vibration can be sent at a time.

b. “Positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. One or the other must dominate. It is your responsibility to make sure that positive emotions constitute the dominating influence of your mind”. Napoleon Hill. I actually have the responsibility of determining which thoughts and emotions dominate my mind.

c. “The speed at which law of attraction manifests your desire is in direct proportion to how much you allow.”I must allow my desire to come true by applying those tools offered by the author in the book for I now know that is important to allow my desires to manifest. Some of the tools especially the use of expressions ‘I’m in the process of…, I’ve decided… and lots can happen are really of great help to me.

d. “Finding evidence that others are having or doing what you want or do helps remove your doubt.” This is indeed a good way of removing doubt.

e. “Your job is to look after your vibration and steer any conversations that you have with people to be more uplifting and positive.” This is one of the qualities I admire in people. Some of my friends always offer hope to me when I stay around them. I have to make this idea a part of me.

f. “When you are feeling really good and everything is working out in your life, things come to you easily, and everyone in your life is positive.” It is better to always feel good than sad over every situation in my life.

g. “Start saying yes to money.” As I read this in the book I felt the author speaking to me. The scenario he painted just described my old self. I use to find it very difficult to accept money or gifts from people apart my family members even when I need it. I have come to see the need for accepting good things that come my way if I must enjoy abundance in life.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or points.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you

complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful. The exercises were very practical and they helped me to understand the law of attraction very well and start applying it to my life.

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.

I do not have any comment. The author used words, illustrations and examples to make his points clear and understandable.

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

GOALS

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in the book is how to set goals and ways to ensure that the goals set are achieved.

Whatever goal message you send to your reticular cortex activates your reticular activating system to make you alert to all possibilities to make that goal a reality.

This idea helps me to understand that defining my goals makes it possible for me to send the right message to my reticular cortex. It is important for me to be alert to the possibilities to make my goals a reality. I have experienced this sometimes but some of them are not deliberate in the sense that I am surprised when they occur. An example is when I was looking for an organization that will provide self help books for me. I was always thinking of how to get good books. Fortunately I discovered IIGL while I was browsing the internet. It was a great surprise to me because it was a dream comes true. I now know that possibilities for making my goals a reality can be made deliberate by sending the right message to my reticular cortex.

Your aim is to reprogram your subconscious mind for success by creating the mental equivalent in everything you do or say.

My subconscious mind needs to be programmed with success images and it is important for materialization of my goals. I believe that this will keep my mind positive in all that I determine to do or say.

If you want to be the best you can be, and to achieve what is truly possible for you, you must be brutally honest with your self and your point of departure.

Being honest to one ’s self may seem bitter sometimes especially when one is not doing well as expected. But, this is what can guarantee good goal setting and success as I’m made to understand from this idea.

Goal setting enables you to use vastly more of your thinking powers than the average person.

I used one of the exercises the author recommended in this book, and I found out that it really works and is very helpful for good goal setting. It is the practice of putting down our goals in form of questions and then trying to get twenty answers to each question. I was amazed at the answers that I was able to come up with within a short time.

The market pays only excellent rewards for excellent performance.

I have to dedicate myself to the practice of excellence in everything that I do. I have come to understand that indeed there is a reward for excellence.

The person who hears one idea and takes action on it is more valuable than a person who hears a hundred ideas but takes action on none of them.

This idea pricks my heart in the sense that I love reading books and many of these books are self help books but the question I asked myself is this “ how many of the principles I learned from these books have I applied in my life. This idea is a challenge to me. If I must benefit from the books I read, it means that I must take action on the ideas and principles I learn.

Dedicate yourself to getting better and better at the few things that you do that account for most of your results.

There is an adage that “practice makes for perfection”. Dedication to my daily works will help me get better in doing them. Whatever new thing I want to inculcate in my life such as time management will get better if I dedicate myself to it. In every area of my life such as my spiritual life, academic, career, etc. I have dedicate myself to getting better in them.

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

These ideas will obviously make me a better person and therefore a better world by making me achieve my goals which are needed for the creation of a better society.

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.

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“Wherever your attention goes, your life goes as well.”

This idea helps me to be conscious of things that I give attention to.

“The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible” Richard M. DeVos.

There is need for every man to develop the will to try new things and believe that he can succeed in it. I have understood that it pays.

“You are not what you think you are, but what you think, you are.”

This reminds me of James Allen’s book “AS A MAN THINKETH”. Indeed our predominant thought determines who we are. I have to make my thoughts consistent to the way I want my life to be.

“God don’t make no junk”.

This idea emphasizes to me the fact that I am never a junk. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

“.Within every difficulty or obstacle, there is the seed of an equal or greater advantage or benefit “ – Napoleon Hill

I have to see difficulties or obstacles as stepping stones unto greater heights. I have to face my problem and not avoid them.

“You act as if you have a secret guarantee of success, and only you know about it.

This idea makes me conscious of the fact that there is a higher being that is at work in me that can make me succeed in everything I do.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” – George Santayana

It is important to learn from history. This means that I have to know the history of the people that has experienced similar things in other to avoid the mistakes they might have made.

The uncommon man is merely the common man thinking and dreaming of success and in more fruitful areas”.- Melvin Powers.

This idea makes it clear that what makes a man uncommon is his ability to think and dream of success more than others.

Make your life an ongoing process of positive visualization, continually imagining and “visioneering” your ideal goals and your perfect future.

This emphasizes the need for me to inculcate the habit of positive visualization of my goals and ideal future.

Whenever you have a clear goal that you visualize continually, and that you are working toward each day, happy, unexpected events and experiences seem to occur in your life, each of which seems to help you to achieve your goals even faster.

This idea also explains to me the importance of positive visualization.

Use your intelligence and creativity every single day to find ways to make yourself more valuable to your industry, your company and your world.

This idea is a challenge to me to make use of what I have each day to add value to my immediate environment and my world.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or points.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

NonViolent Communication
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
In the book, the author tried to convey an approach to communicating – both speaking and listening- that leads us to give from the heart, connecting us with ourselves and with each other in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish.

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.
The ideas which were personally most important to me are;
i. Our analysis of others is actually expressions of our own needs and values.
This idea actually got me thinking because I suddenly realized that I am a victim of analyzing and determining levels of wrongness of others rather than on what I and others need and are getting. Just as the author rightly pointed out, this form of communication most often leads to defensive behaviors among the very people whose behaviors are of concern to us. I have a roommate whom I labeled ‘careless’ because most often she leaves her corner very untidy and this makes the room look untidy too. When I told her that she is not a careful person, she accepted the fact that she is careless but it is because she is a carefree person. I pointed that out to her because I wanted her to be more organized but, that did not solve the problem. She ended up giving reasons for her actions and expects me not to bother her again. This idea has made me to understand that a better language can be used to express our needs to others rather than judging them.

ii. What others do may be the stimulus of our feelings but not the cause.
This idea is important to me because it makes me conscious of the fact that I am the cause of my feelings. I have learned that I choose to react the way I want; others can only stimulate but does not cause me to feel a particular way. This idea will always help me to look inwards and identify the cause of my feelings and address them rather than trying to point at external factors.

iii. When we combine observation with evaluation, people are apt to hear criticism.
The world is changing constantly so also we expect people and situations to change. I have learnt from this aspect of Non-violent Communication (NVC) to avoid static generalizations. My language will be understood more clearly if I make my observations in a specific time and context. Instead of using a usual language such as “Jane is not intelligent”, I can use “Jane has not made a good grade since our first year”.

iv. By expressing our needs, we are far more likely to get them met than judging, blaming, or punishing them.
It is quite amazing how much I have been expressing my needs wrongly. This idea is really an eye opener to me. I am more likely to get my needs met when I express my needs directly than diagnosing other people’s behavior. I am beginning to choose my words more carefully because I am a victim of judging others when my needs are not met.

v. Express appreciation to celebrate, not to manipulate.
I am accustomed to the fact that appreciation makes people feel good and willing to do better. I grew up in a family where little things we do on our own without being asked is highly appreciated and this encourages us to do more. It has almost become a habit for me to always give appreciation to encourage people to do more but I have come to understand that it should go beyond that. Appreciation is meant for celebration and not manipulation in NVC.

vi. If I am aware that it is the power of God working through me that gives me the power to enrich life for others then I may avoid both ego trap and false humility.
This calls for a need to be conscious of the fact that I am God’s instrument and so I have no credit whatsoever to anything I do to enrich other people’s lives. I believe this consciousness will help me to avoid ego trap and false humility.

vii. When we are internally violent toward ourselves, it is difficult to be genuinely compassionate towards others.
This idea is important me because it expresses to me the need to be compassionate towards myself. When this is lacking, it will reflect in my relationship with others. Compassion makes us react differently to ourselves as well as others.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
My perspective and reactions to life and situations will definitely change and generally improve if I imbibe these ideas in my daily personal life. Using NVC will help me create a better world by making me to be a better person.

i. We deny responsibility for our actions when we attribute their cause to factors outside ourselves.
Trying to push my mistakes to external factors will only cause me not to take the necessary correction. It is very important to face the truth concerning our lives because that is when we can allow improvement.

ii. We need empathy to give empathy.
This is a two-way thing. You cannot give what you do not have. This statement is like an encouragement to me to make sure that I empathize with myself first then others.

iii. We can never make people do anything.
I agree with this statement that we cannot make people do anything in the real sense. People change in their own interest when they see that changing will benefit them.

iv. An important form of self-compassion is to take the choices motivated purely by our desire to contribute to life rather than out of fear, guilt, shame, duty or obligation.
The energy behind every action has a very strong influence in our lives. Sometimes we do things we do not like believing that we don’t have a choice to make. I have understood that we always have a choice and the choices we make go a long way in determining our fulfillment. Being aware of the need our choices serve is also important.

v. When we do things solely in the spirit of enhancing life, we will find others appreciating us.
This idea encourages me to always do things in the spirit of enriching life. Money, approval, and guilt motivated actions make us to deny ourselves and do for others in other to get these things. It is important that I recognize that I have been chosen to use my power to serve life. This is how genuine joy and fulfillment can come to us in a way we can never get from others.

vi. The ability to hear our own feelings and needs and empathize with them can free us from depression.
When we fail to empathize with ourselves, we are apt to be depressed. It is pertinent for me to develop the ability to hear my feelings and needs and empathize with them.

vii. Receive appreciation without feelings of superiority or false humility.
I am reminded by this statement to receive appreciation in the awareness that it is the power of God working through me that gives me the power to enrich life for others.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, If so, why?
I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements. He used practical terms and examples to teach his principles and they are very effective.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you
Complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was the book to read? 10
B. How helpful were its 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 Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the authors of the book is trying to convey is that leadership skills are important tools in achieving more happiness and contentment in life if they are effectively used.

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.
The ideas which were personally most important to me are:
A. Just because you take the lead don’t mean that you’ll always be in the lead, because leadership is temporary. Leadership takes place because of an intersection of a need, a goal, and a person willing to assume responsibility.
B. The people who get on in this world, are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them – George Benard Shaw
C. One of the discoveries that you make as a leader is that you are never going to make everybody happy.
D. One of the criteria for leadership is the ability to elicit cooperation from others.
E. One of the factors that can make leadership inspiring is the desire to improve the life of the people
F. Leading is about decision making, and one of the most important decisions you can make is to let your team make the decisions.
G. Leadership is about embracing responsibility, but not only when it suits you.
Here are the reasons why these ideas are important to me
A. Just because you take the lead don’t mean that you’ll always be in the lead, because leadership is temporary. Leadership takes place because of an intersection of a need , a goal, and a person willing to assume responsibility. This idea is like a reminder to me. The consciousness that the period of leadership is limited makes a leader to utilize every opportunity he has to see that his goals are accomplished. If leadership is required because of a need at a particular time and place, it means that there is little or no need for leadership when those needs have been met. Awareness of the purpose of being a leader at a particular time is important in other to ascertain when the leadership is no longer needed. If I take up any leadership position today, this consciousness has to be in me.
B. The people who get on in this world, are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them – George Benard Shaw. The circumstances I want will not always come on its own. If I must move on in life, I have to look for or make the situation I want. There was a particular semester in my school that we had so much workload with little time to study. I needed more time to study my books so I had to cut time from the time I use to get ready for school in the morning and then from the time we use to wait for our morning lecturers. With that time every morning, I had enough study time for myself throughout the semester. I am convinced that the circumstances we want in life can be made by us.
C. One of the discoveries that you make as a leader is that you are never going to make everybody happy. This is one of the statements that make me strong when I discover that some people are not happy with me in my group. Recently, I organized a “Love Feast” in the place I worship. I tried all I could to make sure that everybody that came for that program is happy at the end. After the program, many people seemed to be happy with the activities of that day. From peoples’ reactions and from my observations also, I felt that the program was a success. But, later I was told about a particular person that was complaining about the program. Indeed, I have come to realize that I cannot make everybody happy as a leader.
D. One of the criteria for leadership is the ability to elicit cooperation from others. Eliciting cooperation from others is indeed very important in leadership. When there is no cooperation from others, leadership can be frustrating. In any leadership position I find myself, I must try to elicit cooperation from others.
E. One of the factors that can make leadership inspiring is the desire to improve the life of the people. This statement makes me understand that a leader that can make a lasting impact is one that is out to improve the lives of people. The calibers of leaders that are respected in my community today are those that are out to improve the lives of people.
F. Leading is about decision making, and one of the most important decisions you can make is to let your team make the decisions. I have come to understand that it is important to involve members of the team in decision making in every leadership. When the team is left out during decision making, it is usually difficult to elicit their cooperation.
G. Leadership is about embracing responsibility, but not only when it suits you. Leadership is all about taking responsibilities both when it suits and when it does not suit the leader. In any leadership role I take, I have to keep this idea in mind so as not to get it wrong.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
These ideas will be of great help to me in life especially whenever I assume any leadership role. They will help me to be a good leader who will impact positively in the society and in the world at large.

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.
Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me are:
“The drive to succeed is composed of aggressiveness, self-confidence, and the ability to communicate.” This statement shows me the importance of aggressiveness, self-confidence, and effective communication to my success in life.
“A good leader doesn’t wait for information, but instead seeks it out.”
“Knowledge is power” (Bacon). A leader has to be informed in other to lead effectively. He has to go for knowledge maybe by reading books, using the internet, etc. and not waiting to get information from people.
“Effective leaders seek the truth and adjust their sights according to what they learn.” It is important for me to practice everything I learn in order to make an effective leader
“A new idea doesn’t have to be unique. It just has to be something that works.” Ideas must not be unique, what is important is that it has to work.
“To be an effective coach, you have to let your team know where you stand, what the vision means to you, and what you will do to make it happen.” This statement makes me understand that working with a team entails being open to them. This will help to create rapport among the members of the team and thus can lead to effective coaching.
“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” – Olive Wendell Holmes. It is pertinent for me to always know where I am and where I am going in life.
“You’ve got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe. You’ve got to give of yourself before you’re willing to receive.” – The Ballad of Desert Pete. This statement reminds me of the importance of having faith and believing in myself.
“Concentrate on solving problems. Avoid assessing blame.” Solving problems always pays more than blame. It is important that I always focus on problem solving rather than blaming and complaining.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, If so, why?
The book gives a good exposition of the concept of leadership. I am clear about the author’s ideas and I do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements. He used practical terms and examples to teach his principles and they are very effective.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
The book contained exercises for the reader to complete; I completed them and found them very helpful.

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in the book is that when an individual has a character that is based on correct principles, it helps him to be more effective in solving his problems, relating with people, and also achieving his desired goals.

The ideas which were personally most important to me are;
a. By working on ourselves instead of worrying about conditions, we are able to influence the condition.
b. The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it.
c. Roles and goals give structure and organized direction to your personal mission.
d. An organizational mission statement – one that truly reflects the deep shared vision and values of everyone within that organization – creates a great unity and tremendous commitment.
e. If we don’t have a clear idea of what is important, of results we desire in our lives, we are easily diverted into responding to the urgent.
f. You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically –to say “no” to other things.
g. The more authentic you become, the more genuine in your expression, particularly regarding personal experiences and even self-doubts, the more people can relate to your expression and the safer it makes them feel to express themselves.

The Reasons why these ideas are important to me

a. By working on ourselves instead of worrying about conditions, we are able to influence the condition.
I can influence conditions in my life by deliberately working on myself. Worrying about a condition without working on myself will not make the condition any better. My communication with people used to be a source of worry to me. Worrying about it then made no difference until I started working on myself by joining groups and organizations that will help me improve my communication skill.

b. The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it. Mistakes are bound to be made by any human being and so, if I happen to make any mistake in life, I should acknowledge it instantly, correct it and then learn from it in other for it not to repeat. If I deny the existence of any mistake that I made, it only worsens the situation and gives no room for correction or improvement.
c. Roles and goals give structure and organized direction to your personal mission. This statement makes me understand better the importance of roles and goals in life. Identifying my different roles in life and setting goals is important for my personal focus in life.

d. An organizational mission statement – one that truly reflects the deep shared vision and values of everyone within that organization – creates a great unity and tremendous commitment. This idea makes me to see the need for an organizational mission statement to be formed by everybody in the organization. This will help bring out the values of the members and will also enhance commitment and unity among members in the organization.

e. If we don’t have a clear idea of what is important, of results we desire in our lives, we are easily diverted into responding to the urgent. The knowledge and the consciousness of the results that I desire in life, will help me to remain in track and also remain focused in life. There are a lot of distractions in life, and when one does not really know what he or she wants, he/she can be easily distracted. This idea makes me to see that there are things that seem urgent to me but are not important and therefore does not contribute in any way to my life. I have to be clear about what I want in life in other not to be distracted by those things that are not important.

f. You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically –to say “no” to other things. It is always good to know your stand in life and your priorities in other not to compromise standards. Pleasantly saying “no” to things outside my priorities will always pay me off better. I had an application in my cell phone called ‘whatsapp’. It is a form social network. My friends would want to chat with me even when I have an important thing to do and sometimes I will be tempted to chat with them. I had to learn to say “no” to them because I discovered that it was a time waster to me.

g. The more authentic you become, the more genuine in your expression, particularly regarding personal experiences and even self-doubts, the more people can relate to your expression and the safer it makes them feel to express themselves. This idea is important to me for effective communication. I have to work on myself in other to be authentic because it indirectly affects my expressions.

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

These ideas will help me create a better world by making me to be a better person.

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

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“It is not what others do or even our own mistakes that hurt us the most; it is our response to those things.” This idea is important to me because it makes to see that I can influence my response to situations in my life.

“As we make and keep commitments, even small commitments, we begin to establish an inner integrity that gives us the awareness of self-control and the courage and strength to accept more of the responsibility for our own lives.” This idea makes me see that keeping commitments no matter how little makes me establish an inner integrity which is needed for personal achievement.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”—Oliver Wendell Holmes. This idea makes me have confidence in myself. I have within me all it takes to live a happy, successful and fulfilled life.

“There is a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things.” This is like a reminder to me that there is a need for constant renewal of my mind because what happens to me in the physical is a product of my thoughts.

“People can’t live with change if there’s not a changeless core inside them.” This idea makes me understand the fact that for me to adapt to changes in situations, the change has to begin with me. There has to be a change inside of me for me to affect any change in my life.

“Self-mastery and self-discipline are the foundation of good relationships with others.” This idea makes me see that there is a need for me to master myself and also cultivate self-discipline.

“The most important ingredient we put into any relationship is not what we say or what we do, but what we are.” This emphasizes the need for me to build myself because who I am has a strong influence in my expressions.

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

I understood the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements. He used practical examples to explain his ideas and they were very effective.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader; I completed them and found them very helpful.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Unlimited Power
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The book is about maximizing your personal power, learning how to be effective and successful in what you try to do.

The ideas which were personally most important to me are;

a. No matter how terrible a situation is, you can represent it in a way that empowers you.
b. If we don’t consciously direct our own minds and states, our environment may produce undesirable haphazard states.
c. The path to success consist of knowing your outcome, taking action, knowing what results you’re getting, and having the flexibility to change until you’re successful.
d. If you find enough reasons to do something, you can get you can get yourself to do anything.
e. The surest way to achieve excellence is to model someone who has already done what you want to do.
f. No matter what you want in your life, if you can develop rapport with the right people, you’ll be able to fill their needs, and they will be able to fill yours.
g. The more flexible you are, the more options you create, the more doors you can open, and the more successful you will be.

Below are the Reasons why these ideas are important to me:

a. No matter how terrible a situation is, you can represent it in a way that empowers you.
This statement makes me see that it is possible to represent a situation no matter how bad it may seem in a way that empowers me. I once performed poorly in a course in school that so much demoralized me. I refused to accept that result as mine for a couple of weeks until I saw that I could do nothing to change it. It was not a pleasant period for me. I have come to realize that when faced with such situation, seeing it as a challenge to study more in other to perform better next time will be a better option.

b. If we don’t consciously direct our own minds and states, our environment may produce undesirable haphazard states. This reminds me of James Allen’s statements in the book As a Man Thinketh. We are the products of what we think. We have the ability to control our circumstances with what we think. This statement reinforces to me the fact that there is need for me to consciously direct my mind in other to produce the desirable state.

c. The path to success consist of knowing your outcome, taking action, knowing what results you’re getting, and having the flexibility to change until you’re successful.
This statement encompasses all that I should always keep in mind in other to achieve my goals in life. If my goal in my academics is to graduate as one of the best in my class, then I should be able to study and do all that is required to make good grades. I have to keep track of the result am getting to ensure that they a good, if they are not, I will have to change my study patterns to see if I will make my desired grades. I should be flexible in my pattern of study until achieve my goal. This is applicable to every other goal I want to achieve in life.

d. If you find enough reasons to do something, you can get you can get yourself to do anything.
This statement is a motivation to me to always attach reasons to everything I do. This will help to give me strong basis for my action and increase my commitment to it.

e. The surest way to achieve excellence is to model someone who has already done what you want to do.

This statement made me to understand the concept of role modeling more. It is important that I have a model who will serve as a guide to achieving whatever I want.

f. No matter what you want in your life, if you can develop rapport with the right people, you’ll be able to fill their needs, and they will be able to fill yours.

I have come to understand that rapport is a skill that is very important in my life. It is one of the basic skills that I require in my profession. For me to be very effective in my nursing profession I have to develop this skill.

g. The more flexible you are, the more options you create, the more doors you can open, and the more successful you will be.

This statement makes me to see the need to be flexible in life. There is tendency for one get used to a particular pattern of life.

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

These ideas will help me create a better world by making me to be a better person.

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

The Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me were:

“The great end of life is not knowledge but action”. – Thomas Henry Huxley
This statement is important to me because it reminds me of the fact that knowledge without action is useless. It is important that that I put everything I learn into action. I learn a lot of knew things from books, people, experiences, etc. but all the things I learn are useless if I do not practice them.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it”. – W. Somerset Maugham

This statement encourages me to strive for nothing but the best in life. Sometimes we are afraid of seeking for the best believing that it is impossible, but I have come to understand that whatever I put my mind to achieve and work towards it, I can achieve.

“The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck”. – Anthony Robbins

This statement shows that there is nothing like “luck” where there is no preparation. The lucky ones are those that are prepared. I must not neglect personal development as a means of equipping myself for the future.

“Your reality is the reality you create. If you have positive internal representations of beliefs, it’s because that’s what you have created.”

This statement agrees with the statements of James Allen and so many other authors. Striving to keep my internal beliefs positive is something worth doing because it affects many other aspect of my life.

“People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals – that is, goals that do not inspire them”. – Anthony Robbins

This statement makes me see the importance of having not just goals but goals that inspires me. It is only when I have such goals that I can be heartily committed to achieving them.

“One who is too insistent on his own views, finds few to agree with him”. – Lao- Tsu, Tao Teb King
I should be flexible enough to listen to other people’s opinion. This is what makes this statement important to me.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. –Theodore Roosevelt

This statement is like an action statement to me. If I have any skill or knowledge that is needed in any place that I find myself, I should not hesitate to use it.

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

The author used examples and clear statements to drive his points and ideas home. I understood the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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

I did the exercises recommended in the book and they were very helpful. I will continue to practice some of them which were very new to me so as to master them.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment 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 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

Conversations with God – An Uncommon Dialogue
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (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 is that God is everywhere and speaks to everybody using different media and has given man the opportunity to create himself the way he choose to and also experience that which he has chosen to create.

The ideas which were personally most important to me are:

A. Prayer

No prayer and a prayer is nothing more than a fervent statement of what is so goes unanswered. Every prayer, every thought, every statement, every feeling- is creative. To the degree that it is fervently held as truth, to that degree will it be made manifest in your experience.

I have always believed that God answers prayers according to His will not my own will and so my duty was to pray and allow Him to do His will. He decides whether to answer my requests or do His will which I believe is the best for me. Sometimes, I ask God for specific things for a long time but they seem not to be answered. On some occasions, I receive something less than I asked. I will still thank God and believe that it is His will.
This idea that no prayer goes unanswered has made me to realize that some of those prayers that I felt were unanswered were not held as truth. I may have prayed but did not truly believe that my request will be answered. I believe that I will start praying rightly and fervently believing that they will be answered.

B. Fear

Yet if you knew who you are; that you are the most magnificent, the most remarkable, the most splendid being God has ever created – you would never fear. For who could reject such wondrous magnificence? Not even God could find fault in such a being.

This idea has made me to understand that God made me deliberately wonderful and I can trust his love. His love for me is eternal and it is not dependent on my actions and so I do not need to be afraid. I just need to be conscious of who I am in God so that I will not be deceived.

C. Change

The first step in changing anything is to know and accept that you have chosen it to be what it is. This idea reminds me that I have the responsibility of what I can achieve. I must not entertain any notion that something or someone else is out there doing anything to or for me. Anything that happens to me, I should accept that I chose it to be so.

D. Pain

Pain results from a judgment you have made about a thing. Remove the judgment and the pain disappears. The judgment I make about situations in my life determines my reactions to them. If I make negative judgment about anything, I sure will feel negative about it. If I feel that a situation or condition is very painful, I will surely feel pain. In other to be happier in life, I can decide to give positive judgment to circumstances surrounding me.

E. Partnership with God.

You are in Partnership with God. We share an eternal covenant. My promise to you is to always give you what you ask. Your promise is to ask; to understand the process of asking and the answering. God has created universal laws that enable one to have or create what he likes and every moment of our lives, we are operating in these laws whether consciously or unconsciously. Thus, everything that I have ever experienced, I had created. I have realized that I am truly in partnership with God in creation of my circumstances in life and so I can choose to consciously partner with Him for good.

F. The point of life

The point of life is not to get anywhere; it is to notice that you are, and have always been, already there. You are, always and forever, in the moment of pure creation. The point of life is therefore to create who and what you are, and then to experience that. There is a statement that people often make and that is “life is a journey.” I have believed this statement, that there is a destination for every man depending on our actions in life. This idea has made me see that I do not need to get anywhere for me to create and experience. I am already at that point in life.

G. The deepest secret is that life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation.

You are not discovering yourself, but creating yourself anew. Seek, therefore, not to find out who you are, seek to determine who you want to be. Determining who I want to be and seeking to create it is an inspiration that I got from this idea. Who I am at the moment may not be my ideal self therefore I can determine to be the kind of person I want to become.

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

These ideas will help me understand my place in God and live every day of my life in consciousness of who I really am, creating and experiencing myself. Conscious living I believe is needed in our society today. The knowledge that I create my experiences and circumstances can make me change a lot in my life. If many people should have this knowledge and practice it, the world will be a better world. By living a conscious life and encouraging people around me to do the same, I will create a better world.

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

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“The correct prayer is never a prayer of supplication but a prayer of gratitude.”

This statement helps me to see the importance of a prayer of gratitude.

“When you choose the action love sponsors, then will you do more than survive, then will you do more than win, then will you do more than succeed. Then will you experience the full glory of who you really are, and who you can be.”

“To live is to love.”

This is one of the statements that inspires me each day. This idea has given more inspiration about love. If I consciously allow all my actions to be love sponsored, it will indeed make me live a better life.

“Your job on earth, therefore, is not to learn (because you already know), but to re-member who you are. And to re-member who everyone else is. “

This idea is actually novel to me. I am on earth to “remember” not learn. This statement really got me thinking. Because I am part of God, I have always been and will always be. The act of returning to God is called remembrance.

“Hell is the opposite of joy. It is unfulfillment. It is knowing who you are and failing to experience that. It is being less.”

This statement puts it to me that when one fails to experience herself as a co-creator with God, the person will not experience the joy that comes with such experience. Thus it is hell.

“You are the creator of your reality, and life can show up no other way for you than that way in which you think it will.”

This idea reminds me of the important fact that I am the creator of my reality. If I must create my ideal reality, I have to think well of it.

“God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything – and therefore a divine presence in everything.”
This idea calls my attention to a more conscious living. If I live more consciously, I will see the divine purpose behind every of my experiences.

“A true teacher is not the one with the most knowledge but one who causes the most others to have knowledge.”

This statement simply inspires me of who a true teacher is.

“For this is both the goal and glory of God: that His subjects shall be no more, and that all shall know God not as the unattainable, but as the unavoidable.”

This statement has made me to understand more that God is always in everything concerning me whether I sin or not. He is always near me no matter the condition that I find myself. He is never far away.

“I want for you what you want for you.”

This statement makes it clear to me that it is what I want that God also wants for me. He always gives me the opportunity to decide what I want.

“I do not make a judgment about creations that you conjure, I simply empower you to conjure more – and more and more, if you don’t like what you’ve just created, choose again, my job, as God, is to always give you that opportunity.”

God empowers me to create whatever I choose whether good or bad. It is my duty to decide whether to create good or bad.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 challenges the reader to make changes in life and live more consciously but contains no exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment 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 were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Money is Love
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book is that money is energy that should flow freely through our lives and throughout the world if not associated with fear or evil but with goodwill, joy, love and abundance.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and why are below:

A. One by one, as we decide to change money energy from greed, fear, lack, and suffering, into love, joy, abundance, and goodwill, our own circumstances will change for the better.
B. The fear that there is not enough money comes from our separation from the sacred aspect of money. In the divine realm, there is abundance for all.
C. Hoarding stops the flow of energy. Hoarding creates a wall of stopped-up energy.
D. Because money is energy directed by peoples’ thoughts, there can be enough money, or there can be not enough money.
E. As individuals and as societies, human beings have the ability to direct the flow of energy in the form of money.
F. When you give to someone or some organization because they are experiencing scarcity, you are supporting lack.
G. The divine is deep within your own soul, lovingly nudging you toward recognition of your own divinity.

A. One by one, as we decide to change money energy from greed, fear, lack, and suffering, into love, joy, abundance, and goodwill, our own circumstances will change for the better.

This idea is important to me because I realized that I am a victim of this. The thoughts I usually have about money are mostly negative such as: lack, fear etc. I grew up in an environment where we normally hear statements like “there is no money, we have not been paid, don’t spend too much, etc. and also rich people are usually associated with evil and wickedness. We often hear about blood money, embezzlement of public funds, etc. These stories surrounding wealthy people and money I believe made me to develop so much negative attitudes towards money. I have decided to change my negative thoughts and attitudes towards money.

B. The fear that there is not enough money comes from our separation from the sacred aspect of money. In the divine realm, there is abundance for all.

The consciousness of the sacredness of money will help me to dispel any negative thought that I have concerning money and wealth. I now believe that money is a divine provision and it is abundant for all.

C. Hoarding stops the flow of energy. Hoarding creates a wall of stopped-up energy.

I now understand that hoarding sends a negative message to the brain that there is no enough money. I will try and develop the attitude of being free with money.

D. Because money is energy directed by peoples’ thoughts, there can be enough money, or there can be not enough money.

When many people believe that there can be enough money, there will be enough money for all and vice versa. This calls for reorientation of many others who hold negative thoughts about money because their thought can affect the flow of money. I will play my own part of sharing what I have learnt to people around me.

E. As individuals and as societies, human beings have the ability to direct the flow of energy in the form of money.

This is one of the ideas that I got from this book that is novel to me. If human beings have the ability to direct the flow of money, that means that the amount of money in a society whether abundant or scarce is determined by individuals in that society. It is important for me and every other person to have a positive attitude towards money for it to flow freely and abundantly in the society.

F. When you give to someone or some organization because they are experiencing scarcity, you are supporting lack.

I understood from this statement that the thought underlying any of my actions is important to the result. If I have the thought of lack as I am giving to people, I am supporting lack but if I have the feeling of abundance when I am giving to others, I am supporting abundance. It is therefore important that I be conscious of my thoughts and make sure that I radiate positive energies in all my actions.

G. The divine is deep within your own soul, lovingly nudging you toward recognition of your own divinity.

The divine being is ever near me and never far away as I think sometimes. He is always near me in love. I am part of the divine and the recognition of this fact will go a long way in helping me understand how to work with him better.

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

These ideas will help me to change the negative thoughts that I have towards money such as fear, wickedness, pride, lack, not enough always, etc. to positive thoughts such as love, happiness, abundance, etc. This is important because it affects the flow of money to me and to other people. I will also share these new ideas with friends and acquaintances in other to help reduce the negative thoughts and attitude many people have towards money.

I believe that by living out these ideas and helping others come to the knowledge of these facts, I am creating a better world.

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

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“Thoughts direct energy and energy follows thought.”

This statement is like a summary of the book. Awareness of one’s thoughts is important in other to determine the type of energy he/she wants to transmit – positive or negative.

“Money is energy directed by our thoughts and can take any form that we collectively agree upon.”

Human beings can decide that something is money or not. The form money takes is dependent on the decision of human beings. This statement reminds me of the many forms our money has taken all these years – coins, cowries, etc.

“To receive we must be alert, awake, and prepared to receive.” By Matthew Fox

This idea made me to understand that receiving also requires a level of consciousness.

“Once we recognize our own divinity we are able to see, more and more clearly, the part that we play in our own destiny. Prayer helps us get to this point.”

This idea makes it clear to me that we have a role to play in our destinies and recognizing our divinity makes it easier. Prayer is also important in life and it helps us to shape our destinies.

“The divine isn’t sitting up on some distant cloud waiting to make bargains with you.”

The divine is living right inside me, speaking and guiding me towards good choices in life. He does not love us conditionally rather unconditionally and therefore does not desert us when we do not meet his demands. He simply waits patiently and creates opportunities for us to know him better.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements. He used simple and clear language to express his ideas.

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

The book contained exercises for the reader; I tried some them and found them very helpful. Even though the exercises require patience and constant practice in other to be effective.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

The Cultural Creatives
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The author in the book revealed who the cultural creatives are and their emergence over the last generation with their distinctive values and lifestyles.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why I found them important;

A. When you’re trying to change the old culture, as environmentalists were, you can’t play within the old culture’s mind-set.

This idea made it clear that one cannot cause change with the same old mind-set, there has to be a different mind-set he/she must have developed. If there is any situation that I want to change in my world, I must have developed a different mind-set other than the existing one.

B. The curiosity to explore, or to follow a vision, is juicy and fertile.

It is fed by love- longing to know more about what you love and not even thinking of parting from it until you’ve uncovered every secret. Having a vision is an important step to success in life. It is having a vision and following that vision that makes it clearer and every secret needed to attain the vision will be unveiled.

C. A vision of the future can inspire a culture to invest in and provide for better, more viable world.

This idea helped me to understand that when there is a clear vision of the future, the necessary steps needed to achieve that vision will be taken on time. Decisions concerning the future will be taken rightly and unnecessary mistakes will be avoided.

D. In order to stop being in a story, you need another story, another framework; otherwise, the old story still holds you in its grip.

This idea made me to understand that until we have mapped out our ideal way of life and move towards it, the old way of life will continue to hold us down. If I must live a life different from the status quo, I must create the path that I want to follow and move towards it.
When I was a child, I use to hear my brothers say that all the girls in my family took after our grandmother who was always angry and quarrelsome. They usually make such comments because they use to quarrel a lot with my elder sisters. I never enjoyed those scenarios as a child and I desired to be different. As I was growing up, I discovered that I also shout at people sometimes just like my elder sisters. It was until I decided to live a happy and anger free life and worked at myself that so many negative behaviors disappeared from my life.
E. When the forces of old life are behind you, and the sea is ahead of you, the waters aren’t going to part unless somebody starts walking.

I understood from this idea that change seldom occurs without opposition which could be internal or external. Going back to the old life because the new life seems to be difficult should not be an option. When you persevere in faith towards the new life, it will open unto us. The opposition will only overcome you when you surrender to it.
I must take this idea to heart and never give up in following my dreams in faith.

F. Each person’s path is unique, but true stories can be maps of some of the major landmarks and compass settings for the journey.

Reading or listening to other people’s stories can actually serve as a vital map towards our journey. The book of exodus and the stories of the cultural creatives which the author narrated in the book have indeed inspired me.

G. Dreaming is the first step to becoming. To dream of the time ahead is to welcome an inner fold of reality we long for but have not yet realized.

This idea brings out the importance of dreams. A man’s dream makes him have a picture of his future and this helps in making it a reality.

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

These ideas will help me to shape my attitudes towards life and make me a better person.
When I am seeking to cause a change in my life or in my environment, I must understand that it has to be done with a new and better mind-set. I have to ensure that I take the responsibility of creating the story that I want to live in when the old story is no longer working for me. These attitudes will help me to create a better world.

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

The statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“We cannot solve the problems we have created with the same thinking that created them.” Albert Einstein

This statement makes it clear to me that a different mindset is needed in problem solving.

“Whatever you love, opens its secrets to you.” George Washington Carver

This idea made me understand that I understand better whatever I put my heart to in love.

“The good Lord can’t direct your steps if you aren’t taking any.”
This statement puts it to me that actions are true evidence of faith and it is very necessary for God direction.

“After all that you have left, and crossed over, and wandered through, after all of the letting go of the old bitterness that hardens you, you have to build something real in order to complete you journey to the new land.”

There is a need to build a structure for our lives. A strong structure will help to keep us in the new life we have found.

“And when you take the time to build the structure for new life, you will have it always.”

Building a structure for one’s life is something that is done deliberately and carefully. If you spend time with patience and build a good structure, it will always be there. This is what this statement made me to understand.

“Being free means being connected, being in relationship with God, and that that can flow into your community and all your relationships.”

This idea reminds me that my relationship with God is very important in all ramifications. It is one of the best things that can ever happen to a man because in Him you understand who you really are.

“Walking with friends at your side is not the same as having elders who have made the journey before you and who can offer guidance and support.”

This statement explains the importance of having elders who have made the same journey that you are making guide you. It reminds me of Jonathan in the book “Jonathan Seagull”. He learnt new things he never imagined he could learn on his own from those that had gone ahead of him and they helped him achieve his dreams. Having an elder(s) by your side as you are making your journey is an asset and should be valued.

“If we are going into a period of fundamental change as momentous as the industrial revolution, then we had better take a much more careful reading of history.”

Having a glimpse of how things were done in the past will serve as a guide in achieving one’s goals in life. It will help one to avoid the mistakes that were made in the past and also may provide a guide on certain issues in one’s life.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements. He used true life examples to drive home his ideas.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment 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? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

How to be Like a Woman of Influence

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The authors focused on the achievements and characters of twenty extraordinary women and the life lessons from each of them.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why;

A. Caring comes from being able to put yourself in the position of others – Eleanor Roosevelt.

This idea got my attention because caring is an attitude that is associated with my profession. Sometimes it is truly difficult to show adequate care to people who need it especially when what they are going through are not understood. When I do not know what it means to go a whole day without food, I may not be able to show care to the poor. It is by understanding and putting myself in the position of others that I can actually care for them.

B. Only through a book is it possible to explore “the most fascinating thing in the world- another person’s mind.” Eleanor Roosevelt.

Through IIGL studies, I have come to understand that the above statement made by Eleanor Roosevelt is true. One can know about so many things through reading. Other people’s ideas can be discovered by reading their thoughts in a book. Reading I must say is indispensable for anybody that wants to succeed in life.

Just like the great women described in the book, I must never neglect reading books, journals, pamphlets, etc. I love reading and I hope to make other people that I encounter to develop the habit of reading books.

C. “Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.” Eleanor Roosevelt.

This idea is important to me because I live in an environment where many people retire even at fifties and sixties and will never take up other jobs until they die. I have come to understand that when one lives boldly and bravely with a purpose, he/she will not allow age to be a barrier. Just like Eleanor Roosevelt and other women in the book, I will never look at age as a barrier to things that I would want to accomplish.

D. “Be a living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greetings.” Mother Teresa

This statement by Mother Theresa reflects what it means to live a true Christian life. She lived such life and it was rewarding to her and the entire humanity. I will strive to imbibe this attitude of kindness in every sphere of my life.

E. “No matter how well prepared you are, the unexpected happens. How you cope then remains, of course, the real test.” Margaret Thatcher

The courage to remain steadfast and continue when the unexpected happens is an attitude that pays. From Margaret Thatcher’s story, failure is never an excuse to stop pursuing ones dreams. Sometimes in life, it is not what we expect the eventually happens. But, I understand that such situation should not pull us down. It is our ability to face our troubles that brings out the best in us.

F.“I believe that you tend to create your own blessings. You have to prepare yourself so that when opportunity comes, you’re ready.” Oprah Winfrey.

From this idea, I understand that blessings almost always go to those who are prepared for it. In life, I must never lose sight of personal development. The level of preparation in deed makes the difference in the lives of men.

I have come to understand the fact that whatever we are trying to achieve, someone else must have achieved that in the past and is willing to help those who wants to do the same. Some others are willing to help others reach their goals. When one refuses to let people know what he is doing, he might lose the necessary help he would have gotten from them.

I must learn to approach people no matter how influential they might be. Sometimes, I feel that most influential men and women in the society are busy and may not be always willing to listen to “small” people. But I have learnt that it is necessary to approach influential people and explain to them who we are and what we want to do to. Just like in the case of Golda Meir, it may make all the difference.

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

These ideas will help me to be a better woman- a woman of influence. These ideas are very important in every aspect of my life especially in my profession- Nursing. Nursing usually involve interaction with people that need help, support, love, caring, understanding etc. Sometimes, some patients complain that they do not get these from Nurses and it pisses them off. I have discovered that in other to make an indelible impact in the society as a woman, I need to imbibe these traits.

In my relationship with people, in pursuit of my goals, when faced with challenges, etc, I must strive to apply the attitudes of these influential and great women. With this, I will become a better person thus helping me to create a better world.

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

Statements and quotes that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“The successful woman is the average woman – focused.”

This statement makes me see the need to remain focused in life. Success is not just meant for highly intelligent people. An average person who is focused can always be successful.

“Life is not worth living until it is lived for others.” Mother Teresa

This idea emphasizes to me the need to live a selfless life. Mother Teresa did this and she made an indelible mark in history.

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Mother Teresa

This statement makes it clear to me that one must not wait until he/she has enough before giving to poor. One can start with the little he has. No matter our status, we can give a helping hand to people around us no matter how little.

“A person who is happy will make others happy; a person who has courage and faith will never die in misery.”

This statement shows me clearly that one only gives what he has. If I have love, I will be able to give love, so is happiness, Joy, etc. Also if I have courage and faith, I will never die in misery because I will dare to do anything that I want to do in life.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.” Abraham Lincoln

The inner resolution to succeed in a man moves him to action more than external forces. If I decide on my own to succeed, nothing can stop me apart from me.

“Good, better, best. Never rest until good be better, and better be best.”

This statement makes me to understand that there is always room for improvement. This reminds me of Jonathan in the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull. He strived towards perfection and he found out that at every point in his life, there was always something new to learn and improve on. In life, I must always bear in mind that there is always a room for improvement in everything that I do.

“I act as if everything depends upon me and pray as if everything depends on God.” Oprah Winfrey.

I understand from this statement that acting should never take the prayer so also praying. Sometimes people pray forgetting that also need to act in faith and vise versa. I must never neglect prayer as well as acting in faith.

“Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in the world.” Helen Keller

Helen Keller’s statement makes me understand that self pity is an attitude that should be detested by all. It can make one remain where is and never move forward in life.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Raising Children Compassionately

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea that the author is trying to convey is that more loving and responsible children can be raised using non-violent communication.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why;

A. Once you define yourself as an authority, a teacher or parent, in the culture that I was educated in, you then see it as your responsibility to make people that you label “child” or a “student” behave in a certain way.

I understood from this statement that the label one gives to something, determines how he/she acts towards it. If I label someone as mentally ill or child or useless, it will definitely manifest in my actions towards him.

When we were posted as student nurses to a neuropsychiatric hospital, we encountered patients that were “mentally ill.” Some of those patients were already recovering and some were already mentally stable but because they were still in that environment, we treated all of them as mentally ill patients. Even when they acted rationally, we understood them wrongly. This also applies to when we label people as “children” or “students.” I have to be careful of the label I give to people.

I have come to the understanding that I cannot actually get someone to behave the way I want them to. Everybody needs a level of freedom to choose the way he/she wants to behave. In my own life, I have discovered that I prefer to behave in a way that I want to not because I was told but because I have resolved to behave that way.

This statement made to me to understand better the reason behind the resistances people display even when they are guided for their own benefit. Men need to protect their autonomy and this drives their actions whenever someone else wants to make decisions for them.

This idea is of great importance in human relations. Whoever is involved, whether a “child” or an “adult,” it is good to keep in mind that the relationship will be better off if there is an understanding of each other’s autonomy.

D. It is more natural for people to connect in a loving, respectful way, and to do things out of joy for one another, rather than using punishment and reward or blame and guilt as means of coercion.

When we allow people to do things out of their own choices a better result is produced. When children are guided into doing the right thing with tangible reasons, they tend to behave in the expected way than when punished.

During my junior secondary school days, our teachers always punished us with several strokes of cane even with slightest “misbehaviors” such as noise making, sleeping the class, failing a test, lateness to school etc. The effect these punishments had on the students to me was very infinitesimal because the students only became “good students” when the teachers were around but otherwise when the teachers are absent. I was changed to another school in my secondary school years and I discovered a great difference in the two schools. We were punished less in my new school, there were better teacher-student relationship and as a result, students behave more decently. It is really amazing that people don’t truly change through punishment they only change when they choose to. When they are treated with love, they respond better. I must strive to approach and treat people with love “adult” and “children” alike in other to get the expected behavior I may desire from them.

E. People receive requests as demands if they think they will be punished or blamed if they don’t do the task. When people have that idea, it takes all the joy out of doing anything.

People work with joy when it springs from their heart and is not associated with punishment or blame. In raising children I must understand this fact if I desire a better response from them.

F. Unconditional love requires that no matter how people behave, they trust they’ll receive a certain quality of understanding from us.

It is important that I understand that everybody desires understanding from their fellow beings no matter the circumstance. When people perceive that that they are understood, they feel accepted and willing to co-operate with us. We strive to understand people when we have unconditional love for them.

In my early years, I recall that we were treated differently depending on the circumstance for example, when we do well in school we were appreciated but when we “misbehave”, we were called names or punished. This gave me a mindset that my family will only love me when I am a “good girl.” In raising children, I must learn to love them unconditionally.

I have come to understand that when we behave in a selfish manner towards people by putting our needs first, it affects the result we desire from the relationship. If we consider other people, we get our own needs met and vise versa. This knowledge is applicable in raising children. When parents want their children to behave as expected, they should try to consider the children’s needs. I must always try to put other people’s needs into consideration.

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

These ideas will help me both in my relationships with both “adults and “children” and in my profession as a nurse.

Whenever I meet people, I will try not to label or classify them as it will affect my relationship with them. I will try to love others more unconditionally and see them as fellow human beings with their own peculiar needs. If I apply these ideas in my own family, it will help me to raise better children. I will also become a better Nurse if I apply these ideas thus making me to create a better world.

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

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me;

“We can only really give in a loving way to the degree that we are receiving similar love and understanding.”

This statement is important to me becomes it reminds of the fact everybody needs love and we can only really give love when we have them.

“The goal is not to be perfect parents, it’s to become progressively less stupid parents – by learning from each time that we’re not able to give our children the quality of understanding that they need, that we are not able to express ourselves honestly.”

This statement helps me to see that I may not be a perfect parent with my knowledge but I can be a better parent.

“Nobody is perfect.”

This statement reminds me that there is always room for mistakes. It is also important to understand people when they make mistakes and encourage them to learn from them rather than condemn them. We just need to learn from our mistakes and move on.

“Anything that is worth doing is worth doing poorly.”

This buttresses the fact that nobody is perfect. When we understand this, it becomes easier for us to forgive ourselves.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Maximum Achievement

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

In the book, the author explored the different ways of becoming a better achiever. He explained how to enjoy greater peace of mind, better health and energy, more and better loving relationships, greater financial freedom, exciting goals and ideals to which one can commit him/herself, enhanced self knowledge and self-awareness, and a wonderful feeling of personal fulfillment and personal achievement.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why:

A. If you do the right things in the right way, you’ll get the results you desire. If you can determine exactly what it is you want, you can find out how others have achieved it before you. If you then do the same things they have done, you’ll achieve the same results they have.

This idea is particularly important to me because it clearly puts it that once I do the right things the right way, automatically the result has to be right. If I do things in the wrong way, I should not expect the result to be right. This is the reason why I should always look closely at my actions, compare it with what others have done and ask questions in other to get the results that I desire. If I must achieve my goals, I will put this idea to practice.

B. You can’t hit a target you can’t see. You can’t accomplish wonderful things with your life if you have no idea of what they are.

This statement makes me see the need to know exactly what I want in life. If I must get what I want then I have to define what it is. I have found out that once I can clearly see what I want to achieve, it becomes easier for me to see how to achieve it and the resources I need to achieve it.

C. Achieving inner peace must be a central organizing principle: of your life. It must become the overarching goal to which all your other goals are subservient.

Inner peace should be the root of every achievement in life. Once one’s successes and achievements rub him/her off inner joy and peace, then there is a problem somewhere. When I discover that achieving any of my goals will not give me joy or a sense of fulfillment and peace then it does not worth achieving. I must strive to have peace in the things that I pursue in life.

D. The way to live a happy, productive life is to achieve your own peace o f mind by systematically eliminating the negative people, situations and emotions that make you unhappy.

This idea is important to me because it reminds me that allowing negative people, things, situations and emotions around me will remove inner peace from my life. If I must have inner peace always, I need to eliminate negative emotions, people and situations that make me unhappy.

In a mission hospital where I am working and getting my nursing experience, workers are not paid well and this built up negative feelings of workers towards the management. People are always dodging their work and when confronted, they will always refer to poor salary scale. Many of the workers are not happy with the pay and are always saying negative things about the management. During my first week in the hospital, I witnessed so many quarrels and gossips among the workers and resolved to ignore such scenes in other to have my peace. Whenever a topic about salary or management is brought up, I quietly leave the scene or keep quiet and try to occupy my mind with another thing.

If negative people are always around you, they can actually rub you off your peace.

E. You need to have a system. Without a system you can use to integrate the ideas you learn, you are like a person trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle without a picture. And almost any system is better than no system at all. But you’ve got to learn the system and then discipline yourself to stay at it until you get the results you want.

Learning is good but when it is not integrated into one’s life, it becomes useless. A system will indeed help. I have learnt that having a system and staying at it is important for maximum achievement.

F. To move ahead, you have to both learn and unlearn a few things. You are locked in place at your current level of knowledge and skill. You can go no further with what you now know. Your future largely depends on what you learn and practice from this moment onward.

This idea motivates me to always examine my life to see those areas of my life that are not moving the way it should and find out why and then ways to make it work the way I want. There is always room for improvement. Knowledge is power, the more knowledge and skills I acquire, the more I have better chances of achieving more in my life.

G. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are.” That’s what I did.

This idea is important to me because it made me realize that time waits for no man. Procrastination kills a man’s destiny. If I can do what I can now right where I am with the little that I have, my future is guaranteed. I must not allow laziness to stop me from achieving my goals. I have to start today.

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

These ideas touched important areas of life such as personal development, goals, relationships, etc. they have contributed immensely in my life and I know that they have made me a better individual. Every day of my life, I will live knowing that my inner peace is paramount and so strive to have it always. In my relationships, I will bear in mind that success outside cannot compensate for failure in my relationships. I will always strike a balance in everything I do. These ideas make me a better person and so enables me create a better world.

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

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Nobody can make me feel good or bad. The feelings I have springs forth from within me. I control the way I feel in every situation. This is what this statement makes me to understand.

“You will rise to the height of your dominant aspirations for yourself. You will become what you most admire.”

This statement makes me understand that that which I desire and admire, I will become. If admire good things, I will have good things and vice versa.

“Rule number two is that you can never expect anyone else to like or love you more than you like, love or respect yourself.”

If I want to give love, I must have love. I must love myself for me to love others and also not expect others to love me more than I love myself.

“Beware the siren song of old habits, of the comfort zone, luring you to stay where you are, holding you back from all the great things that arc possible for you. You must consciously and deliberately counter the pull of the comfort zone as you move upward and onward toward ever higher levels of accomplishment.”

This statement is like a warning to me. There is a tendency for one to relax on her already achieved goals. I must be conscious of this fact if want to move forward and higher in life.

“One of the best ways to stop worrying is to live in day-tight compartments.” Live one day at a time. In the Bible it says, “Sufficient unto the day are the cares thereof.”

These ideas shows one of the ways to eliminate constant worrying in life. Living one day at a time makes one to maximize her time. You tend to do all you can today. It also makes one eliminate procrastination time wasters.

John Paul Getty, at one time the world’s richest man, gave one of his secrets of success as this: “In every business deal or transaction, identify the worst thing that can possibly go wrong, and then make sure it doesn’t happen.”

This statement is important for risk taking. The reason why so many people do not want to take risk is because fear of negative outcome but if we can face our challenges and identify the worst possible outcomes, it becomes easy to face our challenges.

“The only real antidote for worry is purposeful action.”

This statement prescribes a way of eliminating worry from our lives. If I always take purposeful actions, I will limit worrying in my life.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 contains exercises for the reader to complete. I did the exercises and they were very effective. They refreshed my memory and also made me learn new ideas on certain issues such as goal setting and relational skills.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach their Kids about Money that the Poor and Middle Class Do Not

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The author shared insights into how increased financial intelligence can be used to solve many life’s common problems and also the differences between the rich man’s thoughts and the poor man’s thoughts of money.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why:

i. Money comes and goes, but if you have the education about how money works, you gain power over it and can begin building wealth.

This ideas shows me that I need to have a basic knowledge of how important things including money work. Information is power and knowledge of something works will give me power over such thing. I am beginning to handle money now and I have seen that it is really important that I learn how it works otherwise I may allow money to run my life even without knowing it.

ii. If you can’t make up your mind decisively, then you’ll never learn to make money anyway.

In life there are a lot of opportunities that come and go. Being able to know when to make quick decisions is important. At times, it is our environment and people around us that make us not to go for what we want. But I must learn not to miss opportunities to inability to make up my mind. I must not always listen to popular opinions. Making money I have come to understand requires ability to know exactly what we want and deciding to go for it.

iii. If you realize that you are the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something, and grow wiser.

If I look inwards first rather than the surrounding circumstances each time I encounter challenges, I will better see my faults and so change them. This will help me to learn from my mistakes and grow.

iv. If people are prepared to be flexible, keep an open mind and learn, they will grow richer and richer despite tough changes.

This idea is applicable in so many aspects of our lives. Being flexible helps one adapt to changes and also learn new things. When it comes to money, I have come to see that flexibility, open mindedness and willingness to learn helps one to become richer.

v. Rich people acquire assets. The poor and middle class acquire liabilities that they think are assets.

This statement is really an eye opener to me. People actually live a life of constant struggle because of ignorance. If one keep spending money on things that will make him to spend more, he is bound to spend all his days struggling to meet up. I must learn to be more careful on what I spend my money on because it actually makes all the difference.

vi. Financial struggle is often the result of people working all their lives for someone else.

Working for someone else though it is not something wrong but can keep many people struggling but if complimented with personal business, financial freedom cam be achieved. Learning how to make money work for me or starting my own business can help me achieve financial independence. I grew up hearing from my parents, siblings and friends that it is good to study a professional course so that I can get a highly paid job. I have understood that that does not guarantee financial independence, there is more to it.

vii. Start minding your own business. Keep your daytime job, but start buying real assets, not liabilities.

This idea is like a challenge to me. I must learn to mind my own business if I desire to be financially independent. I will have to be open to learning new ways of doing things and also take every opportunity to make good investments and also buy real assets.

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

These ideas will help me to be more financially responsible every day of my life. I will start handling money more consciously with more respect and I will always seek to understand how it works. Buying real assets and minimizing liabilities will be one of my ultimate goals when it comes to handling money. I will always mind my own business.

Living a responsible life financially will give me a better position to contribute to my world and help 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 were important to you.

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me:

“An intelligent person hires people who are more intelligent than he is.”

This is one idea that I would want to always keep in mind when I want to work people. Though it might be easier to work with people that I know more than but I have seen that it pays to work with professionals.

“If you work for money, you give the power to your employer. If money works for you, you keep the power and control it.”

This idea encourages me to spend money wisely on things that will earn me money rather than make me spend.

“Often in the real world, it’s not the smart who get ahead, but the bold.”

Boldness is needed in facing challenges of life. Being just smart cannot make us get ahead. Being able to boldly face our fears and challenges can make all the difference.

“The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth.”

This idea emphasizes the importance of learning in making one rich. If our mind is trained to discover or create opportunities, we can achieve whatever we want to.

“Workers work hard enough to not get fired, and owners pay just enough so that workers won’t quit.”

This simply shows the disadvantage of working for money and for someone else.

“Unless a person is used to changing, it’s hard to change.”

This idea emphasizes the need to be flexible and open to new ideas and change.

“For most people, the reason they don’t win financially is because the pain of losing money is far greater than the joy of being rich.”

Fear is one of the things that ties people down. If I overcome fear, I have gotten rid of almost all my obstacles to success. The fear of losing money and the pain it can cause prevents many people from investing or taking opportunities that come their way. I must not allow fear of losing money to keep from making wise decisions.

“Failure inspires winners. Failure defeats losers.”

“Failure is only a stepping stone to greatness and it is only winners that see it this way. If I want to win then I must learn to get up when I fall.”

The key to becoming wealthy is the ability to convert ordinary income to portfolio income as quickly as possible.

“Converting our ordinary income to portfolio income quickly before the worries of life take it up will help one to spend less.”

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

The author used clear words and examples to explain his ideas. I am clear about his ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not really contain exercises for the reader to complete but the author set examples that will enable the reader to apply his ideas to everyday life.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on at this time.

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

The Nine Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps so You Can Stop Worrying

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (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 how to achieve true financial freedom through conscious and proper financial decisions.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why:

i. When it comes to money, freedom starts to happen when what you do, think, and say are one.

This idea simply puts it that being consistent in thoughts, words and action is necessary for financial freedom. If I am not consistent in those areas, I may not produce the desired result. If in my heart, I am feeling that I am poor, and I am confessing that I am rich, I am not truly free because my thoughts and words are not consistent. I should be able to believe that I am rich, confess that I am rich and act rich.

ii. You will have enough when you believe you will and take the actions to express that belief.

This emphasizes the fact that when we believe and take actions to express it, the result will most times be positive. Belief and actions go hand and in hand for one to have the desired result. If I want to be rich, then I should believe that I will be rich and take necessary actions that will make me rich.

iii. True freedom, true wealth, is that which can never be lost.

This idea is making me see that freedom is only true when it cannot be lost. Freedom that is not permanent is not true. If I have financial freedom today and tomorrow it is gone, then I did not have any freedom. In other words, it is wiser to seek true financial freedom for that is the one that cannot be lost.

Through strategies the author recommended in the book such as investment, savings, wise choice and spending, etc one can achieve true wealth and true financial freedom.

iv. The trouble with fears is that when we keep them inside and refuse to deal with them, they grow, like weeds left alone in a garden.

It is important to deal with fears rather than pretending that they are not there. I have learnt that facing our fears makes it easier to overcome them. It makes them lesser and at times we discover that what we fear does not really exist. The challenge is in having the courage to face them.

v. The way to control fear instead is to voice it. Once you say it, you can see it.

This idea brings out one the strategies of overcoming our fears. I have learnt that it is better for me to talk about my fears and seek for ways to overcome them rather than avoiding them.

vi. Money is a living entity, and it responds to energy exactly the same way you do. It is drawn to those who welcome it, those who respect it.

This idea reminds me of the description of money in the book Money is Love by Barbra Wilder. The author also described money as energy directed by people’s thoughts and therefore there can be enough money, or there can be not enough money depending on the thought behind it. I have learned that it is good to welcome money, treat it with respect and associate it with positive things.

vii. We all think that a bigger paycheck would be the answer to our financial woes, but that is rarely the case. Respect starts with the money you are earning right now and what you do with it.

This idea puts it to me that the way I handle my finances presently will not be different from the way I will handle it in the future. If I can manage the one I have now, I will be able to do the same in the future. Great financial future can be built by handling the present income wisely and with respect.

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?

In everyday life, these ideas will help me to choose my attitude towards my finances and other life challenges. Each time I encounter a “bad luck” I will face it and ask myself how I can find the gift, the lesson, in what is upsetting me, and then I will definitely feel free. I will always face life believing that I will take the right actions when it comes to my finances and knowing that everything really happens for the best. If I apply the lessons from this book in my life each day, I will live a better life and thus have the power to create a better world for myself and others.

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.

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me are:

“To master your money requires first mastering your fears.”

This statement emphasizes the importance of facing our fears. Fear can be a barrier to achieving financial breakthrough. If one can overcome her fears, she will be closer to achieving her true wealth.

“When it comes to money, time is probably the most important factor in the growth process. The more time you give to your money and the more time it has to grow are the two key ingredients to attracting and creating large sums.”

I have understood that when it comes to money, patience is needed. It is important to give time to our investments, businesses etc in other to create large sums.

“Debt feels like the heaviest burden of life. It weighs down your spirits, keeps your mind occupied with your burden, and makes you feel bound- because you are bound.”

This statement makes me understand that debt is something everybody should avoid. It carries a lot of negative feelings which is not good for one’s financial life.

“You and you alone have the best judgment when it comes to your money.”

You can trust yourself more than you can trust others. When you handle your money your own way, you have more confidence about your money.

“When you are worrying about money, feeling powerless over your finances and sorry for yourself, money won’t want to hang around you.”

Just as earlier stated, money is energy directed by thoughts. If my thoughts are filled with positive ideas about money, I will attract more money to myself and vice versa.

“Good luck and bad luck are in the eyes of the beholder, and always cycling; neither rarely stops for long in any one place.”

Change is constant. Circumstances are bound to change so, whatever I am facing today is not permanent and therefore it is important to always hope for the best.

“It is how you feel about what you have, or don’t have, that either keeps you prisoner or sets you free.”

I have quite understood that my beliefs and attitude are what will make me feel rich , feeling free to believe in myself, knowing that I will take the right actions with my money, no matter how much money I have or do not have today knowing that everything really does happen for the best.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements. She presented other people’s experiences and used them to explain her ideas.

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 contains exercises for the reader to complete. I did the exercises and they were very effective.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Lives of Adolescent Girls

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The author in the book x-rayed the challenges that teenage girls face in our present world and explained ways these girls could be helped to grow into better matured individuals.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why are:

i. The gap between girls’ true selves and cultural prescriptions for what is properly female creates enormous problems.

This statement made me to actually see that our cultural prescription for girls and women makes them lose who they really are. This is typical of African cultures which prescribes behaviors for a young female. In so many African societies, women are restricted from engaging in so many useful activities such as good education, handiwork and certain businesses. This has impeded the development of women in those societies.

ii. Adolescent girls are saplings in a hurricane.

This statement explains how vulnerable teenage girls are in their puberty stage. Their changing body, cultural and family expectations usually place them in a state of confusion and loss of identity. At this stage, young girl could encounter problems and so they need support and encouragement. This idea is important to me and to everyone that work with young girls as it will help one to understand them better at that stage.

iii. With puberty, girls face enormous cultural pressure to split into false selves.

This statement made me to understand the influence of magazines, television, music, peers etc on the teenage population. Young girls deny who they truly are in other to fit-in in the world’s definition of “beautiful woman” I now understand the pressure these young ones face and this will help me to work with them effectively.

iv. Young girls are egocentric in their thinking.

Young teenage girls are usually unable to focus on anyone’s experience but their own. This knowledge will enable me to work effectively with adults or parents that have young girls.

v. Much of girls’ behavior is not what parents think. The surface behavior is not all there is. The deep structure is on a quest for an autonomous self.

This idea makes me see that understanding the varied behaviors of young girls at puberty is the key to less stressful family relationship. Their quest for self identity and independence may cause tension in the family. I remember that during my teenage years, just like the girls described in book I needed space from my parents which they did not understand as part of the development and so perceived the behavior as awkward and inappropriate.

vi. Girls who hold on to their true selves are more likely to keep their relationship with their families alive.

This idea is really true about teenagers and I believe that the more parents are exposed to the challenges facing the present day teenagers and how they can help their young ones go through this stage without hurting themselves, the more our society will change for good. Parents need to understand that it is important to teach their daughters the need to understand who they are and hold on to it and do not allow peers and media influence them negatively. They need to learn to choose what is good for them irrespective of the pressure.

vii. Good communication with teenage daughters encourages rational thought, centered decisions and conscious choices.

This statement makes clear the roles of good communication in building up a balanced woman. It enables a young woman to have less stressful teenage years. I must never neglect effective communication in my work with young girls.

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

These ideas will help me in my relationship with young girls. Since I work with women, I will have to apply these ideas to build better relationship with them. I’ll have to pay close attention to my communication with them, I’ll try to understand and not criticize them and I’ll have to reinforce their strengths more often. I believe that when I practice these ideas daily, I will create a better world through helping young women to discover who they are in a more positive way.

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.

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me are:

“To lose confidence in one’s body is to lose confidence in oneself.”

This I believe is true about everyone. We all need to have a good body image to have lasting confidence in oneself because they both work hand in hand. I used to be a victim of this and I now know that I once I have confidence in my body, I am most likely to have confidence in myself.

“If you don’t know where you are from, it’s hard to know who are.”

This is true about anyone who desire to make lasting changes in his/her life. One must understand the situation he/she is in at the moment in other to make appropriate decisions and actions.

“Maturity involves being honest and true to oneself, making decisions, based on conscious internal process, assuming responsibility for one’s decisions, having healthy relationships with others and developing one’s own true gifts.”

I understand that maturity is not just all about growing up and changing physically. It is much more than that. It encompasses our mental, physical and social development. It involves discovering who we truly are.

The knowledge of this concept is important in other to determine ones level of maturity and to work with others with the view of attaining true maturity.

“What a woman needs is not to act or rule, but as a nature to grow, as an intellect to discern, as a soul to live freely and unimpeded to unfold such powers as are given to her;” stated by Margaret Fuller.

“Women need an environment that will enable them to become all that they want and need to be. They need an environment that will give them room to discover who they truly are without fear.”

In my culture, women are restricted from behaving or doing certain things and this I believe impedes women in our culture from becoming all they can be. So many women up till date are still not allowed to reach a certain level in education for fear of making them loose respect for their husbands.

Plato said, “education is teaching our children to find pleasure in the right things.”

This quote explains that it is important for children to know the difference between right and wrong so that they will be able chose rightly and that is education. I believe that this begins at home and the society as well can contribute to this through school, media, religion, etc.

“Examined lives are indeed more worth living.”

I must never neglect the importance of examining my life at certain points in my life. Sometimes, the hassles of daily living tend to push our minds away from what is truly important to us and so it is imperative that we set out time to look inwards to find out if we are still in track with our values.

“Growth requires courage and hard work on the part of the individual, and it requires the protection and nurturing of the environment.”

The author emphasized the role of environment in protecting and nurturing individuals into maturity.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 has no exercises for the reader to complete. The author used examples and experiences of many teenage girls to explain her points. The experiences of the young girls the author shared were very helpful to me.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Leaders: How Top Innovators Can Help Your Business Succeed on a Global Basis

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The book brings out the success stories of big companies and the strategies they used to achieve their success.

Here are the ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why:

a. You can have great business- but if the world doesn’t know about it- it won’t grow to the height it deserves.

This idea made me to see the importance of sharing our ideas to the world and not keeping it to ourselves. There are tendencies of being afraid that when our dreams and aspirations are not achieved, people who know about them will look at us as failures and so we are often more comfortable keeping our aspirations and dreams in our heart. But, I have discovered that it doesn’t pay to keep our ideas to ourselves.

In the past, I find it very difficult to discuss my ideas with people for fear of criticisms and discouragement and I have come to see that I cannot achieve my dreams and plans if I do not share my ideas with people. This applies to business, whatever business we are into needs to be made known to people so that it can grow to the heights we want.

b. Building brand and establishing yourself as an expert is a key to garnering the attention you deserve.

This statement gave me an insight to the importance of being seen as an expert in our field of endeavor. As a nurse, entrepreneur or a business woman, I need to build myself to be an expert in a particular field. In that way, I will be able to command the attention I may need and also be able to render my services more effectively.

c. Achieve success by helping others achieve success.

I believe that true success is when we allow others succeed alongside us. There is joy in working together with people to achieve as well as helping others succeed. At times, it looks like people feel successful only when they are the ones succeeding and others are failing so, they work hard to keep others from growing. Such is the case in some cooperate institutions. I have noticed that there is greater success and growth in institutions that give people room to succeed.

I must never neglect the people that I work with and I will always try to encourage and help people in any way I can.

d. Don’t think that if you ignore a situation it’ll eventually heal itself.

This statement makes it clear that it is better to face our problems squarely rather than running away from them. It’s more likely to get worse over time and become much more difficult to solve as a result of your earlier inaction.

e. Force yourself to solve problems and compare your situation with others and study how they resolved their difficulties.

There is actually need to force ourselves into solving some of our challenges. Some situations demands courage from us in other to get them solved. Instead of backing out from our seemingly difficult challenges, we can study how other people solved theirs and apply it to own situation.

f. When you get right down to it, success in life is really all about people, and building relationships.

Having good relationship with people I believe is one of the bedrocks of achieving great success in life. This idea makes it clear that people are important for our successes in life and therefore we must learn to interact and work with people.

g. Do not force leadership on anyone, but give opportunity to those who wish to lead.

I agree with this statement that leadership is not to be forced on anybody. Good leadership is required to enable an organization to grow. Therefore, it should be given to individuals who will are willing to take it up and put in their best.

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

These lessons will help me to create a better world by making me a better person. When I am working with a team, I will always bear in mind that helping people to succeed is an effective way of achieving personal success. I will never hesitate to share my ideas with people and also, prompt action will be my personal watchword in solving problems. These ideas indeed will affect so many aspects of my life and I know that my world will be affected too.

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 statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me were:

“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” Lee Iacocca

This quote is important to me because it emphasizes the importance of sharing our ideas to others.

“The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.” – Andrew Carnegie

This idea call to mind the importance of learning from other peoples’ actions and also being consistent with my own actions bearing in mind that they might be affecting people close to me.

“Success is never achieved alone or in isolation.” Mercanti

Mercanti’s statement encourages team work. It is thus a quote that I personally have to bear in mind as I work towards my goals.

“Don’t die with your dreams still in your heart; make your dreams a reality.”

I love this quote because it encourages me to live my dreams.

“Providing great customer service is the surest way to build your business through referrals and become a leader in your field.”

This quote is important to me because I have experienced good customer service in some institutions that made me their regular customer. Good customer service is surely a way of improving a business.

“The only way to grow your business is to think about it.”

I believe that anything worth doing is worth well and so putting our mind into what we are doing whether business or other things will surely make it grow. When we don’t think about what we are engaged in more often, we might not get the desired result.

“Don’t be afraid to make changes. There’s always room for improvement.”

This quote makes me to remember the importance of being open to new ideas. Change is constant and for one to remain relevant in everyday life, the person is bound to make adjustments and changes. This applies to business and other facets of life.

“Utilize consultants to expert understanding/advice on key issues, rather than spend an excessive amount of your time trying to attain the same answers on your own.”

I believe that nobody knows it all. If we must achieve the success we desire, we may need to consult experts in some fields.

“Know when to reach out for help and don’t be afraid to do so.”

This idea makes it clear that there are times when people really need our help and so it is imperative that we recognize such moments and render help as much as we can. I believe that helping people is a good way of achieving personal joy, happiness and fulfillment. Any success achieved in isolation may not worth it after all. So, it is always good to help other people along the way.

“Partner with other companies that complement your own and derive mutual benefit from the synergies that result.”

This idea emphasizes the importance of partnership in business development and growth. I must learn to partner with other people and organizations to attain the height that I want.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 contains exercises for the reader to complete. I did the exercises and they were very effective.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment 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? 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? 10

Being One; Finding Our Self in Relationship

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The author in the book shared insights on the possibility of a world where relationship is realized as fact and separation is understood as deluded fiction.

i. The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why; Everything that lives, lives not alone, nor for itself. – William Blake

This idea brings out the fact that we are all connected in some way, not just as human beings but everything else that exists. This understanding will help me to understand and relate with my environment more consciously.

ii. We can experience the divine in the depths of our humanness.

This statement emphasizes what Joseph Benner explained in his book The Impersonal Self. The divine being is within us and we are capable of experiencing him in the quietness of our thoughts. I have understood that seeking God inside us is the easiest way of finding him because he is always there. Men have sought God in churches, religions, books and houses of prayer but there seems to be endless search for him and many have lost their way in the process.

I live in an environment where going to church and houses of prayers is taken very seriously that if one does not go to any; he/she is seen as an evil person. There are stories of many people who have fallen into wrong hands in the name of prayers and deliverance. I have observed that even though everyone belongs to one religious organization or the other, “evil” acts are still enormous in the society. This could be because many have not discovered or are not conscious of the fact that God is within us and he is ever ready and capable of assisting us to live right.

iii. The great discovery of the archeology of the soul is that the search is over before it begins, because what we are looking for is over before it begins, because what we are looking for is what is looking.

This idea makes it clear to me that there is no need looking for life in any particular place. The wholeness of life is already within us and is also in everything in our environment. So, I and everything that exists are immersed in wholeness of life.

iv. If we pay attention to the field of consciousness in which thought arises, we can find no separation. The field of consciousness is apparently boundary less and is available to us at all times.

This statement emphasizes that we are all connected and that we can discover this truth if we reconnect with the divine being within us. He is always there waiting to give us the answers to the questions we ask.

According to the author, it is our experiences and the quest to discover ourselves in our different environments that makes us believe that we are different from others in every way. We begin to treat others differently believing that we are separate. We extend this behavior to our relationship with God. We tend to believe that He is somewhere far away and we need to perform certain rituals to invoke him. I have come to understand that we human beings are connected, we are not separate and once we can reconnect with our sacred self- the divine being in us, we can come to terms with the truth.

v. Consciousness is only the background because we have neglected it in the busyness of our thought world, the conceptual framework in which we exist.

We can live more consciously if we decide to do so and make out time for daily meditation and contemplation. If we do not neglect our inner being, we will live more consciously.

vi. Our bodies, no less than the ant’s, are part of the whole. Our bodies cannot be separated from the whole. When we breathe, the universe breathes. We are the whole.

This statement emphasizes the fact that we are all connected. We are one with God and everything that exists in the whole universe.

vii. The pain of our current life is the fear of the unknown, and as such we are liberated simply by embracing that unknown in each and every moment of our life.

Having the courage to do what we are afraid of basically eliminates the fear. This idea makes me see the need to embrace opportunities without fear. If I make a mistake in the process, there will always be room for correction and improvement.

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 in this book laid emphasis on conscious living and how important it is for human beings to discover their oneness and relationship with everything that exists in the universe. These ideas have made me to understand more the concepts of our being and the relationship that exists between us and the entire universe. I must have to integrate this ideas in my daily life by trying to see God in others and think of them as an integral part of God’s creation and so relate with them in love. Also, I must also respect other Gods creation and appreciate their relevance to the survival of the entire universe.

These ideas have added something tangible to my life and I believe that I have become a better person as a result. Creating a better world starts from creating a better me.

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

“Our idea of an agreeable person is one who agrees with us.” Samuel Johnson

This shows that human beings tend to assess others by their own terms. We tend to label people by our own standards. If someone’s world view is different from ours, he/she becomes odd to us.

“Pain emerges as the central theme of relationships built on hope denial, and search for infatuation.”

Denying our true feelings in a relationship hoping that it is the only way to keep the relationship from breaking most times can lead to pain. In marriage relationships in my culture, women are not expected to express their feelings the way they want. They are supposed to be reserved. If a woman expresses herself well, she is labeled as “proud”. So, many people especially women are in relationships in which denial is the bedrock. They tend to deny the unhappiness they experience and seek ways to hide their feelings.

“The only way we can miss the fact of love is by searching for it, by looking for someone who can give it to us.”

We already have love within us and so there is no need looking for it outside. This statement helps me to feel loved even in the midst of “trying” circumstances.

“The lover who truly loves, the guru who truly shows the way, the teacher who truly mentors, the parent who truly guides, and then, each lets go- this is the reflection of relationship.”

True relationships are built on love which is not selfish but selfless. This is the type of relationship I should have every day of my life.

“If we are particularly alert, sensitive, and open, we may discover this fact. We are already in relationship.”

Relationships are not outside of us. We are already immersed in it. We are related in one way or the other to everything that exists whether we are aware of it or not. It is making the relationships that we already have fulfilling that counts.

“In love there is no me. The parasite dies; the host lives.”

This emphasizes the fact that love is selfless. When there is only the pursuit of personal gain in a relationship, then there is no love.

“Children are wonderful, beautiful creatures. Produce children, adopt children, mentor children, but let us not inject our conditioning into them. Let them be what they are – free.”

This statement is important to anyone who wishes to raise children. Many parents believe that it is their duty to control the lives of their children and so little or no attention is paid on what they really want. This has made many people who found themselves in such circumstance to live very unhappy and unfulfilled lives. I now see reasons why it is important to let children be what they truly are and not what we want them to be.

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

The author’s ideas are explicit and so I do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

The Impersonal Life

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The book according to the author contains messages from the Divine being that is in everything that exists in the universe. He tried to explain who the Divine is and the roles He plays in the universe.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why are:

i. Your human mind has therefore been so engrossed with the task of supplying its intellect and body with all manner of selfish indulgences, that it has never had time to get acquainted with the Real You, its true Lord and Master.

This statement points out how little human beings pay attention to the “God” within us. The pursuit of worldly desires and interest tend to make us forget totally the divine being in us and if care is not taken, we may fail to discover him and his plans for us in life.

ii. Be still and know that I am God. Yes, I Am that innermost part of you that sits within, and calmly waits and watches, knowing neither time nor space; for I AM the Eternal and fill all space.

This statement emphasizes the fact that God is present in us even when we fail to acknowledge Him. In other to be conscious of the divine being in us, we must calm our minds which is filled with worldly worries and desires and get rid of all anxieties. It is in this state that we can easily become aware of him and also commune with him easily.

iii. You, when you turn thus to me, will always find me an unfailing and ever present help in time of need.

These words encourage all that seek God in earnest to turn within where they are sure of finding him. He is always there waiting to answer and assist anyone who diligently seek him. I am really encouraged by this statement. Turning to Him within for assistance is an attitude I am now cultivating.

iv. But in all your seeking and all your striving, let, it be with faith and trust in me, your True Self within, and without being anxious about result; for the results are all in my keeping, and I will take care of them.

What is important in our pursuit to know God is not the good result we expect but our trust in Him to take care of everything for us. He needs us to simply know, trust and obey His commands. He knows best how to work out things for our best interests.

v. Your doubts and your anxiety are but of the personality, and if allowed to persist will only lead to failure and disappointment.

For one to truly experience God and His blessings, doubts and anxieties are to be eliminated completely. When we doubt, it means that we don’t trust him totally.

vi. I watch and wait for you to be done with your petty human follies and weaknesses, with your vain longings, ambitions and regrets, knowing that will come in time; and then you will turn to My, weary, discouraged, empty and humble, and ask me to take the lead, not realizing that I have been leading you all the time.

No matter how much we are attached to the world and its passions, we always have the opportunity to find God in us. He is ever present and always ready to make himself known when we decide to turn to him.

vii. I Am infinite and wholly confined; the Universe is my Body, all intelligence there is emanates from my mind, all the Love thee is flows from my heart, all the Power there is, is but my Will in action.

Once we discover God in us, we realize that our ideas, powers and actions flow from him. There is nothing that is of us. Everything flows from His own nature. When we are conscious of this fact and allow it to become a reality in our daily life, we live an impersonal life.

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

These ideas have made me to understand that God is within me just as the Bible says “Christ in us the hope of Glory.” I will always live with this knowledge and seek to understand and remain conscious of His presence also bearing in mind that my actions and intellect are directed by God. According to the author, everything that now exists is an expression of Him therefore I see reasons to appreciate Him in all that exists especially in my fellow human beings.

These ideas have indeed opened my eyes to the realities of God head and the need to seek him within and not in religions, churches and houses of prayers.

I believe that these messages have contributed in making me a better person and therefore my world have been affected too.

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.

Statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me are:

“I Am the directing Intelligence of All, the animating Spirit, the Life, the Consciousness of all matter, of all substance.”

This statement makes it clearer to me that everything that exists on earth have the spirit of God in it that controls everything concerning it. He is not just the Consciousness in human beings but also the Consciousness in everything in the universe.

“All power and its use is but so much recognition and understanding of the use of My Will.”

This statement really got my attention while I was reading the book. If I know the will of God and understand it, I can effectively use the power of God in me. Knowing the will of God concerning my life is a prerequisite for glorious life on earth.

“Your will and your powers are only phases of My Will, which I supply to suit your capacity to use it.”

I have come to understand that whatever power I may have felt that I have or ever exhibited is God’s power in me. Without the divine being in me, I may never have exhibited such powers.

“If you continue to follow and study My Words, all will soon be made clear, and I will surely open up to your inner understanding many wonderful Truths that are impossible for you to comprehend.”

Studying the word of God is an attitude that needs to be cultivated by anyone who seeks to live more consciously. Continuous study of these words makes us understand God and his ways thereby enabling us to live a fulfilled life.

“To think is to create. If this is true, then your body, your personality, your character, your environment, your world, is what they appear to be to you, because you have thought them into their present status.”

This statement is also in line with God’s words in the bible which says that “as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” With our thoughts, we can create our circumstances, character, etc. I have seen the need to continually examine my thoughts in other to get rid of any negative thoughts.

“Fear not, it is only your personality that thus rebels. If you continue to follow my words, all will soon be made clear, and I will surely open up to your inner understanding many wonderful truths that now are impossible for you to comprehend.”

This statement emphasizes the need to continuously study the word of God.

“Always I Am there to pick you up, after your fall, although you do not know it at the time; first straightening you out and then starting you onward again, by pointing out the reason for your fall.”

God is aware that human beings have the tendency to sin and so He is always ready to forgive us when we sin as well as correcting us and showing us how to properly use His power in us. When we fall as a result of our sin, He does not leave us. He calls us back to himself and allows us to see our faults and mistakes.

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

The author’s messages were clearly stated and do not disagree with any of them.

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

The book does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Conscious Evolution: Awakening the Power of Social Potential

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (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 the world is in its next phase of transformation and every individual is called to awaken his/her own evolutionary potential and actively participate in the ongoing transformation.

i. When a culture has a story everyone understands, it gives direction and meaning to that culture.

This idea makes it clearer to me that every culture has a story behind it and that is what sustains it. A new culture therefore develops from a new story which a group of people believes and understands. For there to be a sustainable transformation in a society, there has to be not just a new concept but also one that people understand and hold as true.

If I wish to bring about change in an organization or a community, I will need to communicate my ideas to people in a way that they will understand, accept and believe. This will enable the change come faster and become sustainable.

ii. To lead means we are going somewhere. Without this new awareness, we cannot lead, but only maintain or improve the status quo – whether on the right, left, or center.

This statement throws more light on the issue of effective leadership. There has to be an awareness of the vision and purpose of the organization that one is leading. A true leader should have a goal and should be able to work towards it. Without this awareness, there might not be a remarkable change in the status quo.

iii. When we understand our evolutionary potential and awaken to our emerging social, spiritual, and scientific capacities to fulfill an evolutionary agenda, new political leadership will co create and consciously choose the meme needed to empower it.

We all have the ability to evolve spiritually, socially, and scientifically. When we understand fully these capacities, we will do exploits. We will be able to fulfill our different purposes in life. Many are unaware of this evolutionary potential and many are awakening to this potential. I believe that in due time the effects of the increasing conscious evolution will be more appreciated. I must continue to develop myself consciously and live by it.

iv. All ideas are human made, and none are the absolute truth. Common sense dictates that we evaluate our beliefs on the basis of how they affect us.

This statement is true about our reactions to circumstances surrounding us.

I noticed something as I witnessed other people’s cultures in my country. Some things and behaviors that my culture forbids are appreciated in the some other cultures and are encouraged. So, most times our ideas and beliefs are built from their effects on us.

v. Our worldview is important. It profoundly shapes how we see reality and how we act.

This idea makes me to understand that it is important for us to develop a worldview. This worldview will affect the way we react to circumstances and the decisions we take in life.

vi. The most direct path to our survival and ethical evolution is to develop and communicate an idea system that guides us toward ethical evolution.

This statement explains the importance of developing an idea system that works and effectively communicate it to people for a lasting change. It is not enough to have an idea system but also to be able communicate it effectively for people to understand.

vii. A vocation is not a destination; it is a path through which to fulfill our destinies.

Discovering our different vocations in life is important but using it as a path to fulfilling our destinies that is the most important thing. This statement points out the fact that when we begin to see our different vocations as a unique place to make our different contribution to the growth of our different societies, the world will be a better place.

I have to be conscious of the fact that my nursing profession is a path for reaching out to people and fulfilling my destiny.

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

These ideas have opened my mind to the evolving world and our evolutionary potentials. There is a great awakening in the world today for a change in the various sectors spiritually and physically; there is a need therefore, for individuals to discover their evolutionary potentials and participate in this change. I will always bear this consciousness that the world is moving away from what we have always known to a new and better world. This will help me not to maintain the status quo wherever I find myself but to always seek to create a positive change in my own little way.

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 statements that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me are:

“We learn to model the change we seek in the world by being the change ourselves.”

This statement states the importance of being the change we want to see in the world. If we want to have a better society then there is a need for us to become better people. When a society is seen as corrupt, dirty, poor, those traits can be rightly traced back to the people that make up such society. So, any change that I want to make in my world has to start with me.

“Everyone is a teacher to someone and everyone is a student of someone. Each child is on a quest to discover his or her purpose, gifts, and work in participation with the evolution of the larger body.”

This idea puts it me that I am a student as well as a teacher to someone. Whatever experience I may have had, someone else needs it to succeed. So also whatever thing I may want to learn, someone is there to teach me. So I should always try to pass on whatever knowledge or skill that I have and also believe that I have teachers all around me. I will also always remember that people also learn from my attitudes and behavior even from afar.

“Whatever we are going through is part of the planetary struggle to evolve. Our personal crises are also births of ourselves as members of the larger body.”

This statement reminds me of the spread of Christianity in the world. When the apostles of Christ were persecuted in Jerusalem, they were scattered to other communities and wherever they found themselves, they proclaimed The Good News and many others believed in their religion. So, the persecution helped in the spread of the Gospel and Christianity. This is the same in our individual lives, each time we pass through difficult time without backing out, we come out a better person. Some situations we encounter though may seem so unpleasant help us to develop attitudes that will help us to succeed better in life which without such “unpleasant situations” we wouldn’t have developed.

“Within each of us stirs the mighty force of creation in the process of its next quantum transformation.”

This idea emphasizes the fact that each of us has a unique transformative power in us which when harnessed properly will help us to create a better society.

“The poison of selfishness is dissolved as we give our best in such a way that both we as individuals and as others are blessed by our creativity.”

This statement makes me understand that when I actively engage in helping others, every form of selfishness disappears and everyone around me will benefit from my actions.

“An increased alignment of unity consciousness combined with increased interaction among creative innovations is critical to a more gentle transition to the next stage of our evolution.”

I understand from this statement that it is important to combine my efforts with others who are working towards similar course. This will help us to achieve our goals in a shorter time.

“A co-creative person is one who is motivated by spirit, awakened in the heart, and activated to express unique creativity for the sake of self and the world.”

This statement makes me understand better who a co-creative person is. He/she is not just anybody but someone who has answered his/her call on earth and is working towards fulfilling it. He/she is not tossed around by every circumstance on earth but is awakened in the heart and is manifesting his unique gifts in the world.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

The Winning Attitude, Developing the Leaders around You and Becoming a Person of Influence

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea in The Winning Attitude is that the performance of an individual largely depends on his or her attitude.

In the second book Developing the Leaders Around You, the main idea is that true leaders inspire new leaders and help them develop their leadership abilities.

The main idea in the third book- Becoming a Person of Influence is that when one develops the right attitudes he/she will naturally influence people positively.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why are below:

i. When God wants to educate a man, He does not send him to the school of graces but to the school of necessities.

This statement is important to me personally because it helps me to always remember that every thing I identify as a necessity in the environment, is an opportunity for growth to me.

ii. The future not only looks bright when the attitude is right, but also the present is much more enjoyable.

This statement points out the fact that the right attitudes makes one one to live a happy life. I remember a three weeks orientation camp for young graduates in my country which I participated in. From the first day, many were already complaining of the weather, the environment, water etc. Many sought for ways to go home, many faked illnesses and so on. In all this there were many other people who were happily participating in all the activities. In those days, I discovered that those who lied, faked illnesses and so on, lost out because they missed the various trainings and educational programs organized for us. Most of all, they missed the joy of playing with other people and associating with other people from different part of the country. I believe it was a wrong attitude towards the circumstances in the camp that made them lose.

I have to strive to have the right attitude in every situation I find myself and encourage others too.

iii. Others can stop you temporarily, but you are the one who can do it permanently.

This statement makes me to remember that I am the major stakeholder of my life. Other people and external factors may try to influence me but, I have the final say.

I have to always keep in my mind that I have all it takes to succeed in every aspect of my life and it now depends on me to manage myself in other not to loose sight of where I am going. I must never allow others to stop me.

iv. I will never surrender to discouragement or despair on matter what seeming obstacles may confront me.

Discouragement, disappointment and challenges are abound in our lives but it is always emphasized that persistence despite the difficult situations leads to success. But, surrendering when challenges assails us, leads to failure. I must try to persist even in “difficult” situations bearing in mind that there is always a crown of success at the end.

v. Be careful what you set your heart on, for it will surely come true.

This statement reminds me of James Allen’s words that “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” We must therefore be careful of what we nature in our thoughts

vi. People who share a common direction and sense of community get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on one another’s thrust.

This statement encourages team work. When like minds work together, they achieve their goals quickly. It is important that I remember that I need others to succeed in life.

vii. Demand excellence from your people, and they will develop into people who also demand excellence of themselves and the people they lead.

As I continue to work with people, it is important that I demand the best from them and also from myself. This will enable me to grow and also help others grow.

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

These ideas will help me to cultivate the right attitudes which will enable me to face the challenges of life and also relate with people effectively. They will also help me to become a person of influence and develop other people to become leaders. With these right attitudes and abilities, I will be a better person and also influence my world positively.

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.

Statements and quotes that particularly got my attention and why they are important to me are:

“Do you feel the world is treating you well? If your attitude toward the world is excellent, you will receive excellent results. If you feel so-so about the world, your response from that world will be average. Feel badly about your world and you will seem to have only negative feedback from life.” – John Maxwell

This quote is an encouragement to develop the right attitudes towards life. This will make your world always look right before you.

“The last of human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Victor Frankl

This statement makes it clear that it is possible for one to choose his/her attitude in every circumstance. I will always bear in mind that my attitude determines my altitude in life and so strive to choose the right attitude at all times.

“The air currents of life jolt us out of line and try to keep us from achieving our goals. Unexpected weather can change our direction and strategy. We must adjust our thinking continually so we can live right.” – John Maxwell

This idea points out the importance of always examining our attitudes in other to make adjustment when necessary. If at any point we discover that our attitude is wrong, we adjust to make it right.

“Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all he can do.” – Henry Drummond.

This statement encourages me to dream big, think big and have great vision. According to the author, people limit their potential by having little vision and doing little things and these automatically attracts little men and little rewards. I must not underestimate my innate potential. I must always believe in my abilities.

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” – Vince Lombard

When one is committed to excellence in anything she does, she will be forced to improve her skills, knowledge and develop her innate abilities. This will definitely improve her quality of life.

“It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.” – Harvey Firestone.

I am encouraged by this statement to always help people around me to become better than they have been if I have such capacity. While working with young girls in my community, I discovered that my skills especially my communication skill is improving and I’m becoming more confident and better by the day. This has thought me that I don’t need to wait till I’m perfect before I can help other people to develop and that in the process of developing others, I’m developing myself too.

“For most people, it’ s not what they are that holds them back. It’s what think they are not.”

This statement encourages one to have a good perspective of oneself and also nurture others to have a good perspective of themselves. This enables one to place a good value in him/ herself and strive for the best. This ability to nurture others to have confidence in their abilities makes one a person of influence.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 contains some exercises developed by author to help one acquire the skills explained in the book.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Who Moved My Cheese
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (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 life, change is inevitable and that if we expect change, get ready for change, detect change when it occur and change along with it, we will save ourselves from many problems.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons why;

i. In the beginning, Hem and Haw also raced toward Cheese Station C every morning to enjoy the tasty new morsels that awaited them.

But after a while, a different routine set in for them. Hem and Haw awoke each day a little later, dressed a little slower, and walked to cheese Station C. After all, they knew where the Cheese was now and how to get there. They had no idea where the cheese came from or who put it there. They just assumed it would be there.

The situation above in which Hem and Haw found themselves happens to many people. When we are working towards achieving a goal, we move towards it with all the vigor that we could muster. When we finally achieve our goal, laxity toward it sets in. We feel that we have arrived and forget about all the hard work we have put in. At times, we trick ourselves into believing that the achievement will remain permanent. We guard it jealously and sometimes, when we see loopholes, we refuse to admit them.

But, Hem and Haw’s situation has shown that in the long run, this attitude will lead to failure and so, it is important that we examine our attitudes towards our accomplishment and work from time to time. This is one of the important things that I learnt from the book. I have suddenly become aware of the need to adjust in some areas of my life. I am becoming increasingly conscious of my attitudes towards my achievements, my relationships, career, etc.

ii. They tried to deny what was happening, but found it harder to get to sleep, had less energy the next day, and were becoming irritable.

Denying the real truth of our prevailing circumstances, does not change anything. Rather, the circumstance worsens and becomes more difficult to solve. I have learned that it is always better to make the needed changes that we need to on time rather than crying and lamenting over the problem for a long time.

My laptop developed a problem while I was typing an assessment of one of the IIGL books that read in level five. I felt bad about it because my target was to submit it that week and it was obvious that my plans had been ruined. I abandoned the assessment pending when I repair my laptop but it turned out that the laptop had damaged. I lamented over my laptop and my unfinished work but indeed all I could do was to find a way of retrieving my files which I later did. During the period that the laptop damaged, I couldn’t continue my work immediately because I allowed myself to be angry for some time. I ended up wasting my time before I decided to find an alternative means which if I had done earlier would have saved my time and energy.

iii. “I am getting too old for that,” Hem said. And I’m afraid I’m not interested in getting lost and making a fool of myself.

Fear of the unknown can indeed make someone not to try new ways of doing things. An excuse such as above would always come up when one is afraid of making changes. When we allow fear and laziness to allow us not to move with changes, it means we are bargaining for failure. I have learnrd that when things are not moving the way that I want, I must not allow the situation to overwhelm me and make me afraid of making changes. I must always believe in my abilities and be positive in life.

iv. “No, Hem quickly responded. “I like it here. It’s comfortable. It’s what I know. Besides it’s dangerous out there.”

At times in life, we become too comfortable with what we have that we forget that things could change and when it does, it becomes difficult for us change too. I have come to realize that our problems come when we fail to read the handwriting on the wall and the need to adjust to our circumstances and make moves when needed. Being watchful as well expecting changes will make us to better adapt to changes.

v. Finally, one day Haw began laughing at himself. “Haw, Haw, look at us. We keep doing the same things over and over again and wonder why things don’t get better. If this wasn’t so ridiculous, it would be even funnier.”

In the book, Haw saw what his fear was doing to him, laughed at himself and made a firm decision to change despite the challenges that he knew that he might encounter. He looked for his running shoes where he had put them away when things were good and went back to work. At times, when we make mistakes, we are hard on ourselves. We tend to punish ourselves which most times amounts to nothing. Just like Haw in the book, it is good to learn to laugh at our follies and work towards correcting them. I have learnt that it is better to be aware of our mistakes and weaknesses, laugh at them, never allowing them to weigh us down and work towards correcting them.

vi. As Hem saw his friend getting into his running gear, he said, “You’re not really going out into the Maze again, are you? Why don’t you just wait here with me until they put back the cheese back?

This statement shows how the kind of people we keep around us can influence our lives. People who are negative in their minds tend to transfer their negativity into people around them and vice versa. The kind of friends we keep, goes a long way in shaping our lives and so, we must ensure that we keep friends that will affect our lives positively.
I have learnt that friends can make or mar someone and so, there is need to run away from people who drag us back and hold onto those that encourage us and believe in our abilities.

vii. Then he used his imagination to paint the most believable picture he could – with the most realistic details – of him finding and enjoying the taste of New Cheese.

Having a mental picture of what we want to achieve, makes our dreams materialize faster. According to many authors of consciousness related books, creating a mental image of what we want produces a form of energy that works to ensure that what we desire comes to fulfillment. Haw in the book used this idea to transform his life and so can any other person who wishes to do same.

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

These ideas have helped me to build a better attitude towards my work, career, relationships etc. and I believe that I have been made a better person. I have come to realize that life is all about constant changes and there is need to move with the changes. In my career, work, relationships etc, I have to expect changes, and be ready for change as well. A friend of mine recommended this book and it has helped me. I will also encourage other people to read this book.

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

“If you don’t change, You become extinct.”

This statement emphasizes the fact that change is inevitable and that when we refuse to change along with the changing circumstances, e may regret it.

“He knew Hem was wondering, who moved my cheese? but Haw was wondering, Why didn’t I get up and move with the cheese, sooner?”

The question we should ask ourselves when we encounter problem is how do we move on and not why is this happening to me?

“He decided that if he ever got the chance again, he would get out of his comfort zone and adapt to change sooner.”

This statement makes it clear that getting out of our comfort zone earlier to solve our problems makes the problem easier to solve.

“When you stop being afraid, you feel good.”

Fear removes joy from one’s life. This was evident in the life of Haw when he picked courage to face his fears. He became happy and the feeling of success overwhelmed him.
This statement makes me remember that it better to get rid of my fears as soon as possible.

“Whenever he started to get discouraged, he reminded himself that what he was doing, as uncomfortable as it was at the moment, was in reality much better than staying in cheese-less situation.”

Instead of morning our problems, it is always better to go out and search for solutions to our problems.

“Smell the Cheese often so you know when it is getting old.”

There is always a need examine our lives, our relationships; our attitudes towards work and indeed everything concerning us in other detect early the areas that need our attention. If we do this often, we will prevent so many problems from coming into our lives.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Thinking for a Change

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea the author was trying to convey in the book is that good thinking is always the prerequisite for success in life.

i. Good thinking produces more good thinking if you make it a habit.

Habits indeed make a man. When one constantly does something repeatedly, it becomes part of him/her. If such habit is positive, it grows stronger and produces good result and vice versa. When we begin the process of good thinking, there is need to continue doing it until it becomes part of us and then we will be transformed. In habit formation, continuity is the key. I have consciously developed a lot of positive habits in the past few years. I have practiced ideas from the books that I read and today, so many of those ideas are my habits.

ii. An idea, whether right or wrong, that captures the minds of a nation’s youth will soon work its way into every area of the society, especially in our multimedia age.

The youth in every nation is capable of starting a revolution because of so the much energy and drive associated with this group. Therefore, if they are exposed to positive ideas and experiences, they’ll sure do miracles. On the other hand when the society allows ‘evil’ to circulate, they are unconsciously making way for doom in the future.

In my daily living, I’ll make effort to dwell on only positive ideas and also help to propagate positive ideas that will make a positive impact in the society.

iii. Don’t ever be too impressed with goal setting. Be impressed with goal getting.

Setting goals is good but it is one thing to set goals and another to achieve those goals. It is important to bear this in mind. From my experiences, I have discovered that when one sets goals and do not work to achieve those goals, he/she achieves nothing but heightened anxiety and frustration. Goals must be backed with actions to be succeed.

I have learnt a lot of goal setting skills from several authors but the one that has made the most impact is the one that is backed up with action plans.

iv. Clear and inspired thinking is the only way to change things for the better.

Human beings are always thinking as far as they are alive. The thinking that makes a difference is the one that is inspired, dwelled on and acted upon for a period of time.

v. Becoming a good thinker isn’t overly complicated. It’s a discipline. And like most disciplines, it can be cultivated and refined.

Good thinking can be cultivated and made a habit. All we need to do is to make up our minds to become a good thinker.

In my daily life, I make effort to dwell on good thoughts and it has been yielding results.

vi. Learning to write is learning to think. You don’t know anything clearly unless you can state it in writing.

This statement is one of the processes to cultivating a good thinking habit. If one can learn to write his/her thoughts down on paper, his/her thinking habits will sure produce results because it helps one to be focused and also encourages actions.

I have learnt to write down my thought during my “quiet times” and also during my daily activities and it is helping me to keep track of my thoughts and also helps me to be focused.

A good idea is like a wheelbarrow; it will go nowhere unless you push it.

Every good idea needs a good action to make it a reality. I must always bear this in mind that it is not enough to be a good thinker. Good and smart actions are also needed.

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

These ideas have exposed me to the importance of good thinking and the numerous ways that I could inculcate the habit of thinking. Since personal transformation starts from the mind, I believe that becoming a good thinker will not only change my life but also my environment. I will always make efforts in my daily living to improve my thinking habits and also try to surround myself with positive thinkers. These ideas have made me a better person and I’m sure that they are helping me to create a better world.

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

“Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches, or pounds, they are measured by the size of their thinking.” David Schwartz

The importance of good thinking cannot be overemphasized. Men are measured by the impact they make in their world which is sequel of a good thing and actions.

“Big picture thinkers realize that there is a world out there besides their own, and they make an effort to get outside of them and see other people’s world through their eyes.”

For one to make a mark in his/her world, he needs to work with people and cannot do this very well if he is locked up in his own world. Any good achiever needs to get out his/her way to see things through other people’s eyes. The consciousness that we need other people to succeed will help us to understand and work with others.

“The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them, a man may live long yet live very little.”

This idea encourages one to make good use of every opportunity he/she has. Some opportunities may never come our way again once they pass us by. One should endeavor to make maximum use of his/her life for good.

“A good idea can become a great idea when it is given focus time.”

When we think, we are encouraged to dwell on it. Try to see it clearly and focus on it. This will invariably make the idea grow and become strong enough to birth spontaneous actions. Small ideas should never be neglected.

“To do well at a few things, give up many things.”

Doing multiple things have been seen to be a distraction to so many people. Many great achievers are usually known for one thing. If the energy used to work on multiple ideas are channeled on one or few, there will definitely be a remarkable difference. At times we are enticed by many ideas and we feel that we can do all at a time but we discover that we usually do not put in our best in each of those ideas because our attention is divided and our success is also limited.

“Until thought is linked with purpose, there is no intelligent accomplishment.” James Allen

Our purpose in life drives us and so when we link our thoughts to our purpose we take more directed decisions and actions. We should watch our thoughts and make sure that they are aligned to our purposes.

“It doesn’t take a genius IQ or twenty years of experience to find the possibility in every situation. All it takes is the right attitude and everybody can cultivate that.”

This statement is like a reminder to me that everyone has all it takes to succeed. It all depends on having the right attitude and habits.

“The greatest enemy to tomorrow’s success is sometimes today’s success.”

Success can at times becomes a source of distraction and once this happens growth is hindered. The adage “pride goes before downfall” is true about success. If care is not taken, when one succeeds, he/she feels “on top” and capable of succeeding more but that it not always the case. Anyone that wants to be a great achiever must not relent in his/her efforts even after achieving great things.

“No matter what you are trying to accomplish you can do it better with shared thinking.”

Working with people in other to achieve your goals cannot be overemphasized. If anyone wants to achieve her goals faster, collaborating with others will surely do the magic.

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

I am clear about the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Building the Bridge as you Walk on It

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

In the book, the author explained how to develop lasting leadership qualities both in ourselves and in others.

i. When we commit to a vision to do something that has never been done before, there is no way to know how to get there. We simply have to build the bridge as we walk on it.

The author made it clear that as leaders, there may be times when we will be faced with a task that has never been done by anyone else. In that situation, we simply need to work ant learn in the process.

ii. When we change ourselves, we change how people see us and how they respond to us. When we change ourselves, we change the world. This is the legacy of people who operate in the fundamental state of leadership.

Many people desire change around the world but only few would want to change their lives. At times it is because we fail to see the change we need to make in our lives and it is easy to see things that need to be changed around us. For example there was a time many people in our community were coming down with malaria and it was obvious that what was contributing to that situation was the poor drainage system in every corner of the streets. Instead of the people trying to dispose their solid wastes properly, they continued filling the drainage with their refuse and the drainage system were continuously blocked. That frequently led to water stasis that encourages breeding of mosquitoes. In that case, the community members were not comfortable with the malaria outbreak and would not want it to continue but they were not willing to give up the attitude of blocking the drainage system with solid wastes.

I have realized that most of the changes we want to see in the world have to start from our lives.

iii. To rethink one’s beliefs is to see a new reality.

At certain points in our lives, it is important to rethink our beliefs. Often, we hold some beliefs so tenaciously that we fail to see the other side of it. Sometimes, those beliefs are negative and they keep us at the point we are. With the author’s points, I have come to realize that when we truly want a new experience or change, we have to give up our old belief and take up a new belief system that is in concordance with what we want.

For example, before I started IIGL course, I use to believe that for one to make a tangible change in his/her community, he/she must have a certain leadership position in the community. But, that belief is wrong. I had to change that belief and I began to see a new reality – I can make a change in my community without a “significant” position in the community.

iv. Being humble is often associated with weakness or lack of power. Real humility comes when we see the world as it really is.

Avoiding the reality most times makes one to remain where he/she is. It changes nothing and it only makes the problem more real. When we confront, the reality, it gives us the time to heal and empowers us to overcome our challenges.

v. Being transformational is a function of our ability to constantly engage that which we least want to engage, our own hypocrisy.”

Consciously examining our own self; attitudes and abilities is one of the surest ways to building a better life. When we deny our weaknesses and allow our achievements to blind us, we are gunning for failure. This idea is like a reminder for constant self-examination.

vi. Model the process of encouraging people to criticize what you are doing. Listen carefully to the criticism, and draw out more they want to say.

From the author’s explanation of the importance of listening to criticisms especially the constructive ones, it is clear to me that for a better outcome in any area of life, it is necessary to allow people to criticize our work. As a postgraduate student, I have experienced lecturers criticizing students’ works and the aim is always for the students to make corrections and come up with better works. Usually, the outcome is always better.

This is applicable to other areas of our lives; in our work places, families, relationships, etc., allowing criticisms will often help us produce better results and become better individuals. I have learned to apply the attitude of allowing people criticize what I do without feeling negative for a better performance.

vii. Remove yourself from expert role and take the role of positive inquirer.

A positive inquirer is always open to changes and new ideas but experts often feel that they have arrived and therefore need little or no inputs from others.

In other to succeed and remain successful, I must inculcate the attitude of openness to new ideas and experiences as well questioning the status quo.

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 author’s ideas have strengthened my understanding about what true leadership means and the importance of inculcating good leadership qualities. In my daily living, I will try and remain conscious of the fact that changes in any form starts with me. This will enable me to judge less and love more. I have learnt the act of good personal and community leadership and I believe that living these ideas day by day will help me become a better individual as well as build a better world.

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

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson’s statement simply reminds us that we have a lot in us. We just need to look into our lives to discover our latent talents and abilities and make maximum use of them. We should never allow what we are seeing to deceive us. We have capabilities in us that are far beyond our own imagination. Those who constantly tap into that wealth of possibilities always become outstanding.

“If language is not in accordance with the truth of things, then affairs cannot be carried on to success.” Confucius

The importance of honesty and facing the realities of things cannot be over emphasized. I believe that it is the basis for true success in life. I must always be conscious of my choice of words and language because it can make or mar my success in life to a large extent.

“What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.” Victor Frankl

As humans, we don’t just need to relax in everything; we need a level of tension to propel us to our goals. I have discovered from my experiences that I work better when I set deadlines for myself. Anytime I don’t have things propelling me, I achieve less. I totally agree with Frankl’s quote.

“Commit to keep reinventing yourself until your work becomes your calling.”

Commitment to self-development is worth investing in. I have tried it with IIGL studies and it is really yielding a positive result.

“To make radical change, one must move to the root- the origin or archetype.”

In other to make a lasting change both in our lives and in circumstances surrounding us, we must have an in-depth understanding of what the problem is all about.

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

I clearly understood the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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

There were no exercises for the reader to complete in the book.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

The Power of Now
Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

In the book, the author explained that there is an extraordinary Being that is in every existing thing in the universe which can only be experienced in a conscious state. He referred to it as the very essence of every created thing.

1. Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of being and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth.

The author emphasized the importance of looking within to find fulfillment in life. Often time, people are constantly looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer.
I have realized from the author’s explanations, that seeking to find what lies within us is a worthy investment. Although it may seem impossible at the beginning but with time, it becomes easier.

ii. To regain awareness of being and to abide in that state of “feeling realization” is enlightenment.

Enlightenment according to the author is not just as it sounds – human accomplishments but a natural state of felt oneness with Being. It is a state of connectedness with something immeasurable and indestructible, something that, almost paradoxically, is essentially you and yet is much greater than you. One can only be enlightened in the context of the book if the person has developed the habit of being consciously aware of the Being within.

iii. The more you are able to honor and accept the Now, the more you are free of pain, of suffering – and of the egoic mind.

The mind tries to escape from the realities of the present and deny its existence but it is obvious that denying what is only brings suffering. I have learnt to face the realities of my challenges as they come and not living in denial. This attitude has helped me to overcome challenges in the past and I believe it is an attitude that should be cultivated by everyone.

iv. If you no longer want to create pain for yourself and others, if you no longer want to add to the residue of past pain that lives on in you, then don’t create any more time, or at least no more than is necessary to deal with the practical aspects of your life.

According to the author, how to stop creating time is by realizing deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life, whereas before you dwelt in time and paid brief visits to the now, have your dwelling place in the Now and pay brief visits to the past and future when required to deal with the practical aspects of your life situation. Say “yes” to life – and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you. A life lived in the now is a true way of overcoming pain and suffering.

v. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it, always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will miraculously transform your whole life.

This statement is in tandem to the other author’s ideas and affirmations. Avoidance or denial of what is, never solves any problem. I must try and “watch my thinking” as the author puts it in other to remove any trace of denial from my mind.

vi. The quality of your consciousness at this moment is what shapes the future – which, of course, can only be experienced as the Now.

I have come to understand from the author’s statements that what actually determines the quality of one’s consciousness is his/her degree of presence. So the only place where true change can occur and where the past can be dissolved is the Now. For me to truly succeed in life, it is necessary for me to build my consciousness level.

vii. If all your problems or perceived causes of suffering or unhappiness were miraculously removed for you today, but you had not become more present, more conscious, you will soon find yourself similar set of problems or causes of suffering, like a shadow that follows you wherever you go.

This statement makes it clear that conscious living is the core of every lasting change and success on which everything builds. Without it, there will be a continuous longing for something that will bring permanent peace, joy, etc.

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 author’s ideas have really awakened my mind to the importance of consciousness living in this century. Living the supernatural life day by day by dwelling in the Now is an attitude I have to inculcate. If this is the very essence of our being, then without it, there is no life. The ideas in the book have really spurred me into positive actions that are affecting my life and the lives of the people around.

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.

Statements and quotes that got my attention:

“When you are full of problems, there is no room for anything new to enter, no room for a solution. So whenever you can, make some room, create some space, so that you find life underneath your life situation.”

The emphasis is on allowing the Being within to take the lead at all times. This can be done by not allowing our problems to crowd our entire minds.

“When you create a problem, you create pain. All it takes is a simple choice, a simple decision: no matter what happens, I will create no more pain for myself.”

Living a conscious life is a personal decision that should be made anyone who choose to experience it.

“Neither failure nor success has the power to change your inner state of Being.”

What determines our state of being is living in the Now according to the author. No amount of success can do that. It is truly delusional to think that success can change how we feel.

“Everything that exists has Being, has God-essence, has some degree of consciousness.”

This statement reminds me of the book “Conversations with God.” The author of the book also made it clear that everything that exists has God-essence and some degree of consciousness. Every created thing should be appreciated and the essence of their being recognized. Recognition of the divine Being in everything that exists around helps us to appreciate life and everything in it. All things begin at that point to align with us in oneness and work together for our good.

Use the master’s presence to reflect your own identity beyond name and form back to you and to become more intensely present yourself. You will soon realize that there is no “mine” or “yours” in presence.

It is imperative that one aligns him/herself to the divine within, when that is achieved, the master’s presence should be allowed to illuminate our lives and take up our “self”.
I have come to the understanding that everything in the universe is connected and therefore are one. If all should awaken to this consciousness, the changes we all seek in the world will be history.

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

I clearly understood the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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

There were simple exercises for the reader to do in the book. I tried to do almost all the exercises and I found them very helpful.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

Loving What Is

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The main idea of the book is that everything you see on the outside is a projection of the mind therefore; most problems can be solved by applying the four simple questions prescribed by the author. The four questions are:

Is it true?

Can I absolutely know that it’s true?

How do I react when I think that thought?

Who would I be without the thought?

Turn it around, then find three genuine, specific examples of how the turnaround is true in your life.

i. To think that I know what’s best for anyone else is to be out of my business.

The mindset that as adults, parents, leaders, we know what is best for others especially people that are close to us is delusional. This mindset according to the author usually results in emotional stress and heartbreaks in relationships. I have come to the understanding through the author’s prescribed guide that we can only know what is truly good for us and not for others. Trying to force our understanding of what we feel is good on others will only result in pain and unnecessary stress.

ii. Our spouses, parents, and children are the clearest masters we could hope for. Again and again, they will show us the truth we don’t want to see, until we see it.

The attitudes and behaviors of people around us have a way of shaping our lives. We usually see them as source of our joy or unhappiness most times. The author explained in the book that these people who are so close to us such as our spouses, siblings, children etc. always make us see the true part of us in their behaviors whether good or bad. Once we stop judging them and begin to judge our own attitudes and reactions towards them and then make efforts to improve, we’ll learn to live healthier lives.

iii. Your happiness is your responsibilities.

Just like the statement in number three, it is our reactions to people and events in our lives that determine our feelings. We are solely responsible for those feelings whether good or bad. When we constantly point accusing fingers on situations and people around us, we are bound to continue wallowing in feelings of sadness.

I have grown to believe that situations and people are the cause of my joy or sadness but I have come to the understanding through the ideas in this book and so many other books such as “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen that it is the attachment I give to those external forces that cause negative feelings. Thus, I am fully responsible for my feelings.

I am still consciously working on myself to fully take charge of how I feel and react towards others and circumstances and I believe that it is really paying off well.

iv. Realities is always kinder than the stories we tell about it.

Byron Katie made it clear in this book that facing our realities and trying to understand them make them look smaller than what we have imagined them to be.

For instance, when I believe that my sister does not love me because she does not bother to call me and says nasty things when she does, I may become more distant from her, stop calling her or even avoid everything that makes me come in contact with her. This feeling may even make me feel depressed whenever I remember her. But, when I try to understand the reason behind her actions, I may discover that she may be experiencing a very challenging family problem that is making her cold and unhappy. The knowledge of what she is passing through will make me feel lighter about her actions and may even find myself pitying her. Then, the initial thought of not being loved will disappear from my mind. The author prescribed deep inquiry into our realities in other to fully understand the stories behind them. This will make us free from so many troubles and negative feelings.

v. The power of turnaround lies in the discovery that everything you think you see on the outside is really a projection of your own mind.

This statement encourages us to constantly investigate our minds to discover the stories we tell about things and people around us and then turn them around to reflect our true selves. This will help us to project positive feelings more often.

vi. Happiness is a clear mind. A clear and sane mind knows how to live, how to work, what emails to send, what phone calls to make, and what to do to create what it wants without fear.

This statement encourages positive living in terms of being happy and working on staying happy. This attitude will help us to become more successful in all aspects of our lives.

vii. Uninvestigated stories often leave chaos and resentment and hatred within our own families.

I have fully understood that investigating the stories behind our realities is a sure way of eliminating or reducing the stress that comes with them.

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

These statements have made me to be more conscious of my feelings and I’m trying as much as possible to see others simply the way they are without judging them.

I have learnt to practice deep inquiry on every negative thought or feelings that develops within me. I believe that these ideas have made me a better person and so will help me to create a better world.

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

“The more you understand yourself and your emotions, the more you become a lover of what is.”

Understanding ourselves and our emotions according to the author will help us to also understand our realities and love them.

“Suffering is optional.”

She explained that whenever we experience a stressful feeling – anything from mild discomfort to intense sorrow, rage, or despair – we can be certain that there is a specific thought causing our reaction, whether or not we are conscious of it. Thus, it is important to investigate those thoughts in other to understand and find a way of turning them around to eliminate pain or negative reactions.

“Step aside from all thinking, and there is nowhere you can’t go.”

Our limitations mostly begin from our thoughts. If we believe that we can do anything, then it becomes true for us and if we believe that we cannot, then it also becomes true for us. Thoughts are powerful. We should be careful to select the thoughts that will make our lives and the world better.

“I can only find only three kinds of business in the universe: mine, yours, and God’s.”

This statement really got my attention while I was reading the book. To me, it is a simple way of eliminating any form of judgment from my mind. When any thought creeps into my mind, I can simply ask myself whose business it is. If it is not my business then it not worth causing me pain.

“Anything that’s out of my control, your control, and everyone else’s control – I call that God’s business.”

The author explained that whatever is out of my business and other’s business is God’s business. In fact, this idea will help me to gradually eliminate any form of worry and anxiety in my everyday life. Even in the practice of religion, this idea holds true. It is a good way of practicing faith in the Divine Being.

“A thought is harmless unless we believe it. It’s not our thoughts, but the attachment to our thoughts, that causes suffering.”

This statement still points out the fact that we are the ones that determine the directions our thoughts go. If we attach positive feelings to our thoughts, our reactions become positive and vice versa.

“Everyone is a mirror image of yourself – your own thinking coming back at you.”

When we learn to see ourselves in others, we tend to love more and judge less.

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

I understood the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of her ideas or statements.

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 contains simple exercises for the reader to do. I tried to the exercises and I found them very helpful. I will also continue to practice “The Work” using the four questions as suggested by the author.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment 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 were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting your own Business

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

Ed Paulson in this book gave a clear step by step guide on of how to successfully start, run and sustain a business.

The ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons and why:

i. Knowing that you have employment options may make you more effective in your current job.

An employee who is aware that he/she has employment options according to the author is likely to perform better in his/her job. Fear and anxiety may likely be completely eliminated. This statement reminds me of our workplace where the supervisors are constantly making unnecessary difficult demands on workers. I observed that junior workers are usually more affected and therefore work with fear. This is mostly because they have less employment options and would want to retain their work unlike the professional workers who can easily find other places to work. So, the professionals work with more ease and with less anxiety when compared to the junior workers.

I as an employee must ensure that I have other work options at all times so that it will be easier for move when necessary.

ii. Accept that lifelong employment is a myth and that it is up to you to protect your working future.

The author tried to explain the fact that there is nothing like lifelong employment. Policies and government could change and then there could be need to lay-off workers in so many industries. He therefore advised that while one is in a particular job, he/she should make concrete plans on how to ensure that he has other sources of income in the future.

iii. Understanding your personal needs, goals, skills and personality before you start your own business is critical to later success.

This statement clearly outlines the prerequisite for starting a business. Anybody who aspires to own a business needs to first of all have a thorough understanding of himself, his needs, and personal skills. Many have started businesses just to discover that they are not happy running the business. This obviously makes them inefficient and unhappy with their work. Some others discover that they don’t have the necessary skills, funds or even adequate knowledge of the business.

If I have a business of my own, I will ensure that I have all it takes to effectively start and run the business.

iv. Not all professionals are the same, and your uniqueness is a key to creating customer perception and marketing success.

Highlighting your uniqueness as a professional in your business according to the author will help to give you an identity and uniqueness. This will give a level of edge among other competitor.

v. Writing down your plans and goals demonstrates your commitment to your business, which impresses potential investors, suppliers, employees and spouses.

Goal setting is just a key to success in any area of life. In business, if this part is neglected, the business is bound to fail. The adage “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” really holds true especially in business. If a businessman fails to put down a concrete plan on how to run his business from the scratch he is most likely to fail.

A good plan is therefore necessary for the success of any business. I will always endeavor to plan all my activities because I have seen that it is very important.

vi. Sales are necessary for a company to survive. If you are not highly sales motivated, then you should hire someone who is.

A business owner may not necessarily possess all the necessary qualities needed to build a successful business. But, it is important for him to identify those skills that he needs to succeed and then employ those that possess those qualities that he needs to succeed. For example, if he is not a good accountant or salesman, he may need to employ the services of professionals in those areas at some point.

vii. Avoid the tendency to rest once you start to succeed, because that is exactly when the competition will be working hard to cut your success short.

The tendency to rest when a success is recorded is high for many people and this may have caused the downfall of many in the past. This statement reminds me that success should be an encouragement for more success and therefore more work. This can be applied not just in business but in many areas of our lives. A point when you are saying that you need rest might be a time especially in business where your competitors are coming up with new strategies to outsmart you. Also, in academics, when someone acquires a degree and decides to rest for a while from reading and researching, after a while, he/she may discover that he/she has been left behind because new ideas, technology, etc. are emerging every day. For example, in my workplace, some of my senior colleagues who have been practicing for years and have already attained leadership positions in the profession are still using old methods of practice. These set of people resist change because they have failed to update their knowledge over the years. They feel they have achieved success and so, do not need to study further or research more not knowing that things change with time and in other to remain successful in the profession, you need to be up to date with new information and skills needed in the profession.

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

These ideas/statements have helped me to understand better the technicalities in business and how to successfully start, run and sustain a business. I believe that if I decide to have a business venture of my own, I will succeed with these ideas in mind.

More so, the ideas in the book can be applied in other areas of my life such as family and career. Understanding my needs, taking proper decisions and planning at all times will help me to live a more balanced lifestyle.

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.

“To most effectively deal with typical startup situations, entrepreneurs must be willing to start ; to get going when others might wait.”

This statement makes it clear that waiting for situations to be perfect before you take the necessary actions will only mar you success. There is no perfect time to act. One only needs to be proactive and take calculated risks as an entrepreneur.

“Planning to start your own business while still employed is a good move that protects you and your family from unexpected job termination.”

When someone wants to start a business, it is good advice to still have paid employment that will help him/her to stabilize financially while the business is in a startup phase.

“Communicate openly with spouse, children, parents, and friends about what you want to do and what kind of a time and energy commitment it will take. If you sense from initial discussions that your family may resent your attention moving away from them and toward a business, think about ways that you can involve them in the company.”

The importance of communication cannot be overemphasized in any area of our lives, otherwise, we will be misunderstood and our relationships may be strained. In business, it is good practice to involve our family members and significant others in other to gain their co-operations and support.

“Nobody will be more committed to the success of your business than you. Know that when others do not show up or don’t do a good job, you will be the one to pick up the pieces.”

Taking responsibility for your success is always important in both business and other areas of life. This attitude will help you not to blame others or depend so much on others to succeed.

“Your business must meet your need in several different levels including financial and personal.”

I have come to the understanding that businesses are not meant to give only financial freedom but also add meaning and joy to one’s life and also the lives of others. Therefore, it is important to understand clearly what your intensions are before you venture into any business. This will help you to know what needs you expect the business to meet.

“The right business for you is the one that blends market needs with your needs and needs of other business stakeholders.”

According to the author, when a business blends with market needs, the owner’s needs and the needs of other stakeholders, such business is worth investing in.

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

I understood clearly the author’s ideas and do not disagree with any of his ideas or statements.

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 contains practical steps on business planning and development and also simple exercises for the reader. I did many of the exercises and I found them very helpful.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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

The Secret

Assessment by Osayi Ujunwa Lynda (Nigeria)

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

The author’s main idea is that human beings are what they think and feel and therefore can create any situation they desire in life basically by changing their own thoughts and feelings.

i. All of your power to create your life is available right now, because right now is when you are thinking.

This statement explains that it is never too late to make the changes we desire in our lives. If I have had some thoughts that will not be beneficial when they manifest, then right now I can change my thinking. I can erase my previous thoughts by replacing them with good thoughts. I try to practice this in my life often and I have discovered that it is highly effective for healthy and happier living but it requires a level of consciousness, determination and commitment.

ii. One way to master your mind is to learn to quiet your mind.

The author recommended daily meditation as a powerful tool to mastering our minds. According to him, every teacher he mentioned in the book uses meditation as a daily practice. Meditation according to Byrnes quiets your mind, helps you control your thoughts, and revitalizes your body. Meditation is truly an incredibly powerful way of gaining control over your thoughts. I practice meditation as much as I can and it has proven to be very beneficial.

iii. To become aware of your thoughts, you can also set the intention, “I am the master of my thoughts.” Say it often, meditate on it, and as you hold to that intention, by the law of attraction you must become that.

Setting an intention helps in the practice of the principle of mind awareness. If one can set intensions in different areas of his lives, their will surely be a remarkable difference.

iv. Nothing can come into your experience unless you summon it through persistent thoughts.

Persistent in the practice of this principle of mind awareness is truly the key to success. If we repeatedly affirm a positive thought without wavering, it will bear fruits in due time but if we do not persist, the case might be different.

v. Most of us attract by default. We just think that we don’t have any control over it. Our thoughts and feelings are on autopilot, and so everything is brought to us by default.

This statement is so true of so many people. Most times, we are just living our lives taking the days as they come whether good or bad. The challenge is to take the responsibility of influencing situations that come our way. Default living may not be the best for anyone especially when your mind is filled with negative images of life.

vi. Our feelings are a feedback mechanism to us about whether we’re on track or not, whether we’re on course or off course.

According to the author, our feelings are powerful way of tracking our progress towards happier living. If our actions bring us positive feelings, then we must in the right track. For instance, if you are feeling sad, you could check your thoughts at that moment and see if a shift will do you more good.

vii. Praise and bless everything in the world, and you will dissolve negativity and discord and align yourself with the highest frequency love.

This idea is a good way of shifting our minds to the beauty of the world which could make us have more positive mindsets and build stronger intensions for our lives.

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

These ideas and statements have shaped my life in so many ways. I now live more positively and inspire others to be positive as well. I am constantly attracting favors and miracles in my daily life more than I even imagine and I know that these principle are really guiding my life.

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

Statements and quotes that got my attention:

“There is no greater power in the Universe than the power of love.”

The author explained that the feeling of love is the highest frequency one can emit. If every our thought is encapsulated in love and we could love everything and everyone then our lives would be transformed. The idea of loving all things might seem impossible but if one can consciously work on his mind to radiate only love, it will be easier to love.

“The Genie assumes that everything you think about, you want! That everything you speak about, you want! That everything you act upon is what you want! You are the Master of the Universe, and the Genie is there to serve you.”

The Genie as the Byrne explained never questions your commands. Once you think it, the Genie immediately begins to leverage the Universe, through people, circumstances, and events, to fulfill your wish. The idea of the “genie” makes me think of the “the Holy spirit” or “guardian angels” as a Christian. They are always there to carry out God’s assignment in our lives. If I can always have this in mind at all times, it will help me to practice the principles of “The Secret” better.

“Thoughts are magnetic, and thoughts have a frequency. As you think thoughts, they are sent out into the Universe, and they magnetically attract all like things that are on the same frequency. Everything sent out returns to the source you.”

The importance of transforming our thoughts in other to emit more positive frequencies cannot be overemphasized. We can only get what we give. To get good things, we must endeavor to give good things. This applies to every area of our lives.

‘If you can understand that there is no time, and accept that concept, then you will see that whatever you want in the future already exists. If everything is happening at the one time, then the parallel version of you with what you want already exists!”

This statement encourages me to believe that whatever I desire is already mine. And this makes it a lot easier for me to stay positive in life. According to Byrnes’s explanations, It takes no time for the Universe to manifest what you want. Any time delay you experience is due to your delay in getting to the place of believing, knowing, and feeling that you already have it. It is you getting yourself on the frequency of what you want, when you are on that frequency, then what you want will appear.

“Many people who order their lives rightly in all other ways are kept in poverty by their lack of gratitude.”

Gratitude is truly a virtue that everyone should desire to have. It makes one to be truly happy and content. It paves way for more beautiful things and attracts abundance to anyone who possesses it.

“The shortcut to anything you want in your life is to BE and FEEL happy now!”

According to the author, being and feeling happy is the fastest way to bring money and anything else you want into your life. Focus on radiating out into the Universe those feelings of joy and happiness. When you do that, you will attract back to you all things that bring you joy and happiness, which will not only include an abundance of money, but everything else you are wanting. You must radiate out the signal to bring back what you want. As you radiate out those feelings of happiness, they will be sent back to you as the pictures and experiences of your life. The law of attraction is reflecting back your innermost thoughts and feelings as your life.

“You are the heir to the kingdom. Prosperity is your birthright, and you hold the key to more abundance in every area of your life than you can possibly imagine. You deserve every good thing you want, and the Universe will give you every good thing you want, but you have to summon it into your life. Now you know The Secret. You have the key. The key is your thoughts and feelings, and you have been holding the key in your hand all of your life.”

I love the above statements made by the author and it summaries all that he taught in the book. If only I can practice these principles, I believe that I will live a happier life.

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

I understood the author’s ideas and statements and do not disagree with any them.

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

The book contains simple practical exercises for the reader to do. I did the exercises and I found them very helpful.

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

The previous questions have covered the author’s statements that I would want to comment on.

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