Solomon Teshome – Assessments – International Institute for Global Leadership

As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

What the book “As a Man Thinketh” tries to convey is that how a man or a women is a master of his/her destiny. The book told us that a man’s destiny is in his mind or in his thought; so all what we have experienced in life is the direct result of our though. There is no such thing as chance or luck. It is all a cause-effect relation. Our thought turns into action, our action is responsible for our character, and our character make or create the environment and situation where the man lives. Man is totally responsible for whatever happens in his life, be it good or bad. So, the book stressed that we are who we think we are; therefore the power in our hand to change whatever state of being.

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 seven most important ideas I came across in the book are presented as follows.

The relation between Thought and Character: The book gave me an important lesson on how our thought affects the character we have. We become what we think about; and as a result our character is a reflection of all our thoughts. I get to realize that every act of a man is a result from his thought and eventually this kind of repeated course of action become the builder of his character. Previously I thought that man’s character is innate and is acquired through birth; and I felt it is too hard to change it. However, thanks to the book now I get some insight that makes me examine my characters in relation with my thought. Really, I found it interesting that there is a direct relationship between my though and my character. So, I am currently beginning to make self-assessment on whether these characters are empowering or otherwise. Now, I know what to do to change the status quo and those characters that drag me behind; just to work on the root: my thought from which my character builds.

The relation between Thought & Circumstance: The other most important idea I have learnt from the book is that the environment and situation we are in is the clear manifestation of our regular thought. The author shows us the interaction and association among though, character & circumstance. He says “Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state.” Thanks for the book, now I get to realize what brought me in the situation where I am in, and the situation which I need to change by any means.

The relation of Thought with Health & Body: The book also raises the relation of body and mind. It clearly depicts that “body is the servant of the mind.” Our health condition and physical status are the other area where we see the effect of our thought. Our thought, whether good or bad, can manifest itself in our physical body, either as illness or wellness.

The Relation between Thought & Purpose: The book again came up with an interesting idea that mention the link between our thought and the purpose we have in life. A great accomplishment comes from when a compelling purpose and empowering thoughts are converged. Therefore, we need two things in this regard: conceiving a compelling purpose, and positive & unwavering thought. Perhaps success is the direct result of the appropriate combination of these two factors. In other hand, it is noted that fear and doubt are antithetical to this success; rather they are the driving force of failure. So, by any means we have to get rid of them form our mind.

The Relationship between Thought & Achievement: I think the writer sum up the all idea here. He said “All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thought.” The author told us that the kind of thought we have in our mind has greatly to do with whatever result we have experienced in our life. No one bears the responsibility for our situation, except us. So, as the book stressed we have to scarify today’s pleasure for a greater long-term good.

The Relation of Thought with Vision & Ideals: It is about using our mind’s eye to see the future state. Imagining what we would like to be; if we imagine better things, we would reap happiness, success & joy; while if we imagine otherwise, the result we would get is suffering and sorrow. Because, it is on the principle that all things are created twice: first, a mental creation; second, a physical creation. So, let’s dream, dream, dream—. That is why the Martin Lutter King said in 1960’s “I have the dream—“; in deed we have seen that the dream have been turned out to the reality. Because of his dream, we are able to see black man in the White House.

Serenity & Tranquilly: Finally, we found that the importance of serenity and peace for our mind. The mind ought to function, but it likewise needs to rest. Of course, we can notice this truth in God’s creation process; he took a rest at the seventh day after He finished the process of creation.

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”

While reading the book, what I was usually doing was that looking into my situation through the eye’s of the book. When the book repeatedly told me as I can become anything I want, I would ask myself what changes should be taking place in my life. In other words, the first thing I did was making a thorough and careful assessment in all sphere of my life. Now, I am identifying gaps that hindered me to get at where I would like to be, in terms of relationship, finance, career, health, and the like. I hope once I clearly articulate what I need in my life, the next thing is going to be tapping into the creative potential of my mind. What I need to care is nothing but on the type of seed I am going to sow; improved seed for better result.

However, all the things I am dreaming of for my life would less likely to be realized unless and otherwise the environment around me in particular and the whole world as a whole are changed or be in harmony with me. As I dream a better life for myself, therefore, so do for the world. The formula is the same. It is like what J.K Rowling, the author of the Harry Potters, once said: “We don’t need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

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

“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are” This statement gave me a hard truth that “to being” have to come first before “to want”, “to do”, or “to have.” Without being what we want in life, simply wanting or craving for what we want might not lead to attain it. It means if we want happiness in my life, we would be happy unless we first feel happy by whatever means we have at the moment. Then, it is likely to grow and expand the extent of our happiness. “All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the result of his own thoughts.” The author told us that the kind of thought we have in our mind has greatly to do with whatever result we have experienced in our life. No one bears the responsibility for our situation, except us. We can become anything we want, because the world exists through the power of belief. There is nothing fixed or limiting about a human being. All the power of the universe is inside us, simply put. We are who we think we are, and this we have the power to change at any moment

“There can be no progress without scarifies” So, as the book stressed we have to scarify today’s pleasure for a greater long-term good.

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?

Nothing

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?

Of course, as far as my understanding concerned, I did not come across any exercise which I suppose to do.

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.

Generally the book is so magnificent; but it would be better if it
includes techniques and tactics that show us how we can change the way we
think

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

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

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

It is about the story of a certain Seagull who found a meaning in his life and the effort he has exerted to live according to it. It told us how the Seagull, called Jonathan, had gone through the challenges and failure to exercise his natural freedom and to go beyond the limit he had given by the Flocks. In fact, the story told us that it is possible for Jonathan to achieve his dream and live the life he wishes.

2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.

Richard Bach raised a number of important ideas in the story. I summarized these into seven main ideas and presented as follows.

The need of purpose in life: In the story what I learnt is that how life without purpose was meaningless for Jonathan. He believed that we all have a reason to follow and fulfill when we live in this world. This is important for me because I get to realize my inner voice and to tap into it. It is where my heart is, and through which I connect with the consciousness. It is the reason why I came into this world. So, realizing this inner voice and living according to it is a means to joy, fulfillment and freedom.

Challenging the statues quo; for Jonathan, the way of life the Seagull flock lives was unacceptable. Rather, he would challenge the Seagulls’ ordinary life that eating matter most. As a result he brought a new of thinking in the flock that challenged their life long norm and tradition. In this idea we found that getting out of the comfort situation and moving beyond the limit can help us to tap into the creative force of nature.

Determination: The other most important lesson we can learn from Jonathan is his determination to realize his dream. His determination has made him to fly by overcoming all challenges and fears. When you determine in your heart, nothing has the power to stop you from achieving what you are striving for. The hurdles, the challenges and the failures are nothing but the stepping stone reach at where you want.

Change the Thought: As Jonathan said “break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body.” It is true that all the limitation we have put in ourselves is the result of our thought. It shows the extent and magnitude of our thought. Let’s change our thought, and then we can see the how far we move.

Never Ending Improvement. Learning new things and practicing them were the other major qualities of Jonathan. Has committed to practice flight and to improve himself to the level where he touched perfection. This experience teaches us that there is no end and limit in the potential and capacity we have in different aspects. As the elder Chiang said that we have never to stop learning and practicing and “striving to understand more of the perfect invisible principle of all life.”

Freedom: Jonathan’s story reminds me of the article once I read in Obama’s the “Audacity of Hope” book. “We are born into this world free, all of us; that each of us arrives with a bundle of rights that can’t be taken away by any person or any state without just cause; that through our own agency we can, and must make of our lives what we will.” Jonathan was the one who strived to exercise his nature-given freedom to explore what he can and what he can’t. Both Jonathan & Obama gave emphasis for the freedom we have as well as the right to use it. Both used their freedom; Obama went beyond the traditional line and became the first black American President; while Jonathan broke the traditional rule of Seagull and could able to fly.

Empowering & Serving Others: Jonathan was also committed himself “to give something of the truth that he had seen to a gull who asked only a chance to see truth for himself.” He never forgot the place he had come and his fellow flock members. So, whether we get acceptance or not, we need to share and empower others to get at where we have reached. We have to strive to help others to see the potential and the good in themselves. After all, this is what makes a good leader.

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”

Most important thing is that these ideas are helped me to change the way I see life. I came to understand that the maker or the breaker, and the creator or destroyer of myself is no one except me. I came to ask that if I am responsible to myself, what I should do to live the life I wish. The answer for this question starts from first finding the inner voice or the purpose I have life. I know no one tells me this as it is a deeply ingrained thing. So, it is my responsibility to listen to my heart and find meaning in life. The other lessons, which are vital to materialize it, follow accordingly.

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

“Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body” (p.10)

Because of this quote, I get to realize that all the limitation I have put in my self is the direct result of my thought. So, to move beyond this limitation, the best way is changing the way I think about all aspect of my life. All maters I have thought so far has reached me at where I am now. If I want to see my self in different situation, I have to replace my habitual thought with the new one.

“—that the hardest thing in the world is to convince a bird that he is free, and that he can prove it for himself if he had just spend a little time practicing?”

It highlights how we are unable to accept the freedom given by nature. However, the best way to check it is exercising and practicing. I am convinced that I have to use it to the extent that helps me know what I can do and what I can’t.

“—boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is so short”

It is true that the major setbacks that prevent us from living the life we want is the feeling of boredom, fear and anger. They have the power to disconnect us from the creative force of nature. The one who want to move up ward is his life these needs to leave them aside by any possible cost and means. As they are the creature of our mind, we have to replace them with energy, courage and calmness.

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation”

We have to believe not only the seeable thing but also the unforeseen part of the universe. If only we believe by this, we can move beyond our limit. The physical world which our eyes can see is limited, while the universe which our eyes can’t see is limitless, so that we have to tap into this force. Only when do this we can use our potential.

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?

In this story, I have two things for which I am unclear

• The first thing I am unclear about is the concept of time and space; and how they are relating to achieving one’s dream in life.

• The second one is about the relationship between heaven and perfection, and how they have to do with being successful

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

I have not come across any exercise I suppose to do

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.

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

F. How interesting was it to read? 7
G. How helpful were the contents? 9
H. How easy was it to understand? 5
I. Would you recommend it to others? 8
J. What is the overall rating you would give it? 6

Success Through Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

“Success through a Positive Mental Attitude” is the book of Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone that conveys the importance of developing positive mental attitude. If someone wants to achieve success, health, happiness and wealth in his/her life, according to the book, without having a positive mental attitude is unthinkable. Specifically, the book tells us how we are going to use our brain and nervous system. Moreover, it teaches the readers on what to do and how to do it in order to tap the power of our subconscious mind and put them to work.

Positive Mental Attitude (PMA): The books clearly put that wealth, success, happiness and health are intimate for persons who have positive mental attitude. Our mind has a secret talisman. In one side there is PMA and on the other side we found NMA. While PMA enables men/women to climb to the top, negative mental attitude (NMA) keep others to remain at the bottom in their lives. God needs not to be blamed for whatever results I have got throughout our lives. Although I have been coming to develop the habit of PMA since I started this self-development program, this book has given me additional knowledge especially on how to go practically about it. I began to having a burning desire towards success, and started to keep my mind on the things I want and off the things I don’t want. As Henley wrote, I am saying for my self that “I am the masters of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”

Learn to see : It about the significance of seeing through the eyes of our mind. It is stated that what we see is always an interpretation of the mind. In this regard, two problems are raised for the reason why most of us are impaired to see: being nearsighted or farsighted. In order to get the most of out of our mental vision, we need to be neither nearsighted nor farsighted; rather we have to learn to see opportunities both we have at hand and are distant. From my experience, there were times I focused only on my immediate problems and urgent demands while forgetting the possibilities and opportunities placed ahead of me. Contrary to this, I would often overlook the opportunities at hand and wait for until the opportunities turned up. However, because of this book, I have learnt to pay attention to anything I have at hand and at the same time to opportunities of the future. I have come to appreciating rather than complaining.

Now is the time: I have come to know that the secret of getting things done lies in “Now”. It means nothing but being a self-starter or initiator. In this principle procrastination has no place; it has to be discarded by any cost and means possible. We have no other time other than “Now”. So, “Do It Now” has to be our habit if we want to get at where we want to be. As the habit of procrastination is my problem, this principle is most important for me. As a result I have made an irrevocable decision to myself to drop such a bad habit as quickly as possible. I am making a practice to seize NOW before it becomes “Yesterday”.

The magic ingredient: The book precisely depicts “hope” as the magic ingredient of success. Moreover, I am taught that hope is a desire with the expectation of obtaining what is desired and belief that it is obtainable. It is one of the motivator factors for our every act. As fuel is for car, hope is for human being. Therefore, it is always my responsibility to make sure that whether my reservoir is full enough in “Hope” all the time.

Aiming High: I found that aiming high in life is vital and help us demand more return, prosperity and abundance in life. Really, I did so. I have set aims in my life that ranges from immediate, medium to long terms. For instance, as medium range plan, I aimed to “lead or manage a medium size business company”. Until I get at there I make sure that I keep properly motivated and move forward step by step. The most important thing is that I have already started the journey towards it.

A Magnificent Obsession: Magnificent Obsession implies that sharing ourselves without expecting a reward, payment, or commendation. I have realized that being helpful to others would bring for me blessings and rewards. Living for others is a good deed that God expects from all human being. So, I vowed for my self to develop such habit gradually. Regardless of the size and magnitude of the contribution, I have decided to make the major part of myself.

Recharge the Battery: It is about the importance of rest. I have learnt that our body and mind needs rest to rebuild themselves and get back what they have lost. It is through rest and relaxation both can recharge themselves. I want to become a well-balanced person therefore I usually make sure that my energy is recharged to the extent that my strength and vitality are developed. Earlier, I considered taking rest or playing with friends as a waste of time as a result I preferred not to do so. But from now on, I am convinced that allocating some portion of the day to rest and relaxation is equally important with working.

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”

As I have discussed in preceding paragraph, the ideas I have learnt from the book have been bringing meaningful change in my overall personality. I have begun to lay the foundation through PMA, relaxation and thinking about the goals that I have set forth. If I start to solve my problems, it is the fact that it would have a positive implication for those around me, for the community where I live, for my country and for the world in general.

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

“To become an expert achiever in any human activity, it takes practice… practice… practice.” (8)

I feel that except continues practice, is hardly to become an expert in any areas where we are engaging. It values the significance of practice.

“If the man is right, his world will be right” (p.25)

Everything starts from at individual level; our world would not be right unless and otherwise we are right. So, the responsibility of changing our world lies on every individual. What is required is simply to have a positive attitude towards ourselves and to the world. Our world is the merely the reflection of our thought.

“Stop and think about yourself: In all the history of the world there was never anyone else exactly likes you, and in all the infinity of time to come, there will never be another: (329)

This made me to proud of myself and feels confidence.

“The more you give of that which is good and desirable- the more you get” (George Stefek, 180)

Success is achieved when we contribute for the success of others. Our action will be blessed if we share what we have without expecting any return.

“Thought is the foundation upon which all else is built by man’ (180)

It underlines the significant of thought as a foundation for every other thing.

“So we don’t lose heart …… Because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (264)

It teaches me the importance of faith; it is the means by which we tap into the creative potential of our subconscious mind.

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?

Most of the ideas raised in the book are clearly for me; however, I am hardly grasping the idea about “Transmuting the power of Sex.”(102). what is the relationship between sex and success?

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

Yes, there are some exercises that the reader is required to do. These exercises have remarkable importance, especially in helping the reader turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Bearing in mind this, I have tried to do most 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.

I have no comment at all.

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

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

Keys to Success

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The main idea behind Napoleon Hill’s Key to Success is about the principles that everyone has to master to achieve success. He introduced us 17 principles of success that he compiled them from his lifetime study of successful people of those days.

All ideas raised in the book are essential; however, the following seven ideas are stood out as the most important for me.

Definiteness of Purpose: It is important because I got to realize that having definiteness of purpose is the starting point for great accomplishment. I recognized that having a definiteness purpose in life is a basis for all kinds of success. While living for 29 years in this planet, I dare to say that I haven’t had a clear purpose which I die for it. As a result, I have experienced a number of inconsistencies in my work as well as professional life. It was common for me to give up the effort I have exerted if I got stacked or faced challenges. I would lose my hope simply. But now, as a result of this book, I come to know that having definiteness of purpose is indispensible to do great work. Because of this I have got back to my inner self where I am listening to my calling that God gave me to accomplish it while living in this planet. Though it is not as clear as I want, currently I am getting to realize my definite purpose. I hope through time the vision would be clear.

Applied Faith: I have come to understand that having definiteness of purpose is not a sufficient factor by itself to do great things. So, it has to be supported by living by faith. While reading this section of the book, it reminded of me those fears I have experienced in my life. Their root cause was nothing but the lack of faith in my inherent potential. Now, as the Author told me that the fear of failure is something that could be conquered, I am taking bold actions in faith whenever I get the opportunity. As far as the opportunity is in alignment with my purpose, now I don’t want to hold my self back from taking action on it. After reading the book, the habit I am coming to develop in this regard is very different. Since recently, when I encountered with fear, what I have read about faith has been clicked in my mind, and then immediately I took action by leaving aside the fear. Now I am developing such habit; in the future I hope fear would be no long the reason that hinders me back from what I wish to achieve.

Mastermind Alliance: As it is about partnership and synergy with other link-mined people, it is one of the ingredients for success. Bearing in mind this, therefore, I have started to use the strength of the experience, training, and knowledge of other people just as if they were my own. I have established network with others and started to participate in associations or networks of people which would help me to attain my goal. As far as no one full to do every thing, he has to align himself with other to fill his gap. So, what I am doing now is this. Previously my relationship was so poor that I could get the most out of it.

Go the Extra Mile: This is the idea by which I have come to realize that always I have to make a step by step increment in my life. I have to break my “shell” and sense everything that was beyond my boundary. I understand that there is no limit for human potential, the capacity he/she has presently is nothing rather than the result of his/ser belief. So, every day going beyond my limit is becoming my life principle.

Create Personal Initiative: I have learnt that taking responsibility and initiative to do things for my own sake is vital, rather than waiting for some other person to do my work. No matter what the effort is small, I have to seize that opportunity and discharge my responsible to the maximum. Now I begun to appreciate every encounter in my life and tried to turn them around. Rather than blaming and pointing my figure on others, I have started to look for any task for which I have a total influence and begun to act upon them. Time to time I have come to expand my area of influences which take me forward.

Self-Discipline: I have learnt that self-discipline is the means that enable me to have control over my-self and develop the habit that is essential to achieve my purpose. I have understood that my failures and success were the results of my habits. So, I have engaged in sorting out those habits and begun to fix them in way that would make be attain my definite purpose.

Learn from Adversity and Defeat: I now understand that any failure or pain which I have experienced through out my life is the language through which nature speaks to me, pointing out mistakes. The book taught me that adversity breads opportunity, every setback carries with it an even greater opportunity, and every curse has a corresponding blessing. As a result, I have begun to assess the root cause of my failures of the past and started to tackle some of them. For instance, I was addicted to alcohol, and previously I though that I had nothing to with my failure. But now I recognized my addictedness was the root cause for most of the failures I have encountered in past. So, what I have done is taking immediate action on it; and thanks to IIGL I am now free from any addiction. My money, time and energy have been started to be used for productive work. Really I have experienced observable change in my life.

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

After reading this book, my life has been completely begun to be change in the manner that I wish to see. It has been started with changing my-self first; especially changing on how I see life and the entire world. I get to know that only if I am right, my world will be right. My world is the reflection of my thought. Based on this premises, therefore, I believe that I have started my journey to contribute my part for the creation of the world which I wish to see. I begun with changing my mental attitude, and tuned it up in the manner that meets what my world looks like. I want to see and imagine a world of prosperity, peace, freedom, and equality. The next thing I have done is scanning my-self and my environment to identify the areas that I am strong at, have a total control, and areas that need to be improved. Then I have tried my best to turn each and every opportunity into that end. Rather than waiting for others, I took the initiative to make things happen.

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

“If you make your prayers an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessing you already have, instead of requests for things you do not have, you will obtain results much faster.”

This statement has made me to focus on what I already have. My success starts from recognizing and using the potential and resources I currently have, no matter how it is small. It is helping me accept the reality and develop a positive mental attitude toward the world.

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?

Nothing, every thing is ok and nicely presented.

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

Yes, there a number of exercises at the end of the book which the reader should put into practice that he/she has learnt from the book. Therefore, I have tried to do most 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.

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

PsychoCybernetics 2000
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The “Psych-Cybernetics 2000” book talks about personal fulfillment through self-image enhancement. The book explains different methods in a simple term on that help us to expand the limits of our talents and capabilities by expanding our self image. It offers dozens of tested techniques and proven-in-action strategies that show readers how to:

* develop a personal action plan for improving personal and professional life
* be more assertive with friends, family members and difficult coworkers
* successfully cope with severe emotional blows
* anticipate and prepare for career changes
* take on new responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed
* eliminate stress and anxiety and replace it with positive action

The following are the most important ideas that I took out of the “Psych-Cybernetics 2000” book, and these appeal to me because they help me transform my life and lead a life of joy and fulfillment.

Self-Image: I understood that every one of us always acts, feels, and behaves in a way that is consistent with our self-image. I realized that my self-image has completely to do with the success and failure I have experienced so far. As a result of it, I immediately questioned my self: what is my self-image look like? Is it the empowering one or that holding me back from what I want to achieve in life? I have a made a 360 degree assessment on myself. In deed, I have sorted out several bad images of myself that need to be replaced with new ones. For instance, so far I have been convinced that I had poor in English language skill and was too late to improve it as well. As a result of such negative conviction, I have limited to do what I want in this regard. But now I have learnt that it is rather a self-imposed belief, however, the reality is different. So, I have begun to erase such a poor self-image and replace with positive self-image. I come to believe that I can be as fluent in English language as the natives.

Six Weeks to a New Self-image: I have come to know that any habits could be changed with in six weeks. The only thing we have to do is sorting out the habits we want to change and making a regular practice. This by itself gave me hope due to the fact that I am convinced that anything habit can be changed in such time interval. Having indentified my habits that need to be replaced, I have gone for them step by step. I have given priority for which I have poor self-image.

CRAFT: I found CRAFT (Cancel, Replace, Affirm, Focus and Train) as important step to create a new self-image. Once negative self-image is identified, by using this CRAFT process we can replace our destructive habits step by step. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, among the self-images I have identified as negative, “believing of being poor in English language”, is the one. So, in order to replace it with an image of being “fluent speaker”, I have started to the process of changing it through daily application of CRATF.

Creative Imagination: I have come to know that when I focus on my imagination on the way I wish to be, my conscious mind directs my subconscious mind to accept these new images. In this regard, reflective relearning is a technique that helps us have new picture of ourselves and turn our imagination on the way we want. As a result, I have begun to use reflective relearning to create a new image of myself, reprogramming my automatic creative mechanism to move forward to speak English language fluently. I am being trained myself in my new image by reminding myself several times a day that I am in the process of replacing my old habit.

Relaxation: I have learnt that relaxation is an aid to health and problem solving as well as a necessary condition for the work of reprogramming our self-image in the way we wish to be.

Goal Setting: I am taught that there is a direct relationship between setting goals and achieving success. It is cleared to me that without having clear-cut goal or target for which I strive for, my creative potential within me is remained dormant. As a result, I began to setting goals for every aspect of my life. Like goals for my career, finance, family, health and relationship. I have committed my self to write down my goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely.

Avoiding Procrastination: It gave me the reason why people procrastinate and what we can do to overcome them. I know that procrastination is one of my weaknesses too, so what I have learnt from the book is critical to reduce or avoid it once and for all. Now I know what I am supposed to avoid such a bad habit from life. Despite the fact that I am having difficulties to avoid it very quickly, time to time I am getting better and better in acting on my plan. When I often got temptation to not perform my tasks today and to put off them to other times, I have begun to say for myself: please chose from “success” or “failure”. Usually, I would chose “success” so that I have been inspired to perform my task as per the set up time table.

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”

As I have discussed in preceding paragraph, the ideas I have learnt from the book have been bringing meaningful change in my overall personality. I have begun to lay the foundation through imagination, relaxation and thinking about the goals that I have set forth. If I start to solve my problems, it is the fact that it would have a positive implication for those around me, for the community where I live, for my country and for the world in general.

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

‘Remember that nothing worthwhile happens overnight’ (p.60). Really, it taught me the importance of patience and perseverance. Of course, if we think of a lasting success, we don’t have to use a quick-fix method to address our problems.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference” (p.253)

It advices me just to focus on in every blessings I have no matter how they appears to be small or insignificant; and to leave those things for which I have no control to the Almighty. Developing such kind of attitude by itself would help me to have a peaceful mind.

“If we are to ‘Get More Living out of Life’, we should not limit the channels through which Life may come to us. We must accept it, whether it comes in the form of science, religion, psychology, or what not.” (p.340).

This makes me more positive in life and proactive for any situation; for the situation that is either good or bad, and either opportunity or threat. Everything comes from one source, and the difference we are experiencing is due to merely our perception & a matter of semantics. Religion perceives and labels something according to its understanding and perception, Psychology perceives and labels the same thing in different way as per its perception & understanding, science and others do the same. Therefore, I recognize that I have to let every event pass through me, and accept every one & everything as being in its right & proper place.

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?

To the best of my knowledge and understanding, I have not come across any idea for which I am not clear and have disagreement. The book is well written and presented in simple, clear and understandable way.

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

Yes, there are a number of exercises at the end of each chapter. These exercises are of importance to help the reader to turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Realizing their importance, I have done all exercises found at the end of each chapter. Except some of the exercises that do not go along with my situation, I have given full & serious attention for most of them and responded every question authentically. Because if this, I have able to get a number of such concrete benefits from the exercise like I am able to know my self very well and get to realize where I am now and where I want to go. Moreover, it is helping me track the progress I am making day-by-day.

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 nothing to comment on the book.

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

Giant Steps

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The main idea of the book is about different inspirational and small actions that will compel the reader to take giant steps forward in the quality of our life. From the simple power of decision-making to the more specific tools that can redefine the quality of our relationship, finances, health, and emotions, Anthony Robbins shows us how to get maximum results with a minimum investment of time.

The following are the most important ideas that I took out of the “The Giant Within” book, and these appeal to me because they help me transform my life and lead a life of joy and fulfillment.

• Questions are the Answers: The idea that our life is the result of the question we are asking all day and night long. As the Author indicated that if we want to change the quality of our lives, we must change what we habitually ask of ourselves and others. To my surprising, I never thought that questions have impact on my life. Now, I have got realize that I have to take care of on the type of question I ask myself and others. I am taking care of not to ask disempowering questions. Rather I have come to make sure that my questions have to focus on problem-solving like: “How can I change the situation I am in?” “How can I keep my health status healthy?” “What is great about this problem?”What am I willing to do to make it the way I want?” and other inspiring questions.

• The Vocabulary of Success: The idea that the words we attach to our experience become our experience. We have to be vigilant on the words that we are using in our day-to-day life; especially we need to be cautious to the words we attaché to our emotions and feelings. We need to know that an effective selection of words to describe the experience of our lives can heighten our most empowering emotions. As a result, I am beginning to select words that I use to describe my negative feelings, and come up with alternative words that will lower the intensity of negative feelings. I have started to gathering new empowering words to replace the old ones. I discovered that words like “depressed”, “awesome”, “fear” and so on have to be changed with great words that lift me up.

• Decision-Making: The book raises the idea that everything that happens in our life began with a decision. It is in our moments of decision that our destiny is shaped. The decisions that we are making right now, everyday, will shape how we fee today as well as who we are going to become in the future.

• Global Metaphors: I have come to understand that metaphors can transform us and shape our life’s perspective instantly. It is true that even if we are unaware of it, we constantly use metaphors to describe some aspect of our lives. Realizing this, I have begun to looking into the metaphors I would use to describe different aspect of my life. I ask myself: “what metaphor am I using to describe the things I do every day?”, “How do I see life?” and so on. For instance, I found that the metaphor I used to describe life is that “life is a full of ups and downs.” However, I have got to realize that such kind of metaphor is limiting and disempowering. So, I have decided that I have to create new and replace it with more empowering metaphor. Once I do so, I have been resolved to live up with these new empowering metaphors.

• Values: Values are the most important thing in our life. If we want the deepest fulfillment, we can achieve it only in one way-: by deciding what we desire most in life- what our highest values are- them committing to live by our decision every single day. In this respect, I have begun asking “what is most important thing in my life?”, “what thing I value most?” and the like. I am surprised when I have come to know each and every action I am doing all day long is the result of my value. As the book dictates; therefore, I am asking myself “is “love”, “success”, “freedom”, “security” or “adventure” my value. Wow! I don’t know why but I am having difficulty to know my exact value within these few days. So, I have to take more time and examine myself with sincerity and authenticity to indentify my most important value.

• Rules: The idea that our personal rule or standards has much to do with the level of our emotion and behavior. I have come to know that rules are our beliefs about what is good and what is bad, what we should do and what we must do. So, they are the trigger for any pain or pleasure we feel in our nervous system at any moment. Therefore, I am beginning to ask myself: “are the rules that guide my life today still appropriate?”, or “do my rules empower or disempower me?” As a result, I have picked out a number of rules in every aspect of my life that have affected my emotions and feelings negatively. Actually, I am trying to make my life time rule to enjoy every situations and events no matter what they are good or bad.

• References: I have learned that in order to accomplish anything, we need a sense of certainty. Our references help us to build this important emotional state. However, if we have no experience in doing something, how can we be certain about it? Therefore, to expand my reference or imagination, I am determined to explore the wealth of literatures, stories, trainings, music and the like available around me.

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

The ideas and lessons I have learnt from the book will help to be a champion on whatever in which I am engaging, and to live my dream. It will help me recognize the opportunities that are found around me, help me condition my mindset for success and also enable me commit my self to constant training and practice if I am to make headway in life and keep on winning. If I start to change my situation using the techniques and methods forwarded in this book, I believe that it would have a positive implication for those around me, for the community where I live, for my country and for the world in general.

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

“No season lasts forever because all of life cycle of planting, reaping, resting, and renewal” (p. 48)

What I have learnt from this quote is that everything has its own time. So, we have to know the period of planting, reaping, resting, and renewal.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” (A. Einstein) (p.110)

It teaches me the importance of questioning and curiosity on our day to day life. It helps me to tap into the creative potential of the universe. It is a major way of connecting with eternity.

“Learning is the process of creating a relationship between something you already understand and something new.” (p.198)

“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” (T. Edison; p. 309)

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?

Everything is perfect except, the depth of the content. I would be grateful if the topics addressed in the book are become more elaborated and detailed. The presentation is a summary like; so I am not sure that whether I grasp fully the very essence 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?

Yes; I think that the book is by itself written for practicing purpose. We can find practical exercises from page one to the end. Therefore, as what matter most is putting the acquired knowledge into practice, I have started to practice the exercises with due consideration. I found them useful and hope they would bring meaningful change on 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 have nothing to comment on the book.

Please rate the following questions on 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? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

The New Dynamics of Winning
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The main idea Denis Waitley is trying to convey is that having unlimited to potential might no be sufficient to live our dream. Rather it has to be supported by having practical techniques and methods if we want to be champion. Some of the major points the book covers include:

• The most important traits of a champion
• The five most prevalent self-destructive beliefs
• How to focus our mind for peak performance, anywhere, anytime
• The important relationship between integrity and success

The following are the most important ideas that I took out of the “The New Dynamics of Winning” book, and these appeal to me because they are helping me transform my life and lead a life of joy and fulfillment.

• Burning Desire: The idea that if we don’t have a burning desire to achieve our life goals, we may lose courage to go out of our comfort zone and take action. It is true that the greater risk is the fear of taking action. But if we have the motive for change, it will be a real power to move forward boldly. If we see my personal case in this regard; previously I had a number of tasks which need my determination to be realized, but I was fooling myself into thinking that I had to wait the right time. Thanks to this book and other books I went through in this program, I have come to realize we don’t need to wait the so called “the right time”. So, first I instilled a burning desire in myself and then resolved that I have to take bold action. Now I am beginning to take action step by step on those tasks I have put off for some other time. Of course, as far as I am intrinsically motivated, I keep moving towards my goal step-by-step whether the environment is convenient or not.

• The Stair-Step Method: It is about taking a big goal and breaking down into smaller components. The Author teaches us that maximum success is built upon of mini-goals; any goal can be achieved, but first it must be broken down into a series of sub goals. Doing so is so important because the mini-goals are more manageable and can be achieved easily, and this subsequently builds confidence. In similar, I am trying to breaking down my life goal into as manageable components as possible. My time is also budgeted according to these mini-goals. To tell you the truth, I would be happy if I share you what I feel about when I attain a pieces of my goals. It is really a real joy emanate from the deep inside of me. And when I move to the next goal, it is with full confidence I say for myself: “as usual I am going to achieve this goal also”. Of course it builds confidence.

• Paying the Price: It is about the price we have to pay for success. It is about scarification and commitment. It is imperative for us invest in ourselves the amount of time, resource and effort required for peak performance. We have to make sure that we are exerting considerable level of effort, spending sufficient amount of time and allocating our resources for the attainment of our goal. As the saying goes: “there is no free lunch”; the return we get is equivalent to the level of price we pay for the cause. It is foolish if we think that we could achieve what we want without scarifying and getting out of our comfort zone. In this regard, we can take what Jesus did as a good example. To save human being, it is the fact that Jesus scarified his life by crucifying. So, what we have to learn is that it is a natural law to scarify to get what we want.

• The Olympian Within: The idea that Performance is only the reflection of internal worth, not a measure of it. Before competition even begins, winners deserve to win. What we reveal on the out side is what we feel on the inside. The inner gold medal of self-esteem determines the quality of our performance. Before anything else happens, we must believe that we are champions.

• Visualization of Victory: Visualization works because the mind reacts automatically to the information it receives in the form of feelings, words, and sensory experiences, such as sigh, taste, and touch. The mind can’t tell the difference between a real experience and one that has been vividly and repeatedly imagined. As, I have begun to make visualization as a part of my day-to-day activity. By mentally rehearsing the perfect accomplishment of my goals, I create a neurological pathway that allows me move towards my goals.

• Being Coachable: The idea that as there is a lot that we all don’t know, we have to seek support or advice from others. To do this, according to the book, we have to let go our ego first, and open our mind to accept the idea of others. We have to know that we can get valuable ideas from our families, our friends and our coworkers. It is the fact that there is a lot out there that I really don’t know. I am convinced that knowledge is acquired not only from formal school, rather I can learn from anyone whom I come across in the course of life. I think it is really a short cut. Therefore, I have started to associate myself with persons who have rich experience and deep knowledge. I decided to tap into this opportunity; what I have to do is getting myself ready and being a good listener.

• Ten “Do’s and Don’ts” Quality Leadership: for the one like me who want to be a good leader, the book list out about ten important qualities of leadership. As I found them most important, they are worth listing out here again.

o Listen often and as much as possible to what others say, and try to do so without prejudgment o Don’t put anyone off or penalize anyone in any way for asking questions

o Use praise frequently and sincerely

o If you feel that criticism is definitely required, don’t do it in front of others

o Be firm and be fair

o Plan leisure and recreational activities that everyone can do together

o Don’t be afraid to share your concerns with others

o Don’t make rash promises and don’t be inconsistent

o Whenever you are in a leadership role, focus your supervision on teaching effective habits and skills, not in looking for mistakes

o Encourage everyone in both your personal and your professional life to speak up and express their own ideas, even if you disagree with them.

Therefore, I vowed to myself to instill these qualities within me. I know that it takes time to get them grew up with me. So, I patiently keep exercising them every time.

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”

As I have discussed in preceding paragraph, the ideas and lessons I have learnt from the book will help to be a champion on whatever in which I am engaging, and to live my dream. It will help me recognize the opportunities that are found around me, help me condition my mindset for success and also enable me commit my self to constant training and practice if I am to make headway in life and keep on winning. If I start to change my situation using the techniques and methods forwarded in this book, I believe that it would have a positive implication for those around me, for the community where I live, for my country and for the world in general.

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

“Champions don’t shrink from risk. Champions know that the greatest risk is doing nothing, and that real security derives from constantly testing your potential.” (27)

It reminds of me that risk and success are not separable. If we see champions and winners in every field, they are great risk takes. So, this quotes assured me that we don’t need to take risk; we have to avoid fear.

“There are no mistakes or failure, only lessons” (45)

It helps me change my perspective towards failure. I have come to accept that failure is one way of learning.

“You don’t have to know everything, as long as you know people who know the things you don’t” (137)

It advocates the importance of team work, networking or partnership.

“if you try to sit in two chairs, you will fall between them. In life, you must choose one chair.” (150)

It teaches me the importance of concentration or focus.

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?

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

Yes, there are a number of exercises at the end of the book. These exercises are of importance to help the reader to turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Realizing their importance, I am practicing them as much as possible. I have given full & serious attention for them and is practicing every exercising as per the instruction. Because of this, I have been able to get meaningful benefits from the exercise; besides, it is helping me track the progress I am making day-by-day.

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 nothing to comment on the book.

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

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

Real Magic

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

What the book of Dr Wayne emphasized is about human being’s unique capacity to create real magic in our life. It’s about how to achieve a higher level of consciousness. He asks us to imagine what would make us happy, and then offers specific strategies for attaining these goals. In every aspect of our individual lives- physical health, finances, intimate relationships, and personal identity-there are always room for a miracle.

The following are the most important ideas that I took out of the “Real Magic” book, and these appeal to me because they help me to transform my life and lead a life of joy and fulfillment.

* Intention: I have taught that my physical reality is the result of my intention. I got to realize that everything I have experienced in my life is the result of my intention. Like what I see around me, how I function daily, what my relationship is like, how much money I have made, how I get along with others, and the like. So, I am determined to change my intention or way of thinking especially in areas where I have a limitation. The case in point is my English communication skill. Though the skill I have in this regard enough to communicate with others, I want to be as fluent as the natives. Previously, I thought that improving communication skill in adulthood seem to be very difficult. So, I always blame others, especially the education system and my family. But now, thanks to this book, I realize that still I am not too late to improve my language skill. Those self-defeating belief is blown away and coming to be replaced by positive and motivating thoughts. I come to recognize that changing my intention comes first if I want to realize my aim of being fluent in English language. As I am convinced by the idea, therefore, I am making up my mind in line with it. Over and over I affirm for my self “I can speak and write English fluently”, “My language skill is being improved time to time”, “recently I will be fluent”, and other similar inspiriting sentences. I am not also restricted by affirmation, but I have begun to practice it whenever the opportunity I get. Frankly speaking, I have come to experience the difference; I have started to feel as if I am fluent speaker & writer and have observed when the level of my confidence is going upward.

* “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”: From this idea, what I have learnt is that if we are truly willing and ready to learn from anyone and everyone, we could find the teacher everywhere. This would make me to give due credit for being open and receptive for new ideas. I have come to know that my mind has not to be closed for new things. I have to be a student all the time and thereby I would widen the source from which I acquire wisdom and knowledge to keeping going in the face of challenges. This is also important to me to develop my listening skill. Even if previously I was aware that listening is one of the crucial skills one has to develop, I didn’t know the real essence of it. But thanks to this book, I have realized what listening means; it is about being open starting from the bottom of my heart. When we are really listening, we found that everything would valuable for us; everything would be a teacher for us.

* Surrendering: It is about the acceptance of what I have always vaguely sensed. I am no need to worry; success will come to me if I trust the universal force that flows within me. When I surrender, it signifies that I am not alone in this universe and have a total faith on divine power. As result I have no place for worry, anxiety, doubt and disbelief.

* Alignment to Spiritual Self: It is so important that the choice I am making should be inconsistent with my spiritual self if I want to experience miracle in my life. So, I recognize that from now on I have to begin the process of living primarily according to my spiritual self. My physical me and spiritual me have to be merge together and to work as one being.

* Getting to “Flow”: The idea that when we are inspired so much all obstacles seem to be removed and we are in love with what we are doing, which resulted in the flow of virtually everything. It is about surrender to the infinite power and letting it to work for us. So, I found this idea so compelling that I decided to make my life in tune with it. I have to accept what I am doing and believe what I am supposed to be doing right now. Previously, I would be dissatisfied with my profession and the career path I have been following. But rather than complaining about it, I have begun to appreciate it. Surprisingly, now I find my profession as a major into for what I strive to achieve in my life. As a result, I am gradually coming to totally involved and indulge in whatever I come across in the path of my life.

* Prosperity Mentality: I have learnt that money and wealth can and will flow into our life when we follow the principle of prosperity mentality. I have got to realize that being wealthy is an inside game. As beliefs are invisible ingredients in all of our activities, our prosperity relies on our mental picture. Realizing this principle, the first thing I have done is examining my mental picture particular to money-making. The result of my finding reveals that I am in mediocrity state of mentality. Frankly speaking, I felt that as if I would fall asleep. So, am I determined that there is no time to spend. The time to change this mental picture is now. Actually, changing my old mentality has been my major task since I began to study this leadership program. But when read this book, I come to feel that the change is not as quick as I want. I am now strictly monitoring my thought all day long so as to get ride of any though that entails scarcity.

* Physical Health: I am taught that our physical body is the manifestation of our thought. My body’s relative state of health, my physical attractiveness, my addiction or bad habit that serve to restrict me from experiencing perfect health are all the result my intentions over a lifetime.

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”

As I have discussed in preceding paragraph, the ideas I have learnt from the book have been bringing meaningful to change in my overall personality. I have begun to lay the foundation through imagination, relaxation and thinking about the goals that I have set forth. If I start to solve my problems, it is the fact that it would have a positive implication for those around me, for the community where I live, for my country and for the world in general.

As my though create my physical reality, I am taking care of how I use my mind. I come to believe that I want to be the part of the solution for whatever problem our world has been experiencing. Therefore, I am using my invisible thought to visualize a better, safer, cleaner, more responsible, more loving and more peaceful world. I know that this thought will spread to those around me and to each & every people across the world.

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

“Having an open mind and suspending our disbelief allows us to experience new vistas, while our closed mind and unwillingness to shed our disbeliefs keep us trapped in our old way of thinking and seeing.” (p.79): I help me strength my faith further.

“The entry point for the world of miracle making is the ability to make choices based exclusively on the part of you that is spiritual and knows how to guide you in the physical world” (p.102)

“When your mind is on the result rather than what you are doing, you create inner discord that blocks any and all possibilities for miracles to show up” (p.196)

“A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial, until finally, it becomes what everybody knows.” (p.319) William James

“Anything that has been accomplished by any other human being in the physical realm is within the field of possibility.” (p. 262)

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?

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?

In this regard, I didn’t get any exercise that I am supposed to do.

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 nothing to comment on the book.

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

How to Win Friends & Influence People
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

This book mainly teaches ways and techniques to deal with and influence other people. In doing so, the author, Dale Carngie, discusses and illustrates:

• the six ways to make people like you
• the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking
• the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment

The following are the most important ideas that I took out of the book of “How to win Friends & Influence People”; and these ideas appeal to me because they help me improve my relationship with others and influence them for the cause I need others’ cooperation.

• Don’t Criticize, Condemn or Complain: The idea of don’t criticize others if we want to influence them is the most appealing idea to me. Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing then criticism; and it breads sympathy, tolerance and kindness. Moreover, it is true that no matter how people do wrong, they don’t want to admit and be criticized. This is the idea that has caused me to make a U-turn in the belief I have in relation with dealing with people. I would believe that criticizing or condemning others for their wrong doing is the best way to influence them and accept my idea. But now I have come to know that doing the otherwise is the best method. So, I resolved to change my approach in this regard. I am trying to avoid looking for faults on others, rather to appreciate their accomplishment, no matter what it is small. As a result, I am observing improvement in my skill in dealing with others around me. As far as it brings a positive change to me, I keep practice such a technique.

• Arouse in the Other Person an Eager Want: This idea is most important because if we want to influence other people, we have to focus on talking about anything what they want, rather than about what we want. The book stressed that no matter how we have a brilliant idea, instead of making others think it is ours, why not let them come up with the idea themselves. They will then regard it as their own. The writer is really right. Practically, I have seen the result of using such a technique. What I have started to do is that when I want to persuade somebody to do something, immediately I ask my self: “how can I make this person want to do it?”, “how can I tie up what I want to what he wants?” Then I try to arouse eager want in other person by listing out the benefits he or she would get if they do the thing I want. What I am only required is to get them show these benefits; once they see them it is the fact that everything is going be smooth.

• Make the Other Person Feel Important: I have come to learn that the desire to be important is the deepest urge of every human being. So, we have to develop the skill and habit of making other person to feel a sense of important. I have realized that as far as we go along with such principle, we will never get into trouble with other person. Rather, this could be a magnet that keeps our relatives and friends around us. Therefore, I am frequently trying to use this by expressing my appreciation for what others do and showing them how important they are to me. I have proved that when I talk to people about themselves, and they listen me for hours. I have seen this in my immediate boss. When I want something, I start with appreciating what he did; and then once I get his attention, I turn into my own issue. I have noticed that really it works, so now I am using it again and again whomever I encounter.

• If You are Wrong, Admit It: It’s about the significance of admitting mistake as an essential way to win the heart of others. The book indicates that when we are right, let’s try to win people gently and tactfully to our way of thinking, and when we are wrong let’s admit our mistakes quickly and with enthusiasm. If we materialize this, we can see when it produces astonishing results. Whenever I come across situation that I am forced to blame others, this principle always clicks in my mind so that, whether it is my fault or not, I try to take myself the blame, though it has its own psychological pain.

• Let the Other Person Feel that the Idea is His or Hers : As a human being we much prefer to feel that we are buying of our own accord or acting on our own ideas. The author is true that we like to be consulted about our wishes, our wants, and our thoughts. So, if we turn this human urge around, it will produce remarkable result in the relation we have with others.

• Ask Questions Instead of Giving Direct Orders: This idea is also equally appealing to me. It is the best way of getting others to do something. Rather that giving orders, presenting the idea as a suggestion or in a question form is much more preferable. We should not say “do this or do that” or “don’t do this or don’t do that”; instead we better to say “Do you think that would work?” This would give people the opportunity to do things themselves. A technique like that makes it easy for a person to correct errors. A technique like that saves a person’s pride and gives him or he a feeling of importance. It encourages cooperation instead of rebellion.

• Make the Other Person Happy About Doing the Thing you Suggest: I have learnt how I encourage others who are around us, be it family members, friend or work associates, to willingly do anything I suggest. People are more likely to do what you would like them to do when I show them the benefit they would get if they do the thing I would like to be done.

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”

As I have discussed in preceding paragraph, the ideas I have learnt from the book have been bringing meaningful change in my personality, especially in relation with dealing with other persons. Since I have come to know Dale Carngie’s methods and techniques of influencing people, I have begun to practice them in my daily life, be it in family or in work environment. Previously, I would get into trouble with others, because I was not aware with the negative effects of criticism, blaming and condemning others. Moreover, I would not care about what the other persons feel about themselves or what he or she wants; what I did was only focusing on what I want. But, now thanks to the Author, I have get know a simple and easy way of handling and influencing people. Now I have come to prove that it really works in practical life. I have able to observe its effect in my relation with my boss. Before, we had gone through nagging and complaining on each other, as a result our relation was not said to be good. After learning Dale Carngie’s principle, I have understood that I can easily develop a good relation with him. What costs me is nothing, except to throw away my ego or self-esteem. So, I would rather to do so as I am coming to reap the benefit of the techniques.

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

“Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and breads sympathy, tolerance and kindness.”

This quote teaches me how criticism is very harmful and malicious for both persons who is being criticized and who criticize. It is the really the idea worth quoting for the good of us.

“First, arouse in the other person an eager want. He who can do this has the whole world with him. He who cannot walks a lonely way.”

It teaches me to value the other person’s want.

“If you argue and rankle and contradict, you may achieve a victory sometimes; but it will be an empty victory because you will never get your opponent’s good will.”

I also share this idea and Dale Carngie has reinforced it to me. I don’t like argument. When I got into argument with others, sometimes I pretended as I am convinced just to quit it. This kind of defeat, as the author said, it was “empty victory” for the other person.

“The way to develop self-confidence…..is to do the thing you fear to do and get record of successful experiences behind you.”

It gives me the courage to do the thing I fear most.

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?

To the best of my knowledge and understanding, I have not come across any idea for which I am not clear and have disagreement. The book is well written and presented in simple, clear, understandable and illustrative way.

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?

No, I have not got any exercise which I am supposed to do.

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 nothing to comment on the book.

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

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

“The 7 Habit of Highly Effective People” conveys a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. In this book, Convey reveals a step-by-step framework for living and working based on fundamental principles or natural laws, giving us the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

Here are the seven most important ideas I extract from the book.

* Character Ethics: The idea that Character Ethics is the foundation of any kind of success. According to the author these character ethics includes things like Integrity, Humility, Fidelity, Courage, Justice, Patience, Industry, Simplicity, Modesty, and the Golden Rule. Therefore, I have got to recognize that if I need to a sustained and effective success, I have to make sure that my effort is built on the foundation of these principles. I have decided that my character must be integrated with these principles. Previously I was fooling into thinking that Personality Ethic such as human skills and techniques are indispensable for anyone who wish to be successful. But it is proved to be secondary; and without character ethics they are futile. So, our effort has to start from building these principles as our character.

* Being Proactive: I found that the first and most basic habit of a highly effective person in any environment is the habit of Proactive. Given that, therefore, everybody needs to develop such habit if he or she needs to have a successful life. Being proactive refers to look at where we focus our time and energy. It help us to work on the thing that totally controlled by us, so that we can influence external conditions. As result, when I come to myself, I am convinced that I have to concentrate on I am capable of doing. Therefore, I have started to list out everything that is in my disposal, regardless of its size, amount or significance. Even at this stage now I am sensing the difference; I come to feel more positive and confident, and to experience a purposeful life.

* A principle Center: The idea that an understanding of the principle of our own growth enables us to search out correct principles with the confidence that the more we learn, the more clearly we can focus the lens through which we see the world. If we are become a principle-centered person, we can see things differently. And because we see things differently, we think differently, we act differently. Because we have a high degree of security, guidance, wisdom, and power that flows from a solid, unchanging core, we have the foundation of a highly proactive and highly effective life.

* Putting the First Thing First: I have learned that Putting the First Thing First is about effective way of self-management. It is a principle that helps us turn our vision or imagination into reality. Having a right mind set-up and developing a compelling future are sufficient without a disciple to act. Frankly speaking, this is a principle that I lack mostly in my life. Usually I tried to develop a rosy-kind of plans and goals in every aspect of life, but I was not good at executing them as I wish. I would often lack the courage and disciple to do so. I have got to understand that procrastination was there. But know thanks to IIGL, after reading this and other similar books, I have realized that this is the area I have to put a great deal of effort to develop the habit of Independent Will. I feel that starting from a small task would be a better way for gradual improvement. Given that I have decided to wake up before 6:00am and to
read book or to make physical exercise until I go to office. I hope this would grow and I would be in position to put the first thing first at all time and in whatever situation.

* Developing Win/Win Relationship: The idea is important for building genuine cooperation with others, be it in work place, in family or in social life. I have learned that Win/Win interaction sees life as a cooperative rather than a competitive arena. Developing such mentality help us to see life as abundance so that everybody can get mutual benefit from the relationship. In this regard, though I have some kind of mentality before, this book however helps me reinforce it further.

* Empathetic Listening: This urges us to seek first understand before to be understood. This is the principle that helps us to create emotional attachment and natural connection with the person with whom we communicate. Though it is very hard to master it, I found it is very critical to develop effective relationship with others, or as Covey put it to get “public victory.” Therefore, no matter how it is difficult, I have recognized that it has to be my habit. The habit that to see things in others perspective, the habit that to understand others first, the habit that to feel the feeling others feel and so on.

* Synergy: it is the highest activity in life. I have come to understand that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The essence of synergy is to value differences, i.e. to respect them, to build on strengths, to compensate for weakness and the like. Synergy is value psychological and emotional differences among human being. It usually opens the door for new possibilities, new alternatives and new options. In this book, therefore, I have able to see the significance that synergy would bring in our life. So, I feel that I have to practice the courage in interdependent situation to be open, to express my ideas, my feelings and my experiences in the way that will encourage other people to be open also.

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

I have learnt that through our human endowments of self-awareness, imagination, conscience and independent will, we become conscious of areas of weakness, areas for improvement, areas of talent that could be developed, areas that need to be changed or eliminated from our lives. Then, as we recognize and use our imagination and independent will to act on that awareness- making promises, setting goals, being true to them- we build the strength of character, the being, that makes possible every other positive thing in our lives.

Given that, I have to take care of my first creation in my mind first and foremost. As everything is connected through invisible threads called energy, my though and action is not limited to myself. Rather it reach to every person who lives every where in the world. Therefore, I have to use my invisible thought to visualize a better, safer, cleaner, more responsible, more loving and more peaceful world.

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

“It is not what happens to us, but our response to what happens to us that hurts us.”

Events and situations are beyond my control. So, what I have to do is to take care on those situations rather than worrying about them. This helps me to develop more positive attitude.

“Anytime we think the problem is ‘out there’, that thought is the problem.”

This teaches me that for whatever happens in myself, I have to take the responsibility rather than blaming others or the situation.

“The rapidly changing environment in which we live makes effective leadership more critical than it has ever been- in every aspect of independent and interdependent life.”

This conveys the message that the time now calling for an effective leadership in every aspect of life. Having effective leadership qualities is indispensible at this time of dynamic world.

“Empowerment comes from learning how to use this great endowment in the decisions we make every day.”

It stresses the significance of decision making skill.

“You can’t change the fruit without changing the root.”

We have to focus on the root cause of every problem rather than focusing on the symptoms.

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?

To the best of my knowledge and understanding, I didn’t come across any idea for which I am not clear and have disagreement. The book is well written and presented in simple, clear and understandable way.

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

Yes, there are a number of exercises at the end of each chapter. I know that practice make you perfect. These exercises are of importance to help the reader to turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Realizing their importance, I am practicing them as much as possible. I have given full & serious attention for them and am practicing every exercising as per the instruction. Because of this, I have been able to get meaningful benefits from the exercise; besides, it is helping me track the progress I am making day-by-day.

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 7 Habit of Highly Effective People” is a great book for me, so I intend to use it as the guiding book for my life. I have nothing to comment on the book.

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

Non-Violent Communication
Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

This “Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life” book deals with communication techniques. In his book, the Author comes up with ideas that will help us to transform the thinking, language, and moralistic judgments that keep us from the enriching relationships that we dream of. We will start to resolve conflicts with ease, more easily get what we want without using demands, being to hear the needs of others with less struggle, strengthen our personal and professional relationships, and start living our fullest potential.

Here are the seven most important ideas I extracted from the book.

* The separation of observation from evaluation. I have come to realize that observing without evaluating is the highest form of human intelligence. According to the book, we need to clearly observe what we are seeing, hearing, or touching that is affecting our sense of well-being, without mixing in any evaluation. When we combine observation with evaluation, others are apt to hear criticism and resist what we are saying. Therefore, despite the fact that it is difficult to make observations that are free of judgment, criticism or other form of analysis, I am convinced that it has to be my way of life by any means possible.

* Feelings: The idea that feelings are important to expressing ourselves. The Author indicates that by developing a vocabulary of feelings that allows us to clearly and specifically name or identify our emotions, we can connect more easily with one another. We have to care of when we use words to express our emotion. It helps to use words that refer specific emotions, rather than words that are vague and general. The book points out a number of words that express emotions. Therefore, I believe that these words are very important and make us rich in words that express different kind of emotion.

* The acknowledgment of the needs behind our feelings: It is about the acknowledgement of the root of our feelings. This idea helps us to differentiate the stimulus and the cause of our feelings. The book explains that what others say and do may be the stimulus for, but never the cause of, our feelings. I have seen that our feeling result from how we choose to receive what others say and do, as well as from our particular needs and expectations in that moment.

* What we would like to request of each other to enrich each of our lives: We try to avoid vague, abstract, or ambiguous phrasing, and remember to use positive action language by starting what we are requesting rather than what we are not. Each time we speak, the clearer we are about what we want back, the more likely we are to get it. Since the message we send is not always the message that’s received, we need to learn now to find out if our message has been accurately heard. Especially when we are expressing ourselves in a group, we need to be clear about the nature of the response we are wanting. Otherwise we may be initiating unproductive conversations that waste considering group time.

* Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. We often have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to e explain our own position or feeling. Empathy, however, calls upon us to empty our mind and listen to others with our whole being. In NVC, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and request. We need empathy to give empathy. when we sense ourselves being defensive or unable empathize, we need to (1) stop, breathe, give ourselves empathy; (2) scream nonviolently; or (3) take time out.

* Connecting Compassionately With Ourselves: The idea that the most crucial application of NVC may be in the way we treat ourselves. When we make mistakes, instead of getting caught up in moralistic self-judgments, we can use the process of NVC mourning and self-forgiveness to show us where we can grow. By assessing our behaviors in terms of our own unmet needs, the impetus for change comes not out of shame, guilt, anger, or depression, but out of the genuine desire to contribute to our own and others’ well-being. We also cultivate self-compassion by consciously choosing in daily life to act only in service to our own needs and values rather than out of duty or to avoid guilt, shame, and punishment. If we review the joyless acts to which we currently subjects ourselves and make the translation from “have to” to “to choose to,” we will discover more play and integrity in our live

* Liberating Ourselves and Counseling Others: I have learnt that NVC enhances inner communication by helping us translate negative internal messages into feelings and needs. Our ability to distinguish our own feelings and needs and to empathize with them can free us from depression. By showing us how to focus on what we truly want rather than on what is wrong with others or ourselves, NVC gives us the tools and understanding to create a more peaceful state of mind. Using these tools I will work to free me from old programming. In addition, by adopting these skills and consciousness of NVC, I can counsel others in encounters that are genuine, open, and mutual, rather than resort to professional relationships characterized by emotional distance, diagnosis and hierarchy.

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”

If these ideas are applied fully, I believe that I can change my life. The techniques of Non-Violent Communication help me to transform conflict into mutually satisfying outcomes, defuse anger & frustration, create personal relationship, break pattern o thinking that lead to arguments or depression, and to move beyond power struggles to cooperation & trust. Imagine what would be our world looks like if everybody is applying these techniques and make them their way of life. But, first transformation starts from us, then it transcend a step by step to others around us. Given this, I have to be the initiator to materialize the NVC techniques and tools. Its my responsibility to create my life, my relationships, and my world in harmony with my value.

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

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.”

An interesting saying!! I come to understand that there is always a middle ground between opposing poles. This ground gives us peace, joy, rest and tranquility.

“Observing without evaluating is the highest form of human intelligence”

When we evaluate, it is always based on our frame of reference. This frame of reference by its self is limited. This quote; therefore, advices us experience observation of events without evaluating. It encourages me to separate observation and evaluation, and then to acknowledge the thoughts and needs shaping my feelings.

“The more faithfully you listen to the voice within you, the better you will hear what is happening outside.”

It helps to understand the value of inner communication that out side communication. The skill of listening starts from us.

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?

As far us my knowledge and understanding concerned, I didn’t come across any idea for which I am not clear and have disagreement. The book is well written and presented in simple, clear and understandable way.

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?

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.

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

Law of Attraction

Assessment Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The main idea that this “Law of Attraction” is trying to convey is that everything happened in our life is the result of our thought. We attract what we radiate outward in our thoughts, feelings, mental pictures and words. Therefore, the Author introduced the scientific methods and law to attract more of what we want and less of what we don’t. In his three-step program, he shows how to attract our ideal mate, increase our wealth and abundance, bring more customers, and discover our ideal job or true calling.

Although most of the ideas raised by the Author are very appealing, I have selected the following seven points as the most important ideas, given my personal situation.

· Non-deliberate attraction: The idea that everything that happened in our life again and gain without our intention is caused by our non-deliberate thoughts and feelings. Although we are not doing it on purpose, the law of attraction is simply responding to our vibration and giving us more of the same. This non-deliberate attraction is caused in the time of remembering, pretending or daydreaming, or observing. As a number of things, which I don’t want to be part of my life, have repeatedly happened, this idea, therefore, gave a flash of light on how to minimize or stops these negative situations. I have to understand that I should take care on my non-deliberate actions, thoughts and feelings. I vow to my self not to remember this situations, not to pretend, not to observe, and not to do any other things which lead me to the realm of these situations.

· Don’t, Not and No: The idea that our unconscious and conscious mind automatically filters out the words don’t, not and no. when we use these words we are actually internalizing in our mind the exact thing we are being told not to. So, the Law of attraction responds as our mind does. Give in this point, we need to give attention for what we DO want. Because, when we ask ourselves what we DO want, the answer will have created a new sentence with new words.

· Resetting Your Vibration: The idea that we can reset our vibration from negative to positive by simply choosing different words and different thoughts. It is easy as asking ourselves “So, what do I want?” When we talk about what we don’t want and then talk about what we don want, the words change.

· Indentify your Desire: It is important because I got to realize that having definiteness of desire or purpose is the starting point for great accomplishment. I recognized that having a strong desire in life is a basis for all kinds of success. Frankly speaking, So far I have not clear about what I really want in all aspect of my life. That is why; I have been experiencing a number of inconsistencies in my work as well as professional life. It was common for me to give up the effort I have exerted if I got stacked or faced challenges. I would lose my hope simply. But now, as a result of this book, I come to know that having strong desire is indispensible to do great work. Because of this I have got back to my inner self where I am listening to my calling that God gave me to accomplish it while living in this planet. Though it is not as clear as I want, currently I am getting to identify my desire.

· Give Your Desire Attention: I have taught that my physical reality is the result of my intention. I got to realize that everything I have experienced in my life is the result of my intention. Like what I see around me, how I function daily, what my relationship is like, how much money I have made, how I get along with others, and the like. So, I am determined to change my intention or way of thinking especially in areas where I have a limitation. The case in point is my English communication skill. Though the skill I have in this regard enough to communicate with others, I want to be as fluent as the natives. Previously, I thought that improving communication skill in adulthood seem to be very difficult. So, I always blame others, especially the education system and my family. But now, thanks to this book, I realize that still I am not too late to improve my language skill. Those self-defeating belief is blown away and coming to be replaced by positive and motivating thoughts. I come to recognize that changing my intention comes first if I want to realize my aim of being fluent in English language. As I am convinced by the idea, therefore, I am making up my mind in line with it. Over and over I affirm for my self “I can speak and write English fluently”, “My language skill is being improved time to time”, “recently I will be fluent”, and other similar inspiriting sentences. I am not also restricted by affirmation, but I have begun to practice it whenever the opportunity I get. Frankly speaking, I have come to experience the difference; I have started to feel as if I am fluent speaker & writer and have observed when the level of my confidence is going upward.

· Allow It: I have got to realize that “Allowing” is the absence of negative vibration and doubt. Because this negative vibration dilute or cancel the positive vibration of our desire. I have learnt that only having strong desire does not lead to manifest it. The speed at which the Law of Attraction responds to our desire is in direct proportion to how much we allow it. One of the major sources of negative vibration is our limiting belief. So, I have to come recognize that I have to take care of in my belief. I am beginning to identify the limiting beliefs in every aspect of my life. I am looking into my limiting belief in relation with finance, career development, family, health, and relationship. Really, there are! So, I feel strongly that I have to take action using the step-by-step tools provided by this book.

· Appreciation and Gratitude: The idea that appreciation and gratitude help us send out strong positive vibrations. It is true that when we are appreciating something, we are offering a feeling and vibration of pure joy. So, we have to take time to appreciate anything that is happened in course of our life. As per the advice, therefore, I have begun to give appreciation and gratitude. I have started to keep my daily appreciation statement. So, I am experiencing a sense of joy which gradually lead to unfold and bring more in my life.

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

From this book I have learnt different practical and scientific methods and law to attract more of what we want and less of what we don’t. Using these methods, I have started to practice them in my life. Moreover, I get to know that only if I am right, my world will be right. My world is the reflection of my thought. Based on this premises, therefore, I believe that I have started my journey to contribute my part for the creation of the world which I wish to see. I begun with changing my mental attitude, and tuned it up in the manner that meets what my world looks like. I want to see and imagine a world of prosperity, peace, freedom, and equality. The next thing I have done is scanning my-self and my environment to identify the areas that I am strong at, have a total control, and areas that need to be improved. Then I have tried my best to turn each and every opportunity into that end. Rather than waiting for others, I took the initiative to make things happen.

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

“Your thought is made up of words”

Before, I did not realize that there is a relationship between thought and words. But now I have to understand that our though is made up of the words we are using repeatedly.

“The Law of Attraction is orchestrating circumstances and events to bring it to you.”

It teaches me the relationship between our circumstances and our thought.

“Abundance is a feeling and I love the feeling of abundance all around me.”

I have to feel abundance if we want to see the equivalent level physical manifestation.

“Believing is also the absence of doubt, as if faith”

It reminds of me the importance of belief and faith

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 is well written and presented in simple, illustrative, clear and understandable way.

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

Yes, there are a number of exercises at the end of each chapter. I know that practice makes you perfect. These exercises are of importance to help the reader to turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Realizing their importance, I am practicing them as much as possible. I have given full & serious attention for them and am practicing every exercising as per the instruction. Because of this, I have been able to get meaningful benefits from the exercise; besides, it is helping me track the progress I am making day-by-day.

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 don’t have comment.

Please rate the following questions on 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

Unlimited Power

Assessment By Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The book deals with how to achieve the extraordinary quality of life we desire and deserve, and how to master our personal and professional life. He passionately reveals the science of personal achievement and teaches us:

* How to find our what we really want

* The seven lies of success

* How to reprogram our mind in minutes to eliminate fears and phobias

* The secret of creating instant rapport with anyone we meet

* How to duplicate the success of others

* The five keys to wealth and happiness

Although most of the ideas raised by the Author are very appealing, I have selected the following seven points as the most important ideas, given my personal situation.

Passion: The idea that it is the reason and energy that drives us to do, to grow, and to be more. It gives us the fuel that powers their success train and causes us to tap our true potential. It is true that if we don’t have the burning passion to achieve our life goals, we may lose courage to go out of our comfort zone and take action. It is true that the greater risk is the fear of taking action. But if we have the motive for change, it will be a real power to move forward boldly. If we see my personal case in this regard; previously I had a number of tasks which need my determination to be realized, but I was fooling myself into thinking that I had to wait the right time. Thanks to this book and other books I went through in this program, I have come to realize we don’t need to wait the so called “the right time”. So, first I instilled a burning desire in myself and then resolved that I have to take bold action. Now I am beginning to take action step by step on those tasks I have put off for some other time. Of course, as far as I am intrinsically motivated, I keep moving towards my goal step-by-step whether the environment is convenient or not.

Belief: I have come to realize that people who succeed on a major scale differ greatly in their beliefs from those who fail. Our beliefs about what we are and what we can be precisely determine what we will be. If we believe in magic, we will live a magical life. What we believe to be true, what we believe is possible, becomes what is true, and becomes what is possible. While reading this section of the book, it reminded of me those fears I have experienced in my life. Their root cause was nothing but the lack of faith in my inherent potential. Now, as the Author told me that the fear of failure is something that could be conquered, I am taking bold actions in faith whenever I get the opportunity. As far as the opportunity is in alignment with my purpose, now I don’t want to hold my self back from taking action on it. After reading the book, the habit I am coming to develop in this regard is very different. Since recently, when I encountered with fear, what I have read about faith has been clicked in my mind, and then immediately I took action by leaving aside the fear. Now I am developing such habit; in the future I hope fear would be no long the reason that hinders me back from what I wish to achieve.

Strategy: A strategy is a way of organizing resources. Therefore, our passion and belief are meaningless if they are not supported by feasible strategy that makes them work to their greatest potential. We must use our resources in the most effective way. I have learned that we have a strategy for producing just about anything I life: the feeling of love, attraction, motivation, decision and the like.

Clarity of Values: The idea that values are the most important thing in our life. They are our own private, personal, and individual beliefs about what is most important to us. Our values are our belief systems about right, wrong, good and bad. If we want the deepest fulfillment, we can achieve it only in one way-: by deciding what we desire most in life- what our highest values are- them committing to live by our decision every single day. In this respect, I have begun asking “what is most important thing in my life?”, “what thing I value most?” and the like. I am surprised when I have come to know each and every action I am doing all day long is the result of my value. As the book dictates; therefore, I am asking myself “is “love”, “success”, “freedom”, “security” or “adventure” my value. Wow! I don’t know why but I am having difficulty to know my exact value within these few days. So, I have to take more time and examine myself with sincerity and authenticity to indentify my most important value.

Energy: I am taught that great success is inseparable from the physical, intellectual, and spiritual energy that allows us to make the most of what we have. The higher the energy level, the more efficient our body. The more efficient our body, the better we feel and the more we will use our talent to produce outstanding results. I have learned that our physical body is the manifestation of our thought. My body’s relative state of health, my physical attractiveness, my addiction or bad habit that serve to restrict me from experiencing perfect health are all the result my intentions over a lifetime.

Bonding Power: The ability to establish rapport is one of the most important skills a person can have. Nearly all successful people have in common an extraordinary ability to bond with others, the ability to connect with and develop rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs.

Communication: The quality of our life is the quality of our communication. that will allow us to use our abilities in the most effective way for the situation at hand. It is the fact that the way we communicate with others and the way we communicate with ourselves ultimately determine the quality of our life.

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

I have learnt the scientific method of achieving the extraordinary quality of life we desire and deserve, and mastering our personal and professional life. Using these methods, I have started to practice them in my life. Moreover, I get to know that only if I am right, my world will be right. My world is the reflection of my thought. Based on this premises, therefore, I believe that I have started my journey to contribute my part for the creation of the world which I wish to see. I begun with changing my mental attitude, and tuned it up in the manner that meets what my world looks like. I want to see and imagine a world of prosperity, peace, freedom, and equality. The next thing I have done is scanning my-self and my environment to identify the areas that I am strong at, have a total control, and areas that need to be improved. Then I have tried my best to turn each and every opportunity into that end. Rather than waiting for others, I took the initiative to make things happen.

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

“People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals- this is, goals that do not inspire them.”

It thought me that we have to take care while setting our goals. They need to inspire and drive us for their achievement. Our goals need to be our stimulator.

“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it”

Our mind has the power to give us everything we want. But it can only do that if it’s getting clear, bright, intense and focused. So, we need to think no matter how it is difficult.

“If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.”

It is about establishing trust in relationship and following a win-win relationship

“If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.”

It highlights the importance of making change in our life. Otherwise, it is difficult to lead the life we want.

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 is well written and presented in simple, illustrative, clear and understandable way.

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

Yes, there are some exercises in some part of the book. I know that practice makes you perfect. These exercises are of importance to help the reader to turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Realizing their importance, I am practicing them as much as possible. I have given full & serious attention for them and am practicing every exercising as per the instruction. Because of this, I have been able to get meaningful benefits from the exercise; besides, it is helping me track the progress I am making day-by-day.

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 don’t have comment.

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

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

Goals!

How to Get Everything You Want- Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

This book conveys effective strategies that are essential for setting and achieving goals. About 21 strategies are outlined in the book which enables us to accomplish any goals we set for ourselves- no matter how big. It incorporates methods that build our self-esteem and self-confidence, approach every problem or obstacle effectively, overcome difficulties, respond to challenges, and continue forward toward our goals, no matter what happens. Most importantly, we learn a system for achievement that we will use for the rest of our life.

The seven most important ideas that I extracted from the book are:

Create You Own World

The idea that we become what we think about most of the time. Our outer world ultimately becomes a reflection of our inner world. The environment and situation we are in is the clear manifestation of our regular thought. The author shows us the interaction and association among though, character & circumstance. He says “Everything you see around you in the man-made world began as a thought or an idea in the mind of a single person before it was translated into reality.” Thanks for the book, now I get to realize what brought me in the situation where I am in, and the situation which I need to change by any means.

The Reality principle

The other most important is the idea that the ability to see the world as it reality is, not as we wish it were. The ability to be completely honest and objective with ourselves. If we want to be the best we can be and achieve what is truly possible for us, we must be completely honest with ourselves about our point of departure. We must sit down and analyze ourselves in detail exactly where we are toady in each area.

Become an Expert in Your Field

I have come to know that one quality of the most successful people is that at a certain point in their careers they decide to commit to excellence. They decide to be the best at what they do. They decided to pay any price, make any sacrifice, and invest any amount of time necessary to become very good in their chosen fields. And as a result of this decision, they pulled away from the pack of average performers and moved themselves to high performers’ category. As a result, I am also determined to be expert in my profession as of today.

Associate with the Right people

Everything in life and business is relationships. Everything we accomplish or fail to accomplish will be related with other people in some way or another. Or ability to form the right relationships with the right people at every stage of our life and career will be the critical determinant of our success and achievement and will have an inordinate impact on how quickly we achieve our goals. Bearing in mind this, therefore, I have started to use the strength of the experience, training, and knowledge of other people just as if they were my own. I have established network with others and started to participate in associations or networks of people which would help me to attain my goal. As far as no one full to do every thing, he has to align himself with other to fill his gap. So, what I am doing now is this. Previously my relationship was so poor that I could get the most out of it.

The 80/20 Rule

This rule says that 20 percent of our activities will account for 80 percent of the value of all of our activities. If we have a list of ten items to complete, two of those items will be more valuable than the other eight items combined. Two of the ten tasks will have greater potential consequences than the other 80 percent.

Review Your Goals Daily

I have learnt that disciplined ourselves to rewrite our goals every day, without reviewing our previous list, until we become absolutely convinced that achieving our goals is inevitable. So, reviewing our goals daily will pay off a lot eventually.

Persist until You Succeed

Every great success in our life will represent a triumph of persistence. Or ability to decide what we want, to begin and then persist through all obstacles and difficulties until we achieve our goals is the critical determinant of our success. Therefore, I have started identifying the biggest challenge or problem facing me on the way to achieving our biggest goal. I have decided that I will never give up.

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”

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

“Living without clear goal is like driving in a thick for. No matter how powerful or well engineered your car, you drive slowly, hesitantly, making little progress on even the smoothest road.”

I stress the overwhelming importance of goals. It is cleared to me that without having clear-cut goal or target for which I strive for, my creative potential within me is remained dormant.

“To achieve something that you have never achieved before, you must become someone that you have never been before.”

It is about the inevitable need for change if we want to change the situation which we are in now.

“Anything worth doing well is worth doing poorly at first.”

It is not practice that makes perfect; it is imperfect practice that eventually makes perfect.

“The more you give yourself with no expectation of return, the more that will come back to you from the most unexpected sources.”

It is about passion. If we have passionate enough for something, we need not to do it expecting something in return. It shows the power of passion

“Few things are impossible to diligence and skill; great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance”

Persistence will pay off at the end; so we need to keep persisting until we get what we want

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?

I didn’t come across any idea for which I am not clear and have disagreement. The book is well written and presented in simple, clear and understandable way.

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

Yes, there are some of exercises at the end of each chapter. I know that practice make me perfect. These exercises are of importance to help the reader to turn the knowledge he/she has acquired from the book into practice. Realizing their importance, I am practicing them as much as possible. I have given full & serious attention for them and am practicing every exercising as per the instruction. Because of this, I have been able to get meaningful benefits from the exercise; besides, it is helping me track the progress I am making day-by-day.

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 nothing to comment on the book.

Ratings

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

Leadership for Dummies

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The Leadership for Dummies book discuss mainly on how to develop the three leadership skills; i.e. elicit the cooperation of others, listen and put others before our self. Moreover, this book shows us how to add leadership skills to our arsenal of personal traits and explains how doing so helps us to achieve more happiness and contentment in all areas of our life. In addition, it provides strategies and techniques to

* Build and flex leadership muscles

* See opportunity amid change and crisis

* Develop effective own leadership style

* Lead with communication, encouragement, and promotion

* Recognize the ten telltale behaviors of true leaders

The seven most important ideas in the book are:

Key Leadership Abilities

I have learnt that leadership skill requires that we are able to do three things: (a) elicit the cooperation of others: we must able to get others to buy into our vision of the future and the right way to get there; (b) listen well: we have to be able to gather many kinds of information from others in order to lead; doing so requires that we hone our listening skills; and (c) place the needs of others above our own needs: leadership requires that we be willing to sacrifice for a great goal. Moreover, all great leaders have certain characteristics in common. Being a great leader has nothing to do with how we look or how we speak; leadership involves preparation and accepting responsibility, even when we don’t want to. These skills are necessary to be a leader and motivate people to follow.

Solomonic Decision

The idea that as a leader we are never going to make everybody happy. Sometimes, the people who appeal to us to make a decision will have diametrically opposed points of view. When they truly love something, they would rather let it go than keep it, only to see it die. Therefore, one has to ask is how to handle such situation? Exhibiting or requiring the exercise of great wisdom, especially in making such difficult decisions is vital. At the same time, if I face such a situation, I need to look for a solution that is so polarized that it causes one side to give way out of common sense, lest a decision be reached that causes harm.

Leadership is a Process

The idea that preparation is the key to leadership, and before we can begin to lead, we have to ask ourselves a few critical questions. Leadership is a step-by-step process. I understood that leadership is not a role, it’s a process involving how an individual or a group influences others toward a particular goal or objective.

Leadership in Everyday life

I have come to learn that leadership is about embracing responsibility, but not only when it suits us. Some of the toughest leadership challenges are right in our own backyard: in our home and in the situations that support our personal life, such us our community, our schools, our children’s teams and our religious life. We must respond to the daily demands of our families, our communities, and our society by marshalling our inner strengths and fulfilling our promise to lead.

Leading when you aren’t a Leader

We become a leader by acting like a leader. We don’t need the title or the authority. The idea that we only need to be willing to embrace responsibility, to be able to elicit cooperation from people, listen to their needs, and then place those needs above our own. Every time is potentially right for leadership, and every circumstance holds within it the potential for leadership opportunity. Don’t sit around waiting for someone to discover our leadership potential. Instead, begin making our reputation as a leader.

Leadership and Vision

I have learnt that having a clear vision is perhaps the most important of all the elements that a leader must successfully execute. Successful leaders provide vision to a group. Leaders communicate to their followers the overarching, doable dream that is somehow different from the present reality. A vision is a bridge between the present and the future. Vision becomes the energy behind every effort and the force that pushes through all the problems. Great leaders have certain qualities that motivate those around them. But beyond leadership qualities, we have to develop your mission as a leader and then continuously examine our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to keep ourselves and our team at the top of your game.

Leadership and Discipline

All great leaders have understood that their number one responsibility was for their own discipline and personal growth. If they could not lead themselves, they couldn’t lead others. It is the fact that leadership is a set of disciplines involving the formulation of a vision, the development of plans, the execution of a mission, and the reaching of a goal. We have to learn to become proficient at each one of those skills and to be objective about our weakness and strengths. If our planning skills are weak but our vision and execution skills are strong, get someone to help we bolster our skills. Watch what they do and how they do it and then emulate that person.

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

It is the fact that demands for leadership confronts us in our daily life, in the society, in workplace and in national & international level. We require a higher quality of leadership from each of use who operate on all levels of society; as union members, teachers, parents, and community service workers. We must respond to the daily demands of our families, our communities, and our society by marshalling our inner strengths and fulfilling our promise to lead. Therefore, no matter how I have limited knowledge and experience, I can be a great leader through time. I believe that if I become a leader for myself, then my future is assured as well as my world is become best place to live. What required from is only doing three things: elicit the cooperation of others, listen, and put others before myself

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

“The central responsibility of a leader is to provide the climate necessary for creating growth and success.”

This quote tells that enabling environment is critical for growth and success is happened if the environment is conducive to do so. Therefore, creating such environment is the main responsibility of great leaders.

“You not only have to be smart enough to adapt to new information with flexibility, but you also have to have the courage to seize opportunities when they present themselves. Often, the opportunity appears when you do nothing more than reshuffle existing information.”

I have learnt that taking responsibility and initiative to do things for my own sake is vital, rather than waiting for some other person to do my work. No matter what the effort is small, I have to seize that opportunity and discharge my responsible to the maximum.

“A vision moves an organization and its people beyond the status quo and keeps everyone sharply focused on why they are doing what they are doing in the first place” (237)

I have learnt that having a clear vision is perhaps the most important of all the elements that an outstanding leader must possess. Vision becomes the energy behind every effort and the force that pushes through all the problems.

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?

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?

Of course, as far as my understanding is concerned, I did not come across any exercise which I suppose to do. Instead, I looked through the book and found the most important ideas that I described above, and then coming to practice 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.

Nothing!

Ratings

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

Goal Setting 101

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

Goal Setting 101 conveys ideas about the fundamentals of setting and achieving a goal. According to the author, careful planning, thoughtful strategy, and faithful execution are the factors that lead to success. Success happens only when a clear, definable target has been established. The book is divided into four main parts; in the first part, the author deals with the fundamental of success; secondly, he addresses success planning; thirdly success execution is discussed; finally he discuss about success management.

Here are the seven most important ideas that I need to give emphasis.

Act like a Leader

The idea that the first rule of personal leadership is to act as if we are a leader. We have got to know what is going on all the time. The only way to achieve a goal is to lead ourselves to victory. The primary criterion of any leader is the ability to achieve the goal. I have come to believe that I have to believe in myself and act like a leader. I have learnt that being a leader is the means that enable me to have control over my-self and develop the habit that is essential to achieve my goal. I have understood that my failures and success were the results of my unclear goals. So, I have come to act like a leader to identify those goals that I need to achieve in my life.

Go the Extra Mile

The idea that advancement only comes with habitually doing more than we are asked. This is the idea by which I have come to realize that always I have to make a step by step increment in my life. I have to break my “shell” and sense everything that was beyond my boundary. I understand that there is no limit for human potential, the capacity he/she has presently is nothing rather than the result of his/ser belief. So, every day going beyond the extra mile is becoming my life principle.

Always set a deadline

I have come to learn that without a strict deadline, a challenging but reachable goal that is qualified completely remains too nebulous. The lack of specific deadline often results in a lack of focused approach to attaining our goal. If we are unable or unwilling to establish a deadline for our goal, we probably need to examine our commitment.

Implement Now- Perfect Later

I have come to know that the secret of getting things done lies in “Now”. It means nothing but being a self-starter or initiator. In this principle procrastination has no place; it has to be discarded by any cost and means possible. We have no other time other than “Now”. So, “Do It Now” has to be our habit if we want to get at where we want to be. As the habit of procrastination is my problem, this principle is most important for me. As a result I have made an irrevocable decision to myself to drop such a bad habit as quickly as possible. I am making a practice to seize NOW before it becomes “Yesterday”. I can’t afford to wait for perfect conditions. Opportunities are easily lost while waiting for perfect conditions. In the real world, there is no totally right time.

Focus! Focus! Focus!

A decision to achieve a goal is never made just once, it happens continuously. A goal requires a focused commitment of energy. All successful goal setters know above all else. I know what the goal or goals are. I focus all activity on achieving those goals and don not allow myself to get destructed.

Keep Moving

The idea that the winning attitude is one of movement and progress, not digging in and holding around. This experience teaches us that there is no end and limit in the potential and capacity we have in different aspects. We have never to stop learning and practicing and striving to understand more of the perfect invisible principle of all life.

Watch Your Language

The idea that the words we attach to our experience become our experience. We have to be vigilant on the words that we are using in our day-to-day life; especially we need to be cautious to the words we attaché to our emotions and feelings. We need to know that an effective selection of words to describe the experience of our lives can heighten our most empowering emotions. As a result, I am beginning to select words that I use to describe my negative feelings, and come up with alternative words that will lower the intensity of negative feelings. I have started to gathering new empowering words to replace the old ones. I discovered that words like “depressed”, “awesome”, “fear” and so on have to be changed with great words that lift me up. I have begun to chosen carefully words, spoken in affirmative language bolster confidence while pursuing goals. I can, I will, I choose to do this, I am responsible, I’m up to the challenge, I am on top of it, let’s get started, 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

I have been taught that there is a direct relationship between setting goals and achieving success. It is cleared to me that without having clear-cut goal or target for which I strive for, my creative potential within me is remained dormant. As a result, I began to setting goals for every aspect of my life. Like goals for my career, finance, family, health and relationship. I have committed my self to write down my goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely.

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

“Achievements and accomplishments do not happen accidentally. They are the result of clearly defined goals acted upon until completion. Goals determine what you will or will not become or accomplish.”

It stresses the importance of setting goals, as well as the continuous effort we need to exert for the materialization of those goals. There is no as such accomplishment in accident or via luck.

“Nothing of any lasting value was ever created by someone who was reasonable. It is the unreasonable people, those discontented with the status quo, the dreamers and visionaries who nevertheless have their feet planted firmly on solid ground who improve people’s lives and advance society.”

In this regard, the importance of faith out weighs logic. It is through beliefs or faith that human being has managed to make various breakthroughs in this planet.

“Everyone fails. But that doesn’t mean you must identify yourself as a failure. Failure applies to a situation, a particular time and place. If you don’t let it devastate you, failure can be an opportunity: for learning, for recovery, for the creation and demonstration of character.”

I understand that any failure or pain which I have experienced through out my life is the language through which nature speaks to me, pointing out mistakes. The book taught me that adversity breads opportunity, every setback carries with it an even greater opportunity, and every curse has a corresponding blessing.

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?

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?

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.

Rating

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

Awakening the Energy Body

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

K. Smith’s “Awakening the Energy Body” book conveys a message how the interactions of our energy body are the principal determinant of all we see, feel, think, and perceive. Using the evidence from the emerging scientific discipline of bioenergetics, which studies the flow and exchange of energy, smith shows that conscious awareness not only creates our reality but enhances the functionality of the human energy body, allowing it to navigate the myriad realities of our world. He offers specific set of strategies to manage the energy body in ways that are beneficial to both material existence and spiritual development. He also discuss the ethical considerations of developing consciousness and how one can quicken personal evolution in order to live a full and complete life, while revealing where the worlds of ancient tradition and modern science meet.

A. Reality

I have learned that reality is a human made construct. Each view of reality changes overtime as individuals, groups, and the species evolve. Moreover, it is simply a matter of perception. This shows how perception has a profound effect on my reality. So, this teaches that my reality in every aspect of my life is the reflection of my perception. If I need to change my reality, I have to change my perception first. However, it is not sufficient by itself; I have to dare to accept the challenge to go beyond what others say can’t be.

B. Cohesion

The idea that our cohesion determines exactly what we think, feel or experience. It is the first cause or underlying factor for all perception. At the same time, cohesion forms from our experience. The idea is important due to the fat that what all our experience and state of being is cohesion. So, this energy body is not lasting if we don’t allow it to do so. I should learn to manage it and I will learn to shift my cohesion. As a result, my experience will shift and then I can enter completely new world, new cohesion.

C. Learning and Imagination

I have learned that learning and imagination are practical methods to construct reality. Learning relates to what has been actualized or realized, or to what is known; whereas imagination relates to expanding awareness, stepping beyond what is known into what can become known. Personally, I feel that my life seems to be a bit stagnant; so, I am craving for new environment and experience. Therefore, to expand my awareness or reality and dive into the infinite world, I have to uses these methods.

D. Ontological Development

The idea that the ontological development/awakening governs each and every features of the reality we experience. According to the writer, this awakening passes through five stages: orientation, training, craftsmanship, artistry and mastery. I have learnt that as we progress from orientation stage to training, and on to craftsmanship, artistry and mastery, we are able to express more of our completeness. Therefore, this idea is important because it makes me to assess my situation in this regard, and on what am I supposed to do to expand my reality. Besides, it helps me to see what I am up to and what effects my action have.

E. Reflection and Projection

The idea that a key to understanding energy body anatomy and dynamics rests in learning how our interpretations of any experience develop. I have come to know that interpretation results from the interaction of inner reflections and the resulting outward projections of thoughts and feelings. Moreover, as interpretation guides our steps through life, it is a principal interface between me and the world. It is therefore, essential that I should understand and manage the dynamics of reflection and projection to move my personal awareness toward the core of my energy body.

F. Fundamentalism

The idea that fundamentalism, which is a type of thinking with definite characteristics regardless of the context in which it occurs, is a major blockage to not experience a new energy body. Therefore, we all have to recognize and avoid it. In doing so, it is necessary to accept the legitimacy of other points of view, especially if they conflict with ours. If we let go and constantly challenge our assumptions, our thoughts will change. Hence, this implies to me that I have to assess my beliefs that whether they fall into the trap of fundamentalism. Because, if they wont identified and managed soon, they prevent me to heading toward my destination. A number of suggestions are forwarded by the author for my use to manage if I have any fundamental belief.

G. Deautomatization

The idea that suspending belief (deautomization) is know vital to allow dormant abilities to awaken and manage fundamentalist ideas. One significant advantage of this concept-free state is granting me the ability to break the boundaries of my normal way of viewing and interacting with the world. Further more, it helps to distrust habitual responses, to arrange how I look at the world, and to liberate perception. Therefore, using this method of managing fundamentalism, I can just stop what I am doing, release the effects of the new experience, and let new information and experience enter. I simply need to let go and allow my intrinsic, core awareness to come forth.

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?

K. Smith shows us that conscious awareness not only creates our reality but enhances the functionality of the human energy body. Therefore, these seven points have helped me to get well aware of my energy body as well as us to mange it in the ways that are beneficial to material existence and spiritual development. As a result, if I need to change my reality, I have learnt that I have to change my perception first. However, it is not sufficient by itself; I have to dare to accept the challenge to go beyond what others say can’t be. Moreover, due to the idea of the idea of learning and imagination, I have begun to craving for new environment and experience.

It is also, essential that I should understand and manage the dynamics of reflection and projection to move my personal awareness toward the core of my energy body. Moreover, using this method of managing fundamentalism, I can just stop what I am doing, release the effects of the new experience, and let new information and experience enter. I simply need to let go and allow my intrinsic, core awareness to come forth.

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

“When natural abilities surface, we have typically been taught to disregard those perceptions because they do not fit the world we have been entrained to perceive.”

This quote teaches me how our old thought or perception prevents us not to experience new energy and deceives us to remains in our comfort zone. It advices us to let the new energy or sprite avail freely as it is the means to dive into the new world.

“When you behave from your core, or at least orient yourself to core, your personality then matches the deepest regions of yourself. As a result, you are nurturing a natural energy field.”

It tells the place where the natural energy resides in our core. Therefore, to explore this natural energy, we need to behave or act from our core.

“While in a state of being, learning, application and innovation occur automatically.”

The source of innovation and learning is being in a state of being. Being in such state helps us to connect with the source of all things.

“Imagination is not making things up; it is finding out what actually exists beyond the current boundaries of accepted reality.”

The quote teaches me how imagination is so important that it helps me to live and experience life beyond my reality.

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 somehow uses technical words taken from different professions, especially psychology, biology, medical and eastern mythologies. Therefore, often it would make me to pause and refer what they mean.

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?

As far as I know, I found no exercises 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 rarely uses practical examples that make the reader to grasp the essence of the energy body well. I feel that a book without examples and exercise is a full of abstracts.

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

How interesting was it to read? 9
How helpful were the contents? 9
How easy was it to understand? 8
Would you recommend it to others? 9
What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

The Star Fish and the Spider

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The book of Brafman and Beckstrom entitled “The Starfish and The Spider” offers an interesting and entertaining look at how decentralization is changing many organizations. The title metaphor conveys the core concept: though a starfish and a spider have similar shapes, their internal structure is dramatically different—a decapitated spider inevitably dies, while a starfish can regenerate itself from a single amputated leg. In the same way, decentralized organizations, like the Internet, the Apache Indian tribe and Alcoholics Anonymous, are made up of many smaller units capable of operating, growing and multiplying independently of each other, making it very difficult for a rival force to control or defeat them.

A. Starfish Organization

The idea that organizations without leader, hierarchies, structure and central command have proved to be more successful. Because, these types of organizations are made up of many smaller units capable of operating, growing and multiplying independently of each other, making it very difficult for a rival force to control or defeat them. This idea is important for me due to the fact it helps me to see the other side of the coin. Before I read this book, I was accustomed merely to centralized kind of organizations that have leader who have ultimate authority on the day-to-day operation of the organization, formal structure and communication channel. Thanks to this book, I have come to get introduced with other form of organization, star fish organization which is incredibly successful compared to the traditional one.

B. Showing Genuine Interest in Others

The idea that having genuine interest in others is a key tool to being a catalyst in our endeavor. It is powerful magnetic force to attract others to us and thereby to build and expand our networks. Personally, I come to realize that sometimes, consciously or unconsciously, I would show others a sign of lack of interest and remained silent when they try to speak with me. Also I often would nod my head when converse with new person and show them a fake smile. Now, I have learnt that this is the cause of awkwardness in casual social situations. From now on, in every encounter (new or otherwise) I can tell when someone really cares about what I am taking about; when that happens, I tend to open up and reveal more about myself. Then the conversation naturally becomes more interesting, and I feel understood. It is at that point that I become most open to something new; and then it is a sign of willingness to change.

C. Casual Acquaintances

I came to know that in addition to close friends, catalysts have a host of acquaintances. Because, knowing so many people allows a catalyst to make connections between individuals who would otherwise never meet. Therefore, possessing this kind of quality is of paramount importance for me as well. Have this quality means that I can learn a lot from individuals with diverse background and experience. It is true that every one is interesting for at least an hour or so. And hope that most people remain interesting well beyond that.

D. Mapping

I have learned that Catalysts think of who they know, who those people know, how they all relate to one another, and how they fit into a huge mental map. All of us map to a certain extent. But our maps tend to be small scale and personal. If our personal maps are a sketch of a neighborhood or a city, the catalyst’s map is a detailed satellite image of an entire country. Not only do catalysts navigate their maps with ease and speed, but they constantly pave new roads between towns- making new connections and forming new circles.

E. Desire to help others

The idea that wanting to help is the fuel that drives a catalyst’s ability to connect people. What if a catalyst didn’t care about helping others? He could make a few connections for purely personal gain, getting people in his network to do him favors. But if the network is one-way, that is, if it is all about helping the catalyst, then it quickly get tapped out. They participate in his network because they benefit from being a member. Therefore, the desire to help is not just a nicety; it is an essential part of being a catalyst.

F. Tolerance for Ambiguity

Being a catalyst requires a high tolerance for ambiguity. This ambiguity creates a platform for creativity and innovation. Starfish organizations need ambiguity to survive. If someone came in and tried to implement order and structure, they might be able to get better measurement and tracking, but hey would kill the starfish in the process. Where creativity is valuable, learning to accept chaos is a must

G. Trust

Catalysts believe that people are basically good and trustworthy. They believe that everyone has something to contribute, and an honest and open environment can bring out the best in people. Therefore, trust is the major value I should strive to possess to be a catalyst kind of person.

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

The idea of starfish organization is a “aha” experience for me; because I have never heard about such kind of organization. The important helps me to see the other side of the coin. So far, I have been accustomed to centralized kind of organizations that have leader who have ultimate authority on the day-to-day operation of the organization, formal structure and communication channel. I am convinced that organizations, composed of many smaller units capable of operating, growing and multiplying independently of each other, can be built, although requires a great deal of effort. What requires is simply being a catalyst. Therefore, the aforementioned points are crucial so to build personal qualities, like a catalyst, so as to establish such kind of organization.

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

“When we are used to seeing something in a certain way, it is hard to imagine it being any other way”

This quote teaches me how making a paradigm shift is import than to grasp whenever new things are encountered. Because if we are used to seeing the world through a centralized lens, decentralized organizations don’t make much sense.

“A leader is best when people barely know that he exists; not so good when people obey and acclaim him; worst when they despise him.”

It is about how important is it to leader to keep distance and be hidden from the mass; rather they should focus on the work at hand.

“I much prefer meeting people lower on the ladder than above me because I can help them more. It’d fun to help people.”

It is how much passion for helping people truly demonstrated. Any person who have true desire to help others, consciously or unconsciously, are found himself/herself associated with people lower then him or her.

“Values are a stronger binding force than authority.”

I come to realize that how values are powerful thread to bind us together. Our character should be built on strong and positive values if we want to a person whose action can affect the lives of others.

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?

Everything in everything is clear, simple and precise. The book is easy and attractive to read.

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?

As far as I know, I found no exercises 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 uses practical examples that make the reader to grasp the essence of the starfish and spider kind of organization. I feel that a book with examples and illustration is attractive to read. However, I would be more fascinating if it used exercises to be done by the readers.

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

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

The Leadership Pill

Assessment by Solomon Teshome (Ethiopia)

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

The book of Ken Blanchard and Marc Muchnick, entitled “The Leadership Pill,” tries to provide the answer for how can someone become a more successful manager, a stronger team leader, and a motivator who can get the best results from a group. The book is a parable about the competition between two leaders with totally different management styles. Consider this tantalizing possibility: What if there were a pill that could actually stimulate the natural powers of the mind and body to provide leadership? In the story, an amazing new pill heightens one leader’s powers, but contains the wrong ingredients, stimulating him in an obsessive and shortsighted direction with disastrous results. In contrast, the Effective Leader, working without a pill, proclaims that only through sustainability can teams remain motivated and successful. An inspiring and supportive leader, he supplies the right ingredients, earning his team’s respect and trust with a blend of integrity, partnership, and affirmation. The hard-won result is a highly motivated team producing consistent top performance and genuine success. Ultimately it is recognized that “leadership for a lifetime” is much easier to digest than a pill for leaders looking for a quick fix.

i. Integrity:

The idea that the number one thing people want in leaders is integrity. It is about creating a set of operating values and then living true to them. In other word, leaders are expected to walk their talk; or, to do what they say they are going to do. This idea is therefore critical for the one like me who is striving to move up the ladder of leadership. Even if currently I haven’t yet assumed a leadership role in my organization, I should have to start exercising the value of integrity in my day-to-day life. I have to discipline myself in walking every of my talking. One thing I have to take care of is in what I should talk to and in what I should promise; otherwise, I should practice living up to these promises, and begin to develop the muscle of my integrity as for the one who dreams leadership role it is indispensible.

ii. Trust and Respect

The idea that integrity lays the foundation for trust and respect within a team and the organization as a whole. I have learnt that the first step in moving toward a culture of integrity is to build an environment of trust and respect. Therefore, the leader should ensure that there is trust and respect among team members each other and with the leader him/herself. Personally, the idea helps me to give emphasis for these two words: respect and trust. As a dreamer of leadership role, I am convinced that these are the values I should carry them out without compromising. For instance, as professional employee, I want my opinions to be respected, thus I need to respect the opinions of others, be they team members or customers or others. Moreover, to build a trusting environment, we need to have a set of operating values that guide people’s behaviors when they are working on organizational goals.

We have seen companies that put their values on plaques and banners that hang on the wall, but everyone thinks they are a joke. No one uses these values to make decisions and leaders fail to hold people accountable for not behaving in accordance with them.

iii. Partnership

The idea that leaders need to help their people work, learn and grow together in unity. It teaches me that to building high-performing team, fostering a culture of partnership by establishing a collaborative learning process like shared learning and job rotations is quite essential. So, what makes it important to me is that it helps me change the relationship I have with my team members, and re-build my relationship in the sense of partnership. It means building a stronger sense of partnership with each other. I will work and take the first step to build the culture of caring and mutually supportive. As the writer of the book put it, I will take the initiative by offering my time to anyone on the team who wanted to learn what I am good at. Then I will initiate others to follow suit.

iv. Affirmation/Praise

The idea that one can make a huge difference in the way others feel about themselves by letting them know that someone appreciate their efforts and recognize that what they do is important. I have come to learn that praise is most effective when it is specific, sincere and given as soon as possible after desired behavior occurs. Moreover, I have learnt that it should be consistently applied only to situations where is praise required, but not given every single time a person does something right.

v. Here is a Salute to You Certificate

The idea that when team members perform their expected duties, they should deserve formal recognition like the one “Here is a Salute to You” Certificate. I have learned that such and other kind of recognitions would help team member to reinforce the desired behavior.

vi. A Mental Hygiene Break

Te idea that effective leader should institute mental hygiene stress relief breaks as affirmations of stellar performance. It is important to me because it recalls me how the time of relaxation and mental refreshment is essential to recharge our energy for the forthcoming tasks. Not only the idea is appealing to me, but also how the word coined to express it; “A Mental Hygiene Break.”

vi. Delegation

I have learned that delegating some portions of tasks for subordinates is critically important to get them develop confidence in their ability. Indeed it is a great empowering tool so much so that any leader has to use it to create highly performing team

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

These ideas are quite helpful especially for my professional life. In the work environment where quick fix management/leadership styles are more prevalent, the lessons that I drew from the book would help me develop the necessary skills required to be effective leader or a leader for life time. Even if currently I haven’t yet assumed a leadership role in my organization, I should have to start exercising these lessons.

I have to discipline myself in walking every of my talking. One thing I have to take care of is in what I should talk to and in what I should promise; otherwise, I should practice living up to these promises, and begin to develop the muscle of my integrity as for the one who dreams leadership role it is indispensible. With respect to trust and respect, personally, the idea helps me to give emphasis for these two words: respect and trust. As a dreamer of leadership role, I am convinced that these are the values I should carry them out without compromising. For instance, as professional employee, I want my opinions to be respected, thus I need to respect the opinions of others, be they team members or customers or others.

For the other lessons as well, I will do the same to acquire the traits and skills of effective leaders.

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

“It is when I know you will behave just as well when I am not there as when I am there.”

It teaches me how to maintain my integrity. Our integrity revealed through the consistency of our behavior and action in all situations; whether the boss is there or not, or the situation favor or disfavors us, or there is a reward or not.

“Sharing the big picture puts everyone the same page.”

Leaders to be effective, they need to show followers where they are marching to. Then they can amass a collective energy that is vital to get there.

“It is easier to get up the Hill when you Climb it together.”

It teaches me the value of working in team. Instead of relying on individual effort, leaders ought to work toward harnessing the potential of teaming-up. And it reminds me the theme of synergy: “the sum of the parts greater than the whole.”

“I want to work in partnership with you to help you win. And when you win, I win.”

It teaches me that effective partnership will be established when there is a win-win relationship among the parties.

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

No, everything is clear and easy to understand

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

As far as I know, I found no exercise to work out.

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.

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

A. How interesting was it to read?                             10
B. How helpful were the contents?                            9
C. How easy was it to understand?                            10
D. Would you recommend it to others?                     9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it?       9.5