As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Tony Adeyemi (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey is the Power of Thought and the tool of the Mind. That Mind is the Master Power that Molds, Makes or Mar the Man. The original man is mind and everything about the man is directly proportional to his thought pattern. That Man has total and absolute control about what he turns out to be in life, either success of failure. Sadness or joy, abundance or lack..
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Thought and Character
This is important to me because these ideas further buttress what have known over the years. And that is the fact that a man’s character is a reflection of his thought pattern. I remembered several years ago, I bought a DVD Message by Dr Creflo Dollar. The senior pastor of World Changers Church International. In that message Creflo Dollar said a man’s destiny is directly proportional to his character. And that the origin of that character is embedded in his thought. In conclusion he said if the man was going to change his destiny, he will have to reconfigure his thought.
ii. Effect of Thought on Circumstances
This blew my mind and that explains why it’s one of the seven ideas which is important to me. Isn’t it amazing how that circumstances happens to us all? Both the rich and the poor do experience and go through a circumstance. But the fact that we can control our circumstances with the tool of the mind and the power of thought makes that a miracle.
iii. Effect of Thought on Health and the Body
I have lived this particular idea for more than 25 years. And that is living in good and sound health. When I was growing up, my parent thought me to believe that no sickness can held me down. No matter the sickness or disease in my body, they somehow find their way and leave. I have enjoyed sound health for more than 28 years. This was not a magic but a product of circumstance. I happened to have been raised from a humble beginning by a single parent – My Dad. My mum left when I was a baby, leaving me and my dad alone to be with another man. And because of these, we couldn’t afford a lot of things including tuition and medical bills when down with sickness. Dad would tell me to either get up from the sick bed or die sick. I decided to choose the former. And I was only able to do that with my mind. Till this very hour, anytime I feel ill or wounded somehow, I just tell myself am healed and live in sound health. Within few hours, I would be perfectly okay.
iv. Thought and Purpose
The idea of though and purpose is a very important one because the subject of purpose is one of the most critical one both corporate and personal. But on the other hand, how Purpose and Thought connect is what is difficult to explain. Purpose is first and foremost establish and thought is the tool that helps shape and attract the right environment and circumstances that gives purpose a full expression. In order words, purpose is pre-designed by God for man, but man uses his mind through constructive thought to align himself with God’s purpose for his life.
v. The Thought-Factor in Achievement
One of the emphases in this book “As a Man Thinketh” is what the man attract to himself through his thought. And the thought-factor plays a lot of role in achievement. Going by Abraham Maslow’s theory of human needs; every being wants a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment of purpose of some sort. Knowing fully well that these are vital to man is an undeniable fact. But bringing oneself into this achievement through thought is one of the biggest miracle of man. This is why this concept of thought-factor in achievement is vital to me as well.
vi. Vision and Ideals
Ideally vision comes from thought and mental impressions. My best definition of vision is by Dr Myles Munroe. He said “Vision is the ability to see farther than your eyes can look.” How is that even possible? That can only be possible through thought and ideals.
vii. Serenity
James Allen in this book also explains that one can experience a state of peace just by focusing on it. This is amazing because not too many people in the world do enjoy what is called inner peace and serenity. This brings to mind an animation movie I watched sometimes ago, titled “Confu Panda.” The character Shifu who happens to be dragon warrior’s mentor and teacher thought him how to practice inner peace in one of the episodes. With this skill, one can reach a new level of perfection and performance and even become invincible.
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?
All these seven ideas mentioned and explained above means a lot to me as a Leader, Social entrepreneur and a Student of IIGL. These ideas will help me in practical way by applying them daily both personally and in the corporate organization I run. There’s nothing like a great thought pattern and mental attitude. I remembered listening to a preacher one day, and he was talking on Mind Power. The preacher sited an example on how that someone can forget his car key or wallet somewhere and that the moment he remembers, the first thought that comes to his mind was that someone has taken the key trying to steal the car or the wallet trying to steal all the valuables inside it. The preacher then further explained why the negative thought and assumptions. Why not think that the person who took the car key or the wallet was going to look for you and give it to you. The conclusion of that message was that the first negative reaction was a product of experience, which is a product of circumstances, which originates from thought pattern and processes. Therefore; putting these to work is vital and teaching it to others is also imperative. I have made up my mind to give the soft-copy of these books to as many people as possible in my sphere of contact. I also plan to give it to all of our students we are training on entrepreneurship. In conclusion; the principles shared in this book by James Allen is essential to life and success. If anyone ever desires a successful and impactful life, especially if one desire to change the world and make it a better a place, is vital to put them to work. And that is exactly what am going to do.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“The problem is that some of us were never taught how to think in a way that will produce the effects we desire. Concentrated thinking is the great secret that separates the winners from the whiners”.
I mentioned these earlier in one of my answers above. How that the way to think is vital and this should be inculcated in the upbringing of every child. How I wish I was thought to think possibilities and abundance growing up and not on health alone. Perhaps I could have been like Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk.
“As beings of Power, Intelligence, and Love, and the lord of his own thoughts, humans hold the key to every situation, and contains within themselves that transforming and regenerative agency by which they may make themselves what they will”.
What a way to think that we can be anything. This is liberating.
“Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction. It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself, with the Law of his being.”
Not too many people around the world believe that Man is the one responsible for his suffering and whatever that don’t go right with him. This particular quote from the book makes that very crystal.
“People imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance”
You know how many people who wants to change their habits and focused on changing their habit but not their thought. Forgetting that habits originates from their thinking. This is important principles.
“The world is your kaleidoscope, and the varying combinations of colors, which at every succeeding moment it presents to you are the exquisitely adjusted pictures of your ever moving thoughts”.
The mirror never lied. At least my standing mirror in my room has never lied to me for once. In the same vein, our thought never lied to us about the reality of life and what we experience. This is thought becoming things. Thought becoming reality. Thought becoming human. Thought is man and man is thought.
“A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must become strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition.”
This particular quote got my attention because it suggest perfectly the secret of becoming like ones heroes and mentors. Most especially like the people we admire most in life. In order words we all can become what we admire in other people only if we are ready to develop the inner strength and pay the sacrifice.
“A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts. He can only remain weak, and abject, and miserable by refusing to lift up his thoughts.”
Most people from around the world have this funny idea that the rich are lucky and even unfair. Little did they know that they are the one responsible for their status quo in life, rich or poor. And this particular statement validate the fact that becoming rich is attainable, only if you are ready to start with lifting your thought and think like the rich.
“He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”
I have heard this statement time and again “Sacrifice pays the Price.”
This quote validates this fact. People desire or should I say wish to be great in life but they are not ready to pay the price. In fact from this book by James Allen, I have also discovered that thinking is hard-work. Or let me rephrase that, good and constructive thought is hard-work. Not too many people will pay the price to think the right way.
“To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to, achieve”.
The quote above reminds me of a quote I came across a long time ago while reading and studying books by successful people around the world. Life is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. It all begins with desire and aspiration.
“You cannot travel within and stand still without.”
When I came across this statement while reading the book; the question in my mind was that, is it possible to be inside a moving vehicle and not move with it. Absolutely not! The statement is as real and true as Tony Adeyemi.
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?
There is nothing in the book I do not understand or unclear about. The book is very direct and self-explanatory. Letting us know that Man has absolute control over what happens to him in life and whatever goes right or wrong is the responsibility of the Man.
There’s no idea I disagree with.
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, Absolutely.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not Really!
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Tony Adeyemi (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey in the seagull story is about a seagull who is trying to learn about life and flight, and abut self-perception as well. I deliberately copied this statement to buttress what am about to say: “To the real Jonathan Seagull,
who lives within us all.” This statement explains what the author wants the reader to catch. And for me that is the fact that there is more to life than food and cars and houses and everything in between. Life begins when you find your true essence.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Perfection and Limitless.
It was in this story I learned that Perfection and not being limited is a journey. This idea or should I say concept is so important because all my life I had a different perspective about perfection. This story of seagull brought me to another plane of understanding.
ii. Learning, practicing, and striving to understand the invincible principles of life.
Life was established by principles and on principles. Principles are invisible forces that controls the visible reality of man. Learning and striving to gain understanding of those principles is critical. That explains why this idea is important to me. Secondly; learning and practicing the principles in the lessons cannot be over emphasized. This is crucial to effectively keep in touch with the universe and staying relevant.
iii. Breaking the chains of thought and overcoming the limit imposed by society.
Society lied to us about a lot of things. In the academic world for instance, society told us that if you don’t go to school and make good grades, you won’t make it in the real world. And will probably be poor and remain poor. That has been proven wrong by several school drop out who are feeding and employing professors and academic gurus. In a relationship context too; society told us that you can’t be fulfilled if you don’t marry. That also has been proven wrong by quite a number of single men and women who are making a great difference in the world. And too many married people who are depressed and frustrated. It therefore important to go beyond the limit.
iv. Attaining excellence and bringing others into a perfect state.
In the book outliers by Malcolm Gladwell; he did mentioned about 10,000 hours. That it takes an approximate value of 10,000 hours to attain excellence and perfection. This is important because it suggest from a valid research the amount of effort needed to attain excellence. Secondly; the idea also suggests the need to give back to the society. We are all giving birth to, to solve a particular problem in the world. And it begins with finding ones true resonance.
v. The idea of gaining understanding about flight and life.
I discovered that understanding is the most important thing in life. And this idea brought it home to me. As a matter of fact; one of my best wisdom nuggets is the statement by the wisest king that ever lived. King Solomon said, “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; in all thy getting; get understanding.” My personal pursuit in life is understanding. Therefore gaining understanding about life is crucial and critical to a life of unending success.
vi. Love and forgiveness
What is life without love? Man was rescued from eternal death as a result of love. Man was created by love. I read a book when I was running a janitorial job in Lagos Nigeria, many years ago. The book was written by an American author, and he was able to clearly define the three kinds of love. In that book he explains, why love will make the world a better place if only we could all just work on building it and sharing it altogether.
In addition to that; there are too many people in the world who are sick with cancer and deadly diseases because of unforgiveness. They keep grudges, holding their neighbor and families responsible for their failure in life. I was once like this before. I never forgave my mother because she left me and Dad alone and went with another man when I was just less than a year old. To my surprise, we have been living in the same city for 17 years and never even bothered to look for me or find me whatsoever. In the long run we met at a market place after 17 years. I was about to turn 18 when I knew the mother that gave birth to me. In the long run, I had to forgive her and accept the fact that, it’s just life. Jonathan coming back to give back to the community of the seagull, by teaching the younger ones what he has found out about flight, freedom, and speed is a lot of courage. I think it takes a lot of courage to forgive and love.
vii. Finding a purpose for living and showing it forth.
What is life without purpose anyway? Jonathan Livingston Seagull story is one of finding ones true essence in life. If there’s any topic or subject I don’t joke with; it’s the subject on purpose. As a matter of fact; the beginning of the story explained why Jonathan was no longer satisfied with the status quo. He was tired living like the rest of the flock. In search for foods, water, and living under the protection of the flock. But why should we all live like the rest of the flock. Why can’t we truly be happy and pursue a life of meaning. The society has conditioned quite a number of us to go to school, get good grades so that we can get good jobs. And that explains why so many are not happy with the job they are doing. Some are happy working for fulfillment, but are just there because they just wants to pay bills. One of my best definition of purpose is by Dr Myles Munroe. He defined purpose this way; “Purpose is the reason for the creation of a thing.” The big question is Why are we all here?
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 story of the great seagull cut across every phases and endeavors of man. In pursuit of purpose and meaning. In pursuit of happiness. The need for each and every one of us to pursue happiness and personal fulfillment. Each time I read the book I often times connect deeply with the character Jonathan Livingston Seagull. This maybe because I ones did the same thing in my personal career. For instance when I was in polytechnic, studying architecture at a Diploma Level, I find it boring and uninteresting. I then asked some of my friends and colleagues what the future of work holds for us after we might have worked really hard making good grades. None of them was certain about what opportunities await them after school is over. I then said to them that is being naive. How can you hope to be lucky after school, not knowing what do to or even worse how to get what you want after the school year is over. I then make up my mind to come out of school and build the future. Not only for me but for my friends and the coming generation. So that when they come out of school, opportunity will be waiting for them and they can just walk right into it. This is one of the reason why I became an entrepreneur and ready to make life better for many. This does not necessarily mean that I am already there but am working so hard and keeping my head up to ensure I became what I am destined for. This brings to mind, what Jim Ron once said; “Service to many leads to greatness”. And “The more people you serve the more effective you become”.
Therefore; I am ready to continue to put these lessons to work and continue to pursue a life of meaning, purpose and personal fulfillment. I will commit myself a life of love and forgiveness. I will continue to seek every opportunity to gain understanding and attain excellence as a social entrepreneur. And I will close on these question by recalling what Anthony Robbins once said in one of his book I read, titled “Unlimited Power”. Tony Said; I need to commit myself to “Constant and Never-ending Improvement, Can I” Thank you.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“Most gulls don’t bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight – how to get from shore to food and back again. For most gulls, it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight. More than anything else. Jonathan Livingston Seagull loved to fly.”
This is so important to me because; it buttress why some people become high achievers in life, and why some only stay low and remain small in life. For some, life is about food, bills, and little thing that count. While for some of us it’s about purpose, fulfillment and making a difference in the world.
“We can start working with time if you wish, till you can fly the past and the future. And then you will be ready to begin the most difficult, the most powerful, the most fun of all. You will be ready to begin to fly up and know the meaning of kindness and of love.”
When I came across this statement, especially the line that reads …” Until you can fly the past and the future”. How in the world would he be able to that? I realized anything is possible if you are willing to learn and believe that we can be unlimited in life. This is amazing ideology and philosophical concept.
“We’ve come to take you higher, to take you home.”
Home? What is home? When I came across this particular statement when I was studying this fascinating story of the great gull; I thought about this for weeks. Then when I was taking my bath; I remembered right there in the bathroom, what Dr Myles said in one of his book I have in my library; that there’s no retirement in purpose. You can only retire from work but you can never retire from yourself. Why? Because, purpose is you. You are your purpose for life. Purpose is home. Welcome home if you have discovered God’s purpose for your life.
“One school is finished, and the time has come for another to begin.”
It sad that so many people around the world stop learning too soon. Even worse is this same attitude among the youth. The moment school is over; learning stops. This statement just encourage why we all need to know that learning never stops for each and every one of us in order to stay relevant. You are either relevant or redundant. There’s no middle ground. Redundancy is when the environment has outgrown your relevance. I will continue to learn in order to keep abreast of the facts and stay relevant in my generation.
“Each of us is in truth an idea of the Great Gull, an unlimited idea of freedom,” Jonathan would say in the evenings on the beach.”
One of what I desire most in life when I was very young is freedom. I really wanted to be free. I want to be able to do things without being told. I want to eat whenever I feel like it. I want to travel the world and meet people, love people, help people, be there for people, and just do big things in life. It’s still part of me till today and am still in pursuit of freedom. Now I stay alone. Run my own company. Cook for me. Sleep whenever I feel like it. And travel for conferences, seminars, trainings, and mentorship program within Nigeria. As I continue to pursue freedom, I know I become more and more unlimited. This is my aspiration and am committed to it.
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?
There is nothing in the book I do not understand or unclear about. As a matter of fact, I found the story fascinating. The idea of becoming our true self and pursuing who we truly are makes the story master piece.
There’s nothing I disagree with
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, Absolutely.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not Really!
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
PsychoCybernetics
Assessment by Tony Adeyemi (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea of the book PsychoCybernetics is the idea of getting more out of life. The idea of true and genuine knowledge of self. In summary; everything boils down to one thing; Self-Image. What we know about ourselves that is true and not true. The names or the things that people call us but not close to the REAL definition of who we are.
“Our True Definition.” I coined this statement because it basically summarizes what I have been reading from the book just like I explained earlier. In a nutshell I would say we should succumb and resolve to what God made us to be and what he said about us in his word and not what circumstances or people assumes us to be. This is what I feel the main idea is.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. The idea of self-image
The idea or concept of self-image is not yet fully understood by many around the world. There are too many people who don’t like themselves. Even worse are those who don’t love themselves. Self- love is the greatest love I ever imagined. People want to be loved. Everybody wants something and we all want love is one of my best tracks by “Rihanna.” Nothing could be truer. Self-image is about the things we believe about ourselves that either true or not. In fact when I was reading this book, what came to my heart is the very thing that God said when he created Man. >>>…Let us make Man in our own IMAGE. In a nutshell, we are all supposed to see ourselves the way God see us. He see us like himself. And that’s who we all are and not what we did wrong, or our past mistakes and failures. We are not our mistakes or history. We Are Gods on the planet and that is what we should believe about ourselves.
ii. The idea/concept of success & failure mechanisms.
This idea is so so important to me because the world is confused what failure or success is. The truth is what does it matter? The most important thing is to truly understand what success is and what failure is not. In the book Psycho-cybernetics, Maxwell made it crystal clear that we should learn to separate ourselves from the terrible experience that happens to us in life. The mistake we all make is putting ourselves in the picture and come to conclusion that we are failures just because we failed at something. Failure is only an event and an occurrence and not permanent description of a person or personality. This reminds me of what I learnt from a book I read many years ago; “Success Is Who You Are,” By Sam Adeyem; A Nigerian Author. In the book Sam Adeyemi said we are not a failure just because we failed an exam or business or something. Sam said, that’s just an event and not the totality of our definition. In conclusion we all should learn to separate an event of failure and other people’s opinion from what and who we truly are.
iii. The idea of imagination
We all have imagination. Or should I say we all imagine things in our head. The question is what do we imagine? This also reminds me of my first motivational and self-help book I read. The book by Norman Vincent Pearl. Norman reiterated in the book why we should always have a positive mental attitude. I actually read this book more than 7 times before I could completely grasp and comprehend what the ideology was. This was a period in my life when I was seriously battling with low self-esteem and not believing in myself. Another book that also talked in consonant with what Maxwell was emphasizing on was Napoleon Hill in his book “Think and Grow Rich.” Many people think the book was about money but it was more about The Mind and the power of Imagination. Our imagination are so powerful. When I was discussing this book with some colleagues at my new office I told them sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for you might just have it. It’s all in the power of imagination.
iv. The idea of false believe
There are too many things we were lied to about government, people around us and even our parents sometimes were guilty of this. For instance; we were told that if we don’t go to school to get good grades, we will never make it in life. That turned out to be a false believe. We were also told that great leaders were born and not made. We were told that we don’t have to have a dream. All you need do is to go somewhere. You don’t need to know where you are going in life; anywhere else will be fine. In the same vain we were told a lot of things that are not true about us. Just because someone eat slow doesn’t make him a slow eater. Just because someone can’t trek a mile does not make him lazy and someone who would never amount to anything in life. The idea of false believe is important to me because it drive home those things or circumstance that tries to put a definition on us. We are who God designed us to be and not what people called us or what the circumstances or the situations of life tries to show us.
v. The idea of rational thinking
I the idea of rational thinking is one of the biggest scientific concept in the book. This is because it reiterates the fact that life is spiritual. And that the things that are seen are controlled by principles that are unseen. I leant in this chapter the power of rational thinking and how to use them to create a liberating truth about our individual selves.
vi. The idea of habit of happiness.
What I love about this particular idea is the fact that it’s a matter of choice. We either choose to be happy or leave our happiness in the hands of happenings. What I mean by that is that people allow events to determine how and when they are happy. Even worse still is seeing some people happy when someone smile at them and lose their happiness when the fellow frowns at them. In my opinion, why should someone’s happiness or negative reaction determine when am happy or not. I’m talking about in the context of beef, jealousy or pride from the other person(s). In my conclusion; we all should wear the habit of happiness every day.
vii. The idea of emotional balances.
Let me start this one with an instance sited by the author: “A woman who has been hurt by one man, takes a vow never to trust any man again. A child who has had his ego sliced up by a despotic and cruel parent or teacher, may take a vow never to trust any authority in the future. A man who has had his love rejected by one woman may take a vow never to become emotionally involved with any human being in the future.”
Another one is this: “The person with emotional scars not only has a self-image of an unwanted, unliked, and incapable person, he also has image of the world in which he lives as a hostile place. His primary relationship with the world is one of hostility, and his dealings with other people are not based upon giving and accepting, cooperating, working with enjoying with, but upon concepts of overcoming, combating, and protecting from. He can neither be charitable towards others nor himself. Frustration, aggression, and loneliness are the price he pays. These two completely encapsulate the concept of emotional unbalances. It’s therefore up to each and every one of us to be emotionally stable and not make a permanent conclusion on a temporary situation.
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?
Practically speaking; I want to practice almost all if not all of the principles discussed in the book. I only coined out 7 principles out of several principles contained in the book. In practical way; I want to develop the habit of happiness irrespective of life situation and challenges. I have come to discovered that happiness is a choice. And I want to choose to be happy all the time. Someone said; that can’t be possible. Why because it’s normal to be sad and unhappy some of the times. According to the author; it’s possible to be happy all the time and that is the secret to many diseases been cured. We live in a society where it’s strange and wired to see someone happy and joyful all the time. But it’s possible.
Another very important lesson that I want to apply in both my personal daily lives and helping to create a better world is the principle of imagination. I discovered that one of the greatest weapon given to man by God is man’s ability to imagine. With imagination he can create whatever he wants. He can travel to the future and come back to the present and begin to build that future that he saw. With imagination; man can have and become anything. Connecting this imagination with self is what gives us Self-image. Self-image therefore is how we see ourselves. What we have come to believe about ourselves that are either true or not. Practically I want to increase my ideal self-image and hold on to the fact that I am what God says I am and nothing more nothing less.
Let me share a short story that happened to me recently. Somehow; I had this cut on my face. Something that happened by house accident. And the next morning when I looked at the mirror the cut really affected my self-image so to speak. This is because I have always perceived myself to be a very handsome young man. At least; that has been the commendation of people around me anyway. Even the most beautiful girls says the same thing. That I am very handsome. But this mark begin to bother me and I am like why this cut on my face. Why is this cut trying to disfigure my face and make me less handsome? But you know what; thank God for the book “Psycho Cybernetics”. After reading several of the instances in the book and how a lot of people won the battle of low self-esteem and poor self-concept by applying practical principles mentioned in the book. I could go on and on talking about how these lessons not will but is currently helping me in my personal life and to help create a better world.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“But most of these beliefs about ourselves have unconsciously been formed from our past experiences, our successes and failures, our humiliations, our triumphs, and the way other people have reacted to us, especially in early childhood. From all these we mentally construct a self (or a picture of a self). Once an idea or belief about ourselves goes into this picture. It becomes “true,” as far as we personally are concerned. We do not question its validity, but proceed to act upon it just as if it were true.”
This is important because it is very true that we all either living in our past failure or success or we all living in the future. In my own words I would say; everyone sometimes act as if they owe the future a bit of their past and the past a bit of their future.
“Because of this objectives ‘proof’ it very seldom occurs to a person that his trouble lies in his self-image or his own evaluation of himself. Tell the schoolboy that he only ‘thinks’ he cannot master algebra, and he will doubt your sanity. Tell the salesman that it is only an idea that he cannot earn more than a certain figure, and he can prove you wrong by his order book. He knows only too well how hard he has tried and failed.”
When I came across the line that says tell the schoolboy that he cannot master algebra and he will doubt your sanity came home to me. This is because I have a particular boy I am helping with extra class in the evenings. The parent and even the teachers in the entire school believes that he cannot learn and that he’s lazy and having trouble mastering letters and figures. I believe contrary. I told the mother he can learn and retain. I believe strongly in the boy. To my amazement, it’s been two months since I started with the boy, and the change has been overwhelming. The boy is learning fast and improving fast.
“Numerous experiments have shown that once the concept of self is changed, other things consistent with the new concept of self, are accomplished easily and without strain.”
The ideology behind self-concept is very powerful. When we are talking about self-concept, we are talking about self-image and self-esteem. I deduced this as well while reading the book. And this is what makes the book very interesting to me. Especially when I came across this one on self-concept. This idea is so good to me because it validated scientific proofs.
“The trouble with these students was not that they were dumb, or lacking in basic aptitudes. The trouble was an inadequate self-image (“I don’t have a mathematical mind”; “I’m just naturally a poor speller.”
How I wish so many students around the world know this truth. Especially those that their teachers have given up on. Those who have been labeled Educative Mentally Retarded (EMR); Just like Les Brown. As a matter of fact, it was people around him and some of his teachers that labeled him EMR. This affected him for a very long time. Believing in himself was war of a total self-concept. Due to this low self-esteem and a poor self-image; he never doubt his inability to learn. And that went on to affect him for years. Until somebody from the same school helped him out. He eventually got his self-esteem back and he was able to rightly position his self-image that latter helped him become a success today. Today; Les brown is one of the most paid motivational speaker in the world. This is what adequate self-image can do.
“ They identified with their mistakes and failures. Instead of saying I failed that test (factual and descriptive) they concluded I am a failure. Instead of saying ‘I flunked that subject’ they said ‘I am a flunked-out.”
This idea is equally important to me because is a major menace affecting the African youth. Just like I mentioned earlier about people identifying with failure as a conclusion of a destiny and not descriptive as an event. How I wish every youth in Africa knows this truth. We will have a more healthy and prosperous society.
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?
There is nothing in the book I do not understand or unclear about. As a matter of fact, I found the book exciting and fascinating. The theory of science and psychology with respect to self and corporate relational development.
There’s nothing I disagree with
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, Absolutely.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not really.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Success through a Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Tony Adeyemi (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea of the book is about 17 Powerful Success principles with tons of examples and instances on how they are applied. The pages of the book is equally filled with epic bibliography of heroes and icons who made it through to stardom, fame, affluence and a successful lifestyle through Positive Mental Attitude-PMA. On the other end; the importance of approaching everyday life with Positive Mental Attitude cannot be over emphasized. That’s as stated in the book.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. The concept of sign post to achievements.
When I first come across the exclamation “Meet the most important living person!” in Chapter 1 of Part 1 makes me wants to read the entire book in 1 hour. I recalled during the time I was going through the entire series of the book on “Kingdom” by Dr Myles Munroe of blessed memory. In one of the series is the title on “The most important person on the planet”. Although the book content centered on the subject of the Holy Spirit, however, its ideology and spiritual truth is everlasting. This idea is very critical and important because it buttresses the essence of following the little details and key elements of success principles. One of the book I have in my library is the book by E.W Kenyon on the title “Sing post on the road to success.” The book also emphasize on this point. I will round this concept up this way; the key to a life of a winner and a champion is by principles. Principles therefore form the bases through which we govern our lives for a life of increase, advancement and blessings.
ii. The idea of perspectives
Nothing great happens to man or woman on the planet without the right perspectives. We all look but see differently. Often times, what we see is not directly proportional to what we are looking at, but the interpretation we give to it and that is often times based on memory, experience, mental impression, exposure and many more. In conclusion, right perspectives are the keys to everything.
iii. The idea or the concept of more
We have been thought by society that seeking more and looking for more in life is a sin and for greedy people. But on the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with more if it create the environment for self-expression and greater manifestation of one’s gift, talent, abilities, and potentials. As a matter of fact we should question anyone who stop at little success and never seek to do more, be more and achieve more. This is the reason I love this very idea because more is the machine or the vehicle that takes us from one level of success to another. Indeed I must and should do more with life. After all; “Life is an opportunity than is not always there.” In other words; more has to be more.
iv. The idea of awaking the sleeping giants within.
The chapter started with one of the most incredible statement ever made: “You are the most important living person.” This idea and the concept is so important to me because it took me years of studies and attending seminars and conferences before I could come to terms with these. I went through a lot and suffered low self-esteem as a lad and that went on to my early teenage years. I didn’t believe in myself. I was afraid of failure and success altogether. I was afraid to take risk. I was afraid to do a lot of things that could really help me grow and enhance my life positively. But thank God for inspirational and motivational books. Those books helped me grow and turned my life around positively. I started with the book the power of positive thinking by Normal Vincent Pearl. As a matter of fact, I have a book with the above title in my library by Tony Robbins. This idea suggest that we are being with so much potential to be awakened and used for the greater good of humanity. Every day; I am working on this. I am unleashing the giant within gradually.
v. The idea of taking bold steps
The idea of bold Steps and confidence can ever be overstated in business success. Many times it’s as if success would never happen if the person who wants it never become bold or confident. Its takes boldness to keep going after it no matter the contrary voice, echo or circumstances. Les Brown once said; “You’ve got to be bold and keep going after it as if your life depends on it; because it does.” One of the reasons why this idea is so important to me is because personally I have achieved and accomplished some levels of success as result of being bold. Have had meeting with captains of industries, seat at a round table with millionaires and billionaires in Africa. Pitch an idea to presidency and lead and mentor a group of entrepreneurs. I am currently running one of the biggest company in Ondo State of Nigeria where I reside and involve in a project with Akure Chambers Of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. How in the world could a young man like me who came from poverty and obscurity be doing this if not BOLDNESS AND CONFIDENCE? In my conclusion; Boldness therefore is vital and critical to success.
vi. The idea of Other people’s money
The idea of Other People’s Money (OPM)) is one of the biggest miracles in business provided that the conveyer knows the power behind it. I coined this statement out as a quote because it means a lot to me, most especially being an entrepreneur myself. “For a person with common sense never underestimate the power of a borrowed dollar or the advice of an expert. It was the use of OPM and a successful plan -Plus Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) success principles of Initiative, Courage, and common sense- that resulted in an average American boy Charlie Sammons becoming wealthy.” This is so important and it further buttress some of the write ups I have been doing on my social media. Let me relate it this way, it takes a lot to succeed in business and one of such principles is applying common sense while using Other People’s Money.
vii. The idea or the concept of individual problems
Chapter 6 of Part II started with one of the biggest remarks ever made in history: “So you’ve got a problem that’s good!” Each and every one of us naturally don’t like trouble or to be troubled. The reality is that we all have problems. As a matter of fact if problems are absent in the real world, the world would be boring and seems perfect. Corporate problems attract corporate solutions and the essence of true leadership in governance. Individual problems are unique to us. We all have what we face and what we go through from time to time. We’ve got problems and challenges to deal with. I remembered what I read in the book by Robert Schuler- “Tough Time never Last; But Tough People Do.” In the book, Robert said that we all have troubles and problems and that the moment we avoid or run away from problems we run away from our miracles. If I would summarize or put it another way what most of the book I have been reading in IIGL School, is this: “That we have all what it takes to beat life unfavorable situations and circumstances and be the person God created us to be.”
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 of the times when I drafted my seven ideas or lessons, I often times go beyond the pages of the book am studying at the time. This is due to the fact that am voracious reader myself and someone who has always have a functional library. Over the years, I have practiced some of these principles and I have seen practical result in retrospect. For instance, the concept of “Sign post to achievement” is an idea of one of the book by E.W Kenyon I have in my library but directly related to one of what I came across from the pages of the book. What am trying to say in essence is that application of some these principles leaned from this book has always been my guide. However; every time I leaned something new, especially from the particular book am studying at the time, it quickly become my watchword critical keys and principles to live by. In conclusion; living by these standard is one sure way to further enhance an effective and productive lifestyle and also in sweet by and large create a better world for the people around us.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“For a person with common sense never underestimate the power of a borrowed dollar or the advice of an expert. It was the use of OPM and a successful plan.”
“Plus Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) success principles of initiative, courage, and common sense-that resulted in an average American boy Charlie Sammons becoming wealthy.”
Let me substitute the line of dollar with Nigeria currency which is “NAIRA.” For a person with common sense never underestimate the power of a borrowed naira…” this idea is critical because as an Entrepreneur and a business man myself, I understand what it means to scale with Other People’s Money. However; without the application of principles mentioned above and especially the application of Positive Mental Attitude, one cannot truly become a success.
“For you are a mind with a body. And the mind consists of dual, invisible gigantic powers: the conscious and the subconscious. One is a giant that never sleeps the other is a giant which when awakened, his potential power is unlimited.”
Over time through my studies since inception I started with the school, I have made the statement on the power of minds. Although this book might not have been on the subject of the power of the mind, however; there’s no way we will want to fully express Positive Mental Attitude without the mind and that automatically refers to both the Conscious and the Subconscious Mind. This idea then is of utmost importance in that it reiterates the root of PMA which is the Mind.
“Everyone has problems.”
This idea is also important because it let us know the present reality of things. Putting this frankly will even help us as an individual to learn how to put things in proper perspectives. When we know this and truly understand that each and every one of us is going through some hard times or challenges. Even the rich face problems every day. The greatest revelation is knowing that there are no right or wrong problems. It all depends on the Mental Attitude. We either choose to be Positive in our approaches, or become Negative and quit before we even started.
“The seven virtues are: Prudence; Fortitude; Temperance; Justice; Faith; Hope & Charity.”
It is interesting to know that this idea is extracted from the bible. And the beauty of this is that, this quote is one of my best scriptural reference. It explains how that having Faith is not enough but you must add to it the other seven essential principles that will help us thrive and succeed fast.
“What we see, George pointed out, is always an interpretation of the mind.”
This quote is critical because many times perspective is everything. What we see and how we see is important. This is one what makes the big difference between highly effective people and everybody else who fails.
“Being able to see into the future is one of the most spectacular accomplishment of the human brain.”
It is difficult to go into the future we cannot see, the irony of it is that each and every one of us have this mental impression of the kind of future that we want. The difference is the character of the mental impression either Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) or Negative Mental Attitude (NMA).
“Seeing is a learned skill. But like any skill, it must be exercised.”
This last one on question 4 is really a good one in that it brings us to the place of impetus of acquiring an important skill. The ability to see right. Learning the skill and using the skill are the two component of PMA. However; nothing would happen if we only learned and never used the skill of seeing right.
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?
There is nothing in the book I do not understand or unclear about. As a matter of fact, I found the book exciting and fascinating. The practical wisdom of the two authors (Napoleon Hill & E.W Clement Stone) are not only epic but I found them inspiring.
There’s nothing I disagree with
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, Only Pilots and Thoughts to Steer By.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not Really!
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Keys to Success
Assessment by Tony Adeyemi (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea of the book is about 17 Powerful Principles of Personal Achievement. And they include: Using the Mastermind Principles; Focusing Your Attention; Learning from Defeat; Going the Extra Mile; Improving Your Mental Attitude and several others. “Life is always about principles. And from the pages of the book, I have come to the conclusion that the reason why there’s so much gap between the rich and the poor is because; the rich will always adhere to principles while the poor are a victim of it.”
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. The concept of master mind alliance
Master mind alliance is built on two or more minds working together in perfect harmony for the attainment of common objectives. In another book Napoleon explained it as a coordination of knowledge and effort in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of definite purpose. I will further buttress these by making a reference to a scripture in the Bible: Amos 3v3; “Two cannot work together except they agree.” What makes this important to me is because I recently faced a leadership challenge in one of the contract I was doing for a client. Along the line I realized that master mind alliance is what I need to get through this crisis.
ii. The idea of attractive personality.
As an Entrepreneur and a business man; I know exactly what it means to look, talk and appear attractive. Especially if I am going to attract the type of sophisticated and affluent type of customers to do business with. I remembered a quote by Jim Ron: “People say don’t judge me by what I wear; but they do.” An attractive personality is well rounded. The way we talk and communicate. The way we dress and walk. The way we relate with people and even interpret behavioral patterns. An attractive personality is critical to business success.
iii. The concept of applied faith.
Napoleon said faith is a state of mind, which develops by conditioning your mind to receive infinite intelligence. Conditioning the mind to receive infinite intelligence is more of seeing the unseen and bringing to reality the intangible assets received in the sixth sense. This concept is so critical because nobody on the planet has ever achieved anything or done anything spectacular without the concept of applied faith. The moment we fully comprehend and put to work the concept of applied faith; We Truly become Phenomenon on the Planet.
iv. The idea of Going the Extra Mile
The law of compensation says that the quantity of service/product rendered plus the quality of service/product rendered plus the mental attitude in which it is rendered equals your compensation. This is a very powerful principle in that it suggests the reward of extra mile which is compensation. And compensation in this context not only suggests monetary value but a corresponding reward of what is given in excess.
v. The concept of personal initiative
It’s one thing to have a positive mental attitude and to think and grow rich; it’s something totally different to take initiative. Another way of buttressing this is the cliché used as “common sense.” Have you ever heard the word; “common sense” is not common? When this is used to describe someone; it simply means that they don’t take initiatives. This particular idea and concept is so personal to me in that this is one of my greatest strength in business. Taking personal initiative everyday life cannot be over emphasized.
vi. The idea of cultivating a creative vision
It’s so funny that most people have no idea how to create a vision. Some people expect it to just happen by itself, and some think it’s something that happens at night when they are sleeping or in trance. It is so revelatory to know that it’s a habit that can, should and must be cultivated. Although for some of us, it comes easy and deliberate but most people don’t know it’s a decision to be made. And this is so fascinating and inspiring to have and cultivate a creative vision for life.
vii. The concept of budgeting your time and money
This particular concept is scarce. I said these because no too many people know how to budget their money and time. Even worse is loafing time and not too sure what they want in life. The idea of budgeting ones money is even critical in business. As a business person myself I do this a lot. Although there are times when I spend way outside of my budget but its okay. I know that happens to us but the ability to stay the course and realize that if that continues it might lead to bankruptcy.
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 must say that the 17 principles are so amazing and like every other principles I have studied so far in the school; they are principles to help me reach wide and go far in life. The most facilitating thing I have discovered is that success is deliberate and intentional. It takes a whole lot to heap success upon success and go from success to significance. On the end; failure is the easiest thing to do in life. Failure means do nothing, dream nothing; always stay terrified and don’t pursue a thing. Do nothing and be nothing. Don’t make any decision or try anything new. Just do it low and take care of life. But true success is a lot. The daily discipline, persistence, creative abilities, inner self discovery, going extra mile, using personal initiative, maximizing one’s potential, budgeting, definiteness of purpose, master mind alliance, attractive personality, using applied faith, developing a positive mental attitude, controlling enthusiasm, accurate thinking and a lot lot more to emerge the true success God has created each and everyone of us to be. These ideas are helping me a lot in my career, business, and even my relationships. Some principles are a work over for me, while am learning to put others to work in order to be more effective and productive in all my life endeavors.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“You should not simply have faith; you must use it.”
The principles of faith applies to every belief in the world. In fact the bible definition of faith is believe from the Greek word pistil. It’s as if nothing will happen if you don’t have faith or apply faith to what we do or what we want in life. I will close my remarks by saying life without faith is a life that is void, empty and full of impossibilities.
“ Devote two hours to going the extra mile by rendering some sort of service to your community, your spouse or your family without expecting any kind of reward for it.”
In my opinion; there’s no personal fulfillment in life without giving part of ourselves if not all to the service of others, our communities and our beloved countries. Doing that well; requires going the extra mile. This is not something that will or must be forced, it must be self-driven.
“The Big Four: Appetite; PMA: Time; Definiteness of purpose.”
When I came across the heading The Big Four, an idea of a book just jumped in my mind and of which that might be a project I will do for IIGL School before I graduate. I might write two books for the school. However; staying within the context of the discussion, the big four is about managing your time; having a Positive Mental Attitude as always and Defining your purpose.
“Don’t underestimate the importance of a frequent and sincere smile in making your personality appealing to others or its effect on yourself.”
I couldn’t have agreed more to these. This is because as a business man and an entrepreneur myself, I know how I have been able to make sales and close a deal because of a well smiling composure I put on. Some people are too serous with life they hardly smile or even laugh. These are the same set of people who are always hard on themselves when they make mistakes. The sad part is that they expect nothing less from people they work with or people close to them. They find it very strange when they see someone else wearing a smile and seems to be very energetic with life. This is what really makes this particular statements important to me. Wearing a smile can do a lot for the body, the mind, the brain, emotions and even heal a wound in the heart.
“You are where you are and what you are because of your established habits.”
I spotted this statement in Chapter 17 of the book and it means a lot. The reason been that; I heard and read a lot about Habit. I read from good books like this one about Thought, Words, Habit, Character and Destiny. In fact there’s a video message by Dr Creflo Dollar about Habit and Destiny. Dr said mind your thought because they form words and being careful about what we say is critical because they form a Habit and at the level of habit is when it becomes critical. Napoleon Hill said in another book that at first we form our habit but later on our Habit decides what we do.
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?
There is nothing in the book I do not understand or unclear about. Truly I find the 17 principles very inspiring and motivating. While some might have been a walkover, some are new and intrigue. There’s nothing I disagree with, but rather gain more clarity.
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.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Not Really!
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and 1 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