{"id":1078,"date":"2018-02-03T20:19:58","date_gmt":"2018-02-03T20:19:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/iigl-wp\/?page_id=1078"},"modified":"2018-02-03T21:36:30","modified_gmt":"2018-02-03T21:36:30","slug":"afere-a-lawrence-assessments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/afere-a-lawrence-assessments\/","title":{"rendered":"Afere A. Lawrence – Assessments"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As A Man Thinketh<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I discovered immediately i finished reading this book that i have been missing so much. My thought used to be impure. I used to limit my thinking to what i hear from my traditional parents and what i see in my environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

I could remember a time i had a thought of falling ill, to my surprise, i fell ill. Most of us here in Nigeria limit our thinking to what is happening in our country. We believe that our success lies in the hands of the government so we complain so much about their wrong acts. This is affecting our lives. And now that i know that a man’s thought determines his circumstance i have stopped such act of grumbling and complaining. I now know that out of a clean heart comes a clean life.<\/span><\/p>\n

It will interest you to know that i now filter every thought that comes to my mind. I think BIG now. Am the maker of myself via the thought of my mind. My thought has changed my character positively. Even my friends noticed this. This make my friends wonder how soon my life changed.I had to tell them about iigl.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, i have started thinking for a purpose. Am living my life with a purpose to re-engineer and reform my nation. I want to live my life with a purpose to helping the black race.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, i must not forget to confess that no sooner i enrolled in your institute than my life changed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jonathan Livingston Seagull<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I seriously need to confess that countless of Nigerians are sleeping and waking in ignorance. Our lives have been stereotyped. Culture has eaten our future. The younger ones don’t believe there is any future any where. We are societal oriented. We so much care about what society would do when we make steps to attaining our dreams, that’s for those who have.<\/span><\/p>\n

just like most gulls in Jonathan Livingston seagull believed that the purpose of flying is to put food in the stomach, that’s the believe of Nigerians. We believe that the purpose of life is to acquire( for those that can afford it) circular education, get job, get some money, get married , do babies and die. They don’t know that purpose of life is beyond that.<\/span><\/p>\n

These books have imparted so much into my life. My life can never remain the same again. Am seeing life from a wonderful perspective now. I now have a pure and big thought of my future, even for my country. What my eyes are seeing now no longer deceive me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as seagull broke his fear to fly higher, i have broken my fear too. I would not let fear kill the dreams i have for Africa. These books have taught me how to extend love to every one. I need to let you know that i no longer have limitations again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, am now moving with people of great minds in my school. “he that moves with the wise shall be wise’ is what they say.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reading these books is not enough, but applying it immediately to my day to day life. Application of information causes transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n

How fantastic it is to think purely. My thought everyday now is pure. Most of Nigerians are religious. They read their bibles, attend crusade, and so on but don’t understand the information they get not to say application. Thank God i heard about this institute. My life is changing.<\/span><\/p>\n

QUESTIONS?<\/span>
\n 1. I believe in the younger ones of my community, especially those in secondary schools. How do i help pass to them life transforming information?<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Real Magic<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

PART 1 – Content Review<\/span>
\n Real magic is written in three different parts. Each part has life changing chapters. Just a page in this book is enough to make one’s day go a long way. having read and digested this book, i have come to say it centers on three most significant aspects of one’s life. It talks so much on self improvement, relationships, and spiritual life. Real Magic is truely a book about my miracles. this book has really helped me to believe that all things are possible if it not against the laws of god and our society.<\/span><\/p>\n

I would like like to discuss some points of this book which are most helpful and important to my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE POWER OF PURPOSE.<\/span>
\n Dr. Wayne proved all his words basically on purpose. he says every creature has a purpose. Discovering our purpose makes things easier for us. Some years back, Jesus christ came to this world for a purpose. And am sure he fulfilled that following the laws and commandment giving to him by God. So his everyone. Dr. Wayne says that this world is in order. I believe that so much. God saw that all things he created were good. All we need to do is to put our selves in unison with the order that is already in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mapping out a strategyto achieve our purpose gives us a successful life. Real magic comes when we are achieving our purpose. it’s is my belief that everybody has been given potentials to be used in fulfilling his purpose on earth. The diferrence between the developed nations and the developing nations is “the developed nations strive to accomplish their purpose, while the developing nations strive to make money with any means”. This is obvious. My parents are always striving to make more money. They never for once told me their purpose. This is the biggest difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

In attaining our purpose, God is ready to work with us if we ready to. Just as Dr. Wayne writes in his book “if the student is ready the teacher will appear”. This has become my daily words. It is our responsibility to plant and water while God’s responsibility is to make an increase for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have now realized that life is more than going to school for degrees, getting jobs for daily bread, getting married to make babies. Nothing adds more to life than fulfilling one’s purpose. It gives direction to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreso, getting our lives to purpose is very exciting. I feel happiest when i motivate young people of my commmunity to motivate themselves. i know where my purpose on earth is taking me to already. Everyday i do things that brings me closer to the achievenment of my purpose. Their is joy in attaining one’s purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

SPIRITUAL BEING.<\/span>
\n “We are all spirit” my pastor said sometimes ago. As a christian, i only look up to God, my creator, for all assistance. I don’t claim to be wise with my creator. I believe that everything on this earth has a creator so are humanbeings. And our creator couldn’t have created us to suffer or live in abject poverty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyday, i follow his words that says “As a man thinketh, so he is”. This makes me a complete man. I think positive all the times. This is the power of the mind. Think positive get positive result. Think negative get negative result. This is the law of sowing and reaping. What you sow in your mind is what you will reap.Just as there is power in the soil, so is our mind. We plant a small seed and we harvest bountifully. This is wonderful!<\/span><\/p>\n

I feel my spiritual life with what the word of God says. I love the bible so much. Look at what it says concerning me<\/span>
\n “finally bretren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things arejust, what soever things are pure, lovely,. of good reports; if ther be any virtue and praise, think on these these.”<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement confirms that we are spiritual beings that can get everything we need .<\/span><\/p>\n

PROSPERITY<\/span>
\n Dr. Wayne discussed so much on this. I was really enthusiastic on this aspect. It was my major focus i must confess. Real magic opened up my blindness of prosperity. in fact, am not the same as before. Am eager to get the young people of my country out of abject poverty. we live in the midst of treasures as trash.<\/span><\/p>\n

To me, prosperity is when God blesses you and you make yourself a blessing to others. our problem in Africa is that we acquire wealth for only our immediate family. This is not prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. waynes defines prosperity as “when God speaks through your hands and smiles upon the earth through you, becaause you are an unconditional giver, a purposeful being asking nothing of anyone, prosperity will be your reward” This is the real and original prosperity. This is what i live my life after.<\/span><\/p>\n

My prosperity is “you give to get to give again”<\/span><\/p>\n

PART 2 – Personal Impact<\/span><\/p>\n

To confess, RealMagic has been very helpful to me. It’s indeed an inspirational book that must be read by anyone that wants a change of story. It makes me believe that life has a purpose and a process to follow. Time and chance answer to life. Each step and process prepare me for the next stage in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediately i finished reading Real Magic at the first time, i wrote my purpose just as Dr. Wayne did in his book. I read it to my subconsiousness every day. I make plans and goals every day on how to accomplish it. One thing have come to realize is you may read all the motivational books in this world and still not change or not make it. Why? Action. “You must act now” Dr. Wayne said to me in his book. I plan and i act. i keep trying everyday. I make sure i do what i need to do to get closer to my purpose. This made me form a team in my community that motivates young people to motivate themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

I used to think life is an accident. I used to good and successful life come by chance and luck. now, i know you can get what you want when you know what you want and you go for it i.e action.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s a testimony that my life is changing everyday. Everyday i sit back and i say thanks to Mr. micheal for establishing this institute that God has used to change my life and the lives of others.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATIONSHIP.<\/span>
\n My relationship with people has changed. After reading Real Magic, i discovered how a true and sincere relationship should be. Real Magic brought a magic into my relationship. At school, i used to argue uneccesarilly with my room mates. Now, this has become a thing of the past. My room mates now see a new person in me entirely. Even my siblings and friends now praise me for my new way of life. They wonder what changed me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, i used to be shy. Now am a free man. I can face anybody. I am now bold. This is a real magic in my life. I now believe that everyone has his or her purpose to attain and they are working towards this. Am no longer a paranoid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, i try not to jugde anyone. I also try not to prove anyone wrong. Even i don’t criticise again. I now get my relationship to purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

With real magic, i won’t have too much challenges in my marital affairs when i get married later in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

PROSPERITY<\/span>
\n It is now my belief that attainment of my purpose in life would bring me the desired prosperity. Here in Nigeria, my country,we fight real hard to become prosperous. And it’s hard for us to be because of the wrong meaning we have for it. We want to be prosperous but most of us don’t know how.And so most os us get involved in wrong businesses and deals. This is against the laws of God and our society. Also, this has made Nigeria one of the most corrupt nations around the globe. After reading Real Magic, i no longer search for money. Fulfilling my purpose brings all i need.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART 3 – Summary<\/span>
\n I must confess that this book has made so much impart in my life. am recommending it to as many as possible.It has also changed my life just as “As a man thinketh” and “livingston seagull” did. Everyday i open up a page to read and my mind get filled with nutritious words from these books.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Micheal, God is really using you to change my life and others’. How would i have gotten these changes? so much thanks go to you. You are not only imparting into my life but the lives of other nigerians that i go out to impart into their lives too.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know that via what we get and put into action from IIGL, Africa nations will be on top some day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Real Magic is a book i will never forget in my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Success Through A positive Mental Attitude<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

PART 1 – Content Review<\/span>
\n This book as helped me so much.it is divided into thrilling parts. I started reading it with a pma. This book is another real magic for me. Infact it was written specifically for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

in this part of the assessment, i would like to write out those points i find so meaningful to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

GETTING SUCCESS STARTED.<\/span>
\n This book made me meet with the most important person. That is i. It makes it clearer to me how important i am to this world. This is when you get success started. I carry with me an invisible talisman pma on one side and nma the other. The invisible talisman has two amazing powers; it has the power to attract wealth and the power to repel wealth-rob one of those things that make life worth living.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, it is pma that enables some men to climb to the top and stay there. It is nma that keeps other men at the bottomall their lives. It also pulls other men down from the top when they have reachd it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreso, we are poor not becaause of God. With pma, success will be ours. After the success stories of differnt people in this book, i now put my own pma to work so as to attract the success i need. I want to be successful in my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

With my pma, i have desired to be successful. Greatness comes to those who develop a burning desire to achieve their goals. Success is achieved by those who keep trying with pma. I put in effort andwork to achieve my desired goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

“unless your goals are against the laws of God or the society, you can achieve it” And you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying. I pasted this to the walls in my room in school and at home to read every time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you know what you want, you can find a way to get it.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, a person with positive mental attitude aims high goals and constantly strives to achieve them and he can also change the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACTION- The secret of getting things done.<\/span>
\n This is also called self-starter. An active man is better than twenty talkers. I found this very meaningful in this book. A man may read all the ispirational books in this world and still not become successful if he lacks ACTION.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACTION says “anything worth having is worth working for” I read about so many successful people in this book that put in more action. Those who achieved greatness employed this secret of getting things done. “go into action lawrence” i say to myself every time i need to do anything. I don’t procastinate.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Mary Carty that said “Be like a postage stamp. Stick to a thing until you get to your destination.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Most Africans embrace information. They lack action. Information does not lead to transformation. Action does. All most of us here do is waiting for someday to become successful.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have employed the secret of getting things done. I don’t wait for some day any longer. I plan and work for that someday to arrive. It is obvious that the world is evolving. Africa is evolving too. Transformed leaders are coming up soon in Africa. I am one. IIGL is raising new generational leaders. Even the university i attend here in Nigeria does. We need transformed and godly leaders to return the glorious image of Africa. All we just need to do is ACT NOW. ACTION.<\/span><\/p>\n

The drawing on the drawing board is not a building until it is built.<\/span><\/p>\n

I get myself into action everyday. I use the self-starter. I add step to step just as the woman that walked from a state to another. She got there. I would get there too.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was william James that said “sow an action and reap a habit; sow a habit and reap a character; sow a character and reap a destiny” This is wonderful! I have started already. Am doing it now so i can get their in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

I already act as a leader that IIGL is raising. I coordinate people. I arrange shuttle for the indigenes of my state when ever we are going on break. I help them to their bags in the shuttle. A girl called me “father of all” one time we were going home.<\/span><\/p>\n

I carry myself about with royal mentality because i already know where am going. I need to confess that the biographies in Success Through A PMA are motivating everyday. Even when i don’t have money to do certain things, i don’t feel depressed because i know it has an outcome. It is the process i must pass.<\/span><\/p>\n

When i discovered a problem in my community concerning the young people, i made a plan to solve it. Purpose is all about solving problems. I discovered that our young people have clumsy future. As a result of poverty, they look into the future and see nothing. But i look into it and saw greatness. Immediately, what did i do? I formed a team that motivates these young people to motivate themselves. Last month we spoke to them about “The power of purpose”. They were so happy to hear that they are so important in this world. Most of them mailed to tell us how that day changed their lives. The only shortcoming is these young people are mailing to request for motivational books. This, we can’t do for now. But my team still goes into action every time to talk to these young people. We are putting so many programs in place soon. THIS IS ACTION. I don’t just read the books IIGL send to me for fun. I read them to become what i want. And also share the information.<\/span><\/p>\n

PMA does not work without ACTION.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART 2 – Personal Impact<\/span>
\n As a young man that knows where his going, i motivate myself with Success Through a pma. I know what i saw. When i see what i saw i can tell. To get what i saw, i need to plan, think, study, and pray. Anything worth working for is worth praying for.<\/span><\/p>\n

I now keep my mind on the things i want. I want good health. I want happiness. I want good wife. I want developed Africa. I want peaceful world. I want success. How to get this, i do all i must do.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book makes me believe i am apt to succeed if i do what comes nataurally. My beliefs, relationships, values, goals,are improving every time i read the books sent to me by IIGL. PMA is one of a kind. I awaken the giant in me with these books. I refresh my mind and body always.<\/span><\/p>\n

With PMA, i now do things i could’t. I meet with weathy people. Recently, while we were on break, myteam was in the commisioner of education’s office. This was great. What any young person can’t do. He is going to be a speaker in a lecture my team titled “Role of young people in developing the nation”<\/span><\/p>\n

Am so passionate about the development of Africa. It is my strong belief that it is the young people that will cause a positive change in Africa. So we must start to invest in them now. I seize every opportunity to be a part. A chinese proverb advises “If you plan for a year, plant rice, if you plan for 10 years plant trees, and if you plan for 100 years educate your children” This is applicable to African nations. Am eager to see Africa develop. The development of Africa does not lie in our cicular education, nor on our system of government or our religious. It lies on transformed people. This is the part i want to play.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every day i pray for guidance and direction. I think and grow rich every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART 3 – Summary<\/span>
\n Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude is such another wonderful book i would forever recommend to people. When sharing the story of my success, i would always make a mention of this book and IIGL.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is wisdom in the book. It has imparted so much into me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Becoming a student of IIGL is a blessing to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laurence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Seeds Of Greatness<\/strong><\/span>
\n PART ONE – CONTENT REVIEW<\/span><\/p>\n

Every part of this book was significant to me. Every page of the book added new<\/span>
\n Thing into my life. It is such an indelible book. The following are the parts that were significant to me:<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of self esteem<\/span>
\n This part ‘Self-Esteem’ shows me how I need to about myself. What I think about myself determines what happens to me. My disposition determines my position in life. My worth determines how far I go in life. In essence what I think about or feel about myself is very crucial about the plans I have for my life. The way I feel about myself also shows in the way I treat or associate with other people. This book tells me how to build my self esteem.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of creativity<\/span>
\n I consider creativity as the grasping and transformation of portions of truth into forms useful to man. Creativity is the ability to bring knowledge from the spiritual world unto the earth. The earth is not perfect but our creativity makes it perfect and improves it. If there is anything important we need as people it is creativity. It transforms the world. Also, it takes creativity to transform spiritual wealth into physical wealth. This part of this book is so vital to me. Some information I didn’t know was revealed to me in this part of the book. Human beings are unique. We are blessed with creative imaginations. This part of the book makes me change the way I imagine. Since ‘imagination rules the world,’ I have started imagining BIG.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of responsibility<\/span>
\n This part is great! It teaches me how to be a responsible African. It teaches me how to change my world. It tells me that ‘I become what I do.’ The seed of responsibility talks about sowing and reaping. ‘Whatever we sow, we reap.’ The stories and biographies associated to this part are so wonderful. It has instigated me into the next level of life. I now do what the Japanese do ‘building greatness out of ashes’ their willingness to look ahead to the future, while is putting in a maximum effort of work and sacrifice in the present. I now know that for me to be responsible I must sow so as to reap. Responsibility says ‘life is a do-it-yourself project.’<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of wisdom.<\/span>
\n I consider wisdom to be composition of information and divine inspiration. Denis waltley says ‘wisdom is the combination of honesty and knowledge applied through experience.’ The seed of wisdom points out the law of cause and effect. In Africa we have been made to believe we cannot succeed without being honest. Now I know the true meaning of success and I now know that it takes wisdom to possess it. There can be no real success without honesty. I thank God for this information. This part of the book teaches me about integrity, knowledge, truth, and work.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of purpose<\/span>
\n Discovering our purpose and aiming to achieve it keeps us away from sin. This part has given me additional insight of my purpose attainment. I have pasted this in my mind ‘if we don’t know where we want to go, then any road will take us there.’ This is a topic that must be preached to every child in this world. It is necessary we allow our children to have this knowledge at the earliest stages of our lives. In Africa, we rarely used to believe in purpose, thank God for enlightenment and knowledge. The fulfillment of our purpose makes the world a perfect place. Mr. A fulfils his, Mr. B fulfils his, Mr. C does too and also everyone does, – imagine how the world would be if this happens! I think of nothing else than my purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of faith<\/span>
\n Faith is when you supernaturally empty yourself of doubt and fill yourself with a knowing so that in the moment you cannot doubt. The bible talks so much about faith. Without faith we cannot please God. Faith is a spiritual or divine key that attracts success and repels poverty and oppression. It is the key that unlocks the door of success for every human being. Faith, too, is very essential in fulfilling our purpose in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of perseverance.<\/span>
\n Perseverance is the test of faith. This book tells me how to be able to bend and grow with the winds of change without my spirit breaking. Winners work at doing things the majority of the population are not willing to do. After reading this part, I asked myself; ‘Lawrence, do you want to succeed? If truly you want to, you must read, learn, work, pray and persevere.’<\/span><\/p>\n

The seed of perspective<\/span>
\n What we get out of life depends on our perspective about it. My sense of perception was poor in the past. I used to think life was all about going to school, struggle to get good degrees, fidgeting about the street of Nigeria to look for job, getting married, making babies and getting the same old results my parents and others were getting before I finally die. What a poor perspective. It is common here in Africa. I never knew there is more to life. I was born in this perspective. But now that light has shone upon my life – life is all about CONTRIBUTION.<\/span>
\n \\<\/span>
\n PART TWO – Personal impact and practical value.<\/span><\/p>\n

If there was any book I wish I had read, it is ‘SEEDS OF GREATNESS.’ This book has transported me from ignorance into knowledge. It has lighted my life. It revealed to me the secrets of successful people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Principally, this book has given the will, the way and the success I dream of. All I need to do is to put myself into action.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following points show the impact of this book in the values of my life:<\/span><\/p>\n

The meaning of Total Success<\/span>
\n ‘Model your thoughts and actions after men and women who have been creative in their service to others’ this is the advice of Mr. Denis for me. I heed to this advice. This is how success is achieved. Recently I was preparing blocks of self development for the secondary school students of my state. I went to meet those I knew are doing it and they helped me so well. Two heads are better than one. Nothing is new under the earth again. What I want to achieve someone has achieved it. All I just need to do is to climb their shoulders and even see farther than them and with my creativity achieve greater than they have.<\/span><\/p>\n

Countless Africans like to conceal their plans and don’t like to follow the steps of those that have gone before them. We most times believe we don’t need people’s interference in the fulfillment of our purpose. Never in my life will I fail to ask what I need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

Planting seeds of ideas<\/span>
\n Does possessing ideas make us succeed if not planted? No, it does not. It’s like putting a seed on cemented ground or on a clay soil. Can this seed germinate? No it will never! A kid knows this. It is absolutely impossible. Even if we fast and pray for years it won’t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plant apple seeds and you get apple trees. Plant any crop and you will harvest what that crop produces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many people who achieve fortune in the world are not born rich. They planted ideas and harvested success. They watered (hard work, conviction, curiosity, creativity, honesty, e.t.c) their ideas and increase was made. God does not even plant for us but he gives us seeds to plant. It is our responsibility to plant this seeds so as to make an increase on the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bible (1 Corinthian 3:6) says ‘I have planted, Apollo watered; but God gave the increase,’ verse 8b says: ‘and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour’ I believe that every one has great ideas. If planted could give great life. Our failure to plant this is what brings people poverty.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some past weeks now, I have been planning curiously how I am going to plant my idea. I am pregnant with great ideas on how to change my continent. My purpose has been fully stamped to my mind. I sleep, I dream about it. I walk I think about it. Everyday, every minute I make this planting plan on my mind. I know what my world is waiting for me to give birth to it. This fame will go abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

To plant my great ideas, I am not heedless of advice. Denis mom gave to him. I am following the lesson of the bible and modeling my thoughts and actions after men and women who have been inactive in their service to others. I am also looking at my IQ as my ‘imaginative quotient’ rather than my intelligence quotient. Soon it is my belief that so many lives will be transformed via planting my great ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking responsibility (seed of responsibility)<\/span>
\n ‘The price of greatness is responsibility,’ says Winston Churchill. Am I willing to take the responsibility to attain the success I desire? If you have a seed to sow and you don’t sow, when others are harvesting, obviously you won’t have anything to harvest. You may be left with the choice of begging. Thank God kind people will give you little, which means that he who doesn’t sow reaps nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The greatest tragedy in life, as considered by me, is to become less than your full potential, using less than the abilities you have to work with. Waiting for others to satisfy our needs or desires is an act of irresponsibility. Doing this means we don’t want the purpose of this world to be accomplished. Our each contribution makes the world a wonderful place. It is up to us to take the actions and be responsible for our consequences. ‘Our responsibility: every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.’ Wrote John D Rockefeller, Jr<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the major problem of Africa. We don’t have the sense of responsibility. We believe what would be would be. That is why we are so indebted to foreign nations. Everything that happens to my life is as the result of my action. I know I’m God created and self molded. The way I mold myself is what I see and others also see. I may read all the books in this life and still remain useless to my world if I lack responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

I inspire myself. I read the great books IIGL sends to me and copy of other books I buy. This book spurns me to action. I talk to people who have the vitality I admire about fulfilling my purpose. I’m leading my life; I’m making the necessary changes to be like that. Imagine how many souls would have lost if Jesus Christ didn’t take the required responsibility to fulfill his purpose on earth. Imagine if Mr. Michael lightweaver didn’t take the responsibility for achieving his purpose. Would any of IIGL students read what they read today, experience the glorious changes or even have a sense of true success that is contributing this world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyday I ask myself ‘Lawrence what are you waiting for?’<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE SUMMARY<\/span>
\n If my child asks me ( when I become a father) ‘Daddy tell me one of the books that transformed your life’ without thinking too deep, I would mention this book and will immediately get the book from my library for him to read. I plan to include this book in the list of books I\u00edm giving to the secondary school students of my state.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Sacred Self<\/strong><\/span>
\n By Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

PART ONE – Content<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Sacred Self by Dr. Waye Dyer is another best of his books. In fact, this book<\/span>
\n Is another ‘real magic’. This book was sent to me at the right time and needed time.<\/span><\/p>\n

So many points of this book were most significant to me and they were really meaningful.<\/span><\/p>\n

BROKEN DREAMS<\/span>
\n As children bring their broken toys<\/span>
\n With tears for us to mend,<\/span>
\n I brought my broken dreams to God<\/span>
\n Because he was my friend.<\/span>
\n But instead of leaving him<\/span>
\n In peace to work alone,<\/span>
\n I hung around and tried to help<\/span>
\n With ways that were my own.<\/span>
\n At last I snatched them back and cried,<\/span>
\n ‘How can you be so slow?’<\/span>
\n ‘My child’, he said, ‘what could I do?<\/span>
\n You never let them go.’<\/span><\/p>\n

These words by lauretta burns took me from physical level to spiritual level. I couldn’t help it when I saw these words. This is what my bible has been saying to me in psalm 37. ‘Commit thy way unto the lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.’<\/span><\/p>\n

This tells me that if I don’t commit my ways unto the hands of our divine creator, if I fall into any trouble , I can’t blame him. I can’t even query him. Until you commit yourself to the divine creator, God, you don’t know your sacred self. And if you don’t know your sacred self you may fall a victim of this wicked world. It is wonderful that those that have discovered their sacred selves are now spirits and gods. It is only spirits that have access to the Spiritual realm. Our creator is a Spirit and only the spirit can communicate with him. This subject of sacred self is vital if one wants to commune with God and know why he exits and what he exits for.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a mystery that all we see today were created from those things that were not seeing – inspiration can’t be seen. And you get inspired by discovering your sacred self. ‘Your, as said in this book by the author, sacred self was never born.’ This is true. Our body only houses our sacred self. We came from no-where to now-here. This is wonderful! These knowings have changed my level of thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

FREEDOM<\/span>
\n Here in Africa, countless of us believe that accumulation of wealth gives freedom. We put our confidence and self esteem in material things. That is why most of us want acquire this wealth in an illegal way. To me less than 5% of Nigerians know their TRUE SELVES. This is stagnating our success.<\/span><\/p>\n

My own definition of success is ‘divine ways of accomplishing your purpose and living for eternal.’ When we have the knowings that there is a place after death where there is no sin, death, sickness, night, devil. This is the place I want to be after this now-here. Is it possible to think eternal without really knowing who you are? It\u00eds impossible because it is only the good spirit that reminds you of this. The bad spirit only tell your physical body to live for now.<\/span><\/p>\n

I was in the library some days back. That moment, I was getting exploded with what I see in this book. A girl was sitting next to me. I wrote out this affirmation ‘in my world, nothing goes wrong’ and gave it to her. She was pretty shocked to receive this. I was happy I obeyed my sacred self by giving her this because she shared her problems with me. She told me about her crumbling relationships with her friends. I was eager to flip through some pages, with her, in this book. And this did her a lot of self improvement. I was really happy for helping her know her self that moment. She told me she was gaining her freedom from that moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Freedom is described in this book as ‘the total absence of concern about oneself.’ Freedom gives, freedom does not fight for more. Freedom is all we should strive for.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WITNESS<\/span>
\n This point was so significant to me. It tells me how to observe all that happens in my life. This part of this book has made me realize that I am always free to let go and observe my life. Nothing goes wrong again in my life. I now give myself full attention and full examination. This has really helped my sacred self. When I started witnessing myself, I discover something is crying to let go from my inner self. My sacred self tells me what I carry within. It tells me how creative I am. It tells me am a world changer.<\/span><\/p>\n

I now witness a glorious change in my life. My inner self and my physical self now work in unity. It is that inner self that instigates my hand – physical self – to write this.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO – PERSONAL IMPACT & PRACTICAL VALUE.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reading this book, I didn’t read it in text or written words but I heard Dr. Dyer’s voice talk to me. In the eloquence of his voice he explained the words in this book to me one by one to my understanding. I even heard his smiles. He even called me by my name. ‘Lawrence, he said to me, you can be free if you want.’ He taught me some very helping points that would help me to be free if well applied. These points relate to every aspect of my life: my relationship, my values, my goals, and my beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first point he whispered to my hear was; ‘BANISH THE DOUBT’ It sounded as if I heard it for the first time. Dr. Dyer quoted what Shakespeare said a long time ago: ‘our doubts are our traitors.’ He also shared his own experience with me when he said: ‘I rid myself of my doubts by remembering that there is a valid reason for everything that happens.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Dyer said to me: ‘Lawrence, I encourage you to abandon many of those old beliefs and make a new agreement with reality that is based instead on what you know is your truth. Once you know your personal truth, your reality will be free of doubt.’<\/span><\/p>\n

When he said this I immediately banished every belief my parents told me about my birth. They always tell me that am going to be initiated into a cult that worships an idol that has been in my generation for many generations now. Dr. Dyer’s words have helped me to banish that belief.<\/span><\/p>\n

I can’t forget this statement that he mentioned in the eloquence of his voice: ‘but when doubt is banished, we come to a knowing that leads to creative and inspired solutions far beyond what we believe were possible.’<\/span><\/p>\n

I now know the creativity that lies inside of me. My purpose has been energized. My relationships are working perfectly fine. I don’t get angry at anyone because I know they have something valuable to perform in my life. My beliefs have been cleansed. Doubt is gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

FROM TURMOIL TO PEACE.<\/span>
\n Peace is one of the promises of God for those that love him. Peace is a result of pure or positive thinking. All God truly wants of man is a peaceful heart. A peace is free to those that really and is ready to get it. When peace gets into you turmoil vanishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good news! My life has been peaceful ever since I discovered my purpose I have been aligning my thought towards it. Even in the midst of challenges I still have peace within me. Peace is not physical but spiritual. Peace does not answer to material possessions. It is true that in every moment of our lives we have the option to choose peace for ourselves. My thought is consistently on how I can accomplish my purpose. This has been banning turmoil from my life. I experience a divine peace within.<\/span><\/p>\n

FROM DECEPTION TO TRUTH<\/span>
\n Ever since I started walking in the path of my sacred self towards achieving my purpose I have been walking in the realm of truth. I feel guilty when I utter a lie and I immediately seek amendment. I was a big liar in the past. I thank God so much for IIGL and the university I am today. They play a great role in transforming my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bible says ‘the truth shall make you free.’ The words are so significant to me. I witness my physical self work in truth and union with my sacred self each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discovery of my purpose is making me to walk and work in truth. Following the paths of its attainment must be followed in truth. World changers must walk in truth to change the world. Deception repels the accomplishment of our purpose. Deception can\u00edt make us have access to the spiritual realm where we know our sacred self.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think I need to share my recent experience. In my school, students must take exit permit before they leave the school. Before I left the room one fateful morning, I refused to take permit. My room mate asked if I had but I said no. ‘What if you’re challenged at the gate?’ my room mate asked. I boldly told my room mate that I won’t be stopped. ‘What would you say if you are stopped?’ Mark, very inquisitive, asked again. More than 3 times, I boldly said ‘I would never deny my studentship at the gate.’<\/span><\/p>\n

For the very first time I was stopped at gate and asked to come down from the shuttle. The first statement I made was ‘I am not a student here; I only came to see someone.’ I eventually denied my studentship. I felt worst for days. I was not myself. The statement kept coming back to my mind. Tears dropped heavily in my heart. I was depressed. But that day opened a new chapter unto me. God spoke to my heart. He showed me who he was. He told me I can’t make it by my strength. My life changed from that day. I left deception to truth. I never experienced that kind of knowings.<\/span><\/p>\n

One great thing about truth is that it brings truthful people to my life. It’s true that ‘like beget like.’ Being truthful makes me associate with people that are committed to change Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Your sacred self’ has made me move from fear to love, from outward appreciation to inner substance, from striving to arriving, from dominance to tolerance, from toxicity to purity even toward an egoless world. I really feel good about myself and my world.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE – SUMMARY<\/span><\/p>\n

Mother Theresa said ‘to keep a lamp going we have to keep oil in it.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer\u00eds book is a book that I must always read to keep my lamp going i.e. my sacred self alive. It is not interesting because it says the TRUTH. This book is very helpful. I have been able to influence some of my friends lives with this book. Every week I write out an affirmation from this book and I paste on my floor in the hostel.<\/span><\/p>\n

I remember some days back, I was communicating with my friends on ‘self confidence.’ I discovered they put their confidence on material things. I was able to help them, in some ways, discover who they really are.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unconditional Life<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This is book that took me through the journeys of unusual healings. I couldn’t hold myself reading through different and strange diseases and unusual healings that came from positive minds. It’s was inspiring.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART ONE – Content Review<\/span><\/p>\n

THE MAN WHO WOULD BE HEALED.<\/span>
\n This was the chapter one of this book. Every heading in this chapter was really impactful. The story of Robert was really impactful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Countless of sick people actually rely on medicines for their healing but this chapter of the book took me through the journey of how a sick person can heal himself with his mind. Patients really want to know why they hurt. They want to know why they have cancers and other dangerous diseases. Deepak Chopra, M.D made a surprising discoveries of how a man could be healed with the power of his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healing our diseases, mentally, is real but requires courage and faith.<\/span><\/p>\n

This part of the book makes me understand there is no cure from the outside. But what of drugs and medicines that heal us when we are sick? I asked myself when i meditated on this part. The healing power of our lord Jesus christ does not come from outside. He tells us he sends and would heal our sicknesses. And only those that worship Him in spirit can take part in this healing. You know that worshiping Him in spirit is not from the outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

I remember a time that i was indisposed and i had to visit our school clinic. Precisely 3 months ago. The illness was diagnosed as malaria. And i was administered some medicines. I wanted a speedy recovery and i quickly took the first dose immediately i got to my hostel. However, that night i went for holy communion service. I was happy , because i believed, when the pastor said that “today’s communion is going to heal our diseases.” I banished every iota of doubt within. I know my God heals. So happened next? I faithfully dumped my medicine immediately i arrived my hostel. Remember i had only taken my medicine once.. and just after the service i was healed and never felt it again. Did my healing come from outside? We truly have free access to supernatural healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE LENS OF PERCEPTION.<\/span>
\n This is the way we regard something and our beliefs about it is like. Deepak buttressed this part of the book with meaningful stories and words.<\/span><\/p>\n

“One time a man died because of something i said to him,” says Deepak. Why did he die because of what Deepak said? I think the man died because of his perception about what he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The way we see and view things determine what we get out of it. According to Deepak perception is truly the first and the most important step in turning the raw data of the universe into reality. This means with our perception posisioned right we can turn our world of healings right.<\/span><\/p>\n

This part of the book shows me how to have a positive perception – enjoy life with what does not terminate it. Our perception is just our eye that serves our minds in any way the mind chooses. It helps us in creating new worlds inside our private universe.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEELING SPECIAL.<\/span>
\n This is a part of this book that was as if a lightning bolt illuminated me when i read it. The story of Ray did. It tells me that what or how we feel about ourselves can also affect our healings. The way Ray felt about himself had quickened his healing. Healing is truly an individual process. Most of us cannot truly imagine what we would do if our nerves and bones were opened naked to air. The way we feel about ourselves is what we are.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO – Personal Impact<\/span><\/p>\n

Before i write further, read this: In my moment of reading this book i watched a new born baby on t.v . She had a complicated heart disease and a foundation was raising fund for her treatment in India. I asked myself when i saw it if she could heal herself mentally? Did she even know she was going through those pains? Was she even aware she had a mind that could heal her? She was in deep pain and this made her cry bitterly! I was deeply sorry for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, i watched on the t.v how Novagin, Anagin and some other medicines seriuosly damaged the bodies of some people. These people were sick and their doctors prescribed these medicines to them and now its reacting negatively on their bodies! Are medicines failing or what? You know there is no negative reaction to healing that comes from within.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conversly, healing that comes from within does not have any negative reation. We can’t continue to swallow chemicals and hard drugs that are dangerous to our bodies. You know our creator had made, right from our creation, arrangement for our healings. These healings come from our minds and it is effective. Thank God we are now in the age of mind-building. People are begining to understand and utilize the power within.<\/span><\/p>\n

The words in this book have meaningful impact in the field of healing. They have energized me towards healing myself of any illness. But this takes understanding of how it works for it to be effective for any one. My pastor has not been sick for over 22 years since he understood the supernatural healing. It takes unbeatable and unquenchable faith.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, every chapter of this book has healing words contained in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does it mean to be whole?<\/span>
\n Deepak says so much about this question. He also buttressed it with the story of Nick. He says, and which i agree, that being good is not the same as being whole. Making our minds active is the only way we can be whole. We should not put our energy into making life perfect on the outside while on the inside we nurse faer, anger, and guilt. We should be conscious of the power of our minds.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE – Summary<\/span><\/p>\n

Truly, i’ve never heard 95% of the names of diseases i read in this book. I wonder that all these diseases exist!<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to say that our doctors only care but don’t heal, it is only God that heals.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think this book is a mind-builder. It would be nice for every body to read this in order to possess a right attitude for healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Awaken The Giant Within<\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/span><\/p>\n

PART ONE – Review of Contents<\/span><\/p>\n

DREAMS OF DESTINY.<\/span>
\n This part of the book is so significant to my life. What can a man achieve without a dream? Every great person we see today became great by first having a nonnegotiable dream. What makes a big differrence in our lives is the intensity of our dreams. Intense dreams guarantees extensive success. Our dreams may seem unaccompanished, just as Tony says, but we should should not allow failure and frustration to dissipatee them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Living our dreams brings us joy and happiness. since our dreams are to affect people’s lives positely. So, when we see people becoming happy, just because we are helping them one way or the other, we are living our dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

Living a destiny full of dreams begins with a decision. Tony made his own decision to start living his dreams in his 400 square foot apartment. That decision changed his life positively. How powerful dreams are! Giant dreams can pierce any negative circumstance and any setbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have realized from what i read in this book that we can achieve anything we want if only we dream it and decide to live it. My goodness! This is awesome!.<\/span><\/p>\n

DECISION: THE PATHWAY TO POWER<\/span>
\n In the indelible words of Anthony, “i made a decision in that moment which was to alter my life forever. I decided to change virtually every aspect of my life. I decided i would never again settle for less than i could be. Who would have guessed that this decision would bring me to such an incredible moment” That is the power of decision. God has given every man the power to make life changing decisions. The decisions we make determines how we live our lives. A great life does not happen by chance. It is decided and pursued. This was evident in Anthony’s life. When we start enjoying the results of the our decisions we would begin to wonder could this be real? It is the decision we make as individual that makes the differrence in our lives. Decisions preceeds questions. And questions preceeds anwsers. Our decisions determine the kind of questions we ask.<\/span><\/p>\n

In essence, if we want to change our lives, we must make great and giant decisions. It is in our moment of decisions that our lives are shaped. The decisions that you’re making right now, evryday , will shape how you feel today as who you’re going to become in the nineties and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

BELIEF SYSTEMS: THE POWER TO CREATE AND THE POWER TO DESTROY<\/span>
\n Can we ever discuss how we can maximize our lives without discussing our belief systems? Even the ancient king Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived , said “for as he thinketh in his heart , so is he:” Everything we become in life comes from our beliefs.That is why every good book today talks so much about this subject. “As within As without.” We are made by our beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Show me a great man and i will show you a man that thinks positively. I strongly believe that we can’t go any higher than our belief. Anthony says “Beliefs have the awesome potential to create or destroy.” I don’t allow negativity to set in in my life. Every time it tries to i quickly remember the words of our spiritual leader, paul. He says in the bible ” finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report……………, think on these things.” What other thing do we want in life that is not in these words? Wife is good. Mansion is good. Contribution is good. prosperity is good. What else! “think on these things.” What we think is what we get.<\/span><\/p>\n

QUESTIONS ARE THE ANSWERS<\/span>
\n In my little life i have asked myself great questions. This started when i discovered my purpose. Prior to this time, all my questions were been asked from my teachers in the classrooms. The questions we asked determine the answers we get. Tony says “our questions determine our thoughts.” Questions are the primary way that we learn virtually anything. Quality questions create a quality life. Every now and there am being obsessed with this question i ask myself “how can i help 100 000 000 Africans become rich?” I thank God that as i ask this every time giant ideas are flowing in. Ideas beyond my imaginations. This power is awesome! I know the answers to my questions would make me a world changer.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE VOCABULARY OF ULTIMATE SUCCESS.<\/span>
\n Often i see parents use poor words on their children. Even my own parents do this.”you are a bastard, you’re too dull, you cant’t make it in life,” all kinds of poor words. These words have been the major distroyer of Nigerians destinies. They distroy us! These words steal our future and our hopes for ourselves and for our nation. It hurts my spirit man when i pass any street and i hear any parent use poor words on his child and my dear country. I weep inside of me. Our parents don’t encourage us with good words they only discourage us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tony says “words…. they’ve been used to make us laugh and cry. They can wound or heal. They offer us hope or devastation.” Oh my goodness! I will always be carefull with my choice of words.<\/span><\/p>\n

And again, am made to understand that it is common among Americans to always say God bless America. I love this! And indeed God is blessing her! Here, Nigerians are fond of cursing their country. All we say is “Nigeria is bad. Nigeria can’t be good. Our leaders are bad. Our leaders are thieves…….” Our hatred for this country shows bitterly in our utterances. These words are killing us! If only we knew this! I can’t just help the tears drop in my heart when i see the reparcussion of these poor words on my country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank God for the light taht has shone upon some of us. I belief Nigeria changers are being raised now. A powerful light has shone upon me via this book. My words can create a new world. Even our creator created this world with His words.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO – Personal Impact<\/span><\/p>\n

This book has deposited a lot into my life. It has affected , positively, every area of my life. My values , my relationships, goals, and my belieifs. I will always make reference to this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

MY GOALS.<\/span>
\n Tony says “Giant goals produce giant motivation.” This statement made me go back to my goals for adjusment. I now realize i can’t go any higher than the goals i set for myself. Could you believe i never knew we are not lazy? we only have impotent goals. This is shocking! I have set a bigger and attainable goals for myself. I believe my goals fuel my action.I was really inspired by the story of OJ Simmpson written in this part ofthe book.<\/span><\/p>\n

FINANCIAL DESTINY<\/span>
\n This part of the book opened a new chapter in my life. I now know the mystery behind wealth creation. I now know how creativity helps to transfer invisible wealth to visible wealth. I have longed for this information for a long time. Being a student, i used to wonder what to do to make money. Now i know and understand the principles behind it. I now understand how to earn money by adding value, maintaining it by spending less than i earn, investing and protecting it. What a blessing!<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE -Summary<\/span><\/p>\n

This is an invaluable book. I wish i had read it some years back. Success, to me, is not a function of connections. This is basically our belief here. I used to believe it too – that success is a function of those we know. Now, i believe that success is only a function of revelation. And where do we get revelations from? We get revelations from the books we read. Obviously, i’ve got great revelations from “Awaken The Giant Within.” Again, revelations define our destinations. Having read and meditated on this book, i have gotten revelations for my finances, relationship and infact my destination. This book has brought showers of revelations to my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Psycho-Cybernetics 2000<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Part One – Content Review<\/span><\/p>\n

SELF-IMAGE<\/span>
\n This part of the book was so significant to me. I had an erroneous idea about it. Psycho-Cybernetics flushed out this errorneous belief about my self-image. This book made it clear that every one of us always acts , feels, and behaves in a way that is consistent with our self-image. This tells me that everything i do or say is consistent with my self-image. Fantastic!<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, i realized that our self-image is the mental picture or blueprint of ourselves. It is our inner quality. So, i could say that dogs, too, possess self-image. I remember a time i bathed my beatiful dog with pesticide. The application was too much on his skin and it peeled his skin seriously. My extrovert dog knew this damage and immediately became introvert. He wouldn’t want to see any one nor bark again. I knew he was in an ignonimous situation all through this time. I was very sorry. After his healing, my dog became lively again. I think he lost his self-image for that period.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Maltz’s words ” all behaviour – all actions, all feelings, all human capabilities- was defined by self-image. No real behavioral changes could take place unless the self-image was changed.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Self-image is a crucial subject that should be thought to our young people in this age. Especially at a time like this where our young people are so crazy about looks. We want to act or behave in consistent with our looks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The position of our minds determines our actions. poor self-image causes poor behaviours. Am now developing a self-image that will enable me to add more living to my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

HOW TO PROGRAM YOUR SUCCESS MECHANISM<\/span>
\n “The creative mechanism within you is impersonal. It will work automatically and impersonally to achieve goals of success and happiness, or unhappiness and failure, depending on the goals which you yourself set for it.” — Maxwell Maltz.<\/span><\/p>\n

Success is instinctive. This means we have the natural ability to be successful without learning it. We all have a built-in guidance system. I found this meaningful because it has helped me to program my success mechanism. This has helped me to be self-confident and base my self-image on my own opinion.<\/span><\/p>\n

IMAGINING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS.<\/span>
\n What a significant part of this book. It made me realize how significant my imagination could be. I am responsible for the thoughts i have in my head at any given time. I have the capacity to think whatevr i choose, and virtually all my self-defeating attitudes and behaviours originate in the way i choose to think or imagine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The story of Geoff, in this part of the book, really inspired me and made me understand that the word “imagination” is related to the word image: that which is seen. Our self-image is bound up intimately with our imagination. It is based 100 percent on what we imagine to be true. The image and thought we have on our minds preceed our actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

We can consciously use our imagination to change our beliefs. Since the subconscious mind can’t tell the difference between a real experience and one that is vividly imagined, then we should all imagine success in all our goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

I now take these four keys to create new atttudes and behaviour:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Anything i imagine to be true is accepted as true by my subconscious mind,<\/span>
\n 2. An imagined experience is perceived and acted on by my subconscious mind exactly the same as a real experience,<\/span>
\n 3. My behaviour follows what i believe to be true,<\/span>
\n 4. My behaviour changes in the direction of my beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our subconsious believes what it sees.<\/span><\/p>\n

FREEING MYSELF FROM FALSE BELIEFS<\/span>
\n It is vastly taught that beliefs are powerful. This book made it clearer to me once again with its vivid illustrations. Our beliefs determine the way we live our lives. If we believe we are limited to a particular way of living, then we are.<\/span><\/p>\n

False belief is detrimental to success. If false beliefs keep us from setting big goals , it becomes impossible for us to reach any. False beliefs is a conversant problem among nigerian youths. Our parents have instilled into us beliefs that are errorneous. What we believe conditions what we can do.<\/span><\/p>\n

LIVE LIFE BY YOUR OWN SCRIPT: HOW TO CHOOSE AND SET GOALS.<\/span>
\n “A man or a woman without a goal is like a ship without a rudder . Each will end up on drift and not drive . Each will end up on the beaches of despair, defeact, and desponduly” – Zig Ziglar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Planning our lives is a worthwhile event and this guarantees a glorious future. Show me a great man and i will show you a man that plans his life. Planning our lives or setting goals is just a way of giving conscious direction to our lives and how to get moving in that direction. In this part of the book, the author opened my eyes and mind to better and effective ways of setting and accomplishing goals. I realized how my self-image could condition my goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

The questionaire in this part of the book is really helpful. This part was most helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO – Personal Impact and Practical Value.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book, i can’t deny, has affected some areas of my life. This is what i shall be discussing in this part.<\/span><\/p>\n

SELF_IMAGE<\/span>
\n What makes me feel inferior every time am in school? It’s clear enough i don’t feel this way every time am at home. Self-image! I have overcome this with the practical use of this book. This book has affected my relatioships, my values and core values and even my goals. My inner quality is now wonderful. I can now relate with people looking straight into their eyes. I didn’t like to spend much time with my friends in school. But i think i can do that now when i get back to school.<\/span><\/p>\n

GOAL SETTING<\/span>
\n The benefits of goal setting is invaluable. yes, i’ve read this and heard this a number of times. But this book gave me a new and better techniques of setting them. “Don’t lose sight of your goals,” and the SMART method. I love this!<\/span><\/p>\n

MOVING AHEAD FROM GOAL SETTING TO GOAL GETTING<\/span>
\n I was charged by the words of Terry L. Paulson “life is a moving vehicle with no brakes… If you spend too much time looking in the mirror, you’ll hit a tree… That is why your front window is bigger than your rearview mirror. If you set realistic goals and balance self-support with appropriate self-critcism, you ‘ll stay on the road”<\/span><\/p>\n

If this means anything to me, it means setting my goals is not the end and does not make me attain it execpt i act on it. I was moved by this book from a goal setter to a goal getter. Wonderful! I wish you saw how excited i was!<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE – Summary<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a book that should be read by all WORLD CHANGERS. It teaches how a nation and people can be self-confident. In this book i encountered life changing words and illustrations. It is worth a book in the library of every world changer.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Build A Positive Mental Attitude<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

PMA is a vital ingredient of success. One must depend on it in everything he does. Alot has been written about PMA. it tops the list of success recipe. I love how Napoleon described it in this book and in his other book– success through PMA. He said ” A positive mental attitude is the right , honest, constructive thought, action, or reaction, to any person, situation, or set of circumstances that does not violate the laws of God or the right of one’s fellow man.” Isn’t this great? I love it. It must respect our creator and our fellow brothers and sisters.<\/span><\/p>\n

PMA builds on hope and overcomes the negative attitudes of despair and discouragement.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTROL YOUR ENTHSIASM.<\/span><\/p>\n

To keep a flame burning we must add fuel. Enthusiasm fuels our will to act. It is the fuel that drives things forward. We need to control our enthusiasm. It stimulates our subconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

ENFORCE SELF – DISCIPLINE.<\/span><\/p>\n

Self – discipline is when you have to do a worthwhile thing even when it is not convinient. It will be difficult to achieve what we conceive if self – discipline is not in place. It enables us to develop control over ourselves. It begins with mastery of our thoughts, what we really are, what we really do. It is a means of directing our thoughts, controlling our emotions and ordaining our destiny with PMA.<\/span><\/p>\n

THINK ACCURATELY.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is what we think that overwhelms us. We need to nurture ourselves with accurate thinking so as to achieve success. hill said that our mind is like a piece of land. Through diligent, planned work, it can be cultivated into a beautiful and productive garden, or it can be fallow , overrun by weeds sprouting from seed carried by passing birds and wind. All that we achieve are the result of our thoughts. As written by hill, the accurate thinking is based on two types of reassoning:<\/span><\/p>\n

Induction,<\/span>
\n Deduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

They work together but they are different.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTROL YOUR ATTENTION.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the eleventh principle in this book. It talks about focusing our attention to one definite major purpose. Also, focusing all our resources , time money and mind etc on this “one thing” We should be a man of one thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

INSPIRE TEAM WORK<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no musiician that does all his music alone, plays the drum set, plys the quiter , sings, choruses – all alone. he needs a teamwork to produce a good music. It is of paramount importance that every leader inspires or encourages the heart of his workers. This will make them efficient and effective. With this, productivity will boost. The cooperation of employees is needed to attain success in our field.<\/span><\/p>\n

LEARN FROM ADVERSITY AND DEFEAT.<\/span><\/p>\n

I consider defeat to be a stepping stone to where i want to get to. I also consider every setback as step back.When a sportman that runs or does high jump wants to do it he first step back so as do it well. So setback is a means of preparation. It is a means of learning what you must know in order to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

CULTIVATE CREATIVE VISION.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vision is the only thing that differentiate a person from his colleagues. creative vision is a big picture that others cannot forsee that enhances the perception of people and the entire world. The accomplisment of a creative vision is usually a significant contribution to the world.. i believe that the ability to think is the greatest gift of man. What can be conceived can be created.<\/span><\/p>\n

MAINTAIN SOUND HEALTH.<\/span><\/p>\n

If our health is not sound we may not be in a good position to pursue our passion. Sound health is very vital in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

BUDGET YOUR TIME AND MONEY.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time is money, money is time the say. We must harness the two towards our purpose. We must intelligently use them. Planning our time and money is the best way to spend them.<\/span><\/p>\n

USE COSMIC HABIT FORCE.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cosmic habitforces are the powers we apply with PMA when we use the universal laws or principles. They are employed when we use our mind powers.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO. — Practical values.<\/span><\/p>\n

Napoleon Hill said that our progress towards success begins with a fundamental question : where are you going? For anyone to get somewhere, he must leave somewhere. Giving a detailed answer to this question would help alot in getting where one plans to get to. Personally, the answer to this question is sticked to my heart and mind. I think about it every time. It is a focus that won’t let go. It makes it become clearer to me everyday. I have discovered that achieving success in life is not an event, but a process. It can’t be accomplished in a day. It is a gradual thing. It is a one-by-one thing. It is a day-by-day journey. Am now part of this process. I read these books . I learn the invaluable words in them. And importantly, i apply and live them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill’s keys to success is a book that has set a good foundation for my success in life. I love every page of it. I share its words with people. It gives them a new revelation about personal achievement. in life. I love every page of it. I have already started applying its principles where i can for now. It says all about achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, i apply it to my studies at school. And this is really helping me. I go extar mile in my studies. I establish a mastermind alliance for courses i don’t understand. I also apply faith. My self discipline is awesome. In all, i budget my money and time very wisely. Though i don’t have any source of income for now apart from my parents but i still spend wisely the pocket money i recieve each time am going to school. I know that the way i handle my resources today determines how i handle them tomorrow. God does not bless wasters. He blesses managers. P<\/span><\/p>\n

rincipally, no matter what i do , or, follow, what helps me most is not when i ‘try’ or ‘struggle’ to do things i have to do but it is only possible when i trust the divine power of God. And also when i surrender to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

My last semester’s exam’s result was a big testimony. I stopped to struggle to pass. I just applied some principles in one of the books and i trusted God for it to work. It did. I have realized that when i struggle to do things i am only manifesting competition. I don’t think God wants us to compete with each other. I believe when am faithful to my part God will also be faithful to do his own part. This helps us to manifest anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE…Summary.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book is helpful when you read it, learn it, and live it. Also, it is worth passing to others who truly want personal great achievement. I give it 98% rating .<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you are now> Napoleon Hill for your ever indelible wisdom. says much about achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Manifest Your Destiny<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 1 – Content Review<\/span><\/p>\n

Consciously, i let the words of Dr. Dyer sink into my heart. Reading this book all alone in my quiet room was a never-to-be-forgotten thrill. Dr. Dyer, indeed, speaks into my heart in this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE POWER WITHIN.\u00e5 people are still ignorant of it. And nothing good is happening in their lives. It is this power that brings manifestation into our lives. This is the power that makes things work. I watch myself everyday as i consciously utilize this miraculous power. I, too, know that this power works.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do we discover and utilize this power? Dr. Dyer answers this question in this book. It’s a big revelation i bet you.<\/span><\/p>\n

BECOMING AWARE OF YOUR HIGHEST SELF.<\/span>
\n Can a person manifest anything in physical without becoming aware of his highest self? A thunderous no! Without discoring yoursel there is no capacity to manifest and attract all that one needs or desires.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are all both a physical body in a material world and a nonphysical being who can gain assess to a higher level. When we are conscious of this , we begin to manifest our destiny. The four stages of adult development talked about in this book are what i take serious. The more we grow in life, materially and swpiritually, we move from one stage to another. But for us to really know ourselves we must be enlihtened.<\/span><\/p>\n

TRUSTING YOURSELF IS TRUSTING THE WISDOM THAT CREATED YOU.<\/span>
\n I read in this second principle that authentic trust is only available through the knowing heart. I took a conscious time to study this principle very well and i discovered it is necessary we trust in ourselves and this means trusting the wisdom that created us. When we do this we become manifesters because we have created the inner capacity to become it. Again, all that we desire or want is part of us already.<\/span><\/p>\n

God is already in us. I trust His words that i read in my bible. Trusting His words means trusting Him, too. I read His word without a smidgin doubt. My God and I are one. This is a truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

YOU CAN ATTRACT TO YOURSELF WHAT YOU DESIRE<\/span>
\n Everyone can attract to himself what he desires. This is only possible if we are conscious of the power within. This power is within us. Just as Dr. Dyer writes that creative energy is neither solid nor restricted. I belive we must first trust in this power and God. We must<\/span>
\n love to utilize it and love God. With this , i believe we can create or attract anything. With our creative power we have the<\/span>
\n ability to convert our thoughts into physical —- This is the manifestation he, Dr. Dyer, talks about.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONNECTING TO THE DIVINE SOURCE WITH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.<\/span>
\n This is the principle i liked most. Why? The divine source, which is God, is LOVE. Even writing this book was love. “There is no greater power in heaven or on earth than pure, unconditional love” –writes Dr. Dyer. The bible says “For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten son” Without love you can not manifest anything. This book would not be solid or “tight” without this love principle. For us to connect to spiritual realm we must first turn to love. “Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his right path; and all these things shall be added unto you” says Jesus. To paraphrase what jesus says: “seek you first the love of God and do things rightly ; and you will begin to manifest your destiny” You know that the kingdom of God is created with love, on love, and for Love. Without mincing words, becoming a manifester begins with love. The greatest of all things is love. With love we can do all things. It is only love that can transform this world. Let us stop craving f or materialism let us crave for loveism. Show me a manifester and i will show you someone that loves unconditionally.<\/span><\/p>\n

REACTING TO YOUR MANIFESTATION WITH GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY.<\/span>
\n This can also be done with love. Anyone that is not always in his heart can’t react his to manifestation with gratitude and generosity.<\/span>
\n This ends my content review. I find them meaningful and significant to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART 2 – Personal impact and practical value<\/span><\/p>\n

This book has been helpful to me. I have started applying it already to some areas of my life. I live in a culture that has a wrong concept of God. People say God is far far away in the sky, jugdmental, and not personal.This beliefs are so strong. You will often hear people say God is looking down on you fromm the sky. And so we look up into the sky when we want to see him. We trust in the God that resides in the sky.<\/span>
\n Also, we believe in atomic prayers. We shout, scream, hit our legs on the ground so that God can hear. We believe you have to do this for God to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are ignorant of that truth taht God is in us. Dr. Dyer write more on this in this book. I thank God for the light that damaged my ignorance.<\/span>
\n Here, we pray using so much repetition. We pray for God to come down and do it. “do it do it do it” that is what you hear in our churches. We don’t understand that God gives us the ability or capacity to manifest.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, from my clear understanding of this book, ability and capacity to manifest this blessing is what brings manifestation into our lives. I love this revelation.<\/span><\/p>\n

I now lead my live on the revelation that i ordain my own destiny. I do this perfectly by staying in my heart. I used to believe that our destiny is preordained. I used to leave the responsibility to God. Now i realize that God gives the ability to manifest. And this ability is the power within. God won’t appear physically to help.<\/span><\/p>\n

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.<\/span>
\n I love this part of the book. Love, i believe, is a glue that holds us to God. How do we express our love to God? This is what i have started to do. Obeying and walking in line with the truth. What is the truth? The words of God. When we align ourselves to that right path, we are living with love. When we understand that other people are our extension we are living with love. Love, truly, is the will of God. I apply everything in my life to it. My relationships run smoothly with love. Love is my greatest value.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book has opened my understanding to a new dimension of love———to love unconditionally. This is what i have begun to practice. If we give without love, it profits us nothing. LOVE IS THE ARTERIAL HIGHWAY OF LIFE. Without love we can’t commune with God. This one life will soon pass, but only what is done with love will last.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book has increased my belief of love. I can now write about love and not stop. If you want a peaceful life, first want love. Love is the begining and the end. Our purpose in life is to become a totally loving. Let us forget about the mechanical and technical ways of manifesting destiny, love is the only celestial means to manifest it. Give love and you will get back peace, joy, hapiness, riches and wealth.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book is anchored on love. The best gift you can give is an unconditional love. Everything in life, name it—leadership, government, people, giving etc if anchored on love it will produce peaceful results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Love is powerful. It is sharper than any two-edged sword. It can pierce through any challenge- terrorism, poverty, sickness. Love heals. Love can open any door. Love redeems. To be a manifester, in all the 9 princip[les in this book, you must learn to and practice unconditional on evry occasion, at every opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pause reading. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself in a world where everybody is love. What is the condition there? I do it and the condition there is: No poverty, No terrorism, No war, No homeless people, No hungry people, No disease, No religions, No jugdment and there are millions of people living happily with a divine presence. Do you see that ,too,. In all your getting. Love is the only arterial highway of life. I wish you an unconditional love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 3 – Summary<\/span><\/p>\n

Manifesting our destiny is a function of aplied revelation. This book contains indelible revelations. I can’t just take my mind off them. It has damaged every ignorance about my destiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

I thank God for this revelations.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Keys To Success<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

PART ONE – Content Review.<\/span><\/p>\n

DEVELOP DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE<\/span>
\n We are in the age of achievement. People are achieving more success in this age than before. The quality of life is transforming everyday. Practically, every one today lives better lives than a king in the late 50s 60s 70s. there has more progress in the world. I think this is the power of knowing what you really want and love to do– definiteness of purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

People, unlike years back, have begun to awaken their subconscious to the truth that they exist for a definite reason. This is what differentiates most people from their colleagues. The power of purpose in people’s lives is great. If one can develop it, pursue it, and be faithful to it, its result is marvelous. It produces a significant contribution to the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

In truth, definiteness of purpose is truly the starting point of all achievement. It is the only thing that guarantees success. Conceive it, believe it and you will achieve it.<\/span><\/p>\n

ESTABLISH A MASTERMIND ALLIANCE<\/span>
\n Forming a mastermind alliance is a good thing in order to achieve one’s definite purpose. As defined by Hill, ” A mastermind alliance is built of two or more minds working actively together in perfect harmony toward a common definite object.” I can say that this principle truly started in the ancient days of Jesus Christ. He had twelve people as his mastermind alliance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, a person can’t know all and even do all. He needs people that are ambitious to work together for a superordinate goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

ASSEMBLE AN ATTRACTIVE PERSONALITY.<\/span>
\n Our personality is our greatest asset or greatest liability, for it embraces everything that we control: mind, body and soul. What we do is us. For us to achieve lasting success, we must develop an attractive personality. We must possess PMA, tolerance, flexibility, sincerity of purpose, courtesy, promptness of decision, tact, tone of voice, the habit of smiling, patience, and so on. We must master all these so as to attract what we want.<\/span><\/p>\n

USE APPLIED FAITH.<\/span>
\n Faith, I believe, is exercised with action. It is a state of mind through which your desires, aims, plans, and purposes may be translated into their physical or financial equivalent. We must apply this faith, just as being advised by Hill. Faith without work is dead. We have faith when we act on what we decide and believe. This helps cast out fear and disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

GO THE EXTRA MILE.<\/span>
\n I call it GEM. ” Render more and better service than you are paid for, and sooner or later you will receive compound interest from your investment. It is inevitable that every seed of useful service you sow will sprout and reward you with an abundant harvest,” advised Hill. This simply means you have to go the extra mile to get worthy things done.<\/span><\/p>\n

CREATE PERSONAL INITIATIVE.<\/span>
\n Hill said ” personal initiative is the inner power that starts all action.” It is the power that inspires the completion of that which one begins. It motivates people to start acting on the plans in ink or on board. It pushes people to start and do it now. It also brings advancement, attention, and opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

BUILD A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.<\/span>
\n PMA is a vital ingredient of success. One must depend on it in everything he does. A lot has been written about PMA. it tops the list of success recipe. I love how Napoleon described it in this book and in his other book– success through PMA. He said ” A positive mental attitude is the right , honest, constructive thought, action, or reaction, to any person, situation, or set of circumstances that does not violate the laws of God or the right of one’s fellow man.” Isn’t this great? I love it. It must respect our creator and our fellow brothers and sisters. PMA builds on hope and overcomes the negative attitudes of despair and discouragement.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTROL YOUR ENTHSIASM.<\/span>
\n To keep a flame burning we must add fuel. Enthusiasm fuels our will to act. It is the fuel that drives things forward. We need to control our enthusiasm. It stimulates our subconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

ENFORCE SELF-DISCIPLINE.<\/span>
\n Self – discipline is when you have to do a worthwhile thing even when it is not convenient. It will be difficult to achieve what we conceive if self – discipline is not in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

It enables us to develop control over ourselves. It begins with mastery of our thoughts, what we really are, what we really do. It is a means of directing our thoughts, controlling our emotions<\/span>
\n and ordaining our destiny with PMA.<\/span><\/p>\n

THINK ACCURATELY.<\/span>
\n It is what we think that overwhelms us. We need to nurture ourselves with accurate thinking so as to achieve success. Hill said that our mind is like a piece of land. Through diligent, planned work, it can be cultivated into a beautiful and productive garden, or it can be fallow, overrun by weeds sprouting from seed carried by passing birds and wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

All that we achieve are the result of our thoughts. As written by Hill, the accurate thinking is based on two types of reasoning: Induction and deduction. They work together but they are different.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTROL YOUR ATTENTION.<\/span>
\n This is the eleventh principle in this book. It talks about focusing our attention to one definite major purpose. Also, focusing all our resources, time money and mind etc on this “one thing.” We should be a man of one thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

INSPIRE TEAM WORK<\/span>
\n There is no musician that does all his music alone, plays the drum set, plays the guitar, sings, choruses – all alone. He needs a teamwork to produce a good music.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is of paramount importance that every leader inspires or encourages the heart of his workers. This will make them efficient and effective. With this, productivity will boost. The cooperation of employees is needed to attain success in our field.<\/span><\/p>\n

LEARN FROM ADVERSITY AND DEFEAT.<\/span>
\n I consider defeat to be a stepping stone to where I want to get to. I also consider every setback as step back. When a sportsman that runs or does high jump wants to do it he first step back so as do it well. So setback is a means of preparation. It is a means of learning what you must know in order to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

CULTIVATE CREATIVE VISION.<\/span>
\n Vision is the only thing that differentiates a person from his colleagues. Creative vision is a big picture that others cannot foresee that enhances the perception of people and the entire world. The accomplishment of a creative vision is usually a significant contribution to the world. I believe that the ability to think is the greatest gift of man. What can be conceived can be<\/span>
\n created.<\/span><\/p>\n

MAINTAIN SOUND HEALTH.<\/span>
\n If our health is not sound we may not be in a good position to pursue our passion. Sound health is very vital in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

BUDGET YOUR TIME AND MONEY.<\/span>
\n Time is money, money is time the say. We must harness the two towards our purpose. We must intelligently use them. Planning our time and money is the best way to spend them.<\/span><\/p>\n

USE COSMIC HABIT FORCE.<\/span>
\n Cosmic habit forces are the powers we apply with PMA when we use the universal laws or principles. They are employed when we use our mind powers.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO. \u2013 Personal Impact<\/span><\/p>\n

Napoleon Hill said that our progress towards success begins with a fundamental question; where are you going? For anyone to get somewhere, he must leave somewhere. Giving a detailed answer to this question would help a lot in getting where one plans to get to. Personally, the answer to this question is stuck in my heart and mind. I think about it all the time. It is a focus that won’t let go. It makes it become clearer to me everyday.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have discovered that achieving success in life is not an event, but a process. It can’t be accomplished in a day. It is a gradual thing. It is a one-by-one thing. It is a day-by-day journey. I am now part of this process. I read these books. I learn the invaluable words in them. And more importantly, I apply and live them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill’s keys to success is a book that has set a good foundation for my success in life. I love every page of it. I share its words with people. It gives them a new revelation about personal achievement in life. I love every page of it. I have already started applying its principles where i can for now. It says all about achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, I apply it to my studies at school. And this is really helping me. I go the extra mile in my studies. I establish a mastermind alliance for courses I don’t understand. I also apply faith. My self discipline is awesome. In all, I budget my money and time very wisely. Though I don’t have any source of income for now apart from my parents but I still spend wisely the pocket money I receive each time I am going to school. I know that the way I handle my resources today determines how I handle them tomorrow. God does not bless wasters. He blesses managers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Principally, no matter what I do or follow, what helps me most is not when I ‘try’ or ‘struggle’ to do things I have to do but it is only possible when I trust the divine power of God. And also when I surrender to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

My last semester’s exam’s result was a big testimony. I stopped struggling to pass. I just applied some principles in one of the books and I trusted God for it to work. It did. I have realized that when I struggle to do things I am only manifesting competition. I don’t think God wants us to compete with each other. I believe when am faithful to my part God will also be faithful to do his own part. This helps us to manifest anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART THREE – Summary.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book is helpful when you read it, learn it, and live it. Also, it is worth passing to others who truly want personal great achievement. I give it 98% rating . Thank you Napoleon Hill for your ever indelible wisdom. says much about achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NIGERIA – Afere (KTS) copy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

10 Secrets For Success and Inner Peace.<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction.<\/span>
\n Dr.Dyer, like never before, takes me to another spiritual level with this book. Success is not a function of financial planning, relationship strategies, money making, but a function of inner peace – knowing who you really are and living in that consciousness all the days of our lives. This book says so much about inner peace. It helps you to be conscious of God. The 10 secrets in this book are really worth reading. These ten secrets allow our spirit to guide us towards the path of success and live with inner peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART ONE: Book Review.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first secret: Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing. It is obvious that at this stage of my life, especially before i became a student of iigl, so many conditioning has taken place in my life, by geography, religious etc. This nurturing has affected my life in so many ways. Discarding some of those beliefs was very difficult. Beliefs that were of closed-mindedness —- christianity is superior to muslim, yoruba is superior to hausa and ibo and so many other beliefs that used to make me say ” is this life?” An attempt to have an open-mind or go outside the box of those beliefs sometimes get me into trouble. This is what this first secret is about, becoming closed-mindedness as a result of the old styles of our elders. This makes our minds closed to possibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

This first secret also talks about our inability to know all about this world. He says we don’t know how most things work. The author butressed this with relevant examples. And he also says there are many things to know in this world. He says we hardly know anything at all in comparison with what there is to know. Allowing your mind to be open to everything makes you know more about the trillions of things yet unknown. And he says this causes creativity to flourish.<\/span><\/p>\n

He also explains in this first secret the miracle mind set. This means refusing to allow yourself to have low expectations about what you are capable of creating. He advises us to have an imaginary candle flame that burns brightly regardless of what goes before us. However, he explains what being open to everything means. “Everything means just what it says. No exceptions.” Says the author. This means that everything is right. If you think you are not good enough you are right because that is what will show up. All you will get from your effort is being right.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, the author says that this first secret has two components: 1) a mind that is open to everything and 2) a mind that is attached to nothing. He says that our attachments are the source of all our problems. What does this mean? It means the need to be right, to possess someone or something, to win at all costs, to be viewed by others as superior – these are attachments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, he says that the open minds resist these attachments and consequently experience inner peace and success.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second secret: Don’t Die With Your Music Still In You.<\/span><\/p>\n

He begins this secret by telling us that behind every moving thing there is a mover. He says we are also part of those moving parts. We all moved in here and we shall also move out. All these, he says, for a reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, he speaks about listening to our heart. He says our heart is who we are. The constant beating of our heart in and out , out and in, is a symbol of our infinite connection to the heartbeat of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think this music he talks about is our purpose for being here this time. He says that when we listen to our right brain, it will always lead us passionately to our purpose This is our intuitive inner voice that keeps urging us to play the music that we hear so that we don’t die with it inside us. He says that the left brain does otherwise. It does not want us to play this inner music. It tells us to wait for a minute, be careful, don’t fake risk and other things keep us away from fulfilling purpose. Listening exclusively to our left brain turns us to pretenders.<\/span><\/p>\n

The author says a sentence that thrills me. He says ” let the world know why you’re here, and do it with passion.” Doing it with passion means taking risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, the author says that the only thing that will keep us from playing the music we hear is fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

The third secret: You Can’t Give Away What You Don’t Have<\/span><\/p>\n

I have heard people say these words but never like this have i understood it. Dr. Dyer writes about this with great illustrations and these are very helpful in understanding this concept better than before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Dyer starts elaborating this secret by telling us to change what is inside. It is what we have inside that we give out. He says that our thoughts create our reality because our thoughts determine how we respond to situations in our daily life. Our thoughts are inner.<\/span><\/p>\n

In furtherance, he explains what he calls attractor energies — you get back what you put out into the world. By loving and respecting ourselves, we attract higher energies to change what’s inside us. It was also interesting that our purposes are ones of those things we can have in order to give away. Being in the service of others is what purpose is. Giving service!<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fourth secret : Embrace Silence<\/span><\/p>\n

It is true we live in a noisy society. Sirens everywhere, music at the highest volume, noise in the classrooms, noise in the hostels, noise in the libraries (where silence should be maintained), noise noise noise everywhere. Even noise in our churches and mosques.<\/span><\/p>\n

The author writes indelibly about the value of silence. He says there is a momentary silence in the space between our thoughts that we can become aware of with practice and it is in this silence that we’ll find the peace we crave for. He says that we can’t know peace if we have no spaces between our thoughts. So in other words, the ultimate result of silence is peace. It is fantastic to know that everything that’s created comes out of silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, in this secret, Dr. Dyer urges us to demand more and more time for silence in our lives. He believes that we can only make personal and conscious contact with God in silence. I believe this too. I have noticed and experienced this. I commune with God when am silently alone. Just as that ancient king, king David used to do. This is done by a way of meditation. I am used to this now. It works like a balm.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, the author says we don’t use our ego to manifest. So, it is necessary to keep our silent communion with God to ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fifth Secret: Give Up Your Personal History<\/span><\/p>\n

The author starts the fifth secret with a very exciting illustration. it has to do with a speedboat and the white foamy froth behind it when it zooms across the surface of the water. This white foamy froth is called the wake. What he means is, the wake does not drive the boat. The boat is driven by the present moment energy it generates. This illustration is applicable to our lives. The wake of our life is nothing more than a trail that is left behind us. It is not possible for it to drive us forward. This wake is our personal histories. The author says we should not hang on to past pains, abuses and other shortcomings. If what the author means is, we should not hang on to them but we can remember them for lessons then i agree totally. It is not possible for me to forget all i had gone through in the past. But it is possible for my past not to affect negatively my present. Hanging on to it can deter my inner peace and success. The author says our past is over and we should not be glued to it. I agree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, the author advises we live on now and not in the past or future. “God is only here now” he says. Is Dr. Dyer telling me not to project a future that i want to live in? Remember some people tell us to forget the past and the present and think of the kind of future we want. Are these different thoughts not conflicting? I can remember he wrote about being born again in sacred self. It was a reference. He said that to be born again means looking into the future with no condemnation. I think it is necessary for us to project the kind of future we want and not limiting our thoughts to now alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, the author says we should no longer rely on our personal history. Am in agreement with him where he says we should make an effort to remove all labels that we’ve placed on ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sixth Secret : You can’t Solve a Problem With The Same Mind That Created It.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a fantastic secret. It tells us that any problem can be resolved with a spiritual solution. This tells us that if you are spiritually inclined you will come to believing that there are no problems. Am not in total agreement with this. There are problems in the world now. These problems are self inflicted ones. Look at Africa for example. The masses are suffering and the people in the positions of power are seriously enjoying with the stolen public funds. This is not the plan of God for us, i believe. The author says that all God created was good. Yes i believe. But man has made it other way round. The author says that bad does not exist. Not everyone can agree with this. But those that are spiritually inclined can understand. Those that are ego minded would not. I would not understand this if someone told me that bad does not exist 9 months ago. According to the author, until we change our mind, we will not solve our problem. This is what has happened to me in the last nine months. My mind was in the process of change. I have now made a new agreement with reality. I now believe, according to the author, that spirit always cancels problems. God is a spirit. I remember what Micheal Lightweaver wrote in his book “A day of grace”. He says ” It is the who of our being and not the what of our doing that will transform the world.” This is true. We have to change our ego dominated mind to spirit dominated mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, the author tells us about the three levels of consciousness in this secret. These are:<\/span>
\n 1) ego consciousness<\/span>
\n 2) group consciousness<\/span>
\n 3) mystical consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

He says we should crave for the third one. It is when we are spirit conscious that we can be peaceful and successful. It is distinguished by the feelings of connectedness rather than separateness.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seventh secret: There Are NO Justified Resentments.<\/span><\/p>\n

This secret talks about learning to avoid negative thing — anger, hurt, depression, fear and so on, so as to live a life of inner peace, success and happiness. The author says that any time we are filled with resentment, we are turning the controls of our emotional life over to others to manipulate. He says that resentments give us an excuse to return to our old ways. I agree with this.<\/span><\/p>\n

He says we should remove blame from our lives. We should take responsibility for our lives. He also says we should stop looking for occasions to be offended. This secret is too valuable to me. It helps me to forgive before being offended because i have forgiveness in me already. I have just learnt that the root of virtually all spiritually practices is the notion of forgiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Eight Secret: Treat Yourself As If You Already Are What You’d Like to Be.<\/span><\/p>\n

I agree with the words of Thomas Paine used by the author in the begining of this secret: “it is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself.” I think this means we should not pretend with our lives. We should not live two lives that are incomplete but one complete life.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this eight secret, the author says that whatever we envision for ourselves – no matter how lofty or impossible it may seem to us right now, we should begin to act as if what we would like to become is already our reality. Doing this, he says, we are setting into motion the forces that will collaborate with us to make our dreams come true. In conclusion, Dr. Dyer says that if all we want is going to be, it is up to us, individually.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ninth Secret : Treasure Your Divinity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The words of Walt Whitman are true. ” In the faces of men and women , i see God.” That is another way of saying God is love. And loving people means loving God. Everyone is a divine creation of God. We can never be separate from that which created us. Dr Dyer exposed me spiritually to all these life changing words in this ninth secret.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treasuring our divinity means having a knowing that we can’t be separate from our creator, god. If we believe we are separate from our divine source, we lose our divine power. Our ego does not want us to treasure our divinity. Our ego is an idea we carry around with us everywhere we go. it tells us that we are separate from everything and everyone in the world. he says that every time we experience fear, self-rejection, anxiety, guilt, or hate, we’re denying our divinity and succumbing to the influences of that insidious ego mind that has convinced us of our disconnection to God.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, i know that i am a God, i.e am connected with every creation, including my creator.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tenth Secret : Wisdom Is Avoiding All Thoughts That Weaken You.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you Mr. William James. He says i should believe that life is worth living, and my belief will help create that fact. Without a smigdin of doubt, i believe.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this last secret, Dr. Dyer writes about what our thoughts can create for us. Our thoughts can weaken or strengthen us. He, in this secret, tells us about the book of David Hawkins, M.D “power vs force.” He says that power thoughts energize us, since they make no demands on us. But a thought of force weakens us. It consumes our energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, he says that shame is an example of force thought. It weakens us. He also says that forgiveness is always necessary in our daily lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The author says that no one can put a thought in us. All is our choice. We individually choose what to think about. And what we think about we bring about.<\/span><\/p>\n

I always make a decision to think about what we make me live a complete life of inner peace. What about you? It is truly our choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

PART TWO. Personal Impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr, Wayne Dyer is my favourite spiritual author. There was no time i read his book that i remained the same, spiritually. I think i need to tell you that no day passes without drinking and eating from his indelible words. God has used his writing to put me on this spiritual path.<\/span><\/p>\n

10 secrets For Success And Inner Peace is another book that uplifts my soul. It has made me to know what true success is and how i can live with inner peace all the days of my life,. It tells me that living a life full of all kinds of accomplishments without inner peace is no success.<\/span><\/p>\n

I joyfully allowed his words to sink into my heart as i read it. Word by word it sunk in my heart and cleaned all old beliefs, resentments, guilt, and hatred. This book, i must confess, is a reminder of what i have read from his other books.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have learned to have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing. I now learn how to disallow myself from having low expectations about what am capable of creating. Within me is an imaginary candle flame that burns brightly regardless of what goes before me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Dyer has shown me, in this book , new ways of being peaceful, radiating love, practicing forgiveness, being generous, respecting all life, and visualizing myself as capable of doing anything that i can conceive of in my mind and heart. This is gradually helping me to banish fear and doubt. It can’t be done in a day. I am conscious of this every day and so i put it into practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book, i must confess, and all other Dyer’s books, make me think about my creator every day. I think it is in this thought that inner peace comes from. I hope to share my Sunday experience with you in this part.<\/span><\/p>\n

What else can i say? What i can say is endless. God is peace. peace is God. Life is all about enriching our lives with what we truly want and at the same times living with inner peace. We won’t enjoy life except we live with a continuous inner peace. We can’t be at peace unless we know who we truly are and who truly moved us here, God.<\/span><\/p>\n

I had this experience some Sundays back when were singing a song we really love.<\/span><\/p>\n

” father i declare that i love you i declare my ever lasting love for you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

As we sang this song in unison, my inner companion whispered to me; “stop singing and listen.” I quickly obeyed him, waiting for another unforgettable experience with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

As i listened inwardly and silently, he asked ; how can you love God. an invisible being? How do you show your love to him? Is it by this song you sing?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What are all these perplexing questions again? Why all these questions coming this time, in the house of fellowship —church?” As i witnessed these questions, i inwardly said all that.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a time i want you to be mindful and learn from what i have to say this time.” He continued as he noticed my feelings. “This song is an interesting one. But singing it is not a prove of your love for God. Declaring, verbally, you love God is not what love is or what loving God is. Love is meant to be exercised. Love is tangible. And it becomes tangible in the love between you and your fellow brothers and sisters. It becomes real as you reach out to the poor and those you call you ‘enemies’ that God longs to transform into friends. When last did you visit an orphanage? When last did you feed your hungry neigbour? When last did you see God in the faces of other people? Love is not declared with words towards God. Love is declared with action towards all creatures.”<\/span><\/p>\n

I was in absolute silence. I stopped hearing the song because my inner companion’s voice was very audible to me. At this moment i wished that the other thousands (about 4000 students and staff) could hear what my inner friend was saying to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

“When are you going to start declaring your action-filled love? It’s up to you! That’s all i have to tell you at this moment. Always remain conscious of me. I wish to say this to so many here but they’ve blocked the interconnectness, so they are not conscious of me. I shall come another time.” He finally said all that.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think that is what consciousness can do. And Dr. Dyer defines consciousness as a mental state of being aware. It’s always interesting to be conscious of our true selves. It makes us know what to say, do and , even, eat. I think this is what the bible means when it says we are in this world but not of this world.<\/span><\/p>\n

SUMMARY.<\/span>
\n No day goes away without reading from Dyer’s book. I don’t read these books for the sake of assessment. I read them because they add values to my life and i add these values to my community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you truly want success and inner peace? Read this book.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nonviolent Communication-A language of Life<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Lawrence Afere (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Nonviolent Communication, also referred to as Compassionate communication: A language of life shows how to reach beneath the surface and discover what is alive and vital within us, and how our actions are based on human needs that we are seeking to meet. NVC helps us to express our minds in a way that meets both parties\u2019 needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have found the following ideas most important to me as I read this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving from the heart<\/span>
\n I would say that giving from the heart means giving with love, being dominated by love rather than self-centered and selfish attitude. Personally, I call it inert giving.<\/span><\/p>\n

As written by the author, NVC helps us connect with each other and ourselves in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish. He says that NVC is a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, giving from our heart helps us to express ourselves and listen to others by focusing our consciousness on four areas i.e the process of NVC: what we are observing, feeling, and needing and what we are requesting to enrich our lives.<\/span>
\n Often, our words lead to hurt and pain, whether for others or ourselves. But NVC helps us to communicate from the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

This idea of giving from the heart is important to me because I have learnt from it how to communicate with myself and others in a way that will not lead to hurt and pain by focusing my consciousness on four areas: what we are observing, feeling, and needing and what we are requesting to enrich our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication that blocks compassion<\/span>
\n When we communicate in a non-compassionate way we are simply judging. It is a truism that who we are does not judge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marshall B, the author, says there are certain ways of communicating that alienate us from our natural state of compassion. He uses the term \u201clife-alienating communication\u201d to refer to these forms of communication. These forms of communication contribute to our behaving violently toward each other and ourselves. One form of these life-alienating communication is the use of moralistic judgements that infer wrongness or badness on the part of those who don\u2019t act in harmony with our values. Another one is the use of comparisons, which also blocks compassion in our communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, in the later part of this assessment you will read my frustrating interview with a British interviewer at the British high commission in Nigeria in 2003. I think we all need to learn how to communicate without judging people and without forgetting who we truly are \u2013 the compassionate souls. Some times I wonder how they communicate in heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n

Requesting that which would enrich life<\/span>
\n This is a part of NVC that has to do with what we would like to request of others in order to enrich life for us. In this part, the author teaches us how to try to avoid vague, abstract, or ambiguous phrasing, and also to use positive action language by sating what we are requesting rather than what we are not.<\/span><\/p>\n

This idea truly helps me to be clearer about what I want and how to request it.<\/span>
\n The author says the clearer we are about what we want back when we speak, the more likely we are to get it. This idea of requesting that which would enrich life teaches me how to make request and not demands. I appreciate what the author says about the objective of NVC: \u201c NVC is not to change people and their behavior in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfill everyone\u2019s needs. We do this by helping others trust that we are requesting, not demanding. What a valuable lesson.<\/span><\/p>\n

Receiving empathically<\/span>
\n The author says that empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. He also says that empathy is emptying the mind and listening with our whole being. Empathy requires us to focus full attention on the other person\u2019s message. It also requires us to give to others the time and space they need to express themselves feel and to feel understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

This idea of receiving empathically has taught me how to stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before I turn my attention to solutions or requests for relief. It has also given me empathy in order to give empathy. I learnt a great deal of advice from this idea. The author says when we sense ourselves being defensive or unable to empathize, we need to stop, breathe, give ourselves empathy and scream nonviolently, or take out.<\/span><\/p>\n

The power of empathy<\/span>
\n I like the way Carl Rogers described the impact of empathy on its recipients: \u201c when\u2026someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good\u2026.when I have been listened to and when I have been heard, I am able to reperceive my world in a new way and go on. It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens. How confusions that seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard.\u201d This is keenly the power of empathy.<\/span><\/p>\n

This idea of the power of empathy teaches me how to stay vulnerable, defuse potential violence, help me hear the word \u2018no\u2019 without taking it as a rejection, revive a lifeless conversation, and even hear the feelings and needs expressed through silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Expressing appreciation in nonviolent communication<\/span>
\n It is always necessary to express appreciation to those who meet our needs in one way or the other. However, the author says that some appreciations could be expressed violently. In confession, I was startled when I first saw this . I asked myself \u201ccould expression of appreciation be violent?\u201d As I read further, I learnt that some appreciations are expressed to manipulate others and not to celebrate. I need to say here; only don\u2019t who don\u2019t know who they truly are manipulate people or better still those who their spirit is blocked within them.<\/span>
\n The author says that we use NVC to express appreciation only to celebrate, not to get something in return.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values etc? Explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The answer is absolute yes. We all communicate every time either with ourselves or with others. The way we communicate with others determine how peaceful or violent our relationship would be. Also, we need to communicate our beliefs, we need to communicate our goals, we need to communicate our values. We need to communicate all these from our heart. We don\u2019t just communicate our beliefs, goals, values; we communicate them compassionately i.e. without isolating our true self. Our true self, obviously, does not want to communicate hurt and pain, our true self does not want to demand, judge, diagnose-to think and communicate in terms of what is right and wrong with people, our true self does not want us to dwell or live in misunderstanding and frustration with others and our selves, our true self does not want violence. Our true self wants to mutually enrich our lives in a way that does not isolate our true selves-spiritual beings. That is what nonviolent communication does for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you earned from the book? Explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In answering this question, the most important new idea I earned from this book is the idea of expressing appreciation in nonviolent communication. It was totally new to me. I never knew there were some ways we could express appreciation that could cause violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged your thinking in any way? If so, explain how.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

There was a time I gained admission to study at Horborn college, London. I was directed to obtain my visa at the British high commission, Nigeria. No sooner the interviewer began to interview me than she said \u201c I don\u2019t care about you, neither do I care about your country,\u201d What made her say this I don\u2019t know. Immediately I was confused and disturbed. Throughout the interview session I couldn\u2019t say anything reasonable despite the fact that I had all the requested document. All I was thinking was \u2018is this what I would hear people say to me at Horborn college?\u2019 \u2018I refusing you visa\u2019 she finally said as she dumped appeal form on my deck. She was really violent. I inwardly cursed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, as I read this book, my thinking about that situation changed. I asked myself different questions concerning what happened at the interview; \u2018was the interviewer feeling frustrated?\u2019 Was she hurt by a Nigerian? I try to make use of the four components of NVC to observe what was frustrating her or what she was needing or feeling. Or could that be the way she was required to do her job? Doing it noncompassionately? Or maybe if I had responded to her this way \u201c I sense you are angry to work in Nigeria\u201d we might have connected more. Or, \u201c Are you feeling frustrated? It appears that you have had some bad experiences with Nigerian people\u201d These questions might have helped me to observe what was actually happening in the situation, how we both felt, and the needs we both had and the concrete actions we requested in order to enrich our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book has truly challenged my thinking in every way of communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so, why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>
\n No.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I found giving from the heart most helpful in this book. Nobody can live in isolation or vacuum. It is our nature to receive and give to others. But what matters most in our giving and receiving is that thing that gives meaning to the two. Giving and receiving from our heart is love. So, it is love that truly gives meaning to our giving and receiving.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Marshall B. Rosenberg\u2019s book, Nonviolent Communication; A language of life, teaches us how to communicate with ourselves and others without creating hurt and pain. It shows us how to enrich our lives by meeting our needs compassionately.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS.<\/span><\/strong>
\n A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Magic Lamp<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Lawrence Afere (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Introducing this book, the author makes reference to the research Dr. Lewis Terman of Stanford university carried out in 1921. The aim of the research was to understand the relationship between human intelligence and human achievement. It was found out with this research that IQ is not the most important ingredient for success but self confidence, perseverance, and a tendency to set goals. Of which the most important of these three is the tendency to set goals. The question now is, personally, if setting goals is the most important element of success, why is everyone not successful? Anyway, I agree that it all depends on our individual perspective of success. Again, if we are realistic that setting goals , irrespective of persons, place e.t.c, is a vital ingredient of success and we still have many unsuccessful ones amongst us, then I would conclude that setting goals is a difficult task. If it was not, majority would just set a goal and they would realize it. This would automatically make them successful.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the author’s situation was a funny one and a good example of what I have written. He had all materials on goal setting but he never set any. Funny! What if we look at it this way: setting goals is not the most important ingredient for success but what makes goals realizable. Speaking for myself now, I believe that everyone has goals they want to achieve. And I know that what gives meaning to these goals is far more important than the goal itself. Goal is just knowing what one wants and allowing that thing to motivate or propel one towards materializing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Someone has said that if you don’t have goals you are like a goat. I don’t agree with this. Having no goals is synonymous to having goals. It all depends on individual needs and wants. If my goal is to make 100,000,000 people become wealthy in Africa, then I know I would not act or move like a man that has a goal to make only himself rich.<\/span><\/p>\n

I believe in goals but I disagree with it’s the most important ingredient for success. I have seen so many people that had set goals but never realized them. The most important aspect for becoming successful is not goal but \u201cthose things\u201d that make goals or what you want achievable. Where did we put our true self? Our self companion? Are we really wanting what we enhance the world? It is not just setting goals that matters but setting goals that progress the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

I like what keith says in his introduction. He says he was always tired of going to work on his goals. But when he constructed another word he could use instead of goals he was happy. He uses wishes instead of goals. With regard to vocabulary, both are still the same. But it is good to make use of the word that makes us work on it enjoyably. Wishes work for keith. Goals work for someone else. Desires work for someone else. What all are saying is \u201cwhat do I want to achieve in my life\u201d I prefer to call it projections.<\/span><\/p>\n

In summary, whether we call it goals or wishes or projections we should not set them in isolation of what truly gives meaning to them. We should not set goals that would harm our fellow beings for our selfish enjoyment.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Cause and Effect.<\/span>
\n Although cause and effect were discussed in the introduction of this book, it is very important to me. It has being said that there are two types of laws in the universe: man-made laws and natural laws. We sometimes violate man-made laws without getting caught. But we get caught at every attempt to violate natural laws.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keith vividly and interestingly explains the law of cause and effect in this book. This law says that for every effect in our lives there is a specific cause. Someone has called this law, due to its importance, \u201ciron law of the universe\u201d Everything happens with a cause – Keith says, not only him, that there are specific causes for failures.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the understanding of cause and effect, if there is an effect in our life that we do not enjoy, we need to trace it back to the causes and get rid of them, and vice versa.<\/span>
\n Biblically, this law is called law of sowing and reaping – whatsoever he sows , that also shall he reap.! Also, \u201cas he thinks, so shall he be\u201d and many more versions of this law in the Bible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, everything we do in life or can be explained by this law. Today, I am all alone reading this book in my room. As I read, I set new projections that would speak tomorrow. In my life I don’t want to forget this simple law. Law of cause and effect. It applies to everything and everyone in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

This law tells us we can be the cause of all that happens in our lives. You can cause happiness. You can cause sickness. You can cause anything! Keith says that when we choose to be a cause, we can make things happen. And when we choose to be an effect, we settle for whatever happens to us. I choose to be a cause. What about you? I want to be a hammer that acts, I want to lock on, I want to act so I can materialize my projections (for myself and the world.).<\/span><\/p>\n

Lock On<\/span>
\n Lock on encompasses 5 important success components or ingredients. All these are not only important to me but to everyone who wants to be successful.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first ingredient is what do you want? I strongly believe that we should all have a mental picture and paper work of what we want in life. Knowing what we want in life helps us to identify ways of achieving them.<\/span><\/p>\n

I need to clarify one important issue here. What we truly want is different from what they want for us. When I was younger my parents would always tell me I would be a medical doctor. At first I agreed to be but as I grew older I realized it was not what I truly wanted. Today, I have known what I truly love to be and I am not even reading medicine in the university. It is frustrating trying to achieve what others want for you and not what you want for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

I so much agree with Keith when he says that the easiest way to find out what we want is to ask yourself- your subconscious mind. I guess that was the same advice that ancient king, Solomon, gave to the youth of his times and which is still much relevant to us today. He said we should walk in the ways of our heart and in the sight of our eyes. (Eccl. 11:9)<\/span>
\n Also, a lot has been written on the second ingredient, purpose. It is very important we all know our purpose here. Keith says that to make the most of your astonishing power to make your wishes come true, the first thing you need to do is to choose a purpose and then choose wishes that will help you fulfill that purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

The third ingredient is price. Reading books and writing assessments on them is a very big price I am paying to achieve my projections. There is a price for everything. No one goes to a car mart to buy a car without money. The amount of money he has determines the kind of car he goes home with. Getting married has a price. Getting spiritually inclined has a price. Giving birth has a price. Name it and I will tell you it has a price. Success has a price. For materializing your goals or wishes you have to pay the price. It might be in effort, discipline, commitment, etc. I wrote this assessment around 1a.m when my other friends were sleeping. My roommate had gone for a weekend trip. I was joyfully alone physically. I was enjoying paying the price for the life I like to lead and live.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keith also says it is necessary we make our wish presentable. The last ingredient in lock-on is plan. So much literature has been written on planning. Someone once said that he who fails to plan plans to fail. Once you know what you want, commit yourself to pay the price, make your wish presentable, you have to plan how to accomplish it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Act<\/span>
\n Setting goals does not bring it to automatic manifestation. No matter how strong you believe in your goals if you don’t act on it, it will not come into realization. Our goals must be worked upon. The plan of a building on the drawing board is not the real house but the plan to be used in the real building. Our projections are just the same with this scenario. It needs to be acted upon to be fulfilled.<\/span><\/p>\n

This part of the book is very important. Keith reminded me of all I had learnt about goal setting in other books.<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing Your Progress<\/span>
\n Another important part of this book is the concept of \u201cmanaging your progress.\u201d Keith starts this concept with the concept of focus. He says successful people are like a magnifying glass. They focus their energy – and their time and their talent – on exactly what they want to achieve. Focus means you put your wish first, ahead of all the other things that compete for your time and attention. I think it may interest you to know that it is focus that has been helping me in reading these books. They say black people don’t read. This is really true. We get distracted with material things. Sometimes it makes us deviate from what we truly want to achieve. But I thank God for this power of focus-not allowing distractions. Even sometimes when it seems things are not going as I projected I still tap into the power to refocus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Persistence<\/span>
\n Persistence is not a new success nut to me but I also found it very important. The case of a baby explains this better. A baby does not learn how to walk in a day. He has to toddle for some time. He toddles till he walks perfectly. Success in every paradigm can be likened to this scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas or concept in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values etc.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book is relative to my personal circumstances in life. Truly, Keith Ellis has helped me to appreciate what it takes to make my wishes\/projections come true. Although, I have learnt most of the principles in this book, but they serve as reminder and motivation. In life, irrespective of what you want to become, you have to be focused. This book has reminded me of the power of focus. Right now, in school, most of my friends are dating and going to dancing floors but I know the projections I have for my one complete life and this has kept me focused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every day, my inner companion wakes me up 5:30 am, refreshed and energized for the day. I know that what and how I do i today determine the effect and how I also do it tomorrow. We all set goals one way or the other. Even without writing my daily goals down, I set them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Presently, I combine my IIGL studies with my Bsc. Studies. I set a time for reading IIGL books and writing out the assessment. I set a time reading my university lecture notes. I have to type my assessment. I have to do other assignments. One thing for sure is, if I don’t enjoy this process, I will eventually get frustrated and eventually break down. But what has been helping me is setting specific time for each task and not just any time but at the time I know I would flow with it with all my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are the most new ideas or concepts you learned from this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I have said that the contents in this book is a reminder of some other books like Success through pma, Seeds of greatness, etc. But there is a concept that Keith really explained brilliantly. The concept of Help under LAMP process step 2: Act.<\/span><\/p>\n

He says that our greatest resource is other people. Whatever effort we make on our own, we can multiply by enlisting the effort of other people. This part was really helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book was able to challenge my thinking in some ways. The concept of persistence really challenged my thinking. Also, the myth of self-discipline. Keith says that success flows from passion – doing what you love and this makes you to fall in love with its process. Keith says that the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the gift of enjoying today.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in this book that you totally disagree with? If so , why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

NO!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful in this book and least helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I find the concepts of help, flexibility, connection, persistence, very helpful in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the book is trying to convey.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Keith Ellis is trying to convey to us the secret of cause and effect. There are things to do for you to get what you want. He calls them goals. Keith is trying to convey to us those important things to do in order to joyfully achieve what we want.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS.<\/span><\/strong>
\n A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giant Steps<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As I picked this book from my wardrobe to read, a friend of my said to me; \u201cLawrence this book is too voluminous\u201d For Africans, it is not in the culture of Africans to read books talk less of voluminous books like Anthony Robbins’ books. But I make bold to say that I have personally broken that culture. I have grown pass that.<\/span><\/p>\n

I read Awaken the Giant Within by the same author in my level one studies and it was a never-to-be-forgotten experience for me. That book tells me that within, there is a giant longing to be awakened. It surely gives me a guide to awakening it. At this level of my life, I make bold to say that it has not fully awakened, but it is awakening daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this book, Giant Steps, is a reminder of what he writes in Awaken the Giant Within.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dreams of destiny\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

Carl Sandburg was right when he said nothing happens unless first a dream. I regard dream as the inner picture of our journeys in life. The height of our dreams determines the height of our achievement. We shall always manifest what ever inner picture we have of ourselves. We all have dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is true that the decisions we make determine the attainment of our dreams. There are no excuses. Dreams are invisible. When we turn these dreams into manifestation it becomes our destiny. Dreams are the endless desires that we have. Anthony advises us to define our dreams precisely so that we can manifest them. He says that the only limit to what you can achieve is the extent of your ability to define with precision that which you desire.<\/span>
\n Goals also help us to achieve our dreams. \u201cGoals have great effect on our lives\u201d says Anthony. He says we should set goals that are exciting enough that they truly inspire our creativity and ignite our passion. We all need to choose our goals consciously. Also, Anthony says we must be committed to our goals in order to achieve them.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have read so much on dreams and what gives meanings to dreams in order to create a worthwhile destiny is will to win. \u201cThe will to win- the will to succeed, to shape one’s life, what you want and believe that no challenges, no problem, no obstacle can keep you from it\u201d says Anthony.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Get what you really want\u2026\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

To get what we really want in life we must discover what is preventing us from taking action. Most of us truly know what we want. Most of us set goals. Most of us have giant wishes. How do we get all our wishes? How do we create a fulfilling life with our wants? How do we manifest our wishes? Anthony gives us the answer in this part of the book: \u201cto get what we want, we must discover what’s preventing us from taking action.\u201d<\/span>
\n The author explains a concept in this part that really touched me and used to occur in my life\u2026 \u201cMixed emotions\u201d He says that mixed emotions are behind most patterns of self-sabotage, and they certainly limit the level of enjoyment and success one can experience in life. I always think of creating wealth and making a bit of money. But sometimes I feel this is not necessary in some ways despite my ingenuity and intelligence to figure out how to accomplish this. Dear reader, let’s discharge mixed emotions once. I remember what Napoleon hill says in success through pma. He says that whatsoever our goals are, we can achieve if it won’t harm our fellows and God. This is enough doses to heal mixed emotions. Mixed emotions can slow down destiny. It makes you take to steps forward and one step back.<\/span><\/p>\n

The power to create \/ The power to destroy<\/span><\/p>\n

Although I have read and learnt a great deal of the power to create and destroy—–belief, but I still find it important because belief is everything and everything is belief. Our mind makes us feel good, feel bad, rich, poor, happy, sad, name it, everything. It is important to take note of what Anthony says \u201cit is the force that determines what we try or fail to try to accomplish in our lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions are the answers<\/span><\/p>\n

A common difference between people who are successful and those who are not is questions that they ask. Anthony says that successful people are those who have asked better questions and as a result, got better answers. I don’t fail to ask questions every time I need to ask one. Recently, I asked a college friend of mine his plans after university. I was glad I asked this question because his answer helped me in adjusting my own plans. I agree that quality questions create a quality life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The words we speak<\/span><\/p>\n

The words we speak are spirit. They seem to happen in the short run or in the long run when we speak them. When I first read about the power of our words in Awaken the giant within, I went on a personal mission not to speak negatively, regardless of what circumstances. Was it a student on iigl that said; \u201cthe words we speak make the world we see\u201d or someone not on iigl? This is really true. It is obvious in Africa. We speak negatively at all times. Even in the midst of pleasures. Our words have the power to start wars or create peace, destroy relationships or strengthen them. I can not forget the great impact the book \u201cNonviolent communication\u201d had on me. Creating a world of peace begins with our words and creating a world of wars begins with the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Values and rules<\/span><\/p>\n

It is very important for each of us to develop his own values and rules that he lives by or with. We should, if we want the greatest fulfillment, decide what we desire most in life, what our highest values are, then commit ourselves to living by our decision every single day. Life is sweet for those who can make decisions and be committed to doing them. But life may seem frustrating to those who can’t and can, but who can’t act on them. Anthony says that there is undeniable strength in individuals who congruently lead lives in which their philosophies and actions are one. He is saying that we should let our actions correspond with our philosophies or decisions or values or rules. In this changing world, if you don’t have your own values, you are probably going to be led by other people’s values. It may be unfavorable to you. If you don’t have rules for yourself, other people will rule you.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think it is important to share this. I used to fornicate before I became a student of iigl. There were times in the past that I made a rule never to fornicate or have sex till I marry. It was futile. I did not act on my decision maybe because I did not make it myself. The decision was always compelled by AIDS campaign, or pastors’ judgements. However, when I became a student in iigl, I learnt that if you don’t know what you want for your one complete and dear life, abuse is inevitable. That was in January 2005. Till date I have not fornicated. We all need to set values for our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas or concept in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values, etc?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Nobody can live a fulfilled life without having a connection with people. We all need to share our successes and failures with people. We all need to share gains and toils together. Humanly speaking, it is impossible for one to survive without relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, our beliefs determine everything about our lives. We react to things because of our beliefs. We act in away because of our beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, I met a man, who happens to be a security guard in my school. I attend a Christian university that has spirituality as its #1 core value. This man’s philosophy is not congruent with the job he does. He pitifully told me that his not happy with what he does. The ethics of his job as regards to my school do not permit him to associate with students. He is told, as a security guard, never to associate with students so that he will be able to handle them strictly when they misbehave. He is not happy at all. He did not set rules and values for himself and so his being led by other’s rules and values and depriving him of his joy. This man is acting against his personal values in order to keep his job. The first concept I learned in this book is dreams of destiny. We need to determine at a early stage in our lives how we shall lead our lives and this will help to lead a one complete life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Truly, the ideas in this book can be related to every area of one’s life. We all need to make decisions in order to attain our destinies. Every change in our lives begins with a vision or a dream and a decision to take action.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book is just a reminder of what I read in the author’s \u201cAwaken the giant within\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book is a reminder of Awaken the giant within. Reading it again in another format has re-challenged me and gets me refocused on my values. One thing is, it will always re-challenge me everyday because it’s a daily reading book.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in this book that you totally disagree with?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

NO!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Every idea in this book is very important. But I can say that what makes all the ideas meaningful in one’s life is the decision one makes to utilize the ideas. Every accomplishment begins with decision. Therefore, the first part of this book – \u201cdreams of destiny – decisions and goal setting\u201d is most important.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Robbins has taken his time to give us what can make our lives meaningful to ourselves, others, and our environment. He says:<\/span>
\n o make decisions and set goals<\/span>
\n o beliefs determine what you create or destroy<\/span>
\n o questions can give your answers to your destiny<\/span>
\n o your vocabulary matters<\/span>
\n o master your emotions<\/span>
\n o know your values and rules<\/span>
\n o you need identity and references<\/span>
\n o You should contribute to life.<\/span>
\n o<\/span><\/p>\n

A poem for you<\/span>
\n This poem buttresses the last part of this book – contribution. What gives meaning or value to what we do or achieve in life is nothing but the love to contribute to blessing others as we are blessed ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

What next<\/span>
\n What’s next after next?<\/span>
\n After next what’s next?<\/span><\/p>\n

I wrote this poem under a shady tree in the cool of the day. People were going and coming. I sensed they were all having different thoughts on their minds. Some were returning from work, school,\u2026\u2026., some were resuming work, and different places\u2026\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

I did not quickly realize the time I said \u201cwhat’s next?\u201d People resuming work would soon return home, people returning from work would soon resume\u2026. All these are rituals of life. They seem not to stop until we move out of this wonderful world. Funnily enough, I did not realize the efficacy of this poem until I read it over again. I first thought I was just playing with words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should we really care about what next after next? Knowing that something would always come after something? So does what next really matter? But there is always a thing that gives meaning to every next stage or thing in our lives. So what matters most is that thing that gives value or meaning to the next thing or stage or level\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

And that evening, I concluded with this before I went into my dorm \u201c what’s next does not really matter but what gives meaning to the next phase or things in our life\u2026.contributing to life with love<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unlimited Power<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A. Lawrence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Anthony started this book with what he calls \u201cThe commodity of kings.\u201d In this part, he made reference to those he regarded to as being successful, including himself, Steve Jobs, Ted Turner, e.t.c. The commodity of kings is what makes a person to produce the results he wants in his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

I was eager to discover what this commodity of king was. I learnt that it is power.<\/span>
\n According to the author, power is the ability to produce the results you desire most and create value for others in the process. Power is the ability to change your life, to shape your perception, to make things work for you and not against you. It is the ability to define human needs and to fulfill them \u2013 both your needs and the needs of others. One of the largest sources of power is derived from specialized knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

The difference that makes the difference is another important idea In this book. I used to wonder what makes the big difference in some excellent people\u2019s lives. Were they born excellent? Were they born rich? Were successful people born with luck charm? Anthony Robbins answers this question in this book. I was fascinated by those that epitomized this idea. People like W. Mitchel, who had a terrible motor cycle accident and never gave up on his interest and commitment, Nelson Mandela, despite his prison terms, he didn\u2019t give up on his aspirations, John Foppe, despite his physical challenge , he did not have that as an excuse to live an unsuccessful life, Pete Strudwick, who was born with no hands and feet. And so many of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anthony asks us; what is the difference between the haves and the have-nots? What is the difference between the cans and the can-nots? What is the difference between the dos and the do-nots? Why do some people overcome horrible, unimaginable adversity and make their lives a triumph, while others, in spite of every advantage, turn their lives into a disaster? Why do some people take any experience and make it work for them, while others take any experience and make it work against them? What is the difference that makes the difference in the quality of life?<\/span><\/p>\n

To answer these questions, Anthony says that the difference all comes down to the way in which we communicate with ourselves and the actions we take. He also explains that people who succeed do not have fewer problems that those who fail. The only people without problems are those in the cemeteries. It is not what \u201chappens\u201d that make the difference but what we do with what happens.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the difference between those who succeed and those who fail isn\u2019t what they have \u2013 it\u2019s what they choose to see and do with their resources and their experience of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the author also explains what \u201cmodeling\u201d is. It is not a new term to me but I never knew it this way. He says that modeling is the pathway to excellence. It means that if I see anyone in this world producing a result I desire, I can produce the same result if I\u2019m willing to pay the price of time and effort. This is an excellent truth. I model \u201cLOC\u201d idea after a social entrepreneur. What LOC does and plans to do is been done by another person in another community. I only read about what others do to lift and enhance their community and I began to do the same using their principles.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is a fantastic and helpful idea I tapped and keyed into in this book; it says; \u201cNo matter how grim your world is, if you can read about the accomplishments of others, you can create the beliefs that will allow you to succeed\u201d This is a big truth. If you want to be a successful medical doctor, read and study the lives of the successful doctors. This is the best way to acquire knowledge. Knowlegde is one of the great ways to break ignorance and the shackles of a limiting environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, the author gives us the seven lies of success. The world we live in is the world we choose to live in, whether consciously or unconsciously. If we choose bliss, that\u2019s what we get. If we choose misery, we get that, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 1 says that everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it serves us. This belief reminds me of a very successful Nigerian gospel artist, Yinka Ayefele. He had an accident that leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Funnily enough, he was never successful as a musician before his accident. Only few Nigerians knew him. No sooner after his accident than he began to accumulate fame and become very successful in his career. What was the central belief that helped him to overcome adversity? He decided to take what happened to him and make it work for him in whatever way he could. No matter how much negative feedback we get from our environment, we should think in terms of possibilities. We should think that everything happens for a reason, and it serves us. So let us look for the reason and maximize it. I remember Micheal Lightweaver saying he was sacked from his work. Was it not after that that he started IIGL that is transforming lives today? Every adversity, every success, every occurrence in our lives says something or means something.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 2 says that \u201cThere is no such thing as failure. There are only results.\u201d You say this to an Nigerian man, you instantly become his enemy. In Nigeria, we blame people and environment for our failures or inability to act. We believe there are witches and wizards that distort our success. And you know what? This belief makes it happen. Our parents have programmed our minds to think that way. Even our pastors. They tell us to pray against evil people and spirit. We believe if we fail in an endeavour, some evil forces must be behind it. We believe that those that fail are either not loved by God or hated by evil spirits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 3 says \u201cWhatever happens, take responsibility.\u201d<\/span>
\n People that succeed operate from the belief that they create their world. They take responsibility for all that happens, whether good or bad. They don\u2019t shift blame. Shifting blames in Nigeria is a syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 4 says \u201cit\u2019s not necessary to understand everything to be able to use everything.\u201d<\/span>
\n This means that we should make use of useful belief. Many successful people don\u2019t believe they have to know everything about something in order to use it. It means using what\u2019s essential without feeling a need to get bogged down in every detail of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 5 says \u201cPeople are your greatest resource.\u201d<\/span>
\n We all need people in everything we want to achieve. I wonder how I would have been able to type my assessment if I was not in rapport with my friend that has a computer system. We must constantly appreciate the efforts and ideas of people that work towards the achievement of our goals. According to the author, there is no long-lasting success without rapport among people, that the way to succeed is to form a successful team that\u2019s working together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 6 says that \u201cwork is play.\u201d It is always advisable for us to do what we love. We should listen to our heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belief 7 says \u201cthere is no abiding success without commitment.\u201d<\/span>
\n Individuals who succeed have a belief in the power of commitment. There is no great success without great commitment. The successful people in any field are not necessary the best, brightest and the strongest. They are the ones with the most commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Those are the 7 lies of success. The word \u201clie\u201d here does not mean to be deceitful or dishonest, but rather is a useful way to remind us that no matter how much we believe in a concept, we should be open to other possibilities and continuous learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there are strategies for producing anything in life. The author calls it syntax of success \u2013 the way we order the actions. He says this can make a huge difference in the kind of results we produce. It is our strategy, that is , how we use those resources we have, that determines the result we produce. Strategies make us to get what we want in an easier way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having shared with us (the author) what he believes are the tools of ultimate power, how to produce results and how to model their actions so that we can produce similar results, how to know how to achieve whatever we want and how to help others achieve what they want, the author now asks us a question, what do we want? What do the people we love and care about want? If we don\u2019t know what we want, having tools is of no use. In life, every one must know what he or she wants.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values, etc? Explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No sooner I formed \u201cLifting Our Community\u201d, for short, LOC, and began to implement our congruent plans than some of my friends began to meet me and ask me; \u201cLawrence, how did you do it? Do you know I had great ideas for my own community but I didn\u2019t just know how to start? Lawrence, how did you get start?\u201d Hearing and seeing what LOC has begun to do made them ask these questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

In my life, I have realized that a person that has passion to do a thing should not care what length it takes him to get it done. So many people want to do a thing, they have passion, they have aspirations. But they lack \u201cone thing.\u201d They lack \u201cpower.\u201d Anthony Robbins, in this book, gives us a very succinct meaning of power. He says that \u201cpower\u201d is \u201dthe ability to act.\u201d To further explain it, it is the ability to go for what will make life better for you and others. It is the ability to produce results. It is the ability to change your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

When I knew I needed to change my life, I began to communicate with my sacred self. That\u2019s power. I began to meet people that would help me to actualize this change. I met with people that were living the kind of life I wanted. During this process, I met with Muyiwa Fadugba, who told me about IIGL. I was never a reader. I began to read books when I became IIGL student. That\u2019s power. Ability to go for what you want. I wanted a changed life and off I went for it. And I still go for it every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are the most important new ideas or concept you learned from this book? Explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

From this book, I have learnt that there are no limits to what I can do. My key is power of modeling. Excellence can be duplicated. If other people can do something, all I need to do is model them with precision and I can do exactly the same thing.<\/span>
\n How do I model? First, I must realize that all results are produced by some specific set of actions. Every effect has a cause. If I can exactly reproduce someone\u2019s actions-both internal and external – then I can, too produce the same final result.<\/span>
\n I have learnt about the power of being in a resourceful state, and I have learnt how to adjust my physiology and my internal representations so they serve me, enable me, embolden me to achieve my desires.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so, explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Anthony Robbins books always challenge me. But one major problem it has with majority of those that read in Nigeria is the hefty volume of his books. The story of his life written at the beginning of this book challenges me a lot. How he was able to achieve success in a younger age even without college degree. It\u2019s amazing.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? Why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Every idea, principle and suggestion in this book is vital to those that will like to achieve great success. This book has talked about, how to find what we really want, 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, how to create wealth and happiness. All the principles are vital.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book is trying to convey how to get power to achieve what we want.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATING.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Life is in stages. As I move into another level in my IIGL studies, I look forward to experiencing a greater time. I have realized that something is pushing me forward. I know, in my life time, I shall be a role model in spheres of leadership, success, wealth, change for all African youth. My level two was indeed a wonderful experience. I was highly personally empowered.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Full Steam Ahead!<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A Lawrence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/span><\/strong>
\n I have been reading books on ‘vision’ ‘Full Steam Ahead!’ is another fantastic book that explains the concept – vision in a way I had never had or read it. The teachings and lessons in this book are revealed through the inspirational story of two people who were able to create a vision for the place they worked and for their own lives. This book reveals that there is a place called best and forward. Jim Carpenter, president of a mid-sized insurance agency, didn’t get the ‘vision thing.’ The agency was performing well, but the president [Jim] had a strong feeling that things could be much better. Ellie Atkins, who initially worked in the accounting department, opened a fresh perspective from her hunger search for fresh ideas and information. Jim and Ellie discover the three elements of a compelling vision: Significant Purpose, Clear Values, and a Picture of the future. They also discover, from their habitual early hours’ meetings, how to ensure that vision comes alive through understanding the principles of: how vision is created, how vision is communicated and how vision is lived.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ken and Jesse have made the lessons in this book simple, practical and powerful. They demonstrate that vision is not only necessary, but also possible and achievable.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. What Ideas were personally most important to you in this book? Do not simply list the ideas, but explain or discuss why they were important to you, using personal examples.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The ideas that were personally most important to me in this book are:<\/span><\/p>\n

The ‘Vision Thing’<\/span>
\n For leadership, systems, institutions, people, even, nations to succeed the ‘vision thing’ must be critically analyzed and spelt out. The ‘vision thing’ is not a new concept. It does not only apply to organizations or management, it applies to our personal lives and nations.<\/span><\/p>\n

I recall studying this concept in the bible sometimes ago. Habakkuk, who was a prophet in his time, advised the people to \u201cwrite the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it because it will surely come, it will not tarry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When you have a vision [for your life or organization] you are fully empowered, knowing where you are going, and moving ahead full force. I have understood that if your vision is not clear to you, you can’t really be clear about what your life is all about. Vision clearly spells out ‘where am I going?’ Vision is the picture of one’s, an organization, and even a nation’s future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Significant Purpose<\/span>
\n Full Steam Ahead! teaches us that purpose is one of the elements of a compelling vision. \u201cBy Purpose\u201d the book says, \u201cit means understanding what we are here for, why we exist. It means understanding what business we are really in so that we all can focus our efforts in support of that purpose.\u201d I think this explains what purpose really is. The authors make good examples that interestingly back up their explanations. A good example is the ‘mattress business’. \u201cWhy would a person buy a mattress?\u201d the authors ask. \u201cFor a good night’s rest.\u201d They also ask why people would like to buy insurance? They say that people who buy insurance want peace of mind for the future. That’s true. They want financial security for possible worst case scenarios such as illness, accidents, or death. The purpose of a business or organization is not the products or services it renders or sells. Its purpose is why it exists. It means understanding what business a business is really in.<\/span><\/p>\n

More so, this part of the book – significant purpose- says that purpose answers the question \u201cwhy?\u201d rather than just explaining what we do. It clarifies- from your customers’ view point- what business you are really in. The authors also say that great organizations have a deep and noble sense of purpose – a significant purpose- that inspires excitement and commitment. This is true!<\/span><\/p>\n

Clear Values<\/span>
\n It will be impossible for a business, ministry, and an organization to go full steam ahead without clear values. A vision can be choked up if proper core values are not put in place to guide its process of pursuit. Leadership is about going somewhere. That somewhere is the vision. To get there you need core values that serve as guiding principles. Our world is changing. If core values are not put in place, the wind of change might sweep the vision away; such an organization or business might begin to operate outside its vision. Once core values are put in place, no matter how strong external changes are, values allow organization to make internal adjustment without deviating from its vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clear values are a missing link in most, not just businesses, also relationships. In my level two studies. Anthony Robbins deeply explained the hierarchies of values. Values tell what we move toward and what we move away from. On a deeper level, the authors define values: \u201cvalues are deeply held beliefs that certain qualities are desirable. They define what is right or fundamentally important to each of us. They provide guidelines for our choices and actions.\u201d The authors say purpose is important because it explains \u201cwhy\u201d, and values are also important because they explain \u201chow\u201d. They answer the question \u201cHow will you behave on a day-by-day basis as you fulfill your purpose?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Picture of the future<\/span>
\n So far in this book, I have learnt that: Purpose explains ‘why’ you exist, Values explain ‘how’ you act as you pursue your purpose and I know that significant purpose and clear values energize and mobilize people.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, purpose and values don’t explain where one is going. Vision is about going somewhere. So, there needs to be a sense of destination or direction. Picture of the future is the sense of destination. It is not enough to have a purpose and set of values. Picture of the future gives one the picture of the end result of the purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

The picture of the future is the mental picture of the end result. To illustrate this concept the authors give an instance of CNN. They say CNN’s vision was to be \u201cviewed by every nation on the planet, in English, and in the language of that region.\u201d This certainly, say the authors, was a clear picture of the end result – it was a picture of something happening in the future. Also, like Steve Jobs’s vision of a computer on every desk. It was a clear picture. A picture of the future is a key element of the vision. And the authors agree that the power of the picture works when you focus on what you want to create, not what you want to get rid of. This is true! It works for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blurry Vision<\/span>
\n One could possibly have fulfillment in a part of his life and be unfulfilled in other parts. Blurry vision was distinctively and inspirationally explained by the story of Ellie who was getting a fulfillment from her work and she cared less for her children because there was no family vision. Her children were not too happy with her. She didn’t even know much about their daily affairs. She left home early leaving them to take care of themselves for school. Things were not really going well for the children. Until she created a family vision with the children, there was no fulfillment and peace in the family. She created a family vision with her children – significant purpose, clear values, and pictures of what they wanted to become, what it looks like when their purpose and values are been fulfilled. And because it was a shared vision, she {Ellie} knew they were all on the same boat together, able to move full steam ahead. What a relief for Ellie and the disturbed and neglected children.<\/span><\/p>\n

This part of the book, Blurry Vision, reminds me of Jim’s story in page 13 of the book about an expert in time management that was speaking to a group. The story goes like this: one day an expert in time management was speaking to a group. He pulled out a one gallon, wide-mouthed jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, \u201cIs this jar full?\u201d Everyone said \u201cyes.\u201d<\/span>
\n He then reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into spaces between the rocks. He then asked the group once more, \u201cIs the jar full?\u201d<\/span>
\n But this time some of the group was not so sure. \u201cGood,\u201d he said as he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand and dumped it in the jar. Once more he asked the question, \u201cIs the jar full?\u201d<\/span>
\n No one answered. He then grabbed a pitcher of water and poured it in until the jar was filled to the brim. He looked at the class and asked, \u201cWhat is the point of this illustration?\u201d One bright young man said, \u201cThe point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you really think about it, you can always fit more things in it.\u201d<\/span>
\n \u201cNo,\u201d the speaker replied with a smile. \u201cThat’s not the point. That’s what most people think. The truth this illustration teaches is that if you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This story says it all. Doing the first things first and making the top priority the top priority gives room for other things. Life is to be enjoyed not to be enslaved by it. We enjoy life better when we know what we truly want.<\/span><\/p>\n

You Can’t Get to the Future without Being Present<\/span>
\n In this part of the book I learnt that we should \u201clearn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present. In other words; live your vision now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values, etc? Please use personal examples in your explanation.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In this book, I have learnt about:<\/span><\/p>\n

VISION<\/span>
\n Vision is defined here as knowing who you are, where you are going, and what will guide your journey. There are three key elements in this definition: significant purpose, clear values and a picture of the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, relating this concept to the community development organization I belong – L.O.C. recently, this organization was faced with some challenges. Members were leaving, misconceptions about the organization among members, lack of commitment to the pursuit of vision and even unclear vision to members. I recall some weeks ago that I called for executives meeting only few of them turned up. During the general meeting, angrily and being the president, I dissolved the executives. This caused an unrest and embarrassment amongst executives and members. I remember informing the members that same day to come for another general meeting the following week if they were truly committed to the \u201cunclear vision\u201d of the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a whole week before the next I was not really myself. No one truly wishes to fail as a leader. But there is a clear difference between a positional and visionary leader. This was when I realized the category I belonged. This challenge prodded me to go back to the basics.<\/span>
\n As I read this truth revealing book I discovered the problems our organizations was facing.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. LOC did not begin with a clear vision<\/span>
\n 2. There was no major pilot. All members were. This was a big challenge.<\/span>
\n 3. I was the only one that had a picture of the future for LOC.<\/span>
\n 4. Members had a misconception about the leadership of LOC. Was Lawrence {me} the leader and founder of LOC or all of us?<\/span>
\n 5. Members wanted to know if LOC was an Association or Organization.<\/span>
\n 6. There were no stated values or guiding principles. Lack of these really caused a lot of arguments about some issues.<\/span>
\n 7. \u201cBeing students in the same school and residing in the same community {Ondo – State}, let us spend our holidays wisely and productively by pooling our resources together to reach out to the less privileged people in Aged Homes, Motherless babies homes, Juvenile Homes, Prisons, Orphanage etc.\u201d That was how we began. Was that a significant purpose or vision?<\/span>
\n 8. Some members believed I owned the vision because I was instrumental to the formation. The proud members could not take this.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, I got this book and studied it at a serious time of need and it revealed all of these challenges to me about our organization. Now, with the insight I got from reading this book, LOC is going through a gradual restructuring and refocusing. Last week we had a new set of executives and we spent over 3 hours solving these problems with the spirit unity and togetherness. We’ve got a clear vision statement and mission even a unique set of values.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Although I have read some of the elements in this book in some books in levels one and two, this particular book explains them clearly and how to apply them to all aspects of one’s life – family, business, community etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most important new ideas or concepts I learnt are about turning vision into reality. I learnt this in a new way.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Vision is created<\/span>
\n The job of the leader is to help articulate the vision, to champion the vision, but not to own the vision. Everyone in the company must own the vision. The process of creating the vision is as important as what the vision says.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Vision is communicated<\/span>
\n Visioning is an ongoing process; you need to keep talking about it. It is not a static process. Communication of the vision was one of his most important jobs as a leader.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Vision is lived<\/span>
\n Always focus on your vision. Always have courage of commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so, explain how.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

IIGL books always challenge me. They always damage some ignorance in me. This book – Full Steam Ahead! has really challenged, once more, my thinking about vision and how it helps to unleash my power and potentials for success in life. It has indeed challenged me to go Full Steam Ahead!<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

What I have found most helpful in this book is its inspirational words that inspire me into greatness.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. In 50 words, or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book conveys the elements that help one or an organization that wants to really grow in life and in this ever changing world to get back to the basics – knowing who you are, where you are going, and what will guide your journey. This book really explains the basics!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following question on a sense from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Full Steam Ahead! helps you to experience joy in all aspects of your life – work, family and community.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What ideas were personally important to you in this book, do not simply list the ideas but discuss why they were important to you, using personal examples.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

All the ideas in this book were important to me. This is the first time I am reading a book strictly written for public speaking in IIGL. Actually, no sooner I became a student of IIGL than I began to speak to more groups. I became more conscious and serious in this regards.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 1<\/span>
\n The Day 1 in this book – Getting Started – Overcoming Your Fears gives me tips on how to improve my Public Speaking skills in every area of my life. It also teaches me quick tricks about ways to introduce myself to an audience.<\/span>
\n A major helpful part in this Day is the Top Ten List: Tips to help one overcome speaking anxiety. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get ready: here he gives the nine P’s: Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance of the Person Putting on the Presentation<\/span>
\n 2. Think on the bright side<\/span>
\n 3. Be aware of your speaking environment<\/span>
\n 4. Know your listeners<\/span>
\n 5. Warm up<\/span>
\n 6. Realize people want you to succeed<\/span>
\n 7. Don’t apologize for being nervous<\/span>
\n 8. Concentrate on your message<\/span>
\n 9. Control jitters constructively<\/span>
\n 10. Gain experience<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 2<\/span>
\n The author elaborately expresses in Day 2 how to create a great presentation. The author makes me understand that the most important skill when preparing a presentation is developing speech content. In this chapter, [Day 2] Lenny Laskowski, the author, gives a five-step approach for devising materials for speech or presentation. Also, he explains the proper structure of a speech – the introduction, body, and conclusion – and hints for eliminating the visual and verbal clutter in one’s speeches.<\/span>
\n The five-step approaches to developing speech content are:<\/span>
\n 1. Gather all the information possible on the subject.<\/span>
\n 2. Analyze the information you have grouped or categorized to determine what information you want.<\/span>
\n 3. Organize the information you want to present in coherent sequence.<\/span>
\n 4. Prioritize the most important points in your speech.<\/span>
\n 5. Fine-tune the organization of your presentation content.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 3<\/span>
\n This chapter focuses on relating to the audience. It teaches on steps to analyze the audience and the importance of preprogram and customized surveys to tailor one’s presentation to meet the audience’s needs. The day also includes a Top Ten List of tips and secrets to keep one’s audience awake and energized during one’s presentations. The author teaches in this chapter five types of speeches, from informative to impromptu.<\/span>
\n This chapter was very important to me because it deeply explains how best to relate with the audience. The preprogram survey or questionnaire was not a bad idea. It needs to be done by every speaker especially those invited to speak to audience from a different culture or country.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 4<\/span>
\n This chapter teaches the four most common methods for remembering speech and presentation materials and the pros and cons for each. These four techniques are:<\/span>
\n 1. Memorizing<\/span>
\n 2. Reading from complete text<\/span>
\n 3. Using notes<\/span>
\n 4. Using visual aids<\/span>
\n Day 4 ends with how a speaker’s speech or presentation location can interfere with or enhance his or her performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 5<\/span>
\n The teachings of Day 5 focus on gestures and the role they play in your presentations. Also, I learnt five tips about facial expressions and why they are an important part of effective communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 6<\/span>
\n This is really an interesting chapter. It focuses on the language and ethics behind speech giving, including guidelines for proper attribution of statistics, research results and quotes. In this chapter, I learnt some excerpts from the top ten influential and memorable speeches in history. I also learnt ten ways to incorporate humor in any presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 7<\/span>
\n This chapter teaches tips and secrets that professional speakers, trainers, and entertainers use when the unexpected occurs – from room changes to equipment failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 8<\/span>
\n This chapter discusses a variety of special techniques to help a speaker develop and improve his\/her speaking skills. Day 8 also gives an in-depth review process of developing oneself as a way to critique his\/her speech before the big day.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 9<\/span>
\n The focus of Day 9 is how a speaker can psych him\/herself up for the big moment. The chapter is sprinkled with tips and strategies to show a speaker how to become his\/her own best coach.<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 10<\/span>
\n This chapter shows a speaker how to end his\/her speech or presentation with a memorable conclusion using five methods. These are:<\/span>
\n 1. Verbally list your points<\/span>
\n 2. Summarize your points<\/span>
\n 3. Tie it together<\/span>
\n 4. Refer to your purpose<\/span>
\n 5. Close with a quote<\/span>
\n Also, this chapter uniquely introduces a speaker to the most effective way to handle the question and answer period following a special speech or presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values, etc? Please use personal examples in your explanation.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Recently, in one of the states in Nigeria where we had gone to hold an event that commemorated the Nigeria’s Independence Day Anniversary I was informed to give an impromptu 5 minutes speech. The audience was over 20 secondary school principals. No sooner I was given this chance than I remember this book and all it teaches me. This experience happened at a time I was reading and reviewing this book. In fact, I was actually traveling with the book at the time. Did I fumble at my presentation? Was I able to make a meaningful presentation within the allotted time? I really maximized the opportunity to practice what this book teaches me, especially about impromptu speeches or presentation. I was able to drive home my points. I was able to convince the principals while their students should participate in our program. If such a moment or opportunity comes again, I bet I would do better. No one ever became a successful or professional public speaker in a day. It required practice, practice, practice! Public Speaking begins with communicating with that little boy in your neighbourhood to your boss at work and to a 500 audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are most new ideas concepts you learned from this book? Please explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

One major way I have learnt Public Speaking in the past was to observe public speakers speak on TV, in church, seminars, workshops or tapes. I was always, still do, amazed or carried away about how they related to their audiences. They would always speak to the needs and desires of their audiences. And this always leaves me wondering \u201cHow could they know much about us – the audience?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As I read this book I discovered how they had always done this. I discovered a new concept in Day 3 – Audience Analysis. Before a speaker goes to speak to a audience on any topic, he does preprogram survey. The preprogram survey provides general information about an audience. The survey gives you a start on your audience analysis and may even help you pick your topic or angle for your speech. According to the author, the survey is designed to help you prepare the best presentation possible for your audience. The responses from your survey give you a better idea what to expect from your audience and what challenges you have planning your presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so, explain how.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, this book has really been a challenge to my thinking and attitude towards public speaking. The author really makes me to understand that the key to being a successful public is to properly know your audience before you speak to them and it also requires more practice practice and practice to be a professional. This is really a challenge!<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so, why?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

NO!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Information or knowledge is always helpful. This book is highly informative on the subject matter. However, every single page is most helpful to me and worth re-reviewing. This book is worth reading by every person that aims to speak effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book, written by Lenny Laskowski, tries to convey ideas or tools that a person – whether business man, student or politician, even children or parents – need to become a relaxed, effective, and commanding public speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawerence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What ideas were personally important to you in this book, do not simply list the ideas but explain or discuss why they were important to you, using personal examples.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

All the ideas in this book are really important. This was the first SEAN COVEY’S book I was reading. I must confess he carries the same spirit with his father, Stephen R. Covey. The ideas they both share in their books carry the similar simplicity and motivation. Sometime ago I read a book written by his father titled: ‘The Principle-Centered Leadership’. That book drives home what authentic leadership is all about. I really appreciated those moments I spent with the book. The book was sent to me from my mentor, Ma Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n

The part 1 – The Set-up in this book (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens) begins with \u201cGet in the Habit\u201d. This part is greatly important to me. The best way we can work on our lives is to work on our habits. It is true we first make our habits, and then our habits make us. They make us or break us. If we want to excel in life our habits must be excellent. I once had some unpleasant habits in my life. Until I realized they can’t help me live the kind of life I aimed for me I had to drop them. It wasn’t easy though. I learnt that the dropping some negative habits required a great deal of discipline.<\/span><\/p>\n

SEAN describes habits as things we do repeatedly. They can be good or positive e.g showing respect for others, being disciplined about so many things, planning ahead, etc and habits can be bad or negative e.g. thinking negatively, lacking self discipline, blaming others etc. It is helpful to know that we become what we do. Thank God we can swap a bad habit for a good one. Like I shared from experience, it’s not always easy, but it is possible. I still have some unpleasant habits I am working on changing for pleasant ones. It requires discipline.<\/span><\/p>\n

SEAN gives us the 7 Habits that can help us lead a happy and fulfilled life. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 1 – Be Proactive<\/span>
\n Habit 2 – Begin with the End in Mind<\/span>
\n Habit 3 – Put First Things First<\/span>
\n Habit 4 – Think Win-Win<\/span>
\n Habit 5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood<\/span>
\n Habit 6 – Synergize<\/span>
\n Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw<\/span><\/p>\n

Just before I briefly explain or discuss these habits, there is part of this book that really motivates me beyond this moment. It is the story SEAN illustrates with Paradigms of Self; the story about the son of King Louis xvi of France. The story goes thus (quoting it as SEAN does)<\/span>
\n King Louis had been taken from his throne and imprisoned. His young son, the prince, was taken by those who dethroned the king. They thought that inasmuch as the king’s son was heir to the throne, if they could destroy him morally, he would never realize the great and grand destiny that life had bestowed upon him.<\/span><\/p>\n

They took him to a community far away, and there they exposed the lad to every filthy and vile thing that life could offer. They exposed him to foods the richness of which would quickly make him a slave to appetite. They used vile language around him constantly. They exposed him to lewd and lusting women. They exposed him to dishonor and distrust. He was surrounded twenty-four hours a day by everything that could drag the soul of a man as low as one could slip. For over six months he had this treatment – but not once did the young lad buckle under pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, after intensive temptation, they questioned him. Why had he not submitted himself to these things – why had he not partaken? These things would provide pleasure, satisfy his lusts, and were desirable; they were all his. The boy said, \u201cI cannot do what you ask for I was born to be a king.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I really love this story. I can’t wait to share it with the kids here! The story epitomizes a great and positive belief about oneself. Once one knows who he truly his and what his capable of achieving, such person can never settle for less; even in the midst of turbulence or external challenges. As SEAN puts it ‘Prince Louis held that paradigm of himself so tightly that nothing could shake him.’ That’s heart-lifting! That’s beautiful and wonderful! This is what we truly need to emulate at every time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 1 – Be Proactive<\/span>
\n This means taking responsibility for everything in one’s life. I learnt from this part that there are two types of people in this world – the Proactive and the Reactive – those who take responsibility for their lives and those who blame; those who make it happen and those who get happened to. When one is Proactive, one becomes a force and captain of his life. He can choose his attitude. His responsible for his happiness or unhappiness. His in the driver’s seat of his destiny, not just a passenger. Being Proactive or Reactive, the choice is ours. A proactive person recognizes he can’t control everything that happens to him, but he can control what he does with it. He makes choices based on values. He thinks before he acts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 2 – Begin with the End in Mind<\/span>
\n This habit is quite wonderful! SEAN uses a very good and applicable example to explain what it means to Begin with the End in Mind. Let me rewrite it here: ‘You’ve just been asked to put together a jigsaw puzzle. Having done many such puzzles before, you’re excited to get started. You pour out all 1000 pieces, spreading them out across a large table. You then pick up the lid to the box to look at what you’re putting together. But there’s no picture! It’s blank! How will you ever be able to finish the puzzle without knowing what it looks like, you wonder? That’s all you’d need. What a difference it would make! Without it, you don’t have a clue where to even start.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 2, as vital as it is, means developing a clear picture of where you want to go with your life. It means deciding what your values are and setting goals. Habit 1 says you are the driver of your life, not the passenger. Habit 2 says since you are the driver, decide where you want to go and draw up a map to get there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 3 – Put First Things First<\/span>
\n It is not getting busy with work or things that bring you success. It is doing the right things and at the right time. Habit 3, Put First Things First, can help one do the right things and at the right time. It instills in us the discipline about learning to prioritize and manage our time so that our first things come first, not last. It also helps us learn how to overcome our fears and become strong during hard moments. \u201cIn Habit 2,\u201d SEAN says, \u201cyou decided what your First Things are; Habit 3, then, is putting them First in your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone can have a nice list of goals and good intentions, but doing them, putting them first is the hard part. This is why SEAN calls Habit 3 the Habit of will-power (the strength to say yes to your most important things) and won’t-power (the strength to say no to less important things and to peer pressure)<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 4 – Think Win – Win<\/span>
\n Think win-win is an attitude toward life, a mental frame of mind that says I can win, and so can you. ‘It’s not me or you, it’s both of us’ says SEAN. In this ever growing competitive world, I must confess, it is really hard to have win-win attitude. In a world where every business wants to have the largest share of the market, where every family wants to be better than other’s, where nations crave to have the most thriving economy, even churches crave to have the largest congregation. What about how we run our schools? What about our political parties?<\/span><\/p>\n

According to SEAN, Think Win-Win is the foundation for getting along well with other people. It begins with the belief that we are all equal; that no one is inferior or superior to anyone else, and no one really needs to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

SEAN says WIN-WIN is not WIN-Lose, or Lose-Lose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.<\/span>
\n This Habit explains the attitude of listening first, talking second. It evaluates seeing things from another’s point of view before sharing your own. SEAN explains that this Habit is the key to communication. He says the deepest need of the human heart is to be understood. It is true people want to be listened to and heard. And the saying ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’ reflects this truth. You and I will be open to people that understand or listen to us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 6 – SYNERGIZE<\/span>
\n The principle of ‘Synergy’ is quite an impressive one. SEAN quotes Hellen Keller: \u201cAlone we can do so little; together we can do so much\u201d This is true. It requires the efforts and expertise of different people to build something. It always been mentioned that ‘two heads are better than one.’ Especially if the two heads are attuned to solving a problem that faces them. SEAN explains that synergy is achieved when two or more people work together to create a better solution than either could alone. It’s not your way but a better way, a higher way. SEAN also explains that synergy is celebrating differences, Teamwork, Open-mindedness, Finding new and better ways. Truly, I’ve felt the impact of synergy at my new work, even when I was an undergraduate.<\/span><\/p>\n

I believe synergy is the solution to the problems we face as a people, nation and world. Imbibing this tool will really be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw<\/span>
\n This is not really new to me. I have studied it from level 1 to 4 in my IIGL studies. Sharpening the Saw has become my way of life. I feel sick if I fail to keep myself sharp in a day. I consistently work on my body, brain, heart and soul. I don’t joke with these aspects of my life. I always want to remain green.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can you relate the ideas in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as in your relationships, beliefs, goals, values. Please use personal examples in your explanations.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

At all times in my life I aim to be proactive. Even at work my director expects so much from me. So, I don’t want to hear ‘go and do this!’ I always love to take initiative. I always know what our organization wants and aims to achieve. So I focus my thoughts and actions on the achievement of these goals. I see the organization as mine. I see the end from the beginning. I also think win-win with other workers. I have known since I enrolled at IIGL that Habit 7 -Sharpen The Saw- helps. No day goes by without enhancing my brain professionally and spiritually. It has earned me a lot of respect both at work and outside it.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please explains<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

There are no new ideas or concepts gotten from this book. All the ideas in this book only remind me of the ideas in ‘The Principal – Centered Leadership’ written by Stephen R. Covey.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way. If so, explain how.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book really challenges my thinking once again. The story of Prince Louis is one I do not want to forget and always want to share with teenagers and friends each time I have the opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so, why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I do not totally disagree with any idea in this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The 7 HABITS of Highly Effective TEENS, as explained in this book by SEAN are most helpful. Though am not a teen, but can assure you it’s really helpful for adults; especially if one reads ‘The Principle-Centered Leadership’ written by SEAN’S dad. These ideas are pragmatical enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Additional\/personal comments about the book.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Last year, I learnt that the highest ranked hotel is 7 Stars which is located in Dubai, UAE. Before that time, I knew the highest rank was 5 Stars. When I saw the clip of this hotel I began to wonder how much money went into its construction. This hotel, truly, epitomizes beauty, excellence and standard. Looking at the title of this book: ‘7 HABITS of Highly Effective TEENS’ reminds me of the 7 Stars hotel. If one truly practices some of the ideas in this book, he or she can lead a 7 Star life.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Rating on a scale of 1-10<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Built To Last<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book interestingly explains about building something that is worthy of lasting \u2013 about building a company of great excellence that the world would lose something important if that organization ceased to exist. Implicit on every page of the book is a simple and challenging question: why on earth would you settle for creating something mediocre that does little more than make money, when you can create something outstanding that makes a lasting contribution as well?<\/span><\/p>\n

This book reveals timeless principles that can make an organization to create something outstanding to its world; which is a noble cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Built to Last\u2019 provides a good blue print for CEOs, managers and entrepreneurs that build organization that last. It contains practical principles that can be applied by CEOs, managers and entrepreneurs anywhere in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book chronicles visionary companies like 3m, American Express, Boeing, Citicorp, Ford, General Electric etc. These visionary companies were founded before 1950. Collins and Porras explain that these visionary companies are premier institutions \u2013 the crown jewels \u2013 in their industries, widely admired by their peers and having a long track record of making a significant impact on the world around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 won life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The seven ideas which were personally important to me in this book are:<\/span><\/p>\n

A. Clock Building, Not Time Telling<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea of \u2018Clock Building, Not Time Telling\u2019 is an important idea to me. With this idea the authors compare those with great ideas and who never built companies that can prosper far beyond the presence of any single leader.<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors interestingly ask the reader to imagine meeting a remarkable person who can look at the sun or stars at any time of the day or night and state the exact time and date. The authors say this person would be an amazing time teller and we would probably revere her for the ability to tell time. The authors further compare the time teller with a clock builder who built a clock that could tell the time forever, even after he or she was dead and gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the authors, having a great idea or being a charismatic visionary leader is \u2018time telling\u2019 and building a company that can prosper far beyond the presence of any single leader and through multiple product life cycles is \u2018clock building\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is what I desire to do with my life \u2013 living a life that leaves a scratch on history. I do not want to live a life of being born, go to school, get a job and work for money, raise a family and die some day. I want my life to be a clock that people can see and benefit from.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Preserve the core\/stimulate progress<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors state that visionary companies have core ideologies but as important as core ideology is, does not \u2013 indeed cannot \u2013 make a visionary company. A company can have the world\u2019s most deeply cherished and meaningful core ideology, but if it refuses to change, the world will pass it by. I think this is why IIGL constantly reviews and changes its curriculum and assessment format. Visionary companies preserve the core and stimulate progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is exemplified by the actions of the companies used as case studies in this book and also supported by Sam Walton\u2019s statement: \u201c\u2026 you can\u2019t just keep doing what works one time, because everything around you is always changing. To succeed, you have to stay out in front of that change.\u201d This is applicable to my life. I do not want the world to negatively affect my core beliefs or values. I preserve them as I work day to day.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Big Hairy Audacious Goals<\/span><\/p>\n

Big Hairy Audacious Goals, for short, BHAGs, as the authors name it is a powerful mechanism that visionary companies use to stimulate progress. This idea of BHAGs is most important to me because I have learnt how goal setting helps one to attain personal progress. I recall in level one I learnt from Anthony Robbins that people are not lazy but they have only small goals. Goals direct one\u2019s life. Values show a person \u2018how\u2019 to achieve goals without harming his fellows.<\/span><\/p>\n

BHAGs distinguish companies. The authors in their research found more evidence of this powerful mechanism in the visionary companies and less evidence of it in the comparison companies in fourteen out of eighteen cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the authors all companies have goals. But there is a difference between merely having a goal and becoming committed to a huge, daunting challenge \u2013like a big mountain to climb.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a BHAGs has become part of my life. I seem to set goals for myself in other to achieve what seems to be impossible. Though I do not achieve some of my goals sometimes but the joy of pursing and making progress is always there. It gets me to bed late and gets me out of it early.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. Give it a try \u2013 and quick<\/span><\/p>\n

Another vital attribute of visionary companies is giving every idea that comes to it a try. And then act on it quick. The authors give examples how 3M, unlike Norton, tried a lot of stuff and kept what worked. If one thing failed, 3M staff, who the management had really encouraged, tried another. They would take vigorous action \u2013 especially in response to unexpected opportunities. This is a good idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

I recall having an idea of introducing my book to the secondary schools in my town. I did not know I could ask them to recommend it as part of the books the students were meant to buy for the next session. Recently, I walked into a school just thinking of asking the management to introduce it to their students and those who wish to buy should make their intention known so I call supply. It was a miracle from Jesus when one of the management decided to include the book as one of the recommended books. My book is now a recommended book! I only decided to try moving around just to introduce my book. I now ask other schools\u2019 management I visit to do the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. Good Enough Never Is<\/span><\/p>\n

From this book I learnt that the critical question asked by visionary companies is not \u201cHow well are we doing?\u201d or \u201cHow can we do well?\u201d or \u201cHow well do we have to perform in order to meet the competition?\u201d The authors explain that the critical question is \u201cHow can we do better tomorrow than we did today?\u201d I learnt from the case studies 3M, HP, SONY and so on that visionary companies institutionalize this question as way of life \u2013 a habit of mind and action. There is no \u201chaving finish line in a highly visionary company. There is no \u201chaving made it.\u201d There is no point where they feel they have arrived and living off the fruits of their labour. Good enough never is in visionary companies. They always have new goals they strive towards. They share the mindset \u201cwe can always improve and there is more to contribute to the progress of humanity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This is applicable to my life. When God strengthens me to achieve the little goals I set for myself I do not end there. I do not rest on that. I thank God for that and I still push forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. The End of the Beginning<\/span><\/p>\n

This explains that a vision is not the essence of a visionary company. In recent times more companies are spending much time and money drafting elegant vision statements, values statements, mission statements, objectives statements, and so on. The authors say such pronouncements are all fine and good but they are not the essence of a visionary company. Just because a company has a vision statement in no way guarantees that it will become a visionary company. Writing a vision statement is only a first step in becoming a visionary company. The authors explain that the essence of visionary company comes in the translation of its core ideology and its own unique drive for progress into the very fabric of the organization \u2013 into goals, strategies, tactics, policies, processes, cultural practices, management behaviours, building layouts, pay systems, accounting systems, job design \u2013 into everything that he company does. This is a major point that the authors seem to place a high importance on about becoming a visionary company or building a company that will last.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. Core Purpose<\/span><\/p>\n

This is another idea that is most important to me. Apart from discovering the core purpose of a company it is highly essential for an individual to discover her\/his core purpose for living in order to live a fulfilled life. Since I enrolled in IIGL this is an idea that I have discovered, cherished and taught the young people so much.<\/span><\/p>\n

As explained by the authors, core purpose is the organization\u2019s fundamental reason for being. An effective purpose reflects the importance people attach to the company\u2019s work. It captures the soul of the organization. This also applies to an individual who has discovered her purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea of purpose has been a critical aspect of my life. Every day i make sure I lead a purpose-driven life.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, explain.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Clock Building, Not Time Telling will help me lead a life of contribution and one that leaves a scratch on history. It motivates me to build something \u2013 a business \u2013 that will last.<\/span><\/p>\n

Preserve the core\/stimulate progress helps me to change strategies about achieving my goals while I preserve my core values.<\/span><\/p>\n

Big Hairy Audacious Goals will enable me to set audacious goals to contribute to the progress of my society through my business and life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Give it a try \u2013 and quick practically prompts me to give every opportunity a try and quick. Opportunity to improve, progress and change present itself daily in one\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good Enough Never Is prevents me from resting on my laurels. Yes, I get thankful for every achievement I make at he same time I want to always ask \u2018what next?\u2019 or \u2018next!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

The End of beginning prevents me from looking at my business vision as what determines my business success or personal values or mission as what determines my personal success but the translation of this vision into action.<\/span><\/p>\n

Core Purpose helps me to always focus on my fundamental reason for being \u2013 contribution to the progress of my society.<\/span><\/p>\n

All these ideas are also preparing me towards commencing my business soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I look back on my life\u2019s work, I\u2019m probably most proud of having helped to create a company that by virtue of its values, practices, and success has had a tremendous impact on the way companies are managed around the world. And I\u2019m particularly proud that I\u2019m leaving behind an ongoing organization that can live on as a role model long after I\u2019m gone\u201d ___ William R. Hewlett, Cofounder, Hewlett-Packard Company, 1990<\/span><\/p>\n

This quote depicts the joy of been a part of building an organization that does not aim at making money but making progress happen in the entire world. Imagine being a part of starting an organization that has succeeded for years and you are leaving it in the hands of another generation believing it will still succeed in the years ahead! And when leaving it in the hands of a new generation you are able to use the words of Hewlett.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our commitment must be to continue the vitality of this company \u2013 its growth in physical terms and also its growth as an institution \u2013 so that this company, this institution, will last through another 150 years. Indeed, so it will last through the ages. ____ John G. Smale, Former CEO, procter & Gamble, celebrating P&G\u2019s 150th<\/span>
\n Birthday, 1986<\/span><\/p>\n

This quote should definitely get the attention of everyone that intends to build an organization that will last beyond her. These were the words of a person who loved to still cause progress on earth \u2013 through what he had created or built \u2013 long after his demise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

BUILT TO LAST is a clear and easy to understand book especially to those that have passion to start or be part of running an organization that will succeed. I do not disagree with any idea in the book because the authors always leave us with a choice to make.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

There were no exercises for the reader to complete in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The authors mesmerized me where they wrote that one of the most important steps one can take in building a visionary company is not an action, but a shift in perspective. To make use of action, the authors say requires first and foremost acquiring the right frame of mind. This means making a shift in thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors affirm that the success of visionary companies come from underlying processes and fundamental dynamics embedded in the organization and not primarily the result of a single great idea or some great, all-knowing, godlike visionary who make great decisions, had great charisma, and led with great authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

A visionary company is created based on principles and processes put in place at the foundation or in the process of building a lasting company. Concentrating on questions such as \u2018what processes can we create that will give us good leaders and company long after we are dead or gone? What type of enduring company do we operate? With what guidelines and mechanisms? Those of us intending to build companies that last should consider all these.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you will give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

True Prosperity<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yehuda Berg, in his book \u2018True Prosperity\u2019, discloses some tools (which he calls Kabbalistic tools) for achieving true prosperity. He explains that true prosperity is what each of us was put on earth to achieve. He warns that we achieve prosperity not because you are smart or lucky, or because you so ruthlessly pillaged your competition, but because you followed the rules of the universe. He puts these rules in this book as kabbalistic tools. According to him, using these tools makes you a cause and not effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Money is spiritual, not material, and its attainment involves a set of spiritual strategies. Berg, interestingly, reveals some of these strategies in this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, using kabbalistic tools, Berg explains how a leader or entrepreneur can create a true prosperity company or turn your workplace into one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Berg finally admonishes the reader to apply these tools and the principles thought in the book in order to experience true prosperity. He also admonishes us to demand, take, earn and enjoy true prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book is highly illuminating. I read it two times without long break. Berg writes like Dr. Wayne Dyer. I love the simplicity of their words!<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The following are the seven ideas which were personally important to me in the book:<\/span><\/p>\n

A. What true prosperity is<\/span>
\n B. What kabbalah is<\/span>
\n C. The ultimate competitor<\/span>
\n D. You\u2019re the boss. You\u2019re responsible<\/span>
\n E. Stress is a surfboard<\/span>
\n F. Tithing<\/span>
\n G. One hundred billion followers<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT IS TRUE PROSPERITY<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea of understanding what true prosperity is at this time is important. And it will be helpful if one cares t know it and follow the laws to acquire it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Berg reminds me (the author shares similar teachings with some of our authors in IIGL) that true prosperity is really what each of us was put on earth to achieve. And we achieve it when we follow the rules of the universe.<\/span><\/p>\n

True prosperity is a condition in which one has everything. According to Berg, you have all the money you could ever want, plus the time to be a little league coach and a roving photographer at the children\u2019s birthday parties. You run a business that propels itself from one success to another, but you have joyous connection with the people in your life \u2013 your friends, your employees, your colleagues and others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding this idea is vital to me because I desire to have and enjoy true prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

SO WHAT IS KABBALAH?<\/span><\/p>\n

I was really eager to know what kabbalah meant. Initially I thought it was another name for God or a religion. Kabbalah, according to Berg, literally means RECEIVE, is about having it all. Berg makes us understand that the wisdom of Kabbalah dates back to Abraham.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kabbalah wisdom, according to Berg, tells us the following:<\/span>
\n – there is a plan that has been ingeniously devised for each person on earth<\/span>
\n – the purpose of this plan is for each person to be the creator in his or her own universe \u2013 to become the cause in one\u2019s life and not the effect of it. It means being he proactive creator of your destiny rather than remaining condemned to react passively to each new episode of chaos that comes along.<\/span>
\n – Life is a business, you are the boss, not the flunky<\/span>
\n – You came here in order to experience what it means to be a creator.<\/span><\/p>\n

Operating with this wisdom will help me to achieve true prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE ULTIMATE COMPETITOR<\/span><\/p>\n

This was an interesting idea to me. It helps me understand the roles of the adversary (Satan) in a new way. The essence of a game, according to the author, is to play with an opponent and see who takes the trophy. When there is no opponent there is no game. In the game of life, explained by Berg, we have an opponent who is the competitor. Personally I call him satan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some truth I got from this idea are the functions he (ultimate competitor\/satan) performs in one\u2019s life. Berg says the competitor is not a guy in a bright red suit, complete with pitchfork and horns. He distracts us and forces us to lose focus. Personally I have come to see the satan as a great enemy of progress. He is smart but not powerful. His wisdom lies in distraction. He distracts one with anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, materialism, lust, hatred etc. And when he succeeds at this we become an effect and not a cause of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

YOU\u2019RE THE BOSS. YOU\u2019RE RESPONSIBLE<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, I am the boss. I am responsible. Recently, a high school in a town (ondo) next to mine (Akure) recommended my book for their SS1 and SS2 students. And I was asked to bring 170 copies first week in July (2008). That same week as I planned to supply one of the school administrators phoned and informed me the school management is reconsidering the order. He told me not to supply until they get back to me via phone. Knowing that I am the boss of my destiny I did not panic because I was losing the greatest sales so far. My reaction was \u2018if I lose this sales, a greater one would open.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

The concept of being the boss and responsible is highly important for anyone that desires true prosperity. It means taking responsibility for ones success and failure. No blaming anyone! It means learning from every situation. It means, according to Berg, knowing that everything is connected.<\/span><\/p>\n

STRESS IS A SURFBOARD<\/span><\/p>\n

I have seen stress from a different perspective from this book. I have begun to operate with this new understanding about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Berg says that stress is the collision between what you are and what you could be; it\u2019s a wave that rolls one\u2019s life. Berg advises that as a cause in life we should ride the wave. With this one harnesses the energy of that wave and uses it to soar to new heights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe may proclaim that stress kills, but in reality it is not stress that kills; it is our reaction to it\u201d confirms Berg. He also writes that without stress we couldn\u2019t bring the surrounding light into our lives. Without stress, we reach the natural limits of complacency; we hit the wall that keeps our company from moving to the next level \u2013 the wall that keeps us from achieving the greatness we\u2019re meant to attain. For this reason, far from being an annoyance and something to avoid, stress is a gift to seek!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

TITHING<\/span><\/p>\n

Berg explains Tithing to be one of the advanced kabbalistic tools. I follow the teachings of Christ and giving is one of His teachings. This makes the idea of Tithing vital to me. Tithing 10% of our income is a way of giving to enhance the cause of helping people to grow and develop in truth or wisdom. And surely there are rewards for people that practice this.<\/span><\/p>\n

Berg explains that Tithing is the ultimate paradox of the universe, because it means that the more you want to get the more you have to give. The 10%, according to Berg (even the Bible confirms it in Malachi) we give cleanses the remaining 90%.<\/span><\/p>\n

ONE HUNDRED BILLION FOLLOWERS.<\/span><\/p>\n

I discovered from this book that scientist estimate that over the course of time, 100 billion human beings have come and gone from this earth. And the overwhelming majority of them have left behind nothing but a tombstone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do so many people visit our world without leaving a scratch on history like Jesus, Abraham, Einstein, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr. and a few others? The author says because most people choose to be followers, not leaders. A leader lives to impact people and her world.<\/span><\/p>\n

My hunger daily is to impact people the best way I can with my potentials; especially the overwhelming economically disadvantaged children in my town and state. There is a burden and passion to help this group of people.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Understanding \u2018True Prosperity\u2019 and the tools that help to create it helps me know that I prosper to make people prosper. This is the way I can only have it and enjoy it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The entire book teaches me how to work towards personal fulfillment and a world that works better for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.”<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cwhen you use money to share \u2013 to make things grow, to bring great projects into the world, to provide for your family \u2013 it will be a force for good. But if it falls into your life unearned and undeserved, and if you keep it to satisfy your egotistic desires, it can destroy you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement helps me understand the importance and appropriate use of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat which you don\u2019t earn won\u2019t satisfy you and will eventually become contaminated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A prophet (Jeremiah) that lived thousands of years ago confirmed this statement in Jeremiah 17: 11 (Bible). This statement motivates me to work and earn my own money and not to look for cheap and crooked means.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you do today will determine your tomorrow. Taking responsibility for your tomorrow keeps you hungry to make the best choice, now, and in every moment of your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement helps me take full responsibility for all that happens in my dear life. No \u2018blame game.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo amount of genius \u2013 no MBAs or PHDs from Harvard, not even being a good person \u2013 will guarantee you true prosperity as much as certainty\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement tells me to always believe and not doubt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFocus on what\u2019s important, and not only will you accomplish those things, but somehow everything else on your list will get done as well. But if you focus on the small things, you\u2019ll never get to the big ones.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It reminds me the power of FOCUS!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMake it your priority that humanity will be served by your actions, and that as a citizen of the world, you will take steps to help erase some of the pain and suffering that blanket the planet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It reminds me of my place in improving our world and leaving it better than I met it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTime wasted creates a space in which negativity can enter. But inject certainty, sharing, and productivity into your time, and get ready for amazing things to happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It teaches me how to use my time productively.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

YOU CHASE YOUR TAIL, AND THEN YOU DIE<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, the author explains that continous pursuit of goals means chasing our tails and dying one day without true fulfillment. It seems Berg does not believe in the concepts of \u2018Good never is\u2019 or \u2018Big Hairy Audacious goals that one sets after accomplishing an old goal\u2019 or \u2018going extra mile\u2019. Is it inappropriate to set a new goal to earn N2000 after achieving a goal of earning N1000? I am sure there are people that can set new goals after achieving old ones without compromising their health, love and care for the loved ones, values, etc. I can focus on my goals without the exclusion of important things or matters in my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, there was an exercise to complete. Berg asks me to write down my priorities for the week, month and the year. I learnt to do this in level one and I have remained faithful to it because it is highly helpful. Seeing it again in Berg\u2019s book shows it helps and works.<\/span><\/p>\n

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, comment.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Berg writes like one of my favourite author, Dr. Wayne Dyer. I love to read his book. Meanwhile, \u2018True prosperity\u2019 was the first Berg\u2019s book I read. I truly enjoyed it. It totally reminds me of all I had learnt in levels 1 & 2. I also commend Berg for the work his doing at Kabbalah centre. God bless him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you will give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Teenager’s Guide To The Real World<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere A. Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The Teenager’s Guide To The Real World provides great wisdom on making the transition into adulthood and laying a foundation for success. However, am not a teenager but the book helps me to understand some basic life skills i now wish i learnt at my teenage years. However, it is never too late to be right.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book explains the following ideas:<\/span>
\n * The facts about jobs and careers<\/span>
\n * Importance of education<\/span>
\n * The facts about attitudes and marriage<\/span>
\n * The facts about love and marriage<\/span>
\n * The facts about success<\/span>
\n However, Mr. Brain shares in this book from his wealth of experience. This book can also help adults that desire to experience success. The book has offered practical guide to me in my work with young people.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

MONEY REALLY MATTERS<\/span>
\n This book explains how the real world operates and how to live in it successfully. Money is vital to living. Mr. Brain asks the teenagers ‘have you ever wondered why so many adults spend so much time worrying about money? Why do millions of adults get up every morning and go to work for 8 or 10 hours a day? Why do adults spend so much time discussing taxes and prices and the cost of living? Why do some married couples frequently fight about money?\u201d without money, one cannot eat, has no place to sleep, cannot drive. It is this simple reality that causes adults to be so caused about money. Most teenagers do not understand the importance of money. They also do not understand the amount of money that is required to live a normal life. This is because parents provide teenagers with everything. They (teenagers) therefore live in a dream world. I never knew the importance of money as a teenager and wasted all the money i was given. From this concept about the importance of money, Brain makes one, especially teenagers, understand what it takes to live a normal life. His examples in the book make teenagers understand why money is so important.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE FACTS ABOUT JOBS AND CAREERS<\/span>
\n Brain says to teenagers ‘You will have a job – that is a fact of life. By planning, you can get a job that is both high paying and enjoyable.’ You must have a job or career to live life. This is a fact. We need money so we can pay rent, buy food and put clothes on our back; it’s also good to have extra money (discretionary income) that one can spend on luxuries, give to charieties and so on. It is this simple fact that forces one to get a job. Writing to teenagers, Brain says ‘Given that you have to have a job, why not have a fun one? Why not have a job that you will really enjoy?’ The characteristics of a good job are:<\/span>
\n * You enjoy it<\/span>
\n * It pays well<\/span>
\n * The payment model matches your personality<\/span>
\n * It gives you the opportunity to learn and grow<\/span>
\n * It has advancement potential<\/span><\/p>\n

Education, also, is one key to a good job. It is true that in today’s job market what you know determines what you earn. \u201cAnother thing that is easy to miss as a teenager\u201d says Brain \u201cis that education does not have to come from traditional sources. You can teach yourself a tremendous number of things simply by sitting down and reading books or by talking to people. The thing that makes you valuable is what you know. It doesn’t matter where it comes from\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Good jobs also go to good employees. Good employees:<\/span>
\n * Take initiative<\/span>
\n * Take responsibility<\/span>
\n * Understand the financial side of business<\/span>
\n * Keep their commitment, both large and small<\/span>
\n * Know that customers (and other team members) matter<\/span>
\n * Do a job cheerfully, even if it is not their favourite<\/span>
\n * Consistently do what is best for the company<\/span>
\n * Disciplined and stay on track<\/span>
\n * Consistent performers<\/span>
\n * Self motivated<\/span>
\n * Give credit to others on the team<\/span>
\n * Exceed expectations<\/span><\/p>\n

THE FACTS ABOUT SUCCESS<\/span>
\n There are a number of things one can do to become successful. Brain explores some important facts about success:<\/span><\/p>\n

You can create a high level vision. It allows you to evaluate yourself as well as those around you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Goals guide your success. Goals and dreams are the most important things that distinguish successful people from those who are not. Goals and dreams directly control our success. They also give meaning to life. Brain says goals help us know what you are trying to accomplish, what you are going to do tomorrow, what you want to be when you grow up, what you want to do with your life and what the meaning of life means to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

You have options. In order to reach your goals and be successful, you have to become an expert in finding options and picking the best one for each situation. Finding options involves research and creativity. Selecting the best option involves optimization and rational decision-making. This path was really important for me considering the ways i had tried to attain my goals in the past. I just realized i never sat down to list various options i could choose the best from trying to achieve a goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everything takes time. Saying that everything takes time is a hard fact for many teenagers to swallow. Teenagers want things they desire to happen on the spot or the same second they think they need it. Teenagers want everything now. They want to leave home and immediately have a great house, a great car, a great wardrobe, a great spouse and so on. They forget that all of these things take time and efforts. Adults know that everything takes time. They, according to Brain, tend to understand that if you put in a little effort every day and do it long stretch of time you can accomplish great things. Like my mentor, Lily Ann, would say to me \u201cA foot at a time…a foot in front of a foot\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Success is our responsibility. You will have to do something active to make success happen, and that activity requires a certain amount of effort.<\/span><\/p>\n

You must be responsible for your perseverance and discipline if you want success. Perseverance and discipline make it possible for you to be successful. For 99.999% of the people on this planet success is a gradual process that requires the perseverance, hard work and discipline needed to move toward success every day for years at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, to be successful you must take risks and be willing to accept that risks might not pay off. In other words, you must be willing to get up, make the best of it, learn from the mistake and take a risk again.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The ideas or lessons Brain, the author, shares in this book are quite practical and helpful. He deeply explains the game of life with these ideas or lessons.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the facts about money, he enables me understand why i need money and the channels i can get it from.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the facts about jobs and careers, Brain helps me understand how to get a rewarding and enjoyable job.<\/span><\/p>\n

With facts about success, he says success by taking responsibility for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ideas or lessons in this book are quite practical and helpful because they will help the reader learn how to:<\/span>
\n * Get adults to take you (as a teenager) seriously<\/span>
\n * Improve your confidence and self-esteem<\/span>
\n * Find and enjoyable job and be well paid<\/span>
\n * Love and be loved, and make smart choices about sex<\/span>
\n * Function successfully in your business and personal life<\/span>
\n * Manage your money, and<\/span>
\n * Plan for success.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, quote them and comment as to why they were important to you?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

i) \u201cFor 99.999% of the people on this planet success is a gradual process that requires the perseverance, hard work and discipline needed to move toward success every day for years at a time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement is important to me because it shows me the importance of perseverance, hard work and discipline in achieving success<\/span><\/p>\n

ii) \u201cchance favors only a prepared mind\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement explains the necessity of preparation in order to succeed<\/span><\/p>\n

iii) \u201cto be successful you must take risks and be willing to accept that risks might not pay off. In other words, you must be willing to get up, make the best of it, learn from the mistake and take a risk again. It is a fact of life that many of the most successful people failed spectacularly (and often many times) before they became successful\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement states the importance of risk taking<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, there was nothing in the book that i did not understand or unclear about.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

There were no exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous question? If so, please comment.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, there is nothing to further comment on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entrepreneurship, The Art Of Succeeding In Business<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

With this book the author tries to provide the reader with an exciting opportunity to conceptualize, plan and to start her\/his business. The book helps the reader to understand the important difference between working for someone else and working for oneself.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book is a course that provides the reader with an opportunity to establish realistic business goals, develop sales forecasts, and estimate the potential income of one’s business. \u201cTo begin building your business,\u201d the author writes, \u201cyou will need to evaluate personal goals, conduct surveys within your community to determine how your business can best serve customer needs, analyze other businesses that provide similar services, and identify the market niche that offers you the best chance for success.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As I went through this course, I developed valuable skills that I am able to use in many work settings. These skills include:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 self reliance<\/span>
\n \u2022 making decisions based on the ‘best available information’<\/span>
\n \u2022 developing the ability to recognize opportunities for improvement, and<\/span>
\n \u2022 ability to make personal and business plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

This book will help one succeed in his\/her professional career regardless of whether he\/she chooses to start a business or work for another business.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As an entrepreneur, all the ideas in this book are significant to my success but the following are major:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Who Are Entrepreneurs?<\/span>
\n * Positive Attitude<\/span>
\n * Introduction to Business Plan<\/span>
\n * Selecting a Business Idea<\/span>
\n * Goals and Objectives<\/span>
\n * Products and Services<\/span>
\n * Plan of Action<\/span><\/p>\n

WHO ARE ENTREPRENUERS?<\/span>
\n Since I became an IIGL student the issue of entreprenurship has been an interesting one to me. Entreprenurship has been defined in various ways by different authors and researchers. But the most fascinating and challenging definition is how the author explains it: \u201cEntrepreneurship is the art of turning dreams into reality.\u201d I have never had it described in such an impartful way! Even when people think entreprenurship is a job the author says no. He affirms that it is a way of thinking and an approach to work and opportunity.\u201d This statement always gets me thinking and truly this is the way to detect who is an entrepreneur – an individual who thinks and looks for ways and opportunities to turn his\/her dreams to reality. Entrepreneurship begins with an idea or dream. When I was in the university I had the dream to build some businesses. I could not stop dreaming a single moment. Today, some of these dreams have become reality. An entrepreneur does not stop dreaming or having ideas. And it is exciting to make a dream become reality. I have experienced this each time I launch a new business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael outlines the following common characteristics that entrepreneurs share:<\/span><\/p>\n

a. Commitment to succeed and refusal to fail<\/span>
\n b. Emotional\/physical energy and stamina<\/span>
\n c. Self-confidence<\/span>
\n d. Ability to see how things could be different<\/span>
\n e. Enthusiasm and optimism<\/span>
\n f. Personal magnetism and persuasiveness<\/span>
\n g. Desire to learn and grow<\/span>
\n h. Willingness to take risks and be in control<\/span><\/p>\n

POSITIVE ATTITUDE<\/span>
\n Positive attitude is the most important quality for success. And success is a basic goal of an entrepreneur. In my room I pasted to the walls, bed, mirror and wardrobe some positive motivational and inspirational words from the Bible and IIGL books. It is essential to create an environment that ensures positive attitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael says that positive attitude means you are in control of your destiny and that you are constantly looking for a path through the maze to success. When you come to the roadblock, you can either work to remove the roadblock or change your course and look for a better (different) path.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entrepreneurs have mottos that help them focus on the importance and power of a positive attitude. Below are examples of such mottos from this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

* The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes – Benjamin Disraeli<\/span><\/p>\n

* Our aspirations are our possibilities – Robert Browning<\/span><\/p>\n

* Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. – William Feather<\/span><\/p>\n

* Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall – Confucius<\/span><\/p>\n

* Progress always involves risk. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. – Frederick B. Wilcox<\/span><\/p>\n

* You can get everything from life you want\u2026if you will just help enough other people get what they want. – Zig Ziglar<\/span><\/p>\n

* For what shall it profit a man, if he shall lose the whole world, and lose his own soul? New Testament, Mark 8:36<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal<\/span>
\n – With GOD all things are possible<\/span>
\n \u2022 For without faith it is impossible to please God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction To Business Plans<\/span>
\n The financial and emotional consequences of starting a business are great. A business plan helps an entrepreneur think through the process. It helps to ensure that a business concept is well-founded and that one has the resources and skills needed to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

A business plan, according to this book, is an organized method for:<\/span>
\n \u2022 Defining the primary elements of business (products and services);<\/span>
\n \u2022 Identifying primary clients and sales potential<\/span>
\n \u2022 Evaluating competitors and understanding how one’s products or services compare to those of competitors;<\/span>
\n \u2022 Identifying the resources (facilities, equipment, material and staff) needed to operate the business;<\/span>
\n \u2022 Determining how much money is needed to start the business and when sales should be expected; and<\/span>
\n \u2022 Projecting the expected profitability of the business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Such information is vital to every entrepreneur and necessary to improve the likelihood of business success, and to help ensure that a business meets the personal, professional and family goals of the entrepreneur.<\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTING A BUSINESS IDEA<\/span>
\n * To operate a successful business, you must have significant knowledge of and interest in the product or service that is offered. He says for example, in order to start a book keeping service, you must have strong book keeping skills or must acquire the skills. The greater the skill deficit, the harder it will be for you to follow through with your business plan. How does this apply to me as an entrepreneur? Passion to cause a significant change and to make a positive contribution has been a major source of idea selection for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

* You need to consider the availability of and desire to invest start-up money in the business. He says for the young entrepreneurs, who are starting their first business, it is recommended that they can conduct out of their home and will require minimal up-front equipment or inventory investments. An example Michael gives is if your business idea is to start a restaurant, it is unlikely that you (as a student) will be able to follow through with this plan while in school because of the substantial up-front money required for furnishings and need for storefront space. However, he says it may be reasonable for the student to start a catering business because it can be operated out of his\/her home without the need for furnishings and industrial equipment. This is realistic enough. I recall when we were starting our Computer Training School we considered so many options and the availability of fund. Eventually, due to little available start-up money joined with the passion to start it, we decided to use my dad’s abandoned garage. We hope to use the piece of land donated for it in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

* You may want to work in groups (form a partnership) This works too. We are in a time where forming partnership gets things done faster and better than just a person. I have had an idea to start The Youth farm Project in my town. Considering the skills and resources needed to start it, I could not start it for some time. Some weeks ago I decided to introduce the idea to some friends and my parents. Together we have pulled resources – 6 plots of farm land, money, corn seeds, youth farmers, etc. As I write the farm has started, we have planted corn seeds and we have youth farmers who are eager about the work. In Level 1 I learnt about Other People’s Money\/Resources. This can greatly be achieved through partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n

Goals and Objectives<\/span>
\n According to Michael, goals can be defined as ultimate standards of success for which you are striving, whereas objectives are intermediate milestones that you must achieve in order to reach your goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

When starting a new activity, especially one as challenging as a new business, it is important to understand why you are embarking on this journey and where you hope to be going.<\/span><\/p>\n

I learnt from the book that it is needed to establish goals and\/or objectives in each of the following areas when preparing a business plan:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Start-up Schedule<\/span>
\n * Personal Time Commitment<\/span>
\n * Geographic Region Served<\/span>
\n * Minimum Personal Draw<\/span>
\n * Short Term\/Long Term sales<\/span>
\n * Growth goal<\/span><\/p>\n

Products and Services<\/span>
\n Every venture, business, organization or outfit exists for the production and distribution of a product or service. Every entrepreneur should note:<\/span><\/p>\n

* What products and services you intend to provide<\/span>
\n * The primary customer to be served<\/span>
\n * Primary benefits the products and services will provide to the customers<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking note of these fundamental points will help an entrepreneur consider how\/his business fits into the overall market and why the business can be successful. When we were starting our Computer Training Centre we considered all these points even though we also had social goals and mission for the centre. We are also giving the same approach to The Youth Farm project.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan Of Action<\/span>
\n After establishing a Business Plan a list of actions that will aid the implementation of the plan needs to be written.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some actions, according to Michael, required are:<\/span>
\n * receive investment money<\/span>
\n * obtain loans<\/span>
\n * acquire equipment<\/span>
\n * build or obtain a facility<\/span>
\n * open an office, including establishing telephone, computer, etc<\/span>
\n * get business license<\/span>
\n * develop marketing material<\/span>
\n * begin marketing activities<\/span>
\n * hire staff<\/span>
\n * have first sale<\/span>
\n * achieve major milestones<\/span><\/p>\n

I am really used to making plan of action for every activity I intend to undertake. When we were starting our Computer Training Centre we had a list of plan of actions. My list was quite helpful. Apart from a list of action for starting it, I have also developed a projection list i.e. the growth plan for the centre. The same approach applied to The Youth farm Project. I have understood that if an entrepreneur follows his\/her plan of action, he\/she will have a business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hmmm! It’s quite true that many people have prepared a business plan. Those who take daily action will have a business plan and a SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Interestingly, these ideas or lessons (as I have in question 2) are helping me already in my quest to unleash my entrepreneurial potentials. I see myself as an entrepreneur looking at their characteristics. And am also working towards becoming a great one indeed. My humble goal is to be one of the great young entrepreneurs in Africa i.e. an entrepreneurship role model. Am on that pathway already. I can’t just stop dreaming of solving societal and economic problems. This course shares handy and sensible ideas to achieve my goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEntrepreneurship is the art of turning dreams into reality\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This statement is quite fascinating and never had I seen such a realistic and succinct definition of ENTREPRENEURSHIP.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEntrepreneurship is not a job\u2026 it is a way of thinking and an approach to work and opportunity\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I appreciate this statement. It makes me see and approach issues and opportunity in a new and better way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople who are motivated primarily by money frequently will not have the commitment needed to establish a successful business\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This does not mean that money is unimportant. It is needed to establish and run one’s business plan. But entrepreneurs are not motivated by money but by the reality of their dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book was clear and there was nothing I did not understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I found all the class activities in the book helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Communication Miracles for Couples<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1: What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book offers communication techniques for couples. These techniques ensure continuous success for their relationship even in the midst of challenges or heat.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a nutshell, the ideas that Robinson tries to convey through his book are:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 To help couples feel totally loved, no matter how upset or hurt a partner is<\/span>
\n \u2022 To teach couples techniques that will help them never argue again<\/span>
\n \u2022 Help them discuss their way past any problem and repair broken trust<\/span>
\n \u2022 Find the best way to create lasting harmony and keep love alive<\/span><\/p>\n

The book is divided into three sections. In part 1, \u201cCreating Intimacy,\u201d the author gives ideals of giving your partner what they most want from you. Part II, \u201cAvoiding Fights,\u201d informs us how to avoid pushing all the wrong buttons and provides us with specific methods to ensure we never need to argue again. Part III, \u201cSolving Problems without Bruising Egos,\u201d offers many practical ways to solve problems, create lasting love, and effectively change undesirable behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book contains realistic ideas that can help produce miracles in a marriage or relationship!<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

What We Want (But Never Ask For)<\/span>
\n \u201cNo act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.\u201d Aesop It is true that we all want the three As: Acknowledgment, Appreciation, and Acceptance that Robinson talks about in this book. They are essential ingredients that convey love from one person to another. \u201cIf you want to have a great relationship,\u201d says Robinson, \u201cyou will have to satisfy your partner\u2019s needs for acknowledgement, appreciation, and acceptance. And the more effectively you can help him feel loved, the more loving he will be toward you.\u201d The idea of these 3 As helps me clearly understand that:<\/span><\/p>\n

a) When my partner is upset, I should make a deposit into her self-esteem bank account by acknowledging her perception of reality \u2013 even if I don\u2019t agree with it. I should tell her am sorry she is in pain. Then communicate what I truly appreciate and respect about her.<\/span><\/p>\n

b) Acceptance comes from recognizing my partner\u2019s positive intention and her pain. As I learn to accept her even when I don\u2019t like her behavior, I will be giving her and myself the gift of unconditional love.<\/span><\/p>\n

c) By giving my mate (or anyone else that matter ) acknowledgement, appreciation and acceptance instead of blame, I will see a major change in how she listens and responds to me<\/span><\/p>\n

Charming Your Partner\u2019s Heart<\/span>
\n \u201cAt the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet\u201d \u2013 Plato. A wonderful way to experience more love in a relationship, as I have learnt from this book, is to learn automatic ways to charm your partner\u2019s heart. Every time we charm our partner\u2019s heart, we are making a \u2018loving deposit\u2019 into our shared love account. Our shared love account is like a bank balance you share together. When things are going well, there is a lot of love put into \u2018savings.\u2019 When both partners consistently make deposits into their shared account, they feel abundantly in love. If the account goes to Zero their feelings for each other can become bankrupt. Dealing with problems is often like making a withdrawal from our shared love account. If the challenge is easily resolved, it is a small withdrawal. If the problem creates a big, messy, ugly scene, you can create the equivalent of a bounced check.<\/span><\/p>\n

Robinson says \u2018it\u2019s much easier to handle problems when there\u2019s an abundance of love in your love account. Therefore, make frequent deposits of love in your relationship account by charming your partner\u2019s heart. He says we should do the little actions that make a big difference in how your partner feels. It will immediately help both of you feel wonderfully intimate, and, when problems arise, you will have plenty of love banked to help you ride out of the storm<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea of \u2018Charming Your Partner\u2019s Heart\u201d helps me understand:<\/span><\/p>\n

a) People have specific, simple things that can be done or said to them to make them immediately feel loved\/charmed<\/span><\/p>\n

b) You can find out how to easily charm your partner\u2019s heart by requesting she remember times she felt fully loved and asking specifically what made her know you really loved her<\/span><\/p>\n

c) When couples consistently take the actions that charm each other\u2019s heart, it creates an abundance of love in their shared \u201clove account\u201d which makes it much easier to handle problems when they arise<\/span><\/p>\n

Would You Rather Be Right Or Be Loved<\/span>
\n \u201cThe strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice\u201d \u2013 George Eliot<\/span>
\n This idea explains that if you want a happy and loving relationship, you are going to have to give up something: your insistence on being right. The author explains that when we insist on being right, what we indirectly communicate to our partner is that they are wrong. You simply can\u2019t insist on being right (a form of blame) and have intimacy. Robinson says it is like trying to have complete darkness and light in the same room. If we are willing to let go of being right, we can easily experience plenty of love, harmony, and fulfillment in our relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

From this idea, I have learnt:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Intimacy requires that we let go of being right and let go of blaming our partner. When we blame our partner, their blame detector is triggered, and they can\u2019t hear anything we say<\/span><\/p>\n

* To get out of the blame mode, Mr. Robinson says we should ask ourselves: \u201cwhat is likely to happen if I insist on being right? Would I feel loved or be right? What is something I especially like about my partner?<\/span><\/p>\n

* If you realize you\u2019d rather blame your partner than feel love, go into a separate room and let out your anger. Then see if you are ready to proceed through the three questions above. I have seen my dad do this each time he gets angry at my mum. He goes into his room and calms himself for some minutes and he comes out all fury gone! I don\u2019t know if my dad asks himself the questions above.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Best Way To Create Lasting Harmony<\/span>
\n \u201cBlessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God\u201d<\/span>
\n The Bible, Matthew 5:9. The best way to create lasting harmony in a relationship, as this book teaches, is for couples (seeking harmony in the modern age) to learn how to create and negotiate their own rules. According to the author, there used to be certain culturally defined rules about how to handle most of the challenges couples face. Men made the money to pay the bills; women did the housework and took care of the children; divorce was not an option. In the last thirty years, all the standards on which relationships lived in the past have broken down. With the breakdown of rigid rules, more equality and freedom of choice is possible. Rules, or agreed upon ways of doing things, help to create harmony by making it clear how to handle touchy situations. With this, the author affirms that since our cultural rules have broken down, a couple seeking harmony in the modern age must learn how to create and negotiate their own rules.<\/span><\/p>\n

Robinson advises couples to effectively communicate their rules to themselves and learn about their expectations toward each other so as to help create long-term harmony in their relationship. From this idea of \u201cThe Best Way to create lasting harmony\u201d I learnt:<\/span><\/p>\n

a) Rules are beliefs about what needs to happen in order for you to feel a certain way. When your rules differ from those of your partner, problems occur until you can work out mutually satisfactory agreement<\/span><\/p>\n

b) To disclose your own rules or to find out your partner\u2019s rules, ask \u201cwhat does it take, or specifically what has to happen in order for me (or you) to feel good about (fill in the appropriate area)?<\/span><\/p>\n

c) Whenever you and your mate repeatedly have tension or problems about a certain aspect of your relationship, find out what each of you want or need in this area to feel satisfied.<\/span><\/p>\n

How To Get Your Partner To Really Change<\/span>
\n \u201cMy favorite enemy, the one most easily influenced for the better, is the British Empire. But my most formidable opponent is a man named Mohandas K. Gandhi. With him I seem to have very little influence.\u201d – Mohandas K. Gandhi<\/span><\/p>\n

People don\u2019t like to change. Change is hard. Change is work. As individuals, sometimes we find it difficult to make some required changes. At the beginning of a New Year we make New Year\u2019s resolutions and before we know it, it\u2019s all forgotten. Change is hard! Can we now imagine how another person feels when you request him to change something about himself? When we ask someone to change implies he\/she is imperfect or defective \u2013 something no one\u2019s sense of self or ego wants to admit. Therefore, if we want our partner to change a particular behavior that bothers us, Robinson advises us to be careful how we handle such a delicate operation. He says \u201cif you handle it perfectly, your partner will respond to your request and do her best to adapt to your needs. But one false move (or statement) and she\u2019ll dig in her heels and stay the way she has always been.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He also counsels that since no one likes to change, we should avoid asking our partners to do so unless something really bothers us. Before asking our partners to change, Robinson says we should ask ourselves, \u201cIs there any way I can adapt or change so my partner\u2019s behavior doesn\u2019t bother me so much?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From this idea, I learnt that to change my partner:<\/span><\/p>\n

a) It is important to carefully prepare her for hearing a request that she change her behavior. And I should say it at a good time.<\/span><\/p>\n

b) The acronym \u201cA PI SWAP\u201d represents how to ask my partner to change. First, I should appreciate her. Then, state my Positive Intention for requesting this change. Third, say what I will like to change in specific detail. And lastly, ask my partner for her input.<\/span><\/p>\n

Negotiate Your Way Past Any Problem<\/span>
\n You\u2019re either part of the solution, or you\u2019re part of the problem.\u201d \u2013 Eldridge Cleaver<\/span><\/p>\n

From the idea of Negotiating Your Way Past Any Problem I learnt that:<\/span><\/p>\n

a) Most couples have to keep dealing with the same old problems, because they never come to a specific agreement as to how to resolve anything. To avoid this mess, learn to negotiate agreements that work for both partners.<\/span><\/p>\n

b) To resolve a problem with your partner, begin with the \u201cA PI SWAP\u201d method. Then remember to add two additional steps: Brainstorm experimental solutions you\u2019d be willing to try, and once you agree on something, declare it as a done deal<\/span><\/p>\n

c) Keep the conversation focused toward searching for solutions by asking, \u201cConsidering my needs and desires with this issue, what do you propose that might satisfy both our needs?\u201d keep negotiating back and forth with your partner until you both agree on a compromise solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep Love Alive Long Term<\/span>
\n \u201cEverybody is bound to bear patiently the results of their own example.\u201d \u2013 Phaedrus<\/span>
\n In order to keep love alive in our marital relationship, Robinson recommends three simple practices which I agree with.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, periodically do special things for your partner. It\u2019s the simple things, done consistently that count most. This is a way of making some deposits into the shared love account. And this will add immensely to the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second practice that leads to long-term love is the ability to communicate in a loving and effective manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

The third prescription for maintaining a loving relationship is what Robinson calls weekly housecleaning. It is a time set aside each week to clean up any resentments or problems that have accumulated in the relationship. During this time, couples work to bring down any walls that are blocking the flow of love. According to the author, this weekly cleaning ritual can make a world of difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Reading this book at this phase of my life (still a bachelor) has graciously helped me to view the challenges in marriage and has equipped me with some principles to handle them when I join the clique of the married men. I really desire an ever-loving marital relationship. I intend to raise a loving Christian family. To realize this aim I have to put some principles into practice. Some I have learnt from this book. When I raise a loving family I am indirectly contributing to the growth of the society and the entire world. The family unit is the most important unit in the society. That was why Mother Theresa admonished those that wished to change the world to go back home and love their families. She understood that family is critical to the well-being of the society. I hope that someday I shall marry a loving lady and begin to raise a loving family by the grace of God and also put some of these principles to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

4: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame that in school we get to learn how to speak a foreign language and even how to \u201ctalk\u201d to a computer \u2013 but fail to learn how to skillfully communicate in an intimate relationship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It is necessary we learn how to communicate skillfully if we intend to have a successful relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you know how to give your partner exactly what they want, intimacy deepens and a lot of problems simply disappear all by themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What our partner mostly wants is 3As \u2013 Appreciation, Acknowledgement and Acceptance<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWords can be like magic spells. Say the wrong set of words and your partner can turn into any angry monster. Weave the right words together, and your partners can quickly become a loving prince or princess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When we master the magic of effective communication, we will create mere intimacy and harmony in our relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the book contains exercises for the reader to complete. But I did not complete them because they are meant to be complete by couples.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I have made the necessary comment in the previous questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 \u2013 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Change The World<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

For anyone or organization that wishes to achieve great personal and organizational performance or for an individual that desires to positively transform her\/his friends, relatives, husband or wife; even the world with this book ‘CHANGE THE WORLD’, Quinn (the author) clearly explains how you can make this a reality without leading to resentment. He explains how leaders, managers, parents and everyone else who wants to make a difference can do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHANGE THE WORLD presents eight (8) principles that each of us can follow to make individual and organizational change happen. These principles are:<\/span>
\n i. Envision the Productive Community;<\/span>
\n ii. First Look Within;<\/span>
\n iii. Embrace the Hypocritical Self;<\/span>
\n iv. Transcend Fear;<\/span>
\n v. Embody a Vision of the Common Good;<\/span>
\n vi. Disturb the System;<\/span>
\n vii. Surrender to the Emergent Process and<\/span>
\n viii. Entice Through Moral Power<\/span><\/p>\n

These teachings are inspired by the teachings of Jesus, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. These are three historical leaders who successfully used personal change to change the world.<\/span>
\n Quinn introduces these principles with motivational quotations from these three leaders. He also uses stories from everyday events to explain how ordinary people can learn to apply themselves in extraordinary ways. All chapters of this book are fascinating and thought-provoking. They are actually mind cleansing ointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a simple way, this book shows us how we can change the world beginning from ‘self’. Highly remarkable!<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A. ENVISION THE PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY<\/span><\/p>\n

JESUS: Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of Gentiles exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. [Matthew 20:25-27]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANDHI: [I]n the orthodox army, there is a clear distinction between officer and private\u2026. In a nonviolent army, the general is just the chief servant-first among equals. [Iyer, 1990, p. 257]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: [N]onviolent resistance does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent but to win his friendship and understanding\u2026. The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.<\/span>
\n [King, (1968) 1986, pp. 7-8]<\/span><\/p>\n

A productive community is built on nonviolence change\/leadership principles that these great sages share. The three quotations cited above suggest a different picture of human community or leadership in an organization. The 3 change agents have a system of relationships in which the members share a common purpose and each works for the benefit of all. This is what ensures productive communities i.e. service unto one another. Am quick to say this is a great need for Africa’s development!<\/span><\/p>\n

B. FIRST LOOK WITHIN<\/span><\/p>\n

JESUS: And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceives not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. [Luke 6:41-42]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANDHI: The function of violence is to obtain reform by external means; the function of passive resistance, that is ‘soul-force,’ is to obtain [reform] by growth from within; which in turn is obtained by self-suffering, and self-purification. [Iyer, 1990, p. 90]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: The words I spoke to God that midnight are still vivid in my memory. \u201cI am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But now I am afraid. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter\u2026.\u201d Almost at once my fears began to pass from me. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything. The outer situation remained the same, but God had given me inner calm\u2026. I knew now that God is able to give us the interior resources to face the storms and problems of life.<\/span>
\n [King, (1968) 1986, p. 509]<\/span><\/p>\n

These statements truly express that every change begins from within. In the normalized world, the common approach to change is to tell a person to change. If the person fails to respond, then we find some way to coerce them into changing. It is at such times that these above statements come to mind, suggesting that we might better understand and influence others if we first gained a deeper understanding of ourselves. By changing what is happening within us, we gain power to more effectively change the world. Clearly, organizational or national change cannot occur unless we accept the pain of personal change.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. EMBRACE THE HYPOCRITICAL SELF<\/span><\/p>\n

JESUS: So when they continued asking him, he lifted himself up, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. [John 8:7-9]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANGHI: [Modern organized artificially\u2026 cannot have any accord with true simplicity of heart. Where the two do not correspond, there is always either gross self-deception or hypocrisy. [Iyer, 1990, p. 108]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: It is the method which seeks to implement the just law by appealing to conscience of the great, decent majority who through blindness, fear, pride, or irrationality have allowed their consciences to sleep. [King, (1968) 1986, pp. 148-149]<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Quinn, the three sacred servants all express a profound awareness of how hypocrisy operates in the change process. Gandhi tells us that in the organizing process there is a tendency for the self to split. We embrace what he calls \u201cmodern artificiality\u201d that is, the truth as defined by the external world at any given moment, and ignore the truth of our conscience. Dr. King tells us that there is a tendency, even for the ‘great, decent majority,’ to be externally driven, that is, failing to live in accord with their conscience. With most change, it is a challenge to awaken the conscience.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. TRANSCEND FEAR<\/span>
\n JESUS: When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. [John 6:15]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANDHI: [E]very man has to obey the voice of his own conscience, and be his own master and seek the Kingdom of God from within. For him there is no government that can control\u2026. [Iyer, 1990, p. 92]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: First, we must unflinchingly face our fears and honestly ask ourselves why we are afraid. This confrontation will, to some measure, grant us power. We shall never be cured of fear by escapism or repression, for the more we attempt to ignore and repress our fears, the more we multiply our inner conflicts.<\/span>
\n [King, (1968) 1986, pp. 511]<\/span><\/p>\n

These are thought-provoking statement. From these them I learnt the following:<\/span>
\n * How to be internally and not externally driven<\/span>
\n * We should remain very clear about who we are and what results we want<\/span>
\n * External focus can shape our lives or divert us from our true purpose<\/span>
\n * To be internally driven one has to listen to one’s conscience<\/span>
\n * Most of us are driven by fear of what will happen to us if we fail to conform to the system<\/span>
\n * We need to bring those fears to the surface and face them head on. Transformation leaders\/change agents have many fears and they are willingly to admit and bring them to the surface for the needed solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. EMBODY A VISION OF THE COMMON GOOD<\/span>
\n JESUS: This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. [John 15:12-13]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANDHI: Fundamental to Gandhi’s thinking was his belief in the goodness of the individual. He believed that individuals want to work for the common good. That is why he called on people to make sacrifices to achieve independence and uplift the poor and why he appealed to the sense of honor and conscience of those who opposed him. As a result, many heeded his call for sacrifice, and his opponents, though skeptical at first, always treated him with courtesy and respect. [Nair, 1994, p. 98]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed-we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.<\/span>
\n [King, (1968) 1986, pp. 219]<\/span><\/p>\n

These breath-taking statements emphasize the necessity for the change agent to embody the core values and common good of the productive community.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make change happen in any setting, Jesus teaches us to love one another as He has loved us. This means that every transformational change agent, be it child, parent, coach, consultant, or CEO, must understand and embody the core value of love, not just give lip service. Jesus, Gandhi and King all understood this concept. Each was striving to be a living symbol of what the collective needed to become. Gandhi believed that people want to work for the collective good and he ‘called on people to make sacrifices to achieve independence and uplift the poor’. He not only made this call in words but at every turn he embodied the values. He became a living symbol of what he envisioned. King called for a country in which each person had the courage to embody the value of equality. When the transformational change agents embody the vision, they attract productive community into being.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. DISTURB THE SYSTEM<\/span><\/p>\n

JESUS: [T]hey shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into the prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake\u2026. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to put to death. [Luke, 21:12:16]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANDHI: I know that in embarking on non-violence I shall be running what might be termed a mad risk. But the victories of truth have never been won without risks, often of the gravest character. [Payne, 1969, p. 385]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: (collection of the facts to determine whether injustices are alive, 2) negotiation, 3) self-purification and 4) direct action. [King, (1968) 1986, pp. 290]<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout this book, Quinn emphasized that to bring about change we need to transcend our scripts. But going outside our scripts involves risk. Risk means stepping forward into uncertainty, danger, or even peril. Quinn explains two kinds of risk that are involved in transcending our scripts: first are the psychological risks which involves the personal fears associated with letting go of an old self or a familiar way of working. Second are the social risks. These involve a transformational act that will disturb the social system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, Jesus points out what will happen if people assess emergent reality and behave with increased personal integrity. Gandhi also understands, from his statement above, that transformational change agents are often sabotaged, humiliated, fired, or assassinated. Dr. King shares four steps in his change strategy. He tells us that after engaging in the normalized process of data collection and negotiation, we must move to the transformational process of self-purification and direct action. This is important.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. SURRENDER TO THE EMERGENT PROCESS<\/span><\/p>\n

JESUS: But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake\u2026. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. [Matthew 10:17-19]<\/span><\/p>\n

GANDHI: History teaches us that men who are in the whirlpool \u2026. Will have to work out their destiny within it. [Iyer, 1990, p. 89]<\/span><\/p>\n

KING: Heraclitus argued that justice emerges from the strife of opposites, and Hegel \u2026 preached a doctrine of growth through struggle. It is both historically and biologically true that there can be no birth and growth without pains. Whenever there is emergence of the new we confront the recalcitrance of the old. [King, (1968) 1986, pp. 135]<\/span><\/p>\n

In the above statements, each of the sacred servants describes a disturbed or disrupted system and an emergent process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. King recognizes that improvement can only emerge from the interaction of oppositions. He indicates that growth emerges from struggle and from pain. Pain has been known to be a part of development. People, especially great coaches, always say ‘No Pain, no gain.’ Yet, because growth is painful and because our normal idea is to avoid pain i.e. refusal to surrender to the emergent process, we sometimes avoid the path to growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gandhi understood that fundamental decisions create a turbulent whirlpool and that it is within such a whirlpool that people grow most.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus tells his disciples that their behavior will disturb the system and they will be brought to stand before authority figures. He then advises them not to worry but to trust the process i.e. surrender to the emergent process.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I see myself as a change agent in my family, community, nation and the world. This is why I find this book exhilarating and helpful. Quinn has really demonstrated in this book through practical stories from transformational change agents how I can truly and sensibly become transformational every day of my life. Day by day I seize opportunities to put the principles he shares in this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe do not need to be in positions of high authority to be transformational. In fact, we need to have no authority except the authority of our own souls. We are all change agents. Holding a position of authority has little or nothing to do with our ability to access the transformational process. Being transformational is not about position but about values, thoughts, and behaviours. We become transformational change agents through choice – our own. \u201d Pp 25<\/span><\/p>\n

So many of us in Africa have an erroneous belief about change making. We believe it is only when we occupy positions of authority before we assume the transformational responsibility. Quinn answers it all. We do not need to hold positions before we make positive change happen. In fact, we create positions (which never existed) for ourselves when we begin to use our values, thoughts and behaviours to make change happen in our family, community, nation and world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

NO!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of <\/span>the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, the book does not contain any exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I find exciting to specially comment on the following quotation from A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, which Quinn quoted in this book. I now have this quotation taped to the mirror in my room. I also learnt that Nelson Mandela, the man who transformed South Africa, included this piece in one of his speeches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.<\/span>
\n [Williamson, 1994, p. 165]<\/span><\/p>\n

This piece simply explains all that Quinn tries to explain in this book. This piece is outstanding!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span>
\n A. How interesting was it to read? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Getting Funded<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The main idea that the authors convey in this book is how an individual or organization can successfully write a grant proposal. This book shares ideas for how to prepare effective proposal looking at the basic steps of Getting Started, Assessing Your Capability, Developing the Idea, Selecting the Funding Source, Writing the Proposal, Writing the Purpose Statement, Writing the Statement of Need, Following Procedures and Evaluation, Budgeting and carrying out Review, Submission, Notification, and Renewal.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

i. To write an effective proposal, I should first build a profile of my project.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means identifying the basic characteristics of the project am seeking to fund. This will help guide the planning that is essential before actually writing an application. Also, knowing the project profile will help me assess my capability, document the need for the project, identify similar efforts in the past and search for likely sources of support. To begin building a profile, the following questions are essential: what is the function of the project you are proposing? Is your project unique? In what field is your project? Who will benefit from your project? What are the geographical parameters of your project?<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. That assessing my capability is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

From personal experience and with what have learnt in this book, writing a proposal takes quite a bit work and expense. So, it is advisable for one to ask him\/herself early in the process: \u201cDo I really want to do this?\u201d and \u201cCan I be sufficiently competitive to make my investment of time, effort and money worthwhile?\u201d also important, one needs to honestly answer the question \u201cIf funded, will this proposal help implement my organization\u2019s mission?\u201d answering these questions provides a checklist to help determine one\u2019s general capability to engage in successful grantsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. To write an effective grant proposal, it is important I know how to develop my idea for a proposal especially through gathering of data and building the support and involvement of others. I can achieve this through assessing the need i.e. an articulation of the need for the work to be done, defining the approaches for meeting the need, document the need i.e. provide statistical data for the need and build support and involvement i.e. involving internal and external stakeholders in developing the project idea<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. In selecting funders I should examine what distinguishes one type from another, know how to identify and research funders appropriate for my proposal idea and initiate a relationship prior to submitting my proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n

v. In writing my proposal I should put the following tips into due consideration:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Develop a thorough outline of my proposal before writing the first draft. Then write the entire first draft before editing<\/span><\/p>\n

* Include as much information as possible in my first draft to ensure that I don\u2019t leave things out<\/span><\/p>\n

* I should use language that hooks the reader\u2019s interest early in the proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Use language familiar to the funder<\/span><\/p>\n

* Make it obvious early in the proposal that your project matches the interests of the funding agency<\/span><\/p>\n

* Make certain your proposal gives obvious answers to essential questions<\/span><\/p>\n

* Be logical and linear in your presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Have a statistical experimental design that provides for an adequate number of samples to be evaluated<\/span><\/p>\n

* Observe the page limitation<\/span><\/p>\n

* Pay close attention to instructions<\/span><\/p>\n

vi. In writing my purpose statement and need, I should present what I want to accomplish with the funds am seeking. Locally, the statement of need or the problem then answers the question, \u201cwhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

vii. Budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is an important part of every proposal. Its preparation is a vital final check in clarifying the practicality of the proposed project. One should prepare a budget carefully understanding its relationship to the proposed plan of action by following these processes:<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1: Identify the total cost of the project,<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2: Arrange items by category, by timeframe, and by anticipated source;<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Transfer your data into the format requested by the funder<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Since I received this book long ago I have used the guides in it to develop proposals that were really successful. Its ideas are inexhaustible and pragmatic. Each time I have a grant proposal to write I will always make use of the lessons in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. 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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIndividuals and organizations with the creativity, drive, perseverance, and capacity to submit successful requests not only deserve the additional resources and prestige that grants can bring, but they are a primary means of creating desirable social change.\u201d Pp X<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors remind us for any individual or organization to be successful at any goal or target, creativity, drive and perseverance are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA well-planned and well-written proposal is essential if you are to receive funding.\u201d P 59<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors remind us that planning and orderliness are important for the successful achievement of any task. This is not limited to writing grant proposals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf your purpose statement is not clear and compelling, matched to the grantmaker\u2019s interests, and appropriate to the scale of the project, it is unlikely that your proposal will be funded. Having a clear idea about what you want to achieve is critical to the writing of all other parts of an application and lack of clarity here can doom the proposal.\u201d P 81<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors remind us that a sense of direction is critical to any achievement. To paraphrase Alice in the Wonderland, \u201cIf you don\u2019t know where you are going, then it doesn\u2019t matter which way you go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No<\/span><\/p>\n

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 useful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A Word To Beginners<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors use this piece to advice persons who have never written a proposal and are tempted to give up looking at the task it involves. They sometimes ask themselves \u201cIs it really worth the effort to pursue the idea any further? The authors inform them not to give up for the following reasons: the preparation and submission of the proposal is of benefit to you even if the first attempt to get it funded fails. Experience only comes with trying. During each failure you gain valuable information and insight into how to improve future applications. Eventually this pays off. And the time and effort invested in preparing a proposal that is of real interest to you can pay off in other ways. You may find that a well-planned proposal that is strongly endorsed by your agency can be implemented, albeit more slowly, with the use of internal funds. And the effort in identifying prior research and related work may be translatable into a successful professional publication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, there are many things you can do to improve apparent areas of weakness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 You can become more realistic in choosing likely sources of support. Going through the application process can help direct you to sources where the competition may be less keen, such as a discretionary fund within the organization itself, awards from state agencies, smaller or regional private foundations, local businesses and service clubs, or small grant programs within federal agencies<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 You can invite a more experienced colleague to serve as principal investigator or lead consultant in the application. This is a time-honoured approach to help secure funds for ideas of interest to less experienced persons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 You can collaborate with another agency that has the requisite support services, experience or reputation in the project area. By joining enthusiasm with experience, this team approach is often successful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 You can ask a better-qualified organization to serve as \u201cfiscal sponsor\u201d for your project.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every year, individuals and organizations that have never before sought external funds submit successful proposals. With proper homework and thought, you can, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Demystifying Grant Seeking<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Demystifying Grant Seeking teaches what to do to get the grants an individual or organization needs by offering practical advice on the subject matter. The book clearly defines the principles that underpin a successful grant-seeking process and outlines a five-step system that will enhance grant-seeking efforts for fundraisers. Demystifying Grant Seeking offers a framework that gives one the tools to:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Discover the true needs of a community and what makes an organization\u2019s work meaningful and important<\/span>
\n * Learn how to make a formal request for funds<\/span>
\n * Manage the relationship that could help or hinder a proposal<\/span>
\n * Organize a follow-up process and make it productive<\/span>
\n * Appraise opportunities<\/span><\/p>\n

The book teaches one new way of operating and seeking grants with efficiency and integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Grants are part of almost every non-profit\u2019s world. They can be a substantial and meaningful funding source for many kinds of projects and organizations. And they can be a source of great hope and excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time few subjects in nonprofit management are surrounded by such fear and mystery. Some tasks are faced with such dread as writing and submitting grant proposals.<\/span><\/p>\n

As important as these ideals are to me the book teaches us to free ourselves of these common misconceptions about grant seeking and get a more realistic idea of what we should and should not expect from the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following, which are the most important ideas to me, are the common myths and reality about grant seeking illustrated in this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

i. Myth: Grants are something for nothing<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: Grants are rational deals between colleagues<\/span><\/p>\n

Grants are not free money. Grant makers are organizations like any nonprofit organization. They have missions and goals just as nonprofit organizations do. Funders award grants because what the grant recipients plan to do with the money fits in with the funders\u2019 own goals, initiatives, and dreams \u2013 and with the funder\u2019s stated wishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having read this book, I now see grant as a fair deal between colleagues whose interests are similar but whose resources are different. An example, according to the book, might be housing the homeless. The funder has money to use for work toward the goal. The nonprofit organization has the capability to do the work, with shelter space, expert staff, connections with health care providers, and so on. The nonprofit organization performs the work in exchange for the money. The nonprofit organization and its programs have a value that is equal to grant money. It is important for a nonprofit organization to recognize this value and this will enable it prepare a proposal that fits the funder\u2019s goals just as well as its.<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. Myth: Writing grant proposals is an ordeal<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: Proposal writing is predictable and simple<\/span><\/p>\n

All grant applications involve just one basic activity: responding to a set of questions about your nonprofit organization and its programs. This set of questions varies little from funder to funder. Some of these common questions are:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Who and how many people will be served by the program?<\/span>
\n \u2022 How will the effectiveness of the program be evaluated?<\/span>
\n \u2022 What other organizations do you collaborate with?<\/span>
\n \u2022 What other funds have you sought?<\/span><\/p>\n

Answering these basic questions is easy and straightforward for those who know their organization and its programs well.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the authors, the experience of grant writing as an ordeal \u2013 staying up all night, agonizing and racing the envelope to FedEx at the last second \u2013 comes not from the nature of grant seeking but from predictable situations at nonprofit that are desperate for money but ill-prepared to answer key questions. When we know our organizations well, and programs are fully designed and ready for grant seeking, the actual writing of grant proposals turns out to be easy.<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Myth: All you need is one well-written grant proposal<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: Winning grants depends on pinpointing matches and tailoring proposals<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors do not agree with writing a single proposal (boiler plate) that can be sent to many funders. A single proposal is right only for the funder for which it is written, and sending it to dozens of funders at once is usually a waste of resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

They agree that grant proposals all have similar elements, and a handful of funders even accept common grant applications forms, which save administrative time for applicants. However, every proposal, even one submitted on a common form, should have at least a cover letter that points out how the program in question specifically matches with the funder\u2019s mission and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Myth: You need to \u201cknow someone\u201d to get a grant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: You don\u2019t need to know anyone to start, and relationships can be built as you go.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is true that relationships are crucial to foundation fundraising. However, the crucial relationships in steady, systematic grant seeking are not personal friendships. According to the authors, they are business relationships built on confidence and mutual regard \u2013 the elements necessary to work together in a significant way. Most often the case is different in my country, Nigeria where you are extorted before processing your grant application or after your grants have been given.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have learnt that a fundraiser should learn how to initiate and cultivate a relationship with funders in a businesslike way without selling your soul. An efficient grant seeker sends a steady stream of good information to funders without going overboard. Grant seekers should develop an evolving relationship of collaboration in which they consistently provide proof that their organizations are a responsible and effective partner in a potential funder\u2019s efforts. Such relationships can position their organizations to be a serious candidate for very significant grants.<\/span><\/p>\n

v. Myth: Grants are too inconsistent to deserve the attention of fundraising staff<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: Grants are consistently useful for certain projects and needs<\/span><\/p>\n

It is not advisable for an organization to balance its livelihood on one big grant. The organization could fall if that grant gets used up or withdrawn<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a large grant early in its cycle can catapult an organization through all the difficulties of a slow grassroots start-up, but it can just as easily lead an organization to delude itself about the kind of fundraising it needs to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under current foundation practices, grants are most often given to the following:<\/span>
\n * to start up new projects<\/span>
\n * make major expansions to existing projects in new locations<\/span>
\n * meet one-time capital or program needs<\/span>
\n * build an organization\u2019s internal capacity to carry out its mission<\/span>
\n * fund innovative communitywide initiatives and partnerships that join several nonprofit organizations or sectors<\/span><\/p>\n

Some important areas of an organization\u2019s needs never (under normal circumstances) be paid for by a grant. These may include administrative staffing, maintenance of buildings, insurance, and ongoing expenses for a successful program that is not changing, expanding, or spinning off in any way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Funders do not want grant seekers to become overly reliant on them over the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n

vi. Myth: Grants are few, huge and national<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: Grants are most often small, numerous and local<\/span><\/p>\n

Grants are medium-sized gifts that come from the same local and regional foundations every year<\/span><\/p>\n

Grants can be bread-and-butter grants, which are recurring opportunities, usually from local or regional sources, and icing-on-the-cake grants, which are large, often one-time opportunities<\/span><\/p>\n

Bread-and-butter grants provide an opportunity to increase grant income year after year<\/span><\/p>\n

Icing-on-the-cake, super grants should be approached only occasionally, that is, when your organization fits the guidelines and the opportunity seems very strong<\/span><\/p>\n

vii, Myth: Taking grant funding means selling out your program<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: You control your programs, and you can select donors that fit with your mission<\/span><\/p>\n

Iii-prepared grant seekers may struggle to create a program that fits the guideline of a specific funder when a big grant opportunity arises<\/span><\/p>\n

A grant seeker will only sell its soul or corrupt its mission if he approaches grant seeking only when it\u2019s financially desperate and willing to take any and all suggestions from funders, hoping that if they comply they will get funded<\/span><\/p>\n

A grant seeker should conduct a steady, year-round grant seeking effort. This will make them gain control over the process. This will allow them select whom they will approach as a potential funder, based on any criteria they wish, and also select how much funding they will ask for and when.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This new knowledge about the reality of grant seeking will give me an edge at it when am applying for grants. Now I understand that to get started and get grants I don\u2019t need to stay up all night to prepare a proposal at once. What I need is a system with a new attitude. I have acquired from these ideas that a system will carry me through months and years of productive grant seeking.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe key to maintaining the integrity of your programs lies in your choices about whom you apply to and how you work.\u201d Pg15<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintaining integrity in a nonprofit is imperative if we intend to develop a continued relationship with great funders. I recall training \u2013 about social work – I attended some times ago. The speaker, who is a founder of a major NGO in Africa, shared with us his experience of returning the excess of the grant his NGO received from an international donor. And based on this action the donor instantly pledged to become a yearly donor for his NGO. How we work or operate our NGO determines the level of our integrity. Putting basic\/fundamental principles (maybe at the commencement stage) in place can help a great deal. I have also discovered basic level of integrity in IIGL. For instance, its financial accounts are posted to the website annually. And members are also encouraged to ask for it at will.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, the book does not contain any exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 \u2013 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why True Love Waits<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Why True Love Waits\u2019 is a reader-friendly, easy-to-use reference text addressing, from a biblical perspective, the crisis of adolescent premarital sex in our world today. The book is a rich treasure of relevant information revealing statistics, and pertinent insights on the adolescent sex crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, the book contains:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Comprehensive research and documentation on adolescent premarital sex crisis and its roots and reveals why this crisis must be urgently and pointedly addressed<\/span><\/p>\n

* Heartbreaking letters and gripping anecdotes from Christian young people who are being pressured by our sex oriented culture and media to compromise the Bible\u2019s teaching to wait for sex until marriage<\/span><\/p>\n

* Benefits of waiting till marriage before engaging in sexual act<\/span><\/p>\n

* Practical, relevant steps one can take to help youth resist sexual pressure in a culture which communicates, \u201cIf it feels good, do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Every youth needs to read or hear the content of this book. I feel unhappy when I see teenagers in my community become pregnant outside of marriage which terminates their education. The present generation needs to learn how to say a convincing NO to premarital sex. When I began to read this book I felt a urge to begin to teach it to the young people in my community. Every Sunday evening, till now, I gather them to read the book. The participants are mostly young girls, which am delighted about because they are most vulnerable in this regard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Why True Love Wait\u2019 is a definitive book on how to help young people resist sexual pressure. It is an easy reference tool for parents, youth workers, sex education teachers, educators, students and the likes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The author shares the following opinions, which are important to me, in the book:<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does true love wait? Our youth want answers<\/span><\/p>\n

* Many young Christians struggle with the questions: \u201cDo I have to stop having sex with my girlfriend in order to become a Christian?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* Some also have the opinion that engaging in sex add a deeper level of meaning to their already good relationship<\/span><\/p>\n

* Some say \u201cSince am fully committed to my partner, having premarital sex should not be a problem. And that prohibitions against premarital sex seem a bit archaic in light of advanced birth control methods and changing views about sex in our culture<\/span><\/p>\n

* Christian youth accept the Bible\u2019s authority on many issues but struggle when it comes to morality and lifestyle choices. They are aware that the bible places clear limitations on sexual activity, but they consider these limitations merely old-fashioned, overly strict rules for a different time and a different culture<\/span><\/p>\n

* Our youth need to understand the reason they should not engage in illicit sex<\/span><\/p>\n

* There is a devastating consequences of extramarital sex \u2013 consequences such as guilt, pain, unwanted pregnancy, and even death and disease<\/span><\/p>\n

* God says no to premarital sex because he loves us enough to protect us from harm and provide for our good<\/span><\/p>\n

God\u2019s Definition of True Love<\/span><\/p>\n

* Most youth are working from a counterfeit standard of love \u2013 one that says love permits sex without boundaries, outside of God\u2019s definition of love<\/span><\/p>\n

* What is God\u2019s definition of true love? In 1 Corinthians, apostle Paul gives a good description of what love does and does not do:<\/span><\/p>\n

– Love is patient<\/span>
\n – Love is kind<\/span>
\n – Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude<\/span>
\n – Love does not demand its own way<\/span>
\n – Love is not irritable<\/span>
\n – Love does not keep record of when it has been wronged<\/span>
\n – Love is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out<\/span><\/p>\n

I Corinthians 13:4-6<\/span><\/p>\n

* With these attributes of true love as indicated by the Bible, the author derives a concise statement defining love, \u201cLove is making the security, happiness, and welfare of another person as important as your own.\u201d This is the kind of love that protects the loved one from harm and provides for his or her good.<\/span><\/p>\n

* True love demonstrates to us that anyone who uses love as a justification for premarital sex is not speaking out of love at all<\/span><\/p>\n

* Young people need to understand these standards for true love. They should not be condemned but shown love and forgiveness. They should be assured they are special in God\u2019s eyes. In our Sunday evening with the teenagers in my community I do not just tell them \u201cno sex\u201d, my major discuss is \u201cwhy\u201d they should wait. And I do this with love and care. It is always interesting when we all share our opinions and experiences on this subject and eventually reach a unanimous conclusion. Some of them have begun to have a renewed understanding of this subject. Interestingly, these teenagers now learn greatly from my past experience and mistakes about premarital sex (which used to condemn me). Am happy now that am using my seemingly negative past on premarital sex to make a huge difference in the lives of these teenagers. Obviously, just as I was years ago, these children are ignorant of the devastating emotional, physical, relational and medical reasons to wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adolescent Premarital Sex: The High Cost to Youth<\/span><\/p>\n

* The threat of sexually transmitted diseases and the possibility of complications from pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

* \u201cApproximately 12 million new cases of STDs occur annually, three million of them teenagers. Each year, nearly one million teenagers become pregnant, about one-third of whom decide to abort their babies.\u201d – Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MISH)<\/span><\/p>\n

– Negative impact it has on a young person and her or his lifetime partner.<\/span>
\n – The cost of another life through abortion<\/span>
\n – Young women at greater risk<\/span><\/p>\n

Adolescent Premarital Sex: The high cost to society<\/span><\/p>\n

* There is a high price of the adolescent premarital sex crisis on the rest of us \u2013 the families, churches, schools, and communities involved with these young people<\/span><\/p>\n

* Personally, I have seen some young ladies die of HIV\/AIDs in my community. I felt sober on each tragic occasion<\/span><\/p>\n

* Also, according to the author, when society step in to underwrite the expenses associated with sexually transmitted diseases, teen pregnancy and abortion, teen mothers on welfare, or the care of the children, the government pays from the tax<\/span><\/p>\n

* Sacrifice of human lives through abortion is a high cost to our society. In our society, countless unborn human beings pay the ultimate price for their parents\u2019 sexual irresponsibility: death through abortion<\/span><\/p>\n

Reasons kids don\u2019t wait for sex<\/span><\/p>\n

* Puberty: a body equipped for sex. Because they are hormonally and physically capable of having sex.<\/span>
\n * Early date; early sex<\/span>
\n * Alcohol and drugs which weaken defenses against premarital sex<\/span>
\n * Birth control i.e the use of contraceptives: the myth of safe sex<\/span>
\n * The culture\u2019s motto \u201cIf it feels good, do it.\u201d<\/span>
\n * The wrong notion that sex is a prove of true love<\/span>
\n * The distorted media<\/span>
\n * The need for love which sometimes is lacking at home<\/span>
\n * Searching for love, intimacy, security and self-esteem, companionship<\/span>
\n * Pressure to conform and to be popular and others<\/span><\/p>\n

Reasons Kids Should wait for sex<\/span>
\n * God\u2019s protection and provision<\/span><\/p>\n

* To avoid Sexually Transmitted Diseases<\/span><\/p>\n

* Protection from emotional pitfalls of premarital sex e.g guilt, performance-based sex, misleading feelings about sex and love, addiction to sex, hardships of breaking up, poor self-image, etc<\/span><\/p>\n

* Provision for emotional wholeness in future marriage e.g provision for maturity, provision of genuine love, provision of respect for one\u2019s body, provision of dignity, provision for intimacy e.t.c<\/span><\/p>\n

* Provision for spiritual blessing for sexual purity e.g provision of the blessing of patience, blessing of trust and Jesus to fill the void<\/span><\/p>\n

How to help our kids wait for sex<\/span><\/p>\n

* We, especially parents, should develop a nurturing relationship with kids<\/span><\/p>\n

* According to the author, a parent and child connection equals reduced sexual involvement.<\/span><\/p>\n

* We should communicate acceptance, lavish them with appreciation, parents should be available to their kids, establish accountability with them, listen to them and display affection towards them<\/span><\/p>\n

– Encourage an intimate relationship with Christ<\/span>
\n – Parents should teach and model moral values at home<\/span>
\n – We should help kids to develop the strength to say NO.<\/span>
\n – We should help kids determine standards for dating<\/span>
\n – We should offer forgiveness and provide hope when kids blow it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond helping me to make some personal decisions about this subject, I have begun to use the lessons in the book to help some young people in my community to renew their lives, and renew their actions. Certainly, they have begun to invest in their future, especially lifetime commitment in a marital relationship. I believe good things will happen in this direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

So many words that could go for quotes got my attention in this book. Every page contains a breath-taking moment and makes me sigh. There would be no space if I decided to quote them. But the following words are worth noting:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of my most important talks for young people is on self-image. I tell them, \u201cIn God\u2019s eyes, you are special.\u201d And within the context of our love and acceptance, our kids need reasons to wait. It\u2019s not enough to tell them \u201cno sex\u201d; we must lovingly and clearly share with them why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I do not disagree with anything in the book<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, the book does not contain any exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The scope of the author was limited mostly to happenings about the subject in the U.S.A. I would love it if the author could broaden his scope and findings to the entire globe. It\u2019s possible! If we could contact the author, we could inform him to do a review of the book with this broader scope. Certainly, it will help educators, young people, and parents etc in other countries to understand what is going on about this subject in their own country. It\u2019s an enormous task I must confess. It is possible, anyway. So, please lets write to the author, firstly to read this assessment and secondly, to consider the possibility of reviewing the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 \u2013 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wealth Without A Job<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment By Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the idea that author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In this book, the authors intelligently explain how an individual can:<\/span><\/p>\n

a. Determine his true purpose so that he can choose a business that expresses his own values and passion<\/span><\/p>\n

b. Understand the fundamental changes in today\u2019s economy structure that virtually require self \u2013 actualizers to work for themselves<\/span><\/p>\n

c. Discover and adopt the principles that separate the wealthy from the others<\/span><\/p>\n

d. Earn the income that he wants from the work he loves.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book also reveals:<\/span><\/p>\n

a. The emotions that sabotage success in entrepreneurship and what one must do to minimize them while maximizing emotions proven to help one attain success.<\/span><\/p>\n

b. Guidelines for turning stumbling block into stepping stones including launching your own business even if you are currently unemployed.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a nutshell, wealth without a job shows the reader how to make the emotional and psychological adjustment required to become successful as their own boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. What were the seven ideas which where personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as why it is as important to you. Use personal example.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I have learnt that:<\/span><\/p>\n

A. Wealthy people are different. Some of the important differences are:<\/span><\/p>\n

i. Wealthy people are decisive. This is because they have an enduring vision to guide their decisions and actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. Wealthy people take prudent risks. Poor people tend to be dominated by fear of making a mistake, so they rarely take risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Wealthy people don\u2019t work for money. Rather, they develop a self benefiting mind-set about money and receiving and do work that suits them.<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Wealthy people take responsibility. They do not blame their financial situation on themselves or anyone or anything else. Instead they take the steps necessary to change their own thinking and behavior to move ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

v. Wealthy people are good for the economy. They pay most of the taxes, create jobs, and make most of the charitable contributions.<\/span><\/p>\n

vi. Wealthy people do not rely on luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

I desire abundant wealth, and that makes these points vital to me. Surely, they have made a huge difference in my life since I have discovered them from IIGL curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Learning to earn the income you want from work you love gives one true financial success.<\/span><\/p>\n

* There are devastating effects of doing work you don\u2019t like, just for the money.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Work you don\u2019t like may feed you, but it will never nourish you.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Working just for the money produces people who feel cheated, people who know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Earning the income you want from work you love is an act of defiance \u2013 it defies both parental conditioning and societal conditioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. In order to achieve true success and gain wealth without a job one should understand the following fire key principles:<\/span><\/p>\n

i. Know your outcome<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. Develop sensory activity<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Develop mental and behavioral flexibility<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Operate from a physiology and psychology of excellence<\/span><\/p>\n

v. Take massive action<\/span><\/p>\n

D. To experience wealth without A job, you must go through an effective change. The three ingredients to effective change are: awareness, acceptance and action.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Change is inevitable<\/span><\/p>\n

* The questions are, are you making the changes you want or does change happen to you?<\/span><\/p>\n

* Learn to use awareness, acceptance, and action so that changes are both favorable and the ones you choose.<\/span><\/p>\n

* It is virtually impossible to change what you don\u2019t know about.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Acceptance includes accepting responsibility \u2013 responsibility for your income, success and satisfaction, without reliance on outside sources<\/span><\/p>\n

* And take consistent effective behavior that moves you toward your goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. Values motivate us all<\/span><\/p>\n

* Each of us motivated differently<\/span><\/p>\n

* To experience wealth without a job, we must be motivated some appropriate values.<\/span><\/p>\n

* There are six reasons for everything people do:<\/span><\/p>\n

i. Certainty<\/span>
\n ii. Uncertainty or variety<\/span>
\n iii. Significance<\/span>
\n iv. Love or connection<\/span>
\n v. Growth<\/span>
\n vi. Contribution<\/span><\/p>\n

* You must have a level of certainty to accomplish anything<\/span><\/p>\n

* Conversely, you also must have uncertainty or variety in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

* All of us are more motivated to do tasks or achieve goals when we feel significant.<\/span><\/p>\n

* In addition to feeling significant, we must feel a connection or love to the people we are dealing with.<\/span><\/p>\n

* To be motivated, we must be growing and learning all the time. If we are not growing, we are stagnant. We stagnate, we actually move backward.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Mental flexibility is necessary for peak performance:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Mental rigidity makes improvement difficult, perhaps impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The rigid mind is absorbed in justifying the past rather than improving the future<\/span><\/p>\n

* Positive thinking can be used to improve mental flexibility<\/span><\/p>\n

* The power affirmations allow access to the unconscious thinking that is limiting success.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Mental flexibility changes a person\u2019s thinking to facilitate accomplishment and to eliminate annoying internal chatter<\/span><\/p>\n

* Mental flexibility through power affirmations and positive thinking improve our spirituality, self \u2013 esteem relationships, health, and finance and time management.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. Taking massive action is necessary to achieve wealth without a job<\/span><\/p>\n

* It\u2019s great to have great goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

* However, if you do not take action to achieve them, they are merely dreams<\/span><\/p>\n

* Action is an integral part of success<\/span><\/p>\n

* Action means doing more than is required and getting rid of the mentality of just doing enough to get by<\/span><\/p>\n

* Massive action means being focused and continually taking action no matter what happens<\/span><\/p>\n

* Challenges and obstacles always will get in one\u2019s way. But we should use them as learning experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The ideas written in these books are those I have nourished in my heart since I discovered my true purpose and vision for life \u2013 to use entrepreneurial skills to create socio \u2013 economic change in my community at large. These lessons learnt in this will also help me to achieve this vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWork you love obviously possesses the potential of providing for greater intangible rewards, such as joy in doing and the satisfaction of contribution\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When I device ways to engage idle young people in productive activities I feel joyful and posses a feeling for a satisfying life. This is because I love what I do.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink about these questions: who is in control of your thoughts? Who is in control of how you feel? Who is in control of your behavior? Do you allow someone else to control your thoughts, feelings and behaviours? Who is at the controls? Who is flying your airplane anyway?\u201d pp53<\/span><\/p>\n

We should not give the control of our destiny to external circumstances or influence of people around us without our permission. Let us learn to take charge by occupying the driver seat. We all have the personal choice about how we interpret and handle the external challenges that come to us. Regardless of the situation, we have the freedom to think whatever we like. We can control our thoughts and make it achieve for us whatever we desire, including wealth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMany people give up just before they achieve success. Then someone else goes a little further and gets the rewards.\u201d Pp45<\/span><\/p>\n

We must continually take massive action to achieve the success we desire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople who blame their financial lack on outside circumstances find progress difficult or impossible.\u201d Pp33<\/span><\/p>\n

If you believe your lack is caused by factors beyond your control \u2013 age, sex, upbringing, height, or race \u2013 then it could be that you may likely not want to do anything about it. If you blame your financial lack on past choices you have made, such as your spouse, ex-spouse, weight, or debt, then you may not want to do anything about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is almost impossible to solve a problem with the same mind-set that created it.\u201d Pp33<\/span><\/p>\n

Most effective solutions occur after we shift our thinking. Responsibility is the perspective that we are the creator of events and circumstances. If we keep thinking the same way, then we will keep getting the same results.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the book contains exercises for the readers to complete. I completed some of the exercises and they were indeed helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 \u2013 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Power Of Failure<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the idea that the author is trying to convey in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Through this book, the author has addressed a variety of life and work challenges. More importantly the author has offered practical ways for turning setbacks into success. This book is designed to provide ways to turn seeming failures into successes. It contains practical prescriptions for successfully meeting some life\u2019s most common setbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lessons of this book are organized into four parts. They include redefining success and failure, winning through losing, coping with failure, and collaboration with failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

The author also introduced in this book \u201cThe new view of failure\u201d which includes eight key themes that undergird the power of failure strategies. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Redefine failure<\/span>
\n 2. Redefine success<\/span>
\n 3. Learn from failure<\/span>
\n 4. View failure as stepping \u2013 stone for success<\/span>
\n 5. Find the opportunities of failure<\/span>
\n 6. Use negative feedback to your advantage<\/span>
\n 7. Look beyond yourself<\/span>
\n 8. Persist.<\/span><\/p>\n

The power of failure offers prescriptions for a more productive, prosperous, and peaceful life.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanations after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A. Redefine Failure<\/span><\/p>\n

The author explains the old definition of failure as a negative, fatal, and final result indicating:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 An inability to perform and a lack of success<\/span>
\n \u2022 A falling short because of ineptness, deficiency, or negligence<\/span>
\n \u2022 A bad, bad thing that should be avoided, mourned, and punished<\/span><\/p>\n

And he gives the new definition of failure as a short \u2013 term unexpected result that reflects a challenge in progress and that provides:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 A stepping \u2013 stone to success<\/span>
\n \u2022 An opportunity for learning and development<\/span>
\n \u2022 An opportunity for creative change and innovation<\/span><\/p>\n

From the new definition, I have learnt that failure is not something to be feared. It contains a positive challenge for successful living. I have failed in many tasks that I had left me sad and disappointed. But later on those failures turned out to be blessings for me. It is true that today\u2019s failures contain the seeds of tomorrow\u2019s greatest successes. The first step to mastering the art of failing successfully is to come to see failure in a whole new light.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Redefining Success<\/span><\/p>\n

The old definitions of success, as described by the author, are an all \u2013 positive final result indicating:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Superior ability that requires no further learning or change<\/span>
\n \u2022 Performance that is devoid of flaws, weakness, or failure<\/span>
\n \u2022 A good, good thing that should be sought, celebrated and honoured above all else.<\/span><\/p>\n

And he offers a new definition of success as a way of living founded on benefiting from all life has to offer that is:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 A long \u2013 term sequence of life \u2013 improving results<\/span>
\n \u2022 An outcome of short \u2013 term setbacks and failures<\/span>
\n \u2022 A process of continual development, learning, and fulfillment in life<\/span><\/p>\n

I totally resonate with these new definitions of success. For me, success is a progress. It is a continuous improvement in every aspect of one\u2019s life which may involve some set \u2013 backs or challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Learn From Failure<\/span><\/p>\n

The first step to mastering the art of failing successfully is to come to see failure and success in a whole new light. We can become successful learners by learning from failure. Many successful people, especially business icons, achieved success by learning from failures. Great people in the world like Bill Gates, Benjamin Franklin, and Henry Ford etc. clearly had a view of successful learning from setbacks that helped them and their companies to turn many potential failures into dynamic successes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without a doubt one of the most powerful pillars of long \u2013 term success is learning from mistakes. Certainly, a challenging, well \u2013 lived, and successful life will be filled with both ups and downs. Growing as a person and addressing significant real \u2013 world problems means we will surely fail some of the time, but if we learn lessons from these failures and stay the course, we will eventually succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. Winning Through Losing<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes the only sure way to win in the long run is to lose in the short run. The greatest failure in the short run might be the greatest success in the long run. Always striving to be the victor, being right, receiving the award and recognition, can hold us back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Real winners, according to the author, learn the art of winning through losing. Some key lesson I got from the idea of winning through losing are:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Sometimes when you win, you lose<\/span>
\n * Sometimes when you lose you win<\/span>
\n * Succeed at win \/ win not win \/ lose<\/span>
\n * Succeed at being a \u201cTryer\u201d even when you are a \u201cFailure\u201d<\/span>
\n * Help others win, even at your own expense, to help yourself<\/span>
\n * When you feel that you are \u201closing it,\u201d declare \u201cTemporary sanity\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

E. Coping with Failure<\/span><\/p>\n

Elbert Hubbard was right when he said \u201cThe greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If we can learn to accept failure as a necessary part of life and then take from it the valuable lessons it offers, we can transcend it. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s best to not try to deny or redefine failure but to effectively cope and cooperate with it for future success,\u201d writes Charles Manz.<\/span><\/p>\n

To cope with failure, I have learnt to:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Accept when failure is really failure<\/span>
\n * Choose to be happy over being right<\/span>
\n * Use emotional intelligence with failure to succeed<\/span>
\n * Let mental storms blow through<\/span>
\n * Use failure to master myself<\/span>
\n * Discover success at the point of maximum pessimism<\/span>
\n * Understand that both beauty and ugliness are in the eye of the beholder<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Collaborating with Failure<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVirtually nothing comes out right the first time. Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. The only time you don\u2019t want to fail is the last time you try something\u2026 one fails forward toward success.\u201d Quite a wise counsel from Charles F. Kettering. To collaborate with failure:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Fail small to succeed Big<\/span>
\n \u2022 See the magnificent in the minimal<\/span>
\n \u2022 Succeed at living in the present moment<\/span>
\n \u2022 Continually invest for success, even in the face of failure<\/span>
\n \u2022 Sometimes choose to get in over your head to get ahead<\/span>
\n \u2022 When you feel lost and demoralized by your path\u2026 blaze a new one.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. The Power of Failure Motto<\/span><\/p>\n

* Failure is a natural part of every life<\/span>
\n * Failure, at its best, is a stepping \u2013 stone to success, a challenge in progress and the life blood of a successful life.<\/span>
\n * Failure offers us the gifts of learning, the means to become stronger and grow as persons, the possibility for change and innovation, and the chance to see whole new opportunities.<\/span>
\n * We can truly live successful lives when we dare to harness The Power of Failure<\/span><\/p>\n

3: How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily life and helping you to create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

These ideas practically teach me how to identify failures as stepping stones unto success and how to harness the power of failure to generate the success I desire in my business, marriage, relationships and all life\u2019s endeavors.<\/span><\/p>\n

4: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFailure is not something to be feared. It contains a positive challenge for successful living\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The first step to mastering the art of failing successfully is to come to see failure and success in a whole new light. Lao Tzu said that \u201cFailure is the foundation of success and the means by which it is achieved\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to be more successful, double your failure rate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A wise speaker said that \u201c if you haven\u2019t failed at least three times today you haven\u2019t tried anything new. Avoiding failure leads to avoiding risks \u2013 a type of behaviour not well suited to most business in today\u2019s economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the book contains exercises for the readers to complete. I completed some of the exercises and they were indeed helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 \u2013 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]30 Lies About Money<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment By Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the idea that the author is trying to convey in this book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book really got me thinking. It took me on a trip through the garden of money, full of its glamour, potential and illustrations. The book actually explains what money is from a spiritual dimension. Money and soul. That is what this book is about. Often the language of money we unthinkingly speak with each other may contain the greatest self \u2013 deceptions of our time. This book explains such self \u2013 deceptions that the author refers to as lies. With each revelation in the book, one will experience a little freeing in two ways \u2013 a freeing of oneself and a freeing of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

My own personal study of money started when I discovered\/observed (1999) the role money plays in successfully buying \/ obtaining the things we want. I have reached a conclusion that money is only a means of exchange. Also, in my IIGL study, I learnt that money is my Own Natural Energy Yield. What a powerful discovery. And this book has also justified it through the 30 Lies About Money stated in the book. These are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Lie No. 1: The lie of Many Happy Returns<\/span>
\n Lie No. 2: Money is Power<\/span>
\n Lie No. 3: Debt is bad<\/span>
\n Lie No. 4: You need a certain minimum amount of money to be happy<\/span>
\n Lie No. 5: The best products and services make the most money<\/span>
\n Lie No. 6: With money you secure and provide for your existence<\/span>
\n Lie No. 7: Money is Security<\/span>
\n Lie No. 8: Money is created by governments and central banks<\/span>
\n Lie No. 9: The Money in circulation is created through minting coins and printing notes<\/span>
\n Lie No. 10: Money is backed by gold or some other valuable commodity<\/span>
\n Lie No. 11: The health of a country may be accurately judged by looking at its GNP and other economic statistics<\/span>
\n Lie No. 12: The Lie of where money is<\/span>
\n Lie No. 13: The love of money is the root of all evil<\/span>
\n Lie No. 14: The Lie of the rich and the poor<\/span>
\n Lie No. 15: Money is Freedom<\/span>
\n Lie No. 16: Work and earn money, to do what you want<\/span>
\n Lie No. 17: You need money, a business plan, capital and a budget to start a project<\/span>
\n Lie No. 18: Everyone can make a profit<\/span>
\n Lie No. 19: To sustain itself a business needs to make profit<\/span>
\n Lie No. 20: The price of goods and services is mainly composed of the costs of providing them<\/span>
\n Lie No. 21: Money is independence<\/span>
\n Lie No. 22: Money is dependence<\/span>
\n Lie No. 23: Your pensions and savings will guarantee you a peaceful old-age<\/span>
\n Lie No. 24: The Monetary reformers Lie No. 1<\/span>
\n Lie No. 25: The Monetary reformers Lie No. 2<\/span>
\n Lie No. 26: Money comes when you give it away<\/span>
\n Lie No. 27: The lies about abundance<\/span>
\n Lie No. 28: Money is the problem, money is the solution<\/span>
\n Lie No. 29: Money is important\u2026 but makes life easier<\/span>
\n Lie No. 30: Money is\u2026 whatever you think<\/span>
\n Lie No. 31 An Encore: Men handle money better than women<\/span><\/p>\n

This book will liberate one\u2019s life and money.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanations after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

(A) Money is whatever you think it is ( Lie NO. 30)<\/span>
\n * Money is not what you think it is<\/span>
\n * Money becomes what you think it is, in your experience, through your thinking so.<\/span>
\n * Your thought, conscious or unconscious, creates the experience that reinforces the correctness of the original thought, which then reinforces the concreteness of the experience and so on in a continuing cycle.<\/span>
\n * Money is simply like an empty slate \u2013 in the form of metal (coin), paper (note) or electronic, virtual space (account) on to which your thought, quality or thing is protected.<\/span><\/p>\n

(B) Men handle money better than women<\/span>
\n * Men and women are basically in agreement that women do not really handle money well.<\/span>
\n * I consider this statement \u2018a lie\u2019 as the author does.<\/span>
\n * In my family, my daddy works and brings money home while my mother makes budget for expenses.<\/span>
\n * Since I grew up to know my parents, my father has respected my mother for her financial management prowess.<\/span>
\n * Usually, when the subject of finance comes up, men start using words, jargon and concepts that women cannot understand \u2013 and are not particularly interested to. Women withdraw, intimidated by their male partners and even more so by male investment managers at their bank convinced that the financial world has little to do with them.<\/span>
\n * Women tend to be \u201ceconomic experts\u201d i.e understanding the word economy in its original meaning, \u201cmanagement of the household\u201d \u2013 as the author describes it.<\/span>
\n * It is women who usually manage the household \u2013 with a lot of experience, skill and competence<\/span>
\n * Their focus tends to be on what is immediately important, i.e, apparently short term, but this is deceptive because their decisions often involve long \u2013 term investment, for example directing household expenses to education.<\/span>
\n * The overall orientation is in fact a long \u2013 term one; how well the family is doing over the long \u2013 term.<\/span>
\n * The man\u2019s approach on the other hand tends not to be economic but financial \/ speculative on the theoretical basis that the family\u2019s livelihood is best secured by maximizing or optimizing financial returns.<\/span>
\n * In relation to wife and family the focus tends to be on long \u2013 term investments, ownership, securities, i.e apparently long term, but this is deceptive because these investments are being constantly reassessed for performance and household money redirected accordingly.<\/span>
\n * In conclusion, the particular lie in this section is a \u201cracket\u201d between men and women, in which women are as responsible as men. So not just men, both men and women need to work equally in dissolving this racket. In so doing, the myth gradually evaporates, to bring men\u2019s and women\u2019s respective skills into relation and cooperation, so also harmonizing the short \u2013 term and long \u2013 term orientations.<\/span><\/p>\n

(C) With money you secure and provide for your existence<\/span>
\n * This is typically a lie about money<\/span>
\n * We exist with or without money<\/span>
\n * Our greed and insatisfaction has made us believe we can\u2019t exist without money.<\/span>
\n * Existence is given us with birth and provides for us and our needs perfectly<\/span>
\n * No amount of money can provide the feeling of security<\/span>
\n * We have the illusion that a certain amount of money or wealth will assure our security.<\/span><\/p>\n

(D) You need a certain minimum amount of money to be happy.<\/span>
\n * Money doesn\u2019t necessarily lead to happiness<\/span>
\n * It is dangerous, however, for people to think that a certain minimum amount is essential to be happy and comfortable<\/span>
\n * The \u201c certain minimum amount\u201d is an amount that inexorably creeps upwards but never quite satisfies the stated promise of happiness<\/span>
\n * I used to think if I had N1,000,000 I would be forever happy. When I had it the \u201chappiness” was short lived. As the money diminished the \u201chappiness\u201d also followed suit.<\/span>
\n * Barrs\u2019 Law states that if a certain minimum amount of money is set down as a target to satisfy a qualitative goal (like happiness) by the time the figure is met the target amount will have doubled!<\/span>
\n * I agree with barrs\u2019 law.<\/span>
\n * Happiness is a state of the mind. We can definitely get it without attaching it to a material thing<\/span>
\n * I agree that there are many happy poor and many unhappy rich people.<\/span><\/p>\n

(E) With money you secure and provide for your existence<\/span>
\n * It is a basic lie to say we secure and provide for our existence with money.<\/span>
\n * With or without money we exist<\/span>
\n * Existence is given to us with birth and provides for us and our needs perfectly with all of life\u2019s securities and insecurities.<\/span><\/p>\n

(F) Money is security<\/span>
\n * This is a lie about money.<\/span>
\n * No amount of money can provide the feeling of security<\/span>
\n * The illusion is that a certain amount of money or wealth will assure your security<\/span>
\n * The belief that \u201cmoney is security\u201d pushes us to get more than we require to live a peaceful and enjoyable life<\/span>
\n * The irony of the belief in the lie of \u201cmoney is security\u201d is that we are likely to be living our life in a security prison of our own construction. This is of course, according to the author, not an expression of security, rather the reverse \u2013 insecurity.<\/span><\/p>\n

(G) The love of money is the root of all evil<\/span>
\n * This is a typical lie about money<\/span>
\n * This popular saying is often misquoted as \u201cmoney is the root of all evil.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3, How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily life and helping you to create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

These ideas practically gave me new insights about money in relation to my soul. The old views about money have been exchanged for new ones that will definitely help me in my business and family.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the book contains exercises for the readers to complete. I completed some of the exercises and they were quite helpful<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 \u2013 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 6<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Illusions of Entreprenurship<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I have studied several books on entrepreneurship but the Illusions of Entrepreneurship is quite different as it dwells upon myths that entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers live by. Though the facts and findings of the author, Scott A. Shane, are limited to the American society, I could relate some to the Nigerian society. In this book, the author demolishes those myths and in the process provides much-needed guidance to entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A. What is Entrepreneurship?<\/span><\/p>\n

Entrepreneurship has been defined in different ways by different people. To some people entrepreneurship means to act in a way that is innovative, creative, and oriented towards growth or opportunity. Someone has also defined entrepreneurship as an art of converting one\u2019s dreams into reality. To some authors, there are corporate entrepreneurs – people who pursue new business opportunities within established corporations; social entrepreneurs – people who found new non profit organizations, religions, or social movements; and people who just act \u201centrepreneurially\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scott A. Shane, author of this book, defines entrepreneurship as the activity of organizing, managing, and assuming the risks of a business or enterprise. \u201cAn entrepreneur is a person who engages in these activities,\u201d says Scott.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wikipedia defines entrepreneurship as \u201cthe practice of starting new organizations, particularly new businesses, generally in response to identified opportunities.\u201d It is in this light that Scott bases his definition of an entrepreneur, not people who found new religions, social movements, or corporate ventures, or people who are just acting creatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scott has made these categories of entrepreneurs the topics of his book.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Realities about entrepreneurship given by Scott are:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Entrepreneurs are more likely to start businesses in less attractive, run-of-the-mill industries, like construction or retail trade, than they are to start businesses in more attractive, glitzy technology-based industries.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The most common reason why people start businesses is to avoid working for others<\/span><\/p>\n

* People who change jobs often, who are employed, and who make less money are more likely than other people to start their own business.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical start-up is capitalized with $25,000, taken primarily from the founder\u2019s savings (this is not the case in my society, Nigeria)<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical start-up isn\u2019t innovative, has no plans to grow, has one employee, and generates less than $100,000 in revenue.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Only one-third of people who start business manage to get a new business \u201cup and running\u201d within seven years<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical entrepreneur works more hours but earns less money than he would have earned if he worked for someone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Start-ups create fewer jobs than most people thinking; only one percent of people work in companies less than two years old, while sixty percent work in companies more than ten years old.<\/span><\/p>\n

NOTE: These realities of entrepreneurship as given by Scott are not all applicable to the Nigerian environment. Nigeria is becoming more entrepreneurial; a larger proportion of population start businesses in Nigeria today than did years ago. Apart from the problem of \u201cpower \/ electricity\u201d which is major, faced by entrepreneurs in Nigeria, they are thriving. In the recent times, Asian entrepreneurs are flooding Nigeria to establish businesses that are highly thriving. Nigeria is becoming highly entrepreneurial. The market is also very large.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Today\u2019s Entrepreneurial Industries<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Scott the typical entrepreneur today starts a service business. I agree with Scott. Most entrepreneurs in Nigeria are in service industries because it is not capital intensive as in manufacturing or production. Very few entrepreneurs start businesses that make things any more. According to Scott, in the United States, start-ups in service industries outnumber start-ups in manufacturing by a factor of roughly 8 to 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

Busted Myths and Key Realities<\/span><\/p>\n

* Most new business are not started in glitzy, high-tech industries but rather in a few sub sectors or pretty mundane, run-of-the \u2013mill industries<\/span><\/p>\n

* Most entrepreneurs don\u2019t select the most profitable industries but instead pick industries with the highest firm failure<\/span><\/p>\n

* Entrepreneurs don\u2019t select industries because they are good for start-ups but rather because they know these industries and because it is easy to start business in them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most new businesses are started in a few glamorous sub sectors of mainstream industries. Entrepreneurs prefer these industries not because they are profitable or good start-ups but because these are the industries that entrepreneurs know and because it is easy to start businesses in them.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. Who becomes an entrepreneur?<\/span><\/p>\n

Busted Myths and Key Realities?<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical entrepreneur started a business because he didn\u2019t want to work for someone else and who is just trying to make a living<\/span><\/p>\n

* Psychological factors account for very little of the difference between entrepreneurs and other people, much less than demographic factors like age, race, and gender<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical entrepreneur doesn\u2019t start a business because of a desire to make money for the thrill of starting businesses, to support his family, or to become well known; the typical entrepreneur starts a business because he doesn\u2019t like working for someone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

* People are more likely to go into business for themselves if they are unemployed, work part-time, have changed jobs often, and make less money.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Studying business isn\u2019t that important to becoming an entrepreneur, studying things that correspond to occupations in which a lot of people run their own businesses is just as likely to increase your chances of starting a business<\/span><\/p>\n

* Working for someone else increases the chances that a person will start his own business<\/span><\/p>\n

E. What does the Typical Start-Up look like?<\/span><\/p>\n

* Contrary to most people\u2019s mental image, the typical start-up is a very ordinary, not-very-innovative, home-based business that starts and stays tiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Most entrepreneurs don\u2019t systematically search for, evaluate, their new business ideas, offering instead the same or similar products, to the same or similar customers, as their previous employers<\/span><\/p>\n

* Thinking about business opportunities isn\u2019t something that many entrepreneurs do; more people start companies before they have identified a business idea than the other way around.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Starting a new business isn\u2019t a quick painless, linear, collective, or all-encompassing process.<\/span><\/p>\n

* There is no way to start a business; entrepreneurs get started by first doing a variety of different things.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Venture teams are very rare; the typical business is started by a single person alone; and when more than one person is involved in starting a business, it is usually two spouses working together<\/span><\/p>\n

F. How Well Does the Typical Entrepreneur Do?<\/span><\/p>\n

* Most start-ups do not succeed; the typical entrepreneur forms a business that is gone within five years and views his effort to start that company as successful<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical entrepreneur is very uncertain; the typical entrepreneur has a more variable income than he would have had as an employee, which leads him to risk down-ward mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical entrepreneur earns less money than he would have earned had he worked for someone else and has worse job benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The typical entrepreneur work more hours than people who work for others<\/span><\/p>\n

* Many entrepreneurs start businesses despite the poor performance of the typical entrepreneur because they are overoptimistic about their chances of success.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Even though the typical entrepreneur experiences poor financial performance, a small number of entrepreneurs are very successful, earn a lot of money, increase their net worth substantially, and move up the economic ladder.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. What Makes Some Entrepreneurs More Successful Than Others?<\/span><\/p>\n

* All industries are not equal; the industry in which a start-up operators has a large effect on its performance<\/span><\/p>\n

* Success as an entrepreneur is not all about your personality; there are many decisions that you can take that affect the performance of your start-up, from what strategy you adopt, to the market you target, to the internal controls in your business.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Doing what most entrepreneurs do is a mistake; the majority of entrepreneurs are wrong about how to run a new company.<\/span><\/p>\n

* New businesses are not better than established business; as your business gets older; its performance is likely to improve.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Why you start your business matters, if you want your business to survive, grow, and generate a good income, start your business to achieve those goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Getting an education will help, not hinder, your performance as an entrepreneur.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Knowing your industry matters; working in an industry before starting a business in it will improve your odds of success.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I am an entrepreneur, an empowerment trainer, social agent and entrepreneurship facilitator. On different occasions I have had the opportunity to train youth on entrepreneurship. The ideas and lessons in this book have added to my knowledge about entrepreneurship and have equipped me for effective and better assignment in this regard and also to act as a better entrepreneur. entrepreneurship has been in existence in Africa for thousands of years but not really documented as it were in U.S.A. This book deeply delves into American entrepreneurship. Hence providing me the opportunity to understand how it operates there. I have benefited immensely from this.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAs your business gets older, its performance is likely to improve. Don\u2019t be discouraged if at first the going is very tough\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There is nothing like over-night success in any business. Every successful business we see today is a product of hard work, persistence, determination and many years of working it out. Every entrepreneur must understand this fact.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. How interesting was it to read? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n 2. How helpful were the contents? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n 3. How easy was it to understand? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n 4. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n 5. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Banker To The Poor<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book contains the story of the inspiring Grameen Bank, Bangladesh established by Muhammad Yunus in 1983. This bank is devoted to providing the poorest of Bangladesh with minuscule loans without collateral. This is an interesting story of one man\u2019s belief that access to a small amount of credit can transform the lives of the poorest citizens of the universe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yunus believes that providing small amount of credit to the poor can turn them into successful entrepreneur and help to lift them out of poverty forever. Yunus got dissatisfied with the poverty level in Bangladesh and decided to do something about it through the provision of micro credit to the poor. He began to loan $27 from his own pocket to forty \u2013 two people living in a tiny village.<\/span><\/p>\n

These micro business owners only needed enough credit to buy the raw materials for their business. This was the beginning of a revolution for the poor people in Bangladesh and in other countries where Grameen Bank have been replicated.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the Grameen Bank\u2019s story I have amazingly realized that poor people will help themselves when they receive credit on terms that are suitable to them and are taught a few sound financial principles.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is reported in this book that Grameen Bank has provided loans totaling six billion dollars to seven million families in Bangladesh; and more that 250 institutions in nearly 100 countries operate micro-credit programs based on the Grameen approach. This is a vast success for a tiny project that began in Jobra, a small town in Bangladesh.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I learnt the following principles about Yunus from this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

A. A Burning Desire<\/span>
\n The Grameen Bank story shows what a man can achieve if he has a burning desire for a cause or mission. Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, had a burning desire to lift the poor of Bangladesh out of poverty cycle. He could not rest until he had done something about it. He was not satisfied being a professor and head of Economics department in the university, he wanted something more \u2013 to set the poor free; to improve day-to-day life in his community. Bringing this ideal to my life, I have a burning desire to help the economically disadvantaged youth in my community. I have devised creative ways to help improve their lives. One is The Youth Farm Project that provides productive and meaningful work for idle Young People using agriculture. The desire to help many idle and have-not youth in my community in my community consumes my thought daily. A burning desire seems to me to be one of the most basic process to achieve a noble cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Action (Not Despising little beginning)<\/span>
\n Yunus is an epitome of action. Once he had an idea or initiative to improve the lives of the poor in his community, he would take the necessary bold steps towards actualizing it. Yunus began Grameen bank with $27 that he loaned to forty-two borrowers who were desperately in need of credit to purchase materials for their micro business. Every change begins with a vision and a decision to take action. Ideas do not actualize themselves. Likewise, any vision not acted upon or pursued will not see the light of the day. I also see myself as an action-oriented person. I share a belief that vision or dreams pursued can be achieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Commitment and Hard work<\/span>
\n Yunus has proven through the establishment of Grameen bank that Commitment and hard work pay off. The cost of success at any endeavor is total commitment. Despite criticism from the bureaucrats and religious leaders who did not believe in micro credit, Yunus\u2019 level of commitment to his idea did not fall. Instead, he looked for ways to make his idea work and put himself wholeheartedly into it. To further devote more time to his micro credit cause, Yunus had to apply for 2 years leave from work. Through his commitment, Grameen bank became very big and had over 2 million borrowers. Also, Grameen bank has invested greatly in Agriculture, Telecommunications, Health services, Internet Services, Education, and textiles. Commitment to work pays off.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. Relationship: value and Use it.<\/span>
\n Building quality and healthy relationship with people and students really helped Yunus at the start of his work. At the initial stage of the bank, Yunus got students to volunteer as field officers. His relationship with people in various sectors, especially in the Finance Ministry and CBN really gave him some good chances and opportunities for the successful establishment of the bank. No one has ever attained outstanding success in anything without developing relationship. Developing quality relationships is a key principle of mine. I believe I need the help and support of people to achieve my goals in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. A Poverty \u2013 Free Society<\/span>
\n Yunus is committed to eliminating poverty in the society. How did he define \u201cPoverty-Free\u201d? After interviewing many borrowers about what a Poverty-Free life meant to them, Grameen developed a set of ten indicators that their staff and outside evaluators could use to measure whether a family in rural Bangladesh lived a poverty-free life. These indicators are:<\/span><\/p>\n

i. Having a house with a roof;<\/span>
\n ii. Having beds or cots for all members of the family;<\/span>
\n iii. Having access to safe drinking water;<\/span>
\n iv. Having access to a sanitary latrine;<\/span>
\n v. Having all school-age children attending school;<\/span>
\n vi. Having sufficient warm clothing for the winter;<\/span>
\n vii. Having mosquito nets;<\/span>
\n viii. Having a home vegetable garden;<\/span>
\n ix. Having no food shortages, even during the most difficult time of a very difficult year; and<\/span>
\n x. Having sufficient income \u2013 earning opportunities for all adult members of the family.<\/span><\/p>\n

80% – 90% of these indicators, I presume, are applicable to my community in Nigeria.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Criticism is only a word: don\u2019t give in to it<\/span>
\n I have learnt there are two kinds of criticism: creative criticism and destructive criticism. Yunus never enjoyed creative criticism. He was always criticized by people who never wanted any progress for Bangladesh, people who profited from status quo and the backwardness of the society. Trust Yunus, he never gave in to such Criticism! Non-Creative people criticize creative ones. When non-creative people see that a good change will not profit them, they tend to criticize it. A communist professor once told Yunus, \u201cWhat you are really doing is giving little bits of opium to the poor people, so that they won\u2019t get involved in any larger political issues. With your micro-nothing loans, they sleep peacefully and don\u2019t make any noise. Their revolutionary zeal cools down. Therefore, Grameen is the enemy of the revolution.\u201d Also, the conservative Muslim clerics said Grameen was out to destroy their culture and religion. Yunus never allowed criticism to deter him. Instead, in everything he did, he tried to be practical and relied on learning by doing, while making sure that he was moving toward achieving a social objective.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. Wanted! Social Entrepreneurs!<\/span>
\n Our society needs people like Yunus who will initiate ideas that will empower people to improve their lives. Any developed society must certainly have a vibrant entrepreneurial base full of people burning with imagination, passion, energy, creativity and initiatives for development.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yunus claims that society is made up of many different kinds of people. At one extreme, there are capitalists seeking personal gain who want to maximize profit alone, without social considerations. They would not mind investing in an enterprise that creates negative social returns, as long as it yields a maximum personal profit.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the other extreme, according to Yunus, there are entrepreneurs who are strongly motivated by social consciousness. They are drawn to investments that maximize social returns, provided the enterprises are financially viable. Our society is in dire need of entrepreneurs who are strongly motivated by social consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

These lessons from Yunus\u2019 Grameen Bank are very practical and needed to achieve a worthy goal. These ideas, having discovered them from other books in IIGL, have really helped me in many ways in my work, family and community development activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Many statements in this book got my attention but I will mention a few here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we alleviate suffering in the countryside, that will reduce the pressure on the poor to rush to Dhaka and clog the streets\u201d Pg 94<\/span><\/p>\n

The challenge of rural-urban drift is particular to undeveloped nations. In Nigeria, for example, our cities have become cluttered from too many people traveling from the smaller towns that lack basic amenities. Governments have not initiated ways to develop the grassroots, no jobs, no drinkable water, no higher institutions, no power and so on. The people in the countryside are suffering. As Yunus rightly put it, if we alleviate suffering in the countryside, that will reduce the pressure on the poor to rush to the cities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuman beings are extremely creative and resilient, especially when they are operating within an institutional framework that encourages and supports their actions.\u201d Pg 198<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a true. Working with some young people to Pilot the Youth Farm Project in my community demonstrates that, prior to my understanding, young people become creative when giving the chance to channel their energies toward something more constructive within an institutional framework or a group.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoverty is not created by the poor. It is created by the structures of society and the policies pursued by society.\u201d Pg 205<\/span><\/p>\n

Our society, particularly in the Third World, operate policies that widen the gap between the rich and the poor. The banking system is not helping any matter with regards to the poor. Rural banking in my country is not operated as it were. The poor have become victims of the unfair policies and structures of the society.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, there are no exercises contained in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I would love to recommend this book to people who have a burning desire to end poverty in their community and to those who have a noble cause for community development. The book contains how-tos for social entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matrix Energetics<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In Matrix Energetics, Dr. Bartlett teaches us how to access the discovery he has made – a process that merges the science of subtle energy with our inner imaginations to produce practical results. Each of us can become a healer by applying forces known to modern physics. Dr. Bartlett demonstrates that this practice does not require special training or education and it is available to anyone who is ready to learn. And he clearly shows that the ideas underlying Matrix Energetics unlock the power that resides within us all to transform our existence in every imaginable way. These ideas, according to Dr. Bartlett are not just for healers, they are for everyone who wants to transform their experience into some thing unique and powerful.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A. Matrix Energetics, what is it?<\/span>
\n B. Matrix Energetics is available to everyone<\/span>
\n C. Where transformation\/healing takes place<\/span>
\n D. How quantum physics fit into the work of Matrix Energetics<\/span>
\n E. Getting \u201cTwo\u201d the Point<\/span>
\n F. Engaging a solution-set in Matrix Energetics<\/span>
\n G. Tales from the Matrix<\/span><\/p>\n

A. Matrix Energetics: what is it?<\/span>
\n I Studied Business Administration in the University. I have keen interest in business and social entrepreneurship thus devoting my time studying books on this subject. Studying this book has opened my mind to a new understanding about science and physics and how we use it to our benefits especially healing\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Matrix Energetics refers to the living crystalline energy that constitutes our bodies. Research biologist James Oschman, Ph.D., describes living systems in this way. Bones, fascia, connective tissue, and even some of the supportive tissues in the brain are composed of a liquid crystalline substance.<\/span><\/p>\n

In \u2018Real Magic\u2019 which I studied in Level 1 I learnt that our physical bodies are not the only reality. We are light and information \u2013 patterns of energy. Matrix Energetics also puts much emphasis on this truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Matrix Energetics, one can learn to actually heal someone\u2019s conditions, transform his emotional state, or change his mental processes. According to Richard Bartlett, \u201cUsing Matrix Energetics, new possibilities emerge. Matrix Energetics utilizes the power of focused intent. Matrix Energetics can be learned, and in fact mastered, by anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Matrix Energetics is Available to Everyone<\/span>
\n Looking at the energy of Matrix Energetics and its capabilities, my curiosity, as I read the book, was \u201ccan anyone do this work?\u201d can everyone restore people to a physically, mentally, and spiritually balanced stated just by lightly touching them? Richard Bartlett says in this book that Matrix Energetics is available to everyone. He says that the people who have the most difficulty learning this work are those who have the most college degrees: those who practice a materialistic state of awareness that does not allow for miracles. Our belief system makes Matrix Energetics possible. \u201cOnce you are able to believe in a possibility other than what you have believed or experienced, to entertain that a new idea could be possible you have entered into that quantum realm where al things are possible\u201d declares Bartlett.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Where transformation\/healing takes place<\/span>
\n Bartlett says:<\/span>
\n \u2022 Transformation i.e healing has to be at the energetic level where mind and matter meet, and are essentially the same time<\/span>
\n \u2022 Transformation takes place at the sub molecular level, the quantum level.<\/span>
\n \u2022 That is the level you get the effects of infinite energy and infinitesimally small amounts of time.<\/span>
\n \u2022 Richard Feynman said you could have potentially anything occur in an infinitesimally small amount of time<\/span><\/p>\n

D. How quantum physics fit into the work of Matrix Energetics<\/span>
\n \u2022 The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle essentially says that you cannot observe a system without entering into that observation and therefore changing it.<\/span>
\n \u2022 Scientifically, this means that if you look at something and attempt to measure its velocity, you lose track of its actual location. If you try to track its location, you lose the ability to measure its velocity. You can never actually measure both at the same time; you can observe one and change the other.<\/span>
\n \u2022 Our consciousness is functioning at this quantum level to create our reality all time.<\/span>
\n \u2022 The reality we get is what we accept, what we have been taught to believe.<\/span>
\n \u2022 Miracles fall outside of the realm of linear physics, but quantum physics actually predicts miracles.<\/span>
\n \u2022 Some quantum physicists call this unified field theory the mind of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. Getting \u201cTwo\u201d the Point<\/span>
\n Getting \u201cTwo\u201d the point is one of the techniques of Matrix Energetics. A preliminary exercise that will enable one to be successful at the Two \u2013 Point technique, which is the foundational tool for everything in Matrix Energetics is Radionics.<\/span>
\n Radionics is a form of distance healing in which numerical sequences represent subtle patterns of energy that can be used to analyze, as well as to correct, energetic imbalances in your personal health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two \u2013 Point Review<\/span>
\n i. Locate a point on your body or a partner\u2019s which when you touch it, feels stuck, hard, or rigid.<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. Find a second point which, when held in relation to the first point that you are still touching, makes the relationship between points one and two feel even more taut, or<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Forming a somewhat arbitrary link between these two points allows for a measurement to be made.<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Notice what is different now. The area between your points feels softer and less rigid. You may notice changing respiration.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Engaging a solution in Matrix Energetics.<\/span>
\n We are what we think. Everything that we have believed, accepted, experienced, and internalized comprises a vast Matrix or grid that defines what Richard Bartlett calls energetic signature. Bartlett emphasizes that what we have learnt forms the perceptual lens we use to subconsciously filter all of the information on our world view. Our experience of our five senses makes up what we think of as reality. In order to change something in that perceived reality territory, we must alter or change the arrangement of our thoughts and feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. Tales from the matrix<\/span>
\n I was so fascinated by the healing stories that I read in this book. They are examples of the myriad ways in which Matrix Energetics is useful and widely applicable. One that really touched me is the one below:<\/span>
\n Balancing Act<\/span><\/p>\n

I was talking to a friend online. She mentioned that one leg was shorter than the other and her hip hurt. So I asked her to go and look in the mirror and tell me if one hip was higher than the other. Her right one was. So I said, \u201cwhat would it be like if they were even?\u201d She mentioned that her hips felt funny. I told her to look in the mirror again. Her hips had evened out. The pain was gone.\u201d \u2013 Marie<\/span><\/p>\n

Long Distance<\/span>
\n I know someone who has been in multiple car accidents over the last couple of years. She\u2019s been in terrible pain. One day, I just did the work for her remotely and then e-mailed her that I\u2019d done it. She told me that she\u2019d been in so much pain that she couldn\u2019t eat. She was returning from a trip and suddenly had no pain while driving. She then called a friend and went to dinner and enjoyed a meal for the first time in days. She returned my e-mail and said she\u2019d felt better at the time I did the work.\u201d \u2013 Maureen<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I have tried to apply the lessons from this book to my personal life. For example, some days ago I had headache, instead of using aspirin, I decided apply matrix energetic, using the \u2018Two-Point\u201d techniques. However, applying the lessons in this book requires patience and trust.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOur need or desire acts as force of attraction, which programs our awareness to seek out experiences or information\u201d Pg 7 We attract whatever we focus our mind upon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

NO!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the book contained some exercises and I found them very helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong>
\n A. How interesting was it to read? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 6<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 7<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 7<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Assessment by: Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The Autobiography of Martin Luther king, Jr. chronicles the life, struggles, dreams and legacies of Martin Luther king Jr; one of the great social and political figures of the twentieth century. The great civil rights activist was also a preacher, philosopher, and orator. The book was put together by Clayborne Carson from king’s notes and speeches.<\/span><\/p>\n

King was born January 15, 1929, to a long line of ministers. Much of his early life was spent in church and experiencing the injustices of segregation in the Atlanta, George of the 1930, and early 1940s. While in college, king discovered social and political philosophy, along with theological liberalism.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though after his death, king remains one of the world’s most influential men. King’s legacies continue to transform America and the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 example from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A. You are a light in the world<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 on the one hand I must attempt to change the soul of individuals so that their societies may be changed. On the other I must attempt to change the societies so that the individual soul will have a change. Therefore, I must be concerned about unemployment, slums, and economic insecurity. I am a profound advocate of the social gospel\u201d Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

King lived as a light during his time on earth. He did not only shine in the lives of Christians alone but everyone regardless of their race, religion and background.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father: – The Bible<\/span><\/p>\n

King lived as a shining light in America and the World at large. We are all meant to shine. God has created us as shinning beings. Let us discover our calling (as king did) and shine at it. In my environment I know I shine as light through my various youth development projects and activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Live for eternity<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a young man with most of my life ahead of me, I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not to these little gods that are here today and gone tomorrow. But to god who is the same yesterday, today, and forever\u201d – Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

A man that lives for eternity lives to affect people’s lives positively. He is far away from living selfishly. Living for eternity means seeing this place (world) as a place of assignment given to one by God and expecting to give an account of it when you return to Him. A man that lives for eternity will love his neighbors regardless of their race, color, religion, background. A man that lives for eternity does deeds that improve lives, communities and the world at large. A man that lives for eternity will always examine himself whether he is still living for eternity. I discovered from this book that Martin Luther King, Jr. lived for eternity. He gave his life to something eternal and absolute.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Have an undying dream<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a dream\u201d – Martin Luther King Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

The successful life begins with a dream. Successful people do not look at their families, their jobs, their health or their net worth as they are. They jump ahead of the masses and do one simple but profound thing: they look at life as it can be, not as it is. They perceive life as it will be after application of their persistent, intelligent efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

King is most famous for his \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech, given in front of the Lincoln memorial during the 1963 march on Washington for jobs and freedom. King had great dreams and he was not afraid to share them even though in the thick of racism in America. And today the dream of king is a reality in America and has influenced freedom in other parts of the world. Just as King had a dream, I have a great dream for my life too.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. You are as Good as Anyone<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are as good as anyone\u201d – Alberta Williams King (King’s mother)<\/span><\/p>\n

Inferiority complex is a big disease or obstacle to achieve one’s dreams or growth in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

When one thinks of herself as unconfident, or unworthy, and weak, she develops inferiority complex and this leads to procrastination or fear of doing anything worthwhile. Thinking that we are not ‘good enough’ cripples our initiatives and stands between us, success, and the good life we are meant to have.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAm not good\u201d, \u201cI can’t do anything good\u201d, \u201cI can’t make a change\u201d is a negative thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to king’s mother, we all are as good as anyone. The humanness in you is also in me. The champion in you is also found in me. The ability in you is deposited in me. The good in you is in me too. This is the attitude of champions like Martin Luther King Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. What and who influences your life?<\/span><\/p>\n

What we associate ourselves with play a major role in determining what becomes of our life. The kind of people we associate with may have good or bad influence upon us. Also, what we expose our mind to, inform of books or T.V programmes, determine how we live our life. I am reminded of the words of Denis Waltney in SEEDS of GREATNESS, which I studied in level one, \u201cYou may put off your T.V but can’t put off its impact on you.\u201d A man’s destiny is influenced by the books he reads, the friends he keeps and what he focuses his inner eyes upon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Martin Luther King Jr. did not just become a prominent leader in the African American Civil Rights Movement by chance; He did not become a national icon in the history of modern American liberalism by luck. He was positively influenced!<\/span><\/p>\n

He spent the early part of his life studying the lives of great leaders in the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Bayard Rustin, Howard Thurman, Plato, and Socrates and so on. I read that civil rights leaders, theologian, and educator Howard Thurman was an early influence on king. A classmate of king’s father, Thurman mentored the young king and his friends. King studied the life Gandhi and became a strong embodiment of his principles. King was really inspired by Gandhi’s success with non-violent activism. Associating myself with positive and focused people is my lifestyle. It matters a great deal to my destiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Don’t Give up on Your Dreams<\/span><\/p>\n

King was stabbed in the chest because of his dreams. He was molested because of his dreams He was imprisoned because of his dreams He was lonely because of dreams He never gave up on his dreams. Even before he was assassinated he spoke of the assurance of the fulfillment of his dreams. He saw freedom for all Americans regardless of their background.<\/span><\/p>\n

He saw a free Nation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFree at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last\u201d – Martin Luther King Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have great dreams and am not going to give up on them!<\/span><\/p>\n

G. What will you be remembered for?<\/span><\/p>\n

King is a national icon in the history of modern American liberalism. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world. He is instrumental to ending racial segregation and racial discrimination. King also spoke about what people should remember him for if they were around for his funeral. He said rather than his awards and where he went to school, people should talk about how he fought peacefully for justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to cloth those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want to say I tried to love and serve humanity\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

– Martin Luther King Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, is king remembered for his good deeds and efforts to liberate humankind.<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to be remembered for loving and serving humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Knowing that am a light on earth helps me to live a life that expresses positive meaning. Because i aim to live for eternity I live everyday affecting other people positively. My dreams make me live so they are undying within me. I pursue them daily. I am as good as anyone. I don’t compare myself with anyone. I don’t allow fear to cripple my creativity. I allow myself to be influenced by good books, positive tv programmes and successful people.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

“You are as good as anyone.” (4)<\/span><\/p>\n

We were all created equal. We should not allow fear or lack of confidence to cripple our creativity and dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I am convinced now, as I was then, that man is an end because he is a child of God. Man is not made for the state; the state is made for man. To deprive a man of his freedom is to relegate him to the status of a thing, rather than elevate him to the status of a person.” (20)<\/span><\/p>\n

Man gets freedom through self-discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

“As a young man with most of my life ahead of me, I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute.” (30)<\/span><\/p>\n

We were created to achieve something that will live longer than us. King’s impacts still live!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, there were no exercises contained in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 9<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>B. How helpful were the contents? 9<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>C. How easy was it to understand? 8<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span>
\nE. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural Capitalism<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Assessment by: Afere Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Natural Capitalism is a book abundant with ideas, facts and figures presented by entrepreneurs and engineers. It’s a set of concrete suggestions for improving the way business gets done, It’s a diagnosis of what’s wrong with the planet and the way we’ve been treating it, and It’s an exploration of the relation between nature and technology.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the book, the authors describe the world economy as being dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services that nature provides. Natural Capitalism is a critique of traditional “Industrial Capitalism”, saying that the traditional system of capitalism “does not fully fit it to its own accounting principles. It liquidates its capital and calls it income. It neglects to assign any value to the largest stocks of capital it employs- the natural resources and living systems, as well as the social and cultural systems that are the basis of human capital.”<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the authors, \u201cNatural Capitalism is a portrayal of opportunities that if captured will lead to no less than transformation of commerce and of all societal institutions\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The book contains fifteen insightful chapters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 1, entitled, “The Next Industrial Revolution,” outlines the ideas developed in the rest of the book. The authors envision an industrial transformation occurring now as comprehensive and revolutionary as the First Industrial Revolution which began in the middle 18th century, the revolution which gave rise to modern industrial capitalism and hugely expanded the possibilities for material development.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 2, titled “Reinventing the Wheels,” predicts an impending transformation of the automobile industry, the largest component of the modern economy worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 3, “Waste Not,” exposes the scale and consequences of Industrial Capitalism’s failure to follow the natural principle of recycling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 4, “Making the World,” presents remedies to this grim picture with principles and examples of industrial design that provide a better stream of services from smaller flows of stuff.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 5, “Building Blocks,” applies the principles of Natural Capitalism to construction and real estate development industries. This is a chapter for our Architecture, Construction Management, and Regional and Town Planning offices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 6, entitled “Tunneling Through the Cost Barrier,” and Chapter 7, “Muda, Service and Flow,” explains more intellectual issues of economics that have to do with positive feedback loops in long term planning and financing of resource productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 8, entitled “Capital Gains,” returns to the accounting principles of Natural Capitalism and proposes ways to overcome the obstacles to their implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 9, termed “Natures Filaments,” is of special interest to people in Natural Resource Management and Forestry programs, as well as to paper consumers in all departments and to building maintenance staff. It discusses the natural capital of forests, which is now being depleted for building materials and paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 10, “Food for Life,” raises issues that affect Agriculture, including Soil Science, Crop Science, Animal Science, and Agribusiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 11, “Aqueous Solutions,” deals with issues of fresh water use and conservation of special interest in relation to Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Engineering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 12 explains the problems of global climate change, to which some people respond with nonchalance and others with hopelessness.<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors give a plan not only for solving the problems but turning them into a business opportunity. They claim that the growing urgency and cost of global warming will push us in the right direction. The primary cause, the release of carbon into the atmosphere from burning of fossil fuels, can be reversed. U.S. growth in efficiency has actually lowered energy use, in contrast to projections in the 1970’s. According to the authors, increased efficiency and reduction of emissions can be achieved largely through the creation of business credits and incentives. The sulfur emissions credit program has reduced them 37 percent in a decade, and the same policy can work with carbon trading, especially with the use of higher rewards for “early adopters.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 13, “Making Markets Work,” outlines other business strategies to make environmental sustainability compatible with profitability. “The goal of natural capitalism is to extend sound principles of the market to all sources of material value…[and] to guarantee that all forms of capital are as prudently stewarded as money is by trustees of financial capital.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors assert that the remedy for unsustainable market activities is adoption of sustainable market activities. Such activities include creating markets in avoided resource depletion and abated pollution credits which will maximize competition in saving resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 14 titled “Human Capitalism,” the authors change emphasis from natural capital to human capital, applying the “…same design philosophy, to achieve the same elegant frugality, with which whole-system engineering meets technical demands by delivering multiple benefits from single expenditures.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 15, the final chapter of the book, entitled, “Once Upon a Planet,” explains where we are now and the mental models we need change.<\/span><\/p>\n

The authors finally affirm conclude that \u201cNatural Capitalism is not about fomenting social upheaval. On the contrary, that is the consequence that will surely arise if fundamental social and environmental problems are not responsibly addressed. Natural capitalism is about choices we can make that can start to tip economic and social outcomes in positive directions. And it is already occurring – because it is necessary, possible, and practical\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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 example from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The following seven ideas are very important to me in this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

A. An economy needs four types of capital to function properly:<\/span><\/p>\n

– Human capital, in the form of labor and intelligence, culture, and organization<\/span><\/p>\n

– Financial capital, consisting of cash, investments, and monetary instruments<\/span><\/p>\n

– Manufactured capital, including infrastructure, machines, tools, and factories<\/span><\/p>\n

– Natural capital, made up of resources, living systems, and ecosystem services<\/span><\/p>\n

B. The restraining factor to future economic growth is the availability and functionality of natural capital, precisely, life-supporting services that have no substitutes and currently have no market value.<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Misconceived designed business systems, population growth, and wasteful patterns of consumption are the primary causes of the loss of natural capital, and all three must be addressed to achieve a sustainable economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. Future economic development can best take place in democratic, market-based systems of production and distribution in which all forms of capital are fully valued, including human, manufactured, financial, and natural capital.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. One of the keys to the most beneficial employment of people, money, and the environment is radical increases in resource productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Human welfare is best served by improving the quality and flow of desired services delivered, rather than by merely increasing the total dollar flow.<\/span><\/p>\n

G. Economic and environmental sustainability depends on redressing global inequities of income and material well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

These lessons or ideals have added to my knowledge how the economy works and how they affect its progress or growth. Also, they relatively improve my knowledge about how to run my businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we don’t change where we’re going, we may get there. If we want to go somewhere else, we need stars to steer by. Perhaps the first step is to describe the sort of destination we want to reach\u201d pg 284<\/span><\/p>\n

This gives much importance to goal setting. What destination does our society, business organization, or family want to reach, and how will it get there? Effective goal setting will help answer this!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, there was nothing in the book that I did not understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, there were no exercises contained in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book’s mission is confirmed by its epigraph, a short poem called “Loaves and Fishes<\/span><\/p>\n

LOAVES AND FISHES<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not the age of information.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not<\/span><\/p>\n

the age of information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forget the news,<\/span><\/p>\n

and the radio,<\/span><\/p>\n

and the blurred screen.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the time<\/span><\/p>\n

of loaves<\/span><\/p>\n

and fishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

People are hungry,<\/span><\/p>\n

and one good word is bread<\/span><\/p>\n

for a thousand.<\/span><\/p>\n

David Whyte<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 6<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>B. How helpful were the contents? 7<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>C. How easy was it to understand? 6<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>D. Would you recommend it to others? 8<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 7<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The World is Flat: A Brief History of The Twenty-First Century<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Assessment by: Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The World is Flat: A Brief History of The Twenty-First Century is a book that examines globalization mainly in the early 21st century. In this book, the author, Thomas L. Friedman, narrates his journey to Bangalore, India, when he realized globalization had transformed the world. The title of the book claims to view the world as a level playing field in terms of commerce, where all competitors have an equal opportunity. The book focuses on the need for countries, companies and individuals to think outside the box in order to remain competitive in a global market where historical and geographical divisions are becoming increasingly irrelevant.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this book, Friedman gives several instances of companies located in China and India that, by providing labour from typists and Call Center operators to accountants and computer programmers, have become integral parts of complex global supply chains for big companies located in developed countries such as the USA.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book is really an essential update on globalization.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 example from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Friedman explained ten factors that flattened the world i.e how the world is becoming \u201cflat\u201d or globally interconnected, thereby allowing businesses all over the world to compete on a more equal playing field. These ten factors are important ideas to me and have decided to list and briefly explain all of them instead of the required ‘7 Ideas’ in the question. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #1. 11\/9\/89: The New Age of Creativity: When the Walls came Down and the Windows Went Up<\/span><\/p>\n

This event tipped the balance of power across the world toward those advocating democratic, consensual, free-market-oriented governance, and away from those advocating authoritarian rule with centrally planned economies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #2. 8\/9\/95: The New Age of Connectivity: When the Web Went Around and Netscape Went Public<\/span><\/p>\n

This event turned the planet to a small village. It enabled more people to communicate and interact with more other people anywhere on the planet than ever before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #3: Work Flow Software<\/span><\/p>\n

This force enabled more people in more places to design, display, manage, and collaborate on business data previously handled manually, resulting in more work to be able to flow between companies and continents faster than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #4: Uploading<\/span><\/p>\n

This force gave newfound power to individuals and communities to send up, out, and around their own products and ideas, often for free, rather than just passively downloading them from commercial enterprises or traditional hierarchies, thereby reshaping the flow of creativity, innovation, political mobilization, and information gathering and dissemination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #5: Outsourcing<\/span><\/p>\n

This force meant taking some specific, but limited, function that your company is doing in-house\u2026 and having another company perform that exact same function for you and then reintegrating their work back into your overall operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #6: Offshoring<\/span><\/p>\n

This force meant being able to manufacture the very same product in the very same way, only with cheaper labor, lower taxes, subsidized energy, and lower health-care costs in another country, then integrating it into global supply chains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #7: Supply-Chaining<\/span><\/p>\n

This force allowed horizontal collaboration, among suppliers, retailers, and customers, to create value, resulting in the adoption of common standards between companies and more efficient global collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #8: Insourcing<\/span><\/p>\n

This force allowed small companies to suddenly see and network around the world and sell their products and services globally, while large companies could act really small and customize products at the last minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #9: In-forming<\/span><\/p>\n

This force gave all the world’s knowledge, or even just a big amount of it to anyone and everyone, anytime, anywhere, resulting in becoming your own self-directed and self-empowered researcher, editor, and selector of entertainment, without having to go to the library or the movie theater or through network television.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flattener #10: The Steroids<\/span><\/p>\n

This force, made up of specific technologies, supercharged all the other flatteners.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Even though the book is perceived to be written from an American perspective, the ideas in the book prepare me to understand the changes occurring in the world daily and also challenge me to take advantage of the opportunities these changes present.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere has never been a time in history when human imagination wasn’t important, but writing this book tells me that it has never been more important than now, because in a flat world so many of the tools of collaboration are becoming commodities available to everyone. So many more individuals now have the power to create their own content and globalize it. There is one thing, though, that has not and can never be commoditized, and that is imagination – what content we dream of creating.\u201d Pg608<\/span><\/p>\n

Imagination is powerful and everything begins with it!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The ideas in the book are clearly explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, the book contains no exercises for the reader to complete.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Friedman also explains three factors that came together to set off the flattening of the world. These are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Convergence I<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the convergence of the ten flatteners into a whole new platform. It is a global, Web-enabled platform for multiple forms of collaboration that enables individuals, groups, companies, and universities anywhere in the world to collaborate without regard to geography, distance, time, and, in the near future, even language, for the purposes of innovation, production, education, research, entertainment, etc<\/span><\/p>\n

Convergence II<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the appearance of a large group of managers, innovators, business consultants, business schools, designers, IT specialists, CEOs, and workers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Convergence III<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the creation of horizontal collaboration and value-creation processes and habits that could take advantage of this new, flatter playing field. Also interestingly, Friedman explains some issues, which he termed \u201cThe Great Sorting Out\u201d that will need to be resolved in the flat world. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is Exploiting Who?<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where \u201cthe world starts to flatten out and value increasingly gets created horizontally, who is on the top and who is on the bottom, who is the exploiter and who is the exploited, gets very complicated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Do Companies Stop and Start?<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where \u201cbusinesses define their interests and labor opportunities more globally than domestically [and than where they are headquartered],\u201d and \u201cthe whole shareholding process demands more and more that these companies perform against global standards, opportunities, and resources.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From Command and Control to Collaborate and Connect<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where \u201chierarchies are not being leveled just by little people being able to act big. They are also being leveled by big people being able to act really small.<\/span><\/p>\n

Multiple Identity Disorder<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where \u201cthe tensions among our identities as consumers, employees, citizens, taxpayers, and shareholders are going to come into sharper and sharper conflict.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Owns What?<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where we need to decide whether we \u201cbuild legal barriers to protect an innovator’s intellectual property so he or she can reap its financial benefits and plow those profits into a new invention, [or] keep [the] walls low enough so that we encourage the sharing of intellectual property, which is required more and more to do cutting-edge innovation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Death of the Salesmen<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where efficiency and automation is replacing human beings. \u201cIt’s hard to create a human bond with e-mail and streaming Internet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Talking about the power of imagination, Friedman quoted the words of Irving Wladawsky-Berger, the IBM computer scientist, and I think this statement is highly important to me relating it at this time to the constant acts of terrorism happening in my country, Nigeria. I think the solution is right here in the statement – \u201cWe need to think more seriously than ever about how we encourage people to focus on productive outcomes that advance and unite civilization – peaceful imaginations that seek to \u201cminimize alienation and celebrate interdependence rather than self-sufficiency, inclusion rather than exclusion,\u201d openness, opportunity, and hope rather than limits, suspicion, and grievance.\u201d Everything, evil and good, creative and destructive, begins with imagination<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 8<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>B. How helpful were the contents? 8<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>C. How easy was it to understand? 7<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>D. Would you recommend it to others? 9<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Developing the Leaders Around You<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The main idea the author is trying to convey in this book is how we, especially leaders, can help others to reach their full potentials. \u201cIt’s not enough for a leader to have vision, energy, drive, and conviction. If you want to see your dream come to fruition, you must learn how to develop the leaders around you\u201d says the author.<\/span>
\n The author explains this important message with emphasis on the following:<\/span>
\n a. The leader’s key question: Am I raising potential leaders?<\/span>
\n b. The leader’s toughest challenge is creating a climate for potential leaders<\/span>
\n c. The leader’s primary responsibility is identifying potential leaders<\/span>
\n d. The leader’s crucial task is nurturing potential leaders<\/span>
\n e. The leader’s daily requirement is equipping potential leaders<\/span>
\n f. The leader’s lifelong commitment is developing potential leaders<\/span>
\n g. The leader’s highest return is forming a dream team of leaders<\/span>
\n h. The leader’s greatest joy is coaching a dream team of leaders<\/span>
\n i. The leader’s finest hour is realizing value to and from leaders<\/span>
\n j. The leader’s lasting contribution is reproducing generations of leaders<\/span><\/p>\n

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 example from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

a. Why Leaders need to reproduce leaders.<\/span>
\n This idea is very important to me because it explains the effect of that people we associate with have on us or our organizations. Also, a leader cannot do everything alone, he needs some people who are efficient, hard working and ready to contribute to the fulfillment of the vision of the leader.<\/span>
\n Many a time, I have read the story of Jesus in the bible especially how he chooses 12 people and developed some of them into leaders who continue his work\/vision after his death. He is a great leader who produced other leaders.<\/span>
\n Since I started the Youth Farm project in 2008 (which has transformed to Springboard Project), there is a young man, Damilola Mutiu, who has worked with me till now. Damilola understands the vision I have for the project and larger community thus he has given unrelenting commitment towards it. With an intention to turn him into a leader, I encouraged Damilola to enroll in IIGL studies. I am happy he finds the program very helpful and this has equipped him for the great task we have ahead on our project. Interestingly, I now relate to him as a partner (not a follower or worker).<\/span>
\n The author gives the following reasons for leaders to reproduce leaders:<\/span>
\n i. Those closest to the leader will determine the success level of the leader.<\/span>
\n ii. An organization’s growth potential is directly related to its personnel potential. \u201cA company cannot grow without until its leaders grow within.<\/span>
\n iii. Potential leaders help carry load. \u201cThe best way to go along is to get along with others\u201d John F. Kennedy.<\/span>
\n iv. Leaders attract potential leaders. Birds of a feather really flock together.<\/span>
\n v. Leaders who mentor potential leaders multiply their effectiveness. There is no success without a successor.<\/span>
\n vi. Developed leaders expand and enhance the future of the organization. \u201cYou can take my factories, burn up my buildings, but give me my people, and I’ll bring my business right back again.\u201d Henry Ford<\/span>
\n vii. The more people you lead, the more leaders you need. A leader’s success can be defined as the maximum utilization of the abilities of those under him.<\/span><\/p>\n

b. Creating a climate for potential leaders.<\/span>
\n Since 2006, shortly after I became a student of IIGL, I have had the privilege to initiate and run several projects. During my first project (Lifting our Community) I was lucky to have over about sixty young people working with me to bring hope to the less privileged people in my town. However, I had a huge leadership problem with the group and this made many of them to quit the project. After some time, specifically as I progressed with my IIGL studies, I realized what made the problem was with my leadership; I couldn’t create an atmosphere in which it becomes easier for the group members to thrive and become creative. Most of them saw the project as ‘Lawrence’s’ and not ‘us’. I think that was due to the way I handled it. This mentally frustrated creativity and put so much pressure on me.<\/span>
\n The author says the leader’s toughest challenge is creating a climate for potential leaders. I agree with him. The following points, as provided by the author, are ways to create a climate for potential leaders:<\/span>
\n Leaders must be environmental change agents: the leaders must be more like thermostats than thermometers. A thermometer is passive, it records the temperature of its environment but can do nothing. A thermostat is an active instrument, it determines what the environment will be. It effects change in order to create a climate. The attitude of the leader, coupled with a positive atmosphere in the organization, can encourage people to accomplish great things.<\/span>
\n Model the desired style of leadership: Part of creating an appealing climate is modeling leadership. People emulate what they see modeled. Positive model-positive response, negative model-negative response.<\/span>
\n Focus on the potential of the leader and the organization: focusing on a person’s strength promotes positive growth, confidence, and success as a potential leader.<\/span>
\n Focus on the potential leader’s needs (desires).<\/span>
\n Look for the leader within the person<\/span>
\n Place an emphasis on production, not position and title<\/span>
\n Provide growth opportunities<\/span>
\n Lead (don’t manage) with vision<\/span><\/p>\n

c. Qualities to look for in a leader.<\/span>
\n I see myself as a great leader in the making! I will be a value-centered leader in business, social work and nation building. To become a great leader, I need to identify and work with potential leaders. The author says that one of the primary responsibilities of a successful leader is to identify potential leaders. The following are the qualities of a potential leader:<\/span>
\n Character: the first thing to look for in any kind of leader or potential leader is strength of character. Character flaws cannot be ignored. They will eventually make a leader ineffective. Some of the qualities that make up good character include: honesty, integrity, self-discipline, teach-ability, dependability, perseverance, conscientiousness, and a strong work ethic.<\/span>
\n Influence: Leadership is influence. Every leader has these two characteristics: a. he is going somewhere, and b. he is able to persuade others to go with him<\/span>
\n Positive Attitude: A positive attitude is one of the most valuable assets a person can have in life. People with positive attitudes are able to go places where others can’t. They do things that others can’t. They are not restricted by self-imposed limitations.<\/span>
\n Excellent People skills: A leader without people skills soon has no followers. People may admire a person who has only talent and ability, but they will not follow him-not for long.<\/span>
\n Evident Gifts: Every person God creates has gifts. One of our jobs as leaders is to make an assessment of those gifts when considering a person for a position or job.<\/span>
\n Proven track record: a proven leader always has a proven track record.<\/span>
\n Confidence: people will not follow a leader who does not have confidence in himself. In fact, people are naturally attracted to people who convey confidence.<\/span>
\n Self Discipline: Great leaders always have self-discipline-without exception. Disciplined leaders have identified specific long-and short-term goals for themselves and have a desire that motivates them to continue working to accomplish those goals.<\/span>
\n Discontent with status quo: a leader who loves the status quo soon becomes a follower.<\/span><\/p>\n

d. Confronting the negative behavior<\/span>
\n One of the ways leaders can help develop potential leaders is to confront negative behaviors of potential leaders. According to the author, confronting negative behaviors is tougher than rewarding the positive efforts. Many people avoid confrontation. Some fear being disliked and rejected. Others are afraid confrontation will make things worse by creating anger and resentment in the person they confront. But when a person’s behavior is inappropriate, avoiding confrontation always worsens the situation. First, the organization suffers because the person is not acting in its best interest. Second, you suffer because the person’s deficiencies reduce your effectiveness. And finally, when a person is acting inappropriately and isn’t told, you have robbed him of an important opportunity to learn and grow in his development process.<\/span>
\n The author provides the following ten guidelines to confront with respect:<\/span>
\n Confront as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to do what must be done.<\/span>
\n Separate the person from the wrong action.<\/span>
\n Confront only what the person can change.<\/span>
\n Give the person the benefit of the doubt.<\/span>
\n Be specific.<\/span>
\n Avoid sarcasm.<\/span>
\n Avoid words like always and never.<\/span>
\n Tell the person how you feel about what was done wrong<\/span>
\n Give the person a game plan to fix the problem.<\/span>
\n Affirm him or her as a person and a friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

e. Forming a dream team of leaders.<\/span>
\n According to the author, the leader’s highest return is forming a dream team of leaders. Developing leaders is wonderful, it’s fulfilling and rewarding. But developing a team of leaders-that’s incredible. A good team is always greater than the sum of its parts, but effectiveness exponentially. With the right leaders teamed together, there is nothing they can’t accomplish. Anyone who is developing leaders can also develop them into a team. I am doing this already. I have some young people working with me who I am developing into a team. According to the author, the following are the qualities of a dream team:<\/span>
\n The team members care for one another. All great teams begin with this quality. It is the foundation upon which everything is built.<\/span>
\n The team members know what is important.<\/span>
\n The team members communicate with one another.<\/span>
\n The team members grow together.<\/span>
\n The team members place their individual rights beneath the best interest of the team.<\/span>
\n Each team members know exactly where the team stands.<\/span>
\n The team members are willing to pay the price.<\/span><\/p>\n

f. Delegation.<\/span>
\n \u201cDelegation is the most powerful tool leaders have; it increases their individual productivity as well as the productivity of their department or organization. Leaders who can’t or won’t delegate create a bottleneck to productivity\u201d says the author. A leader can not perform all of the required task in the organization. She needs to work with other staff\/leaders through delegation. Another benefit of delegation is that it increases the initiatives of the people within the organization because it gives them a chance to grow and accustom themselves to succeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

g. The leader’s lasting contribution.<\/span>
\n \u201cReproducing generations of leaders is the leader’s lasting contribution\u201d writes the author. It is time for a new generation of leadership all over the world, especially in Africa. These kind of leaders are not born but developed. \u201cTrue success comes only when every generation continues to develop the next generation\u201d says the author.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As a business owner and social worker working with many people, it is mandatory for me to develop leadership skills so as to help these people unleash their potentials for the good of all. As a married man, I need these skills also to an harmonious and peaceful relationship with my wife and children. As a leader in the society, who also plans to attain greater political heights in future, I need these leadership lessons to develop a society that will be a pride for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThose closest to the leader will determine the level of failure for that leader.\u201d<\/span>
\n The people close to a leader or person make or break him.<\/span>
\n \u201cWeak leaders equal weak organizations. Strong leaders equal strong organizations.\u201d<\/span>
\n Everything rises and falls on leadership.<\/span>
\n \u201cBirds of a feather really do flock together.\u201d<\/span>
\n It takes a leader to know a leader, grow a leader, and show a leader.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The lessons in the book are clearly explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book contains some exercises for the reader to complete. However, I did not complete all because some are meant for those working in a corporate organization. Those I completed were very helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I love this quote, which the author refers to, made by Harvey Firestone:<\/span>
\n \u201cIt is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.\u201d The author has this to say about this quote \u201cAll of the certificates of recognition we receive in life will fade. The monuments we build will crumble. The trophies will corrode. But what we do for others will make a lasting impact on our world.\u201d<\/span>
\n Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm Business<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This is a book written for those who are considering, launching, and then running their own small farm business. The book provides many ideas about successful business practices. It captures the importance of small agribusiness in rural development and farm land preservation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The author also guides the reader on how to:<\/span>
\n Develop a viable business plan<\/span>
\n Conduct market research<\/span>
\n Secure financing<\/span>
\n Comply with food safety guidelines<\/span>
\n Protect business assets<\/span>
\n Determine correct product pricing<\/span>
\n Choose your selling venues: farmer\u2019s markets, farm stands, the web, direct mail, wholesalers<\/span>
\n Create a marketing plan that tells your story<\/span>
\n Adjust and revise your plan as your business grows<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the book, the author includes profiles of successful farm business for inspiration, as well as checklists, and sample forms to keep the reader on track.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The following points are most important to me from this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

Build a plan<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone who is serious about building a company, starting a small business or changing his\/her destiny, the first step is drafting a business plan. According to the author, farmers tend to be doers, however, not planners. They are the type who rises early and works hard, being task-oriented and not feeling satisfied until the job at hand is done. These are wonderful qualities, says the author. But sometimes we might not see the forest for the trees. An orderly business plan and the discipline to execute it are essential tools for success with a small-farm venture. A formal business plan will help you streamline and solidify your ideas; clearly visualize what works and what doesn\u2019t; organize your ideas from the start to ensure a solid approach; and gather financing from lenders or private investors.<\/span><\/p>\n

When I started my organization in 2008 (then it was called The Youth Farm Project) I made a lot of mistakes because I did not have a clear plan for the project. From last year, when I wrote a detailed and clear plan, mistakes and failures have drastically reduced. I have achieved more success and progress. Having a plan makes one see the larger picture for the business or project.<\/span><\/p>\n

A business plan includes:<\/span><\/p>\n

Company\/project Name, location, Owners and Business Type<\/span>
\n Mission statement<\/span>
\n Board of directors\/advisors<\/span>
\n Business vision\/executive summary<\/span>
\n Product description and pricing<\/span>
\n Market segments and target customers<\/span>
\n Business goals<\/span>
\n Start-up capital needed<\/span>
\n First \u2013 year budget<\/span>
\n Company management and roles<\/span><\/p>\n

B. Test the Water<\/span><\/p>\n

This means doing a market research for the business idea. One can conduct a market research on her own or use a market research company.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the author, conducting a market research is a good idea for many reasons. For example, it will answer the following questions:<\/span>
\n Is my business concept a good idea?<\/span>
\n Is there a market for my business?<\/span>
\n Is there space in the market for my product or is the market saturated?<\/span>
\n Who buys my product now? Who is my target customer?<\/span>
\n Is my target customer interested in this business?<\/span>
\n How much do my target customers know about my product or service, and how much do they need to learn about it?<\/span>
\n What price points will target customers accept?<\/span>
\n What are some competitive angles my company can employ?<\/span>
\n How feasible is it that my business will be profitable?<\/span>
\n How can I access the market and receive a fair price?<\/span><\/p>\n

C. Get the Money<\/span><\/p>\n

After an entrepreneur has developed a formidable business plan and tested his\/her concept to prove the validity of his ideas, it is time to find the money to finance the business.<\/span>
\n The following financing options were highlighted in the book:<\/span>
\n Bank loans<\/span>
\n Small business administration guaranty loans<\/span>
\n Personal savings<\/span>
\n Credit cards<\/span>
\n Venture capital<\/span>
\n Outside ownership in the business<\/span>
\n Grants<\/span><\/p>\n

In choosing any of the above options, entrepreneurs should also consider the following:<\/span>
\n Consider a variety of financing options before choosing one or more; each has its own set of positives and negatives<\/span>
\n Use credit cards with caution and for short-term financing only<\/span>
\n Use legal assistance if you seek venture capitalists for money<\/span>
\n Don\u2019t overlook grants as a financing option<\/span>
\n Prepare a solid statement of financial position and ask an accountant or other professional to review it before you submit it to a potential lender.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. Protect your assets<\/span><\/p>\n

The author advises small-farm entrepreneurs to protect their assets from accident and law suits.<\/span>
\n Consider your company\u2019s unique potential liabilities specific to industry; list them and contact potential insurers for more information<\/span>
\n Put liability protections in place, such as insurance policy, before opening for business<\/span>
\n Review the four types of liability insurance to explore specific types of coverage needed for your business<\/span>
\n Consider adding an umbrella policy if more coverage is needed<\/span>
\n Consider bundling coverages with other types of insurance, such as property insurance or your home owner\u2019s policy, to save on premiums.<\/span>
\n Prepare questions and ask your insurance provider to clarify anything that is a concern about liability issues<\/span><\/p>\n

E. Price your products<\/span><\/p>\n

Cheerfully establish your price; this is important because setting price establishes the value of your businesses products and services<\/span>
\n Build a pricing rationale to successfully create prices<\/span>
\n Establish a pricing strategy before you go to market; however, when necessary, pricing can be changed over time.<\/span>
\n Price your products based upon selling either retail or wholesale. Pricing strategies are different for retail and wholesale<\/span>
\n Consider cash flow needs when deciding what payment methods to accept and what terms to accept for payment timeframes.<\/span>
\n Consider talking with your bank about an overdraft protection account. It may save you money in the event of a bad check from a customer or short-term cash shortage.<\/span><\/p>\n

F. Select your Selling Venues<\/span><\/p>\n

As a new small-business owner, you can and should employ a number of selling strategies and consider using more than one type of location. One deciding how many locations and retail markets to pursue try enough places to drive initial sales and spread the word about your new company. As is always the case with small business, some trial and error is a necessity.<\/span>
\n The following are some selling venues suggested by the author for small farm business!<\/span>
\n Seasonal farmers\u2019 markets<\/span>
\n Year-round farmers\u2019 market<\/span>
\n Farmers\u2019 cooperatives<\/span>
\n Your own store, on or off the farm<\/span>
\n Leading space in an existing store<\/span>
\n Consignment selling<\/span>
\n Selling via website and direct mail<\/span>
\n Other suggestions from the author:<\/span>
\n Marketing is a full-time job and is the act of promoting your name and your products<\/span>
\n Try a variety of selling venues as you get started to establish what works best<\/span>
\n Consider both seasonal and year-round options for your venture<\/span>
\n Be certain to weigh the pros and cons of commitments, such as starting a store versus selling on consignment<\/span>
\n If you do open a store, consider additional ways to make money and drive customer interest besides just retailing products; renting out space to complementary business is one idea<\/span><\/p>\n

G. Reflect and Revise<\/span><\/p>\n

Assess your successes and failure after first year in business<\/span>
\n At the end of every year, write down your goals and agendas for the following year and make changes and additions to your business document<\/span>
\n Build a more specific, goal-oriented five \u2013year plan.<\/span>
\n Be cautious changing the look of your products or raising their prices.<\/span>
\n Conduct periodic market research to stay current with your customers\u2019 preference<\/span>
\n Think carefully before hiring new people and make sure you have the appropriate papers and know the rules and regulations.<\/span>
\n If you notice your business has hit a plateau, take time to evaluate what is going on<\/span>
\n Don\u2019t neglect planning for retirement<\/span>
\n Continue to build your knowledge base and expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As an entrepreneur and a farmer, this book is highly helpful. All the ideas shared above are needed for my business\/organizational growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTo be a successful small farmer, you must have a measure of ingenuity, a surplus of determination, the understanding of targeted niche market, and, frankly, a high tolerance for the trial and error of entrepreneurship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are serious about building a company, changing your destiny, and making a living from home, your first step is drafting a business plan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Every entrepreneur should read these quotes!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, the book does not contain exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Every aspiring farm entrepreneur should read this book!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You Can Farm<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The author of the book, Joel Salatin, gives ideas for different farming ventures, giving you the ten worst agricultural opportunities, and the ten best agricultural opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

He provides you Ten Commandments for succeeding on the farm. He provides advice on living with the neighbors and people in your town. He tells you how to multipurpose everything, and gives advice on complementary enterprises.<\/span><\/p>\n

He talks about being self employed and dealing with customers. The advice he gives is practical and comes from an experienced farmer. He explains how to reduce costs, and talks about accounting and filing systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a young farmer, I really appreciate all the pieces of advice provided by Mr. Salatin in this book. I love the book and read it passionately. It is truly a practical guide for one to start and succeed in a farming enterprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The following seven ideas were personally most important to me in this book:<\/span><\/p>\n

The prerequisite to a successful farming enterprise is to believe it is possible. Every facet of our culture disparages the notion that farming can be enjoyable and economically viable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a vision is in place, i.e. knowing what you truly want to achieve with your farming enterprise, it is possible to farm full-time in a way that is so enjoyable and lucrative that our children and younger generation would actually want to do it. As long as in our heart of hearts we actually believe it is impossible, we will never open up our spirits and our minds to ways to make it happen. We will dismiss even helpful hints, workable suggestions, with that dubious mindset that screens good ideas from our heads.<\/span><\/p>\n

The far population is aging and that means anyone with new information and passion for farming has an advantage in production. Because the older farmers generally are not open to new ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a young farmer, I see new farming models emerging in the next few years. The opportunities available in the agric sector, especially in my country Nigeria and the entire Africa, will birth first class job opportunities people never imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nigeria, most people view farming as a condemnation to poverty. Personally, I view this people to be \u201cVision-less\u201d lack perspective and are on the \u201cimpossibility\u201d side of life. When I started my farming enterprise project in 2008, people, including friends and relatives condemned me. They would always say \u201cLawrence, you are a university graduate, go back to the city and get a job. There is no money (income potential) in farming. Farmers are poor people.\u201d I did not allow what they said to discourage me because I see potentials and opportunities in Agriculture. I turned my back on lucrative city work. Today, I am maximizing some of these farming potentials. I am happy and proud to be a farmer. I have a Big vision for agriculture in Nigeria. I intend to transform food system in Nigeria and create thousands of meaningful and responsible jobs for the teeming population of unemployed youth through agriculture. Farming in Nigeria will become a white collar job in future!<\/span><\/p>\n

Our philosophy underpins everything we do. It determines where we go to find information, how we assimilate that information and how we make decisions based on that information. Having the right philosophy is unquestionably the starting point for any successful venture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Salatin (Author) shares in this book his broad philosophical concepts, specifically as relate to the farm. It will be good to add that my team and I at Springboard share with Mr. Salatin some of his philosophies but all.<\/span><\/p>\n

These Philosophical concepts are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmentally enhancing agriculture: Farming models that actually leave the earth better than it was before we came.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bioregional food sufficiency: Keeping production, processing and marketing within the same locale stimulates the economy<\/span><\/p>\n

Seasonal production cycles: Disciplining our desires to be compatible with nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decentralized food systems: An agriculture that stimulates spread out modeling rather than centralized production and processing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entrepreneurial private sector small business: Small farms should be seen as part and parcel of the solution to micro problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Humane animal husbandry<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationship between rural and urban areas: The best way consumers can know the quality and safety of their food is to see the source and visit the farmer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Biodiversity and soil building: Farmers are in the business of producing soil and diversifying the landscape. We want to see the soil more fertile every year. It should hold more water, produce better plants and require fewer inputs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Family-friendly agriculture: our models must allow us to incorporate the whole family into the enterprise for mutual benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Home cooking instead of processed food<\/span><\/p>\n

Clean, nutritious, personally-inspired food<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-embarrassing farm incomes: Why should a farmer be paid less than an average white collar worker? Is he any less important? Emotionally exhilarating lifestyles.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bottom line of all this discussion is that a farming enterprise succeeds or fails primarily on its philosophical underpinnings not on hard-core how-to information.<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Do it now<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people who really want to farm have the notion that everything \u2013 land, equipments, buildings, markets, etc. must be readily available before they can farm.<\/span><\/p>\n

This need not be. Fundamentally, you must look around and ask: \u201cwhat am I doing now? What can I do now? Farming is not a \u201cthing.\u201d It is a life, and a business. Plenty of farmers are waiting for the magical \u201cthing\u201d to become profitable. We make all sorts of excuses to explain why the farm isn\u2019t doing well and why we need to get a white collar job.<\/span><\/p>\n

The truth of the matter is that many folks who say they will like to farm really are not willing to devote themselves to it. If you do not have the equipments, land, resources to start a farm now, and considering your interest, you can devote your attention to spending time on farms, to talking with farmers and consequently develop contacts that will carry you a long way in your agricultural pursuits.<\/span><\/p>\n

We started the Springboard farms with little or no resources \u2013 machines, equipment, money etc. we had to borrow (at no cost) some farm land (7 plots) that we could even not fully maximize. All that mattered to us when we started was \u201cwe needed to give ourselves something to give meaningfully engage with. And day by day things got better on the farm. More so, we gained experience which helped us later as we expanded the farm.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most salient requirement for farming as put by Mr. Salatin in this book is experience. Do not dismiss anything as being too small.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many people never get their farms off and running because they have to have everything figured out before they make the first move. You don\u2019t have to know all the ins and outs of a project before you start it. Certainly nature does not require perfection. All nature requires is performance. Making mistakes is exciting because we learn from them. Some people are absolutely paranoid about making mistakes and having people come see a wreck. That\u2019s how we learn. Many people are paralyzed until every question is answered. If you wait for that, you\u2019ll miss out on life.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to figure out every contingency, every possibility, before you make the first move.<\/span><\/p>\n

I started to farm with no knowledge or background in farming. I did not study agriculture in the university. The only understanding I had when starting out was \u201conce you plant a seed, it will germinate.\u201d Today, I have learnt much more by \u201cdoing\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The important thing is to get started to do something, and learn as you go.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the biggest needs of farms is a model that allows beginners to make a profit on a small scale. You can achieve this by:<\/span><\/p>\n

Doing something you enjoy: if you don\u2019t like carrots, don\u2019t raise them to sell. If you really like eggplants, maybe that\u2019s something you could try to market. Building a successful business requires tremendous energy, and if it\u2019s something you enjoy, that will help fuel your inner self.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intimate experience: Never try to market something you haven\u2019t started, felt, cooked and experienced personally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Find a Niche: We are living in the era of the niche. The worst thing you can do is what everyone else is doing, and yet that is what most farmers do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Production\/promotion: Nothing has destroyed more farmers than believing the lie that if they will just produce enough, their financial future is secure. Production is only a tiny part of the equation. Any enterprise that generates a profit in the beginning will be weighted toward marketing and promotion because, that is where the real money is.<\/span><\/p>\n

Retail prices: Small farms simply cannot generate enough money in the wholesale market. That is why retail prices and direct marketing are critical to success.<\/span><\/p>\n

Partnering resources: Is there a land that can be used to farm lying fallow and awaiting creative entrepreneurs?<\/span><\/p>\n

Value adding: As much as possible, take your farm produce to a more refined level. At Springboard farms, we convert our plantain to chips \u2013 something highly consumable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diversify the portfolio: Rather than thinking about growing more carrots or beef or corn, add different items to garner more of your customers\u2019 dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brain storm: Don\u2019t be afraid of your dreams or ideas. Vocalize the potentials: write them down. Very seldom is success spontaneous. It comes after much hard work and growing pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Salatin explains in this book the following Ten Commandments for success on the farm:<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay at home: Your farm is your recreation, life and your work. It should energize you and be your place of contentment. Turn your farm to your home. This will reduce cost in several ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be honest about luxuries: separate business and pleasure. Cars, diesel pickup trucks, fancy vacations and designer labels can all come after the farm is profitable. Every unnecessary item you buy especially in the early days will delay or destroy your chances of ever being successful at farming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Build relationships with neighbors<\/span><\/p>\n

Invest in money making things: Stay focused on specific items that will stimulate cash flow to make the farm more economically viable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be committed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do something: Even if it\u2019s wrong, do something. It\u2019s in the doing that you discover the right approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Write down a plan<\/span><\/p>\n

Fully utilize your resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surround yourself with competent counsel<\/span><\/p>\n

Be consistent<\/span><\/p>\n

vii. Accounting<\/span><\/p>\n

Accounting is one of the most important aspects of a farm enterprise because it is the information upon which most decisions are based. It can be related to keeping personal history. Accounting is the biography of the farm business. The more accurate and meaningful they are, the better a farmer\u2019s decisions will be.<\/span><\/p>\n

The overriding principle of keeping farm accounts is \u2018writing the records down\u2019. If you do not write them down, you can never reconstruct them and you never know what your financial picture really is.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a farmer is to know which aspect of the farm business is draining money and which ones are making money, we can\u2019t just lump everything into income and expense. Each item must be categorized so we can track the progress of that business component.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Springboard farms, we didn\u2019t start keeping \u2018proper\u2019 book keeping until 2013 after I received training in book keeping. And this has made a huge difference on and in the farm<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

These ideas are very useful for me in my farm project. To be successful with my farm, I need to develop a compelling vision, have the right philosophy, devote myself to every needed task, have a model that allows the farm to make profit and keep proper book keeping.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYour opportunity to be a farmer entrepreneur with a quality of life that would make a white \u2013collar worker envious is directly proportional to your acquaintance with approaches that run opposite mainstream thought for the previous half century.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This means farmers who intend to be very successful should not follow the status-quo!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur culture lacks vision in almost every arena. How do you get a vision? You have to be passionate about something. You must visualize the life you want to create and then be disciplined enough to get there. Really, accomplishing your dream is not so much about mechanics and opportunity as it is about character qualities: self-denial, perseverance, commitment, focus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This is succinctly and truly put!!!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil you know how to make money on one acre of land, you won\u2019t know how to make money from two acres.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Owing land is not the most important prerequisite to becoming a farmer. The how-to is what is most important<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, I do not disagree with anything in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book does not contain exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 8<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You Were Born Rich<\/strong><\/span>
\n Assessment by Afere Alaba Lawrence (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to covey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou Were Born Rich\u201d guides the reader through the major principles one must understand in order to unlock the vast wealth of potential buried inside each of us. In the book, the author conveys the following ideas: What money is and how one can attract more of it; How to become co-creator of your own destiny; The role of faith in your success; How to build prosperous images in your mind that translate into magnificent results in your life; The keys to bringing abundance into your life<\/span>
\n The law of attraction \u2013 why some people keep attracting negative results and others always seem to attract positive results; The method for developing the razor\u2019s edge that will allow to become a champion; The vacuum law of prosperity \u2013 why you must release the old to make room for the new.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em>
\n The following ideas are personally most important to me in the book:<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

i. Me and money<\/span><\/p>\n

Money is important to any person living in a civilized society. Nothing can take the place of money in the arena in which it is used. Money is a servant. You should always love people and use money rather than the reverse. Money is an effect and it must be earned. Money must circulate: it is valuable only as long as it is being used. Once it has been as taken out of circulation, it becomes worthless as the old newspapers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Example:<\/span>
\n The importance of money cannot be overstated. Before I graduated from the university in 2007, I asked myself, how do I want to earn the money I need in life, by working for money or serving people? I decided I would serve people, I would solve societal problem, I would help to create wealth and job opportunities for young people in my community. I followed my decision and today I am earning some income through serving people.<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. How much is enough<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost people think they want more money than they really do, and they settle for a lot loss than they could get.\u201d Earl Nightingale<\/span><\/p>\n

For you to get prosperity concept into high gear you must be specific \u2013 exactly how much money do you want? The subconscious mind does not think. It merely accepts images and then moves them into form. It will also be a good idea for you to decide what you want the money for. For example; food, rent\/mortgage, clothes, Automobile, Utilities, education, vacation, recreation, insurance, savings. How often do you pay yourself? A part of all you earn is yours to keep. Open a financial independence account where you pay yourself at least ten percent of what you earn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Example<\/span>
\n In 2005, when I read Real Magic (at Level Two), there was a part of the book that guided me into writing my financial goals. This exercise was very important as it helped me to classify all the aspects of life I need to focus my financial resources on such as food, family, clothes, vacation, charity, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. The image \u2013 maker<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s Up To Me<\/span>
\n \u201cI get discouraged now and then<\/span>
\n When there are clouds of gray,<\/span>
\n Until I think about the things<\/span>
\n That happened yesterday.<\/span>
\n I do not mean the day before or those of months ago,<\/span>
\n But all the yesterdays in which I had the chance to grow.<\/span>
\n I think of opportunities that I allowed to die,<\/span>
\n And those I took advantage of before they passed me by.<\/span>
\n And I remember that the past presented quite a plight, but somehow I endured it<\/span>
\n And the future seemed all right. And I remind myself that I Am capable and free,<\/span>
\n And my success and happiness are really up to me.\u201d James J. Metcalfe<\/span><\/p>\n

The image \u2013 making concept means having a mental picture of what we want to achieve. Everything we see today was created twice \u2013 mentally and physically<\/span>
\n Human beings are co-creators and we must bear responsibility for what God makes in our lives. Everyone is using the image \u2013 making concept and everyone always has. Everything that has ever come into our lives has come as a result of the image-making process. Images are mental pictures that are made from thoughts, and the magnificence of the mind lies in the fact that it can think. That is to say, it can tap into thought and whatever image chooses.Everything we do is preceded by an image. We think first in order to form an image, then we do the work Everything created was first created using the image making process. If you can see it and belief if \u2013 you can do it.<\/span>
\n \u201cWhatever the mind can conceive and belief it can achieve.\u201d We should build the image of prosperity on the screen of our mind regardless of how tough things get, you must continue to hold the picture of personal prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Example:<\/span>
\n I have lived my life (since 2005 after becoming an IIGL student) with this phenomenal concept. A recent example is the current ongoing Springboard construction of our factory and training centre. About 3 years ago, I need it was time for Springboard to make a huge progress in helping thousands of youth become meaningfully employed and wealthy through sustainable agriculture and agribusiness. To achieve this, we needed a befitting training centre of our own and a factory where we produce all kinds of agric value additions such as plantain chips. There is this building in town I liked and wished we could have similar. So, I snapped it with my phone and used it as my wallpaper. Every time I see the picture I feel a vibration within me and lo and behold in 2014, resources showed up and we began our own construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Let go and let God<\/span><\/p>\n

The Promised Land<\/span>
\n \u201cNo more shall I look to the far skies for my Father\u2019s loving aid;<\/span>
\n Since here upon earth His treasure lies, and here is His Kingdom laid.<\/span>
\n No more through he mist of things unknown I\u2019ll search for the Promised Land;<\/span>
\n For time is the footstool of His throne, and I am within His hand.<\/span>
\n The wealth that is more than finest gold is here, if I shall but ask;<\/span>
\n And wisdom unguessed and power untole are here for every task.<\/span>
\n The gates of heaven are before my eyes; Their key is within my hand;<\/span>
\n No more shall I look to the far skies; from here is the Promised land.\u201d Alva Romanes<\/span><\/p>\n

Everything we see in this universe is nothing but the expression of an infinite power. This power is forever flowing into and through everyone. Everything is spirit<\/span>
\n Everything comes from one source, and that source power always flows and works to and through the individual \u2013 that is you. The image that you have formed can only come to you on the physical plane of life in one way, and that way is by law and through faith. A person who achieves great things is a person who has great faith in himself and his ability to achieve what he images. Faith has always been the miracle worker throughout history. It is the connecting link between God and you, and therefore it is your most valuable non physical possession. Faith is the cornerstone to everything we will ever build or achieve during the course of our entire lifetime.<\/span>
\n Whatever a man accomplishes in her lifetime will be in direct proportion to the intensity and persistence of her faith. Let go and let God means believing and having faith that you will accomplish your goals and mental picture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Example:<\/span>
\n I derive my power and motivation from prayer, faith and God. Belief in what I do and can achieve is always derived from God.<\/span><\/p>\n

v. Expect an abundance<\/span>
\n The mind is a powerful magnet and as such, it attracts whatever corresponds to its ruling state. Expectation dictates that the ruling state will be and therefore governs what corresponds to the mind and is attracted into your life. Expectation can be either a blessing or a curse but either way it is certainly one of the most powerful unseen forces in your life. We cannot have wealth in our material world until we have first visualized the wealth in our mind. Before any of us can even begin to overcome the poverty which surrounds us in our external world, we must first conquer the impoverishment that is buried deep within ourselves. The two determining factors for you to attain the results you want are: desire and expectation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Desire without expectation is nothing more than wishful thinking. There are three certain steps for achieving prosperity in all areas of your life. Number one, build the image in your mind. Number two, turn it over to spirit (let go and let God). Number three, except with your heart and soul that spirit will reward you openly for your faith<\/span><\/p>\n

vi. The risk taker<\/span><\/p>\n

The life of anyone who chooses to live with extreme caution will never amount to anything more than a succession of dull, soporific days, continuing on without interruption. Great result and success is accomplished if one is first willing to take some kind of a risk. You will never hear of, read about, or see anyone who achieves anything of greatness in his or her own life, without first taking some kind of risk.<\/span>
\n We must step out and take the plunge in order to achieve our goals. We should live our lives as though it were impossible to fail. Becoming a risk-taker means to act courageously different from acting foolishly (which is how a person acts when he or she behaves in an irresponsible manner). You must be able to see yourself with your inner eye already in possession of the good you desire. Risk-takers figure how they can achieve their dreams\/goals, not whether or not they can.<\/span><\/p>\n

vii. The vacuum law of prosperity<\/span><\/p>\n

This law states that you can\u2019t get something until you are first willing to give something away. Giving means letting go of completely or totally abandoning to another. Nature absolutely abhors a vacuum. Constantly make space for the good which you desire. The crucial element in this vacuum law of prosperity is that you must let go of the old before you will ever make room for the new. You can never give two much of anything. When you give, fully expect to receive something in return. Very rarely will you receive from that source, to which you gave, but receive you must, just as surely as rain must fall when two clouds collide.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

These ideas are very useful for me in my life and they have formed part of me since I became an IIGL student and have helped me to achieve tremendous personal and organizational success.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery day, all over the world, millions of dreamers purchase lottery tickets, wishing for someone to fortuitously pick their names, and drop a fortune into their laps. These people never seem to understand that the real joy in life comes not from having money handed to them on a \u201csilver platter,\u201d but from going out and actually earning it themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The author has succinctly and truly put this statement!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe real winners in life are, more often than not, only two or three percent more effective than those who lose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

We can be every bit as effective as anyone we read about or even hear about.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No, I do not disagree with anything in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The exercises in the book were helpful to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I enjoyed reading this book!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n B. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n C. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n D. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\n E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As A Man Thinketh Assessment by Afere A Lawrence (Nigeria) I discovered immediately i finished reading this book that i have been missing so much. My thought used to be impure. I used to limit my thinking to what i Read More …<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1078","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1078","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1078"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1078\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1083,"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1078\/revisions\/1083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}