As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Irene Boham (UK)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The central idea of James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh is that our thoughts shape our destiny. We are not helpless victims of chance, fate, or external forces. Rather, the condition of our lives, our character, circumstances, and achievements flows directly from the quality of our thinking. Allen likens the mind to a garden: cultivate noble thoughts, and you harvest a life of peace and purpose; allow weeds of negativity, and you reap confusion and suffering.
The message is both empowering and sobering. Empowering, because it means we hold the keys to transformation in our own minds. Sobering, because it removes excuses: we cannot blame others, circumstances, or fate for everything; our thoughts are seeds, and the harvest is ours to own.
This resonates deeply with me as a nurse, mother, advocate, and leader. When I migrated from Ghana to the UK, I entered a system that did not always welcome internationally educated nurses. I experienced prejudice, isolation, and doubts about whether I belonged. Had I allowed those external voices to dominate my inner world, I would have given up. Instead, I chose to nurture new thoughts: I am capable. I am called. I belong. Those thoughts reshaped my actions, leading me to advanced practice, leadership roles, and recognition.
As a mother of an autistic son, I have seen the same principle through his life. Professionals often described him through deficits: what he could not do, what he would struggle with. I chose a different thought pattern: My has gifts, he belongs, and he can thrive in the right environment. That belief shaped my relentless advocacy for him, even through painful battles with education systems. In short, Allen’s main idea, that “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” is not a distant philosophy but a lived reality.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. “A man is literally what he thinks.”
Allen’s assertion that we are the sum of our thoughts struck me like a mirror. Our thoughts are not private musings without consequence; they are builders of our character and shapers of our lives.
Why this matters to me: This truth became real during a dark season when my son’s EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) was amended without the school that could meet his needs. I was consumed with pain and despair. My thoughts revolved around injustice, and those thoughts nearly paralysed me. Then I remembered that if my thinking stayed in despair, my actions would too. I chose instead to think hope-filled, empowering thoughts: My son is not a problem to be hidden but a child with potential. I am not powerless but a mother and advocate. Those thoughts shifted my energy, fueling advocacy letters, and meetings with renewed courage.
Equally, in my professional life, my growth came when I replaced limiting thoughts (“leadership is not for me”) with expansive ones (“my voice is needed”). That inner shift created external results.
ii. Circumstances reflect the state of mind.
Allen teaches that outer conditions mirror inner states. While we cannot always control events, our circumstances often reveal the dominant tone of our thoughts.
Why this matters to me: As a nurse in the UK, I encountered racism and micro-aggressions. At first, I viewed myself as a perpetual victim of an unjust system. But this mindset left me feeling small. Over time, I realized that if I reframed my thoughts—not denying injustice, but choosing to see challenges as opportunities to grow, I could shift my circumstances.
I began to position myself as a change agent: joining professional networks, mentoring younger nurses, and speaking at forums. My circumstances began to change because my thinking did. Instead of waiting for the environment to validate me, I created spaces where my voice and others like mine could flourish.
iii. The mind as a garden.
Allen compares the mind to a garden. If we plant seeds of virtue and discipline, we reap beauty. If we neglect it, weeds of vice and negativity will take over.
Why this matters to me: This metaphor is powerful because it aligns with my faith. I see my mind as soil that requires daily tending through prayer, scripture, and intentional reflection. Without cultivation, old weeds- fear, bitterness, doubt quickly return.
For example, in moments when I felt exhausted advocating for my son, I noticed my mental garden filling with weeds of despair: What’s the point? No one listens. By intentionally sowing new seeds writing affirmations, meditating on hope, surrounding myself with encouraging voices I reclaimed my mental ground.
iv. Thought and character are inseparable.
Allen insists that who we are (our character) is the product of what we continually think.
Why this matters to me: In nursing, technical skills are critical, but it is character that defines a healer. Patients rarely remember the exact treatment; they remember whether they felt respected, seen, and cared for. That character is built on thought.
When I enter work thinking, I am here to serve with compassion, my actions align: I listen, I dignify, I comfort. If instead I dwell on resentment or exhaustion, my character reflects it, and so does my care. As a leader, too, my character is tested daily. Choosing noble thoughts has shaped me into someone others can trust.
v. Suffering is the result of wrong thought.
Allen boldly states that pain and suffering often stem from wrong or unhealthy thinking.
Why this matters to me: At first, I resisted this idea because it felt harsh. But reflecting deeper, I realized its truth. I have suffered unnecessarily by clinging to bitterness, comparison, and fear. For instance, comparing myself to colleagues who advanced faster left me feeling small. The suffering was not caused by them, but by my own thoughts of inadequacy. When I changed my thinking to: My journey is unique, my growth is steady, and my worth is not defined by others, the suffering lifted.
vi. Achievement is born from vision.
Allen emphasizes that great achievements begin with a clear mental vision. Dreams and thoughts are the seeds of accomplishments.
Why this matters to me: When I first dreamed of becoming an advanced nurse practitioner, it seemed impossible. No one in my immediate circle had done it. But by holding a clear vision and seeing myself in that role, I found the motivation to study, apply, and persist. Similarly, my vision for son’s future sustains me. Despite the setbacks, I picture him thriving in a supportive environment, happy among peers, and confident in his abilities. This vision guides my advocacy.
vii. Peace comes from pure thought.
Finally, Allen writes that serenity and peace are the reward of a disciplined, pure mind.
Why this matters to me: This resonates with my spiritual practice. True peace does not come from external stability alone but from cultivating inner calm. During stressful hospital shifts, I anchor myself in peaceful thoughts: scriptures, affirmations, memories of victories past. This practice stabilizes me when external chaos swirls.
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?
Practically, these ideas are tools I use daily:
Self-regulation: When anxiety rises, I remind myself, “I am what I think. Let me choose peace.” This helps me avoid spiraling into stress.
Leadership: By keeping my vision clear and cultivating empowering thoughts, I can continue to break barriers for internationally educated nurses and advocate for inclusive systems.
Parenting: By holding noble thoughts about my son, I model resilience for him and challenge deficit-based narratives around autism.
Advocacy: By teaching others that thought patterns matter, I empower communities to move from victimhood to agency.
In creating a better world, these lessons remind me that transformation begins in the mind. If I want equity in healthcare or justice in education, I must first hold the thought, then embody it, then advocate for it.
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.
“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”
This reminded me that no title or award defines me, my character, shaped by thought, is my true identity.
“Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him/her to himself/herself.”
This helped me reinterpret adversity. Trials are not proof of failure but opportunities to see who I really am.
“Men do not attract what they want, but what they are.”
This challenged me to stop only wishing for change and instead become the kind of person who attracts it.
“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
A reminder that peace is strength, not weakness. As a mother and leader, calmness has been my anchor.
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?
One idea I wrestled with is Allen’s assertion that all suffering is the result of wrong thought. While I accept that much suffering is worsened by unhealthy thinking, I also know that systemic injustice, poverty, and oppression play roles beyond individual thought. For example, racism in healthcare is not just the result of my thinking but a structural issue.
However, I reconcile this by interpreting Allen’s point as, while we cannot control all external causes of suffering, we can control our response to them through thought. In that sense, his teaching still holds value.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
The book does not contain formal exercises. However, I treated each principle as an exercise. For example, after reading about the garden of the mind, I began journaling my thoughts daily, listing weeds to uproot and seeds to plant. This reflective exercise was transformative.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?
Yes. I was struck by how timeless this book is. Written in 1903, its principles remain relevant. This reassures me that truth transcends generations and cultures. As an African woman navigating Western systems, I find comfort in knowing that wisdom is universal and enduring.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Irene Boham (UK)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
At its heart, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a story about courage, authenticity, and the limitless possibilities of human potential. Richard Bach uses the metaphor of a seagull who refuses to live only for survival, eating scraps, conforming to the flock, and obeying tradition, to illustrate a deeper truth. Life is about soaring higher, daring to be different, and discovering joy in purpose. Jonathan dares to ask Is there more to life than survival? His answer comes through persistence, self-discovery and a willingness to embrace loneliness for the sake of truth.
The central idea is that freedom comes when we live true to ourselves, even if it means rejection by the majority. Growth and transcendence require breaking away from conformity and daring to imagine more. True mastery, whether of flight or life itself, comes not only in individual achievement but in returning to help others rise. Jonathan discovers that his gift is not only the ability to soar, but also the responsibility to teach others to unlock their wings.
For me, this message is not abstract, it mirrors my own journey. I was born and trained as a nurse in Ghana, and later migrated to the UK. My early years in the NHS were filled with challenges: systemic bias, cultural isolation, and the constant reminder that I was “an immigrant nurse.” At times, the message was clear. I was to be grateful for entry, keep my head down, and not aspire too high. But like Jonathan, I felt a stirring inside me that whispered, There is more.
I pursued specialist training in occupational health, took on leadership roles, and advocated for internationally educated nurses. I became a voice for neuro-diversity, inspired by my son’s journey as an autistic child. At every step, I chose not to accept the limited script written for me. Instead, I sought joy, purpose, and the freedom to live authentically as a nurse, mother, advocate, and leader. Jonathan’s story is my story: refusing to settle for survival, daring to fly higher, and then turning back to help others find their wings.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Pursuing Excellence over Conformity
Jonathan refuses to live as the flock does, flying only to find food. He chooses to pursue excellence in flight itself, even when it costs him acceptance.
Why this matters to me: This lesson spoke directly into my professional life. When I entered the UK workforce as an internationally educated nurse, the unspoken rule was conformity: “Don’t rock the boat, don’t aim too high, don’t ask for more.” The safe route was to settle, survive, and blend in. But I knew my calling was greater than survival.
Pursuing excellence meant sitting for specialist exams, applying for leadership positions, and stepping into rooms where I was the only Black woman at the table. It meant refusing to accept that immigrant nurses should only work at the bedside and never in policy or strategy. It also meant speaking publicly about equity, faith, and neuro-diversity, even when silence would have been easier. Like Jonathan, I have paid the price of being “different.” There were times I was sidelined, overlooked, or labeled “too ambitious.” But excellence demands courage, and I chose to fly higher. This idea has become the foundation of my life philosophy: never conform when you are called to lead.
ii. Belief in One’s Potential
Jonathan believes he is meant for more, even when his entire community calls him foolish.
Why this matters to me: In the early years of my NHS career, I was told by colleagues and even managers to “just be grateful.” I was made to feel that as a Ghanaian nurse, I should not expect the same opportunities as my UK-born peers. But inside, I knew I had untapped potential.
Believing in myself meant applying for specialist training, even when no one encouraged me. It meant submitting research to conferences, writing reflections like this one, and positioning myself as a leader. More importantly, it meant believing in the potential of others especially those society dismisses.
My son is autistic, and for years schools and institutions underestimated him. They focused on what he could not do instead of what he could. But I believe in his potential in his creativity, his intelligence, his heart. That belief drives me to fight for his right to inclusive education, because like Jonathan, he too deserves to soar.
iii. The Importance of Perseverance
Jonathan faces repeated failures, crashes, rejection, exile but he never stops.
Why this matters to me: My life has been defined by perseverance. When fighting for son’s educational rights, I faced repeated rejection from schools and the local authority. They argued he could not be supported, that he did not meet criteria, that his presence would affect others. Each time, it felt like a door slammed shut.
But perseverance kept me going. I studied the law, appealed decisions, and gathered evidence. At one point, I was managing my career by day and writing up documents related to my son by night. Exhaustion tempted me to give up, but like Jonathan, I reminded myself: This fight matters.
Perseverance has also shaped my professional journey. Leadership positions were not handed to me; I fought for them with persistence, excellence, and faith. Each rejection became a stepping stone, and every setback made me stronger. Jonathan’s story affirms what I know in my bones: perseverance is the path to transformation.
iv. Learning as a Lifelong Process
Jonathan never stops learning and each stage of his flight reveals new levels of mastery.
Why this matters to me: I see myself as a lifelong learner. Beyond my formal education, I invest in continuous professional development, leadership training, and spiritual growth. Learning is not just about degrees; it is about evolving as a person.
Some of my greatest teachers have been unexpected. My son has taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of seeing the world differently. Patients have taught me about dignity, suffering, and strength. Fellow nurses have shown me creativity and sacrifice. Every experience is a lesson, and every lesson pushes me to grow. This mindset allows me to lead with humility. I do not claim to know everything, but I remain teachable. In the words of Jonathan: growth is infinite.
v. Helping Others Rise
Jonathan’s greatest joy comes from teaching others to fly.
Why this matters to me: Leadership, for me, is not about titles but impact. After achieving specialist status, I could have focused only on my own career. Instead, I turned back to mentor internationally educated nurses, to advocate for autistic families, and to support colleagues through professional development. One of my proudest moments was mentoring a fellow nurse from Ghana who felt invisible in her ward. I encouraged her, helped her with applications, and today she is thriving in a specialist role. Like Jonathan, I realized that true freedom is not just flying high, but helping others discover their wings.
vi. Freedom is Found in Truth
Jonathan is most powerful when he embraces his true self.
Why this matters to me: For years, I compartmentalised my identity. At work, I was the professional nurse. At home, I was the mother of an autistic child. At church, I was the woman of faith. I thought I had to hide parts of myself to be accepted in each space.
But slowly, I realized my strength lies in integrating all parts of my identity. Today, I openly speak as a nurse, mother, advocate, and Christian leader. I bring my whole self into every room, and in doing so, I give others permission to do the same.
Freedom, I learned, comes from truth, the truth of who we are, without apology.
vii. Spiritual Growth Through Self-Discovery
Jonathan’s journey leads to transcendence and peace.
Why this matters to me: My faith is the anchor of my life. Every challenge I have faced, migration, bias, advocacy battles, has been an opportunity to grow spiritually. I have learned that leadership is not only about skills but about purpose, and purpose is rooted in God’s calling.
Self-discovery has helped me see that my nursing is ministry, my advocacy is service, and my motherhood is sacred. Like Jonathan, I am not just living for survival; I am living for higher alignment with my Creator’s vision.
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?
These lessons are not just theories; they shape my daily life.
In my personal life, they remind me to embrace resilience, seek joy even in challenges, and live authentically. As a mother, they guide how I encourage my children, especially the younger one, to see beyond labels and to embrace their potential. Every day, I remind him: “You were made to soar.”
In my professional life, they shape my leadership. I choose to mentor others, advocate for equity, and push for systemic change. For example, when I mentor internationally educated nurses, I remind them that they are not here to survive, but to thrive.
In creating a better world, these lessons guide my advocacy. I believe systems can change if leaders rise with courage and vision. Like Jonathan, I see leadership as service, returning to help the flock fly higher.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now and nothing can stand in your way.”
This quote reminds me that I do not need permission to rise. My authenticity is my strength.
“The only true law is that which leads to freedom.”
This shapes my advocacy: laws and policies must serve freedom and dignity. If they do not, they must be challenged.
“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.”
This resonates with son’s journey. Schools saw only his limitations, but I see his potential.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
The metaphysical aspects, Jonathan’s transcendence into higher realms were initially confusing. But I interpret them as metaphors for spiritual growth, maturity, and purpose. From my Christian worldview, I see this not as reincarnation but as symbolic of grace and calling.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
The book offers no exercises, but its story functions as reflection. I journaled questions like: Am I living boldly? Am I helping others rise? These reflections were transformative.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?
What struck me most was Jonathan’s impact on his community. Though rejected, he returned and inspired transformation. This is the essence of leadership: not abandoning the flock, but returning with vision. That is why I continue to advocate, mentor, and lead. Like Jonathan, I believe true change begins with one person daring to fly differently and then teaching others to do the same.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9.5
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5
PsychoCybernetics
Assessment by Irene Boham (United Kingdom)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The central idea of PsychoCybernetics is that our self-image creates the boundaries for what we believe is possible, and therefore what we achieve. Dr. Maxwell Maltz argues that by changing the way we see ourselves, through visualization, mental rehearsal, emotional control, and self-directed thinking, we can unlock success, healing, and growth. The mind functions like a goal-seeking mechanism: when we intentionally direct it toward positive outcomes, it naturally works to achieve them.
For me, the book reinforces that transformation is not only external, it begins with internal identity.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. The Power of Self-Image
Maltz teaches that every action flows from the way we subconsciously perceive ourselves.
Why it mattered to me: I realized how much of my journey, from being an internationally educated nurse to becoming an advocate and leader, required me to first see myself as capable, worthy, and impactful.
For example, when applying for leadership roles, I often battled imposter syndrome. Strengthening my self-image allowed me to speak confidently, mentor others, and represent international nurses boldly.
ii. Imagination as a Tool for Success
The author explains that the brain does not differentiate between real and vividly imagined experiences.
Why it mattered to me: This reminded me of the visualizations I used during difficult periods, such as advocating for my son or pushing through work challenges. I often imagined positive outcomes before they happened, and this guided my behavior with calmness and strength.
iii. The Concept of the “Success Mechanism”
Maltz argues that when we set clear goals and trust the process, our brain will automatically search for pathways to achieve them.
Why it mattered to me: When transitioning into occupational health, campaigning for internationally educated nurses, or pursuing further education, clarity of purpose unlocked resources, people, and opportunities. I saw this most clearly when preparing award submissions and leadership statements—direction created momentum.
iv. Letting Go of Past Failures
One of the most freeing lessons is that past mistakes do not define the future.
Why it mattered to me: As a parent advocating through a complex SEND system, as a nurse overcoming systemic challenges, I often carried guilt or frustration. Learning to “reset” emotionally helped me show up with renewed strength, not residue from yesterday.
v. Practicing Relaxation and Calmness
Maltz emphasizes mental quietness as essential for creativity and problem-solving.
Why it mattered to me: In health care, stress is constant. I noticed that decisions I made in a calm state were wiser and more compassionate. Even in tribunal preparation for Matthew, pausing to breathe and centre myself improved my clarity dramatically.
vi. The Importance of Emotional Control
Thoughts alone are not the challenge, the emotions attached to them are.
Why it mattered to me: As a leader, I interact with many emotions: fear, anxiety, anger, hope. Understanding emotional regulation helps me respond rather than react. It has improved my parenting, leadership, and advocacy work.
vii. The “Theatre of the Mind” Technique
This mental rehearsal method teaches you to replay positive outcomes in your mind until they feel familiar.
Why it mattered to me: Before speaking engagements, interviews, or tribunal meetings, I began rehearsing calm confidence. This technique increased my effectiveness and softened my fear of being judged. It reminded me that success happens internally before it manifests externally.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
In my daily life:
I will use visualization to maintain confidence in challenging situations.
I will practice emotional regulation to remain grounded for myself and my family.
I will maintain a healthy self-image so I do not limit myself through doubt.
In creating a better world:
As a nurse and advocate, a stronger self-image allows me to empower other international nurses to believe in themselves.
As a parent, these tools help me teach Matthew resilience and positive self-identity.
As a global leadership student, these lessons help me act intentionally, compassionately, and with vision.
By applying these principles, I can multiply my impact on others and help build an environment where people feel capable, valued, and inspired.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“You act and feel not according to what things are really like, but according to the image your mind holds of what they are like.”
Why it mattered: It reminded me that perception often shapes pain, and freedom. Understanding this has helped me reinterpret many difficult situations from a more empowering lens.
“Happiness is a habit. Cultivate it.”
Why it mattered: s someone balancing motherhood, advocacy, and a demanding career, I realised that happiness isn’t passive; it is a practice. I now intentionally create moments of joy and peace.
“You can always quit, so why quit now?”
Why it mattered: his resonated during tough times, especially while fighting educational battles for Matthew or navigating systemic bias. It reminded me that perseverance is power.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
The only area I found slightly unclear was the somewhat mechanical analogy of the mind as a “servo-mechanism.” While useful, human behavior is also shaped by culture, trauma, environment, and relationships. However, the core principle still resonates: the mind is powerful, trainable, and directive.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
Yes, the book includes practical exercises such as visualization, relaxing the mind, reconstructing self-image, and recalling past successes. I completed them and they were very helpful.
The mental rehearsal exercises especially helped me prepare for presentations, communication, and stressful advocacy meetings. They also helped me shift from self-doubt to grounded confidence.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?
What struck me most is how timeless these ideas are. The book bridges psychology, spirituality, leadership, and personal growth. It aligns beautifully with the IIGL mission of developing conscious, intentional, purpose-driven leaders.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 9
Engaging, relatable and practical
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
Life changing especially in Leadership and emotional mastery
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
Generally clear although some science examples are dated
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
Absolutely especially to emerging leaders, nurses, parents and advocates
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5
One of the most transformative mind set books I’ve read
Success through a Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Irene Boham (United Kingdom)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
As I began reading Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone, I expected a motivational text similar to many other self-help books I have encountered. What I discovered, however, was an unexpectedly transformative work that challenged me to examine my mental attitudes, evaluate the forces that have guided my life, and understand how the choices I make in thought directly shape the outcomes of my actions.
This book helped me see not only the power of a positive mental attitude (PMA) but also the responsibility it places on me as a leader, a parent, and a global citizen. Throughout this assessment, I will reflect on the key lessons that resonated most deeply with me, connect them with personal experiences from nursing, advocacy, migration, motherhood, and leadership, and demonstrate how PMA can shape not only my life but also the communities I touch.
The IIGL program asks for introspective, integrative assessments that combine comprehension with lived experience. I have therefore woven all the required elements—summary, lessons, personal insights, quotes, critiques, exercises, and recommendations, into one cohesive narrative, creating a holistic reflection that aligns with the depth of the IIGL leadership philosophy.
The primary message in Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude is that every human being possesses an “invisible talisman” with PMA on one side and NMA (Negative Mental Attitude) on the other. This metaphor represents the simple yet profound idea that our mental attitude determines the quality of our lives, guiding our emotions, decisions, behaviors, relationships, and ultimately our results.
Hill and Stone argue that success is not a matter of luck, talent, or privilege. Instead, it is the natural outcome of applying PMA to our purpose, actions, and challenges. The authors repeatedly remind us that while everyone has equal access to PMA, many choose, consciously or unconsciously, to operate from NMA. This choice determines whether one grows, stagnates, or regresses. The book calls the reader to intentionally activate PMA in every area of life by combining faith, purpose, initiative, discipline, gratitude, and action.
As I read, I came to appreciate how consistently my own successes have been tied to the moments when I maintained hope, clarity, and resilience, despite difficult circumstances. Conversely, the chapters helped me recognize how fear, self-doubt, and discouragement impacted my growth when I dwelled too long in negative states.
The book’s essence is this:
“Your attitude determines your altitude.”
This is not a cliché, it is a measurable truth that shows up in daily interactions, leadership situations, parenting decisions, professional collaborations, and personal aspirations.
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.
Among the countless principles, seven ideas stood out to me because they mirrored key turning points and challenges in my own life.
i. PMA Unlocks Opportunities; NMA Blocks Them
The authors emphasize that the greatest difference between those who achieve extraordinary outcomes and those who remain stuck is not intelligence, resources, or background, but attitude. PMA opens the mind to possibilities, while NMA narrows focus to obstacles. This message resonated with me deeply because I have lived through systems where negativity would have been the easiest option. When I entered a new country with unfamiliar regulations, implicit biases, and professional hurdles that made me question whether I belonged. There were moments when discouragement nearly overwhelmed me. However, every time I held onto a positive attitude, especially in the face of bureaucracy and misunderstanding, doors opened. Opportunities came in the form of supportive colleagues, leadership roles, advocacy work, award nominations, and strategic partnerships.
Similarly, during my son’s SEND journey, I witnessed firsthand how PMA became my anchor. Fighting for a child’s right to appropriate education in a system that is often rigid and under-resourced could easily drain hope. But maintaining PMA helped me gather evidence, advocate effectively, challenge injustices, and speak with strength even when emotionally exhausted. It allowed me to remain solution-focused rather than reactive. PMA reminded me that even in complex systems, change is possible and that my mindset is part of that change.
ii. You Are the Master of Your Fate and the Captain of Your Soul
One of the book’s most powerful themes is the emphasis on personal responsibility; not in a blaming or punitive sense, but as an empowering reminder that we have the ability to shape our destinies through the choices we make. This idea deeply aligns with my personal journey of migration, professional development, and leadership. When I arrived in the UK as an IEN, nothing was guaranteed. I had to rebuild my professional identity, navigate unfamiliar systems, and learn how to succeed in an environment that did not always fully understand or value the skills I brought from my home country.
It would have been easy to feel like a victim of circumstances. Instead, I learned to see myself as the architect of my future. I pursued training, sought mentorship, advocated for fair systems, and became a voice for other IENs who faced similar struggles. This shift from “things are happening to me” to “I can shape what happens next” transformed my leadership journey. Similarly, in the context of parenting an autistic child, this principle guided me to be intentional. Instead of accepting decisions imposed by authorities regarding ’s education or care, I chose to lead, to question, to protect, and to reorganize systems around his needs. PMA taught me that being the captain of my soul means steering the ship, even when the waters are rough.
iii. A Clear Purpose Gives Life Direction
Hill and Stone emphasize that purpose is the inner compass that directs behavior, provides motivation, and fuels resilience. Without purpose, even talented people drift aimlessly. This principle resonated deeply with me because purpose has been the north star of my entire adult life. My purpose as a nurse has always been rooted in compassion, service, and empowerment. Nursing is more than a job to me, it is a calling. It enables me to combine scientific knowledge with empathy, advocacy, and human connection.
Beyond my career, my purpose as a mother, especially of a neuro-divergent child, adds profound meaning to everything I do. The challenges we have faced as a family have sharpened my sense of calling. Now, much of my advocacy, from campaigning for autism awareness to fighting for appropriate educational access arises from a deep commitment to ensuring that our systems recognize the dignity and potential of every child. Purpose also guides my work with nurses, community organizations, and faith-based groups. It motivates me to build structures that empower others. The book reinforced this truth: purpose makes PMA sustainable. Without purpose, positivity becomes shallow. With purpose, positivity becomes powerful.
iv. Applied Faith Is More Than Belief; It Is Action
One of the most profound ideas in the book is that faith alone is not enough. Instead, the authors introduce the concept of applied faith: belief translated into consistent, courageous action. This idea resonated with me because faith has always played a central role in my life; spiritually, emotionally, and practically. During many difficult seasons including my immigration journey, workplace challenges, motherhood and advocacy work I have leaned heavily on prayer, resilience, and hope.
But faith only becomes transformational when it is active. For example, when navigating my son’s school challenges, faith moved me to gather evidence, write statements, challenge decisions, ask questions, and stay calm in difficult situations. Faith reminded me that we were not alone and that justice was possible. But applied faith required me to take responsibility, not simply wait for outcomes.
Similarly, in leadership and nursing, applied faith means trusting my intuition, speaking up for patients, supporting colleagues, and stepping into opportunities even when I feel afraid. Applied faith is the courage to lead.
The authors showed me that applied faith is a muscle and the more I use it, the stronger it becomes.
v. Initiative Is Essential for Success
Hill and Stone emphasize that initiative is one of the most important success behaviors. It means taking action, stepping forward, making decisions, and refusing to wait passively. This principle reflects a core aspect of my personality and leadership: I am a person who acts. My advocacy work did not come from waiting for someone else to fix the system. It emerged from identifying gaps and stepping in. Whether supporting graduate nurses, leading community work, or organizing support for families, initiative is how I convert values into impact.
In the workplace, initiative enabled me to go beyond routine responsibilities. It allowed me to create solutions that improved patient care, support colleagues, and contribute at organizational levels. Initiative also guided me academically, helping me pursue leadership development and strategic communication work that enables long-term change. This book reminded me that initiative is not only a leadership trait, it is a PMA behavior. It turns hope into strategy and vision into reality.
vi. Adversity Contains Seeds of Equal or Greater Benefit
The authors repeatedly emphasize that adversity, while painful, often contains the very opportunities that shape our destinies. With PMA, challenges become catalysts. With NMA, they become anchors.
This theme resonated profoundly with me because adversity has been a major teacher in my life. From the challenges of transitioning into a new country, to navigating professional bias, to advocating for my son, to enduring personal losses, adversity has shaped my character, my leadership, and my resilience.
Some of the most difficult experiences; particularly in the education system with my son became sources of strength and purpose. They taught me empathy, advocacy, patience, and courage. They helped me understand the struggles of other families and how important it is for systems to become compassionate and inclusive. Adversity also pushed me into leadership roles I may never have pursued otherwise. It unlocked my voice. It gave me stories that inspire others. It expanded my faith.
This book affirmed what I have learned through life: adversity, when approached with PMA, becomes purpose.
vii. Inspiring Self-Talk and Mental Hygiene
Perhaps the most practical lesson in the book is the idea that the mind must be trained, disciplined, and nurtured. Hill and Stone introduce the concept of mental hygiene, which includes positive self-talk, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional reframing of difficult situations.
This resonated with me because I have seen the power of self-talk both positively and negatively. In moments of uncertainty, fear, or exhaustion, my inner voice could become critical or harsh. But learning to speak to myself with kindness, strength, and hope transformed my emotional world. It improved my confidence at work, my patience as a mother, and my courage as a leader. Mental hygiene helped me stay grounded during stressful advocacy moments. Reframing thoughts helped me remain calm, articulate, and focused, even when the situation felt overwhelming.
The book reminded me that inner dialogue shapes outer outcomes.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
The lessons from this book will influence my daily life in multiple ways; emotionally, relationally, professionally, and spiritually.
In my personal life:
I will consciously choose PMA during difficult conversations, frustrations, or moments of uncertainty.
I will use applied faith to overcome limiting beliefs and take decisive steps toward my goals.
I will nurture my mental hygiene through affirmations, reflection, journaling, and mindfulness.
I will reframe adversity as opportunity, reducing stress and building resilience.
I will practice gratitude daily to strengthen my perspective.
In my professional life:
PMA will help me maintain compassion, even in stressful healthcare settings.
It will guide my leadership voice, enabling me to inspire colleagues and advocate for fair systems.
I will use initiative to create solutions, not just identify problems.
My improved self-image will help me pursue higher leadership roles with confidence.
In creating a better world:
PMA strengthens my advocacy for young and experienced
It helps me support parents of neuro-divergent children through compassion and shared experience.
It equips me to mentor others in global leadership spaces.
It allows me to challenge systems constructively rather than with bitterness or frustration.
PMA is not just a personal tool, it is a leadership responsibility.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve with PMA.”
This reminded me that imagination paired with belief and action is a creative force. It helped me trust my leadership journey even before opportunities appeared.
“When you are faced with a problem, solve it with PMA.”
This became a mental anchor during challenges. It reminded me to stay calm, strategic, and hopeful.
“Your most important asset is a positive mental attitude.”
I realized that while skills and qualifications matter, attitude determines how far those assets can take me.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
Some stories in the book felt outdated or overly simplistic, and at times the text seemed to overly attribute success or failure to personal mindset alone, without acknowledging systemic inequalities. As an advocate for equity, I know that external structures; racism, ableism, bureaucratic failures also shape outcomes.
However, the principles of PMA, initiative, purpose, faith, and self-discipline remain universally valid and useful when applied in real-world contexts.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
I completed the exercises, affirmations, and reflective questions throughout the book.
They helped me:
Reinforce my sense of purpose.
Evaluate my talents and strengths.
Identify areas where I was operating from fear rather than faith.
Strengthen my mental hygiene practices.
Clarify goals for my future leadership work.
These exercises deepened my understanding of PMA and helped me create practical behavioral changes.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?
This book aligns deeply with the values of the IIGL program. It encourages global leadership that begins with self-mastery. It reminded me that leadership is not merely positional; it is internal. It is about attitude, purpose, action, compassion, and courage.
Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude has not only reinforced my understanding of the power of mindset but has significantly expanded it, giving me a sharper, more disciplined awareness of how a positive mental attitude serves as the engine behind leadership, resilience, service, and emotional well-being. Reading this book felt like encountering a mirror that reflected the principles I have lived intuitively throughout my journey, yet it also served as a mentor that articulated and clarified the deeper truths I still needed to consciously integrate.
The book confirmed something I have experienced repeatedly in my life: our thoughts are the architects of our outcomes. Whether in navigating professional challenges, advocating for others, rebuilding life after hardship, or supporting my son through systemic barriers, my internal narrative shaped my response long before any external action did. This text validated those lived realities and helped me understand that PMA is not simply optimism or positive thinking; it is a structured, disciplined way of approaching obstacles with creativity, courage, and a solution-oriented spirit.
It also illuminated blind spots I hadn’t fully acknowledged. For example, I realized that although I have always possessed strong determination, I sometimes carry emotional exhaustion quietly and push through without replenishing myself. PMA reminded me that mental attitude is not simply maintained, it must be renewed, protected, and strengthened daily through intentional habits. This insight alone will reshape how I lead and how I care for myself.
Most importantly, the book equipped me with practical tools, not just inspiration. It strengthened my ability to transform challenges into opportunities, to reframe adversity as a teacher, and to see difficult situations, not as signals to withdraw—but as invitations to rise. The mental training strategies, visualization practices, and self-direction techniques are not abstract theories; they are strategies I can apply immediately in my personal life, professional leadership, nursing advocacy, and community work across cultures.
As a global leader in development, nursing, and social justice, PMA has sharpened my understanding of how my attitude influences every room I walk into; every team I support; every young person I mentor; every vulnerable individual I advocate for; and every system I challenge. It reminded me that leadership is not only what we do but the energy we carry and that energy determines whether people feel inspired, powered, or diminished.
What struck me most deeply is the book’s call to recognize the hidden potential within every human being. This resonates strongly with my mission to uplift others, especially internationally educated nurses, autistic young people like my son, and individuals who often face structural and societal barriers. PMA reinforced my commitment to see the “hidden diamond” in every person, including in myself. It challenged me to continue believing in people’s capacity to rise, even when they cannot see it themselves, and to hold space for transformation even in the most complex circumstances.
Ultimately, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude is more than a book; it is a personal development manual, a leadership handbook, and a spiritual compass. Its lessons will continue shaping how I show up in the world: with more intentionality, more compassion, more strategic focus, and a deeper sense of purpose. It has strengthened my resolve to build environments where people can thrive, where justice is pursued boldly, and where optimism is not passive but active, a force that fuels action and change.
As I move forward, the teachings of this book will influence not only my personal growth but also my broader mission: to empower others, to advocate with courage and clarity, and to contribute to building systems, locally and globally, where dignity, inclusion, and hope are not aspirations but lived realities.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5