Adekoya Rasak – Assessments

As a Man Thinketh

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

The book, As a Man Thinketh by James Allen explores the power of thoughts in human existence, outlined how thoughts shape human circumstances with the opinion that human is the architect of his being by the virtue of the though he or she possesses and encourages in the internal self. James tries to establish connections between mind and body; mind and character as well as circumstances human finds him/herself in the activities of life. Creatively, he paints in words how thoughts swift in the orifices of human body and souls. How this internal factor (Thought) determines human moods, facial expression, character, circumstances and relation with fellow human being in the society. How good though could structure human achievement in life, strengthen the health of the body, define human purpose, shape visions and determines ideals including internal and external serenity. With diplomatic expressions in company of poetic verses, he was able to present colorfully, the power of thought in human endeavor, either good or bad, lies on human himself

In comparison, my book, Brand Your Blindness is closely related to James’ central idea of “thought.” A chapter in my book expose the fact that, everybody is disabled and nobody is incapable depending on how you structure your thought. James opined that “Man is made or unmade by himself. In the armory of thought, he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself. He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace. By the right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the divine perfection. By the abuse and wrong application of thought he descends below the level of the beast.”

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. How Thought Shapes Man’s Character

Here, James presents man as the administrator of his thought; though as you all know, thought is the activity of the mind. Man is the master of his mind as he is the master of his household. Whatever he thinks inside him shapes his character, his consciousness to happenings around him and his relations in the society. James is of the opinion that “man can only thus become by discovering within himself the laws of thought. This discovery is totally a matter of application, self-analysis and experience.”

He stressed a fact that “Man is always the master, even in his weakest and most abandoned state.” This opinion is further analyzes comprehensively in Akpoveta Valentines “The Gift of Discovery.”

ii. Effect of Thought on Circumstances

Here, I think James tries to explain the power of positivism. He is not out rightly saying that man’s thought, directly determines his circumstances as it is for character “but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some vital thought-element within himself that, for the time being, they are indispensable to his development.”

Surely, thoughts cannot determine the circumstances that men found themselves but can control those circumstances. He likened man’s mind to a garden and a garden may be intelligently cultivated or allows running wild. He further stressed that positive thinking and thoughts in the mind heeds to positive circumstances. He then compared our thinking as seed, of course, we all know that a useful seed will give us a nice and well structured garden, and “useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.” James opined that man is always at where he is by the law of his being (though). Man can actually be rich or poor depending on where and how he drives his thoughts. Recommending self control and purification to realized “exact ratio with his altered mental condition.” Like the saying in my high school days, as you lay your bed, so you shall lie on it.

He crowns his point with harmonious poetic verse of four stanzas. Stanza one explains that man can be whatever he wishes to be, no matter the challenges failure or environment poses on him. Second and third stanzas talk about time and will to overcome these challenges; the will is therefore embedded in man’s thought. The last stanza recommend patience in delay, he concludes that: “When spirit rises and commands,

The gods are ready to obey.”

iii. Effect on Thought on Health and Body

This is where James attempts to establish the connection between mind and body as a determinant of man’s health. He roots diseases and health to thought just as he does to circumstances. He is of the opinion that when a man strengthens and purifies his thoughts, he does not have to consider the malevolent. The condition of the body is however determines by the activities of the mind.

James reminds me of a philosophical argument titled “Mind and Body.” The argument is based on whether there is a distinction between the mind and the body. Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Rene Descarte attempt to present their arguments from different perspectives. The common thing in their arguments is that they all agreed that; mind is for reason which is likened to James position here. In comparison, James says “the body is the servant of the mind” and to Aristotle, “the mind is separate and independent of the body but could destroy the body. The mind cannot be destroyed.”

“If you would perfect your body, guard your mind. If you would renew your body, beautify your mind. Thoughts of malice, envy, and disappointment, despondency, rob the body of its health and grace. A sour face does not come by chance; it is made by sour thoughts.” He recommends cheerful thoughts to dissipate the ills of the body.

Goodwill to disperse grieves and sorrows. Negativism makes man to create and confine himself in a self made person hole.

iv. Thought as the Foundation of Purpose

Divine and legitimate thought in the heart to attain an intelligent accomplishment, man should make his purpose the centre of his thought, focusing his thoughts towards his targeted dreams without given any consideration to distraction. Making his purpose a priority and “not allowing his thoughts to wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought.”

To conquer doubt and fear is to conquer failure; fearless thought is the will driving man’s purpose in life. He encouraged that “The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do. Doubt and fear are the great enemies of knowledge, and he who encourages them, who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step.”

v. How Thought Determines Man’s Achievement

Everything in life requires adequate planning. Adequate planning is an element of thought and thought is the activities of the mind. As it is in Public Relations Practice “Man cannot not but help himself.” This simply means that man can only help himself by putting strategic plans in place in order to achieve his purpose. James says a strong man cannot help a weak man unless that weaker man is willing to be helped.

Quoting James “A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts. He can only remain weak, abject, and miserably by refusing to lift up his thoughts.” Man needs to fashion his thoughts beautifully if he intends to achieve anything beautiful and meaningful. If a man wants to progress and achieve success, he must be ready to suppress thoughts that are confusing.

In conclusion, to achieve in the area of business, intellectual, or spiritual world, a definite direct thought is needed. Man must sacrifice pessimism to achieve greatly, “He who would accomplish little need sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much. He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”

vi. The Power of Vision and Ideals

James introduces this idea with a powerful sentence, “the dreamers are the savior of the world.” Without an iota of doubt, James is strongly right with this notion. Martin Luther King had a dream and he became an element of memory especially to the Black Americans, Abraham Lincoln had a dream and he became a centre of reference to all goal getters. Obafemi Awolowo had a dream and he became content of history in Nigeria Politics and many other who had had one dream or another. Citing the distinction between desire and aspiration, “to desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve.” This simply translates that vision is what man desires while ideal is what man shall one day unveils.

James advices that man should cherish his visions and ideals “For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environments.” The greatest achievement is to have a dream with recognition to challenges and uncongenial circumstances. He then concludes that “The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrones in your heart — this you will build your life by; this you will become.”

vii. Serenity

James exemplifies that calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. How patience plays a key role in self control and on the foundation knowledge of the laws and operation of thoughts. Once a man knows himself as “a thought-evolved being,” he becomes calm. A calm man will know how to administer himself and “adapt himself to others. And they, in turn reverence his spiritual strength.”

However, there is a saying that a strong man is not the one that beats thousands in a fight but the one that could actually control his tempers. James likened a calm man to “a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land, or a sheltering rock in a storm.” Man does not need explosive temper because it ruins sweet and beautiful things, poises characters and makes bad bloods. Explosive tempers lead to uncontrolled passion, ungoverned grief and result in anxiety and grief.

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?

Without doubt, the ideas presented in the book had already shaped my thought towards my academic and strengthen my social life. My vision is perfectly structured with defined purpose. I have therefore adopt the concept of humility and calmness and peace in order to adapt with others in the society and command great reverence and create a better world.

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

The author enriches the article with several and creative statements and quotes; it makes it, self explanatory and understandable to readers regardless of class. For the purpose of time, I will mention few.

“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”

“Dreamers are the saviors of the world.”

“They who have no central purpose in their life fall an easy prey to petty worries, fears, troubles, and self-pitying, all of which are indications of weakness, which lead, just as surely as deliberately planned sins (though by a different route), to failure, unhappiness, and loss, for weakness cannot persist in a power-evolving universe.”

“If you would perfect your body, guard your mind. If you would renew

your body, beautify your mind. Thoughts of malice, envy, and disappointment, despondency, rob the body of its health and grace. A sour face does not come by chance; it is made by sour thoughts.”

This statement explains the beauty of smiles and good thought as they both equate to a healthy life.

“A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind .”

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

To a large extent, I agreed with the ideas presented in the book because I have found them helpful and useful. However, it is important to emphasize that powerful thought that don’t provoke actions to attain greater result is a mere vivid imagination.

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 is a complete and excellence exercise for personal and societal development

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

No. The questions to a large extent cover all the nooks and crannies of the book

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

 

 

Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

When purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable. Those who live a life of purpose are always caught out of finding meaning beyond what others does. They took their time finding what is unique than what others do. They are neither fearful nor limited. Rather, they push boundaries and break the norms. Jonathan Livingstone Seagull could best be described with the sentence above. The writer has been able to pivot every premise in this book on the paradigm that the pursuit for living a purposeful life has always comes with its challenges. But those who persevere and deaf their ears to echoes of those who are not doing or those who are so immobilized in their thought will surely conquer and will succumb all stumbling blocks. Jonathan seagull as a leading character in the book is metaphoric [the attribute of human being is given to another living organism of another specie.

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.

a. I can fly

It is important to know that everybody can do whatever he or she wants to do as much as he or she is willing to do so. Jonathan Seagull thinks he can. And he did what he thinks he can. Many people will demoralize you with their words but it beholds on you to decide if to listen to them or takes up the responsibility of doing what you know you are capable of doing. As a visually impaired person, I have shown the world I can by doing what they said I can’t. my book, brand your blindness, is an attestation to such.

b. Every decision has its own consequence.

Jonathan Seagull took the decision against the wishes of his parent and council flocks in his pursuit to accomplish his personal ambition. It was his choice. It was his final decision. But he forgets that the consequences are not far-fetched. Positive decisions back up with positive actions will surely yield positive consequences. But the challenge along that path of success is always tough. Personally, I experience similar thing. When I lose my sight, many have invited me to come to there churches, believing the strength of miracle varies from one church to another. But I rejected many offers. Such notion is deep within African whenever they encounter challenges. Many belief gods or religious homes are places where miracle exist; they belief there priest are sent by God to make miracle on earth.

Rather to focus on how to solve such problems, they think more on how to visit different worship centers looking for magic thinking they are looking for miracle. They forget there decision has its own consequences. I decided to focus on how to add values and solve people problem. I strive to add more capacity. I know many people are facing similar challenge. I know some are not living with disability, yet they are also finding it difficult to live life of their own. I knew this was a problem I can solve. With time I started getting what I wanted for myself. But before then, I faced the challenge on the path of my decision.

c. Exemption to excellence.

Relevant uniqueness is not an option but a choice for a man of discovered purpose. Those who are called the special one only live the true life they existed for. They did what others think it is impossible. And There perfection from what they have done stand them out such that many people are willing to help as I have said earlier, I am blind. But I am living a life of purpose. And such life has elevated me to take a quantum leap from efficiency to effectiveness. I am not just a blind person. I am a brand. And my personal brand has aided me to get more than I thought of.

d. Success begets success

It is natural for people to subconsciously flee from an unsuccessful person. Their perception is that those who failed are walking disaster. Psychologically, many felt failure is contagious. Same thing is applicable to success. When you strive to achieve and you get it, many people will surely align with your ideology. When Jonathan Seagull got to the peak of his career, many who were against him wanted to learn what they had condemn. He kept getting more students than what he demanded for. He kept impacting more and more. And his own definition of success begets more success.

e. Live a world of legacy

The beauty of life does not depends on how happy you are but how happy you can impact to the people of your own immediate environment; and how best you can put smile on there lips. When Jonathan Seagull got to heaven, he should have not thought of coming back to his former habitat. He ought to forget them. But the reverse was the case. He got there. Learn more from those who had the experience and capacity than him. And he decided to go back and teach other gulls. What he was enjoying in heaven is enough for him to say he his not going back. But he didn’t. He went back, takes the role of leadership. He saw younger gulls as a project he must accomplish by teaching them what he knows. Perfection is not in living with all the wealth and fame. It is in satisfaction and fulfillment in what you do to yourself and in building others.

f. The peak pivots its own problem

The greatest problem for most people who aspired to get to the top is to continuously learn when they get to where they desire. If you aspire to go higher and be relevant, you must desire to acquire more skills. Even when Jonathan got to the place he thought he was heaven, his still find time to learn more from those he knew they had more knowledge in flight than him. Knowledge is dynamic.

g. Consistency kills criticism

Jonathan seagull understands that perfection is achieved by doing. And freedom is unlimited. In spite the destructive criticism, he never stopped. He was so consistent in what he knew was what he wanted for himself. He explores the power of his thought to captivate his aspiring future. And same thing was one of his lessons for his student, Fletcher. He taught him how to be consistent in flying and he should not be engulfing with the ferocious act by other gull in the flock. With time, they will aspire to be same.

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

Challenges are inevitable, but to be defeated is optional. Regardless of the nature of the career you want to path, it is inconsequential to assume that people (mostly your immediate family) will support you. Perception is stronger than reality. Many have been incapacitated due to the thoughts their immediate environment has formed on their mind.

Rather than living the true life of meaning, they live a life of assumption. They live on the basis of what they told they are and not on the principle of whom they know they are.

Here are five basic practicable way to implement ideas from this book:

Discover your brand.

Brand your adversity.

Build capacity.

Humility is a tool for greatness.

Congregate with the intelligentsia to shoot to fame.

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.

“I am limited by my nature.”

“We can lift ourselves out of ignorance. We can find ourselves as, the creatures of excellence, intelligence and skills.”

“Break the chain of your thought and you will break the chain of your body.”

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?

“Instead of being enfeebled by age, the elders had been empowered by it.”

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

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?

None. The book did not contain any exercise.

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

I must appreciate the literary work of this book. From transposition, use of figurative speeches, style of writing and the chronological arrangement of thoughts applied in writing this interesting piece. The lessons are immeasurable if read with the right frame of mind.

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 its contents? 7
C. How easy was it to understand? 6
D. Would you recommend it to others? 7
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8

 

 

Keys to Success

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

From the bestselling author of Think And Grow Rich, Keys to Success: The 17

Principles of Personal Achievement by Napoleon Hill is a valuable material and important guide on the road to riches. Having been born into poverty in 1883, his wonder about achieving success drawing on the thoughts and experiences of rags-to-riches tycoons especially with the help of Andrew Carnegie has brought about a dynamic book as this. Dealing with topics such as definiteness of purpose, applied faith, personal initiative, self discipline etc, the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book stem around the benefits of having a clearly stated purpose. According to Hill, this is a valuable secret as one needs to know where he is headed. The advantages of definiteness of purpose cannot be exhausted but it is sufficient to say that it is an indispensable factor in the business of life.

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.

Many ideas were clearly explained by the author in the book but there are seven which are personally important and they are listed below:

i. Definiteness of Purpose

When purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable. Having experienced failed attempts at completing by study at the University of Lagos, I opted for a polytechnic. I was dejected in the face of this but I decided I would give another attempt. However, I got comfortable at the polytechnic coupled with the growing fear of how hard entering into the university was infused by friends and their thoughts. In no time, I let go of my purpose and decided to return for Higher National Diploma. During my Industrial Training, I stumbled on the book where I wrote my goals in life and how I had planned to actualise them at the University. I love to be a lecturer but being at the polytechnic will help less. Until I was reminded of my purpose did I forge ahead and that year I gained admission to study a course of my own. This wasn’t really easy considering that I left at final year and I needed to start from level one. But deep within me, that purpose must be accomplished and not to be abandoned.

ii. Positive personality

A positive personality is indeed a trait which can never be replaced by something else in a man. It is like a wellspring from which the power of a man flows from whenever life’s hard stroke stand against him. The author clearly called it Positive Mental Attitude; PMA. PMA encapsules many traits such as optimism, courage and confidence in the face of chaos etc. PMA may not keep a man from dying but it does not kill him. It is the same attitude that kept the likes of Thomas Edison going as illustrated in the book. Despite being reminded of my definite purpose and I decided to try again, I was afraid still. I fought with these thoughts daily until I picked up Attitude Is Everything by Helen Keller. I replaced my negative thoughts with positive ones. I picked up my faith and did my best by studying harder rather than worrying. Even when the results were released and others around me were afraid to check, the positive mental attitude was helpful.

iii. Doing more than one has been paid for

Another idea shared in the book is doing more than one had been paid for and being indispensable. I have been able to understand from these ideas through the life of a friend; Austin Elegbede. Austin is a student of Communication and Language Arts and a pressman like me. We joined the campus press at the same period and though we are not being paid, everyone has the opportunity to grow through contributions. Austin beyond being just a member goes extra miles to ensure that the press board lacks no news report. Even where the Editor-in-Chief has no idea of events and occurrences, he is found there; he established himself so well that people no longer check for bylines on the press board before reading news reportage because his names appear almost on every. Where there are 15 press members, he supported the goals of the press far above anyone as it was glaring. He started as a member but is today an indispensable member. I might not be as active like Austin in the press club, but I have actually inculcate this habit such that it has helped me in other sphere of life that I engaged myself.

iv. Being indispensable

v. Constructive Criticism

Our lives would have been better if many know how to pass criticism constructively. Many lives are there that have been destroyed due to inappropriateness of criticism. Criticism which ought to have helped people become better has pushed them into inferiority complex and unbelief in themselves.

vi. Source of thought habit and

Importantly, the exposition on the source of thought habit bears influence to me. Many have lost their thinking power and maybe not so, they have allowed theirs to be placed below that of others. Recently, my sister wants me to convert to her denomination. She believes her life and marriage is going fine because she made the decision to join the fold years ago. She gave quite a lot of instances especially from our family whose lives and marriages are broken because of their religion affiliation as against hers. As she spoke, an inner voice kept talking to me. When she said, “look at me, my marriage is going fine. I have no fear of my husband cheating on me,” an inner voice said, “what about Mr A? He attends the same church, yet he is promiscuous.” What about successful people, those with happy marriages who do not belong to her denomination?”

I almost thought it was the devil antagonizing her admonition in my heart. Analysis came for every of her opinion and I didn’t shun any. After she was done, I took my time to brood over each and I realized it was no devil but my own source of thought. I was also able to decide on what I want irrespective of what she believes. Truthfully, as pointed by the author, there are people molding opinion and the ills fall on those who consume every information without shuffling.

vii. Self discipline.

Similarly, self discipline is one idea that struck me. The book provided a clearer perspective. A man with or without self discipline can make or mar his life. Even success requires self discipline, it is not enough to be wealthy. Above a plane level, each of the ideas has helped to understand quite a number of things especially as it came at a time when I do not understand some bearing in my life. Being able to analyze the benefits of doing more than one has been paid to do have triggered me as well to resolve to do more in future engagements. The exposition in emotion and applying more reasoning above feelings made the book a blessing as the reading of this book began just as I was dragging through a heartbreak.

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 are important to you.

The book has many rich quotes but the one which grabbed my attention most and boosted me is, “You will achieve precisely the success you can envision for yourself. Cultivate that vision everyday, in every way you can.” I have come to realize that life is more than having a goal or objective, one must envision it daily; that alone is a propelling spirit. One of my goal is to be a proficient lecturer and writer. But there have been times I cry because it seems to me on another side that I am just walking through life; not living while others are. Those I try to talk to think it is one of my worrying nature at work but I knew there is something within needing concentrated attention; some urge to do something about my goal through daily activities. And my mind had no rest until I began to cultivate the vision and began to see myself through that light irrespective of what is happening around me. I started writing, I stopped refraining from conversations and this daily brings a bigger picture. Believe me, I have written six ebooks and two paper back book.

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

The writer’s idea and juxtaposition between Mastermind alliance and Team work in Chapter 17 is not clear. Mastermind alliance in my own thinking is not distinguishable from Teamwork because only those with mastermind can come together as a force to achieve a purpose.

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?

Every exercise contained in the book were completed. They are helpful and served as a guide towards a good use of ideas and lessons acquired. It must be said too that the ideas are enormous and cannot be put into action all at once and according to the author, it is a process.

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.

It is said that a man should yet no be blame for having unkempt hair, he should only be blamed if after having access to a brush, he still remains so. Truly, a man does not know what he doesn’t but he shouldn’t feign ignorance after knowing. Keys to Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement by Napoleon Hill is an evergreen book. I find it adequately helpful for everyone who wants to know guiding principles of success and life generally.

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

 

 

PsychoCybernetics

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics is a reflection of communication of human image between two worlds, which is the image of inner world and outer world of human person. It attempts to establish the differences and the similarities between the two worlds. It is a psychological communication of human person which in turn results to his or her personality, his character in relation to his society at large. It analyses how internal communication or psychological communication of an individual determines his success or failure. Like a far reaching sight, the book dig deep to explain the power of self image, pounds on success mechanism in relation to rational thinking, the habit of happiness to the center of failure mechanism. It gives insight on how to unlock individual real personality to achieve peace of mind, turning crisis to opportunity, the will to develop winning feelings in order to bring more years to individual life and to bring more life to individual years.

Maltz’s psycho-cybernetics empowers the intellect of individual in understanding oneself in a better way and improves one’s ability in a better manner. As a Professor of Plastic Surgery, he was able to make distinction between inner world and outer world of an individual. From his wealth of experience on the field of his profession, he gives vivid account of the defect of a person changing his physical appearance, how that change has greatly influence his personality, views and other characteristic of a human person. In another parlance, surgery have made indifference effects on some people and to some, the effect have been negative.

In relation, I unveils the secret of discovery in my book, Brand Your Blindness. I narate how internal communication can influence external factor, how good will and intention to break through could influence the manifestation of a good goal. I went further to explain the concept of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. I analyzed the activities of human mind, especially the psychological communication which shares similar meaning with psycho-cybernetics, to solve the problem of internal being. To my mind is the dictator who makes decree to the body before it could function.

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.

i. The Power of Self Image

One of the key ideas here is the power of self image. To Maltz, the dramatic change in personality, health, basic abilities and talents were as a result of the research on “Self”

carried out on the field of psychology, psychiatry and medicine which actually harbors Maltz’s profession, “Plastic Surgery.” He goes further to unveil the psychological discovery as “Self Image,” describing it as a “blue-print” or picture of oneself that each of us carries. He is of the opinion that self image is a key to a better life. Similarly, he opined that not all scars or disfigurements bring shame or humiliation. He then unveils the secret of self image as finding oneself that correspond to reality so that one can function effectively in the real world.

ii. The Success Mechanism

Here, Maltz justifies built-in guidance system which is a goal-striving device in human nature, which helps him to achieve his goals. In broad terms, it means “to live”, that is, the physical survival for both the individual and the species. He goes further to established distinction between man and animal Built-in system, he believes man has emotional and spiritual needs which animal do not have. Stressing further that animal has natural success instinct as its built-in system compare to man whose built-in system is creative imagination which helps him to formulate a variety of goals, quoting Napoleon “Imagination rules the world,” stressing the exceptional blessing of man as not just a creature but as a creator.

iii. The Power of Rational Thinking

Maltz encourages man to utilize the power of rational thinking on ideas, beliefs, interpretations, opinions etc. identifying “conscious thinking” as the “control knob”

to change the automatic reaction patterns which unconscious thinking or mechanism which results to negative beliefs, feelings or behavior. Akpoveta Valentine’s paper, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving veils more illumination on this, he identifies eight critical steps in solving problems, and the steps are as follow:

Identify the problem

Identify it as a problem

Identify it as a problem that needs to be solved

Identify it as a problem that you can solve, or initiate and/or join in the solution

Identify the problem in its most basic form, simplify

Identify all the way a similar problem has been solved

Identify the applicability and appropriateness of your chosen

solution in each problem

Implement the solution

Valentine in the above analysis in his paper simplify ways to utilize the power of rational thinking.

iv. The Habit of Happiness

Maltz also discusses the subject of happiness from a medical point-stand, citing Dr. John Schindler’s definition of happiness as “A state of mind in which our thinking is pleasant a good share of the time.” He identifies happiness as a good medicine that makes man healthier, think and perform better. Making references to some examples from medical research by some experts and institutions. He backs it up with proverb of Biblical wise King Solomon that “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth up the bones” and scientifically proves the truthfulness of the Old Dutch proverb that says “Happy people are never wicked.”

v. The Failure Mechanism

Maltz explain this subject with myriads of illustrations, his introduction seams the idea with personal emotion of the reader. The starting point says “Steam boilers have pressure gauges which show where the pressure is reaching the danger point. By recognizing the potential danger, corrective action can be taken – safety assured.” He stresses the need of a person to identify the problem as opportunity in order to detour the problem to work for a person rather than to work against person. In a related paper, in which I revise, in the last paragraph of the Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, I makes a slight change by turning the problem to opportunity. This will surely encourage individual to catch the bull by the horn because the problem will be seen as n opportunity to reckon with rather than a problem to run away from.

vi. The Real Personality

Maltz also brings to the light how an individual could unlock his or her real personality. To Maltz, “Personality is the outward evidence of that unique and individual creative self, made in the image of God – that spark of identity within us – or what might be called the face and full expression of your real self.” He goes further to say that “Everyone has personality locked up within him.” In my paper, Gift of Discovery, I practically analyze how to discover oneself and one’s potential, using Archemedes’

theory to unlock individual personality and discovery. Maltz in turn explains the subject of inhibition and excessive negative feedback as the key to inhibition. Shina Aina’s Anatomy of Communication explains the subject of feedback and cybernetic theory.

vii. The Winning Feeling

Towards the extreme end of the book, Maltz unveils “how to get that winning feeling” that takes one out of inferiority complex. He explains man automatic creative mechanism as teleological, which operates in terms of goals and results. That once it is given a definite goal to achieve, one can actually depends on his/her automatic guidance system “to take you to that goal much better than “You” ever could be conscious thought.”

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

According to Maltz, getting information is passive; making use of the information is active. By practicing these ideas in a continuous and persistence manner, it will surely help in creating a bigger picture of me and seeing the sky as the peak of my greatness. However, it is often said that practice makes perfect. Making active adherence of these ideas will help create a new personality of me and making me to continue positively influence my society.

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

It is obvious that the book contains several quotes and statements which are helpful to the development of self. These quotes or statement as put in question will not only help in self discovery, many of them will help in problem solving, and in maintaining focus.

Some of the statements or quotes are as follows:

“Discovering your real self means the difference between freedom and the compulsions of conformity.”

This statement got my attention because it imbibes the power of self discovery in me; it encourages one to be the authority of circumstances.

“Imagination rules the world.”

This quote encourages me to think big, and aim high. It also encourages the power of “I Can” rather than being pessimistic. It tells how to shape a good perception of circumstances and personality of oneself.

“These memories of past failures do no harm as long as our conscious thought and attention is focused upon the positive goal to be accomplished.”

This statement is in no doubt encourages one to continue to never look back but continue to look forward. However, Abraham Lincoln contested for the President of the United State ten times, he never gauge his dream with his failure but with the will and believe that he will be there. President Buhari of Nigeria is another example.

“In base ball parlance you must “keep your eye on the ball.”

This statement stresses the power of focus as the key to reaching a dream land. Anyone who lacks focus will always have excuse for failing while those with focus will always have reasons to succeed.

“We can cure these failure symptoms, not by will power, but by Understandings by being able to “see” that they do not work and that they are inappropriate.”

This statement propagate critical thinking in solving problems as that come, by understanding the problem, and finding solution.

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

The language of the book is clear and straight forward, with myriad of illustrations and examples. The ideas presented in the book are in conformity with day to day life circumstances.

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?

Surely, the book is comprehensive and carries the reader along, each chapter has its own exercise for the reader to complete, which helps the reader to read with insight and mind. I have attempted the exercise and they are really helpful.

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.

No. The previous questions on this book cover the nooks and crannies of the book.

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

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

 

 

Success through a Positive Mental Attitude

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

The main idea the author is trying to convey in the book is that, a man should develop his mind and thoughts to have a positive perception of issues, situations and circumstances in order to achieve his desired goals in a manner that does not violate God’s standards and the fundamental of fellow human rights. The author ethical philosophy in this book is quite related to be that of a utilitarian.

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. “You’ve got a problem? That’s good, for it’s the seed of greater

benefits for those who have a positive mental attitude.”

In chapter six, the author emphasizes that everyone is bound to face problems at varying times and forms in life, and all that needs to be done is to first of all seek divine guidance and learn how to direct your thoughts, control your emotions positively in order to achieve your desired goals in the face of adversity. This is an attestation to a Nigerian proverb that says, the strongest man is he who has the ability to tame his anger and control his thought towards the right direction regardless of the circumstances.

ii. “Motivate others by example.”

I have come to realize that a lot of people are not what they say, preach or teach. We are quick to forget that our character, personality and life styles are the easiest books for others to read. Whatever we do today shall be bookmark on the pages of ages. As the author has rightfully said, we should motivate ourselves first to be able to motivate others excellently. We are stronger mentors and more impactful role models when our lives exhibits the values that we desire to impact in others.

iii. “Other people’s money is the way to acquire wealth.”

In chapter thirteen, the author describes that lack of capital is not an excuse for not pursuing one’s business, one would only have to carry out enough research, create a model, increase ones capacity, be honest and trustworthy in order to attract the required credit to run the business. Entrepreneurship is not hard as many thought. It only requires strategic and dynamic thinker who can compete in an emerging market. In solving ones problem, one must learn to solve other people’s problem first. This is particularly important to me because I see a lot of young people with great ideas and business initiatives who are incapacitated due to lack of funds. Now it appears to me that entrepreneurs should maintain the highest ethical standards of loyalty, honesty, honor etc. and apply it in all business relationships because a dishonest man is not worthy of credit.

iv. “Satisfaction is a mental attitude.”

This is quintessential because I have come to a junction where I realize that I can derive satisfaction in everything I find myself doing if it is in line with my discovered purpose and I choose to. Since I have complete control over my mental attitude, one of which is satisfaction, I am poised towards achieving excellence in every job I find myself. When I have satisfaction, fulfillment is inevitable as I will be doing what flows naturally, deep from within.

v. “Develop inspirational dissatisfaction.”

This is in contrast to idea four above. While satisfaction above motivates you to be thankful and contented with your current occupation so that you can be effective and productive on your job, inspirational dissatisfaction instills in you the desire to seek for untapped opportunities, make new discoveries, break new grounds and keep achieving.

As an inclusive leadership coach who has spent lot of time in observing and analyzing people’s challenges and proffering solution, many successful people who rise from stumbling block to another to get to the peak of their career are inspired to do so owing to the tough moment they passed through. On the contrary, some never encountered similar challenges at the early stage of their life. But they were only able to change the status quo by breaking the vicious circle to the virtuous circle due to the tough moment they passed through as they rise.

vi. “Create inside yourself the burning desire to be helpful to others.”

When you share with others a part of what you have, what you have left will multiply. As in the story of the woman who lost her only child and gave herself to community service which earned her a fulfilling life, a lot of people have discovered their destinies and became wealthy through humanitarian services without expecting a reward, favour or commendation. The authoring chapter fourteen, reiterates that “one can develop one’s magnificent obsession by being a part of a good course.” Even though I have been involved in volunteering activities, I am hereby encouraged to do more. One certain fact is that the reward of someone in a paid job is wages; the reward of a venture capitalist or entrepreneur is profit; the reward of a social entrepreneur or a social worker is a combination of both and recognition.

vii. “A positive mental attitude attracts good health to you.”

Thinking good and positive thoughts affect the way you feel, hence, a sound mind equals a sound body. Behavioral change practitioners, a group in which I belong, as gathered from research that most disease today emancipate from the kind of lifestyle an individual live. Thus, if your mind translate what it knows to be right into his or her lifestyle, there is possibility to live a quality healthy life.

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

The above ideas have no doubt made lasting impressions on me. Living with a positive mental attitude is a must for a fulfilling and worthwhile life. The author told stories of different people and the various problems they faced in life and how they succeeded with a positive mental disposition towards their challenges. I am encouraged as a visually impaired to move on in leaps and bound with life irrespective of whatever I’m going through. There’s always light at the end of a tunnel after all.

I will ensure that I continue to live my life based on the highest ethical standards that I teach. If we must have a better world, an orderly society, it must begin with me. I must begin to do the good things I expect with the right projection. I should conduct my affairs with the consciousness that I am the inspirational book that my world reads. I will continue to conduct my business in utmost good faith so as to attract more financial and intellectual resources that will take me to my desired future. My intelligent capital and social capital shall be explored to the maximum to increase my financial capital. I refuse to rest on my oars. Since success is not a destination, I shall continue to break new grounds in knowledge, self development and investments. I resign to thoughts of peace, love, joy and goodness in order to keep body and soul together in good health.

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.

Really, they are lot of quotes in the book. The truth is that I have no specific quote that struck my heart as I read and flip through the pages several time. However, I must emphasize that every semantic structure in the morphological content of the book is like a quote to me. All I concluded is to ensure I read this book at the beginning of every quarter in a year. With this, I believe it will refresh my mental alertness and hopefully translate to my personal effectiveness.

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 author did not employ the use of technical vocabulary to convey his message and gave a lot of useful testimonies and illustrations of people in the book which allowed easy comprehension and understanding of his ideas.

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

The exercise contained in this book is a questionnaire for self evaluation, it is called “Success Quotient Analysis.” It has been carefully completed and very helpful.

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

None.

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

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

 

 

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Assessment by Adekoya Rasak (Nigeria)

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

To comprehend the magnetic theory taught in rudimentary physics that like poles attract, unlike poles repel, Dale Carnegie’s book, How to win friend should be the choice to read, for everyone who want to interpret this theory to human relation. The principles which are the premises to which the book is written is a reflection that we all are leaders who have the inert ability to influence people regardless of career, society or institution we found ourselves if only we want to. Each page of this book is embedded with content on how to avoid criticism and condemnation, how To sustain relationships, pitch our business, acquire parenting skills, market a product, convince our audience and influence people to achieve certain goals.

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.

a. Criticism and Condemnation

A gunshot does not easily damage the moral of human like criticism and condemnation does. This has been proven In several instances by different psychologist. In fact, in my working relationship with organization and people, I have come to attest to this point as proved by Dale Carnegie. Often times, The legitimacy of correction after being criticized is eroded because we don’t often take our time to understand what validate the thought, ideas, values and moral of other individuals.

Prior to my full-time coaching experience, I often criticize ladies, mostly prostitute on why they have decided to choose that as a job. But after I decided to carry out a research by visiting them, I realized that most of them were not ought to engaged in this kind of activity if not for some certain reason which was beyond their comprehension and level of understanding. In view of this, after reading this book, couple with my personal experience, I have come to a conclusion to continuously never criticize people without taking time to understand their principles and values.

b. Appreciation.

The greatest secret of influencing anyone to do what we want is to make him/her to feel important. And this is done when you appreciate such person for his deed whether good or bad, right or wrong, fair or unjust. According to William James, “the greatest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” And this is not far fetch from mere truth, to me, it is an absolute truth. Naturally, when you arouse the ego of human and sincerely appreciate him or her, human attain this desire of feeling importance, feeling relevant and he or she is easily drive to do what you want from him or her.

One distinctive piece the writer of this book did was separating what appreciation is from flattery. And this struck a deep meaning to me, from now till eternity. While I read this book, I practice this principle of appreciation for three different times and it worked for me. This shows how easy it is to practice for everyone, from sales representatives, marketer, entrepreneurs, parent, business leaders and anyone who is willing to be interesting to others.

c. Listening dissolve or resolve.

In customer relationship management and marketing, one major factor that correlate is listening. In building a product or service, research is carried out. And one key activity is to listen to the opinion of people. Before a customer care attendant can educate or attend to the complain of someone, if he or she fail to listen, poor response is guaranteed. And the quality of feedback determine the quality of any communication process.

When people often says, readers are leaders, I often said, listeners are leaders. Since the greatest aim of education is not knowledge but action. No matter the level of information acquire from a book, if the reader fail to listen to his instinct, he or she might not attain what he desires. Listening is profound as well as a deliberate activity that I have learn to inculcate. Sometimes ago, I had this bad habit interjecting to a conversation from someone talking. In fact, I indirectly shut someone talking, telling him or her I understand. Whereas, I only make conclusion for such person thinking I know all he is still willing to say. Thank God to my late dad, who helped me to put end to this attitude after it has hurt me several times. Today, I listen attentively to someone and never criticize nor judge them for what they say.

d. Smile is contagious.

Just as all human tongue always accept honey, same as human minds and eyes grab a smiling face. Not only that smile is the cheapest thing on planet earth, it relinquish anger, foster relationship and increase the bond of friendship. Quoting Dale Carnegie’s smile enrich the receiver and never impoverish the giver. Let me quote him. “Your smile is a messenger of your good will. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it. To someone who has seen a dozen people frown, scowl or turn their faces away, your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds. Especially when that someone is under pressure from his bosses, his customers, his teachers or parents or children, a smile can help him realize that all is not hopeless – that there is joy in the world.”

My immediate younger brother is known for this act, smiling everywhere, every time, to everyone. Reflecting as I read this book, I realized almost everyone likes him. regardless of his negative act, they still find it easy relating with him. Needless to say I don’t smile, but I have seriously ensure I smile almost every time to anyone.

e. Sense of belonging.

Two things struck my heart while I read this book. While I was a child, I remember my dad will seek for my consent of approval whenever he is doing some drawing on the house wall. When I say I don’t like it, he adjust or correct the drawing. When I reject it, he asked me what I want him to draw. Whenever he do what I wanted, I am always happy and I never write on that wall or stain it. In fact, I bring my friend to see it and I tell them too, not to stain it. I guard it jealously and I feel a sense of belonging that I have contributed to it.

He did similar thing to me when he became a king, then I was a teenager. When settling marital or land dispute, he personally asked for my opinion on how to resolve the issues and I contribute base on my little experience. Whenever he deliver his judgment and I see such marriage still existing or such land having being built, I am happy that I contributed to the existence of that home. If organizations do apply this principle when writing organization policy; If marketers are allow to contribute when developing a product; if targeted customers are giving this kind of opportunity when building a prototype , there is greater likelihood for every key actor to participate efficiently to the accomplishment of such goal or desire.

f. Avoid Argument.

The first instinct of almost every human in an argument is to be defensive which is often the worst moment anyone could be. During this period, our temperament is at peak. Sometimes, we speak rudely, sound insulting, act like we’re insane, behave stupidly, thereby creating a memorable heart print that is sometime difficult to erase.

Rather than being told we do this or commit such blunders that never bring peace nor happiness to the other soul, it is preferably we avoid such argument. Engaging in argument destroy relationships most time. Like the Arabic proverb says, “the strongest man is not he who fought and win his fellow human but he who can control his temper when he’s angry.” To make it precise, Dale Carnegie’s says, “you can measure the size of a person by what makes him or her angry.”

If there is something I have come to make as habit, it is by accepting criticism and barely criticize. It is by avoiding argument but rather listen and accept others by the principles they uphold.

g. Be interested in others.

To be an interesting person, be sincerely interested in others affair.

Care about them. Show some sort of affection and emotional concern.

Prior to writing this review, after reading this book, I decided to send sms to few protagae and acquaintance, telling them how I care about their week activities and admonishing them to rest because I care about their health. Here is the short sms: “Considering the buzz nature of Lagos and the work load you might have encountered this week, hope you’re finding time to rest this weekend? Please do so. I care.”

The response I got were quite tremendous beyond my imagination. They started pouring out their mind and what they did during the week. After the conversation, one of my acquaintances asked me if I won’t mind to join her while she go on vacation next month. And probably she will have time to discuss some project she wanted me to consult for her. This is the power of showing sincere interest in others.

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

Principles are universal, application is peculiar. Inculcating some personal effectiveness principles could sometime be difficult to practice. Before I write this review, I had practiced five of the principles in this book and I have got positive feedback.

To constantly imbibe this into my daily activities, I have noted those I really want to start with and those I already know but want to increase the practicality into a short note which is now an affirmation statement I read every morning. With this, I believe I can accomplish this principles. Meanwhile, I have add this particular book to a must read quarterly.

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 drop of honey attract more flies than a gallon of gall.”

“by fighting you never get enough, but my yielding you get more than expectation.”

“the great aim of education is not knowledge but action.”

“the greatest human urge is the craving to be important.”

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?

Philosophically, none.

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 they did. I completed those that relate to me as a male and I must say that they were quite interesting.

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.

None. The questions were exhausted.

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

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

 

 

Goals

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

Brian Tracy’s “Goals! How to Get Everything You Want; Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible” presents a simple procedures of goal settings and goals achieving to the readers. The book is a key to discover the path from frustration to fulfillment. It provides a very insightful and practicable steps on how to set goals accordingly. He emphasizes on writing down one’s goal and the danger of not writing one’s goals in life. Goal is success, he says.

Tracy appears to have travelled to human psychology when he says “your ability to set goals is the master skill of success. Goals unlock positive mind and release ideas and energy for success attainment. Without goals, man simply drift and flow on the currents of life. With goals, man flies like an arrow, straight and true to your target.”

Furthermore, he shares many of his personal stories on his path to success which are inspiring by default. The book motivates the readers in writing down their goals and as well shows how to create a plan in achieving those goals that have been written down.

According to Tracy, “you can’t hit the target that you can’t see.” Thus, it implies that writing down one’s goals in life will help in visualizing one’s target towards success and this in turn will build the weight needed in pursuing the goal. In addition, Tracy goes deep into different areas to design lives around achieving goals the readers desire.

The book begins with explanation of seven key goal setting elements and the twelve steps that are necessary to set and accomplish any goals of any size. The book is an opportunity in discovering one’s strength, what one values in life and what one really wants to accomplish in years ahead. Each chapter of the book provides a series of practical, proven steps that individual can make use of in order to be more effective in moving rapidly towards individual’s chosen objectives.

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.

i. Having a Desire

Desire is something that comes naturally to human in life. Tracy posits that what we desire shapes our thinking and perfection. Desire here is synonymous to success, just like he says “success is goals, and all else is commentary.” It makes me understand the power of the mind as the greatest discovery of human history and how my mind creates the aspect of my life. His suggestion to think about what I want and how to get it most of the time is a soul lifting one. He further states “unsuccessful, unhappy people think and talk about what they don’t want most of the time. They talk about their problems and worries, and who is to blame, most of the time. But successful people keep their thoughts and conversation on the topics of their most intensely desired goals. They think and talk about what they want most of the time.”

ii. Believe

He opens the chapter two of the book with a great quote by Alexander Graham Bell which goes “A man, as a general rule, owes very little to what he is born with – a man is what he makes of himself.” This in turn is the summary of believing in oneself. It warns me against starting a goal with doubting the possibility that something will happen, it leads to failure. According to Brian, the most important of all mental laws is the Law of Belief. This law says that, whatever you believe, with conviction, becomes your reality. You do not believe what you see; you see what you already believe. You actually view your world through a lens of beliefs, attitudes, prejudices and preconceived notions. “You are not what you think you are, but what you think, you are.” He further quotes Dr. William James of Harvard who says in 1905, “Belief creates the actual fact.” He went on to say, “The greatest revolution of my generation is the discovery that individuals, by changing their inner attitudes of mind, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”

iii. Writing it Down

Tracy simply put down a powerful line in the preface of the book when he says “write down your goals, make plans to achieve them, and work on your plans every single day. Personally, writing down my goals makes me to be more committed even beyond what I say. he suggests a 3P formula for writing down goals: use present, positive and personal statement. Writing down goals help to paint the vision in good image and brands the future with hope and success. The 3P formula implies that writing down the goals in the present tense form; making it a positive and avoid pessimism in all form; and making it personal, that means in the first person pronoun “I.”

iv. Analyzing the Starting Point

This helps in knowing one’s strength and weaknesses; opportunity and strength ahead. According to Brian, “when you are absolutely clear about your goal, you do not even have to know where it is or how it is to be achieved. By simply deciding exactly what it is you want, you will begin to move unerringly toward your goal, and your goal will start to move unerringly toward you. At exactly the right time, and in exactly the right place, you and the goal will meet.” This is a moment to be honest with oneself and a moment not to allow ego to sabotage oneself. A thorough analysis of the starting point will enhance better understanding of one’s goals.

v. Having a Determined Mind

A strong determination helps one to stay firm during challenges. Tracy identifies the two major obstacles to success and achievement, which are fear and doubt. In his opinion, Tracy in his words says “the fears of failure, poverty, loss, embarrassment or rejection that holds the average person back from trying in the first place. This is why the average number of times that a person tries with a new goal is less than one. As soon as he thinks of the goal, these fears overwhelm him and, like a bucket of water on a small fire, extinguishes his desire completely.” Developing a strong determination over one’s goals can help in overcoming the two obstacles that pose challenges to success and achievement.

vi. Making a Plan

As Benjamin Franklin says, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Having a plan for achieving a goal is essential to success. Brian Tracy six “P” formula for personal and business success: “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance” Is a great inspiration for planning. Without planning, how will one knows what to work on? There is limited resources (like time and energy) and one needs to make sure he or she puts them to the right use. Making plan is a roadmap in making serious observation about the environmental change towards success and achievement. There may be needs to adjust plans more than once. Planning is another way of putting one’s time under control. I have observed over the time that the more I plan my day, the more I utilize time enshrouded in such days. Furthermore, planning helps me in overcoming self-limiting slams on the break of my potential, this is so because it enhances the insistence of executing what has been planned.

vii. Visualization

While reading the book, I realized that visualization has a limitless power. It has the capacity of activating the subconscious in me, just like Tracy called it, “the super-mind.” It dazzles on the premise of inhibiting possible challenges and proffering solutions. Just like the statement of Orison Swett Marden he cited, “it is a psychological law that whatever we wish to accomplish we must impress on the subjective or subconscious mind,” visualization is the photocopy of what is intended to achieve.

Visualization helps in doubling the speed of my goals with practical and realistic examples in the book.

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

From the words of Brian Tracy himself, “you can learn anything you need to learn to achieve any goal you can set for yourself.” Goals are core element of human life that I have been able to understand its potentials require to set the pace in the world of business and personal career. Also, writing down these goals is another manner of establishing direction and maintaining focus towards my desire success and as well as seeing the sky as the peak of my greatness. However, it is often said that practice makes perfect. Making active adherence of these ideas will help create a new personality of me and making me to continue positively influence my society.

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

“You can learn anything you need to learn to achieve any goal you

can set for yourself.”

This is a quote that tells me that the power and the ability to be successful lies in my ability to do the right thing at the right time with the right intention and people.

“Write down your goals, make plans to achieve them, and work on your

plans every single day.”

This did not only tell me how writing helps in focusing, it also makes me realizes the power of time and consistency.

“Success are goals, and all else is commentary.”

This is another fact which has made me understand that the primary source of happiness is success.

“The first and perhaps most important kind of courage is the courage

to begin, to launch, to step out in faith.”

This has made me overcome the power of pessimism and fear. Now I have the courage of taking action and being persistence.

“Fast tempo is essential to success.”

This preaches smartness and being observant that anyone undergone its processes.

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

The language of the book is clear and straight forward, with myriad of illustrations and examples. The ideas presented in the book are in conformity with our day to day activities.

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?

Surely, the book is comprehensive and carries the reader along however, it has no exercise but it is insightful to the soul and the mind.

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.

No. The book is comprehensive with myriads of examples that average readers are familiar with. This is because it is a day to day activities that occur in our immediate environment.

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

 

 

Maximum Achievement

Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

Brian Tracy’s Maximum Achievement is a companion of success for everyone who desires to have it. It pounces on the mind who has a constant and persistent desire for success. It is the synthesis of modicum ideas to broaden the mind of an individual towards maximum achievement in all areas of life. It is a book that dwells on the principles of utilizing today’s opportunities to the maximum in order to achieve success. However, there are more opportunities today than any other time in human history. It teaches the important of getting the right skills as well as mindset in becoming everything one dreams of becoming.

It is a book of self-discovery. It teaches the skills of unlocking the potentials embedded in individual. Just as Tracy himself puts in the introduction of the book “life is like a combination lock, only with more numbers. If you turn to the right numbers in the right sequence, the lock will open for you. It’s not a miracle, nor does it depend on luck. It doesn’t even matter who you are as long as you have the right numbers.”

The book offers its readers the principles and reasons for doing things in the right way. If you do the right things in the right way, you’ll get the results you desire. If you can determine exactly what it is that you want, you can find out how others have achieved it before you. If you then do the same things they have done, you’ll achieve the same results they have. Tracy simply puts.

Knowledge is the foundation of every immortal. The more man seeks knowledge in life, the more he will travel and explore the existentialism as well as register his name in the book of immortality. From his wealth of early experiences, Tracy is able to teach his readers lots about life and makes conscious and aesthetic efforts in providing answer to the question he stylishly raises in the mind of his readers. The answer to the question “Why are some people more successful than others” is broadly sorted with copious examples from his wealth of experience and exposure. Since life these days is all about emulation and development of innovation, his advice to study and emulate those who have already done what we intend to do and achieved the results we want to achieve reminds us that nothing in new, but what we develop through reading and accumulation of knowledge and skills.

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.

i. Goals are the fuel

Setting goal is the first step of any achievement in life. Tracy, in trying to differentiate between a person without goals and a person with goals, he says, “goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement. A person without goals is like a ship without a rudder, drifting aimlessly and always in danger of ending up on the rocks. A person with goals is like a ship with a rudder, guided by a captain with a map, a compass, and a destination, sailing straight and true toward a pond of his own choosing. He further quotes Thomas Carlyle who says “a man with a half volition goes back and forth and makes no progress on even the smoothest road, whereas a person with a full volition moves ahead steadily no matter how difficult the path.”

ii. Defining Oneself

This is one of the powerful ideas presented in this book. Tracy real life story is a good example; he tells us how he told himself at sixteen about the first revelation that led to changing the course of his life. He says and I quote “It dawned on me one day that if I ever wanted things to change for me, then it was up to me to change. If I didn’t like being unhappy and unpopular, and in trouble all the time, then it was up to me to do something about it.” The global development that is bringing prosperity and as well provides the opportunities to achieve greater success, freedom, happiness and financial freedom than at this very present.

iii. Happiness and Peace of Mind

Health, happiness, peace, prosperity and high achievement are not just occurring in the course of human destiny. They occur if one happens to be in the right place at the right time. A person living with such idea is like a person under the Law of Accident and Tracy describes it. This law, which becomes a law to the degree to which it is accepted by default, is the governing principle for most people. In its simplest terms, “it says that failing to plan is planning to fail.”. The book presents the idea of happiness as the center of human existence. Of course, every human being wants to be happy, every human being should be happy, every human being must be happy. Brian describes that you experience happiness and peace of mind whenever you are completely free from the destructive emotion of guilt, fear, anger, resentment and worry. In the absent of these emotions, man enjoys peace of mind effortlessly. He advises that “if you want to live a life full of joy, happiness and self-fulfillment, you study the happiest and most successful people you can find and then do what they do until you get the same results in your own life.

iv. Goal-setting rules

The book, Maximum Achievement is a very kind guide to success. After analyzing the importance of goal setting, it also highlights and explains certain rules that should be adhered to in setting one’s goals. First, he mentions harmony of goals with self-determination and focus, time management and endurance. He says, “you cannot have a goal to be financially successful, or to build your own successful business, and simultaneously have a goal to spend half your day at the golf course or at the beach. Your goals have to be mutually supportive and mutually reinforcing. The second rule is that goals should be challenging. He stresses that one’s goals should be able to stretch without being overwhelming. The third is that goal must be tangible and intangible. What this suggests is that one should have a concrete goal that can be measured and evaluated objectively. Other include quantitative and qualitative; long term and short-term and that man must continually set goals for himself.

v. Twelve Step System

Brian Tracy states that “The Law of Mind states that your thoughts objectify themselves in your reality. You become and you accomplish what you think about.” This law identifies the mind as the mother of all success and achievement. The twelve steps system, if apply, will regulate the mind in any goal man desires in life. According to Tracy, hundreds of thousands of men and women all over the world have make use of the system to transform their lives. Obviously, following this steps gave me the logic of turning any goal to reality. The first of these goals is developing intense and burning desire in order to be motivated and overcome any challenges, this is because a strong emotion always overcome a weak emotion. The second is believing oneself. This simply means that man must have complete faith in himself, must absolutely believe that he can achieve his goal and that it is possible to achieve. The third is writing it down. Having a goal without writing it down still amount to having a dream without intention. Others include making a list of all the ways that one will benefit from achieving these goals; analyzing my position, my starting point; setting a deadline is another key that aid focus, courage and determination; making a list of all the obstacles that stand between me and the accomplishment of my goal; identifying the traditional information that I will need to achieve my goals; making a list of the people whose help and cooperation would be needed; making a plan; using visualization; and taking the decision, in advance, that I will never give up.

vi. The Power of the Mind

Mind no doubt abhors the secret of the ages which is the key to unlocking success in its entirety. Tracy establishes this with strong Greek story that I love so much and I will love to share. The ancient Greeks when the world was young. The gods on Mount Olympus, having created the earth and man, the birds and animals, the creatures of the sea, the plants and Bowers, and all living things, had one thing left to do, and that was to hide the secret of life where it would not be found until man had grown and evolved in consciousness to the point where he was Ready for it. The gods argued back and forth over where the secret of life should be hidden. One said, “Let us hide it on the highest mountain. Man will never find it there.” But another god replied, “We have created man with insatiable curiosity and ambition, and he will eventually climb even the highest mountain.” Then one suggested they should hide the secret of life at the bottom of the deepest ocean. To this, another replied, “We have created man with boundless imagination and burning desire to explore his world. Sooner or later, man will reach even the greatest ocean depths.” Finally, one of the gods came up with a solution. “Let us hide the secret of life in the last place that man will ever look, a place that he will only come to when he has exhausted all other possibilities and is finally ready.” “And where is that?” asked the other gods. To which the god replied, “We will hide it deep in the human heart.” And so they did. With the above literature story, no sane man should be told the power of mind before knowing.

vii. Self Esteem

Self-esteem is one of the powerful tools in achieving maximum achievement. Tracy identifies two rules for self-esteem, which are you can never like or love anyone else more you like or love yourself, and you can never expect anyone else to like or love you more than you like, love or respect yourself. He says that your own level of self-liking and self-acceptance is the control valve on the quality of your human relationship. Our actions in life therefore either increase or decrease or self-esteem. Doing the right thing, growing contributing and making a difference help making progress in life.

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

It is only when you are aware of your being and understanding that the move into different areas of life begins. By practicing these ideas in a continuous and persistence manner, it will surely help in creating a bigger picture of me and seeing the sky as the peak of my greatness. However, it is often said that practice makes perfect. Making active adherence of these ideas will help create a new personality of me and making me to continue positively influence my society.

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

Sincerely, the book is embedded with many quotes that can easily be understood without explanation. Few of the quotes are listed below.

“Life is like a combination lock, only with more numbers. If you turn to the right number in the right sequence, the lock will open for you.”

This tells us to learn, do things at the right time, place and manner in which it should be done.

“Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are.”

This can help in solving the problem of procrastination.

“Everything that happens to you, everything you become and

accomplish is determined by the way you think, by the way you use your mind.”

This portrays the mind as the only authority that determines what man intends to be.

“Use visualization to flood your mind at every opportunity with

pictures of your ideal life. One way of doing this is to create a treasure map to look at. Design a poster for your wall with either your photograph or a picture of the goal that you wish to achieve in the center.”

This teaches how to maximizes opportunity and strategy development.

“Your external experience is a reflection of your internal thought patterns. Over time, you create in your life the mental equivalent of your innermost convictions about yourself and what is possible for you.

This quote shows how human thinking shapes human personality.

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

The language of the book is clear and straight forward, with myriad of illustrations and examples. The ideas presented in the book are in conformity with day to day life circumstances.

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?

Surely, the book is comprehensive and carries the reader along. however, it has no exercise but it is insightful to the soul and the mind.

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.

Yes, the last chapter, which is chapter twelve is a very inspiring one. Love is the foundation of peaceful coexistence.

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

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

Nonviolent Communication
Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

Marshall Rosenberg’s Non Violent Communication: A Language of Life is a map of direction to the empire of marital haven, relationship, and life in relation to individual values as well as humanity. It is embedded with the secret power of communication that can defeat misunderstanding and frustration as well as keeping us from getting what we want. It helps the reader to understand the concept of fulfilling relationship he or she deserves, the rudiment of overcoming anger, depression and even emotional or physical violence. It is a mechanical book tailored to transform the thinking, moralistic judgments, and language that keep one within the confine of the enriching relationships one dreams of. It also goes further to teach how to apply the rudiment of non violent communication and start resolving conflicts with more ease. The book brings to the table the ability to understand the depth and breadth of nonviolence and to acknowledge violent as human nature and that one needs to bring about a qualitative change in one’s attitude.
We often don’t acknowledge we are violence because we are ignorant about it; we assume we are not violent because our vision of violence is one of fighting, killing, beating, and wars the type of things that average individuals don’t do.

The book serves as a gospel of positivism; it empowers the reader’s mind to be dominated by love, respect, understanding, appreciation, compassion and concern for others rather than the self-centered and selfish, greedy, hateful, prejudiced, suspicious and aggressive attitudes that dominate our thinking. We often hear people say: This world is ruthless and if you want to survive, you must become ruthless too. I humbly disagree with this contention. Expressing honestly and receiving empathically are goals accomplished through observation, feeling, needs and request. Concretely, Rosenberg provides an example of expressing oneself honestly. A mother is faced with communicating with her teenage son about an issue in a house. She tells him that when he sees soiled socks under the coffee table and next to the TV, she feels irritated “because I am needing more order in the rooms that we share in common. Would you be willing to put your socks in your room or in the washing machine?

Furthermore, Rosenberg defines empathy as emptying one’s mind and listening with the whole of one’s being. Empathy is respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. However, there is a profound difference between true empathy and intellectual understanding. As earlier put, the contents of the book enable the reader to transform reading nonviolent communication into practicing it. Each chapter highlights the essential point of nonviolent communication. The chapters on observation, feelings, needs, and requests have concrete exercises designed to help the reader learn the skills of nonviolent communication. Thus, one can gather that in the moment of evaluation of ourselves as a reader, one learns how to replace violence with compassion during communication.

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.

i. Identifying and Expressing Feelings

As Rosenberg puts in the Introduction of this subheading, he says, “the first component of nonviolence communication is to observe without evaluating; the second component is to express how we are feeling.” Psychoanalyst Rollo May suggests that “the mature person becomes able to differentiate feelings into as many nuances, strong and passionate experiences, or delicate and sensitive ones as in the different passages of music in a symphony.” This chapter unlocks the ability to observe without evaluating and how to better express my feelings without instigating angers in other members of the society.

ii. Taking Responsibility of our Feelings

What is special about this idea is that it is designed to reshape certain believe in my mind. The idea that everything that happens to man is cause by one thing or the other which is always from the external and thus create an internal effect in the life of individual, especially feelings. As Rosenberg puts it, “nonviolence communication heightens our awareness that what others say and do may be the stimulus, but never the cause of our feelings. We see that our feelings result from how we choose to receive what others say and do, as well as our particular needs and expectations in that moment. With the third component, we are led to accept responsibility for what we do to generate our own feelings.” Thus, it teaches that man should rather take responsibility of all things that happens to him rather than trying to blame something or someone else. This is a lesson of memory in the history of time for me.

iii. Communication that Blocks Compassion

This idea in Chapter Three points to the fact that the more you find fault in people, the more fault people see in you. The chapter is open with a beautiful quote from the Bible, in the book of Mathew Chapter 7:1 which says “Do not judge and you will not be judged. For as you judge others, so you will yourself be judged.” This has always been my philosophy behind tolerance.

iv. The Protective Use of Force

One unique thing about this book is that Rosenberg does not deny the reality of human nature. At one point or the other, the use of force is inevitable. The entire chapter teaches when and where to use force which is a plus to humanity and therefore people will less perceive it as brutality, rather it will be perceive as rationality.

v. Liberating Ourselves and Counseling Others

It helps me to understand the fact that all that we learn in life are not positive, it points to the imperfection that our social institution such as family, schools, Church or Mosque are not perfect by default. Thus, destructive cultural learning is so ingrained in our lives that we are no longer conscious of it. It is then pertinent that note that we learn and unlearn in life.

vi. Expressing Appreciation in Nonviolence Communcication

This reminds me of theYoruba proverb that says (interpretation) “if a masquerade dances well, its drummer gets motivated.” Appreciation is a form of encouragement that motivates the recipient in doing more. The three component of appreciation are powerful tools that teach the reader not only how to express appreciation in nonviolence communication but how to apply the appreciation.

vii. Connecting Compassionately with Ourselves

The book explains how nonviolence communication contributes to relationships with friends and family, at work and in the political arena. Its most crucial application, however, may be in the way we treat ourselves.

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

From Marshall Rosenberg’s Non Violent Communication: A Language of Life, his experience and lectures can easily be connected with. By practicing the seventeen principles in a continuous and persistence manner, it will surely help in creating a bigger picture of peaceful coexistence between me and family, friend and colleagues at work.
However, it is often said that practice makes perfect. Making active adherence of these ideas will help create a new personality of me and making me to continue positively influence my society.

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

It is obvious that the book contains several quotes and statements which serve as tools to successful nonviolent communication. These quotes or statements are eye openers to nonviolent communication, maintaining focus and in achieving peace within individual community. Some of the statements or quotes are as follows:

“Let us become the change we seek in the world.”

This quote is important because it addresses the world which clamors for peace today yet, it continues to produce weapons of war.

“When we fear punishment, we focus on consequences, not on our own
values. Fear of punishment diminishes self-esteem and goodwill.”

This quote is important to me because it encourages definition of purpose by individual.

“People are disturbed not by things, but by the view they take of them.”

This quote reminds us that life is all about perception

“When we combine observation with evaluation, people are apt to hear criticism.”

This quote is important because it war against being judgmental

“We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think, and feel.”

Nothing bring peace to the society than being conscious of our attitude to humanity.

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

The book is straight forward, simple language and clear examples.

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

No exercises in the book

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

No. The question on this book covers its nooks and crannies.

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

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

 

 

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Assessment by Rasak Adekoya (Nigeria)

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

“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey is an effective book that helps in attaining one’s goal by aligning oneself to what he calls “true north” principles of character. In the book, Covey intimates us with human conditions, generating positive reactions by improving personal effectiveness. He tells us the meaning of effectiveness as balancing obtaining desirable results with illustration referring to the fable of “Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs.” He says that effectiveness can be expressed in term of P/PC ratio, where P refers to getting desired results and PC is caring for that which produces desire results. The book offers a considerable food for thought in time management and personal change. Even though the book focuses on individual, it teaches how team may operate and be effective. Covey suggests the three main point of synergizing in relation to “the what” and “the how” of being effective. He defines synergy as “the whole is greater than the sum of the part” (the what); that the process of synergizing allows a “win-win spirit” in which the member of a team “must communicate in a cooperative way and work towards a common set of goals” (how); and that it is necessary to “create the climate in which synergy thrives”.

Every single line in the book teaches something and helps illustrate a concept. It opens the mind of the reader to a permanent thing such as values, family, relationship, communication etc. Covey explains the difference between personality and character. How more profound the changes would be if one change one’s character rather than one’s attitude. The book teaches that between stimulus and response, human has the unique ability to choose what to do in order to defend their values, relationship and communication. The book portrays that every creature has the unique ability of free will. Just like when animal gets physically abused, snail for example, it naturally recoils to its shell. As human, we have the will power to choose our response to issues affecting us. In the book, the author cites the story of Holocaust survivor who maintained his own free will when everything else was stripped away. All his meals, duty and everything were determined by others, but he maintained his ability to choose his attitude.

The subconscious wealth visualization exercise mentioned in the self helps one to succeed. For instance, the Holocaust survivor visualized that he would one day be a guest lecturer and tells his story to the world after his survival while still being a captive. This finds a stay into his subconscious and allowed him to survive while others gave up and died. Therefore, both the content and methodology of these principles form a solid foundation of effective communication and then defines a way of life. It encourages the reader to understand the important to not let limiting beliefs and assumptions that are not true holds one back. Sometimes in life, we hold ourselves back from our own potential by believing that we cannot do something because we are too old, not educated enough, not experienced or something else.

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.

The seven most important ideas in the book are the seven habits of highly effective people which also provide molecules of understanding. This simply means that two people can see same thing and yet differ with each other. The seven habits are as follow:

i. Be Proactive

This is the most important habit to Covey. Being proactive is being in charge by proactively fixing what does not work for us, rather than just accepting things the way they are. This can be achieve from the centre of individual strength and constantly work to expand it.

ii. Begin with the End in Mind

It is often said, “that a man who does not know where he or she is going would never cease to be a wanderer.” This simply suggests that a man needs to create a mental picture of what he wants in future so that he can work and plan towards it. In summary, having vision will help guide one’s decision as well as in maintaining focus.

iii. Put First Things First

Considering today’s world where everyone is trying to be as productive as possible. Covey not just projects time management but explain how to manage our time on a weekly planner. He encourages commitment to one’s goals at the start of the week for each of the roles one have in life (father, brother, friend, self etc.) and one should schedule time for them throughout the week, this will in long run helps in achieving balance. Talk about what is important and what is urgent. Priority should be given in the following order:
Important and urgent
Important and not urgent
Not important and urgent
Not important and not urgent

iv. Think Win-Win

Covey here tries to teach us the importance of character based code for human interaction and collaboration. It provides alternative in trying to always get as much as possible in every kind of interaction with others, regardless of what the other party receives in exchange.

v. Seek First to Understand then to be Understood

This section advocates for empathic listening, to genuinely understand a person, by trying to be in that person’s shoe before trying to bring up one’s own opinion. Analyst argues that this habit is greatly embraced in the Greek philosophy represented by three words:
Ethos – your personal credibility. It is the trust that you
inspire; your emotional bank account.
Pathos is the empathic side – it is the alignment with the
emotional trust of another person communication
Logos is the logic – the reasoning part of the presentation

vi. Synergize

At this stage, Covey emphasizes the importance of teamwork. As we all know, a tree cannot make a forest. This then requires the combination of strength of people through positive team work, so as to achieve goal that no one could have done alone.

vii. Sharpen the Saw

Primarily, what is being emphasized here is physical, mental and spiritual renewal to create a sustainable, long term, effective lifestyle.

3. How will these ideas or lesson 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 Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is second to none not just at work but at home. It helps to improve the relationship with colleagues and imposes serious lessons on his readers. These lessons have more or less withstood the test of time and remain relevant as a solid foundation in interpersonal communication today. It helps to reshape how we view the world and how the world views us.

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

It is obvious that the book contains several quotes and statements which serve as tools to success, what I could refer to as principles of manner. These quotes or statements are eye openers to maintaining focus and in achieving peace within individual community. Some of the statements or quotes are as follows:

“Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions.”

This quote is important because it shows how dynamic human being could be. This is because in life, no human can claim to be static; we are all prone to change.

“Changing our habits, changing our methods of influence and changing the way we see our no control problems are all within our Circle of Influence.”

This is a quote that shows how man can measure his circle of influence.
“We can decide to step in front of a fast-moving train, but we cannot decide what will happen when the train hits us.”

This is a quote that reminds one of subconscious state.

“Begin with the End in Mind.”

This is a quote that emblemized how and why one needs to build his vision. It places emphasis on the importance of having vision.

“Proactive powerful leadership must constantly monitor environmental change, particularly customer buying habits and motives, and provide the force necessary to organize resources in the right direction.”

This quote is beautiful because it does not only help in the business, it help in maintaining social order.

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

The book is straight forward, simple language and clear examples.

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

No exercises in the book

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

No. The other questions in this book covers its nooks and crannies.

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

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