{"id":6448,"date":"2026-05-02T11:48:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T11:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/?page_id=6448"},"modified":"2026-08-02T13:15:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T13:15:28","slug":"khadijat-abdullahi-ibrahim-assessments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/khadijat-abdullahi-ibrahim-assessments\/","title":{"rendered":"Khadijat Abdullahi Ibrahim &#8211; Assessments"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">As a Man Thinketh<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Assessment by Khadijat Abdullahi Ibrahim (Nigeria)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book establishes a direct relationship between thought and outcome. It removes the illusion that life is random and replaces it with responsibility. It makes a clear and unapologetic case that what a person consistently thinks will eventually shape what they experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is not theory. It is structure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The author positions thought as the origin point everything else follows. Character, decisions, habits, results, and even environment are extensions of what has been allowed to take root in the mind. If the root remains unchanged, the outcome will continue to repeat, regardless of effort. We are a direct reflection of our thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For me, this reinforces a non-negotiable principle: responsibility starts in the mind. Before I attempt to change anything externally whether in my personal life, my family, my leadership, or my business. I must first examine the patterns of thinking that are producing my current reality. I must be an observer of my thoughts so I catch and change any thought I do not want to experience in my reality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This book does not entertain excuses. It does not allow comfort in blame. It places the individual in a position of power, but also in a position of accountability. It says clearly that if I want different results, I must first create different patterns of thought. Not occasionally, but consistently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What stood out to me even more is that this process is quiet. It is internal. It is not always visible to others. Yet it is the most powerful level of work. Because once the thinking changes, everything else begins to align naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">i. Thought is causal, not passive<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Every result can be traced back to a pattern of thinking. This reinforces intentionality in choosing which thought is worth my attention, time, and energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is important to me because it makes me more conscious. It reminds me that thoughts are not harmless. They are seeds. And whether I am aware or not, those seeds are producing something. If I allow fear, doubt, or limitation to sit long enough, they will eventually show up in my decisions and results. This understanding forces me to be deliberate with my internal conversations and be more conscious and deliberate in the thought I allow. I should be a train station while my thoughts are the trains, they come and go freely but I notice each one with a different level of intentionality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ii. Responsibility is internal<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Blame delays progress, but ownership accelerates it. This principle is central to how I operate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In my leadership and in my business, I have come to understand that responsibility cannot be outsourced. While there are structures, laws, and systems that guide operations, the ultimate posture I carry is ownership. I take responsibility for decisions I make within the framework of the company, and I also take responsibility for how I respond when things do not go as planned. This mindset has helped me maintain control, even in uncertain situations. It removes the tendency to look outward first and instead redirects focus inward, where real change can begin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iii. Mental discipline determines stability<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not every thought deserves expression and not every feeling deserves action. The ability to filter and redirect thinking is a leadership skill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As a woman leading an all-male management team, mental discipline is not optional. It is necessary. I cannot afford to react based on impulse or emotion. I must be able to hold my ground, think clearly, and respond with precision. This principle has helped me build resilience. It allows me to stay steady even when situations are complex or demanding. It also create stability, because stability in leadership creates confidence in those being led.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iv. Vision organizes action<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Clear thinking produces clear direction. Without clarity, effort becomes scattered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Every year, my team and I step away from the business environment to conduct a deep annual review and create a roadmap. That roadmap becomes our guiding structure for the next twelve months. It is not just planning; it is intentional thinking translated into action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We have recorded massive success from this process. And even when we experience failure, it is easier to identify the cause because there is clarity. There is structure. There is a reference point. This idea reinforces for me that success is not by chance. It is organized thought executed consistently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">v. Calmness is leverage<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A calm mind processes better, decides faster, and leads stronger. This is not philosophical; it is practical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I have lived both sides of this truth. In 2019, I lost my calm, and it affected every area of my life, myself, my family, my work, and my business. Everything became heavier, more complicated, and less effective. Peace was only restored when I consciously rebuilt inner calmness, even from thousands of kilometers away. That experience taught me that calmness is not weakness. It is power. It is clarity. It is alignment. To me, calmness is also spiritual. It reflects a level of internal order that allows one to function with wisdom rather than reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vi. Character is built, not left to chance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Repetition of thought forms identity. This means character can be refined deliberately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is important to me because leadership is not just about results. It is about who you become in the process. To build a character worthy of leadership, one must be willing to unlearn, learn, and relearn. There are patterns that must be broken. There are beliefs that must be questioned. There are habits that must be replaced. This is not a one-time effort. It is continuous. Knowing that character is built intentionally gives me the responsibility and the opportunity to keep refining who I am.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vii. Growth requires continuous correction<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There is no fixed state. Every new level requires adjustment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Each level of growth comes with its own challenges. What worked at one level may not work at another. This means the mind must be flexible enough to evolve. One unique aspect of evolution is acquired skills are mostly transferable hence, ease to navigate new situations. In my experience, every level carries both reward and pressure. Growth is not only about gaining; it is also about adapting. It requires new skills, new strategies, and sometimes a new mindset. This idea keeps me from becoming rigid. It reminds me to stay open, to review, to adjust, and to keep moving forward with awareness. Every day is a teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This book reinforces operational discipline at the level of thought.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In my daily life, it increases awareness. It reminds me that before every reaction, there is a moment of selection. That moment may be small, but it is powerful. It determines whether I act from clarity or from impulse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In relationships, this awareness improves the quality of my responses. Instead of reacting emotionally, I can respond with intention, better communication, better understanding, and stronger connections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In business, this principle is critical. Decision-making under pressure requires mental control. The quality of my thinking directly affects the quality of my execution. When my thinking is clear, decisions are stronger. When thinking is scattered, results become inconsistent. This also affects how I lead my team. A leader who is mentally disciplined creates an environment of stability. People perform better when they are led with clarity and consistency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">On a larger scale, this principle aligns with my work in transformation. If individuals learn to manage their thinking, they gain control over their direction. This does not remove challenges, but it changes how those challenges are approached and resolved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is how impact is to create one individual taking responsibility for their internal world and allowing that to influence their external results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cA man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This removes abstraction. It makes identity measurable. It leaves no room for confusion about where change must begin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCalmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Calmness is not softness. It is precision. It is strength. It is clarity. And in my experience, it is also deeply spiritual.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The connection between thought and outcome is presented strongly. While external factors exist, the principle remains valid. Life will always present situations beyond our control timing, environment and the actions of others but none of these remove the responsibility of how we choose to respond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We may not control everything that happens, but we always control how we interpret it, how we process it, and how we act from it. That response is what shapes the next outcome. Over time, it is not just the events themselves, but our consistent way of responding to them that builds patterns, and those patterns eventually define results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book did not contain structured exercises. However, it demanded evaluation. It required me to examine my own thinking patterns, identify areas that need adjustment, and become more intentional about how I think. In that sense, it functioned as a practical mental audit, and I found that very valuable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is foundational material. It is simple in language, but not simple in application. The real value is not in reading it once, but in practicing it consistently, especially in moments where discipline is required more than understanding. It remains relevant because the work it calls for never truly ends. As long as there is a mind to refine, there is work to be done, and as long as there is growth to pursue, this message will continue to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">A. How interesting was it to read? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">B. How helpful were the contents? <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">10<\/span><\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">C. How easy was it to understand? <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">9<\/span><\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">D. Would you recommend it to others? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">E. What is the overall rating you would give it? <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">10<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Jonathan Livingston Seagull<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Assessment by Khadijat Abdullahi Ibrahim (Nigeria)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The main idea the author is trying to convey in this book is that life was never meant to be lived at the level of mere survival. It was meant to be lived at the level of growth, purpose, refinement, and conscious becoming. The book is a inaudible but powerful challenge to the way many people settle into limitation simply because limitation is common, accepted, and familiar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At the center of the story is Jonathan, a seagull who is unwilling to reduce his life to eating, fitting in, and repeating what everyone else is doing. He is not rebellious for the sake of rebellion. He is simply gripped by a deeper desire to understand what is possible. That is what makes the book so profound. Jonathan is not chasing applause. He is pursuing mastery. He is driven by the need to become more than what his environment says is enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To me, this book is about the discipline of becoming. It is about the cost of choosing growth in a world that often rewards conformity. It shows that once a person becomes serious about developing their potential, they may be misunderstood, isolated, criticized, or even rejected. The book also makes it clear that the pain of rejection is smaller than the pain of abandoning ones true capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The author is saying that freedom is found in self-mastery. Excellence is not an accident. It is not a gift reserved for a few but anyone ready to walk the path of resilience. It is the outcome of vision, repetition, courage, and inner conviction. Jonathan keeps practicing because something inside him knows that his life must mean more than repetition without purpose. That message landed deeply with me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Another important layer in the book is that true growth is not selfish. Jonathan first grows for himself, but later returns to teach others. This tells me the author is not only talking about personal elevation. He is talking about the responsibility that comes with growth. Once you know more, see more, and become more, you must be willing to help others rise too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The central message of the book is this: do not shrink your life to match the fears, habits, or limitations of the crowd. Pursue the highest version of your capacity with discipline and humility, and when you grow, become a light for others. That is what I believe this book is truly about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. Excellence is a private standard<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This was one of the strongest lessons for me. Jonathan did not wait for a committee, a crowd, or the flock to approve his desire to improve. He decided, practiced and kept going. That stood out to me because this is how real excellence works. It begins in private. It is born in personal standards long before it is seen publicly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This matters deeply to me because in my own life, I have learned that excellence cannot depend on supervision. It cannot wait for applause. It must be a decision one makes internally. In business, in leadership, and even in character, the true test is what you do when no one is watching. I have built many businesses from this internal standard. Whether in my restaurant business in Nigeria, in coaching, or in my writing, I have seen that what people call success publicly often began as discipline privately.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">That is why this idea is personal to me. Excellence is not noise. It is a private covenant with oneself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ii. Growth will separate you<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jonathans\u2019 journey makes it very clear that growth is not always celebrated by those who are comfortable with sameness. He was cast out because he refused to remain small. That lesson is real.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are seasons in life where growth creates distance. Sometimes it creates misunderstanding. Sometimes it even creates loneliness. I connected deeply with this because I am presently in a season of recovery, realignment, and internal shake-off. Reading this book in this period of my life felt timely. It made me see more clearly that not every separation is a tragedy. Some separations are evidence that one is moving into a new level of clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I have had moments in life where choosing a bigger vision, a stronger standard, or a deeper truth meant that not everyone could travel with me in the same way. That can hurt, but the book reminded me that growth itself has structure. It rearranges. It shakes. It exposes. And sometimes it separates. But that separation is not always loss. Sometimes it is preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iii. Most limits are inherited, not real<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The flock believed what had always been done. They accepted limitations because those limits were normal within their environment. That is one of the most powerful ideas in the book.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many of the restrictions people live under are not natural laws. They are inherited beliefs. They are repeated assumptions. They are cultural agreements that no one has challenged. This spoke strongly to me because I have had to dismantle certain mindsets in my own life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For example, there was an old traditional belief that if problems keep coming to you, it means you are blessed because you must have the ability to solve them. While there may be strength in being dependable, I had to confront the darker side of that mindset. It can become self-sabotage. It can train a person to normalize overload, neglect rest, and constantly carry burdens that were never theirs to carry. I had to dismantle that belief because it was not wisdom for me anymore. It was exhausting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This book reminded me that inherited limits must be examined. Familiarity is not the same as truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iv. Mastery is built through repetition, not talent<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jonathan practiced again and again. He failed, adjusted, learned, and returned. That process is what made him exceptional. Not talent alone. Not desire alone. Repetition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is important to me because I believe mastery in any area comes from disciplined repetition. In my business life, especially with my Nigerian restaurant, I have built systems and procedures over the years while living abroad. That did not happen by chance. It came through repetition, training, correction, review, and reinforcement. The reason something can run well in your absence is because it has been repeated enough to become standard. The restaurant system has been repeated severally that we have scaled and opened branches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">v. Leadership is a responsibility, not a title<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One of the most meaningful parts of the story is that Jonathan comes back to teach. He does not keep his growth to himself. That matters to me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Real leadership is not just about elevation. It is about transfer. It is about helping others rise. I connected strongly with this because my work has always extended beyond my own gain. I do a lot of virtual training for my staff, and one of the outcomes I have seen in Bilkebab is loyalty. People stay more committed when they sense that leadership is not just extracting from them, but developing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This book reminded me that leadership is not something one claims because of position. It is something one proves through responsibility. If your growth has no positive effect on others, then it is incomplete. That is a principle I carry seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iv. Rejection is feedback, not identity<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jonathan was rejected, but he did not reduce himself because of it. That is a lesson many people need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rejection can be painful, especially when it comes from places or people one once expected understanding from. Rejection is not always a verdict, but could be a signal that your direction no longer matches the comfort zone of others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is personal for me because we are currently at a stage of expansion, and I cannot count the number of rejections that can come while raising funds, building partnerships, or trying to move vision forward. We do not interpret rejection as limitation but we interpret it as part of the process. It may mean not yet. It may mean not here. It may mean refine and return. But it does not mean stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This idea strengthens me because it refuses to let rejection become identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vii. Becoming has no endpoint<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jonathan keeps evolving. There is no final ceiling. No final version. That truth resonates deeply with me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I do not believe growth is ever finished. Every level of clarity introduces a new level of responsibility. Every new insight reveals fresh work to be done. That is one of the reasons I joined this program. Joining a learning process like this is an expression of the belief that becoming has no endpoint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I never want to live as though I have arrived in a way that makes me unteachable. The moment growth stops, decline quietly begins. This lesson is important to me because it keeps me humble, open, and in motion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These lessons will help me in practical ways because they strengthen both my internal posture and my external execution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In my daily personal life, this book reinforces the importance of alignment over approval. That alone changes many decisions. When a person is no longer negotiating their direction based on who will clap, life becomes clearer. I can apply this by choosing what is right, disciplined, and aligned even when it is not popular, even when it is quiet, and even when it requires standing alone for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The lesson on repetition and mastery is also deeply practical. It reminds me that the quality of my future is being shaped by what I repeat today. Whether it is how I think, how I manage my time, how I speak, how I train others, or how I respond under pressure, repetition matters. This helps me remain committed to systems, routines, and processes that produce better outcomes over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In leadership, the book helps me remember that if I am growing, others around me should be feeling the impact of that growth. It challenges me to continue building structures that allow people to become more capable, more confident, and more effective. In my business, this means strengthening training, communication, standards, and culture. In coaching, it means helping people return to themselves in a way that is practical, grounded, and transformational.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">On a wider level, I believe books like this contribute to a better world because they challenge internal resignation. A better world is not created only by policies and speeches, but individuals who decide not to remain mediocre in thought, character, or effort. When people become more disciplined, more conscious, and more purpose-driven, they influence homes, workplaces, communities, and institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The idea of returning to teach is also powerful here. If more people who have overcome something would return with humility to help others navigate it, the world would be healthier. This could be in business, in family, in emotional healing, in leadership, or in community service. Growth should circulate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These lessons will help in practical ways. They will help me live with more precision, lead with more responsibility, build with more courage, and contribute to the world from a place of refinement rather than reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI am a perfect, unlimited gull.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This statement caught my attention because it speaks to identity beyond limitation. It is not arrogance. It is awakening. It is the moment a person stops seeing themselves only through the narrow definitions of the crowd and begins to understand that there is more within them than they have expressed. I found this important because many people live far below their potential simply because they have accepted a smaller image of themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYou have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This statement is deeply powerful to me because many people postpone authenticity. They think they will become themselves after success, after approval, after healing, after the right season. But this statement removes that delay. It makes authenticity immediate and personal. It places responsibility back where it belongs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Another idea throughout the book that strongly stayed with me is that: \u201cLearning never truly ends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">That matters because it keeps a person from becoming stagnant. The moment one thinks there is nothing left to learn, growth begins to die quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The abstract nature of some of the transitions in the book is noticeable. There are moments where Jonathans\u2019 movement into higher levels of awareness feels symbolic rather than literal. However, I do not see this as a weakness. I believe the author intentionally left room for interpretation so that each reader could engage the message at their own level of understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I would not say I disagree with the principles of the book. The principles are sound. What may vary is how individuals apply them in their own context. Not everyone\u2019s journey of growth will look the same, and not every season of separation will carry the same meaning but the core message remains valid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book did not contain structured or formal exercises for the reader to complete. However, it strongly invited reflection and self-examination. As I read, I found myself asking difficult but necessary questions about where I may be operating below my capacity, where I may still be negotiating my growth, and where I need to continue refining my standard. In that sense, while there were no written exercises, the book functioned as a reflective and mental discipline exercise for me, and I found that process very helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is a short book with lasting impact. Its simplicity allows the message to go deeper.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">It honors discipline, practice, and the lonely process of growth and an important contrast to the desire for results without effort. Ultimately, it reminds me that growth is not about superiority, but about meaningful contribution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">A. How interesting was it to read? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">B. How helpful were the contents? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">C. How easy was it to understand? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>8<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">D. Would you recommend it to others? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">E. What is the overall rating you would give it? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Success through a Positive Mental Attitude<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Assessment by Khadijat Abdullahi Ibrahim (Nigeria)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The central message of this book is that success begins long before results appear. It begins with attitude. Throughout the book, the authors argue that while we cannot control every circumstance, we can always choose the attitude with which we face it. That attitude influences how we think, the decisions we make, the opportunities we recognize, the people we attract, and ultimately the life we build. A Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) is therefore not wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is a disciplined way of approaching life that allows us to keep moving forward regardless of obstacles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One idea that stood out to me is that attitude alone is not enough. The book consistently combines positive thinking with purpose, self-discipline, persistence, continuous learning, and action. It reminds the reader that a positive attitude without action produces very little, just as action without the right attitude often lacks direction and endurance. Success is created when both work together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For me, this book is ultimately about personal responsibility. It challenges me to stop waiting for better conditions and instead become the kind of person who can create better conditions. It reminds me that every challenge presents two choices: I can become discouraged by it, or I can allow it to develop my character, strengthen my thinking, and improve my decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As an entrepreneur, educator, coach, and lifelong learner, this message resonates deeply with me. Building businesses, leading people, raising a family, and serving a community have taught me that setbacks are inevitable. What separates people is rarely the absence of difficulty; it is the attitude they bring to difficulty. I have experienced seasons where resources were limited, uncertainty was high, and the path ahead was unclear. Looking back, I realize it was not intelligence alone that sustained me. It was the decision to remain hopeful, purposeful, and committed even when immediate results were not visible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">i. A Positive Mental Attitude is a daily choice<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book made it clear that attitude is not something we are born with or something determined by our circumstances. It is a choice we make every day. That was important to me because life has taught me that difficult seasons do not ask for permission before they arrive. They simply come. What determines whether they break us or build us is often the attitude we choose in response.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There have been seasons in my life when my family, my business, and my personal life were all under pressure at the same time. Looking back, I realize I could not always change the situation immediately, but I could change how I showed up every morning. That decision alone often determined whether I found solutions or remained trapped in problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ii. Every adversity carries the seed of an equivalent benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is one of the ideas that stayed with me long after I finished reading. The authors are not suggesting that pain is pleasant. They are saying that if we respond correctly, every setback has the potential to produce growth, wisdom, or opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This resonates with my own journey. Some of my greatest lessons did not come from success. They came from disappointment, rejection, financial pressure, and personal hardship. Those experiences forced me to think differently, build stronger systems, become emotionally healthier, and rely less on circumstances and more on character. Today, many of the things I teach others were born from seasons I would never have chosen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iii. Definiteness of purpose gives direction to life<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book repeatedly emphasizes that people who know where they are going make better decisions than those who simply react to life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This reflects how I run both my life and my business. Every year, my leadership team leaves the day-to-day operations and spends time reviewing the previous year before building a clear roadmap for the next one. That roadmap becomes our reference point for every major decision. It keeps us focused and prevents us from chasing every opportunity that appears. I have learned that purpose reduces distraction because it gives every decision a filter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iv. Self-discipline is more valuable than motivation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One lesson I strongly agree with is that success depends more on discipline than on emotion. Motivation comes and goes. Discipline remains. This principle has shaped my leadership style. Whether I feel inspired or not, there are responsibilities that must still be carried out. My restaurant cannot pause because I am tired. My students cannot receive less because I am having a difficult day. My coaching clients deserve consistency. Over the years, I have learned that systems and discipline will always outperform temporary motivation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">v. Success is built through service to others<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book reminds the reader that lasting success is connected to creating value for other people. This immediately connected with my personal philosophy. Whether I am serving customers through Bilkebab, coaching individuals through The Return Space, or teaching in the classroom, my focus has always been on solving problems and improving people&#8217;s lives. Financial success is important, but I have discovered that sustainable success usually follows meaningful service. When people genuinely benefit from what you do, trust grows, relationships deepen, and opportunities naturally expand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vi. Fear becomes smaller when action becomes bigger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Another lesson that stood out to me is that fear often grows when we remain inactive. Action has a way of replacing uncertainty with clarity. I have experienced this many times. Starting new businesses, relocating across countries, writing my books, launching new ideas, and even joining this leadership program all required stepping into unfamiliar territory. I have rarely felt completely ready. But each time I acted despite uncertainty, confidence grew. This book reinforced what experience has already taught me: action is often the cure for fear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vii. Learning is a lifelong responsibility<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One reason I joined the International Institute for Global Leadership is because I believe growth never ends. This book strengthened that belief. Titles, experience, and achievements should never make us un-teachable. Every new level of leadership requires new thinking. Every new responsibility demands new skills. I have learned that the leaders who continue to grow are usually the leaders who continue to learn.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">As an educator, entrepreneur, and coach, I want my life to reflect continuous improvement. I do not want to become someone who teaches yesterday&#8217;s knowledge while ignoring today&#8217;s lessons. Remaining teachable is one of the greatest investments I can make in myself and in those I lead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book also reminded me that attitude is contagious. As a leader, the way I think influences the way my team thinks. The way I respond to pressure shapes how others respond to pressure. My mindset becomes part of the culture I create. That realization makes a positive mental attitude more than a personal asset; it becomes a leadership responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In summary, I believe the authors are teaching that success is not an accident or merely a product of talent or opportunity. It is built from the inside out. A positive mental attitude, supported by clear purpose, disciplined action, and persistence, creates the foundation upon which lasting success is built. That is the central message I took away from this book.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWhatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is one of the most memorable statements in the book because it emphasizes the power of belief. Before any meaningful achievement becomes visible, it first exists as an idea in someone&#8217;s mind. Every business, invention, movement, or solution began because someone believed it was possible. This quote reminds me to think beyond my current circumstances and not allow today&#8217;s limitations to define tomorrow&#8217;s possibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThere is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This quote deeply resonated with me because it simplifies one of life&#8217;s greatest truths. Two people can have similar education, resources, and opportunities, yet produce completely different results because of the attitude they bring to life. I have witnessed this in business, leadership, and even in education. Skills may open doors, but attitude often determines how far a person goes after the door has opened. The right attitude is a unique currency that ushers one to positions of responsibility they never saw coming.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cEvery adversity carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This quote challenged me to look at difficulties differently. It does not deny that hardship is painful, but it encourages me to search for the lesson, opportunity, or strength hidden within it. Looking back over my own life, some of my greatest personal growth came from seasons I would never have chosen- they were dark and difficult. Those experiences strengthened my character, refined my leadership, and gave me the wisdom to guide others through similar challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Today, I no longer ask only, \u201cWhy is this happening?\u201d I also ask, \u201cWhat is this experience preparing me for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These questions have changed how I approach adversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Overall, I found the principles in this book practical and timeless. I agree with the central message that attitude has a significant influence on the quality of our lives and the results we achieve. However, I believe the relationship between attitude and success should be understood with balance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A positive mental attitude is powerful, but it is not a substitute for preparation, competence, hard work, or sound judgment. Optimism alone cannot build a business, repair a relationship, or solve complex problems. It must be supported by disciplined action, continuous learning, and wise decision-making. I believe the greatest strength of a positive mental attitude is that it gives us the resilience to keep taking those actions consistently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I also recognize that people begin life from very different circumstances. Some face challenges that are beyond their control, such as poverty, conflict, illness, or limited opportunities. While attitude cannot remove every obstacle, it can influence how a person responds to those obstacles and the choices they make moving forward. That is where I believe the true power of the book lies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rather than disagreeing with the authors, I see their message as a foundation rather than the complete picture. A positive mental attitude opens the door to possibility, but it is purposeful action, integrity, perseverance, and service that allow a person to walk through that door. This balanced perspective made the book even more meaningful to me because it connects positive thinking with personal responsibility and consistent action rather than wishful thinking alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book did not contain formal exercises or worksheets for the reader to complete. However, it continually challenged me to examine my own thinking, attitude, and daily habits. In that sense, every chapter became an invitation to reflect rather than simply read.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As I progressed through the book, I found myself evaluating how I respond to setbacks, how I make decisions under pressure, and whether my attitude consistently reflects the leader I aspire to be. It also prompted me to identify areas where I could replace limiting thoughts with more constructive ones and strengthen my habits through greater discipline and consistency. I found this type of reflection extremely valuable because lasting change rarely begins with information alone. It begins when information leads to honest self-examination. This book encouraged me to pause, evaluate, and intentionally align my thinking with the kind of life and leadership I want to build. That, in itself, became a practical exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One message I will carry with me is that attitude is not something we choose once; it is something we choose repeatedly. Every day presents opportunities to either strengthen or weaken it. That realization makes personal growth less about dramatic moments and more about consistent daily decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I also appreciate that the book presents success as a journey of continuous improvement rather than a single destination. It reminded me that success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but also by the person we become in the process. Achievements may open doors, but character, attitude, and integrity determine whether we can sustain them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Finally, this book reinforced a belief I have held for many years: the greatest investment anyone can make is in developing themselves. Businesses can grow, careers can change, and circumstances can shift, but a disciplined mind, a positive attitude, and a clear sense of purpose remain valuable in every season of life. That is what makes this book timeless and worth revisiting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">A. How interesting was it to read? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book is engaging because it combines timeless principles with practical examples. Although some examples reflect the period in which it was written, the core lessons remain relevant today.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">B. How helpful were the contents? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The principles are practical and immediately applicable. They reinforce the importance of attitude, purpose, self-discipline, persistence, and personal responsibility- qualities that influence every area of life and leadership.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">C. How easy was it to understand? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The language is straightforward and the concepts are clearly explained. Some ideas require reflection to fully appreciate, but the overall message is accessible.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">D. Would you recommend it to others? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yes. I would recommend it to anyone seeking personal growth, stronger leadership, or a more resilient mindset. Regardless of profession or stage in life, the principles in this book have practical value.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is a timeless book that reminds us success is shaped from the inside out. While circumstances may differ from one person to another, the principles of attitude, purpose, discipline, and persistence remain relevant across generations. It is a book I would revisit because each reading is likely to reveal new insights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">PsychoCybernetics<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Assessment by Khadijat Abdullahi Ibrahim (Nigeria)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At the heart of this book is a simple but profound truth: people do not consistently perform according to their ability; they perform according to the image they hold of themselves. The author argues that lasting change does not begin by changing our circumstances. It begins by changing the way we see ourselves. Our self-image quietly influences our confidence, our decisions, our relationships, our willingness to take risks, and even what we believe we deserve. Whether that image is accurate or distorted, we tend to live consistently with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One of the most striking insights for me is that the human mind functions much like a goal-seeking mechanism. Once it accepts an image of who we are, our thoughts and actions naturally move in that direction. If I believe I am incapable, I will unknowingly make choices that reinforce that belief. If I genuinely see myself as capable, resilient, and purposeful, my actions gradually begin to align with that identity. What makes this book different from many personal development books is that it does not encourage pretending to be someone else. Instead, it encourages removing the false beliefs that prevent us from becoming who we already have the capacity to be. That distinction is important. The goal is not to manufacture confidence but to uncover it by correcting a distorted self-image. This message resonates deeply with me because much of my work revolves around helping people return to themselves. Whether I am coaching an individual, leading a team, teaching students, or writing, I have observed that people often struggle less because of a lack of ability and more because of the stories they have accepted about themselves. Long before a person changes their behavior, they must first believe they are capable of becoming different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As I reflected on the book, I also thought about my own journey. There have been seasons when external success did not match how I felt internally. I fulfilled responsibilities, built businesses, and supported others, yet there were moments when my internal picture of myself had been shaped more by prolonged difficulty than by my true potential. I have learned that achievement alone does not automatically heal self-image. Internal restoration requires intentional work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book also reminded me that leadership begins with identity. The image a leader holds of themselves influences the culture they create. If a leader operates from fear, insecurity, or constant self-doubt, those attitudes eventually spread throughout the organization. Conversely, a leader who possesses quiet confidence, humility, and a healthy sense of identity creates an environment where others feel safe to grow. This makes self-image not merely a personal issue, but a leadership responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ultimately, I believe the author is communicating that success is not first an external pursuit but an internal alignment. We do not permanently change by trying harder alone; we change by seeing ourselves more truthfully and allowing our actions to flow from that renewed understanding. When the self-image changes, behavior becomes more consistent, confidence becomes more natural, and growth becomes more sustainable. For me, this is the central message of the book: lasting transformation begins with the picture we carry of ourselves. Change that image, and over time, you change the direction of your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">i. Your self-image sets the ceiling for your life<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is the idea that stayed with me the most. The author explains that people rarely rise above the picture they hold of themselves. That was both encouraging and confronting. As I reflected on my own journey, I realized there were seasons when I had more ability than confidence. I was capable of doing more, but somewhere along the way life experiences had quietly reduced the way I saw myself. It wasn&#8217;t a lack of competence; it was a wounded self-image. Reading this book reminded me that lasting growth requires healing the internal picture first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Today, as I build businesses, coach people, and teach students, I have become intentional about helping people change not just their actions, but how they see themselves. Because once the self-image changes, better decisions begin to follow naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ii. The mind is goal-seeking<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One of the most fascinating ideas in the book is that the human mind functions like a goal-seeking mechanism. Once it accepts a destination, it begins looking for ways to get there.This helped me understand why goals without identity often fail. If I secretly believe I am not worthy of success, my mind will unconsciously sabotage opportunities that could lead to it. On the other hand, when my identity and my goals agree, progress becomes more natural. This principle also explains why every year my leadership team develops a clear roadmap. Once everyone understands where we are going, decisions become easier because the destination guides the choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iii. Failure is an event, not an identity<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This lesson spoke directly to me. Many people carry failure long after the event has passed. They stop saying, &#8220;I failed,&#8221; and start saying, &#8220;I am a failure.&#8221; The book separates those two ideas, and I believe that distinction changes lives. As an entrepreneur, I have experienced projects that did not go as planned, funding requests that were declined, and seasons where progress was slower than expected. None of those experiences defined who I was. They simply became lessons that improved how I moved forward. This reminded me that healthy leaders evaluate mistakes without allowing those mistakes to define their identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">iv. Imagination is a tool, not an escape<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The author encourages readers to use imagination intentionally. At first, this sounded simple, but I realized how powerful it is. Everything I have built began as a picture in my mind before it became reality. Whether it was Bilkebab, The Return Space, or writing books, every project existed internally before it existed externally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I have also learned that imagination works both ways. If we constantly imagine failure, rejection, or defeat, our confidence shrinks. If we intentionally visualize excellence, preparation, and meaningful contribution, we position ourselves to act differently. Imagination should not replace action, but it should give action direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">v. Relaxation improves performance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This idea surprised me because many people believe pressure always produces better results.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book suggests the opposite. A mind constantly filled with anxiety cannot perform at its best. I immediately connected this with my own experience. There was a period in my life when stress affected almost every area of my wellbeing. I was carrying responsibilities across family, business, and work, yet I had neglected my own internal restoration. Through that experience, I learned that calmness is not laziness. It is preparation. Some of my best decisions have been made after slowing down enough to think clearly rather than reacting quickly. That lesson continues to shape both my leadership and my coaching.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vi. Success and happiness can be learned<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One message I appreciated is that confidence is not reserved for a gifted few. Like any skill, it can be developed through repeated practice and healthier thinking. This gives hope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As a teacher, I have watched students who believed they were incapable gradually become confident because someone consistently believed in them before they believed in themselves. The same principle applies to adults. Many people are not limited by ability but by years of believing the wrong story about themselves. That realization has strengthened my commitment to helping people rediscover their capacity rather than simply teaching new information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">vii. We become better by becoming more authentic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Perhaps the most meaningful lesson for me is that growth is not about becoming someone else. It is about removing the fears, labels, and false beliefs that hide who we already have the potential to become. This aligns deeply with my own philosophy and with the work I am building through The Return Space. My mission has never been to help people invent a new identity. It is to help them return to the healthiest, most authentic version of themselves. For me, this is what lasting transformation looks like. It is not pretending. It is returning. It is not performing. It is becoming.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This book has challenged me to pay closer attention to the conversations I have with myself. It reminded me that before I lead others, I must lead my own mind. Before I build organizations, I must build the person leading those organizations. That is a lesson I intend to apply every day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In my personal life, these principles encourage me to guard my self-image carefully. Life has a way of attaching labels to people through disappointment, failure, criticism, or painful experiences. If those labels are accepted, they quietly influence future decisions. This book reminds me that I have the responsibility to reject false identities and intentionally strengthen a healthier and more truthful picture of who I am.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">As a wife, mother, educator, entrepreneur, and coach, I also recognize that the image I carry of myself affects the people around me. Confidence creates confidence. Hope creates hope. Fear creates fear. Whether I realize it or not, my children, my students, my staff, and my clients are influenced not only by what I say, but by what I consistently believe about myself. That realization makes personal growth a responsibility, not a luxury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In business, this book reinforces something I have observed over the years. Organizations often grow to the level of the leader&#8217;s thinking. If I continue expanding my vision, strengthening my confidence, and improving my decision-making, the organization is more likely to grow with me. But if I allow fear, self-doubt, or past failures to define my leadership, those limitations will eventually appear in the business itself. This challenges me to continue developing myself as intentionally as I develop my business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book also strengthens my work as a coach. Many people come looking for solutions to external problems, but through experience I have learned that many external struggles have internal roots. Helping someone change their self-image often changes how they approach relationships, parenting, leadership, work, and even adversity. That makes transformation more sustainable because it begins from within rather than depending solely on external circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">On a broader level, I believe a better world is built one person at a time. Communities become healthier when individuals believe they have value, take responsibility for their lives, and see themselves as capable of contributing positively to society. A healthy self-image produces healthier families, stronger leaders, better organizations, and more compassionate communities. Perhaps the greatest practical lesson I take from this book is that lasting change cannot be forced from the outside. It must first be accepted on the inside. When people begin to see themselves differently, they begin to think differently. When they think differently, they make different decisions. Over time, those decisions create a different life. That is how meaningful and lasting transformation happens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYou always act and feel and perform in accordance with what you imagine to be true about yourself and your environment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This quote captured the heart of the entire book for me. It explains why two people with similar abilities can produce completely different results. The difference is often not talent but self-perception. It reminded me that before I try to improve my performance, I must first examine the beliefs that are driving it. If the image I hold of myself is inaccurate, my actions will eventually reflect that distortion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cLow goals are not achieved because they are avoided; they are avoided because they are low goals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This challenged me to think differently about ambition. Meaningful goals have always stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Whether building my business, pursuing further education, writing books, or joining this leadership program, I have learned that growth rarely happens within familiar boundaries. This quote reminded me that worthwhile goals demand a better version of ourselves, and that is precisely why they are worth pursuing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThe self-image can be changed. Numerous case histories have shown that one is never too young nor too old to change one&#8217;s self-image and thereby start to live a new life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This was perhaps the most hopeful statement in the book. It reminds me that our past does not have to become our future. No matter how long someone has lived with fear, rejection, or self-doubt, change remains possible. As a coach, this is particularly meaningful because I work with people who often believe they are permanently defined by their past experiences. This quote reinforces my belief that transformation is always possible when a person is willing to change the way they see themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These quotes stood out because they move beyond motivation. They explain why lasting change happens. They remind me that before we transform our circumstances, we must first transform the beliefs that quietly shape our daily choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Overall, I found the principles in this book thoughtful, practical, and highly relevant. I agree with the author&#8217;s central argument that our self-image has a profound influence on the way we think, behave, and perform. In many ways, it explains why lasting change is often more difficult than people expect. We may change our actions temporarily, but if our self-image remains the same, we naturally drift back to familiar patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The only area where I would offer a balanced perspective is that while self-image is extremely important, it is not the only factor that shapes a person&#8217;s life. People also experience circumstances beyond their control, such as their upbringing, health, economic conditions, conflict, or unexpected life events. These realities can influence opportunities and outcomes in significant ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">However, I do not believe this weakens the author&#8217;s message. Instead, I see self-image as the foundation from which we respond to those realities. While we may not always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we interpret it, how we grow from it, and what we do next. A healthy self-image gives people the confidence to keep learning, adapting, and moving forward despite difficult circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This perspective makes the book even more meaningful to me. It reminds me that while I cannot control every situation I encounter, I can continue strengthening the person who responds to those situations. In the long run, that inner work is one of the greatest investments anyone can make.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book did not contain formal exercises or worksheets in the traditional sense. However, every chapter challenged me to examine my self-image, my beliefs, and the mental habits that shape my daily decisions. In that way, the entire book became a practical exercise in self-reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As I read, I found myself evaluating the labels I have accepted over the years, the experiences that have influenced how I see myself, and whether those beliefs still deserve a place in my life. It encouraged me to separate facts from assumptions and to become more intentional about building a healthier and more accurate self-image. I found this process both challenging and valuable because lasting transformation begins with honest self-awareness. Before we can change our actions, we must first understand the beliefs that are driving them. This book reminded me that personal growth is not simply about acquiring new knowledge; it is also about replacing limiting beliefs with healthier ones and allowing those new beliefs to shape our choices over time. That reflection became the most meaningful exercise of all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One idea I will continue to reflect on is that people often spend years trying to change their circumstances while giving very little attention to changing the way they see themselves. This book reminded me that sustainable transformation rarely begins with a new job, a new title, or a new environment. It begins with a renewed self-image.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I also appreciate that the author does not encourage arrogance or false confidence. Instead, he encourages readers to develop an honest and healthy view of themselves. That distinction is important because true confidence does not come from believing we are better than others; it comes from recognizing our God-given abilities while remaining humble enough to keep learning and growing. Perhaps what resonated with me most is how closely this book aligns with my own philosophy of transformation. Through my coaching work, I have learned that people do not simply need more information; many need restoration. They need to rediscover who they are beneath years of disappointment, fear, criticism, and limiting beliefs. Once that inner shift begins, lasting change becomes possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For me, this book is not simply about improving performance. It is about restoring identity. And when identity is restored, confidence becomes healthier, leadership becomes more authentic, relationships become stronger, and contribution becomes more meaningful. That is why I believe Psycho-Cybernetics remains a timeless and valuable book.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">A. How interesting was it to read? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The book held my attention from beginning to end because it challenged me to think differently about personal transformation. Rather than focusing only on external success, it explored the internal beliefs that quietly shape our behavior and results. I found that perspective both refreshing and deeply relevant.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">B. How helpful were the contents? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The principles are practical and applicable across every area of life. They have strengthened my understanding of leadership, personal growth, coaching, and self-development. More importantly, they provide a framework that can be applied repeatedly rather than simply admired.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">C. How easy was it to understand? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>9<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The author&#8217;s writing is clear and supported with practical examples. Some concepts require thoughtful reflection because they challenge deeply held beliefs, but the overall message is accessible and easy to follow.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">D. Would you recommend it to others? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Absolutely. I would recommend it to anyone seeking lasting personal growth, whether they are a leader, entrepreneur, educator, student, or someone simply trying to become a better version of themselves. It is especially valuable for people who feel stuck despite having the ability to achieve more.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">E. What is the overall rating you would give it? <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This book offers more than techniques for success; it provides a framework for understanding why people become who they become. Its lessons remain relevant because human nature has not changed. I believe it is a book that reveals new insights with every reading, and one that I will continue to revisit as I grow both personally and professionally.<\/span><!--more-->[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a Man Thinketh Assessment by Khadijat Abdullahi Ibrahim (Nigeria) 1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book? The book establishes a direct relationship between thought and outcome. It removes the illusion <a href=\"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/khadijat-abdullahi-ibrahim-assessments\/\" class=\"read-more\">Read More &#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6448","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6448"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6448\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6579,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6448\/revisions\/6579"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}