As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

Man is basically what he is in the mind, his character being the complete sum of all thoughts. The result of his actions are the product of his thoughts, whether negative or positive. We are also responsible of the direction we want to take in our lives. Every thing is in our mind disposal. I will always get what I want if I only have the right and determined focused mind.

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.

Our Character
One can choose to be master of his/her own thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment and destiny. One’s character should be built on the right thinking and right application of thought. Thought that is conceived should be used to transform one’s character. But always take caution that every thought conceived can make or break you.

Our Thoughts
That our thoughts are like a garden which must be cultivated always or else their will be weed which bring forth useless results. In all the circumstances one has to know and plan all his/her activities in mind. A number of times in my life and work I may think and see things as completely impossible because of the challenges they are posing to me. In such a case one must choose and select his/her words/actions carefully so that one emerges a winner.

Tranquility of Mind and personal organization
Tranquility of mind is a trinket of wisdom which translates into long and patient effort in personal organization. This is challenge that we do encounter and in reaction we do fret, grumble, curse, and reek about everything that doesn't turn out to our expectation. Occasionally it occurs when you feel that you’ve given a task your all. But at the end of the day the outcome isn’t what was anticipated. I therefore subscribe to the tranquility of mind being the answer to such kind of situations. In everything that we do, we need to fully comprehend plainly the interior relations of them and the resultant causes and their effects.

Reason in accomplishment
One confronted by the reason that all that a man accomplishes and vice-versa is the direct result of his/her own thoughts. To me this is a very powerful message, because oftentimes we haven't managed to accomplish most of the tasks that we set out to do. Perhaps its for the reason that I engage in a task once and I let go if it doesn't work, sometimes the stamina is lacking for me to keep on trying the same. In the course of action I give up and leave things the way they are. Later on carp that I was not in the best spot to act. Some other times we also see that others are better placed for the task than us. This leaves me feeling awkward that things have happen as a direct consequence of my own thought. This makes me consider myself challenged that I should grow, defeat, and accomplish by elating up my thoughts and spirits.

Thought and purpose
Up to that time when thought is allied to purpose there is no sharp success. Many a times the things we do are at cross roads, that is a part I think I have to work tirelessly hard towards. Therefore after moments of reflection I resolve to make my supreme duty to develop my self to the accomplishment. This therefore makes me see the world differently i.e. see an opportunity in every difficulty.

Our Dreams
That dreamers are the saviors of the world. If i continue dreaming it shows what I will be somewhere one day, or one day unveil what I have always dreamt. Those who dreamt before us had a dream, we are enjoying the dream they had. It serves as an encouragement me to work and strive for what i aspire even times are as bad as turbulent waves. Dreaming keeps us animate because we know somewhere in my subconscious i have what i want and this dream are the realities of the seeds planted.

Our Will Power
One can change through always altering what is in their thoughts, this eventually brings transformation and this gives rise to rapid effect in the material and spiritual conditions in life. Because of the will power to strive on, every thought is transformed into a physical action.

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?

This aids in determining one’s aptitude and my thinking faculties of how to decide what I want achieved through the effect of thought and purpose in my life. Also consciously in everyday life that am the results of what I am in the mind (thoughts). Enabling me appreciate the fact that I am myself and always the master and controller of personal destiny even in my weakest and most abandoned state. Making it my principle and ultimate duty so that I dedicate myself to its realization, preventing my thoughts from wondering away into transient oblivion, yearning and ideas. That I can find every true link with my life form if I only delve profoundly into my soul to see, that I am the creator of my character, the molder of my life and the builder of my destiny. I ought to learn how to be in charge of my thoughts, outlining its upshot upon myself, leading others and on my life’s state of affairs, akin to grounds and effect by being unwearied practice and examination by making use of every experience even those of minimal consequence or worth. Through practice of patience and not ceasing I can conquer the doors of knowledge and wisdom.

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

A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. By and large while confronted with challenges daily I should stop cranky, cursing and concluding that life is not flaxen. I have concluded that it doesn't help. Probing deeper for what you want in your life is contained by your soul. One should acclimatize his/her mind of not complaining. And this should guide you to search for the veiled abilities.

What a man thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains.
It shows that the thought of a mind of man has all the ability a mankind has ever sought to have, its what you want to decide and do through the thought that determines the final result of what one wants.

Man is made or unmade by himself.
It was vital because being I have always thought that some circumstances are as a result trends of the world. This makes strong point to start practicing what am able to accomplish.

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?

Yes there was especially the language used by the other was not the kind of contemporary English that we use everyday.

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 answer is no.

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

It was pleasant reading except the wordings that were way above the average reader which tried to slacken the pace of reading and understanding for the reason that I had to make pauses in between reading and try to understand them through using a dictionary.

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? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 4
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 7

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea the author of this book is conveying is that practice makes perfect. The more one practices, the better one becomes in whatever field. However, practice must be coupled with a desire to learn in order to excel in one’s preferred field.

2. What are the seven ideas which were personally important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important?

i) “One is not born a genius, one becomes a genius,” Simone De Beauvoir once said. If one, sets one mind to on something, however difficult the road, to achieving that goal may be, one will certainly get there in the long run. Obviously, there are many challenges, and each task undertaken presents its unique ones, but these challenges are the building blocks that are held together by one’s resilience. In this book, the main character – (Jonathan Livingston Seagull), eyes are fixed on the price in learning to fly by practicing. This sentiment is echoed several times in the book starting with the mention of Jonathan’s heart desire in the opening paragraph of the book.

“For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered but flight,” the author states.

ii) “What you can achieve is only limited by what you can dream.” This poignant declaration by Richard Buton, best illustrates Jonathan’s yearning to fly.

“The subject was speed, and in a week’s practice, he learned more about speed than the fastest gull alive.” Quite often, one is driven by an inner passion to succeed or achieve something. That desire which makes one unsettled, is the driving force of one’s unfulfilled dream in life.

iii) Humility is one of the ingredients of a good student on the one hand, while “Arrogance is the proclamation of one’s littleness,” on the other hand, someone once said.

iv) Setting Goals. Once Jonathan identified his innermost heart desire to fly, he set himself up for higher stakes to fly.

“It’s all pointless … deliberately dropping a hard-won anchovy to a hungry old gull chasing him. I could be spending all this time learning to fly,” said he.

It’s not uncommon for anyone to aspire for better things in life. A man, any man has set goals in life particularly with regard to what he ultimately wants to achieve. Sometimes, the set goal may be too ambitious, like in the case of Jonathan Seagull. But with self-discipline and determination, he got his wish, to fly better, faster, and do all kinds of maneuvers in the air.

“Flying out to his lonely practice area, folding his wings for a dive eight thousand feet, he set himself at one to discover how to turn.”

v) Fear is inevitable in life. “Jonathan Seagull exploded in mid air and smashed down into a brick- hard sea,” Bach writes. “His wings were ragged bars of lead, but the weight of failure was even heavier on his back.”

The biggest challenge facing Jonathan Seagull and indeed all human kind is failure. Sometimes the fear of failure is o great one dare not try to attempt any thing new. Fear of failure or failure itself plagues every last one of us young, old rich or poor. But failure does not change how one feels about achieving one’s life’s goal for example. It merely proves the point, which one is yet to give the matter his/her best shot. It is only by allowing yourself that you succumb to failure the failure syndrome. One’s eyes must constantly be kept on the price no matter the prevailing circumstances in life. To borrow words from the good book,

“…Let us lay aside every weight …and let us run with patience the race that’s set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” (Heb. 12:1-2). One must continually fix their eyes on the price.

vi) Overcoming Limitations: The greatest hindrance to making any headway in life is one’s failure to over come limitations.

vii) Making A Breakthrough

“And with that, Jonathan held in thought an image of great gull- flocks on the shore of another time … and he was not bone and feathers, but a perfect idea of a freedom and fight, limited by nothing at all.”

Not all in life is gloom as Jonathan finally discovered that he could be anything he wanted to, and nothing would stand on his way to achieving that goal if he wanted and chose to. Once we have pure good thoughts, become masters of our circumstance, the body subdued by the mind, have a clear defined purpose with a sharp focus on ideals; nothing can stop us from attaining the impossible.

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

Everyone is unique, and is endowed with skills and special talents. But not everyone reaches their full potential in developing and using their skills and special talents, due to varied factors in life, some of which are beyond one’s capability. However, greater percentage talents remain untapped as a result of our own individual doing.

Certainly, the world would be a better place, than it is today, if everyone (within reason of course) would be part of the process of tuning the wheel of development in every little community in a country. Instead, the “hands off attitude” of so many that do not produce but are consumer is hurting the world’s economy. World food shortage is more an artificial man made catastrophe than it is a natural one. By and large, whenever global politics creeps into any sphere of development, the downside is ripple effect that spreads and affects the domestic market. But suppose every country produced enough to feed her population (which is very possible), these countries wouldn’t be held hostage by the global price benchmark that sets the tone for global food pricing and shortage.

Perhaps, a more practical example such as the world food crisis would help shed more light on this point.

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

I) “…till a crowd of a thousand seagulls came to dodge and fight for bit of food.”

In this sentence in the opening paragraph of the book, the author paints a gloomy picture of ‘survival for the fittest’ theory. This phrase cuts across all boundaries of life species. Particularly the word “fight” used here in juxtaposition to conquer, subdue and become a winner. This is true with all living creatures, plants, birds, and animals. But man because of his ingenuity has practiced and perfected unique and innovative ways for survival in a harsh climatic environment, among fellow human beings, plants and animals. Bottom line, only the ‘fittest survive.’

ii) “I don’t mind being bones and feathers, mum. I just want to know what I can do in the air and what I can’t, that’s all.” There is a price to pay to achieve something in life nothing comes easy. In some cases, the price is higher than others, and its self-dedication, determination on the part of the individual that counts. But the ultimate remains the same – achieve one’s ambition in life.

iii) “Why is it so hard to be like the rest of the flock, Jon?” In life, more often than not, heroes stand-alone. Some may mock them, while others ridicule them. Only a relatively small percentage of people will cheer them on. But a majority will brand them all kinds and manner of negative names like ‘Lone Ranger’, simply because they’re daring to be different like Jonathan to develop and to achieve what once one viewed as mission impossible.

“His thought was triumph, Terminal velocity! …folding his wings for a dive from eight thousand feet.” Like all human beings, once Jonathan made the breakthrough, sky was the limit as they say. He continued to gain fulfillment and happiness of his heart desire flying, faster and further away from other seagulls.

“You can go to any place and to anytime that you wish to go.” This quotation summarizes the whole storyline, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Richard Buton I noted earlier.

“What you can achieve is only limited by what you can dream.” I couldn’t agree more. Knowing and reading about the lives of other people who have made history in achieving the impossible in different fields. Time and space would not allow, but I could lift one sentence after another in the book and match them word for word with practical human experiences

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?

“No Jonathan, there is no such place. Heaven is not a place, and it is not a time. Heaven is being perfect.” The above statement raises serious several questions in my mind that don’t resonate with the spiritual sphere of life, I was brought up in. Categorically stating that ‘Heaven is not a place’ casts a huge expanse of doubt on those who have little or no faith in God as the Supreme Being and His abode is heaven. Secondly, ‘Heaven is being perfect suggests that living creatures can attain perfection here on earth. This isn’t just impossible, its also impracticable. I have yet to come across in history books or any literature save the Bible where perfection is achievable in reality in this life. If it were, then how come no one is referred to as perfect? Even among devout religious persons, other than Christians, ‘perfection is a far cry, a pie in the sky sort of thing for mortals like you and me.

It is for these two reasons, that I disagree with the allusion,”there is no place. Heaven is not a place.” Unless someone presents me with believable facts on the subject, I stand by my word that perfection is a utopia on planet earth.

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

Yes there are six questions including this one that I have answered based on the book for this assignment.

The exercises are very useful as a guide to tackling everyday life problems.

Ratings

a) How interesting was the read? The reading proved very interesting to in that it brought back the passion of reflection in my own life with personal values and beliefs that I’ve had since childhood.

b) How helpful were the contents? the contents teachers us the virtues of perseverance in life especially when focusing on the goals that we set in life.

c) How easy was it to understand? Well to say the truth one had to go back memory lane and bring back the artistic and literary mind to understand the books otherwise reading through them like any fiction /non fiction would only leave you completely blank.

d) Would you recommend it to others? Yes I would definitely recommend the books to my like minded friends that I hang out with and a share the same values and beliefs.

e) What is the overall rating you would give it? In a scale of one to ten I would award eight over ten.

Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude, the title of the book by Napoleon Hill is also indeed the main idea the author coveys in more ways through different individual life experiences.

2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.

In his book, Success Through A Positive Mental, Napoleon Hill explores individual circumstances in life, all of which stand out

i. Positive Mental Attitude and Negative Mental Attitude
Two opposing forces within every individual Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), and Negative Mental Attitude (NMA), play an important role in the life of every last individual. On the one hand, PMA is raring to go, to achieve one’s dream of a better life. On the other hand the NMA casts doubts, procrastinates and if allowed control, the mind drifts towards failure to realize one’s potential.

Personal Experience
For years I remained trapped in my thoughts of inadequacy to pursue a writing career, simply because of the Negative Mental Attitude I had harbored of inadequacy. Deep inside, I felt really passionate about creative writing, but my childhood upbringing and educational background stood in the way. Instead of viewing that as a challenge, it became a stumbling block for my heart to run away with the idea of creative writing. Only much later in life would the idea hit me like a ton of bricks reading that I can be anything I want to be through reading the self improvement book I came across.

However, although these two forces seem to contradict each other in many ways, they can be harnessed to work out for the attainment of one’s goal in life so long as the individual recognizes the imbalanced of one over the other, particularly NMA over PMA

ii. “What one can achieve is only limited by what one can dream,” to quote Richard Rutan. This thought pattern is true in the physical as well as the spiritual realms of life. In the Bible book of Hebrews, this is illustrated through the definition of faith in a Supreme Being – God

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” This verse, (spiritual) mirrors the above sentiment expressed by Richard Rutan (physical). But the common denominator in either case is the adoption of A Positive Mental Attitude to address life’s challenges.

Personal Experience
Several years ago, I applied and had been accepted to college, but my financial status stood on the way. Simply, I had no money to meet the cost of tuition let alone travel to college. But I believed beyond any shadow of doubt this was what God would have me do at the time. Constant prayer without ceasing had brought me thus far, and I was convinced nothing would stand in the way of prayer not even financial setback. Finally, I did go to college because of a firm belief in God keeping my dream in sharp focus.

iii. Definiteness of Purpose
In Chapter two, in the section entitled “Definiteness of Purpose is the Starting Point of All Achievement,” stands out like a sore thumb in the book, and for a very good reason. In relation to a cliché that’s doing the merry-go-round in business circles,

“No one plans to fail, but many fail to plan.”

Lewis Carol in Alice in Wonderland best illustrates this sentiment. “Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here,” Alice asks. “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the cat. In each of the above sentiments, the underlying principle hinges on “Definiteness of Purpose.” The reason so many people are disillusioned in life isn’t the lack of what needs done, but rather the lack thereof of “Definiteness of Purpose.” One must have or set realistic achievable goals in life and go about achieving them or nothing gets done and life becomes a drag.

Personal Experience
For years all I ever wanted in life is to put pen to paper and share my thoughts with others in the form of writing. But it wasn’t until I set out to writing that I was able to slay the dragon and venture out into writing instead of drowning in a sea of worries and fear and stop drifting like a canoe in a sea of troubled river of life without a definite purpose. I may not yet be a prolific hand at writing award winning magazine articles yet, but the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter now than before. For some, that turning point in life may not be dramatic for others like me it was. But no matter the circumstances that bring us face to face with making a definite turn around, one thing remains certain ‘Definiteness of Purpose,” is a must for success.

iv. Mental Cobwebs

“There are mental cobwebs that clutter up the thinking of almost everyone, even the most brilliant minds.”

Reading and meditating over this sentence and the illustrations that amplify the thought in the book brought back to memory a story I heard many years ago. A church deacon who was known for his intercessory prayer extravaganza was also fond of repeatedly asking God to clear the cobwebs that cloud the minds of believer to have full fellowship with God. On this one occasion, one of the members of the congregation who had gotten sick of the phrase interjected, when the deacon once more recited this favorite line,

“Clear the cobwebs…..” The member took the liberty to add the words, “…and kill the spider.” Until one is able to put to rest the NMA thoughts that stand in the way of achievement, one will continue to have his mind clouded by NMA cobweb thoughts. The sure remedy for cure, although drastic are the words of the church member, “…kill the spider.” Perhaps not literally, but blocking NMA by replacing them with PMA is the way to go about this challenge.

The biblical account of St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians sums up this point beautifully in my life,

“For we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known.” This verse echo the sentiments by Napoleon Hill about mental cobwebs so well I can almost hear him say them. The one and only time, we are able to see clearly though the maize of mental cobwebs is when the “mental cobwebs” are gotten rid of. For some, it takes a short time, for others like me it takes decades to clear the “mental cobwebs,” but however long it takes, there is no short cut to success with “mental cobwebs” hanging over ones mind.

v. Thought Pattern

James Allen in his book, ‘As A Man Thinketh’ reiterates, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of his thoughts.” These words are further explained by Napoleon Hill in the book ‘Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude,’ through the use of illustrations of certain individual persons life. The life of Bill McCall is one such example, of one who purposed to become rich and went out of his way to find rules for acquisition of wealth. By reading the inspirational book, ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ McCall got his big break to wealth creation.

vi. Extended Imagination

“Everyone has some creative ability, but most people haven’t learned to use it,” Alex Osborn. In his book, Osborn refers to these creative abilities as ‘Applied Imagination,’ I prefer to call them ‘Extended Imagination.’

One of the ways man learns to adapt to the environment, harsh or friendly is through imagination. Every last one of us faces challenges in life and the only escape route is through extended imagination. Sometimes the solutions to a problem may take several attempts and failures. But resilience will see one through it as they romp home and dry.

Over the past little while I had to change careers a number of times. Each time it was in the premise of extended imagination that I was able to adjust and cope in the new career.

vii. Action speaks louder than words.

The biblical equivalence of this well known adage is “Faith without works is dead”. It is not enough to have a positive mental attitude, one must take action upon or breath life to ideas for them to blossom and that’s action.

Once I accepted joblessness as a no laughing matter, I set alone to study creative writing in anticipation for a change in career. That action has paid off in many ways than I cannot count already.

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

Positive Mental Attitude is like taking a breath of fresh air. Life has taken on more meaning and purpose as I apply PMA to the challenges that come my way daily. One instance of particular interest has been to look back over the failures in a previous business engagement and turn the tides of events to success in one am envisaging operating next year.

Reading and re-reading this book has given me hope beyond compare and a desire to succeed this time round in all things regardless of the challenges. All seem so very clear in my mind that I sleep walk, watching the playback of my life on the big screen of my mind everyday and its grows sweeter than ever. Then there’s the creative writing. But more importantly, I am beating down the path to doors of opportunities for service to society on a voluntary basis.

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

Several quotes stand out in this book, some more than the others in particular are the following.

“Anything in life worth having is worth working for,” Andrew Carnegie’s Motto. To this one can only make reference to yet another with a similar ring to it. “There’s no gain without pain.”

The great Danish philosopher and religious thinker Soren Kieerkgard’s , “It is the sign of a good book when the book reads you,” quote really caught me off guard, never though about books in that line but Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude’ is such a book.

“Do it Now!” one of the favorite quotes in this book is now emblazoned on the wall on top of my reading table. So powerful has this quote become that I unconsciously verbalize it every time I think of putting doing something off.

“Every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit,” in another mans’ words, “What life does to us all in the long run depends on what life finds in us.” The Bible is more direct and emphatic on this idea “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not permit you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a the way to escape that ye may be able to bear.”

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

None

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

Yes.

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 at all.

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

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

The New Dynamics Of Winning
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo

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

The main idea, the author uses to set the tone and tempo of the book, The New Dynamics of Winning is the mindset of a champion for success in whatever field or discipline one is engaged.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

Each chapter of the book explores an important idea for self improvement; however the seven following stand out like a sour thumb.

The Drive to Win

Peak performers in every field are passionate about success. Drive is what sets winners apart from losers.

“Quitters never win,” one once said. Peak performers are motivated by a desire to change the circumstances around them and in their lives therefore, endeavor to do something about it.

Personal Experience

In the local community where I live, poverty is like a second nature to the locals. Folk in this rural surrounding have tons of excuses justifying their poverty state. The stories told across the board center around political incorrectness, poor family background and non existent financial base among others. Their mind is set on being poor now and for eternity. Only a small percentage of the majority population, think in terms of improving their lifestyle. Kids are born and they grow up with these same skewed notions. There’s no drive, motivation is at a record low and the result is predictable failure even in activities that don’t require high level of education like small scale farming. Instead of poverty eradiation, poverty tradition is the catch word in this local community.

Paying the Price

“No gain without pain,” is an accepted phrase in modern social circles. The Bible in the New Testament is more emphatic and direct on this issue. In the letter of Paul to Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Although this verse refers to spiritual sphere of life, one can glean and draw parallel lessons with whatever God given natural talent or ability.

In the Parable of the Talents, another Bible reference depicts three characters who were entrusted with different share of talents. Two of them made good use in multiplying the amount, one hid and returned the one talent as it was. Each of them was rewarded according to what they brought back except for the one of one talent, whose natural drive locked on neutral or reverse experience, hence no pain in working hard to multiply the talent, therefore had no gain for even the one talent he was given was taken away from him.

In Romans 8:18, we read, “For I reckon that the suffering of this present time not worth to be compared with the floor which shall be revealed. All these scripture references have relevance albeit from a spiritual perspective, but can serve as pointers to gaining success.

The Olympian Within

Years ago, certain musical lyrics stroke a chord in my heart. Little did I know these same lyrics would have an indelible effect on my life. One such is the song title ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey. This particular song’s lyrics tie in well with the sentiments echoed in the book ‘The New Dynamics of Winning. Perhaps I enjoyed melody more than the lyrics. Today, it’s the reverse as life has taken on more meaning and has a different ring to it. Reading about the examples of champion personalities cited in this book has triggered and given more meaning to Mariah Carey’s song ‘Hero.’ Today, the lyrics speak volumes, “There is a hero, if you look in your heart…”

Not only do the words resonate with the dynamics of success in whatever activity one engages in life; they also sit pretty well in bringing out positive self image as a key ingredient to achieving success. But over and above all, Dennis Waitley, the author of this book also echoes similar sentiments in gaining the mind set of a champion for unlimited success in life.

Integrity

Success is relative. To one, it’s the acquisition of wealth, to another, its fame. But real success is the fulfillment of one’s heart desire in life whether its riches, fame in the various disciples. Bottom line, doing what one loves to do best. In the book, the author gives examples of peak performers in the sports by exploring their personalities. It is this common denominator found in these champions that Dennis uses to draw conclusions that have culminated in the publishing of this book – that of ones integrity.

Personal Experience

Nearly a decade a go, due to circumstance beyond my ability, I was forced to consider a change in career, and opt for creative writing. Once the switch was made albeit with a lot of difficulty, suddenly, I realized that I this is something that satisfies, truly satisfies my heart desire. Ever since, then writing has become a ritual. I may not be there yet, but am working on it, and am confident that success in this discipline is beckoning.

Visualization of Victory

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” A Chinese proverb says. This proverb best illustrated visualization of victory. Unless and until one can visualize the end result of ones toil in activity, it will be impossible for one to get to the preferred destination. It doesn’t have to be earth moving activity; one can draw examples from simple everyday life like in traveling. Creating a mental picture of the end result of a journey is key to making it to the destination.

Personal Experience

In my everyday writing hobby, whether am writing an article, drama for a radio or television program, the scenes of the drama or article for example must play in the memory of mind to get the dialogue on paper for the characters. Each character then becomes alive and takes over to write their own subsequent dialogue lines, once life has been breathed into them. They also walk and talk their way through a conflict seeking a solution to problem at hand.

Self Confidence

On a daily basis one juggles around with a number of things in life. My life revolves around writing, formal employment, writing and reading. While its easy to sit write, it is not the same with all other activities in life. The head gets tired at some point and so does the body. It is at this point that reading comes handy to help me shed off fatigue and inject new blood into the system. It has taken a while to fall into the routine of these events but with time my self confidence has been boosted with each passing moment doing one or the other activity.

“This is the first day of the rest of my life,” is phrase I recite every morning to get me going through the new day.

The Quality of Leadership

‘No man is an island,’ someone once remarked. Whether one is a leader or a follower, one finds oneself in one or the other position. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand and be sensitive to the need of other people a round whose lives touch or rub off yours, whether they are being led or leaders, to create an enabling environment conducive for one to succeed in life. This is more entrenched in the chapter in the book dealing with quality leadership and how it helps to forge success in one’s life.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way?

Several things come to mind, thumbing though The New Dynamics of Winning book. One is the magnitude of resilience. Unlike before when I so easily gave up pursuing a goal, I have now learnt to stick with it until the end, and the results have been greatly encouraging. It started with creative writing. Recently, I had to complete and hand in a business plan something I had never done before. It’s about the time my focus on the end product than the challenges of the moment took on more meaning.
This book is a God send.

4. Quotes

A number of quotes stand out in this book. Here are a few of the many

“Motivation is motive in action.” Reading this definition of the word motivation the book has given it more oomph from a practical point of view. This definition goes beyond the simple dictionary. By breaking down the word into its two constituents, crystallizes not just the meaning but also lays emphasis on the end result.

“The best way to motivate people is to put them against one another…” This quote from Thomas J. Watson, Jr former CEO IBM almost always produces negative results. In the words of Waitley, the author,”the effect is to stagnate or penalize the will to achieve.” I couldn’t agree more.

“Don’t wait for the miracle or that break or the right time. Today is your day. “ In Bible talk, the word is procrastination is used in stead in putting off a decision to make a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation 3:20,
“Behold, I stand at the door and know; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sap with him and he with me.

Although, the verse is usually lifted out of context, nevertheless, it serves the purpose of warning for the emergency of heeding the call of salvation. Needless to say same applies in every day real life. Now is the time. Remind one of the priceless quotes from Mother Teresa. “Don‘t wait for someone, do it yourself.”

“…I needed someone pushing me.” This quote from Mary Lou in chapter two titled ‘Paying the Price’ is relevant to us all. Cultivating the desire to win may take the form of a nudge from a friend or a family member. We all cherish those moments of encouragement to take a step forward towards achieving our goal in life. It was true of Mary Lou and its true in my case although in a different field and way.

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

None at all

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

Yes.

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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Pschocybernitics 2000
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea that runs through the book is Self Esteem

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

(a) Self Image
Nearly every one of us at some point in time suffers a set back of one kind or another. The loss a loved one, poor health, or career change. Any of these can set one back ages resulting into poor self image and esteem.

“It’s your ‘desert’ experience’ – a time of feeling barren of options,” explains Dr. Del Zoppo a psychologist and bereavement specialist. “The important thing isn’t to allow yourself so be stranded in the desert, he adds. Such was case of a lady friend who turned to me for help at hour of need came to see me for words of wisdom. She narrated the following story.

I had just discovered that mum and dad abandoned me in my infancy. About this same time, Alf came into my life. From gram’s explanation of the volatile situation I entered into this world, I needed someone to talk to about the feeling of rejection bottled inside of me … In a short while, Alf and I got romantically involved. … But the relationship didn’t last very long. Alf began to make excuses for not wanting to be together. What I didn’t know at the time is that I was his second violin. He had his first love kept a secret the whole time we went out together. After Alf ditched me, I had trouble adjusting let alone coping because I had invested my whole life into this relationship.

Shortly after this encounter, I met Andrew and within three months, it seemed every piece of the jigsaw puzzle I had in my wish list for the man of my dream came into place.

“This is too good to be true, something bad is bound to rip us apart” I thought. As a result of such negative vibes, I developed s poor self image of my self that would later greatly affect my love life.

These excerpts taken from unsolicited, unpublished manuscript book ‘Distant Dream’ Daphne and I are working on formed the basis of our sharing together. Although these parts of the book were done earlier, reading Psycho-Cybernetics book has helped crystallize the importance of a positive self image and I intend to pass the same to the main character of this book.

(b) Societal Status Quo

Tribalism is the number one bone of contention in Africa, particularly Kenya with as many as 43 different ethnic groups, speaking different languages and ascribe to different cultural practices and belief. Adding the minority ethnic status quo and individual person’s personality conflict is a recipe for disaster. Deep gaping political wound exist between tribes in Kenya that will take generations to heal, if a positive conscious choice isn’t made for the good and future national development of this county. Maltz words in chapter twelve – Removing the Glitches from Your Personality on the sub heading Emotional Scars, beautifully summarize the current political upheaval and animosity between the tribes in Kenya.

(c) Career Change

For some building a career takes a life time, others it takes a short time. Career change is therefore the last thing anyone would think of considering the many challenges it posses. But people do change careers every now and again for some reason or another. The more opulent reasons for changing one’s career have nothing to do with it being fashionable. More often than not, one is forced by circumstance beyond ones scope like disability, deprivation or promotion and/or demotion.

Such has been the case lately in Kenya; many people particularly young people have had to shift gears with the advent of Information Communication Technology. That shift has impacted for some old folks negatively while others positively. Those old folk have also been forced to change for them to remain on course. The government too has stepped in to stimulate and promote wealth and employment as the following piece appearing on one of dailies reveals.

“People in rural areas will soon be accessing internet, thanks to a partnership that seek to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.” These words screamed from the daily newspaper and jumped right out of print demanding readership. ‘Now there’s something to write home about,’ I thought. The title of the write up had long grabbed me by the throat.

“Rural areas lined up to access cheap Internet.” But that is only the tip of iceberg, it gets better and better, as one thumbs through the article to note two giant reputable firms, Equity Bank on the one hand, and Safaricom, the success story by the run away local mobile company on one hand and another financial institution on the other are behind this intervention.

Such changes mirror a society on the move and the prime movers are individuals who must first look at themselves squarely in the eye and, adjust to a new style of life, cope and live. This takes a positive mental attitude, and the emphasis is on the individual.

(d) Setting Goals

WEBSTER defines enthusiasm as “an intense, profound, and eager interest with a liveliness of imagination for object believed to be worth.” This in effect mirrors goal setting.

“One who aims at nothing, will always hit it,” is a cliché that provides profound truth on goal setting. But the goals must be in the words of the author SMART for one to succeed. In using the analogy of the acronym outlined by the author, a reader does not fail to find these simple steps easy to follow and adapt to.

(e) CRAFT

One can change not just the individual but the surrounding society and have an impact on the world if one wants and chooses to use the five simple steps outlined in Psycho Cybernetics in the acronym CRAFT.

Cancel – Those who have been or are sick know that the recovery proofs depends more on how one feels. Many times on my walk on this road I felt like giving up. “What is the use?” I frequently asked myself as the negative thoughts would come flooding the mind. The same would block the brightness of the day in my life. Realizing the hardship of coping with negative thoughts and condition of my frail body, I decided to cheer myself up every morning by canceling them and instead,

Replacing - the negative with positive thoughts. “This is the first day of my life alive, I will make the most of it, including being happy that I am alive.” This has since then become the talisman that I invoke whenever fear and doubt assail. Reading this book has engraved these positive sentiments in my mind.

Affirm – Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word as “to declare to be true”. The biblical definition of salvation hinges on a declaration of ones beliefs in A Supreme Being – God. This declaration is based on truth, which the apostle John in the New gospel quotes the words of Jesus “…And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. Without sounding preachy, declaration has to do with proven facts – the truth, and that truth has the power to transform ones life and set one free in all spheres of life.

Focus – Once one’s mind is locked on a purpose, the focus becomes sharper. I began sharpening my writing skills though study and engaging in writing on a daily bases five years a go. Since then, these efforts have not only become my second nature to read and write about anything and everything I lay my eyes or hand on; these efforts have paid off beyond my wildest dreams even though I had no grammar school background and never hardly touched literature books before.

Train – A donkey is my favorite domestic animal and for a very good reason. A donkey is versatile, resilient and obedient most of the time anyway unless mistreated. A lady in the neighbourhood who retails and sells maize in small quantities to individual families, maintains her supply and stock, by hauling in two or three bags of maize on her donkey. Of interest in this context is the story that gets told, how this donkey will walk back home on its own because it has been trained and has mastered the route The story gets better, the donkey also carries a pack of money in notes form inside a manila sack wrapped around its neck. This is a safety precaution incase some guys get smart to rob the woman.

We too can reprogram our servomechanism to Positive Mental Attitude. However, one must also take safety precautions walking that road that the measures taken do not become stumbling blocks instead of blessings. Changing the routine may be difficult, but not impossible. In the same way, changing our negative self attitude to a positive self may take time but it is possible, if one desires and choose to train in that line.

(f) Nature show the way

I stood waiting for public transport to our home town the other day as a teenage mother of three walked by. There was reason to believe the three little bundles of joy were hers. But I had to ask,

“Tell me, are these kids yours?” said I. In my culture, such a question is as normal as breathing fresh air. In a different community and culture I’d be hesitant to ask a similar question, even though it may sound harmless and legitimate. “Yes indeed they’re” she enthusiastically replied. But the next thing happened, which literally garbled and held my attention for quit a bit. Shortly after the three kids walked by, the mother carrying the youngest, the other two boy and girl aged around 3 and 5 trotting along, the way. The little one seemed anxious to get down and do some of her own walking instead of enjoying the free piggy back all the way home, a hundred yards from the main road. It is only logical that the mother carry and protect the little one along a busy road. She also could use some breathing space heaving the young girl all the way from the nearest shopping center nearly two kilometer away.

The moment the souls of the little girl’s feet touched down, she was floating with excitement to walk. In that ecstasy, she stumbled and fell. Institutively, the mother reached out to lend a hand, which the young kid flung away suggesting she needs her space to do her own thing, alone unaided.

Watching these events unfold with curiosity and interest, the search engines of my memory sprang into action spooning something I read earlier by Joyce Meyer in the column ‘Living Well’ in our local dailies entitled ‘Stay Positive, Refuse to Give Up’ “When a baby is learning to walk, he/she falls many times… wrote Joyce. However, the baby is persistent. He/she may cry for a while… but he/she always gets back up and tries again.

On this mid morning, nature showed me a practical side of life, which is not only true of kids but also adults as well. Without overstating the obvious, adults could learn life’s simple lessons to strive to have a positive mental attitude to combat challenges, we would live stress free lives and in a clean environment.

(g) Failure Vs Success

Failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing in itself. However, that depends on what is one’s perception. If one lets negative thoughts ride him through the storm of doubt, failure stares at one on the face through and through. However if failure helps one to shift through the rubble of confusion that was his or her life and find a footing then success comes into sharp view. Either way it boils down to one’s self image. Negative feeling and attitudes towards self and others, lead to failure are always going to be a part of life, it how one handles these emotions that makes the difference in the long run

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both

In the day to day interaction with people particularly members of my local community, I have come across and know people whose lives can change for the better, if they had a good self image and esteem of themselves. Below are a few that I have earmarked to try and make contact with a view to helping see the need for a positive self image.

a) The wife of a pastor in a local congregation church, where I live has too much weight problem. This is causing a lot of friction between the two and I have often been called to help smooth things over as a friend of the family. I’d like to try and get the wife to read one of these books if that would help restore effective communication for the two to discuss the issue and try and work out a solution because their communication on the subject with husband has hit a dead end.

b) A friend and a colleague in the ICT sector has a problem with alcohol that’s literally wrecking his life and has caused him two marriages already. I have been at pains trying to talk him to take drastic steps to change his life without little success. Now that the books are here, I can use some of the principles and examples to help guide him out this mess. He genuinely wants to but he keeps going back because of bad company.

c) Communication – A friend and I have recently started a blog on the internet for a local community meet up to share problems and challenges that face the region. We trust this will help bring the young people to a round table discussion where they can express their opinions without fear of victimization.

d) These two last books have literally transformed my personal life. Since I started reading them, the light at the end of the dark tunnel of my life is glowing brighter everyday as I practice the principles suggested in the book. I would like to share some of these thoughts either in writing or verbally giving local examples to the young people in this local community they can identify with. The ultimate is to encourage and challenge a few youths at a time, who in turn would do the same to create a ripple effect of transformation of other young people’s lives in this region and beyond to bring healing in a country torn apart along tribal line.

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 number of quotes stand out that have been of great help and inspiration to me reading this book. Particularly of great interest were the quotes on the servomechanism: the Mind. Here are a few of them and they are many

Maltz Wrote, “each of us carries a mental blueprint or picture of ourselves. In fact it may not be consciously reconcilable at all. But its there, complete down to the last detail.” I couldn’t agree more, one’s self image, which originates from the mind determines his actions and shapes the future. This is the hidden personally of the human anatomy clothed in a body, the one and only one real one. Life vicissitudes can and may put a dent on the body but it won’t crush a person’s mind if the person chooses to think positively at every step of life.

“The Mind: Automatic Guidance System…” This is one part of the human body that never takes a break, goes to sleep or on vacation anytime. However, tired one is, the brain continues to churn out and synthesize myriad thoughts in trying to make sense of the world around and how one can cope. We just don’t use it well enough particularly in bringing the left and the right side of our brains to work together.

“Anything that has been learned can be re-evaluated and challenged. Anything that has been challenged can be “relearned” with a new data to replace the old.’ This further indicates the superiority of mind over everything else in living a successful life.

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

“Fake it till you make it,” this is one phrase that I have a problem with in the whole book. The word fake conjures a notion of unreal. How can such transforming life principles be faked, I have difficulty with that word within this context of importance of Psycho-Cybernetics. However, to help me assimilate the concept without negativism on my part, every time the phrase comes up its canceled and replaced in my mind with a more pragmatic one’ Believe it until you make it.’ Perhaps its just me, but I would rather believe than fake these principle.

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

Yes.

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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Giant Steps
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea of the book is expressed and summarized through the book's title 'Giant Steps - Small change to Make a Big Difference. Anthony Robbins, the author of this book explores each of these 'Giant Steps in each of the twelve chapters starting with 'Dreams of Destiny to the 'Ultimate Gift in one's achievement of success in lire. In between, different chapters act as the building blocks.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

A number of fundamental ideas to achieving one's ambition in life leap out, grabs ones attention a drags one to read through the book. Here are seven of the many that were of immense importance rant to me.

Dreams that wont go Away

These were triggered by the author prompting to take a moment and dream about what I really want in life. In response, I couldn't think of anything in the whole wide world I'm passionate and at home doing then creative writing. Perhaps that's because there are no gurus in this field. Every last creative writer sets his/her own goals then follow through to achieving them. Oh there is the usual grammar, spell check, and principles of communication to take into consideration. But all these pale in comparison to the heart fulfillment one derives from the exercise. As far back as I can remember, all I ever wanted is to put pen to paper and share my thought, experience with others and make sense of the world around through creative writing.

Shooting for the Stars

On decisions and goal setting, the author presents one of the most exciting and challenging exercises to stimulate the readers in asking the all important question,

“If you had no financial limitations, what are some of the things you'd like to have and experience?”

Instead of the five minutes set time for the exercise, I got lost in a world of my own imagination and fantasy.

If I had no financial limitations, I'd travel; see the world as I write drawing from past and present expereices and dreaming of the future. I'd also have a local rural community fm radio station on air run by a team of trained dedicated self motivated staff reaching homes and hearts of thousands of the local folk with simple messages of hope for self improvement and personal development. Then I'd love to live a comfortable life with a little extra money to spend on others without feeling awkward. I'd definitely continue doing volunteer work like there will be no tomorrow. This provides me with relief from stress and opens the gate valves of my skin to breathe liquid air and make my heart pump so loud.

But above all else, I'd diligently study to sharpen my wring skills devour every page of the Bible, journals, good novels and every last self improvement book, I lay a hand and eye on.

In one phrase, I'd shoot for the stars.

Improving My Serve

Another one of contribution goals set out in the book which greatly ministered to me is the existing opportunity to make a mark by creating a difference in other people's lives.

Taking up public speaking engagement for example to motivate young men and women in this county to think talk and walk success is one area of priority am considering improving my serve. High school is the best place to motivate the youth as they prepare to enter a harsh world of cut throat competition in every sphere of life, where only the fittest survive.

Kenya youth could certain do with a little motivation to steer clear of tribal inclinations and animosity to build a united nation where citizens live and work in harmony for the good of the country, instead of the being incited by tribal chieftains and village heroes/heroens to engage in acts of violence as the country witnessed during post election violence of 2007 over disputed presidential election results. The youth don't to be need reminded by song lyrics to wake up; they need to be self motivated.

The ultimate success formula discussed in the book brought to mind memories of the steps to good writing as a career.

a. Precise - There is no better place or field in which precise is an essential ingredient as in creative writing. The economy and choice of words that create a mental picture in the mind of the reader cannot be over emphasized. Such is true in writing and other disciples.

b. Actions
“Actions speaks louder than words, the old adage goes. The Bible's admonition in James 1:22 is more precise and to the point.

“But ye be doers of the word and not hearers only.” It is not enough desiring to success in one's preferred field, one has to take action to practice, read and practice some more particularly in the case of creative writing to sharpen one's skills, stay relevant, and widen one's scope of understanding. The same is true in business, athletics and all other spheres of life.

c. Planning something to finer details is part of my old man's teaching I remember him for.

“Son don't work harder, work smarter,” dad always reminded me. In writing as indeed business or athletics one has to plan every detail. It took me awhile to get the hang of things, am still working on ways of organizing my writing materials, but the result of dad's distilled wisdom of planning things to finer details, is paying off hugely. In writing, one must be absolutely clear in mind and see the article in its final; cop sometime before putting pen to paper.

Beliefs -

Observing human behaviour is one of my most fascinating pass time activities these days. Although for no other reason, other than trying to find reasons for and against certain human behaviors; I do it to make sense of the world around. Until one takes a hard long look at oneself, one will not understand others. This is what I had to do first by embarking on observing others.

Traditional cultural beliefs are at the core of most African progress. Our system is choking with don'ts with a few odd do's here and there that are no match for the don'ts. Individual lives have been hampered and sometimes ruined because of paying too much attention to these beliefs. Some of these practices are retrogressive like widow inheritance. Time and space wouldn't allow an exposition of one or the other in this paper. But reading 'Giant Steps has helped me take a fresh look at the so called traditional beliefs that have shaped my life and to a large extent determine the way we all turn out in life. In my own way, I shall not let these good for nothing, outdated beliefs stand in the way to achieve my ambition in life.

Questioning Society Status Quo

Equation and questions are supposed to yield answers, like one plus one in marriage equals one. It doesn't matter what system of calculation one applies, whether one is using new math of Spike Abacus or the logarithm of Carey Francis. However, most society status quo questions have no answers. This is the greatest undoing in one's determination to achieve in the African traditional society. Kids grow up with skewed notions of what's expected of them, no questions asked. By the time one is old enough to make one's decisions, usually, one's worldview is so impaired by society's status quo, one can't think straight. Until we old school generation come to a time of prayer and fasting to encourage the next generation to ask questions, however irrelevant and stupid the question may sound, we shall have made no indelible mark on the lives of the next generation.

Celebration of life

“Celebration of Life: is a catch phrase doing the merry go round on our local dailies in the obituary column of the departed loved one these days. Relatives and close family members in this county will go to great lengths to put down exemplary qualities their departed beloved one had or what he did. I find this rather disturbing (no pun intended), that we should spend time and resources on a supplement to eulogize someone, who may have badly needed that kind of money before and no one would give him to improve his/her life. This got me thinking of the question of one's identity posed by Anthony Robbins in chapter 10 on the keys to an expanded life.

“What makes you different from all other people on this planet?” Perhaps the best person suited to write his/her own obituary is the dead person. He alone knows what he/she has seen heard, that is tucked away in his/her brain/soul more than anyone else. This also calls for a concerted effort from every last one to keep a journal.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

The ideas expressed in 'Giant Steps' have revolutionized, changed my world view on things and prompted me to take action to commit to put every last one of these ideas into practice (one's I have not started using already).

The illustration of the honeybee on day twenty five is priceless and sums it all up for me.

“…the bee unknowingly gathers pollen on its legs, flies to the next flower and sets on motion a wondrous chain reaction that results in a hillside awash with color.” Once the issue of many years of dented self image and esteem was put on the shelf through Positive Mental Attitude, great doors of opportunity swung open. It isn't so much the monetary gain that drives, though that is a good side to any undertaking; rather the real satisfaction of my heart comes in serving others. Two moths ago, a friend and I created an enabling environment for the rural youth to discuss through the internet. Today the number of members has risen to thirty nine and more are joining. This is truly encouraging. We are also discussing engaging the youth in the possibility of taking a stab at local video drama production; the first production is due in April. All these are as a result of the encouragement from reading self improvement books to create linkages and a ripple effect in the local community like the bee.

4. Quotes

A unique characteristic of this book 'Giant Steps is in its use of pivotal quotes from renowned individuals. These quotes are really spot on.

“Nothing happens unless first a dream,” by Carl Sandburg sets the tone and tempo of the book in pointing out the importance of decision and goal setting. Perhaps to put it mildly, a dream is like a vision - the ability or instance of great perception especially of future development. To paraphrase McDougal in expressing similar sentiments, 'One's achievement is only limited by one's dream'. That's is where it all begins, like the Chinese proverb,

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” that first step in this case is the dream.

“Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm,” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

WEBSTER defines enthusiasm as “an intense, profound, and eager interest with a liveliness of imagination for object believed to be worth.” It is this eager interest that sets apart achievers in life. Today's youth culture obsession with self consciousness seems a world away. Fundamentally, things have changed so drastically for the youth in the last forty year that it's hard to pinpoint one thing as the main cause of these changes.

Social, economic, and political upheavals have ushered in a new dispensation in youth orientation, in which fashion, music, social behaviour and media hype focus attention on the youth as never before. But the one thing that has revolutionized youth culture more than any other is the advent of ICT. Any youth worth his/her salt has at least a mobile phone, has access to the internet, is a member of several groups (face book being one), and is a regular contributor to in one of the blogs. In a world where the youth are enthusiastic of this new technology therefore make full use of it. This is one cheque the youth are cashing in every bank around the globe.

“Imagination is more powerful than knowledge,” Einstein. I can only speak candidly of my own situation, it wasn't for imagination, I'd be at a loss in creative writing.

“One can't help but be in awe when one contemplated the mysteries of eternity of life, of the marvelous structure of reality,” Albert Einstein. This quote by Einstein probes the mystery that'd called 'life.' One could devout page upon page by breaking this statement into segments and looking at the word contained therein to get more insight into the true meaning of this statement. A quick glance reveals two key sections 'eternity of life (future) and 'marvelous structure of reality' present. But without the past, there would be no present, and without the present, the future would be non existent. One thing comes across fairly strong, the existence of a supreme being (God) who spans the eternity of life, the one who put together the marvelous structure of reality.

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

None at all

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

Yes.

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 at all.

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

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

How to Win Friends & Influence People
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea expressed throughout this book is Human Relations and its effects on success.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

Reading Self Improvement alongside Spiritual Devotional book, has not only been a double blessing but the challenges each poses compliments than contradict one another as many would have us believe. Human Relations affect every sphere of us like from family, finance to politics and economy of a country to name a few. Listed below are just some of the many areas human relations tend to affect if most but more than the others. Here’s an example:-

i. Finding Fault
In Selwyn Hughes Devotional Book, ‘Everyday With Jesus – Treasure for the Heart,’ a whole chapter running over sixty days period is devoted to the Lord’s prayer. There are a number of intriguing points in this priceless little book, but the one in connection with Dale Carnegie’s second principle in the book ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People,’ is pegged on the word “Our,” in the prayer. In the words Hughes,

“We will never get far in prayer unless we come to it prepared to sacrifice self interest…” how so true this ties in with the numerous examples Dale gives. Giving honest and sincere appreciation to others than finding fault goes along way to making and maintaining a health and hearty human relations in any field or sphere of interaction.

Recently, a young man came round to where I was laboring typing away filling a form for a youth group am involved with for a grant. John glanced at one section of the form and kindly made a suggestion that sounded so intelligent, I thought for a moment he should have been a genius. He then literally blew my mind away by his insights into the subject of dealing with young people which I thanked him profusely for. But that’s even before I read this book. Now in hindsight, I can see how the simple sincere thank you is dolled out to John made such a difference. He was more than willing and sit through hours with me to help fine tune the document, all because none of his suggestions was on fault finding.

ii. Power of Praise

“Don’t Criticize, Condemn or Complain.” These words lifted off one of the authors principles to win friend and influence people are invaluable. Several years ago, an article I wrote entitled ‘Dialogue of the Deaf’ for a local magazine was published, in which I emphasized three hindrances of communication in common everyday life. Here one statement in the three paragraphs,

“Anger has a great power of destruction…more hurtful than the injury that prompted it.” Today, if I were to rewrite this article, I’d change a lot of thing in light of Dale’s principle: “Don’t Criticize, Condemn or Complain.” Not only does the alliteration works out beautifully in this trio, there a lot more to learn from these three stooges. Instead one would be wise to replace these words with a simple word “Praise.” Praise is the magic word in human relations. Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s great leaders put thus,

“I will speak ill of no man…and speak good of a everyone,” that is distilled wisdom

iii. Superior Smiles

Once I had an appointment with a staff member of a local NGO working with farmers in the local community. One Monday morning I arrived for the appointment and had to wait for the man for a while. I always carry a book or something to read while waiting to be served or queuing in line for something. So I put my head around the next office to explain my mission and kindly ask if there is a place to sit on as I while away time. Two things happened that day. One Christine, the lady seated behind the computer table had such a smile on her face that could light knock off one’s socks. Not only did she enthusiastically welcome and find me a place to sit, she actually brightened my day with her smile. I made sure I told her so before leaving. On my second visit, she must have heard or noticed my presence and she came around to say hallo. She is not only a smiling face she does have a heart for and patience to serve. This is something Dale greatly encourages for business persons in one his chapters. This is what I have chosen to call – Superior Smiles.

iv. The other Person’s Point of View.

“It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others.” Adler.

“If there is any secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see something from the person’s angle and as well your own.” Whichever way one looks at human relations, bottom-line, the other person’s point of view countless a great deal in every life interactions, the basis of Dale principles in ‘How to Win and Influence People.’ Henry Ford,

v. Talk of Other People’s Interest

“Talk to people about themselves,” This quote from Disraeli one of the leading lights in England has a lot to say about human relations. If one wants to generate a lively and hearty conversation with a friend or influence others to see things in a different light for change, the secret is to engage the other person’s interest on the subject matter. This kind of approach will work wonders in a short time and has long term effects on friends and other people.

vi. Leadership

“We Lead Others Follow.” This is the catch phrase on the rear windscreen of one of the local transport bus companies in Kenya. Rummaging through the last chapter of the book brought a fresh memory to this phrase. It also got me thinking which kind of leadership the bus company is advertising.

One only hopes that the company’s kind of leadership isn’t autocratic or laissez faire, but democratic in nature, both on the road and in the office management. Only democratic kind of leadership is characterized by consultative decision making in which the leader plays a guiding role. Carnegie devotes a huge chunk of the volume on leadership because it is the cog that turns the wheel of fortune in business and oils the rusty joints of human relations in everyday life.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

Making other people feel important is a key cornerstone in winning friends and influencing people. One can’t go wrong using this principle in al spheres of life. In the Bible this principle is summed up in Jesus’ teaching,

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” This is a simple straightforward statement, yet one that least practiced in real life situations, one that I intend to use to the maximum to bring change to this tribal ridden country of Kenya, starting from the local community I live in.

4. Quotes

Never once had a chance of reading a book with so many magnificent collections of quotes from people who have mastered the fine art of human relationships as ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie. Perhaps, rightly, Winning Friends and Influencing People is at the very centre of success which hinges on human relations.

“Education,” said Dr. John G. H. former President of Princeton University, “is the ability to meet life’s situations.’ This quote comes fairly early in the preface of the book both as a warning and worrying concern. Often fold particularly (young people) view education merely as a means to get money or rich quickly - the get rich quick syndrome. In that sense, education is a worrying concern. Others, probably the more elderly persons go after education to bolster their positive standing and improve communities and countries of their origin, in that respect, education fits the bill to meet and solve life’s situations.

Hans Selye, another great psychologist said, “As much as we thirst for approval, we dread condemnation.” The two words, “approval,” and “condemnation,” are like poles, they repel at each other. It is hard for one to do both approve and condemn in the same breadth without causing another persons heart injury. Yet it is so easy for many of us to condemn than approve, as a result human relations within a family, work or social are always tenuous. A number of examples come to mind. A workmate Mr. Wesley and I couldn’t get along despite the numerous trials and attempts on either one’s part including our superiors. For some reason or rather, Wesley felt I wasn’t honorable enough addressing him on any issue. He felt I had to literally beg for permission to make decisions in duties under my jurisdiction. There was always bad blood between us. Finally, I could take any more of it; I resigned, simply because I didn’t know any better in dealing with such a situation. That was a wasted opportunity but it did provide me with a great learning experience in life.

“There’s nothing else that kills the ambitions of a person as criticism from superiors,” - Schwab. Although criticism can be both constructive and destructive, the later is more harmful than the former in many instances of human relations. However earnest, destructive criticism is undeserved in life.

Growing up as a young lad, mum and dad wanted nothing but the best for me. Only the two didn’t know any better than to scold and call me names. Not only was this devastating at the time, the long term effects were more destructive. It took a real effort on my part later to forgive my mother for repeatedly saying,

“I buried a human being and left the placenta,” referring to me in connection to what she perceived as clumsiness. That sentence alone did more harm than good in my entire life growing up.

“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see thing from that person’s angle as well as your own.” These words from Henry Ford, a man whose success in the automobile industry depended on other people’s contribution speaks volumes, one his trust on other people’s judgment on his business. The other is humility. Instead of acting the ‘Boss-man’, who is always right, he doubled in the two roles of servant and master beautifully. Not many high and mighty men can juggle these two positions successfully, yet Henry Ford’s example is a showcase of his ingenuity.

Prof. James V. McConnell, a psychologist at the University of Michigan says,

“People who smile tends to manage teach and sell more effective and raise happier children.” Two striking priceless values in life come to light in this sentence. One, a genuine smile will do wonders at home and at work. In Kenya where a lot of folk enter into business simply on the basis of carving a niche for themselves, not many of these people pay attention the best ways of handling clients, as a result, dozens of these businesses wind up due to poor management skills. Sometimes the loss of revenue may not put a big dent on the entrepreneur’s bank account, but there are far reaching effects to the individual, which also spreads into one’s family relations, community and country.

Similar sentiments expressed by Prof James are echoed in the ancient Chinese proverb,

“A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.” Add Dale Carnegie’s piece, “Your smile is a message of your good will,” and the jigsaw puzzle is complete,

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

None at all

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

Yes, relatively few in comparison with twin book by Dr. Dyer – Real Magic, but that is the beauty and uniqueness of the individuals.

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 at all.

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

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

Real Magic
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea of this book ‘Real Magic’ is Purposefulness in Life.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

“Miracles happen because one happened to me.” These are the lyrics of the refrain of an old gospel tune, which stroke a chord in my life years ago. Today these words are more than a fine tune and well thought through words of a song by a composer. The words have come to mean literally what they say in my life presently particularly in reading this book.

i. Miracles
The Bible and other books are laced with essence of life of miracles that happened to individuals. I have a few of my own I tacked away in the secret corner of my theatre of imagination and written down in my journal. Here is an excerpt of one from the journal of these miracles:

Not long after I came out of a two week comma following a severe bout of malaria, my nights became a constant stream of dreams. Hardly a single night passed in which I didn’t encounter a relative, particularly those in the families who have passed on. But the one I remember most is the one about my guardian angel. In the process of recovery my mind constantly drifted between dreams, anxiety and unbidden voices from a world.

In the vision a bright light illuminated the cube my energy drained body curled up on the hospital steel cold bed. I couldn’t recall the time or day. I had practically lost tract of time during this period. Suddenly, the intrusion of this powerful bright light jolted me from a deep sleep. Standing by the bedside was a lovely young blonde of about thirteen. She wore a spotless white blouse over a flowing silk skirt touching he toes. Her face shown like that of the one describe in the Bible of Moses when he came down carrying the Ten Commandments from God. Stunned and dumbfounded, I watched this magnificent sight with awe and wonder, mine eyes riveted on the blonde for what seemed like eternity. She just stood there and watched over me without a word but with a smile that could light up the world. Out of the blue, she disappeared the same way she appeared.

From that day on, I have relived the experience in my memory many a time, more so when darkness of doubt and fear assail me as it does so often as the miracle plays back in the theatre of my mind.

ii. Relax, Surrender and you’ll pass through the gate\

In college, I needed one extra credit hour for graduation. There were few one hour courses available that intrigued me. One of my interest had been taken. Swimming, the one I dreaded most was the only one remaining on the list.

Grudgingly, I enrolled in the course. The first day of this session, I nearly passed out because of fright at the pool side. All along the fear of mass of water had presented a huge challenge that stood like a sore thumb in my life. There was also the big size of the class and the instructor wouldn’t bother much with people like me who had more obstacles to overcome before taking these exercises. I therefore had to involve and pay a friend to tutor me privately. This involved paying for two at a private pool, plus lunch or and a drink. Despite the pain of extra payment, I still couldn’t gear up to simply float on water as the combined efforts of my private and course tutor indicated.

“Relax and you’ll float, “Malya, my private tutor repeatedly told me during the private sessions. But no matter what I did; I still ended up taking gallons of water.

One day Malya said, “Collo you’re not willing to learn.” That did not go down well with me. “Oh how do you mean?” I responded with a tinge of defensiveness in the tone of voice. “The secret is to surrender, relax and you’ll float.” She then gently drew me closer, held and took me to the deep end of the pool and announced, “Now here is where it begins,” said she. “Just like that huh,” I said not certain she meant to drown me in the process.

“Alright to help concentrate, close your eyes, let your guard loose and imagine seeing yourself floating. Desperate and time running out, I took her up on her advise this time round and viola, the water took me up on its teeth and held me afloat. I wanted to relive this experience for long but Malya tapped me on the shoulder and when I opened my eyes, she beaming with joy, mine own stinging with tears of excitement, I had passed through the gate of the thirty hour one credit course, on my way to graduation.

iii. The teacher will show up when the student is ready.

Visiting with a friend one afternoon, Frank my host pulled out a suitcase full of books from under the bed in his ten by ten feet apartment.

“A friend left some books her with me, would you like to read some and return soonest,” he said placing a dozen alligator volumes on literature on the table. All along, I had the fire burning my belly to sharpen the tools in creative writing. This had almost turned into an obsession, yet I had not books and money to buy them. Thumbing through one I couldn’t conceal my excitement the heart doing summersaults, the air around warm I knew beyond any shadow of doubt I had been ready along time and the teacher had shown up.

iv. Cool, Calm and Collected

Cool, Calm and Collected is the catch phrase that did the merry-go-round among us teenagers in the late eighties early nineties. This idiom was used to describe a lady one admires, or has gone out with, and is so damn proud of the conquest.

Although this slogan mostly referred to conquest in the physical realm of life, the same is equally true in the spiritual sense, if one wants and chooses to have a different mind set other than the usually prohibitive negative one. It is hard but not impossible to shift one’s gears in one’s mind to control one’s thought and destiny, not by outdated demonstration like outburst due to anger; but by controlling one’s mind.

My entire adult life has been lived on the dictates of the physical at the expense of the spiritual, until I gave in to the spiritual on unnecessary worry and cares of life about wants, which seem to plaque me with each passing moment in life. And when I did, although with much apprehension from the physical department, the result as it is and continues to be nothing short of magic, real magic miracles every step of the way now.

v. Seeing is Believing

Whoever came up with the axiom, Seeing is Believing,” only stated the obvious. Human beings are creatures of sight. What one sees appeals more than what are in the realm of invisible. No wonder the Bible cautions about actions due to the demands of the physical body brought about through the eye.

The difference between visible and invisible is so pronounced many only live in the sphere of eh visible. A case in point is the attraction between the sexes, male and females. Often, men who take the leading role in initiating a conversation on most relationships, romantic or otherwise, go by what they see, rather than what they don’t or think. The physical world of things is so domineering that it dominates and controls most of our actions.

However, that is not to say there are no people guided by the spiritual – the soul. They may be relatively few in number, but they are there all the same. One only hopes that a few more would follow through the spiritual line of guidance than the physical to create a better and bigger world, where brotherly love abounds in sharing available resources, without the urge to dominate and subdue others.

vi. There’s A Hero

Mariah Carey, the legendary Diva who penned the lyrics of the hit single ‘Hero,’ in one of her debut albums, may or couldn’t have exhausted the subject of heroism that’s within one. But she certainly draws ones attention towards that direction if one listens carefully not only to the lilting rhythms, but also the meaning behind the lyrics of this song.

Every last one of us posses the power to change for the better or worse, should one choose and want to. All it takes is taking a close look inside one in the words of this song composer, arranger and singer. One doesn’t need external powers to say for example, quit detrimental humdrum habits like smoking, abuse of alcohol, drugs and substance. The power is right then to plug onto. My dad and I both had our lives wrapped around smoking, her chain smoker, I trying out as teenager at one time. We quit when we both each wanted to by looking for the power to do so from inside. The ability to achieve the impossible is available to every one who cares to reach within to find a hero, as Mariah Carey beautifully puts in rhythm and words in the song ‘Hero.’

vii. Gandhi

Gandhi isn’t just a classic movie. This motion picture has inspired countless leaders the world over. Watching the move Gandhi, main character played by Ben Kingsley, one gets the idea that great changes in one’s life, community, or country is not the result of extraordinary people in society (although they are), but ordinary people who have taken and transformed simple ideas like Gandhi’s nonviolence to great movements that rocked and brought down the British rule of that country.

It is many years that I watched this one classic and the sheer simplicity and effort of this man Gandhi is awesome to say the least. One can’t help but think of present leaders like President Barrack Obama of the USA who defied the odds in his background to become the greatest leader of all time, by shifting gears of though in his mind not only to improve himself as a person but his community and great country. It starts in the mind, in the sub conscious, the seat of one’s will power to change one’s direction and people in life. Gandhi’s was characterized by meditation and so mine is going to be.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way?

Nearly to decades ago to this date April 20, 2010, an overwhelming feeling came upon my heart, which had been buffeted for years by among other things lack of this or the other. If I didn’t engage in endless activity, farm work on the one hand, reading on the other, in between working with a group of youth, depression would have set in.

All along I thought I had a grip on reality and life but I was only deluding myself for without faith in God nothing really works and matters. There are times I even began to doubt I truly had that encounter with the Almighty. But the inner prodding provided the needed encouragement of the spirit to soldier on. The brightness of this light has been fanned by reading Real Magic Miracles by Dr. Wayne and finding a footing and place in that special theatre of the mind to control thoughts that are locked away and use them to improve self and others through sharing them on a one to one basis or whenever opportunity comes my way in the local community.

4. Quotes

A number of quotes stand out in the book ‘Real Magic by Dr. Wayne worth noting.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live, they’re which he has imagined; he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Beautiful words from Thoreau, one who has tried, tested, trusted in his dreams and lived as he imagined. Success comes at the end of the line. It is dreams that are the driving force to success. Unfortunately, a lot of folk have their priorities reversed, they think success first, yet without dreams to get them there, their lives become inconsistent with their imagination and the result is frustration.

“The soul never thinks without a picture.” This sentiment expressed by Aristotle, one of the great thinkers of all times was true then as they are now. It is in the mind that great inventions are wrought in picture form as one ponders over a new innovative idea of something significant and unique, one builds a mental picture of the exact replica of the same long before it comes through the assembly line

“There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that’s your own self,” I couldn’t agree more with the author on this sentiment. It is only me and I alone who knows the weaknesses standing in the way of your success. Equally true is the only person who has the power to change in these areas is you or me as the case may be. In the words of James Allen, the author of ‘As A Man Thinketh So Is He,” the mind is bedrock of all successes and failures in life.

“Our bodies are our gardens, to which our will are gardeners,” Aldous Huxley. As one closely involved with training work this creates a mental picture of growth and self actualization of students/workers in my mind and how the tender loving care of threes materials/handouts yield a good productive worker. I couldn’t put better than He did.

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

None at all

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

Yes, plenty and very challenging and 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 at all.

Rating

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
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

Goals
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea expressed by Brian Tracy, the author of ‘Goals,’ is how to set one’s goals and achieve them in life. However, one has to start somewhere to unlock that potential within – that somewhere is “a burning desire” to attain what one wants in life - the fire in the belly as someone puts it.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

i. Aims

As the old adage goes, “He who aims at nothing hits it all the time.”

The reverse can be said of one who has eyes locked on a particular purpose in life, is clear about regardless of the seeming obstacles standing on the way. The seeming obstacles are merely challenges to help one navigate one’s way to the top.

Goal setting is shrouded in mystery based upon myths. In this book, Brian demystifies and gives down to earth practical ways of setting goals.

Aristotle observed that, “the ultimate purpose of all human actions is the achievement of personal happiness.”

ii. Change

Alexander Graham once said,

“A man…owes very little to what he’s born with – a man is what he makes himself.” Similar sentiments are expressed by James Allen the author of the book, “As a Man Thinketh.” He said,

Circumstances do not make a man, they reveal him.”

One of my past pet pastime activities for years before I came to a time of hunger and fasting was being in a perpetual condition of constant worry wreck before I could initiate a change in attitude to this limiting habit. I would worry just about anything under the sun from lack of money, confidence to poor self esteem among others. I had all kinds of worry all lining up at my door step every day. However hard I tried, and God knows I really did try without much success because I was doing it the wrong way round. In a word, I was my worst enemy for any meaningful changes until I embraced positive mental attitude towards life and things did change really drastically.

iii. Strategic Planning

One of the key issues in my area of working with local community members and youth is in strategically planning for productive activities that would improve their lifestyle as well as that of their families. In this book, Brian dwells on the topic giving pointed useful guidelines that I find invaluable.

There is an old saying “Well began is half done.” Doctors say, “Accurate diagnosis is half the cure.” These sentiments are not only applicable in professional fields; the same is true in one’s personal life improvement. However, before one gets a grip on reality in life, one must strategically plan the way forward. The author gives four basic simple steps that are the hallmark of achieving success in goal setting. Here they are, couldn’t help revisiting them to engrain the points into mind for everyday and future use:

a. Asking and answering the question “Where are we now? This is the first stage of gathering data to get a clear picture of the standing point of business or organization.

b. “Where would we ideally like to be in the future?” This second question helps to clear the air about future orientation, if things worked according to hooey, hiccup notwithstanding.

c. “How did we get to where we are?” In this question, the organization or business would be answering ‘What did we do right and what did we do wrong honestly?’ ‘What would we do differently?’

d. “What do we do now to get to where we want to go achieve our goal?”

iv. Benchmarking

Benchmarking is a key ingredient in determining whether or not a business is on course towards achieving its goals – chief among them making profit. The same is true of other areas of life, for example one must if one desires to make self improvement progress in life put in place measures one can use to evaluate one’s progress. It’s not enough to run a business without measuring how it progressing. The same applies for an individual who sets up to attain a certain goal in life, sometime there are several goals.

During the past three or so years, I threw my self into creative writing as the main goal to attain in life. Recently, I have had to measure my skills against others in the publishing industry. I have set to write two publishable article every month and a book in two years. Having done baseline survey and identified what areas and the potential I am set to test the waters starting end of this month submitting the article for consideration. This is going to be my litmus test measurement for progress in creative writing.

v. Farming for Fun and Finance

A decade or so ago, if someone had told me to consider a career in farming, I’d have told them to take a hike before making their life miserable. Then I was still bursting at seams with this and the other of what life had in store for me. Little did it occur to me to prioritize to put it more bluntly, set goals. Only until the inevitable happened and I had to take stock view the situation in life as it unfolds with eventualities at my door step, did goal setting take on meaning. Today am happy farming alongside other engagements for it provides the needed nourishment and exercise.

v. Plan of Action - Roadmap

“No one plans to fail but many fail to plan,” someone once said.

Stated another way, “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.” These words ring true around business corridors. In every situation, they echo the six P formula for personal and business improvement – “Proper, Prior, Planning Prevents Poor Performance.”

Twice I set up and run business in two different fields. The first one was ok, because I had a lot of help from a lady friend who helped me with financial maters. Five years down the line, I sold out at a fairly reasonable price to a friend who requested that I stay on a while and train his staff. This I gladly did at a fee of course. However the friend took little notice of the glitches and future expansion I had recommended. A year later, the laziness folded. We both had massive lessons to lean from that.

Second time going it alone on the strength of the success of the first one without taking into consideration all the details of prior planning it turned out as a recipe for disaster. Having invested a substantial amount of money from the sale of the previous business, I thought, ‘Ah now I‘d just sit back and count my gains. That was the biggest folly of overconfidence without proper planning and documentation of at each step the business went down in a thud. It hardly ever picked up, always limped finally had to call it quits to take stock and reevaluate what went wrong. Only I wish I had read this book by Brian. Since then I learn to lose gracefully. Next up I am gearing for a third business undertaking. This time round, I have the details on the activities worked to the digit with structures in place for just incase eventualities having read this book.

vii. Sky is the Limit

“There is no problem so big God cannot solve it,
There is no mountain to tall …,
If he carried the weight of the world upon his shoulders
Dear brother he will carry you through.”

The above are the lyrics of a contemporary gospel tune referring to God almighty. Yet it is interesting that these same words can be said of each of us. Obviously one cannot carry the weight of the world upon one’s shoulders like Christ did on His way to crucifixion, but one can to a certain degree by using our God given in born creativity to solve the problems in life, no matter how big or small they may be. These problems are man made, and are; subject to solution if one want and chooses to

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way?

Reading Tracy Brian’s book ‘Goals’ has opened a whole world of exciting understanding in my life. This book demystifies the subject of goal setting, which is shrouded in uncertainly for many. It also offers a practical step by step guide to goal setting, an invaluable tool for those whose lives revolve around setting SMART goals to help them improve and achieve their life desires. My own life and those whose lives rub off mine will never be the same again as I purpose to use the guidelines provided in this book to set new goals. Having read the book and done the exercises, am using the practical steps to rewrite my short, medium and long goals, and they’ve greatly improved my perspective of life.

4. Quotes

Opening every chapter of a book with a quote as Brian Tracy does isn’t only a brilliant idea; it also draws the reader’s attention and foreshadows the topic of discussion making the reader’s attention stay locked on the topic. Below are a few of the many that really appealed to me.

* “Realize what you really want. It stops you from chasing butterflies and puts you to work digging fold.” Once one’s mind is locked on self improvement in one or the other area of ones life, have goals clarified, and then one is set upon a path to achieve whatever one desires. Until then one is only running around in circles ’chasing butterflies’ in the words of William Moulton Marsden.

* ”Each day that you write down your list of ten to fifteen goals your definition will become clearer and sharper.” I couldn’t agree more on this with Brian. From the day I started writing my goals down, not only have the goals become clearer and sharper; my life has taken off to new heights and levels of understanding of what living purposely in life is. It is like a new whole world unfolding when one writes down goals everyday, so exciting, so captivating that all I think of as the hours of the day wore on are the goals I write every morning. They set my life a flame with excitement of what lies ahead to achieve in life.

* Albert Einstein said, “Information is important than fact.” Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Imagination rules the world.” Napoleon Hill said, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve.” The above three are powerful words of wisdom, spoken by men whose imaginations have changed the lives of many me included. Imagination is the seed that germinates and grows to maturity and changes the course of direction in life. “Without imagination, man is as good as dead,” this is my own.

* “Make every thought, every fact that comes into your mind pay you a profit…think of things not as they are but as they may be. Don’t merely dream but create.” This is priceless.

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

None at all

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

Yes, plenty and every last one is truly helpful and rewarding.

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 at all.

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

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

Keys To Success
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

Science of Personal Achievement is the main idea that runs through the book. Adoption and appropriate use of these 17 Principles of Success outlined in this Self Improvement Book by Napoleon Hill is a recipe or success in one preferred field.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

i. Brain Station: The Biggest and Best Data Bank

The two charts on pages 116 and 117 which diagram thinking process were a big challenge and a great eye opener. Not may people know or understand how the brain functions. Even among the few people who have come close to making these observations, none comes close to Napoleon Hills. Outlining the six departments of the brain and how each department functions in relationship to each other makes a lot of sense for those who choose and want to change their thinking patter to achieve success.

The single greatest hindrance to ones success stems from the brain – the mind. We all could do with an overhaul in the six department of our brain; the result would be nothing short of desirable. Cultivating and maintaining A Positive Mental Attitude for example has been the one thing that has given me my life back. Here’s how:-

A throbbing pounding headache woke me up one early morning in a strange land only to discover that my breadwinner had lost his job, imbalanced and stone cold poor. When one is in a similar situation, the tendency is to whine and whimper thinking.

“I shall never get over this one.” Believe it or not anyone can bounce back to life quicker than they went down, but it takes a Positive Mental Attitude to life that makes all the difference. I could choose to spend the rest of my life wallowing in self pity or turn this tragedy to triumph. I chose the later. Sounds simple to say that now, but the tuning point didn’t come easy. Like anyone else, I went through a difficult transitional transformation period from the past to the present, all taking place in the brain station – the mind, what the author of Cybernetics Book refers to as servomechanism.

ii. Definiteness of Purpose

In most third world countries, Kenya included, the concept of self improvement is relatively a new idea. The books on this subject are only starting to be available in the local bookstores. Even though, a lot of young people grow up with skewed notions of life partly due to lack of this vital relevant information, and partly because there is no one to drum up support for this important idea. Many of these young people simply drift along in life without a definite purpose or goal to achieve. A good number of them end up taking jobs they don’t enjoy doing, except for the end month pay cheques that they receive, but in reality they would do without these jobs. Still others wind up in careers chosen for them by parents. Of course the result has been nothing but disappointment for the individual, in turn because it affects one’s productivity and has far reaching economic effects for a country such as ours – Kenya.

Napoleon Hill sums it up well, “Our greatest precious natural resource is not our mineral deposits or beautiful forests. It’s the mental attitude and the imagination of people of every generation… Our real wealth is the intangible power of thought. I couldn’t agree more. Without definiteness of purpose, a country like Kenya risks stagnation due to lack of economic vibrancy, which can only be generated through definiteness of purpose in her citizens.

iii. The Mastermind Alliance

“No man is an island,” someone once said. One needs other people to stimulate definiteness of purpose and hence the need for alliances. But it starts with oneself.

I take the reading of these self improvement books offered in this course very seriously and try whenever possible to apply some of the principles right away in life. Once I settled on the definiteness of purpose to become a creative writer, I then began seeking opportunity for improving and sharpening the skills as needed writing. In the last five years, I have read more books, and written pieces intended for publication than all the years of my schooling put together. The next challenge, and I am still working on it, is to find available avenues to share these writings.

Drama forms the bulk of my creative writing, yet there are very few outlets opportunities in the few media houses in Kenya. Then I read chapter two of Napoleon Hill’s book on Key to Success and the answer to the question, ‘what do I do next’ became abundantly clear – from a Mastermind Alliance. Two weeks ago we started a group to act, shoot and produce my drama scripts locally. If I had not read the book, I’d be still twiddling my thumbs waiting for a miracle to happen.

iv. Turning Tragedy to Triumph

Jokingly, I often tell my friends that the best thing that ever happened to me is was my father becoming jobless. Most of them think it’s a hilarious joke but deep inside I know it isn’t. Only something like triple inability could jolt and put my life back on course from aimless drifting along life’s pathway without definiteness of purpose and a dream to achieve.

The second stanza by Walter Malone cited in the book under the topic of Attitude towards Defeat beautifully sums it all, but the fourth line in the stanza is the kind of punch line that has become the talisman I invoke whenever ear and doubt assail me.

Wail not for precious chances passed;
Weep not for golden ages on the wane;
Each night I burn the records of the day;
At sunrise every soul is born again.

v. Priorities Amidst Pressure

The inner life of every human being is a battle ground on which forces for good secretly contend against forces of evil. There’s an impulse to make ambitious plans for the future or drift lazily with the stream. However, the cure comes from ”prioritizing.” Under ‘Time Management on the Job’ the author suggests a simple yet priceless practical ways of prioritization. It doesn’t matter how many tasks one has to perform, the secret lies in choosing which one(s) to be done first, today, now, later depending on the emergency of the tasks before one.

vi. Budgeting your Time

“Time wait for no man,” the old adage goes. Studying the Bible side by side with self improvement books has been greatly helpful in reinforcing the principles advocated for on either side of the spectrum secular or spiritual.

In the epistle of Paul the apostle to the Ephesians 5:16, he writes, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Although this verse of scripture primarily refers to the spiritual realm of life, nonetheless, it also has far reaching implications on the secular side of life. No one has more than twenty four hours in a day. The difference comes in one’s budget and use of time available. It doesn’t take a genius to realize how much time is wasted on mundane, unimportant and sometimes unproductive activities like gossip for example. If all this that talk time were to be properly utilized, every last one of us would make a difference in the local community, and society would certainly benefit.

I am reminded of a term in college, “firefighting” referring to students who were ill prepared during the course periods. These students, a majority would resort to burning the midnight oil towards the end of semester cramming for exams. Instead of diligently studying during the allocated course duration, these students would squander their time in activities that add no value to their education. The same is true of employees, whether self or not, failure to budget one’s time often result in undesirable outcomes.

vii. Going the Extra Mile

In my final year of college, I had extra free three months before graduation because of taking more credit hours earlier. I could seek job placement and chances were very good. Instead, I opted to do voluntary work, making PowerPoint presentations. The undertaking involved a bit of research, traveling, setting up and interviewing talents, all of which I had to do at my own expense. The management was only too glad to have me come, provided I sign up a contract to that effect.

Just before the end of the third month, a vacancy for the post of an assistant tutor fell vacant in the college and the director sought to know if I’d be interested. Unfortunately, I had to turn down the offer, because midway through the period, I had been approached by a different firm for a different post, which included a managerial position, something that suited me just fine.

Nevertheless, the college director handed me a handsome cherub at the end of my voluntary work, something I had not asked, or expected, simply because I was willing to go the extra mile. The rationale behind taking up the voluntary job was based on,

“I don’t get paid sitting idle. I also don’t gain experience in my preferred field, so why not give the time to voluntary work.”

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way?

“Everyone is a doorway to a community and every community a gateway to society,” the old axiom. “Everyone” here includes me. In reading and applying the seventeen principles of success Napoleon suggest, I am hoping to accomplish the following:-

Develop a vibrant personal environment that spurs productivity driven by positive values from within through A Positive Mental Attitude.

Inspire and work with as many young men and women as humanly possible to take stock of their lives and focus on their achievements whatever they perceive is of value to this beloved county - Kenya.

Lead by example – not to tell but show through action as in the idiom “Action speaks louder than words

4. Quotes

Several quotes intrigued me in Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Success. Particularly of great interest were the quotes on the servomechanism: the Mind. Here are some of the many:-

“Opportunity is everywhere, but it is fleet of foot. Even if you have the vision to recognize it, without a fast decision on your part, it will be gone.” This statement echoes similar sentiments expressed in the old proverb,

“The early bird catches the worm.” Life is awash with opportunities for everyone. The difference lies with each individual.

“Know what you wish to say, say it with all feeling you command, and then sit down.” In public speaking lectures in college, students are given tips. That doesn’t mean that we communicate effectively. One lecture put it crudely,

“Stand up, speak up, and shut up.” One of the principles of communication states,

“Mastery of content is necessary foundation for effective communication.” Unless one knows what to say, how to say it and leave it there without being boring, effective communication is a pipe dream.

But the one that really tickled me to bits by Napoleon Hill cites keeping the fire of one’s enthusiasm running wild.

“Sometimes when the flames of hope dwindled to a flicker, I had to fan them with everything I possessed to keep them from going off.” He then goes to explain how he did it,

“Feed your burning desire with images of your successful self. Stoke its flames so high that they burn your seat, so that you won’t be able to sit back in your chair and take it easy when you ought to be following up on your work on the day before.” This is priceless distilled wisdom

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

No

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

Yes.

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 at all.

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

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

Law of Attraction
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea of the book is summarized through the book’s sub-title ‘The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don’t’.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

Although the Law of Attraction has been around or quite a bit it’s fairly a new concept among other self improvement method in third world countries, Kenya being one. Every idea presented in this book is important to me personally. However, for the purposes of this exercise, I shall mention only seven.

i. Definition

From the very outset, the definition of Law of Attraction is certainly a window into this scientific approach to solving situations in life. Prior to reading this book, I had no knowledge there exists a Law of Attraction around everywhere. Sure I gave my attention, energy and focus to whether positive or negative; thought that came to mind, but not in any organized or constructive way as Michael Loiser outlines in this book.

ii. Words are Windows

I feel so sentenced by your words,
I feel so judged, and sent away,
Before I go, I’ve to know,
Is that what you mean to say?

These are lines lifted off from the first stanza of Ruth Berbermeyer’s poem ‘Words Are Windows or They’re Walls,’ cited in the book. These line, speaks volumes of the importance of using words to communicate. Words are the expression of our inner thoughts and they convey positive or negative feeling in one’s heart. In any kind of writing words are the vehicles that transport the intended message. The same is true in everyday life. In the Law of Attraction, it works both ways, for the one pronouncing and the one receiving the words. The right kind of words (positive) will yield more of the same to the sender and receive. The more negative words one uses the more negative vibrations one sends out and so are the more negative vibrations surrounding the sender.

iii. Deliberate Vibrations

The three step formula outlined in the deliberate vibration are not only simple to master and use on an ongoing everyday life, they are also practical and easy to understand. Once one identifies a desire in step of the formula, the law of attraction will go to work by giving one more of what one gives attention, energy and focus to as explained in the second step. The third step is allowing it to happen - fairly simple and straight forward really, the good thing is that it works.

iv. Clarity of Purpose in Life

Achieving one’s desired goals in life require that one is clear on what goal(s) one is pursuing. This is easily achieved by contrast. The two case studies presented in the book of Janice and Greg on ideal relationship and financial situation respectively brought into sharp focus the important of using contrast in determining definiteness of purpose. These two examples, presented mirror images of my life and were greatly helpful not just as exercises for this assignment, but also they helped me sort out my life as far as these two areas are concerned.

v. Vibrational Bubble

Little did I know before reading this book there exists space around me where the law of attraction is at work known as the Vibrational bubble, and my life’s goals, dreams are outside of it until I am able to apply deliberate attraction to haul them into through sustained attention, energy and focus on my desire. Now I do and I am in the process of doing it everyday to reap the maximum benefits from the Law of Attraction.

vi. Desire Vs Doubt

Doubt is the antithesis of desire; it will kill it quicker than nurture it to maturity. In Journalism, upcoming writers are forewarned, “When in doubt, leave it out.” Reason for these warnings is many, chief among them based on the fact that reporting thrives on facts alone and nothing else. In our situation here in Kenya, post election violence of 2007 presidential election results was largely caused by doubt. The man at the helm of Electoral Commission of Kenya stated categorically during a an interview and I quote - ,

“I am not sure Kibaki won,” in reference to the incumbent president’s election results, later. This one sentence among other emerging issues, ethnic rivalry notwithstanding cost the country very dearly, both in terms of loss of human life, and property of unknown value. The same can be said of individual’s perspective to achieve success in a particular field In Christian circles, some men and women having received Christ as their personal savior and Lord continue to be afflicted by paralysis doubts, the kind that reflects the actions of Peter and Thomas both disciples of Jesus Christ. Thomas even got a second name out of doubt which has stayed and is used to date, ‘Doubting Thomas.’

vii. Walk the Talk

Women novel authors have a special place in my heart because they put feelings in the words they use to describe situations. They also send that same vibration to the reader. Words alone don’t mean much, unless they create the sensation of particular situations or events that resonates well with the bubble around the reader.

In the Law of Attraction and in writing, the focus is on opening, body and closings sentences of desire, more like the three point outline, a favorite in homiletics (preparation and delivery of sermons). Once the desire is expressed in the present continuous tense, proceeded by “I am in the process….,”the body statement is formulated from the clarity list while in the closing desire sentence becomes the unfolding of what needs to happen to bring one’s desire to realization.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

The ideas expressed in this book on the Law of Attraction have been a real eye opener. Although relatively new, the concept of life they portray is practical in everyday life situation and the effects whether positive or negative affects one, those around, community, country and indeed continent and the rest of the world in one way or another.

Having been introduced to the Law of Attraction for the first time reading Michael’s book, I endeavor to make the Law of Attraction become a central part of my life to change my world view and those around me, especially the youth of this country.

4. Quotes

Reading the different sentiments expressed by those who have read this book by Michael Loiser at the beginning, first, these sentiments sounded like a sales promotion. But having read the book I am thoroughly convinced they’re a true reflection of what the Law of Attraction, Michael offers in this book ‘Law of Attraction,’ offers. Here are some of them:-

* “Michael Loiser’s message will change the way you view yourself and others,” Mary Marcadante, speaker and author, indeed it does. Not sure anyone who reads this book with an open mind would miss to experience the force of the ‘Law of Attraction,’ all around in one’s life.

* “If you want to really understand why your life is the way it is…here is the instruction book and it’s in plain language,” Mark Foster, Wigan U.K. I’d say the same to anyone who cares to make self improvement in their life having read this book.

* “This book supports the proposition that simplicity is the best design. Short and simple, the author provided good working outline of the principles of the Law of Attraction and then provides exercises to assists the reader in utilizing them,” Antigone W, Reader. My own sentiments too. I couldn’t have said it any better.

* “It is not enough to merely identify your desire; you must also give it positive attention.” These opening words about the second step of the three step formula for deliberate attraction are not only true of the Law of Attraction, but also in practical everyday life. The reason teachers of special education for children go through a special training program is based on the kids attention span. Adults for example athletes must focus and lock their attention in winning long before they set foot on the track and field event. The same is true for every last one of us; the more attention one directs towards ones desire, the bigger and better the chances of achieving the same.

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

None at all

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

Yes, the two case studies cited in the book are a master piece of work

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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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 1⁄2

Nonviolent Communication
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea the author is trying to convey in this book is Non-Violent Communication.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

i. Words are Windows

I feel so sentenced by your words,
I feel so judged, and sent away,
Before I go, I’ve to know,
Is that what you mean to say?

Although the lines of this poem appeared in an earlier assignment, they keep ringing the same tune of the importance of using the correct words in communication. A Chinese proverb says, “A word rushly spoken cannot be brought back even by a chariot for four horses.” Often times in the heat of the moment one may unconsciously or otherwise use violent communication only to regret having used those harsh words. Unwise rushly spoken words portray a lack of control and than what others see. Another proverb says, “Speaking without thinking is like shooting without aiming.” The Bible says, “A soft a soft answer turns away wrath.”

ii. Gift of Giving

Giving can both be rewarding and regrettable for either the giver or the receiver. Human beings are compassionate creatures by nature. But that doesn’t mean many are good at giving or does it imply that there are no impediments which stand in the way of compassion. Violent Communication is one major obstacle to giving from the heart. For example, children are a gift from God, yet the way some parents treat their children either through physical or verbal abuse leaves a lot to be desired. If gifts were retrievable, some parents would be denied custody of their children by the giver - God.

One of the hardest things that took me along time to come to terms with is the judgmental language; mum used to address me as a young lad. In particular; the one she often referred to me as a placenta.

“I buried a child and left the placenta,” she would remark in a fit of rage because I didn’t march up to her standards of doing things. Instead of giving me the benefit of doubt as a lad, mother’s mouth spewed scorn ridicule and abusive language. It took every effort imaginable in the world to forgive and forget but the scars lingered on because of the indelible impact the abusive language had on me as a child growing up.

iii. Communication Roadblocks

Someone has said that the reason human beings are given a pair of ears and one mouth is so that they may speak less and listen more. But we all know differently, the opposite is the case, a lot of folk have the gift of gab. Too much talk without concerted effort to understand the other person’s point of view is a recipe for disaster in communication particularly when violent and brutal words are in use. The following first four lines of a poem by Rosenberg the author of this book – Non-Violent Communication best illustrate the point.

“I can handle you telling me what I did or did not do and I can handle your interpretations, but please don’t mix the two.”

By way of definition,

“Communication is an exchange, a mutual sharing of thoughts, attitudes, emotions and information.” However, from above four line of the poem, something seemingly is a miss in the exchange. It is not hard to recognize from the feedback that the sender did not only observe, but also evaluated the situation, which led to this kind of reaction from the receiver. Words as vehicle of communication can be faulty, and unless observation tips the balance, communication can and will be counter productive. The combination of observation and evaluation in communication is likely to yield criticism which may or may not be the intention of the sender in the first place

iv. Identifying and Expressing Feelings

“Our repertoire of word for calling people names is often larger than our vocabulary of word to clearly describe our emotional state.” This observation on human language and use by Rosenberg, indicates how suppressed feeling and points out the importance of identifying and expressing tem to achieve one’s goal in a non violent form of communication, within oneself, with others or with a group of people. Building a vocabulary of words that express feelings that specifically and clearly name and identify emotions is one way of achieving this goal. Apart from that which is distinguishing between feelings and thoughts in communicating non violently. Allowing one’s vulnerability to feelings can and will also help in resolving conflicts in non violent communication.

v. Clarity in Communication

“The clearer we are about what we want, the more likely it’s that we will get it,” Rosenberg says. Clarity is important not jut in Non Violent Communication, but in other aspects of human life as well. For example in goal setting, clarity of purpose results in achievement of one’s goals in life. Vague and abstract language is not only confusing but also cumbersome and time consuming in the long run. There are of course other ingredients that go into making clarity a reality in NVC, positive language, concrete requests that call for action and when feelings are thrown into the mix NVC will establish relationships based on honesty that eventually fulfills everyone’s needs. These sentiments are clearly illustrated by the lyrics in the following song from Bett by Rosensberg.

“If I clearly understand,
you intend no demand,
I will usually respond when you call,
But if you come across like a high and might boss
you’ll feel like you ran into a wall.”

vi. Empathy and Sympathy

Just when is either empathy or sympathy appropriate to invoke? One is inclined to ask. These two words are world apart in meaning, yet are so often confused and used interchangeably without recourse.’ The result isn’t as always expected which only adds one’s frustration.

“Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing.” However, the general tendency across the board in conflict resolution is to offer a quick fix it solution by offering advise and/or reassurance to explain our own feeling and position. While in effect, empathy requires that we simply listen for the others observations, feelings, needs and requests, allowing others to express themselves before we turn on the spotlight of solution to resolve the conflict. This is the kind of dose Kenyans need presently following the 2007 disputed Presidential Elections results that cost so much loss of lives and property of unknown value. Having a coalition government in place is a step towards the right direction, but it this does not solve the problem of deep gaping wounds of tribal animosity. Kenyans need to stop, breathe a sigh of relief from all the blood letting, give themselves empathy, scream non violently or take time out to resolve continued tribal tirades to avoid a repeat performance of post election violence of 2007.

vii. Anger

Anger has a great power of destruction but its calmed by a gentle word just as fire is quenched by water.” Someone once said,

“Do not act in anger, it’s like putting your ship to sea in a storm you will easily shipwreck your reputation before the journey is done.” Anger is more hurtful than the injury that prompted it. It is through anger one looses self control. One then justifies the action saying, it is done with reason, but it’s seldom a very good reason. This is the reason non violent communication is so important in conflict resolution. The Bible says,

“The fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Blame game and retaliation are superficial expressions of ones’ inner unmet needs. By expressing our needs we are far more likely to get them met than by judging, blaming or punishing others, the Kenyan style during election campaigns.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

All along, I was under the impression that mastery of communication principles is all one needs to effectively share one’s thoughts, ideas, emotions and information with others. Little did I know that words used as vehicles in sharing can be violent until I had the opportunity to read Marshall Rosenberg’s book on Non Violent Communication – A Language of Life. This is the first and only book I have come across on the subject, all which is presented is brand new and exciting and I intend to put these principles into good use in my everyday interaction with other people whenever there is an opportunity in doing so.

4. Quotes

A number of quotes stand out in this book. Here are a few of special interest to me particularly.

i. “Do not judge, and you will not be judge. For as you judge others, so you’ll yourselves be judged.” Holy Bible, Mathew 7:1. An Arabian proverb says,

“The camel never sees its own hump, but only that of another camel. We all have faults when it comes to our blind spots.”

A Danish proverb says, “Finding fault is so thick where showing love is.” Instead of criticizing, we should be showing more love, after all its love that makes the world go round.

ii. “Let us become that change we seek in the world.” These words from Mahatma Gandhi, a man who fully utilized Non Violent Communication to transform simple ideas into a great movement which wrestled the powers out of the British Monarchy to give India independence are relevant today as they were back then. Change is any aspect of one’s life is inevitable. Anyone who does not change with the times and trend in life is as good as dead. But real change takes place through one’s thoughts even in the use of non violent communication.

The Bible is more emphatic on change,

“Set yourself as an example in speech in your life, love and purity, keeping a close watch on all you do,” the good book admonishes.

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

None at all

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

Yes, plenty and every last one is truly helpful and rewarding.

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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8

The Power of Intention
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

Intention, the main idea in this book is the power behind all creation also sustains it and links all creatures in one way or another.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

i. Unity in Diversity in Human Beings Anatomy

Dr. Wayne’s example of the dead Japanese women in the opening pages of the book whose cause of death was drowning triggered two incidents in my life that have had a significant impact in my relationship to the Power of Intention.

First, in the first year of high school, I took beauty. During such times, I felt peace flooding my heart being alone surrounded and immersed in God’s creative work of nature. Once I walked for so long in the sun and had to sit under shade for a while. Instead of coming straight up, my knees buckled, the head span, eyes clouded, the ears rang as the body slumped backwards hitting the ground in full force. Hard to estimate how long the episode lasted, but what followed has since then become a significant factor of the Power of Intention in my life. On the scene were three separate entities, two watching from up above in the air at the helpless body lying on the ground lifeless. One of the two, (I believe the soul), hovering above had remote connection to lifeless body, while the other had no form. The two entities above were not limited by space or time (spirit). Years later, two separate incidents occurred to me in, which a similar scenario was played back in the memory of my brain more than convinced me of the separateness of the body, soul and spirit in the make up of a human being. It takes the intervention of the Power of Intention (to realign oneself with this state of life).

Chapter two of ‘The Power of Intention summarizes what the author refers to as Faces of the Power of Intention, which I choose to call God’s Attributes. Following are a few of them that complete the list of seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why.

ii. Creativity

“Creativity is the mother of invention,” the old adage goes. But that is only as far as human beings go. Creativity originates from God, it His nature as is illustrated in several passages in the Bible. Genesis, the Book of Beginings, chapters one and two, outline the account of God’s creative acts in revealing Himself to mankind through general and special revelations respectively.

Psalm 19: 1 – 2 declares,

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.”

In the New Testament book of Ephesians 2:10 we read,

“For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” proving the point human beings are creative creatures owing to our origin – Power of Intention if one chooses to tune into and connect to God given skills.

iii. Kindness

Kindness is one of the attributes of God (The Power of Intention), and with many other scripture references God’s attribute of kindness is one, one can use to reconnect to this Power of Intention to fulfill God’s eternal purpose of in and through an individual. Here is one that speaks volumes.

Psalm 36: 7 – “How excellent is thy loving kindness,” the Psalmist declares.

iv. Love

“God is Love,” The Bible asserts. In line with this is Ralph Waldo’s observation on the word love,

“Love is our highest word and the synonym of God.” I couldn’t agree more. Without love, there would be no life. Fairly simple, straightforward and spot on, and love originates from God – The Power of Intention. Time and space would not allow us to indulge in looking at scripture passages in support of this attribute of God - love.

v. Beauty

A lot of folk, in particular African ladies go to great lengths to improve on the outward appearance. Obviously, a lot of African ladies are not contented with what they have or how they look. But whether spending time, energy and resources on making one beautiful takes away from or adds to the natural God given beauty is a matter of debate. Sounds ridiculous that a woman can preen in front of a mirror for hours on end adjusting this or the other just to look beautiful, despite the fact that she is an original of God’s creation therefore beautiful by nature. But the truth of the matter is if one could spend as much time to improve on the outward appearance, looking inside out to appreciate beauty as the gift of God, thinking beautiful thoughts and doing beautiful deeds, there would be no or little time spent on appearance. “Beauty,” as they say wouldn’t be “in the eye of the beholder,” but the originator – The Power of Intention who is God.

vi. Expansion

Life must be very boring for those who do not believe in life beyond the grave after physical death, however, the spirit lingers and lives on. This suggests the proposition that life expands, the very suggestion in this book one of the faces of ‘The Power of Intention.’ From the twelve disciples, grew a revolution of Christianity around the world, the only true religion with an upward trend.

Paul the apostle in the book to the Thessalonians admonishes the believers to embrace faith in Jesus that guarantees a life yet to be lived beyond the horizon in I Thessalonians 4:13 -17, summarized in one word – rapture is the transformation of lives from one state to the other – suggesting expansion.

vii. Unlimited Abundance

Throughout the Bible, one story after another illustrates God’s unlimited abundance for all creation, humanity included. In the book of Exodus is the account of the ‘Promised Land’ – Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. The Prophet Elijah’s encounter with King Ahab and his wife Jezebel causes friction and Elijah has to flee for his life. During this time he is on the run, God providentially supplies his needs, first through a widow, later on we read that the man of God is fed by Ravens. We read these two exemplary accounts of God’s unlimited abundance to Elijah in the Book of I Kings 17. In the New Testament in the gospel of Jesus according to Mathew 14:15 -21, is another thrilling account of the feeding of five thousand from two loaves of bread and three fish from a small boy’s lunch box. Again and again, God’s unlimited abundance is demonstrated, the same is available to us today if we choose to and want to tap into river that never runs dry. “Seek ye the kingdom of God and all these other things shall be added unto you,” is all that is required of you and me.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

It is one thing to know that everything is subject to the ‘Power of Intention- God, and there exists order. It is another thing to allow that ‘Power’ work in and through you as part of the master plan of the originator. This book ‘The Power of Intention’ has helped to clarify; a number of issues which are God given talents in using the seven attributes outlined in the book benefit of others and creation. I intend to fully utilize these seven principles in the day to day interaction with others through writing, speech and otherwise to enhance God’s Kingdom.

4. Quotes

Although I am not a disciple of any of the human spiritual gurus, I find thoughts and sentiments expressed by these men and women inspiring. Some of their insights indicate that all of God’s creation, really and truly connect in that spiritual sphere, this book advocates, as the Power of Intention. Here are a few if the quotes that stood and out and meant a great deal to me as part and parcel of God’s creation.

i. “To be empty, completely empty, is not a fearsome thing; it is absolutely essential for the mind to be unoccupied…for only then can it move into unknown depths,” says J. Krishnamanti as quoted in the ‘Power of Intention.’ There is a sphere that can only be reached through meditation by the emptying of the mind. This is a special moment in the life one when one connects to world that exists in the mind of those who know and practice meditation. It is hard to describe in words, the feeling one gets or goes through in that state because it solely revolves around emotions. Described in one word, it’s awesome.

ii. Shakespeare declared, “Our doubts are traitors and make us loose the good we often might want by fearing to attempt.” Selwyn Hughes in ‘Everyday with Jesus,’ One Year Devotional Book refers to these traitors as ‘deep disturbing doubts.’ So many miss out on God’s unlimited abundance of supply simply because many are not receptive to what’s available to them from the ‘Power of Intention.’ Instead of enjoying the bounty graciously provided, many doubt even where the next meal is going to come from, or what to drink because they are not connected to river that never runs dry

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

None at all

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

Yes, plenty the ten point program exercises did truly enrich my life.

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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Leadership For Dummies
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo Aballa (Kenya)


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

The main idea of the book ‘Leadership for Dummies’ by Marshall Loeb and Stephen Kindel are trying to convey in their own words is, “The concept of leadership that relies on teamwork, and consensus building.”

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

Nearly, all the ideas expressed in this book are important because the focus on a new concept of leadership that is almost foreign in Kenya, where across the board it is top bottom approach. However, for the purposes of this exercise, here are the seven earmarked.

i. Transitional Leadership

This is the kind of leadership former Kenya’s second President Mr. Daniel Arap Moi started off with to ascent to state house. However, once he was in, he entrenched himself and put his infamous ‘Nyayo’ philosophy in place to rule Kenya for a record time of twenty four years. But it wasn’t that simple. Long before then, a group of politicians who were also eyeing the same seat should the President be no more had vigorously engaged in the succession campaign and were fronting for changing the constitution to fit their bill. It took one snort by former Attorney General Sir Charles Mugane Njonjo who wasn’t in that camp to push forward the article of succession to be enshrined in the constitution which enabled Mr. Moi to ascend to power. Perhaps he too had his own motives, but he saved the day upon the death of the first president of Kenya - Jomo Kenyatta.

ii. Visionary Leadership

One of Kenya’s undoing is to bestow a lot of power on the office of the President and give him leverage to appoint (sometimes without consultation), ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of Parastatals, ambassadors and the list goes on. In itself, the exercise is noble after all what else would usurp the President’s energy like trying to match right people with the right kind of jobs. However, the problems comes in two ways, one is giving jobs as rewards to families, business, social and political handlers. The other reason of course has to do with (in this era of coalition), who the coalition partners have put forward for a particular post, whether or not the person is competent isn’t the issue, coalition is about give and take. Many of the state corporations in Kenya managed by Presidential appointees have failed and run the country’s economy to near bankruptcy. The sugar industry, the dairy farmers – Kenya Creameries Cooperative, Kenya Meat Commission, most of these have gone under or are in receivership reason, lack of visionary leadership occasioned by the present political climate. It is not enough for one to be a leader, one has to have and share a vision of the field one is managing so as to clearly articulate the goals, mission and work towards achieving them – that calls for visionary leadership.

iii. Expectations

Most seminars, workshops, and sometimes trainings begin with expectations. Rarely does a facilitator jump straight into the subject of discussion without first finding out the participants’ expectations and indeed the facilitator’s and for a very good reason. Obviously no one walks into a seminar, workshop or training without any kind of expectation written, spoken or otherwise. Yet seldom is this a common practice in business in Kenya, or social clubs. One would say the employee’s job description spells out what is expected of one, the same should be communicated in writing of the employer.

However, fast growing companies are beginning to embrace this noble idea, first during the interview, later on at work once in a while once one is hired. However, so many companies don’t even bother leading to failure and huge losses of investment, which in turn retard the economic development of a country such as Kenya.

iv. A True Leader

Leaders emerge to fill a void to meet human needs at a particular time in a particular country or community. Kenya like any country in the world would do well to demystify myths about natural leaders shrouded in tribal chieftainship. Our political problems not to mention that the field is dominated by certain individuals/personalities, thrives on inheritance of leadership. Not only does this belief hinge on tradition, the cause of all our woes including the disputed 2007 Presidential elections results and land clashes all find root in this type of leadership model.

Presently, all the three major tribes in Kenya that carry the political clout rally behind a son of a war veteran or freedom fighter. The Luos have the Odinga’s, the Kikuyus, the Kenyattas, and the Kalenjins, have the Moi’s. It is hard for young people to develop and hone leadership skills in this political climate because most young people are locked out of the equation that yields leaders in Kenya - that of inheritance. But not all is lost with the world becoming a global village and information flying back and forth, now with the help received from reading such books by Marshall and Kindel the youth can be challenged to take charge and see themselves as real change agents and not pawns in the political arena or even being tribal chieftains.

v. Taking the Door Down

The example given in the book of Olivetti boss Mr. Debenetti taking the door of his office off so that people at the headquarters could walk in and out at will with problems, suggestions, compliments, complaints and whatever else made work interesting then and is indeed inspirational in many ways.

“People were exhilarated, encouraged, supercharged and mostly unthreatened,” to use the authors own words.

Most of the offices in Kenya, particularly government ones operate on opposite side of this proposition by Debenetti. Doors in most of our offices are usually all the time closed except when the boss is coming in and going out. Gaining entrance to a CEO’s office in this country is like trying to draw blood from a rock. This in turn creates a huge gap in management which slows down productivity and hence the economy of the country. If only we have a few like Debenetti, Kenya would make great strides in economic development.

vi. Accountability

Gideon, in the book of Judges in the Bible, presents a typical example of a leader who created a winning team. Although there is divine guidance involved in the exercise when choosing men and the number required to win the war against heathen nations, nonetheless as a person, Gideon had before that exemplary leadership ability. He took charge in stamping out the worship of ‘Baal’ among God’s chosen nation - the Israelites and elicited cooperation of ten men to do the job. Later on, we read in chapter six of the book of Judges that Gideon is entrusted with leading the nation of Israel to fight and bring down the kingdoms of Median, Amalek and purge the Israelites from the temptation of worshiping heathen images through these heathen nation’s influence.

Through out history there have been men and women who had such leadership abilities. They did not have to literally fight, but became change agents in their own countries for the better. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Dr. Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania, Dr. Milton Obote of Uganda and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya. All these leaders have passed on, but the leadership legacy that marshaled and rallied whole populations behind them enabled their countries to attain independence from the colonial yoke.

vii. Creating a Winning Team

In the long run, coalition government arrangement is not the best settlement in running a country such as Kenya, with as many as fort two tribes. When it is inevitable like in the case of the disputed Presidential election results, it provides the only available workable solution to forge ahead. But however earnest the principal party leaders are, there are always unresolved undercurrent issues which derail progress. Corruption is just one of the issues that keep coming up as a thorn in the flesh of the present coalition government, simply because accountability is lacking. Let me illustrate, anyone singled out on a corruption case seeks the support of the party of affiliation. Instead of viewing the situation as a legitimate concern for the country, one cries foul citing victimization and party affiliates take sides because one of their own is being offered as a sacrificial lamb on the altar of corruption. One only hopes that leaders see the sense to isolate and deal with the problem thus making every leader accountable on such issues of the country’s economy and to allow independent investigations whose findings would be made public, only then shall we as a country be able to turn around the downward escalating economy .

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

In Kenya today, there are thousands of youth and women groups which were originally formed to solicit funds, ask individual members their expectations, all one gets is a blank face – no sound expectations, basically clueless. This is a tragedy that often explodes sending members in different directions without a accomplishing much as a group. Not long ago, together with other like minded young people in the local community, we started a thespian group to come up with home grown scripted and acted drama video production for local consumption. Everyone was so fired up at the beginning, a month later the group hit a snag. The group’s priorities had changed, soliciting funds overtook the original idea which further complicated the matter all because as a group we did not map out the terrain by spelling clearly the vision, mission, goals and identifying possible sources of funds for this project. Reading this book on leadership has highlighted some of the mistakes I did as a leader fronting the formation of the group. Now I know better and will follow the principles laid in this book to work for us to achieve our desired goal in the group.

4. Quotes

Several interesting and challenging quotes appearing at the beginning of each chapter helped to break the ice and foreshadow the topic of discussion. Here are a few that really caught my attention.

i. “The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they find them, make them.” Holy Bible, Mathew 7:1. An Arabian proverb says,

Three things filter though these words of wisdom by George Bernard Shaw. They are contained in the phrases “get on in this world,” suggesting movement; “they want,” has to do with making the right choices and “make them,” is the outcome.

ii. “I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are gong.” Making choices aimed at enriching one’s life, succeeding in business or any other field of one’s interest is part of a leader’s job description. This to a large extent sets the focus on resources, plans, mission and goals and gives direction leading to success in the undertaking.

iii. “Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” This verse from the Old Testament book of Joel 2:28 lays the foundation upon which the history of mankind is built on. “Old men shall dream dreams,” suggests looking back at life with spectacles of experience – sort of like flashback. “Young men shall see visions,” is forward look into life. Vision is what keeps one on track upon which the mission and goals are accomplished.

5. Is there anything in the book that you don’t understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree wih and, if so why?

No.

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

Yes and every one the exercises truly helped to crystallize the ideas.

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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Unlimited Power
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo Aballa (Kenya)


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

The main idea Anthony Robbins, the author of ‘Unlimited Power is trying to convey is every human being has unlimited power to do or be what he wants and chooses to in life.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

Although some of the ideas expressed in this book are similar in nature to others in other books, nonetheless, every author is unique and is in a class of his or her own. Another reason for the similarity could be due to the fact that other books came first in the course. However, a unique feature of ‘Unlimited Power’ is that the text is comprehensive in nature covering nearly all topics while other authors only specialize in one area. This makes this book special, plus Robbins approach is in a style of its own. One could lift several important points from each chapter, if time and space allowed. Here are seven that got through to me in a special way.

i. The Ultimate Success Formula

Nation Television, one of the local national television stations in Kenya, has its motto as, “Turning on Kenya.” Although the message does not filter through to every viewer, the analogy of the effect of light on darkness is expressed in the action of “Turning On...,”though subtle. Light dispels darkness and lights up the path in one’s life. If one chooses to turn on the light and sound of positive mental attitude, one will have unlimited power to success in whatever one wants to do or be in one’s life. This idea is given prominence in the beginning chapter of the book as Anthony Robins outlines four steps to ultimate success, vision – a ‘doable dream,’ action, knack to recognize responses and flexibility. These four are the blue prints to ultimate success.

ii. Emotional Makeup

Every once in a while, there is need for a face lift for a building, business, body or all of them at the same time, depending on different circumstances. You have probably come across such pronouncements as;

“Company under new management,” or “Office closed for renovations.” Such sentiments suggest a face lift of one kind or another. Other times the exercise goes beyond a face lift to a complete make over on the part of human beings or an overhaul of a car engine. Whichever way one looks at such improvements, bottom line, there is always room for improvement.

If one were to gauge ones emotional lows against highs on a scale of 1 – 10, chances would be the lows would tip the balance. Yet success depends on how one spends ones energy on positive or negative thoughts to tap onto the unlimited power of the individual.

iii. Finding Fault

“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as our own.” Henry Ford. These words of wisdom coming from a man who knows the importance of eliciting cooperation of others should act as everyone’s clarion call but people don’t. A lot of folk spend energy, time and resources finding fault than giving praise. It is all too easy to apportion blame instead of learning from mistakes to forge ahead and achieve one’s goals in life. The secret is to face failure as a friend and not foe.

iv. Success is better than Perfection

Indira Gandhi, J.F. Kennedy, Kwame Nkrumah, Tom Mboya; all these people have one thing in common, and that is they were all successful in rallying people behind them to achieve certain goals. Question is were they perfect? No, none of them was but their determination for success far compensated for their imperfection. They used the same principles Jesus used to lure people to follow him, putting people’s needs before their own. is wa In the book ‘Unlimited Power,’ the author calls it the ‘Birth of Excellence.’

v. Beliefs

The five supportive beliefs outlined in this text greatly helped to reinforce and crystallize things in my mind with regard to self improvement.

Attitude - A Positive Mental Attitude to life changes ones world view.

Environment – Often, one may think that one is a victim of circumstances environment simply because one is born and brought up in a harsh and hostile environment and success is hard to come by in life. While this may be true to some extent, it should not be viewed as a hindrance but challenge for one to tap into unlimited power within.

Education “Education,,” said Dr. John G. Hibben, former President of Princeton University, “ is the ability to meet life’s situations,” I couldn’t agree more.

Culture – Many are bound by the chains of culture to the extent that culture decides what the eat, wear, and generally how they live. That is self slavery, one that only the individual is capable of fleeing and not use as copout to achieving success in life.

Experience “Experience is the best teacher,” someone once said. But it depends on how one views past experiences to navigate his way to through the present time on the way to the future.

v. “There is no such thing as failure, there are only results.”

In the book Unlimited Power, the author Anthony Robbins recounts his early childhood life and a number of other people who came from ‘grass to grace’ by looking within and tapping to untapped reservoir of talents they possessed to make something of their own lives, than wallowing in self pity.

First time, I sat for the Kenya Primary School Exam, twice the results showed dismal performance. These grades wouldn’t take me to a government school. Second time, I barely scraped through and was admitted to a provincial school, which fulfilled my dream. If that hadn’t happened, I was prepared to repeat again and again until I get what my heart wanted, that’s what I promised myself and told m parents as well. Failure wasn’t part of the vocabulary that I wanted to identify with.

vii. Modeling

A whole industry clothing and design thrives on modeling. Designers go to great lengths in spending time, energy and resources n putting together such exhibitions just so that they achieve success. Models on the other hand, work continuously, tirelessly to keep in shape and master the catwalk among other things. The one day activity cost a lot of money in venue and celebrities remunerations. The same principle is given prominence in this text – ‘Unlimited Power,’ how one can actually succeed in modeling other successful people. But first, one must be absolutely sure of what one wants in life. God has endowed every last one with a complete fabulous body, all one needs to be successful in life. But until one sets one’s search engines to explore the hidden latent talent and unleash the power within, one will remain standstill and failure is inevitable. Working to harmonize one’s physiology and psychology takes skills but it is within ones reach and powers to do that to succeed.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way.

One of the wonders of modern technology is the innovation of the computer. The computer has become so vital and useful in life one wonders how we lived all those years without this gadget. It as an invention that has flaws. While it can store huge amounts of data, which can be accessed and retrieved by a click of the mouse, the same entire data can be lost just as quickly, deleted is the word for it.

Unlike the computer, the human brain also stores huge chunks of information only it can’t be easily gotten rid of like the one of the computer. Some of the information the human brain has in store is good and usable, others are bad and harmful yet they are there all the same all stored in the recycle bin. However, one can reprogram the mind to throw up only data one needs to use to enrich ones life that is where the secret lies, that’s the superiority of the human brain over the innate computer, and that too is the secret of success. Good thing is, though unpleasant experiences may plague one, one can choose to quarantine them through reprogramming.

4. Quotes

A number of interesting challenging quotes in the book include, but not exclusive to:-

“Action speaks louder than words,” someone once said. It is not enough to know where one is going, if one does not move a muscle one will never get there. Plain and simple.

Bunker Hunt, the Texas billionaire said, “Success is simple. First, you decide what you want specifically, second you decide you are willing to pay the price to make it happen, and then pay the price.” This quote support the proportion laid down in the book in the four ultimate formula to success. The beauty of it is, it is simple down to earth for anyone to understand and execute.

“Good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees,” J. Williard Marrot. These words mirror the meaning of life from both nature’s way and logic. From a logical point of view, the harder the work, the better and bigger the outcome or results. This is particularly true in all spheres of life, the higher the stakes the better the outcome or reward.

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

No.

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

Yes and every one the exercises truly helped to crystallize the ideas.

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

Not unless, I reread the book.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Goal Setting 101
Assessment by Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

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

The main idea of this book is Goal Setting and Achieving.

2. Seven ideas which were personally most important in this book and why are:

i. Goal Setting and Stroking

The importance of goal setting and achieving as a key ingredient to successful living cannot be overemphasized. During the last two months, I have diligently written down the most important goals in my life. Writing these goals has helped me focus on doing the most important things in life. It has also created the urgency within to achieve. All I now think of and dream about all day long are these ten most important goals. First, the goals seemed like wild ideas, today, they have crystallized into ideologies of my life. The playback of the success of these goals, in the theatre of my imagination is so vivid; it continues to being real with each passing day. The urge to do something about towards achieving these goals is an all consuming fire burning in my heart.

I see my life so drastically changed in the next five to ten years, more than it has been over the past two decades. Setting and writing down my goals, has given me my life back and the added dimension of self confidence, authenticity to speak about them with authority and complete surety with others I come in contact with, particularly the young people from the community am constantly in touch and working with.

I can taste the sweetness of the fulfillment of these goals, and see my life’s dreams unfolding before the eyes of my understanding like never before.

ii. Three Crucial Life Circles

All of us are endowed with great potential to be anything, anyone chooses or wants to be, the difference comes in what one does with whatever one perceives as a heart desire. Like the Ten Commandments God gave the Israelites through Moses, Gary has picked on ten different areas of human life one ought to set goals in. I find the ten areas extremely important, as they surround ones values which in turn affect the mission and decides on ones legacy.

iii. “Threeness”

The “threeness” pictorial drawing representation of Anatomy of a Goal in the book has a spiritual as well as secular ring to it in life. In Genesis 2:24 says,

“Therefore shall a man leave his farther and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” The ultimate goal in marriage is to (‘live’) as “One Flesh,” the strategy, separation from both parents (leave) and the benefits, which far outweigh singleness are many, love and affection, procreation among others. Then of course the wholeness of God the father, God son – Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit – Holy Trinity is also depicted by “threeness.”

In the traditional cultural senses common among most African societies, this “threeness” is best illustrated by the three legged stool, signifying completeness of the family unit as the foundation of clan or society. The three legged stool is not only revered as a traditional artifact, (although that too is an important aspect of the stool), more so who used. The old Wiseman in giving counsel and guidance to the community through settling disputes and foretelling the future did so sitting on the three legged stool. Every so often, the old Wiseman needed rest to monitor and evaluate everyday community (family) activities and make necessary adjustment that made every tribe clan of class, he sat on the three legged stool.

iv. Six Successful Goal Setting Questions

One of the cardinal rules in writing is to ask key pointed questions that lead to or provide fodder for the write up. Indeed as in other disciplines, asking important questions helps crystallize things. The same is true of an individual who has a burning desire in the heat to achieve a particular goal in life. He/she must if he/she wants to succeed, endeavor to and answer the five Ws(wives) and one H (husband) questions Who, What, Where, When, Why and How, of self. Obviously, these questions may be framed differently by the writer or goal setter but the key words above carry the day. Not only are these questions easier to remember, they also help probe and provide all the needed properties in the process of goal setting.

vi. SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Any organizational or individual effectiveness depends on two key elements, social and technical. These two are further subdivided into constituent components involving people and control (internal), on the one hand and change and projects (external), on the other hand. People and control (internal) are two areas particularly; Community Based Organizations (CBOs) face the challenges in achieving their goals. Of course external forces have a bearing in the life of a CBO; but the internal that plays a major role in the life span of the organization. The same applies to individual goat setting. The greatest hindrance to achieving ones heart desires in life is within and not without hence as James Allen the author of the book “As A Man Thinketh” says,

“Circumstances do not make a man, they reveal him.” Nonetheless, it is important to conduct Self SWOT Analysis to determine ones Strengths, Weakness, to identify available Opportunities and become aware of the looming danger of Threats. Although Gary, the author of Goal Setting 101 book does not elaborate on the elements of SWOT, an individual person’s SWOT Analysis is unique as we are all aware.

vi. Respect for Rights

Dogmatic and interactive process of struggles by different peoples throughout history has always been occasioned by oppression. These struggles collectively, dubbed human rights are the relentless pursuit of freedom (political, economic and cultural). That is on a wider universal scope. However, the struggles for what is right on a wider scale mirror internal individual conflicts – the right to success an happiness in Life. Although considered low key in comparison, individual internal conflict to achieve personal rights is by no mean unimportant hence the need for respect for rights and responsibilities outlined by Gary in the book. The outward demonstration against human rights abuses is generally a reflection of the internal individual conflict. Once individual rights and respects are gained, the overflow and influence will show on the external relationship and responsibilities in the community; country and continent.

vii. Put it down on Paper

Writing is an exciting and explosive way of expressing ones inner feeling, thoughts and desires. The importance of writing down cannot be overemphasized. Writing as a process helps in the discovery of self, others, and the world around. Writing things also helps clarify ones thinking, organize and explore which thoughts to focus on.

I am not exactly sure what I would do in life if I wasn’t putting down my thoughts on paper on a daily basis. It has been five years since I started seriously writing and the more I write, the more I want to continue writing and the more the sweeter it becomes. Reminds me of the lyrics of the refrain of a contemporary gospel tune, we used to sing in a local church choir some years ago.

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows,
The more that I love Him, more love He bestows,
Each day is like heaven my heart overflows,
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

All I’d do is temporarily replace the He for Jesus to experience the euphoria feeling of happiness of writing in my life.

viii. Contingency

Tracy Brian in his excellent book on goals calls it Plan B. Garry Ryan – Goal Guy refers to it as contingency Plan. In money matters a certain percentages usually 5-19% portion is set aside for incase of fluctuation in prices, this boils down to the same thing the above two authors of books on goals cite. Gary takes this point one step further by outlining three key levels one ought to take into consideration. But it is the punch line on this topic that carries the day as it drives the point home clearly and with ease,

“When it comes to contingency planning, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” I couldn’t agree more. I have often wondered whether or not God’s redemption plan of salvation after the fall of man could be classified under contingency or Plan B. Obviously, there are reasons for or against this assumption but that is a different story altogether.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way?

A few months ago, I elicited the cooperation of a group of talented, self motivated young people in the local community in the production of local video drama. This is something I always dreamed of doing – writing directing and producing video drama series in the local dialect, national language and English, the official language of communication in Kenya for local consumption.

We started the shoot on a high note with great enthusiasm. Somewhere along the line too as group, we got sidetrack from the main focus to solicit funds help the group run efficiently and effectively. As the initiator of this undertaking, I failed to put in place structures to maintain the interest. When the money didn’t come through as anticipated, the morale to forge ahead in the same sprit waned and the impending failure of the group to achieve its objectives came surging at me. I couldn’t shift and had to accept the blame verbatim.

I sat down and had a serious self talk; I could see the loopholes glaring at me. There was no mistaking we started and took off without defining our main goal in terms of short, medium and long term basis. With a great deal of persuasion, I have had to go back and seek this group’s support and address three pointed questions: “Where we are?” Where do we ideally want to be in future?”, and “How do we do that?” Asking an answering these questions has helped us as regroup and take individual and collective responsibilities and ownership of the group’s activities. This should have been done before. I learned my lesson to Plan Prior to Performance in future.

4. Quotes

A number of quotes stand out in the book. I have picked on two that spoke more directly to me.

i. “There is no speed limit on the road to success.” In normal everyday life, there are certain restrictions and limitations, in striving to achieve success there is none. How comforting and encouraging to know one decides how fast, or slow one gets to ones preferred destination – Success.

ii. “Reality moves you towards your goal; denial moves you away.” Success is real, one can see it all around. Denial is a form of self slavery, limiting oneself to attain what one desires in life.

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

None at all

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

Yes, indeed challenging and 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 at all.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 – 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? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9