New Page 1

After reading this book I found out that there always two sides of a coin, it is either positive or negative but this is dependent on our way of thinking. Allen’s focus is thoughts. I really do not disagree with his clearly presented facts on the topic. Experimentally, I am able to see the reason why a child of a rich and wealthy man succeed more easily than a child of a poor man. It is because the way he will teach his child to think. He will always teach success and prosperity with no mistakes. The author of The Rich DAD POOR DAD must have read this book to make up some stories or instances.

The family a child came out of will have effect on his thinking unless the child is able through reading and learning can change the way he thinks and this might just change his destiny. Additionally, I have been able to see that our thought has effect on our health and body, purpose, achievement, visions and ideals, serenity...

Sacrifice is one of the most touching aspect of this book to me, I quote "There can be no progress nor achievement without sacrifice,...." and "He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly" that is the reason why in an African setting, A ritualistic will make a lazy man to be rich and after some time or years he will start losing most important people in his life such as his wife, parents, businesses, children or even his life, to make great sacrifice for what he has got because he has not right thought.

Others phases which I found very important in our daily life for reference in this book include, I quote: "To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve" "The strength of the effort is the measure of the result" "...he develops a greater self-control and equanimity,..." "Self-control is strength. Rights thought is mastery. Calmness is power." "The people who live in fear of disease are the people who get it" In other words, I really do agree with Allen in every bit of his points on thoughts. Since I read this book, I have been very careful on what I allow into my brain to become my thoughts. Its really great knowing and reading this book.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Francis Abayomi

Jonathan Livingston Seagull story is amazing and it is a book that should be simplified or interpreted for every little child to hear and know (My recommendation).

Jonathan out of curiosity had to find out what he wants to become in life, although he had little knowledge of what he wants but still had to struggle with all obstacles and problems in his early life. He showed great Perseverance and steadfastness, he remained focussed to what he wanted in life. He understood his dream and he followed it with great determination and enthusiasms. Even his mother and father disagreed with him from be different and could not stop him or handle him.
Jonathan also learned, he was ready at all times to discover new skills that was showed to him not only that he was ready to pass unto others what had passed unto him, that is knowledge and skill. This was the greatest of all, he refuse to let circumstances make him run from doing this great task and he did this with all great diligence of heart.

I learnt a lot from this book, the most important is to always remain focussed, no matter problems and obstacles that come my way. Then secondly to always ready to learn more either on what I believe or my unbelief. Jonathan may be right for discovering more of himself, what if he is wrong? And people near him try to put him on the right track. "Simplicity" Jonathan embraced simplicity that was why he was sure he was not making a mistake. Then thirdly to always ready to impact any knowledge we learned or search for to other people that are ready to be impacted this knowledge.

I found most helpful, the idea that any thing one is doing, somewhere, somehow, sometime, we will meet people that has similar dream, minds or thinking, because there is no how one will be encouraged unless, one discourages himself. We are not and will not be left in the dark but similar minds and dream will always come together.

The Magic of Thinking BIG by David J. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Assessment by Francis Abayomi – Nigeria

I used more than Four weeks to complete this great book because I had to read over and over again to make use and master the practical aspects of the book into my daily life.

The Magic of Thinking BIG by David J. Schwartz, Ph.D. is about all aspects of my daily life from work school, family life, business life to mention a few. This book has changed my way of life and upgraded the pattern I used to in thinking positively.

One good thing I found very useful is that every point made in the book had life changing examples to support and reference, which most of it relate to what is happening to me or to a known person around my environment. The book has also taught me to read and compare other people’s life and thinking pattern to mine and to make positive improvement.

I do disagree with some of the points made in the book because some of the experiences cannot work in a country like Nigeria.

I found nothing lacking, grammatically or otherwise. The book had 13 chapters plus index for reference purposes. Each chapter had points and lessons to share.

Major points and lessons learnt:

Success – Everyone except none, wants or dream of success. Each time one faces the tendency of not succeeding I tend to take a look at this book most especially Chapter one of this great book, which talks about launching oneself to success with the power of belief by believing one can succeed, first thinking success, reminding oneself regularly and finally believe BIG. Defeating disbelief and negative power produce. Big results, making our mind produce positive thoughts is also very important because it will allow us to develop the power the belief and give us the opportunity to plan towards a concrete success building program.

Excusitis – Excusitis is one of my major problems in life and some other people. Excusitis is very difficult to avoid unless one is perfect but after reading this chapter two I think that we can only reduce this Excusitis. Reading through the second chapter, I discovered different types of Excusitis, health, intelligence and luck. I have now recognized and master Excusitis to the fact that I try in my own little capacity to avoid it and educate people very close to me about Excusitis and making reference to the book.

Confidence – Before now, I had the opportunity to learn and practice how to be confident and overcome fear, but major words I learnt from this chapter is given me more confidence. Words such as Action, positive thoughts, understanding attitude, conscience and doing what is right. I have been a student and still a student but I don’t like to be a front seater and making eye contact with my lecturer, all because I don’t want to be recognized easily. Following these procedures in Chapter three are challenges and I love challenges that will make me walk 25 percent faster.

Thinking BIG – the most important and fascinating chapter in this book, dealt with major aspects of my life most especially, my relationship with my family and my marriage. Using these procedures to deal with my weakness in my marriage and family life.

One thing I don’t use to do is conducting a daily interview, which is now very important in my life.

Another great point in this book that I refer to is each time I’m about making quarrels, confrontation or conflict with people is “ think above trivialities and concentrate on what’s important” this statement is an advise. An advice I give to people who wish to make quarrels, confrontation or conflict with another people.

Dream creatively – This is the continuation of thinking BIG, practical of how to make use of our thinking. The practical life story referred to in page 86 really is a picture of what is happening to me right now, but the sentence made in page 87 keeps me going I quote “where there’s will, there is a way”.

Sell yourself on yourself – This point is an important aspect of one’s life, but I found out that it is the most challenging and demanding aspect, which I found to be difficult for me to do. This book has showed me how to sell myself and am going to really work on it.

Put service first Attitude – this is an aspect of my life that I have grown up with and learnt from my parent but am still trying to figure out if am going to continue with this attitude because this attitude of putting service first does not work/pays in Nigeria. I found out that am always cheated and people in Nigeria use the opportunity to exploit misuse, maximize the service you give to them or doubt whatever service given by not paying you the right fee of service. I don’t support this idea in Nigeria; it might work in other countries but not here. Most successful people here in Nigeria do not adopt this attitude at all.

Thinking Right – I’m very likeable person and I make sure that any environment I’m in, I affect and contribute to my environment positively, if I’m not around I get people to say to me, we miss you, you absence cost us this and that. Over the years I learnt a lot from my parents. If I have a problem, I’m always lucky to get out of it because I have a lot of good people to assist, I make friends and even now I have friends spread in different parts of the world, countries such as Benin, Togo, Canada, Nigeria, UK, America, Liberia, Asia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia to mention a few.

Action Habit – From an adage which says that a millions years journey start with a step. This aspect is a major testimony in my life; I finished my Higher National Diploma in 1999 and I needed to get an additional Four years bachelor degree to work in a comfortable/big firm. Additional years to my qualification, which most of my colleagues counted to be a waste of time and afraid of going through the whole process once again,

I had to put procrastination and excusitis aside and took a major decision in 2002 and you can’t believe it, now I have less than nine months to get my degree. If I had hesitated and allowed my colleagues to convince me, I will probably never be in the final year not to talk of a bachelor degree. Putting action is an important aspect of one’s life – pronto.

Victory – I noticed one thing I always practice when I fail an exam, I may feel defeated or disappointed at first on hearing the news but afterwards I don’t feel defeated or disappointed, in fact I talk about it the more and facing the reality of re-sitting for the exam once again. On re writing the exams I am more determined to pass the course more than the other exams am about doing for the first time. I believe in the Yoruba adage which says and I quote,” you don’t allow fire to burn you twice consecutively”. I use this phrase each time I feel defeated or cheated even with people when I lose. It is an opportunity for me to learn more; I encourage myself and correct my mistake.

Goals – if someone does not have a goal, there is no way one can put an action into work that was talked in chapter 10. I believe setting up goals before action. Going through the procedure in chapter 12 will put these success-building principles to work.

Leader – This last chapter is one of the most important and my favorite, in this book. Being a leader starts with one state of mind and thinking is as upgrading your computer system, it works more faster than you even think, work with more people and make more friends.

Conclusion – I am happy and feel great to be part of the generation that had the opportunity to read one of these great books of David J. Schwartz. I recommend the magic of thinking BIG to everyone that has the opportunity of reading it. For me the book has touched every aspect of my life. I will read this book once again and pass it on to others. I also recommend that this book should be read once in every two years, because this book has more than enough advise and success stories one needs to master to be able to succeed in life.

Real Magic by Wayne W. Dyer
Assessed by Francis Abayomi (Nigeria)

Real Magic is one of the most outstanding books of all time and of which I have ever read. This great book has had a great and magnificent turn around in my daily life through meditation, beliefs and ideas through the mind and thoughts and the inner guidance or teacher.

The Real Magic made me to remember the story once told to me by my late grandfather few years ago. He once told me a story of a young child and an old man, the young child asked the old man, what is the faith of the Bird he is holding behind him, if he opens his hands, this was a test on the intelligence of the Old man. The old man replying the young boy, he said the bird destiny and life lies in the hands of the young boy. He has the power to give the bird freedom and he also has the power to strangle the bird in his hands and take the life out of the bird.

This made me to compare this short story with Dyer’s book, the Real magic. Our thoughts, mind is the bird, our Lives is our hand, we have the power to make it free with the help of Dyer from his book and the old man are great people like Dyer, Rev. Janice Gorman, Micheal to mention a few.

After reading through the book very slowly, I discovered that every page of the 325 pages of the book is very important with lots and lots of life changing experience, quotations, letters, prayers, poems, practical, life’s lessons and life changing steps that if one believe and follows one is on the right part. It is difficult but I believe if it can be done years ago before Real magic was written it can be done till the end of this world.

Dyer used his great experience to talk about all the good qualities a higher human being should possess and how my soul or my invisible self should aligned with love, harmony, giving, truth, sharing, peace and forgiveness. – Page 104.

Part 1
CREATING AN INNER PATH FOR REAL MAGIC

Major points that touched my heart are:

My purpose is to give, to serve, to promote peace and prosperity and to become totally, unconditionally loving to all people. – Page 12.
Behave in ways consistent with love and harmony and do not be attached in any way to fruits of your labor. – Page 15.
When the student is ready the teacher will appear – Page 17.
Replace the belief that something you are capable of imagining in your mind is impossible with the belief that is possible. – Page 29.
You have the capacity to create miracles and live a life of real magic, by using our invisible self to influence your physical reality. – page 37.
If we believe we are souls with bodies rather than bodies with souls, then the invisible eternal part of ourselves is always available to us for assistance. – page 41.
For every dollar we spend on peace we spend two thousand on war – Page 52.
Let’s work together to make it happen. – Page 63.
All that you fight weakens you; all that you support empowers you. – Page 70.
You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger – Page 72.
The vehicle of meditation offers innumerable opportunities to resolve conflicts – page127.
I know I have the power within me to create a life of fulfillment and Joy.
Some other pages that had great impact on my belief are spread all over the pages of the book.

As a young peace builder, I linked the problem solving attitude to Page 51 that says spiritual beings are not against war, they are for peace and spend their energy on working for peace.

Page 58 shows me to picture anything that seems tough or unusual for me to accomplish – this is relevant to me during my examination period, which at each time seems so difficult and tough to accomplish. I now see the essence of meditating before writing examinations and going within.

Page 85, shows me my happy marriage life is an example. I don’t see it as coincidence or simple luck, I followed my inner voice and got wedded when friends, relatives least expected and when my wife and I were jobless and till now we are still doing very fine.
One of the most important pages of the book is page 120 that encourage daily meditation, seeking guidance in the silent invisible empty space that resides in all of us and discover the invisible intelligence and loving guidance available to us.

Part II and III
The two parts; applying real magic awareness in your everyday life and radiating real magic to the world are the practical aspects of this book. The two parts puts my meditation in to work through the use of my minds and thoughts in relationships, prosperity, personal identity, physical health and spiritual revolution. Keys, ingredients, steps and life lessons were intelligently put to use here. This makes one to realize that we have the power to create our own MAGIC and make it REAL. YOUR THOUGHTS CREATE YOUR PHYSICAL REALITY – Page 315.

Reading Real magic is indeed an incredible journey. I recommend that every human being that intend to be of higher human being should read this wonderful book, daily practice meditation, going within and ready to be a student and learn and share every experience with anyone. I indeed will fill myself as a spiritual being, taking heed of the good and beautiful and those around me with this new freedom in my mind, the freedom to create real magic.

THE REAL MAGIC BY DYER IS TRULY A REAL MAGIC!!!

Success through Positive Mental Attitude
Assessed by Francis Abayomi (Nigeria)

Part 1 - Content Review

Reading one of the greatest fascinating and motivational books of all time has been wonderful, interesting and challenging most especially preparing oneself to be ready for the future ahead, ready for the opportunities thatwould be available to me.

The book physical outlook is boring and unattractive but every sentence, every page through positive mental attitude is amazing and it's worth it. Success through mental attitude touches on all aspects of human life, thoughts, actions and words. Reading it more than twice has a positive effect on once mental attitude.

All appreciation to W. Clement Stone, who carefully studied and presented the careers of successful men and went further discovering the date of their own success from the day they picked up a self-improvement book. He also did great work comparing positive and negative mental attitude of men.

Success through Positive Mental Attitude is unique and a brilliant/careful approach in introducing the next chapter at the end of the current chapter, also considering "Thoughts to Steer By" which stands as a quick reference, summary and important words in each chapter was outstanding.

Part 2 - Personal Impact

The major points in the book which spoke directly to me and my personal situation in life: Andrew Carnegie's Obsession: anything in life that is worth having was worth working for – Page XV Loving people and serving them she used to say is the greatest value in life – Page 8 Some people use PMA for a while but when they receive a setback, they lose faith in it – Page 12.17 success principles – Page 18 If a man is right, his world will be right – Page 21 You were born to be champion, and no matter what obstacles and difficulties lie in your way, they are not one tenth so great as the ones that have already been overcome at the moment of your conception – Page 22 Remember – your world will change whether or not you choose to change it ….Page 29 What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve with PMA – page31 Words are symbols – Page 38 One of the greatest services you can render to children is to motivate themselves to select the right kind of friends and associates – Page 85 Other major points are: We need to learn how to look at our world with fresh eyes – Page100 "Do something and pay nothing" then to "pay dues and do nothing" – Page 108 "Success must be continually practiced, or it will take wings and fly away" – Page 111…regardless of what you have been or what you are, you can be what you want to be if you act with PMA. – Page 118 "Some people say you can judge a man by the philosophy by which he lives. – Page 200 George W. Cambell story of Page 96 in Chapter 7 is the most touching and helpful in this great book because George in Page 97 further express that "we have to train the mind to interpret what we see".

Many a times when I found myself in difficult situations, my actions spiritually are similar to George W. Cambell. I seek advice, solution and information about my plight, I listen and make my decisions and I close my eyes to achieve my aim to succeed and against all odds and distractions. I will give a practical experience here. I am a graduate of Higher National Diploma and I got a job immediately I finished my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), I later found out from my boss and colleagues that I need to obtain a Bachelor Degree in the same course to be at the Top/Peak of my career in life. I went back to the university after Six years to further obtain a degree of an additional four Years, presently with a wife and two lovely Kids, ordinarily in Nigeria, amidst of financial scarcity, it is just like a suicide mission, but here I am, I still remain focused and closed my eyes/blind in the spiritual to solve this problem.

I also found helpful to me is Helen Keller's story found in page 235 "Handicaps are no barrier to happiness" and "Contentment" once wrote by Napoleon Hill in page 244. These two stories relate to me because "I found happiness by helping others to find it…." Success through Positive Mental Attitude is one of the most challenging books of all time; I had the opportunity to read because after reading, it affects my thinking and attitude to issues rather than people. It has awakened the sleeping giant within me and as it has stated in page 274 "And your mind consists of dual, invisible gigantic powers: the conscious and subconscious mind…" The book has developed a magnificent obsession chapter 15 "the more you share the more you will have…" Every page of Success through Positive Mental Attitude has been most helpful and I do not disagree with any part of the book. Based on my personal experience I have two ideas presented in this book I like to share which relates to day-to-day life in Nigeria. Page 179 – Chapter Fourteen – in Nigeria we have lots of people working without job satisfaction a very good example is the taxi drivers and motorcycle operators and classroom teachers, who merely find job as a means to an end. Success through Positive Mental Attitude is no doubt a blessing to every soul that finds it to read. I can recall when a student is ready the teacher would appear.

Part 3 - Summary

This book is a teacher that I recommend everyone to employ. Every part in this book is real and life changing, going the extra mile to read and most importantly "anything in life that is worth having was worth working for" Success through Positive Mental Attitude is worth reading! -- Do what you love, love what you do, and deliver more than you promise. –Harvey Mackay, American Businessman/Speaker/Author Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. – George Halas, 1895-1983, American Football Player/Coach/Owner http://www.picturetrail.com/francisabayomi

Seeds of Greatness
Assessment by Francis Abayomi (Nigeria)

1. Discuss the main ideas that you found most important in this book and discuss why they were important to you.

Denis Waitley, has carefully written seeds of greatness discussing main ideas that is common to every individual living on the surface of earth most especially to young people. Haven read through every page which comprised of 250 pages of 10 chapters. The main ideas I found most important are on every chapters in this book and they are listed below.

1. self–esteem
2. creativity
3. responsibility
4. wisdom
5. purpose
6. communication
7. faith
8. adaptability
9. perseverance and
10. Perspective.

The main ideas are important to me because it touches every aspect of my life and to crown it all, it is how I see life from within with respect to my responses or attitudes I develop towards the seeds of greatness.

2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values, etc.? Explain.

Denis Waitley in his book reveals his close contact with his grandma who taught him to plant the seeds; relating the ideas in the seeds of greatness to my personal circumstances in life such as relationships, my beliefs, my goals, my values are similar and numerous, but I will mention a few which reflects on how I was brought up by my parents, teachers, friends and the people that lived around me while growing up, in other words it is a renew of personal ideas not forgetting that I also learnt new ideas from this book and some changed.

It is obvious that I love myself and family and friends that are very close to my heart, I accept myself just as I am. In the past I had taught of been somebody else but now I see no reason because I discovered special qualities hidden and rare within me. I was able to know the significance of finding a role model. When I was much younger, before I joined the global leadership institute and reading motcbivational books handling criticism was very difficult, but now with past experiences of criticism I had from friends, lecturer's I have learnt a great lot about criticisms. Presently where I work I experience the challenge of criticism and handling this has been worthwhile, fun and without violent.

On the aspect of creativity, am working on my creativity most especially at work and as a civil engineer, not making use of my left hemisphere. Like Denis Waitley puts it that we should carry the motto with us "Life is a do-it-yourself project" my past examinations I will relate with this concept, my examinations has been done solely by myself, on one can do it better even when I fail a particular course, I know I have to do it myself. The amount of contribution I make towards my studies depends on the level of success I make. This also applies to al aspect of my life, job, money I make and my family.

Knowledge is through study and I believe reading motivational books such as Denis Waitley is a great opportunity and I advise my wife to obtain free knowledge. The combination of honesty and knowledge applied through experience is wisdom. I can vouch for myself, am an honest person to myself and to others. I will give an experience I had last year in a bus boarding from my school to my house. After boarding the bus for more than three hours and few minutes to alert, I noticed the driver and the bus conductor totally left me out, in other words they forgot asking for their fare. Since I am a honest person and I have my integrity to protect I called their attention and I paid my full fare, ordinarily if it is a dishonest person he/she would have gone their way. They all thanked me for been honest.

Another wonderful experience am having now is with my two lovely daughters in the area of communication, Christiana just learning to talk but I do communicate with her and she communicates and I understand, although she is very small but we very close. Faustina, much olde, can communicate verbally and we understand ourselves, I do feel their best around me, to make them feel good I give them the opportunity to communicate and I listen, it's great using the power of one-on-one.

Faith is an easy seed to learn but very difficult seed to practice, if you must agree, however with perseverance it works. Last year I had the faith that I had to start working, somewhere or somehow and earn a living, as at December 25, 2005 I do not have any particular placement for work but I knew I had a very strong faith, on January 2, 2006, I got a job even without writing an application, all glory to God.
I agree with Denis, Faith works!

3. What are the most important new ideas or concepts you learned from this book? Please Explain.

The important new ideas I learnt in this book are numerous, first "it is not what you get that makes you successful, it is what you are continuing to do with what you've got" – page 25. I have see a lot of successful people in the past, who felt since they have got it, they can stop whatever they are doing but now where are they nowhere.

Double win – if I help you with your needs, then I win too! – page 26 Unlike people who do not want other people's success forgetting the fact that they are also winners. People find it difficult assisting with money, jobs etc. I feel and think this message is for them.

"Every completion has a new beginning" page 26
One has to finish a stage before one starts another; it is a philosophy of life.

"As long as you're green, you're growing; as soon as you're ripe you start to rot" page 226.

"The best way to adapt to change and lead a successful life is to view crises as opportunities and stumbling blocks in your path as stepping stones to the stairs - Page 192.

4. Has this book challenged or changed your thinking in any way? If so, explain how?

Seeds of Greatness is a great book and it has challenged and changed my thinking in everyway. Denis Waitley on all chapters talked on the most important ten best-kept secrets of one's total success. These total successes focuses on every aspect of one's life with references to true life stories of individuals he read and had close contact with during his research. Most of his references are touching and convincing.

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with? If so, why?

There are ideas in the book that I disagree with one example on page 47 & 48 Nos: 2 & 7 In Nigeria you don't immediately give your name to the unknown caller for security reasons. Giving your name to the caller first gives fraudsters an advantage most especially when one is rich and wealthy or a business person.

Secondly, you can tell people our problems not only people who are in the situation to help, one might just be lucky to meet someone with solutions. One cannot tell who might be of assistance.

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?

Love letters to live by – page 152 and the story of Wilma – Chapter 9, I found most helpful, the least helpful; in the seed of greatness are the historical stories Denis used as references. It was boring, nevertheless they are thoughtful.

7. In 50 words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.

The main idea the whole book is trying to convey is how I can take control of my life, my abilities to love, communicate, persevere, faith, creative, wisdom and to win.

He talks about the seeds his grandma taught him, "Plant apple seeds and you get apple trees….Plant the seeds of great ideas and you will get great individuals" - page 21

He carefully also talked about seeds of greatness identifying and revealing the ten secrets of total success making great reference to how we see life from within. The wheel of fortune was not left out either.

Please Rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 7
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? 8

Comments - Feel free to share any additional comments about the book or about the ratings:

Seeds of greatness by Denis Waitley was a great book and since my ratings are shown above are above average, I do strongly encourage everyone, young and old, to have a feel of it and read once in a year.

Giant Steps
Assessment by Abayomi Franics Olufemi (Nigeria)

Giant steps by Anthony Robbins is a 365 daily lessons which I carefully understudy for close to six months. It was well read and understood. My assessment is found below for readers to understand what I have gained from this book, its value to me and my life is immeasurable. There are questions and answers below to assist in the assessment, Anthony talked about all aspects of personal life's and values.

1. What ideas were personally most important to you in this book?

Anthony Robbins in his book made a lot of ideas some of which are already known due to past books read but I have here some which were personally most important.

Page 386, Anthony defined A Hero - a person who courageously contributes under even the most trying circumstances. I have lived all my life, trying to be hero from the above definition and I am happy to beat my chest and say am a hero, I see this virtues in me and some people in my community most especially my father. Page 387 says perfection is not heroism, humanity is, and in other words I will add and say serving humanity is the best work of life.

Page 43 asks the question what is the ultimate goal? - finding a way to help other…I treasure caring about people less privileged and Anthony Robbins has inspired me to continue and be hero. I started as a Leo club member and presently country coordinator Respect Nigeria (http://www.respectrefugees.org/aff_nigeria.shtml) where I identify volunteers to donate educated and writing materials to refugee children living in Nigeria.

Other ideas are found on page 56 - rather than feeling trapped, use your pain as your strongest ally. Page 57 states further - instead of fighting your natural instincts simply change what you associate. Anthony Robbins taught how to deal with feelings, problems and people. I appreciate the idea found on page 219 - "Kill the monster while it's little" which leads to the action signals and its solutions. These are ideas I personally go through difficult moments with my job and people.

2. Can you relate the ideas or concepts in this book to your personal circumstances in life such as your relationships, your beliefs, your goals, your values etc?

Relating all the ideas Anthony mentioned and explained in his book which is wonderful and it reminds one about every event daily that one encounters everyday. I will relate giving some personal examples. First, my first love, while young, was suppose to be interesting but rather I found myself out that the relationship was miserable. I found it to be more miserable while trying to overcome the shock by having lots of girls as my girl friends, later I let go, I release myself to the situation and faced reality and settling with just making friends with ladies.

I remember five years ago when and while I was preparing to get wedded many friends and relatives were asking questions, how do you intend to cope with your family? You are young…, you have to have a good job and money to raise and maintain a young family… it is to early… I went ahead and made my decisions to raise a family, presently now to the glory of God, looking back at 5 years ago, I am not regretting my decisions and am more happy and proud seeing my family growing with two lovely daughters and my wife doing well. Most of my friends or rather relatives are still searching for an ideal mate to settle with in other words they are yet to get married or have children.

I agree with Anthony on action signal no.9 solution page 228 that everything in life happens for a reason and purpose - in addition it is a stepping stone and it prepares one for a more challenging task ahead no matter how small. An example is a true and personal experience, this happens to me while and where I previously worked, all problems I faced and encountered then prepared me for the work and task I am presently involved in. my present work afford my the opportunity to do better. Experience is the best teacher.

Page 113 - questions are laser of human consciousness. Use their power to cut through any obstacles or challenge. This note has helped me solve problems and every issue that seems difficult and create unnecessary headaches, troubles, worries, time wasting. I ask myself innumerable questions on a particular issue to solve my problems and make right decisions. It is more interesting to see little children, my children ask lots of questions about their immediate environment and example is the epic movie "sounds of Music". - page116.

Number 1 of the powerful six step strategy for producing lasting change on page 150 - state clearly what you really want. Most people focus on what they don't want - this reminds me of a dramas I watched on TV recently and this idea I will relate with the idea found written by Anthony, the short story goes thus: Felix went to Stephen's house for a $100 loan much needed to him, fortunately he met Stephen taking his lunch, instead of Felix to state clearly what he wanted from Stephen, he decided to join Stephen in a meal, unfortunately, Stephen had another visitor named mike , who came urgently to ask for an assistance of a $100 from Stephen, Stephen on the other hand, had only an extra $100 to part away with and he had no option but to give the money of $100 to mike. Mike left and Felix found himself dumbfounded and Stephen asked. What was the problem? Felix told Stephen, I came for the $100 mike took away from you….. Felix should have focused on what he wanted: $100 not what he really don't want: meal. This I think was a lesson for me to always focus on what I really want not what I don't want.

3. What are the most important new ideas or concept you learned from this book?

The most important new ideas I learned from Giant steps turn to page 96 - "Imagination is more powerful than knowledge"

Page 97 - "be realistic"

Combining the two ideas together I learned that imagining being rich, having good job, family for example, one needs to be realistic also.

You have imagined to have a good family you do not need knowledge or rather little but to be realistic you have to live a good life, be good and keep everyone together in the family, the wife and the kids.

I learnt a lot from the book giant steps I will refer to another new important idea that is relevant and I will explain, page 230 - 240, Anthony taught about the ten emotions of power.

1. Love & warmth
2. Appreciation & gratitude
3. Curiosity
4. Excitement & passion
5. Determination
6. Flexibility
7. Confidence
8. Cheerfulness
9. Vitality/health
10. Contribution.

Before I read this page I was sure of 3 emotions of power that I had and of which I work with everyday, but now I am careful carrying all the 10 emotions of power with me most especially my place of primary assignment/work. This has given the opportunity to bring out the best in me not only that a lot of people look at me and feel they want to adore me.

Another important new idea I learnt from this book can be found on page 249 - "Never spend more than 10% of your time on the problem, and always spend at least 90% of your time on the solution". This idea I practiced during my time I was constructing 2 blocks of new classroom in a rural area. The major problem was that we had a very bad road and all the while we had frequent rainfalls which make the situation worse, we could not get building materials such as sharp sand, granite and cement to site and I had a deadline to complete the construction work. I came across this page and I had to sit down and analyze the solution, if I had to be successful. Miraculously I met the deadline as expected, the construction work was completed in good time, but I spent more time solving and finding ways to get materials to site, part of which I had to reconstruct and repair a small bridge where our trucks could pass before construction work began. Page 249 is not more than four sentences but it is very important and useful for every successful person.

4. Has this book challenge or change your thinking in anyway?

Giant steps has challenged and changed my thinking a refernce to the NAC master steps and the Ten day mental challenge on pages 154 and 252 respectively. Outline of the rules of the gane. One has to follow for ten days but to my surprise I fail quite a number of times and it becomes more interesting and chanllenging when one tries or forgets the rules reading once again and over again to make it a habit.

Making reference to page 294 and 295 "Nothing has to happen for me to feel good! I feel good because I'm alive! Life is a gift, and I revel in it". This word has changed a rule in my thinking. This rule makes me feel happy even when I feel very bad and I just feel like making myself to be glad. Most of the time, when am short of cash and I need lots of money to take care of some personal things. I spend more to feel good, I do this by going to a fast food joint eat and drink to my satisfaction. This rule I think should be extended to people and friends around me that I feel are not happy. What I do is to make them feel good I can go extra mile, and take them to a fast food joint and buy drinks and make them happy on my account. I feel happier doing this to people and friends I feel that are going trough a tough time.

5. Are there ideas in the book that you totally disagree with?

Yes! With reference to page 367. I would be delighted if Anthony could in anyway personally advise more on the second key to financial mastery on page 367 and page 368.

In Nigeria, most people including myself earn far less than what we spend as a civil servant, so how do I invest or save money? and also want to be a consistent giver seeking to improve the quality of lives of other people.

6. What did you find most helpful and least helpful in this book?

Most helpful - Personal Values
Least helpful - None

7. In 50words or less, please describe the main idea the whole book is trying to convey.

Giant steps is trying to teach and give the idea of techniques, principles, tools and strategies to one's personal values. It inspired and consistently encourages one to take small action to lead to giant steps.

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
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

Psycho Cybernetics
Assessment by Abayomi Francis Olufemi (Nigeria)

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

The main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book is in two ways, firstly our self image – how it affects us, how we can recognize, understand, use and develop or build towards success or better life chapters 1 – 9.

Secondly, beyond our self image - towards success chapters 10 – 13. The author used so many real life experiences as examples and simple practical exercises which was very helpful during the course of reading the book. However Psycho-Cybernetics 2000 has helped me to develop my personal action plan which is improving my personal life unlike before which I hardly do.

The author used so many examples to convey information's about friends, family members and different and difficult coworkers, the author taught how to be assertive and successfully cope with difficult times, at home, work and with friends.

The author talked about how to create change – page 24. The most interesting part of this change is about how to anticipate and prepare for a career change and changing habits using the worksheet to consider the false beliefs using reflective learning to replace them with new beliefs. The idea by the author on CRAFT, FAILURE; SUCCESS; SMART PLAN and SEEDS was carefully conveyed using it as simple acronym to explain and analyze issues.

The author used goals as a major idea to achieve success by assessing present set point, maximizing progress and overcoming procrastination. Imagination, relaxation, stress management and stress prevention was among the ideas the author explained in his book to help achieve one's happy life of success.

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.

Creative Imagination and Visualization/mental picturing
this idea is an important aspect of the book that guides to a path of success. After reading pages 43 – 65 carefully and repeatedly for more than three (3) times, I was convinced to impact this knowledge to whomever comes my way or any person I feel needs this knowledge to use. First, I talked to my wife on creative imagination and we practiced each day for 15mins reflective relearning, imagination, visualization and mental picturing on additional income to increase financial status of the family. Small business initiative (entrepreneur) and what was considered to be a problem to mention a few. Considering our left and right brain, its work, importance and use to our self image using them to turn negatives belief to positive beliefs/images. I consider this idea as important to me because, it actually worked for me 15minutes each day, imagining positively and creatively mental picturing and most importantly using my left brain and right brain.

False beliefs
this idea conveyed by the author is important, false belief has taken the greater part of me, I only realized this fact after reading page 70 – 71 and working on the questionnaire on page 72 – 74. I identified a false belief that I can not raise funds/sponsorship for a particular project – this kept me hypnotized for a long time, reasons is not far fetched, it is because I do not want to be disappointed. Pages 74 – 76 reminds me of my childhood teachers telling my parents that your son (me) is an average student, even my final report sheet remark will always state: an average student keep it up. This is a false belief because now I felt I should be distinct student, since my childhood I have allowed this fact to sink deep to my subconscious, even when I had the chance to be on top of the class doing excellently I finished as an average student.

My regret is if I had an opportunity to have read this book I would have finished as a top class graduate in my degree program but all is not over yet because I am planning to further my studies and I believe strongly that I am a top class student, in addition I will let it sink deep to my children that they are excellent students in their respective class even when their teachers remark will say "average student keep it up". Page 90 – 91 is a good reference to this fact keep in mind that as you dehypnotize yourself from false beliefs, you may be contributing to your children's success as well as your own.

Goals
the author wrote and stated – plan your work before you work your plan is an important idea don't you think?.... Setting Goals is a set point for success and that is uncompromising, one has to avoid procrastination and believe the conditions of our goal. My turning point about this idea is interesting as you can think…. I will tell you that it was not easy reading this book after several attempts I decided to make it my goal to read and fully understand every idea the author conveyed. I put it into a plan, I wrote it down that I will commit a minimum of one (1) hour that is between 22.00hrs – 23.00hrs everyday dedicated to read this book, major reason reasons is that most of my activities during the early hours of the day are always very busy which include work, private practice, church and social activities to mention a few. The result is here now, I am writing the assessment now. I did achieve my goal.

I wrote down other goals which I love to share with reference to page 163 which says Dare to Dream: Draw a Map of your subconscious interests was captivating.

* I dreamt to find a true love and interestingly I found a person of my dream and got married few years ago.
* I want to go back to school and I have my master's degree in water/environmental science/management in Netherlands.
* I want a new job specifically in the oil and gas industry.
* I want to set up a maintenance company of my own that will be popular and effective promising and financially profitable.
* I want to have my dream house and my dream good car.
* My children doing great in their academics and in life
* I want to be a role model and mentor for my children, my wife and a whole lot of people around me.
* I am registering as a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Builders.

With reference to page 173 the author explained how we could develop an action plan for our goals. This made me to identify and write down some of my actions.

1.
a registered as a graduate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers
b start writing my report by April
c. complete by the end of June
d write exams by the end of September
e Registered and complete registration by December.

2.
a I am studying for my master's degree in Netherlands on scholarship
b got admitted to study master's degree in Netherlands
c applied for scholarship before the end of February
d successful to study on scholarship in Netherlands.

3.
a I am having my own dream house and car by the end of 2010 December 31.
b I have started savings towards it.
C I have registered a company that will be profitable to me and my family.

The use of CRAFT and SEEDS
CRAFT means Cancel, Replace, Affirm, Focus, train is an important idea to me that I read from this book. CRAFT is now used everyday to Cancel and Challenge negative data, Create a new Positive data, affirm and focus on this data. If CRAFT becomes unrealistic in other issues SEEDS is there to use, SEEDS means Situation, Evaluation, Emotions, Do, Self Esteem. Not forgetting the fact that SEEDS can be reversed if data or situation gets even more tensed. One needs to read pages 25 – 27, 126 – 128 regularly to understand the author and how to use these acronyms. The most interesting part and most sensitive is the principle behind the two minds conscious mind and the subconscious mind when and how to use and change them in page 28 – 31. I now know how to use this principle CRAFT and SEEDS, I further teach people this principle as a guide to their success interestingly it works.

Relaxation
this is one of the best practices the author wrote about, most especially the practice of Zen breathing which is based on meditation. I tried Zen Breathing to completely relax and refresh my body and mind. I noticed after each practice for about 15 minutes in a comfortable and quite place it cancels all anxiety, fears and troubles, it is like starting afresh although each time I practiced Zen breathing I noticed that I always take a short sleep and I feel I do not get to complete this technique. For references see page 107 for Zen breathing techniques.

Success and Failure
these two ideas by the author is an important aspect of self image. These ideas also signify the second part of this book that I mentioned earlier which is beyond self-image. They are used as acronym.

Success and Failure means –

Page 235 Page 263
Sense of Direction Frustration
Understanding Aggressiveness
Courage Insecurity
Charity Loneliness
Esteem Uncertainty
Self Confidence Resentment
Self acceptance Emptiness

These are warning signals to us that can contribute to our success or failure. I meditate on each of these words and I see where I need to work on my personality, where I feel I should not allow happening (danger signals). The author advices in page 256 by making a habit of "character ethics" you can develop the inner strength necessary for success. Page 255 – Benjamin Franklin wrote a list of thirteen virtues (Key virtues) he wished to develop in himself and concentrated on one per week running through the list four times each year until they had become habits.

For me, I will be working on the under listed virtues concentrating on one per week running through the list four times each year until they had become habits.

To Be:
1. Myself
2. Positive
3. thankful
4. decisive
5. merciful
6. persistent
7. honest
8. excellent
9. confident
10. prayerful
11. committed
12. dedicated
13. focused
14. forgiving
15. enthusiastic
16. hopeful
17. trustworthy
18. loyal
19. helpful
20. kind
21. happy
22. courageous
23. generous
24. loving
25. dependable
26. wise
27. holy
28. obedient
29. purposeful
30. effective
31. creative
32. responsible
33. devoted
34. patient
35. optimistic
36. compassionate
37. faithful

Happiness
this idea was not thoroughly written on by the author but as small as it is, it is an important idea, the habit of happiness can change one's life style. I have a friend, in his time of trouble, sorrow, regrets, happiness, joy, he is always happy. I saw him as a reference living example and I can feel that being happy always makes one to forget all mental concerns, worries and one can always find an alternatives to ones problem. You make more friends than enemies. I have listened to the popular tune as well "Don't Worry Be Happy!"

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

The seven ideas listed have helped me in my daily personal life and creating a better world. Psycho-Cybernetics 2000 is a practical and true life experiences shared by the author and careful reading has increased my knowledge and understanding in approaching true life experiences. The book is about self image and 99% of happenings to me and around me are shared or discussed in this book. From work, family to the midst of friends. The use of my two minds; conscious and subconscious. The technique behind the left and the right brain; how to change negative habits to positive habits, how I can now successfully deal with negative spin of events. The use of CRAFT and SEEDS; the importance of Relaxing. The practical signals Success and Failure mechanism. The habit of being happy always.

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.

There are many brief Quotes from the book which really got my attention, please find below some of these quotes:

"Habits are merely the byproducts of subconscious thinking and repetitious behavior. You don't break a habit and form a new one through iron-jawed will power", you do it by creating clear mental images of a desired result and by acting as if it has already be achieved – page 99.

"The time to worry about the decision is before you make it" – page 113. This we do not take into consideration like an adage; you do not cry when the head is cut off.

That which we resist will persist – page 165; such as bad habit, trouble or negative ideas.

SMART plan – page 178; reminds me of the year 2002 when I had to go back to the university to obtain my second Degree, it was a realistic goal.

If they're at cross purposes, the result can be procrastination, stagnation or self sabotage – Obstacles such as these affects my delay reading and assessing this book early enough. Difficult to overcome but I had to develop SMART strategy to read and complete my assessment. I still have one or two Cross purposes which I have to overcome in my life, I hope to work on them as soon as possible, I hope this is not procrastination again….- page 185.

It doesn't matter who's right but what's right - page 243.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step. Delayed gratification is a hallmark of adulthood – page 204.

Plan your work before you work your plan – page 230

Belief in yourself as a confident competent human being is the cornerstone of success. – page 251.

Continue to set new goals that allow you to grow, but take time regularly to catch the things that make you effective – page 252.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference." – Page 253.

He who is able to love himself is able to love others also. – Page 272.

I am not judged by the number of times I fail but the number of times I succeed. – page 274.

Before you start out on the road to revenge dig two graves. – page 298.

"It is the nature of the spirit to give; it is in the nature of the ego to take" – page 306.

I believe that life is adaptive; that life is not just an end in itself, but a means to an end…..page 318.

When you feel successful and self confident, you will act successfully. – page 328.

Never blame anyone else for your frustration or disappointments, never express the idea that any personal setback, yours, theirs or anyone's is an indication of inadequacy or a permanent situation. – page 336.

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. There is nothing in this book that I do not understand or that are unclear.

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

Yes the book contains exercises and questionnaires for the reader to complete.
I did complete all of the exercises they are all found helpful to me practically. Some of these exercises are shared in the assessment.

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

No

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 6
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Your Sacred Self by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Assessment by Abayomi Francis Olufemi (Nigeria)

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

The main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book is our journey which the author called sacred from the outer path that brings false self to the inner path that brings peace which leads to the higher self otherwise know as the sacred self.

The false self brings ego which translate to one being offended, being separate or feeling special. The false self as explained by the author can be tamed, Dr. Wayne Dyer convey this message which was clear in his book in four parts. Each part was a journey which helps me to specifically know the principles of ego, how to identify and chose a higher spiritual level.

The author outlined ten of these most common beliefs and gave suggestion for turning them around. Beliefs and distinction between knowing was clearly distinguished to deal with the crucial role doubt will/might play in one's life. Page 99.

Throughout this book the author has presented reasons for taming the personal ego and suggestions for how to do it. Page 346

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.

The seven ideas which were personally most important to me and why?
i. Past Limitations
ii. Banishing Doubt
iii. Shutting down the inner dialogue
iv. Freeing the higher self from the Ego
v. Truth
vi. Deception
vii. Peace

Past Limitations
This idea reminds me of a friend who told me how he actually escaped from the hands of a group of armed robbers, he actually jumped a 5m wall, which he can not jump ordinarily, and he was recounting his experience and wonders if he could ever do that again. This idea is important to me because it allows me to see the inner aspect of his energy; dormant but which can be awakened. The author described Divine Energy like other books did as the subconscious. – page 5-6.

Everything and everyone that came into your life had a reason for being there – page 38, this idea is true I found out that all my friends old and new friends are in my life for a reason and I have a new attitude towards this now, I now keep close track of my friends especially new friends by regular contacts. Everyone is important in my life and I make efforts to leave my footprints positively in their lives.

Dyer talked about dancers
In Nigeria we only have a very few musicians who are dancers, composers and choreographer– Page 39, further reading to page 40 – I resolved if this is the procedure to move to the next level, then I will love to be a dancer, composer, choreographer and a spiritual observer of that dance.

Leaving behind my personal history as described by the writer is difficult, I know it is Ego but the more I try to develop shutting down, the more it becomes difficult. The way the Course in Miracles as described by the author, reminds me of Christians who refers themselves as born again, I think the author is right about being born again – page 40 – 42, my question is which part are we to let go? Family, Profession, Religion etc. further reading, the writer states "Let go of all the belief that convince you of your inadequacies and shortcomings".

A popular TV reality show in Nigeria; Apprentice Africa, one of the contestants was evicted because from the assignment he was given to lead a group of young people, interestingly he used the word "I have" to the judges several times. He was a team leader but unfortunately they failed the task. Few years ago, I argued with my wife because I do not to take responsibility for my failure, all that has changed now I mentored one of my junior staff to take responsibility for his actions. One thing that bothers me now is that in my country, when two drivers makes a hit unconsciously, the ability of one of the drivers to be able blame other driver and convince passersby will be justified. – page 57.

Most of us forget the fact that we should learn from whatever troublesome and traumatic events of our life we rather blame others than learn from the events. We not only blame our self, we become a blamer, but now the writer allows us to know that blame or fault finding is a waste of energy and most importantly abandoning our loving inner presence. – page 59.

Dr. Wayne talked about practical use of the inner mind/consciousness and this right brain effectiveness. I do this every time before I go to sleep everyday, I could see myself getting a scholarship and an opportunity to read and live in Netherlands for my masters study degree, I see myself in the airplane, remembering telling my wife and close friends how I wish they could be with me to see these beautiful places, I see myself in the classroom with other African and European students receiving lectures, I see myself back home to create change and make more money. I also see myself before the end of this year registering as a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and working with a multi national company in Nigeria. I recommend this page to everyone who wants to make practical use of their right brain as described in Psycho cybernetics. - Page 62.

In the past I came across a slogan somewhere "my best is yet to come" this slogan was loved by me but now the writer convinced beyond doubt that the fact that the best will never come. Page 82 – the inner self has no "best" to perform, it simply listens and knows…..and you cannot measure this with worldly formulas such as "your best" or "the best".

My uncle, got an idea, brilliant enough to sell daily newspaper around the neighborhood or better still for him to have a newsstand, just few weeks later due to his inability to start because of his doubtness whether the business will be profitable or not, another person started the same idea, location, the business is now growing. Page 66, 68.

Page 73 – allows me to treat everyone as if they are part of me, in my work place most especially low level workers, they want to create instances that they have one or two things in common.

Banishing Doubt
The fear of failing is a terrible syndrome that one must not allow to set into one's life. I have a friend Mike I don't know if he has labeled himself failure but I have other friends of mine who know him well to label him a failure. The most interesting is that he has never done anything successfully at least of which I know him for. - Page 105.

In my local organization people call me director of spiritual matters, I saw why the author wrote here – page 125, I do not allow the opinion of others be judgmental to me rather I become independent of the good opinion of others of opinion I know about. I disregard the fear of isolation, fear of looking foolish and fear of suffering. Most especially when we know it is fear – page 106.

Page 108- I had a similar experience with my wife through my second child. I was with my wife in the hospital for two weeks. The doctor told her she might have complications. Before she delivers we walked and took stroll every evening to ease out the tension, we talked and meditate and imagined on how we would want the labor to be. We also observed other women gave birth with operation and without operation. Miraculously she gave birth without any complications, pain or suffering contrary to the doctor's specification that she might go through a difficult child birth that was why she was admitted fourteen days before her delivery.

Page 110 – this is the answer I like to give to people when I talk to them about inner faith or subconscious.

Page 116 – I agree with the author, most of us including myself do not watch or careful of what we say and when we speak. I noticed that we speak on what is present we do not speak to the future and this bring element of doubt.

Page117 – this fact that your joy is divine; your suffering is divine made to reflect on someone who has a car well it is convenient, fast but not reliable or reliable to some extent. This I will compare to someone who does not have; he suffers to get a taxi under an intense environmental hardship. Little will someone without a car will know of someone who has a car that he also suffers, he might have a sudden car battery problem, engine or tyre problem to mention a few and one who does not have will have a peace of mind and joy.

Page 118 – I will add to the author's belief that was mentioned here I should not be cheated, misjudged, misunderstood and misquoted.

Page 118 – 119 – the author's story of Sheikh Mahmoud is interesting what I simply do not understand is why the author says don't lose what you don't have simply because you have not learned how to disciplined your mind and banish those incessant doubts that you create in your fantasies. I think Mahmoud was using his subconscious, inner mind very well only to allow his physical to control the inner mind. Mahmoud actually counted his chickens before they are hatched.

Shutting down the inner dialogue
This idea important to me because the writer talked extensively on inner peace and inner dialogue, and interestingly more than sixty thousand thoughts enters our consciousness each day which I agree with – page 154.

This idea further shows us how to shut these thoughts down – page 155; I have two friends who had conflict and from their individual arguments to settle the rift, I found out that each person want other person to think like him, which it's not always possible. Suggestions to shut down these inner dialogues are analyzed in page 168-173.

Freeing the higher self from the Ego
This is the most important part of this book and the highest point where the author took me. Page 184 should never be forgotten most especially where it says "when you have tamed your ego, you are no longer offended by your fellow humans" this is meant from hot tempered individuals. To have freedom the author says …..my inner world is not focused on being offended, being separate of feeing special. – page 188 and 190.

This is what ego can do for us – ego wants you to feel outraged when you are wronged, insulted when you are stroked, offended when you don't get your way, hurt when you lose a contest or an argument. – page 194. With the entire examples one can always says this is ego no matter the situation one is experiencing in life; Poverty, job, marriage, relationships and health.

This ego no doubt can not be dealt with almost immediately and off course it is difficult at times to identify but In totality to reach the sacred self and that inner awareness I deserve I need to banish doubt, cultivate the witness, shut down inner dialogues and free my higher self from ego. Page 198.

Peace
Page 209 – celebrities in Nigeria are fond of saying, "notice me!" even when they are sophisticated they still go ahead with the latest mode of dressing, exposing their bodies and hair styles for ladies and hair cut for men. Inwardly you will understand that these celebrities will spend most of their time on how they look and how other people feel about them, which leads to their ego, not only to show it but to live it. Just like the author says peace and harmony will be far away from them.

Page 215 – the author reminds us that keeping in mind that you can restrain this ego simply by the power of our own will. Not so many people can restrain this ego particular when it requires people to judge our personality.

Page 218 – after reading this lovely piece of advice from the author, I communicated with my boss who I felt failed to contact me during my brief illness; I later communicated with him which made me have a Peace which come to me as a healer rather than a judge. Page 219.

Truth
Page 225 – this is a story which happens once in a while most especially between someone younger or a person who has little or no knowledge about an issue or something.

Page 230 – even around our children, their lives are built around us, this is because they see us and they learn from us and what they see around us. I say this because my little daughter knows when an adult is telling the truth, lying or even cheating her.

This leads me to the explanation of the author of a little story from illustrations unlimited edited by James S. Hemit – page 232. The little girl developed the bad habit from her parents, no doubt. It's a practice she learned fast and understood the purpose of impressing others from her parents.

Deception
Deliberate cheating as explained by the author in page 233 – happens often in the market, very obvious here in Nigeria, for goods you buy which is not priced tagged such as in a supermarket or an organized store, you tend to bargain to the lowest price you can afford or else you buy goods at a very high price. We have this believe because there is always a misrepresentation of cost on goods and for that fact nobody wants to be cheated.

Page 235 – reminds me of the lives lived by our political leaders in my country, they live the life of deception, full of ego and which in turn makes them power drunk and corruption, miss use of public fund, gangsterisim, embezzlement, mischief and misrepresentation of other political counterparts.

Page 281 – the unsuccessful job I presently occupy reminds of my past mistake I took to take up my present job. I still find it very difficult to fix this problem and move ahead with my life. This ego is difficult to strive but I pray to my higher self to drop this ego. The ideas by the author in page 289 – 293 are important to overcome this ego. But the most important is the advice in page 292 for everyone to adopt.

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?

These ideas or lessons have helped me in a practical way of my daily personal life and helped me to create a better world by making me to understand better my higher self how to attain and use it. To distinguish between the false self and the sacred self, Identifying Ego and taming it using Tolerance, peace, truth, banishing doubt, love, purity, striving to arriving and inner substance to mention a few.

The most important practical idea in this book can be found in page 291 by making effort to wake up between three – six every morning, spending at least twenty minutes for meditation.

4. Quotes: Are there brief quotes from the book which really got your attention? If so, please list and comment on them.

i. "We know that the best within us is love, kindness and compassion." – page 358.

ii. "The higher self urges you to simplify and to avoid contributing to anything that hurts others or increases the separation from your spiritual source." - Page 357.

iii. "I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing He goes there with me. I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal." – page 331.

iv. "I celebrate the place in you where we are both one" – page 319.

v. "when a person you speak with feels accepted, loved and listened to, after a conversation you both have enjoyed intimacy" – page 305

vi. if you give because you feel that you have to, you are not authentically motivated by your higher self – page 303.

vii. There are few things the ego delights in more than correcting other people's mistakes. Page 302.
viii. Seek spiritual riches within. What you are is much greater than anyone or anything else you have ever yearned for. – page 293.

ix. By cultivating a new attitude toward nothingness, surrender, acceptance, bewilderment and patience, you will feel a dramatic shift take place. – page 286.

x. …Zen teaching that says:"if you understand, things are just as they are. If you do not understand, things are just as they are." – page 283.

xi. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Page 282.

xii. Forgive me my nonsense as I forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense." Page 264.

xiii. Peace will come to you when you are a healer rather than a judge. Page 219

xiv. Higher awareness demands….banishing doubt, cultivating the witness, shutting down inner dialogue and freeing your higher self from ego. Page 198.

xv. ….when your inner world is not focused on being offended, being separate or feeling special – page 188.
xvi. "Silence is the only Voice of our God." Page 156.

xvii. …remind yourself that you are not this body, you are that which is eternal and changeless and you have the option of not feeling victimized. Page 149.

xviii. I can't be reached if you come with hatred or anger. Page 148.

xix. …once doubts are banished, anything is possible. Page 147.

xx. "Something began me and it had no beginning; something will end me, and it has no end." Page 132.

xxi. "Nothing in my world ever goes wrong" page 128

xxii. Keep in mind that your joy is divine – your suffering is divine. Page 117.

xxiii. Your faith can remain strong in the presence of obstacles. Your frustration that God is not working at the pace you think she should can be replaced with the inner knowing that everything in your life is there to teach you something. Page 113

xxiv. "This restriction has shown up in my life to teach me something." Page 111.

xxv. If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible. Page 107.

xxvi. I know within that I am not alone, ever. I know that I have divine guidance available to me at all times. Page 104.

xxvii. The difference is that in your sleep you know what you can do and you do it; in your waking moments, you believe that you can't, and you don't. page 95.

xxviii. "The hands that gives, gathers." Page 73.

xxix. "that things seen are temporal and things unseen are eternal" page 65

xxx. "Wherever there are no limits, where infinity and Eternity and Immortality exist, that is where God is." Page 55.

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. There is nothing in this book that I do not understand or that are unclear.

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

Yes the book contains exercises for the reader to complete for practical purposes and personal observance. I did complete all of the exercises they are all found helpful to me practically. Some of these exercises are shared in the assessment.

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

No

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

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
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