August 26, 2010 – Are you a Goldfish?
Goldfish, one of the world’s favourite pets, thrives very well in an aquarium. The most amazing thing is that if you remove a goldfish from this home habitat and take it to, let’s say, a dam, the little creature will continue to swim in the same small circle. Why? Because the small fish has been conditioned to swim that way to avoid hitting the glass walls of the aquarium, and it has accepted the belief that it cannot swim any further than that. It has always done it that way, and it cannot be otherwise.
So, are you a goldfish?
This is one of the thought provoking passages in Stephen Kigwa’s ‘I want me back’. If you want to progress in life, he says, you have to constantly keep challenging your beliefs. When you do so, you are in essence questioning your limitations. We have to do away with the old belief that ‘you cannot teach an old dog new tricks’.
I found myself nodding as I read each chapter of Kigwa’s motivational book. He and I share a lot of beliefs. For instance, my mantra has always been ‘The sky is not the limit, There is no limit’.
Stephen Kigwa’s book provokes us into action. He starts by challenging you to ignite four aspects of your life: Yourself, Your Finances, Your Relationships, Your Career and Your Health.
The content delivery is superb. Kigwa has spiced his teachings with enough quotes from other thinkers. My biggest gem is the saying: Not forgiving is like swallowing rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die! Come to think of it!
‘I Want Me Back’ is a book you will want to read over and over again. Kigwa speaks to you from the heart, because he has lived the story. He blends his teachings with practical stories about his upbringing and earlier life in Nairobi. If you thought your life was hard, read about him. This gives the story the immediacy and originality that makes up most motivational books.
So, do you look back at your life and wish you could turn the arm of the clock in your favour? This book promises to help you rekindle and rediscover the ‘you’ that disappeared.
In the introduction, Kigwa warns that this book is only for people who are serious about transforming their lives. If you are not, do not read any further!
‘The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don’t let then put you in that position (Leo Buscaglia).’
About the author:
Stephen Kigwa is an author and motivational trainer. His other works include: ‘Self Confidence Formula’ and ‘Fruitful & Quality Life’.