Initial Comments, Or How I Decided On This Title

There are times that ideas, running around in your mind for a very long time, start letting you know that their time to be free has come. When that time comes, listen to those ideas and set them free by writing them down. Share them with others.

Over the years I have taught classes in psychology, sociology, leadership, management, assertiveness training, motivation and interpersonal communication to name a few. I currently teach real estate classes where I work with people who are changing careers. Throughout the real estate instruction certain ideas kept repeating themselves as part of my presentation. Their “path to freedom” is usually preceded by; "Here is something I have stumbled across that you might find helpful..."

As with most of us who are afraid of new territory, I shied away from writing any of these down. My rationale was "I'm a talker not a writer." A very good friend of mine, Dr. Rod McIntyre, listened to my ideas and to my being a talker and not a writer until he could bear it no more. During one of our conversations he said, "Jack, what you really are is a coward. That big blank sheet of paper in front of you has you scared to death." I must tell you that being called a coward by a good friend is not an easy thing to take. And what is even worse is the realization that he is correct. So, with that in mind I decided that it was time for me to put my fear aside and take the plunge. Even with that resolve it wasn’t until one of my daughters, Adrianne Snyder, who is writing her own novel, and Mark M. Hood, the author of Live before you die, gave me additional encouragement that I began to get serious about it. My wife, Maryann, has always been an inspiration to me. If it were not for her, I might not have "stumbled across" most of the important lessons. The results of my efforts will follow.

Many real estate classes tend to be dull, monotonous and just plain boring to many people. Bringing in practical experiences and a few related stories helps keep the people involved and interested. None of these ideas I have stumbled across are particularly original, but they just seem to say some things that fit the moment. They seem to make some sense. You probably have run across them or said them yourself. So, as we go along I may be reminding you of what you already know. It might have receded to the back of your mind. However, if you haven't heard some of these, you might want to put them in your nice to know/need to know file.

The gist of my messages is ways of getting along with other people. How we do this will determine how others will perceive us. Keep these questions in mind. "How should I present myself?" I am the only one who can control my behavior. Others may try to influence me but I am still responsible for what I do. “What influence will I have on others?” I will influence others. Therefore, I must act in such a way that I do no harm intentionally. I will do those things that will help others achieve their goals and try to insure their goals are not destructive. I hope we all try to do the same.

Now, if I may, please let me share with you some of Jack’s Nuggets, otherwise known as those things I've "Stumbled across along the way."

Take me back to the Directions page: