Aphorisms, Adages & Advice for the Children I Never Had
Wisdom in Time-Tested Sayings from a Man Who Has Been There
by
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WHOEVER BREAKS THE SILENCE LOSES
In many sales or negotiation meetings, the professionals employ a trick: silence. If most of the facts are on the table from both sides and a lull emerges in the conversation, the first to speak normally is considered to be more anxious to complete the deal or to be in the weaker position. Another way to put it:"Take action by being quiet."
I NEED, NOT I WANT
The word "I need" highlights the giver (or enabler) in the person who is listening. Conversely, the words "I want" tend to make that person defensive. Keep in mind when you approach someone to help or accommodate you.
GUT FEELING
Having a hunch means that past experiences are coming back to you and trying to tell you something. Or perhaps, you have seen other people contend with a certain experience. You can't pinpoint it, but you're quite sure which way the situation will turn out. Always respect your gut feeling, especially if it's telling you to wait before making a decision.
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About the Book
To soon old, too late smart. Over the course of my life, I have happened upon sayings that apply to specific situations in our lives. Actually, they relate powerful lessons. Over time, I jotted down many of these real-world insights and also began to compile a list of my personal experiences that I expected to pass along to my children.
But I was married for thirteen years then divorced. We were not blessed with children. So I passed these sayings along to pipe fitter apprentices who worked with me, and the lessons were received very well. Now I wish to share them with a larger audience, to the children and grandchildren I never had.
To the parents who may read this, I acknowledge that my list refers to many situations that you might already be familiar with, but some of them may have slipped through the cracks in your advice to your children.
Who can benefit from reading them? Anyone of any age actually can draw knowledge from these—whether one is working, playing, or attending the school of hard knocks.
About the Author
Len Tomaka has reached retirement age after an active life. He grew up on Chicago’s south side, where he learned to be street savvy. His college was a Chicago Local Union #597 pipe fitter apprenticeship. He grabbed fourth place in the city YMCA weightlifting competition, spent five years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and owned a cosmetics franchise. He was a pipe fitter, an estimator / project manager for mechanical contractors, and the owner of his own consultancy (Tomaka Associates) to mechanical contractors. Also, he holds three US patents. Len doesn’t consider himself a teacher, a raconteur, or a psychologist. But he does have common sense.