S.E.C. Real Estate Observer

Cliff Strand, S.E.C.

• "Anyway" and "Do
  It Anyway"
  (Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World)

  Author: Dr. Kent M. Keith

  Comments:

  Both Books are based upon the "Paradoxical
  Commandments," written by Kent M. Keith in
  1968 as part of a booklet for student leaders. Since
  then the Paradoxical Commandments have circled the
  globe. They have been put on walls doors, featured
  in speeches and articles, preached from pulpits;
  they have been used by business leaders, military
  commanders, government leaders, parents, coaches
  and students. Mother Teresa thought the Paradoxical
  Commandments were important enough to put on the
  wall of her children’s home in Calcutta.

  The story of Mr. Kent Keith and what has happened
  since 1968 is nothing less than miraculous, I urge
  you to read both books, go to his website: www.paradoxicalcommandments.com.

  As is the case with most books I read, I met the
  author first, this too was the case with Mr. Keith.
  I was first exposed to his books and his story when
  I heard him interviewed at the Crystal Cathedral
  by Robert Schuller. After talking with Mr. Keith
  I was compelled to read his books. Since then I
  have purchased copies for all our staff and have
  a poster of his "Paradoxical Commandments"
  hanging our reception area. I also sent a copy to
  Coach John Wooden. I have received nothing but positive
  responses from those who read the books.

  The Paradoxical Commandments:

  • People are illogical, unreasonable,
    and self-centered. "Love them anyway"
  • If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish
    ulterior motives. "Do good anyway"

  • If you are successful, you win false friends
    and true enemies. "Succeed anyway"
  • The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
    "Do good anyway"
  • Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. "Be
    honest and frank anyway"

  • The smallest men and women with the smallest
    minds can shoot down the biggest men and women
    with the biggest ideas. "Think big anyway"
  • People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
    "Fight for a few underdogs anyway"
  • What you spend years building may be destroyed
    overnight. "Build anyway"

  • People really need help but may attack you if
    you do help them. "Help people anyway"
  • Give the world the best you have and you’ll
    get kicked in the teeth. "Give the world
    the best you have anyway"

Bob Elder, S.E.C. (retired)

• Why COURAGE Matters

  Author: John McCain with Mark Salter

  Comments:

  This is a quick read with several stories about how
  plain folks, just like you and me, can rise to exceptional
  levels of courage when called for. I started to read
  one of the stories about the exploits of Roy Benavidez
  to a couple of my grandchildren only to learn that
  they had been studying about him in school. Of course,
  they go to Barbara Bush Middle School here in Texas.
  

Marilee Anderson, S.E.C.

• Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done
  Authors: Larry Bossidy, and Ram Charan

  Comments:
  
  As I read the Execution, I was reminded of Don DuBeau’s
  question: "Who is going to manage the idea?"
  The most brilliant idea is not worth the paper it
  is written on if you can’t pull it off. That’s what
  this book is about. Whether you are a sole real estate
  practitioner or CEO of a fortune 100 company you will
  find this book to be full of practical and insightful
  advice on managing for RESULTS.

Jeri Dale

• The Everlasting Hatred, the Roots of Jihad
  Author: Hal Lindsey

  Comments:

  IF PEOPLE WANT TO REALLY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON,
  THIS IS A MUST READ.