INTERVIEW and EXCERPT
Big Dog Front Seat:
Creating R.E.A.L. Self-Esteem
Creating R.E.A.L. Self-Esteem
by Rod Foster
Author Rod Foster joins me today for an interview and to share an excerpt from his new book, Big Dog Front Seat: Creating R.E.A.L. Self-Esteem. Grab your copy now, ON SALE for only $0.99 for a limited time or FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Description
The book is about elements of self-esteem and what role it plays in humanity. The mission of the book is to empower the reader to transform problems and conflicts into a means of promoting respect, freedom, and equality for self and all others.
The book takes a close examination on why we think the way we think. Big Dog Front Seat challenges the mundane, the norm, and the origin of self-esteem. The book introduces us to Get R.E.A.L (Responsible, Effective, Affirmed, Learning) as the foundation.
It is time to stop making excuses and blaming others and sitting in the back seat. It is time to become the Big Dog in the Front Seat of life. Anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, bullying, racism, sexism, elitism, lack of motivation, and many more behavioral traits are by-products of the esteem of our self. The book takes the reader through an examination of how we process the world.
Book Video
Excerpt
What is R.E.A.L.?
R.E.A.L. stands for Responsible, Effective, Affirmed, Learning—the foundation of the GET R.E.A.L. program, which has been in existence for almost two decades. The GET R.E.A.L. program is about the mastering of strategic intervention; we can transform habitual, manipulative, self-defeating behavioral responses, and choose powerful, strategic behavioral responses.
THE GET R.E.A.L. program is based on the foundational teachings of the SLS Strategic Learning System. The SLS method is based on historical and scientific studies, as well as practical observations of the responses of the strategic, affirmative individual in invalidating situations, particularly situations of racism, sexism, and other forms of elitism.
The GET R.E.A.L. individual chooses to respond strategically, based on an objectively accurate, subjectively and acceptable self-image.
The UNR.E.A.L. individual responds in an invalidating, manipulative manner, based upon an objectively inaccurate, subjectively unacceptable self-image.
The objective is for the person to GET R.E.A.L., and face invalidating circumstances with affirmative intervention. The result is to empower the individual to become a Master of Situations.
The GET R.E.A.L. program is derived from:
1. Examining experiences of invalidation and intervention, personal and institutional.
2. Extensive research on individual and organizational behavior, particularly observations of strategic, affirmative individuals and organizations.
3. Studying, traveling, and teaching in many cultures and countries (the United States, Europe, and Canada).
4. Strategic Learning System diploma (S.L.S), Bayside, New York, A. Lee Johnson.
5. Examination of experiences, working with troubled and high-risk youth.
6. Examination of experiences, working with federal offenders for almost 30 years.
It is essential to understand and appreciate this book and be able to liberate a modern mindset. Five fundamental concepts provide the framework for transforming the self-esteem conspiracy, and liberating personal power:
1. Affirmation
2. Invalidation
3. Intervention
4. Collusion
5. Actualization
Affirmation
Acknowledgement of the beauty, sensuality, and intelligence of all human beings, without condition, qualification, reservation, or invidious comparison.
Invalidation
Insult, humiliation, patronization, paternalism, exploitation, or denial/diminishment of freedom, justice, equality, and dignity, mainly based on racist, sexist, or other elitist paradigms.
Intervention
Affirmative, strategic action, based on a well thought out plan, with concrete steps and predictable results to eliminate invalidation, collusion, and manipulation. Intervention principally takes the form of strategic behavior in four aspects: audacity, accommodation, maneuver, and discretion.
Collusion
Aiding, abetting, or accepting invalidation, avoiding intervention in situations of invalidation. Collusion principally takes the form of manipulation in four aspects: aggression, appeasement, deception, and evasion.
Actualization
The manifestation of maximum self-esteem or an objectively accurate, subjectively acceptable self-image, realized through learning strategically from every experience.
Tracking Responses
Throughout the chapter, it is vital to map out feelings and sensations, including emotions and physical responses.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]
Praise for the Book
“Rod Foster's new book, Big Dog Front Seat: Creating R.E.A.L. Self-Esteem, is a book that is long overdue. It's a book that makes you look at yourself and discuss why you think the way you do. It's a book that looks at society's role in how you look at yourself. It is a book about understanding yourself and taking ownership and responsibility for the way you think. […] Sexism, racism, elitism, bullying, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, harassment and other forms of invalidation can be resolved through affirmation. The book asks you to read objectively and keep an open mind. It is about ‘staying awake’ when it comes to social consciousness.” ~ Raymond Aaron, New York Times Bestselling Author
“A great read and a book you should pay attention to if self esteem is a struggle for you [and it is for most]. I liked the honest, straightforward approach of the author to bring self realization into perspective. Most of our set esteem issues can be traced back to the relationship with self. By recognizing this, you can begin to lay the foundation for building something different in your life.” ~ Scott B. Allan
“I couldn't have purchased this book at a more appropriate time in life. A time when I was feeling down and helpless from all that life has handed me and not knowing where to turn. So I decided to turn this book which has helped me to not shift my mindset but get real clarity for the next step I need to take in my life. This book lays out the best recipe for ending blame and feeling powerless so that you can assume responsibility and taking control. If you really want to change the direction of your life then this book, Big Dog Front Seat: Creating R.E.A.L. Self-Esteem is for you as it was for me!” ~ Renee Reborn Browne
“The concepts covered are deep and far-reaching. Rod has admirably broken down the complexities of human perceptions and self image in understandable and useful ways. The stories provided were perfect to illustrate the ideas and effects in a real world way. I especially liked the suggestions for improving communication, as they are clear, concise and wise!” ~ Sheila Volweider
Interview With the Author
Author Rod Foster joins me today for an interview and to discuss his new book, Big Dog Front Seat: Creating R.E.A.L. Self-Esteem.
For what age group do you recommend your book?
The book is aimed at adolescents.
What sparked the idea for this book?
Working with Federal offenders for almost 30 years and prior to that working with young offenders.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
To stay focused on the main idea of Self-Esteem.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
I hope it changes how they look at the world.
How long did it take you to write this book?
This book was 20 years in the making!
What is your writing routine?
Several rewrites.
How did you get your book published?
Through the Raymond Aaron group in Canada.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Just do it!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Training, reading, working on self-improvement.
What does your family think of your writing?
They think it’s cool!
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I’m a fifth generation Afro-Canadian and the only black kid in my public school. I had a great childhood, however I always felt different. I didn't really know how I truly fit in.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
After my 27-year marriage break up in 2017.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
Yes, they certainly did.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
Wayne Dyer and Scott Allan.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Yes, they love the perspective of my book.
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
I’m hoping to publish a whole series of self-help books.
Sounds good. Thanks for stopping by today, Ray.
About the Author
Rodney Michael Foster born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1966. A 5th generation Canadian with a very diverse background with a native, West Indian, Spanish, African origin. Knowledge in both Social science and Humanities augmented with well over 30 years in multi-social relationships. Through his work as an Open Custody Young Offender youth worker and presently retired Federal Parole officer, Rod has gained valuable experience in the area of human relations. Rod has his level II/III coaching and a winner of a high coach of the year. Rod is a Cognitive skills/substance abuse facilitator, a Police Race relations awards winner, a former member of the Mayors' Race relations committee. He is a member of the NAEYC (National Association for Education of Young Children), a member of the National Association for Self Esteem. He is also a creator of the Get R.E.A.L. program and the producer of Get R.E.A.L. TV finalist award. Rod has worked with mediation between gang leaders in Richmond, Virginia, and South Central L.A. during the Rodney King riots. For almost 30 years, Rod has been working with some of the most dangerous offenders in Canadian history. Presently, Rod is the founder and co-owner of Aftershok Performance Fitness along with being a motivational and inspirational speaker with a message of both living and moving with purpose.
Links
Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)
Books featured in this post:
