Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jim Hinckley

Jim Hinckley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Jim , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Old habits die hard. So, as a farm boy and old ranch hand my day usually kicks off between 4:00 and 5:00.
I try and squeeze as much as possible out of the first 90 minutes. That sets the tone for the day.
It starts with a review of emails and text messages. Priorities are answered and the rest are set aside. Those are taken care of at the end of the day.
That gives time for the coffee to brew. Then, at least three or four days a week, I create and post a video short about projects on the Jim Hinckley’s America YouTube channel.
On alternating days I spend a few minutes with the owl at Duolingo. Currently I am trying to get a handle on basic German.
On Sunday mornings some of the first 90 minutes is spent getting things set up for our weekly podcast, Coffee With Jim. That includes checking with the program guest to ensure all is well, and to avoid adding stress for them or for me.
Every morning a short list is made of the things that I have to complete before the end of the day. And then, with the exception of Sunday, I set out on a morning walkabout of three to five miles. The distance is determined by what needs to be done before the end of the day.
Likewise with location. If the schedule is tight there is a neighborhood walkabout. If things are a bit loose, I head for the canyons that are about a half mile from the house.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sharing America’s story. Inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. That pretty much sums up the mission and focus of Jim Hinckley’s America, a multifaceted platform that includes social media, a YouTube channel, website and blog, and presentations. I also write books, 23 published to date.
Books have been a passion since childhood, and often I dreamed of being a writer. But I was always blue collar and never realy thought of writing as much more than a pipe dream.
My dearest friend, my wife of 42 years, gave me the needed nudge. So, in 1990, I took the plunge. For years folks had been telling me that I had a gift for telling people where to go. And often they said that I could tell stories for hours even if I was the only one in the room and still enjoy myself. Those were the talents honed as I began writing. They then become the cornerstone for Jim Hinckley’s America.
It has been quite the adventure. I have had the privilege to speak at a diverse array of events including the European Route 66 Festival in Zlin, Czechia and the New Mexico Governor’s Tourism and Hospitality Conference.
But the greatest reward has been the friendships made, and the notes of appreciation from fans of my work.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I was rather content in a blue collar world. But in retrospect I see that the childhood dream of becoming a writing was there bubbling under the surface.
It was my dearest friend, my wife of 42 years, that gently encouraged me to chase that dream. Apparently she saw more in me than I saw in myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Dare to dream, and then pursue that dream with passion, ambition, and enthusiasm.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I have never had interesting chasing fads or trying to win friends by pretending to be something that I wasn’t. So, I am just Jim.
Aside from core beliefs we should grow and evolve with the passing of time. We learn lessons, sometimes the hard way. And we have to learn how to adapt to changing times. But if we are true to ourselves, folks that knew us forty years ago should recognize us today.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I find solace in quiet tme with my dearest friend, a good book, or long walks in the desert. But I am now at a point in life where time has taught me not to worry over the small stuff, and that most things should be considered small stuff. And I have learned the importance of being aware of what is going on in the world, and being realistic about what I can and can’t control.
So, peace is with me most of the day. That is enhanced with a focus on a daily attempt to make someone smile, to provide a bit of inspiration, or to lend a hand.

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