Opening the Door on Fear

By Bill Beard | Published March 5, 2012

I was recently reminded of a scene from a favorite movie, Field of Dreams, in which the character played by James Earl Jones is given the opportunity to go through the “door to the unknown” via the cornfield.  I loved how he approached this truly frightfully unknown situation.  Upon walking into the edge of the cornfield he stopped, with a nervous laugh and cautious fear in his eyes he put his hand out, then quickly pulled it back.  Then his expression changed to a calm knowing, his nervous laugh turned into a giddy giggle, he took a few steps forward, then laughing, he disappeared.

Upon reflection of this scene I thought about how we approach many of the “virtual doors” in our life with that initial fear.  The fear may be in the form of Fear of Failure, Fear of Success, or a general Fear of the Unknown.Open Door

Regardless of the opportunities for growth, evolution, success, enlightenment, or advancement that lies beyond, we just can’t pull the door open.  Often we can’t even bring ourselves to reach for the handle.

I find it interesting that in our everyday life we spend so much time in our day literally opening doors.  Many of these doors at first glance seem routine or mundane, but with a deeper perspective we find that they have their own significance.

The pantry or refrigerator door when opened will give your body the vital nourishment it needs, the shower door offers life-giving water to awaken and invigorate you, and the car door offers an unknown adventure every time you open it.  Your closet door holds the clothes that make you look and feel your best for that upcoming meeting or social event, and the door to your workplace is the daily opportunity to show the world the incredible gifts you have to offer.

Familiarity of these common “doors” allays some of the fear of opening them, although, that unknown container in the back of the fridge can at times be quite terrifying.

But in contrast, are those unknown “doors” truly worthy of your fear?  Does that fear have such power that you are willing to miss out on a chance for an unbelievable experience, forgo a connection with someone who will change your life, or pass on the opportunity of a lifetime?

Will the fear stop you from making the phone call, block you from sending that email, delay the decision on a new employment or business opportunity, or keep you from making a personal connection?  Will you stand at the “door” paralyzed with fear?

I invite you, as you go through your day, make a mental note of each time you physically open a door.  Feel the handle, the rush of the air on your face, and the magic of the unknown.

Then, each time you have the chance to open the door to a new opportunity or experience, take that feeling with you.  Grab the handle, and as you swing it open, do so with the excitable laughter of knowing, with confident anticipation, and with a complete absence of fear that will allow you to receive the wondrous events and prospects that lie in the unknown world beyond.

bb ~ bill beard

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In the Middle?

By Bill Beard | Published November 9, 2011

With the political season in full swing, a term that has become a constant in every speechwriter’s vernacular, and a staple in the media is “The Middle Class.”

Although the term is a part of every strategy to appeal to the greatest number of voters,  I only recently began to consider what the term means and why those who choose to be associated with it find it attractive.  I guess the most obvious question I can ask is why would someone want to be associated with the “middle?”Stand out from the crowd

A basic definition of middle – intermediate in status or situation, average, medium, norm, seems to offer little in terms of a welcoming association.  Perhaps terms like “average Joe” and “common man” which are affectionately used to describe those in  the middle class may offer some attraction, but at the same time, they seem woefully outdated.

Use of the phase by the media, politicians, or society in general tries to present a description of a group that represents the status with which we all should strive to be associated. The interesting dynamic to this phenomenon is that most of us, as individuals, do not aspire to be in the middle.  Do you in your daily life strive to be average or common?

When you are in a competitive situation do you make the effort to finish average?  You run a 5K and are thrilled to finish in the middle of the pack.  Your son’s high school football team celebrated when they finished the season 4th out of 8 teams in their district.  Do you cheer when your favorite pro sports team finishes at .500?

In everyday life experiences, are you looking for ways to be in the middle, enjoying the long wait in the middle of the line at Starbucks or pumped to have an “average” wait time of 30 minutes on your call to the utility company?

At work are you putting all of your energy and effort to be thought of as a good, loyal, dedicated, average employee?

Regardless of where you fall in the debates about any of the “class warfare” issues of today, or what classification you associate yourself with, consider whether ANY classification is something you want to wear.

Be extremely cautious and conscious of the labels that you assign to yourself or worse yet, the labels you allow others to assign to you. Look at yourself as the brilliant, talented, individual you are.  Let words like, leader, achiever, creator, and motivator, be associated with your beliefs and actions.  Don’t get caught up in societal labels that will only serve to limit your self-image, restrict your thoughts and aspirations, inhibit your dreams and desires, and repress your passion and purpose

I recently read a news story about “Joe the Plumber” who has officiallyLeader announced he is running for Congress.  Samuel “Joe” Wurzelbacher gained fame during the 2008 Presidential campaign as a representative of the middle class.  Ironically it seems that even this “Average Joe” has decided that he has dreams and aspirations somewhere outside of the middle.

Do You?

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MCACbbFacebook 1Bill Beard is a MCAC Credentialed Personal Development Coach and Consultant with over 25 years of experience in business operations.  He has taken his business experiences and his natural ability to form and strengthen interpersonal relationships with practicality and compassion, and melded them into his independent practice, Infinite Purpose Coaching and Consulting.

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How Will You Arrive?

By Bill Beard | Published October 19, 2011

Living in Ohio I have learned that at this time of year I truly appreciate days like today.  As I set out on what could be one of my last bike rides without cold weather gear, I was completely focused on enjoying the experience.  As I was thoroughly enjoying the sun, sights, smells, and strong autumnal energy, I was shifted back into reality by the familiar sound of a vehicle.   Not a car or an even more common 4×4 truck, but an equally familiar tractor.  As my awareness increased, I realized it was behind me and gaining ground.  I regularly need to navigate farm vehicles in my SUV, but this was a new experience.  As I increased my speed to ensure it stayed behind me, I momentarily thought of my childhood experiences on our farm and the how slow the tractors were.  But this was today, and 30 years of tractor technology was quickly gaining on me.D1759 Orange Tractor Grill and Lights

I would like to say the stop sign at the approaching intersection bailed me out, but the truth is I was passed, by the tractor, as I was moving at about 22 mph while going uphill.

As I turned at the intersection, ironically behind another tractor, the first non-farm implement thought in my head was actor Will Smith’s quote:

“I’m not afraid to die on a treadmill. I will not be outworked. I will run. Period. You may have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, you might be sexier and all those things, but if we get on the treadmill, then you are going to get off first or I am going to die. It’s that simple.”

As you reflect on the quote, I would like you to think about your life, and what mode of transportation you are using.  If you are searching for your purpose or passion, or have goals and aspirations you are moving towards, an important question to consider is, “How am I getting there?”  In this case the “how” is about the effort, pace, determination, and commitment.

Have you started out walking, did you move to a jog, are you thinking about how fast you will run as your vision becomes clear?

Green LamboBut is that good enough for you?  My 11-year old daughter frequently reminds me that when she turns 16, a car like her brothers ’08 Civic is not going to work for her, she absolutely must have a lime green Lamborghini.

Have you thought about what it will look like when you arrive at your, purpose, dream, or goal?

Will you walk or jog up completely intact, barely out of breath, much later than you had planned, barely ahead of the tractor?

Or, will you arrive at your ultimate purpose, dream of dreams, and life-long passion, at the perfect time,…crashing in, with a lime green streak, pedal to the metal, engine racing, tireless rims sparking, and doors blown off?

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming — WOW– What a Ride!” ~Unknown

Facebook 1bbMCACBill Beard is a MCAC Credentialed Personal Development Coach and Consultant with over 25 years of experience in business operations.  He has taken his business experiences and his natural ability to form and strengthen interpersonal relationships with practicality and compassion, and melded them into his independent practice, Infinite Purpose Coaching and Consulting.  Through empowered coaching and refined communication, Bill guides his clients toward finding the clarity and focus they need to take positive charge of their business and personal endeavors.

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Judgment

By Bill Beard | Published August 8, 2011

As I read the following definition of Judgment, “the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion; the faculty of being able to make critical distinctions and achieve a balanced viewpoint,” my first reaction is “really?” Think about the last time you “judged” someone…did you do it objectively and with a balanced viewpoint? I didn’t think so.  judge

I recently read an article “Band of Brothers,” by Michael Farber (Sports Illustrated, June 6, 2011).  The author makes the distinction between Lance Armstrong the cyclist and Lance Armstrong the founder of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  While the current media focus is on judging Armstrong for his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, Farber’s recent cancer diagnosis helps to bring balance to all the recent media judgment. In the article Farber notes how Armstrong through his Foundation (“Livestrong”) has raised over $325 million in the last 14 years for cancer research.

As someone who enjoys cycling and has lost loved ones to cancer, I appreciate Farber’s objective viewpoint.  As I look at the yellow band on my wrist worn in honor of my late father, I think about how easy it is every day to pass judgment on another based on a situation, action, or event.  Farber offers a quote by his own oncological surgeon; “There’s nobody I can think of—no nonmedical person—who has had an impact like Lance Armstrong on cancer awareness and fund-raising.” This piece of information most likely has influenced your judgment of Lance Armstrong, the person.

I recently had a conversation with a nurse friend who is on assignment at a federal prison.  Contrary to what most would believe, she is finding that the kindest and most respectful inmates are those on death row.  She noted that even though many are now years away from their past and living a life constantly reminded of their death sentence, they are actively working to become better people (despite the minimal benefits derived from their good behavior).  I found her objective insight and human compassion a good balance to the usual cynicism and “quick to judge” mentality that seems to be so prevalent today.

People who are celebrities or are in the public eye are used to being judged because of their celebrity and the non-stop media coverage.  And unfortunately today the right to judge seems to have become a way of living for many.  Make yourself look better by judging others as less than you.

Think about your life and the situations you deal with daily.  Is it possible for a stranger or even a close friend to understand the complexities of your life?  Is it therefore possible for them to judge you on how you are living your life?  More importantly is it possible for you to know enough about another’s life to be able to judge in a balanced and objective way?

Although most of us are not dealing with a performance-enhancing drug scandal or facing a death sentence, we are in daily situations where others will judge us and we will judge them.  The next time you are faced with the opportunity to judge another, will you be balanced, objective and wise?

Living your life with love, compassion, empathy, and forgiveness is definitely the right stuff to help you have more objective views of others.  Likewise, living as an honest, trustworthy, caring, and ethical person will help others be more objective in their judgments of you.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”   Luke 6:37

Bill Beard is completing his credentialing as a personal development coach through The MorningCoach Academy of Coaching.  He has committed his knowledge, vision, and life experiences to leading others to an abundant life through Personal Evolution.  Click to find out more about Bill, his coaching/consulting company -Infinite Purpose, and MorningCoach.

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You as a Leader

By Bill Beard | Published April 8, 2011

When you think of the term, Leader, what comes to mind?  Is it someone in your family, workplace, social group, a celebrity, sports star or someone famous in another way?

Do you think of yourself?

John Quincy Adams stated, “If your actions inspire others to do more, to learn more, to dream more or to become more, you are a leader.”Leader

As you consider this quote, you should agree, everyone is a leader.  You, are a leader.  Whether you consider yourself a leader or others look to you for leadership is simply a matter of how often you take advantage of your opportunities to exhibit your leadership qualities.  Being a leader means you look at your role as a spouse, partner, parent, co-worker, peer, friend, mentor, or colleague, as an obligation to influence and inspire those who are important to you.

Your job as a leader is to be conscious in all of your interactions, every relationship, each moment of contact. Take responsibility for every opportunity to:

  • Be Trustworthy ~ trust is reliance on another person or entity; make a conscious effort to build trust in all of your relationships.
  • Be Respectful ~ respect yourself first, then others.   Find ways to show others you respect them.  Make an effort to comment on others successes and note positive qualities.
  • Be Creative and Passionate ~ tap into your inner creativity and passion.  Use your creativity and passion to inspire others to bring out their creativity and to find their passion.
  • Be Humble ~ you are no better or worse than others, we are all part of this amazing life experience.
  • Be Generous and Show Appreciation ~ let others know how much they mean to you, and why they are important, be generous in your heart and your words.
  • Be Fair ~ see things from another’s view, strive to be impartial and just.
  • Be Honest ~ interact in an honest manner, and most of all be honest with yourself.  One way to do this is to admit mistakes.  Obviously, admit them to yourself, but it is equally important to admit them to others.
  • Be a Person of Integrity ~ integrity is the integration of outward actions and inner values. Base all of your actions on your values; be true to your core beliefs.

All of these leadership qualities are an integral part of your being.  Maintaining a conscious presence and focus on these characteristics in your daily interactions will not only allow others to see you as a leader, someone who inspires others, but will keep you grounded in your own morals, values, and beliefs.

Being a Leader doesn’t mean you need to be rich, famous, or the smartest person in the room, all you really need to be is, You.

FacebookBill Beard has been a successful leader, manager, and mentor in business operations for the last 25 years.  He has committed his knowledge, vision, and life experiences to leading others to an abundant life through Personal Evolution as a member of the MorningCoach Coaching Certification Program

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