Jim Bearden on “Happily Ever After(s)”
Jim Bearden, CSP, delivers keynote presentations, Leadership Development Seminars and Sales Training Programs that elicit audience participation, provoke introspection and leave lasting impressions. One of the topics that audience members have found most memorable is Jim’s treatment of “Happily Ever After(s)”. When used in his Leadership Development Seminars, Sales Training Programs or as one of his keynote presentations, “Happily Ever After(s) Don’t Just Happen” sets the stage for laughter—and learning.
The Search for Better Ways—Two Paths
A defining characteristic of successful individuals is their willingness to consider and try alternatives to the status quo. When these people function in organizational leadership positions—formal or informal—they influence others to follow them down one of two paths in their pursuit of success. One of those paths, The Relentless Search for Better Ways, will lead to progressive improvements in processes and results, the better ways they were seeking. The other path, The Frantic but Futile Search for “Happily Ever After(s)”, will lead to … nowhere.
Wrong Path
As the name implies, the “Happily Ever After” Path is based on the premise that legitimate quick fixes or shortcuts to success actually exist. In reality, there are no such “abbreviated routes” that work. Success requires effort and takes time; people expecting overnight results need not apply.
Getting Back on Track
Acknowledging and abandoning illusions about “Happily Ever After(s)” is a prerequisite to winning. The hope (delusion) that they actually exist will cause us to squander time and energy on these frantic but futile searches for “Happily Ever After” alternatives to the hard work and perseverance we know is required. By enlisting audience participation in working through his “Happily Ever After” Cycle, Jim offers practical, real-world suggestions and helps audience members get comfortable with the truth…Happily Ever After(s) Don’t Just Happen.