The 5 Bea-Attitudes: How You Can 'Bea' a Hero
If you’ve heard one of my presentations, you probably remember the story of Aunt Bea and apple pancakes…
For those not as familiar with the story or if you need a refresher, you can watch the first part of the apple pancakes story here:
What can we learn from Aunt Bea?
Bea showed up with an extraordinary attitude of service. It was obvious her choice was to say “no” to being ordinary. She was intentional about doing whatever she had to do to serve our family well. She brought her best self to the present moment and poured it into our experience.
Let’s take a closer look at the “Bea attitudes"...
1. Bea Happy
The first thing we noticed about Bea was her smile. She had a genuine smile that lit up the room. The smile on her face formed long before she got to our table. It was honest, sincere, and authentic.
I’m sure Bea had things going on in her life, just like everyone else. You can bet she was dealing with family, work, and life stuff the same way we do. The difference was that we never knew it. Many people drag that garbage-thinking around and they not only let it weigh them down, but they dump it on everyone they come in contact with. They feel compelled to share how difficult their life is and how miserable they are. And the more they talk about it, the worse they feel.
Whatever you focus on multiplies. That is how life works.
I know that everyone is not over-the-top positive. They claim that they weren’t born with a positive gene. They aren’t happy by nature. They believe the worst excuse known to man: “That’s just the way I am.” That is not the way you are. It is the way you choose to be. Even if it’s not your nature to be happy, it is still your choice to be happy or to be miserable.
2. Bea Kind
Bea’s kindness was real. She did not learn it from a script or manual. Her kindness was not manufactured kindness that people muster up when they stand to get something in return.
Bea took a personal interest in our story. She was kind to Josh-Brown and listened to what he said... and what he didn’t say. When he asked for apple pancakes, she could tell by his expression they were his favorite. She paid attention and made a decision before she ever left the table to do something special for him. It was an act of kindness that reached far beyond the requirements of her job. Bea was intentionally kind to my boy.
3. Bea Present
To make a positive difference, you have to be present.
Heroes are not distracted by their devices, vices, or every crisis in their life.
Devices pull us away from the present moment. Our vices preoccupy us and we rush through the present moment. Every crisis blows up the present moment, and we make it about us instead of the people we are supposed to be with.
Heroes are present and accounted for. They block out distractions and focus on the task at hand. They live fully in the moment. They understand that nothing is casual and that everything deserves their full attention and focus—not a glancing blow or half-hearted effort.
4. Bea Willing
Some people are simply not willing to be a hero. Some aren’t willing to show up, much less show out. Some aren’t willing to be present and own the moments that matter. Some aren’t willing to embrace their gifts and use them to serve others. Some aren’t willing to persist and overcome the obstacles to find the best possible outcome for the people they serve.
Bea was willing. She had a willing spirit. She was willing to go above and beyond. She was willing to see further than the obstacles and roadblocks she encountered and serve at a higher level. She was willing to find a way when others would say, “No way.”
To create an exceptional experience for the people you serve, you must be willing to show up, show out, and deliver results, without exception, every single time.
5. Bea Extraordinary
You cannot deliver an extraordinary experience without embracing an extraordinary attitude. Excellence is the product of confidence, competence, and countenance.
You can show that you are extraordinary when you enter the room with confidence. You can exhibit extraordinary by the demeanor and charisma that you exude—confident that you can stand and deliver. Competent because you’ve done the work to master your craft. Your presence is unmistakable. You have the countenance of a hero, a quiet quality that tells everyone around you that everything is going to be all right.
Bea showed up with her extraordinary self and delivered an exceptional experience—and then some.
How do you show up?
This post includes excerpts from Kevin’s newest book The Hero Effect®: Being Your Best When it Matters the Most.
The Hero Effect® is a personal revelation that also holds profound implications for business. It’s an insightful narrative that challenges conventional thinking and reveals a brand-new paradigm in the world of everyday heroes. After reading, your team will be motivated to reach beyond what is required and do something remarkable! This book is designed to help individuals and organizations achieve greater results by eliminating “ordinary" thinking and mastering the habit of excellence.
Purchase Your Copy Here.
Photo credits (in order of appearance): rawpixel, Caju Gomes, Calum Lewis, and Glen Carrie on Unsplash
Copyright © 2019 Kevin Brown. All rights reserved.
Motivational Speaker & Author Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown is on a mission to help people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world class organizations and high performance people from everybody else. He is passionate about helping people expand their vision, develop their potential and grow their results. Kevin challenges people to show up every day and make a positive difference at work and in life!