Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams

by Ric Keller

Overview

An inspiring, humorous, and original book of conventional and unconventional self-help ideas from former Congressman Ric Keller, who rose from humble beginnings to the US House of Representatives.

We are all born with a gift—a unique skill or talent that brings us joy and serves the greater good. At some point, we come to a crossroads: should we take a risk and chase our dreams or play it safe? Should we “chase the bears,” a metaphor for chasing our dreams, or are we fearful? In Chase the Bears, Ric Keller shows you that it is never too late. No matter your age or stage in life, you can still be what you wish to be. This inspiring book weaves together practical, actionable steps with fascinating stories about how other successful people have applied secret techniques to convert their thoughts and dreams into reality. You can, too!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780757324482
Publisher:	Health Communications Inc.
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	218,824
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Former Congressman Ric Keller served eight years in the US House of Representatives. He chaired the House Higher Education subcommittee and served on the Judiciary and Education committees. Today, he is an attorney, writer, humorist, motivational speaker, and television commentator. Ric received his bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University, where he graduated first in his class, and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. Ric lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Lori, and their blended family. His website is www.rickeller.net.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Chase the Bears 1

Part 1 Connecting Your Gifts to Your Goals

Chapter 1 Use Your Gifts 9

Chapter 2 Set Goals 23

Chapter 3 Trust Your Intuition 35

Chapter 4 Take Risks 47

Chapter 5 Persistence 65

Chapter 6 Fail, Pivot, and Win 89

Chapter 7 Focus 105

Part 2 Connecting with People

Chapter 8 Connecting the Dots 119

Chapter 9 The Secret Power of Self-Deprecating Humor 141

Chapter 10 Networking the Right Way 151

Chapter 11 Mentors and Sponsors 167

Chapter 12 Bold, Authentic Leadership 183

Chapter 13 Civility in Relationships 199

Chapter 14 Humor and Humility 209

Epilogue: Bad Advice on Bear Safety 223

Acknowledgments 227

Notes 231

About the Author 243

Editorial Reviews

Ric Keller hits just the right note in Chase the Bears. Not only is it engaging, inspiring, and funny, but it also offers readers a solid plan for achieving their dreams. I love this book!”

—Jack Canfield, coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Success Principles



“Chase the Bears is a gem of a book that everyone will enjoy and find benefit in. With humility and humor, Ric Keller guides us to pursue our dreams and find happiness, not through blind ambition, but rather through character and relationships.”

—Arthur C. Brooks, professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Chase the Bears inspires you to use your gifts and take action. You are where you are today based on the choices you made before today. If you want something different, simply start making different choices. The greatest risk of all is to take no action. The stories are heartfelt and inspiring, and also humorous!”

—Sharon Lechter, coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestselling Rich Dad Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich for Women, and 17 other books

“If you want to network the right way–and achieve your highest potential–read Chase the Bears. Ric Keller’s book is insightful, useful, and—best of all—incredibly witty and a pleasure to read.”

—Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business

“Ric has a great sense of humor. Chase the Bears shows why leading with boldness, civility, and a little humor will make you a leader worth following. It’s a fun read.”

—Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida

“The only things that will change you from where you are today to where you’ll be five years from now are the books you read, the people you meet, and the dreams you dream. Ric Keller’s new book, Chase the Bears, will definitely change your life for the positive in the next five years!”

—Lou Holtz, national championship head football coach at the University of Notre Dame



“Chase the Bears inspires you to trust your intuition. It can change your life . . . and maybe the world.”

—Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM and CNN host

“Every new day gives you the opportunity to change direction and head on a path to achieve your dreams. Chase the Bears will show you the tips, techniques, and practical actions to take your thoughts and aspirations and convert them into reality. Ric Keller’s book is wise, witty, and truly inspirational.”

—Brittany Wagner, nationally respected athletic academic counselor, motivational speaker, star of the hit Netflix documentary series, Last Chance U, and author of Next Chance You

“I first met Ric Keller when we were both new members of Congress and always valued his intelligence and his ability to see the big picture. Ric is a fine leader who understands the importance of mentoring, which is one of the values we share. I have devoted the last thirty years of my life working at mentoring. I think that you will enjoy reading Chase the Bears as leadership and mentoring are huge factors with our young people today.”

—Tom Osborne, three-time national championship head football coach at the University of Nebraska

“Ric Keller has written a tremendous new book, Chase the Bears. The term, chase the bears, is often a metaphor for chasing your dreams. In my own life, I have learned that chasing dreams takes hard work and involves risks. But in the end, the biggest risk of all is to simply take no risks. I urge you to read Ric Keller’s new book and let his experiences help you create the life you are dreaming of.”

—Don Green, Executive Director, The Napoleon Hill Foundation

From the Publisher