Wednesdays With Willie
It is my firm belief that everyone should have a coach; someone who is able to serve as a guide (or facilitator) on this incredible journey we call life. As you know, it’s easy to fall back into our “stinking thinking” patterns and continue to manifest the same outcomes. Here’s where a coach comes in. It’s not that they have to serve as an encyclopedia of knowledge, always ready to provide you with just the right answer(s). In fact, effective coaches aren’t necessarily concerned with answer(s); instead they tend to focus on asking the right question(s). The ultimate goal for a coach is to empower others, not to play the game for them.
One of my coaches is a dear friend of mine who happens to be a living legend in my hometown of Albany, Oregon. His name is Bill O’Hearn and he possesses one of the most positive mindsets of anyone I know. Although his body may be 86 years old, his mind is still in its prime. While some people at this age spend time pondering what could have been, Bill is on a mission to share with others what still can be. Each week, he drafts an email titled “Wednesdays With Willie” which includes two meaningful quotes along with a brief explanation of how we can apply the words to our own life. Every time I read his quotes, I’m reminded of his servant heart and his passion for making a difference. He is truly a beautiful man.
Below is one of the quotes from last week’s Wednesdays With Willie. If you’d like to receive his weekly messages, please email him at bbohearn[at]cox.net. You won’t be disappointed.
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” —Christopher Reeve
BILL’S COMMENT: It was really nice of Superman to share this thought with us. With all his trials as a human being he really understood the meaning of these words. Really big dreams do seem impossible, at least until you start putting the power of your mind to work. Even then, they may feel improbable. But when you really get the power of your mind activated, there will be no stopping you. None of us really realize how much power is within us, but every little step forward helps and brings that power closer to reality. So, start dreaming even bigger dreams. Then insert the picture of those dreams as having already come true. You will be absolutely amazed and delighted when your dreams come true.
Mike,
You’re absolutely right about Bill. He’s an incredibly talented, special, and inspirational person. He’s taught me more about becoming a better person than anyone in my almost 62 years of life.
I’m proud to say that Bill is a mentor, coach, confidant, friend, cheerleader, and butt kicker.
His best advice, if I had to pick one tidbit of wisdom from Bill – “Then is then. Now is now.”
Thank you for acknowledging and honoring Bill for being a wonderful special spirit!
Greg Hansen
Hear, hear! A fitting tribute to inspiring Bill.
I also like what you say, Mike: “The ultimate goal for a coach is to empower others, not to play the game for them.”
Jillian