Blog by Colonel Tim Karcher, US Army (Ret.)
The book Bedu: Bedouin Boy, Poet King by David W. Sutherland and Paul McKellips is much more than the profoundly simple journey it purports to tell. The story of Bedu, a shepherd boy from Damascus, offers timely insights on leadership and living with a purpose.
Here are ten passages and lessons to apply to your life.
1. Fortune favors the bold. “With that, Bedu took off walking.” Not everyone is willing to be courageous if they fear difficulties or repercussions. We achieve greatness when we step out, take risk, and unshackle innovation.
2. Character counts. “But there in Damascus, he could see the sixth star. It meant respect to Bedu. Respect for his family, respect for his adventure, and respect for this one life which had given him so much opportunity.” People of character understand that their responsibility is following through on an obligation even when the initial motivation is gone.
3. There’s always a silver lining that creates opportunity. “Have empathy for those in need and turn nothing into something.” Not every frustrating situation needs to be so aggravating. The key is always gaining insight. There is always something to be gained from each and every situation to turn them into new opportunities.
4. The present is a present. “When leaders love beyond self, life replaces emptiness and indecision with fulfillment and purpose.” The past is the past. Whatever happened, happened. Whatever didn’t happen, didn’t happen. Spend time and energy in the present, expending energy on the past is a waste of your time. Smile, learn from mistakes, embrace your successes, but stay focused on your journey.
5. Enthusiasm fosters success. “Treat people – all people – well, no matter their station or position in life, and they will treat you well.” Success leads to success, as does failure lead to failure, if you allow it to. The successful leader inspires ordinary people to accomplish amazing things by working together toward a common goal.
6. Be confident. “When you unleash the power of new possibilities it fuels your ability to change into something far greater.” When in charge, take charge. If you are in charge and have ideas that could help, act on them. Believe that the best is yet to come and use that conviction to inspire others.
7. Nothing is unrealistic if you have faith. “Work together as a team and transform the impossible, to the possible.” Collaboration creates a sense of shared purpose. You will win the respect and admiration of your team members once they see that you value their skills, knowledge, and attributes. Have faith in others.
8. Never be defeated. “When you are willing to change, become better, and serve others, a new path for living grows beneath you.” Always seek to evolve, to become a better person, leader, or manager. Recognize when you’ve made a mistake and don’t hesitate to admit it. At the same time, never accept defeat.
9. Take action. “Who we are dictates what we do, and how we do it. And what we do reflects who we are.” It’s not enough to know what to do; you must also have the ability and the will to do it. Even if you fail (and even the most brilliant people will), you must learn from your actions and apply what you’ve learned. You can’t afford to be sitting on the sidelines.
10. Embrace your journey. “’No son…that’s what you do. This journey will tell you who you are which is far more important than what you do.’” Follow your journey and embrace every moment because who we are determines what we do. When we think, act, and interact with others with respect, admiration, and appreciation, we will enjoy what we do with our family, in business, and in life.
You can find this story of life with purpose on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
