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Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams
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 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!
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 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!
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 26, 2022
Chase the Bears is an upbeat, part self-help book, part memoir from first time author, seasoned attorney, and former U.S. congressman, Ric Keller. With “chasing the bears” as a metaphor for reaching goals, Keller lays out his specific method for how to do so. He shows how he realized two of his life’s dreams, graduating top of his college class and getting elected to Congress, by using this method.
Keller focuses on five main tips for success. First, figure out what your true gifts are. Once you do that, stay in your lane. He suggests we can’t all be ‘anything’, but we can all do anything we want that relies on our personal strengths.
Next, trust your intuition. Comparing intuition to an internal GPS system, he believes gut feelings are the truest. In Keller’s bid for congressional office, his gut told him to stay in the race even as the leader of his party asked him to bow out. Since he was ultimately elected after winning a tough primary and a tougher general election against a seasoned politician, his gut proved right.
Third, Keller encourages us to take a chance. But, more specifically, he advises taking calculated risks. He doesn’t promote taking leaps of blind faith but encourages taking chances that line up with our strengths. And, when taking those risks, instead of identifying every little thing that can go wrong, ask: what if it all works out? He believes that once you set your goal, the universe will conspire with you, not against you.
The adage goes: try and try again. Keller’s fourth tip is a variation: fail and win anyway. He points to celebrity “fails” that ultimately led to huge wins, arguing that losing out might be the universe’s way of pointing you towards another opportunity. In his own life, as sad as Keller was to not be reelected to Congress in 2008, his wins from that loss include being a more available dad for his children and making considerably more money as a litigating attorney.
Keller’s final piece of advice is to not take yourself too seriously. Being able to laugh at yourself makes you relatable and more human. Keller uses personal examples to demonstrate how self-effacing jokes have helped him secure campaign funding, lock down votes in tight elections and deflect criticism.
Chase the Bears is an easy read that gives a new, positive take on old tropes. Though a Republican, Keller makes sure to give credit on both sides of the aisle, including nods to Barack Obama and JFK, which aligns with his belief that civility is of the upmost importance and is severely lacking in today’s society.
His use of well-known celebrity stories and lesser or unknown ones all lend support to his method for success. If you read this book, you’ll learn some new things about the world and hopefully you’ll internalize some of Keller’s simple suggestions for achieving your dreams, too.
Keller focuses on five main tips for success. First, figure out what your true gifts are. Once you do that, stay in your lane. He suggests we can’t all be ‘anything’, but we can all do anything we want that relies on our personal strengths.
Next, trust your intuition. Comparing intuition to an internal GPS system, he believes gut feelings are the truest. In Keller’s bid for congressional office, his gut told him to stay in the race even as the leader of his party asked him to bow out. Since he was ultimately elected after winning a tough primary and a tougher general election against a seasoned politician, his gut proved right.
Third, Keller encourages us to take a chance. But, more specifically, he advises taking calculated risks. He doesn’t promote taking leaps of blind faith but encourages taking chances that line up with our strengths. And, when taking those risks, instead of identifying every little thing that can go wrong, ask: what if it all works out? He believes that once you set your goal, the universe will conspire with you, not against you.
The adage goes: try and try again. Keller’s fourth tip is a variation: fail and win anyway. He points to celebrity “fails” that ultimately led to huge wins, arguing that losing out might be the universe’s way of pointing you towards another opportunity. In his own life, as sad as Keller was to not be reelected to Congress in 2008, his wins from that loss include being a more available dad for his children and making considerably more money as a litigating attorney.
Keller’s final piece of advice is to not take yourself too seriously. Being able to laugh at yourself makes you relatable and more human. Keller uses personal examples to demonstrate how self-effacing jokes have helped him secure campaign funding, lock down votes in tight elections and deflect criticism.
Chase the Bears is an easy read that gives a new, positive take on old tropes. Though a Republican, Keller makes sure to give credit on both sides of the aisle, including nods to Barack Obama and JFK, which aligns with his belief that civility is of the upmost importance and is severely lacking in today’s society.
His use of well-known celebrity stories and lesser or unknown ones all lend support to his method for success. If you read this book, you’ll learn some new things about the world and hopefully you’ll internalize some of Keller’s simple suggestions for achieving your dreams, too.
October 4, 2022
Ric Keller's words are both insightful and hilarious, like the former Congressman himself. Unlike many books in the self-help/inspiration category which are preachy and too wordy, his economy of words and personal anecdotes make this a pleasure to read. Easy to knock out in a single afternoon and well worth the time.
October 6, 2022
This book had several
aha moments within the first 18 pages..and relatable. It is a book you have to read and give it your undivided attention because of the “you don’t want to miss this or write this down” tips and real life stories. My only suggestion is if it’s available in hardback get it because it already looks pretty worn and only read it once.
aha moments within the first 18 pages..and relatable. It is a book you have to read and give it your undivided attention because of the “you don’t want to miss this or write this down” tips and real life stories. My only suggestion is if it’s available in hardback get it because it already looks pretty worn and only read it once.
Want to read
September 1, 2022I was just selected as a GoodReads giveaway winner and I'm happy to see what this book is all about. Will update review when I read this - thanks for picking me as a winner!
October 3, 2022
I hit 50. I’ve been a great mother. A really good hairdresser and hopefully a good friend. I don’t really have hobbies. I’ve been awesome at survival and not so go at chasing my dreams. I decided I deserve to live the best version of myself for the next chapter. I realized I have no idea how. I needed a plan. I can clearly see what I want. So I asked the universe for the answer and this book came to my door! I don’t read much. But I stayed up all night and read the entire book. I’m not sure what’s better, the plan or hope that anything is possible. I love this book! If you want to go meet the best version of you. Get this book. Chase your dreams. Big or small. We all matter.
October 5, 2022
I have counted Ric Keller as a friend for years and I am so proud of him for Chase the Bears. This is everything I cherish about Ric. His ability to share stories of his life in the most unassuming and humorous way, all focusing in on how his experiences can help (re)shape your future. Thank you Ric for sharing those “little things to achieve big dreams”.
October 6, 2022
To see someone achieve success, while never taking life or himself too seriously, is truly inspiring. I've had the pleasure of attending several of Ric Keller's speeches, and I invite you to check out his Tedx presentation on Self-Deprecating Humor on YouTube. Chasing the Bears is an autobiography peppered with folk-wisdom and full of humor. Truly an inspiring read!
Read
October 9, 2022Congressman Roc Keller's "Chase the Bears" is a unique blend of humor, philosophy and history modestly told and illustrated with fascinating personal anecdotes involving congressional colleagues, life mentors and world leaders. For all who dream of 'breaking the mold' and running with the bears, crazy though that may be, Ric tells us to 'get up and go.' I give him five stars!!
COL Robert R. "Rob" Simmons, USAR, Retired
Connecticut Congressman, 2001-2007
COL Robert R. "Rob" Simmons, USAR, Retired
Connecticut Congressman, 2001-2007
September 24, 2022
Chase the Bears asks the question: "Do you chase your dreams or play it safe?" This book will show you that you are never too old to "Chase the Bear", to overcome whatever is holding you back to obtain your dreams. I particularly enjoyed the stories of how others pursued their successes. Highly recommend.
October 6, 2022
An inspiring, funny read that exemplifies that almost any problem is surmountable with hard work, persistence, and determination.
October 6, 2022
As a recent college grad, Chase the Bears inspired me and others to truly “chase the bears,” which allowed me to see we are capable of following our dreams. 5/5 read!
October 6, 2022
Fantastic read!
October 6, 2022
Very inspiring &goal oriented. Every High school &college graduate should read
October 10, 2022
Inspiring, Entertaining, and Downright Funny!!
October 3, 2022
Truly a refresher to the self help genre. Complete with first hand accounts and experiences that make you want to jump out of your chair and “chase the bear”.
October 12, 2022
Ric Keller’s “Chase the Bears” is a practical, funny, inspirational, and personal guide to success. Ric incorporates heartwarming evidence based on his own life that shows that the formula works. And he delivers his message in a straight-forward way that makes you smile, laugh out loud, and never want to put this book down.
October 12, 2022
Inspiring! You will want to go after what you've been considering to do in your life but just needed a little nudge. Fantastic personal anecdotes along the way to motivate you to go for it! Funny and easy to read!
September 25, 2022
One of the best inspirational self-help books I’ve read. I love underdog stories, and there were so many examples of famous and less famous people who overcame tremendous odds and failures to be successful. The book gives lots of practical advice for determine your gifts and life purpose to achieve your dreams. Perfect for graduates, mid-career professionals, and those looking for inspiration generally. A quick and funny read as well. I’m recommending to all my friends and colleagues.
January 11, 2023
even though there is a banner on the giveaway page reading that books were sent on sept 10th, i still have yet to receive my copy, as was made clear when i clicked the button that “as of dec 9” i hadn’t received it.
what do i have to do??
i don’t want to wait til feb 9 to click a useless button again!
PLEASE SEND ME MY BOOK!
shelley n kennedy
what do i have to do??
i don’t want to wait til feb 9 to click a useless button again!
PLEASE SEND ME MY BOOK!
shelley n kennedy
Want to read
November 25, 2022very entertaining book would recommend it.
November 25, 2022
very entertaining book would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews