Bold Fresh is a memoir written in an attempt to explain the source of this phenomenal approach. This book is as an insightful view into Marcus Buckingham’s point that everyone sees the world through their own unique perspective which is a result of their predisposition, upbringing, education and life experiences.
A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity has remained on the top seller lists for what now seems like forever and the book is definitely an experience to recommend in the fullest. Presented here are the gem’s of Bill O’Reilly’s accumulated wisdom.
I am personally proud to share in his Irish, Catholic, Long Island heritage.
The most interesting part of life is achieving goals and overcoming challenges.
Harness criticism. Bill O’Reilly has personally proven that you can drive career success by working harder to disprove critics. As O’Reilly put it, “Living well is not the best revenge. Succeeding in your career and humiliating your critics is.” And O’Reilly has certainly showed up innumerable critics!
Be a calculated risk-taker and allow yourself the chance to fall flat on your face. Not allowing for this makes one risk averse and they stop trying. Ensure that failure is only a prelude to trying again. (Remember the model of perseverance that is Abraham Lincoln, having failed at so much before eventually becoming one of the most revered US Presidents of all time.)
Work hard, keep a clear head, don't compromise when you know you're right, give most people the benefit of the doubt, don't fear authority, and definitely have a good time.
Every person can, and should, design their own life. Individual responsibility is the key to success in life. Expect—and accept—nothing from anyone else. Do it yourself.
Present your case or belief then stand back and let the listener decide. Remember, it is ok to disagree on how to see life (although not necessarily issues or facts) so long as the disagreement is sincere.
Bad things will happen, prepare for it! Life is a series of challenges and that is by design of the Creator.
- Ignore - Most choose to ignore and then hold it inside of them, breeding resentment.
- Confront - Confrontation leads to a situation. You need power to fight. Fighting can make you stronger but a wiser, more effective approach can spare you a lot of grief.
- Deal with later, using a well-thought out strategy. A patient approach allows all options to become clear.
FEAR
Fear makes many accept the unacceptable such as settling for less than they can achieve.
True courage is not about being fearless; it is about overcoming fear, going ahead with something worthwhile even though you’re terrified. But don't be stupid either. Risks must be calculated.
"Taming fear helps you stand up to injustice. Legacy is all about how many wrongs you made right, how many people you helped. But make no mistake, righting the wrongs you encounter means conflict and you will be made to suffer for it."
DOING THE RIGHT THING
The power of choice in all people is basically the choice between good and evil. You either fight evil or you accept it. Doing nothing is accepting it.
God and the presence of evil in the world: without the ability to choose evil, there would be no free will to choose good. It is like when a parent allows a child to make a choice in a situation where, to an adult, the choice is blatantly obvious. Parents provide the opportunity of choice so the child can better appreciate outcomes and therefore learn.
You cannot justify bad behavior by pointing to other bad behavior.
INJUSTICE AT THE OFFICE
When faced with workplace injustice, slug it out. Slugging it out is not always the right move—it can be a career killer but it is great basic training for those who are Crusaders. Hold people accountable! Crusades ARE polarizing.
Dangers of crusading: blowback and losing perspective by becoming self righteous.
Rehearse meetings and events. Do not write a script but coming mentally prepared makes events go much better by reducing your stress. A relaxed mind is much more creative.
DISCIPLINE
People need structure and discipline. Kids need structure and accountability.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Fend for yourself without drama.
Few expectations mean few disappointments.
Money buys security from harm and often can mitigate difficult situations. Power leads to opportunities.
Learn patience and not to get annoyed when it is really not warranted. Do not sweat the small stuff…but then again shouldn't we fuss about getting it right? Try to be a big-stuff guy like Jesus or Ghandi. Patience is its own reward but impatience gets things done.
Be practical. No four-dollar coffees. Avoid pretension but do not undervalue your time or accept abuse.
LEADERSHIP
Disaster is always on the horizon for those who have to struggle just to get by. For those who grew up with power and privilege, the mindset is that things will work out. A more apprehensive leader will react more urgently to bad news. This can explain why many formal leaders are painfully slow to move on crisis situations.
Powerful people control their environment.
- Those who take it
- Those who don't take it.
Perhaps this is Bill's personal secret to success. He deflects attacks on himself by taking up the fights for others.
O'Reilly says "Trump is right. If you are being mistreated, you should fight back. Try to reason at first but if rejected, come in hard."
Power is derived from the folks or by big money.
The world increasingly celebrates selfishness and materialism. Resist and always strive for fairness and justice. Help everyone you can help. Help will find its way to you.
RELATIONSHIPS
Social conversations must be maintained as confidential. Keep personal stuff personal (as in private).
Calling someone “a work in progress” is a copout. We are all works in progress.
Eat healthy to perform well and last long.
Appearance and speech are critical to success.