Where's the Positive in Tragedy?

In light of so many recent school tragedies, TC and Mike address this growing need and begin to offer a few next steps in growing the positive before and after tragedy occurs.

Check out this episode!

Available NOW on Amazon and at Xulon Press

The Book that started it all is here. You can get it at one of two locations. Buy the Paperback or eBook version on Amazon or at Xulon Press. Click on these links to help you out.

There's a Big Difference Between Image and Identity

A healthy IDENTITY is essential if one is to truly develop and grow. I am often asked by young people, "What is the meaning of life?" My answer is, "To Discover your Personal Identity, Embrace it, and Passionately Follow it the rest of your life." This answer is often followed by a round of applause. Not sure why. Maybe because that response is just too much to handle in a high school setting? But confusion sets in largely because the world can convince you that your image, or the image the world portrays as "successful," is your identity. When in reality, identity is much more than your image.

We are bombarded with IMAGE Conscious media with every turn. No wonder its increasingly difficult to look beyond the surface and love what's on the inside. Your Identity is directly reflective of what you choose to surrender your life to. The more you surrender to that job, person, substance, etc., the stronger your identity is tied to it. This is not a good or bad judgment. It is just a fact. Often identity can also be formed from the outside. Yet a strong identity is formed from the inside out.

True Identity comes from the inside out and not from the outside in. Image is mostly concerned with the outside appearance towards others. Identity is the inner strength to endure. It is the infrastructure that supports the building and growing of our lives. We all have seasons in our lives where we don't feel like growing. But we all have the same opportunity and time each day to grow. Grow forward with us at The Power of Next. Let Mike Bearden and his team listen with you and help you take your Next Step towards a strong Identity Development.

The BOOK That Started it ALL!

While I must admit that I enjoyed the times of actually writing this book versus actually reading what I wrote, I do believe that its design and purpose was accomplished. The intent of this book is to be a connection point of not just providing the reader some humor and vivid expressions of growth opportunities but also to allow the reader to connect at ANY TIME with a Coach or Listener via our main website and discuss what impacted them from what they read.
It has always been my hope and prayer that I would be able to come alongside others during their different seasons of life when they might just need someone to listen and maybe even get them unstuck. I consider it the highest privilege for which I was born. It's how I am wired whether I like it or not. In fact, it's my passion. When I am unable to come alongside others, my life becomes less than satisfactory. I have learned much over the years of listening to others. And together we grow. I hope that Mike Bearden and this book The Power of Next can breathe a bit of new life inspiration and challenge into your heartbeat during your life season. I will make time for you.
Mike Bearden
mike@thepowerofnext.org