S6 | Ep. # 59: Becky James Hatter

"What you put out in the world is what you get back." Becky James Hatter grew up in a small Louisiana town where she was surrounded by family, freedom and unconditional love. "That was an extraordinary gift to be given as a young person." Her entire career has been creating the same environment for underserved youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Today, Becky will share what it's like to have a personal + professional mission that is one (adults pouring love, goodness, experience, exposure, and support into the life of a child)... and what it means for your life, too. SHOW NOTES: Becky loved to get in trouble + work hard; her parents let her do both.  "To wake up every day and give away what I've been given makes so much sense. And really, it's all I've got." What you put out in the world is what you get back.  Becky believes every one of us has something to give. It may not be a million dollars or even a dollar, but a smile, story, love. And when you give it - they receive it and can then give it to. Always try to be the coach and not the boss. A coach is a mentor. When you are a coach, you listen more + people want to do well. Relationships are powerful. They're the only thing that makes life better or harder. Collect amazing people around you. The human spirit survives on love and struggles without it. Little moments, they accumulate. 4 hours a month volunteered with a child through BBBS literally transforms their life.  Be curious and courageous. When you meet someone who doesn't believe in the same things or see the world, in the same way, this is an opportunity to learn. Ask questions. BECKY JAMES HATTERS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Professionally, anything Peter Drucker or Jim Collins. Personally, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Create an endowment for BBBSEMO. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? The book case with all of my favorite books. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My husband. We would talk about everything. We are just good together. My buddy. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad said, "You might want to go hide behind a garbage can and watch yourself walk by." Which meant, we all have struggles and you shouldn't talk badly about others' hardships. My dad was never a man who told you what to do - he always gave amazing lessons. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Relax and have more fun.  7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Lucky: To have been born, to the family she was born into, in the place she grew up. She was just really lucky. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning