Be the Coffee Bean

Want to be useful? To have a purpose in the world? Sure, you can make that one-on-one connection and have a powerful influence on one person’s life. However, there is a great need in the world, especially at this time. And you only have a limited amount of time. Want to expand that impact?

The Coffee Bean

Years ago, a man was headed for a life sentence in prison for white collar crime. As he was set to board the bus for his destination, an older inmate told him this story:

“Imagine prison as a pot of boiling water.

• You can be like a carrot that goes in hard but comes out softened by the water.
• You can be like an egg, that goes in with a soft inside but becomes hardened once in the water.
• Or you can be like a coffee bean that changes the pot of boiling water into a pot of coffee.

The coffee bean is the change agent. That’s the only thing that will change the water. Be the coffee bean.”

A change agent?

But how was Damon West to make that change in a maximum-security prison? He looked at the community and realized many of the inmates could not read. They would not be able to make a valuable contribution to their communities once they were released after doing their time.

After serving part of his time, Damon appeared before the parole board. The officer remarked that during his stay, he had not only changed himself but also influenced everyone in prison. When asked to choose one word to describe what he would do after release, he replied, “Be useful.”

The result? His sentence was reduced to just over seven years, and he was released. He has expanded his audience to include football teams and other organizations, while continuing to visit prisons across the country to teach inmates how to read. He remains a valuable figure in the world.

How to be a coffee bean

Some steps to be that change agent are:

• Look for the need. Eight years ago, Heather Hutchison was new in town when she noticed there was no support for abandoned or lost animals. She immediately moved into an action mode, and Concho Animal Advocates was born. She met the need.
• Make friends with ideas and books. No matter how old you are, your mind has neuroplasticity that opens the door to learning new concepts and thoughts. Your mind can travel the world through books. And new ideas will broaden your horizons.
• Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Stretch yourself and expand your knowledge. Want to know more about cross-country skiing? Hunt up an expert on the Mountain. Interested in fishing? Kayaking? The list is endless.
• Stay focused on your own path. It’s easy to get distracted by others’ problems. Offer help if you'd like, but keep your focus on your goals. You’ll be glad you did.
• Give others a second chance. Everyone has a bad day from time to time. If that’s you, it doesn’t mean you have to carry a lifetime of remorse and regret. Make amends and do better tomorrow.

Be the coffee bean. The whole world is searching for the right way for them. I believe in you. Live unstuck.