'I would rather be a meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of a man is to live, not exist' Jack London
Who are you?
Someone who supports the development of individuals and businesses through educational programmes, inspirational communication, coaching and consultancy. I help people and companies who wish to make a greater contribution and in return receive greater personal prosperity and success.
What inspired you to set up 'Be More Achieve More'?
There have been many experiences that have led to this many positive and some more challenging; the death of three young friends, being threatened at knife point, an unhappy business split, major surgery and experiencing first hand poverty in third world countries. Poverty, which I know from my father's research back to 1622 the Cooper family consistently experienced up until only three generations ago. We just don't know in life whether we are going to be around for another 50 minutes or another 50 years, so we might as well make the most of our time.
My life changed when in the mid 90's, I attended a self development programme and then used it to really turn my life around. I woke up from sleep walking along, wrote a list of what I wanted to achieve by the time I was 40 and got on with it. Over the following years, I went from debt and struggling to senior roles in major global corporations and then successful entrepreneurial ventures. Yes, I have made plenty of mistakes, however, attracted a wonderful wife, son, homes, business and financial freedom. In fact, on my fortieth birthday everything except the easiest to obtain (a family dog) had been achieved. Barney, our labradoodle pup arrived a few months later.
At this point, it became clear that I wanted to spend the rest of my life helping individuals and businesses make the most of themselves. To the world of hard nosed sales and stripping millions of pounds of costs out of businesses I had once been in, this might seem 'soft'. In fact, it is not. It is some of the most tangible and added value work I have ever done.
What is your biggest achievement?
Leaving regular employment, then partners and setting up my own successful business was a big transition. A different level of energy and new skills are required to really get it off the ground. Help from a great coach and mastermind group have proved invaluable.
My favourite achievement was getting married to my wife and 18 months later holding my newborn son Matthew and watching him open his eyes for the first time. I am also delighted after many challenges that my second son arrived safely in January 2010.
So what training and experience have you undergone to do this?
I have worked with many global branded businesses such as Mars, Diageo, Rank Xerox with senior business leaders, talented high achievers and people with a desire to realise their potential. And it has been my privilege to observe their behaviours and the way they achieve their results.
I have also invested many many thousands of pounds in my own development on courses, tele-seminars and with coaches. I study and read every day and have gained knowledge and certifications from some of the most talented self development experts on the planet. To do this work well, commitment towards self mastery is everything. However, it is always a journey and there is further to go.
What is the key to achieving more?
Realising that it all starts with YOU! This means the willingness to actively improve the way you use your mind and develop your programming, so that your automatic behaviour creates the results you desire.
Our education system does not teach us what we need to know to be successful. If we want to know how to be wealthy, have great relationships and be happy, we have to fill the gaps and unlearn some of our old patterns of behaviour. If we want to overcome our past conditioning, we need to constantly break down the barriers of our old ways of thinking. We need to start looking at what we want and not limiting ourselves by our current results.
It was said by T.Harv Ecker that 'if an oak tree had a human brain it would only ever grow to be 10 feet tall' because it would limit itself. And many people do that. They look at the world and view it through their fixed paradigms and do not grow. If something goes wrong, they look at who to blame. They feel the world owes them something.
In this complex world, we need more highly aware people who can grow to set up great businesses and help solve complex societal problems. People who think differently from the standard paradigms. My intention is to help people to be able to look back on their lives and feel a sense of pride that they used their limited time well. And realise that even what may seem impossible can become a reality.
So What is Be More. Achieve More about and how should I use the site?
Chris Cooper - Founder of Be More. Achieve More
What do you do for fun?
When I can, I like to play classic rock on my electric guitar. My favourite material possession is a beautiful Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 guitar www.PRSguitars.com).
If you want a laugh here is me attempting 'Unchained' by Van Halen.
I also really enjoy art. My favourite artist is Louis Parsons (www.artwithsoul.co.uk) having acquired 'The Human Story' (below) as it really resonated with me. It expresses to me what 'Be More Achieve More' is all about. I had heard that Louis runs great creativity workshops so I invited him to run a seminar with me. The event was fantastic. Limited edition prints of these are available on his website.
To keep fit, I run and have completed the London and New York marathons for charity. I have also hiked the Inca trail in Peru and the West Highland Way in Scotland. During my many travels, I have seen bears catching Salmon in British Columbia, walked on the top of Sydney Harbour bridge, been up to 5400 metres on the highest peak in Bolivia. Seen sharks and giant moray eels while diving on ship wrecks, jumped from aeroplanes (with a parachute), flown gliders, visited Hill tribes in the Himalaya and narrowly avoided being attacked by a crocodile in Costa Rica.
Time with family and friends is very important. Financial investing is key if we want financial freedom. Also I love walking our dog Barney for relaxation. It is also a great time to catch up on audio programmes on my i-touch. What a brilliant device.
What are your favourite books?
Check out the resources section for recommendations. The first four books I study on an ongoing basis. I think they are best studied as part of a mastermind group. I read an extract from at least one of them every week.
'The Science of Getting Rich' by Wallace D Wattle - what an incredible man to have written this. You can download a free e-book version or even buy it on CD by clicking here
'Think and Grow Rich' by Napolean Hill - not only a fabulous book but a wonderful story behind how Napolean received the opportunity to write it and after 25 years of effort produced one of the best books on success ever written.
'As a Man Thinketh' by James Allen - a short and inspiring book written with great awareness.
'The Master Key System' - which rumour had it, inspired Bill Gates to leave college early and set up Microsoft.
'Business Stripped Bare' by Richard Branson - great insight into an amazing human being with the ability to put his dreams into action for the common good.
'Trusted Mole' by Milos Stankovic - this is a detailed book about one of the heroes of the Bosnian war. I like it because Milos is a friend and I marvel at what he has achieved and the enormous challenges he has faced and overcome.
'On Thin Ice' - TV series. I just loved this programme with Ben Fogle, James Cracknell and Dr Ed Coats. What an incredible experience. Would I have the courage to do this? Now I have a family; No chance!
You can buy all these books from Amazon - click the links on my Book Reviews page.
Do contact me if you'd like to know more about how I can help you to Be More and Achieve More.
