Bearded Wisdom with Les McDaniel

What do you stand to gain by developing higher emotional intelligence? 

We already know EQ matters just as much as IQ when it comes to happiness and success in life. But with the ever-changing dynamics of the post-pandemic workplace and the rise of woke culture, having Emotional Intelligence is now more important than ever. In today's episode, Les goes through practical tips to help you enhance your ability to work with your emotions and use emotional intelligence as a springboard for a successful professional and personal life.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:08 A celebratory week for Les

02:40 Emotional intelligence secrets

04:17 The pandemic and its impact on mental health 

06:41 What is emotional intelligence?

07:40 What emotional intelligence looks like in daily life

09:20 Raising kids who don't show any emotions

10:56 Learning to work through your emotions

11:46 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources:

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What does it mean to be an entrepreneur that creates success in all aspects of life?

Entrepreneurs are a rare breed. To be one, you must have the ability to take risks, be creative, and, most importantly, give away your gifts freely. Sadly, most entrepreneurs would rather hold onto their gifts than give them away. But here's the thing; your time on earth is limited. If you hold onto your gifts waiting for the right time, that time will never come. And if it does come, it might be too late. 

Tune in to hear Les explain why you need to take the time to figure out how you can share your unique gifts in ways that will benefit both you and those around you.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:40 What is an entrepreneur's paradox?

03:29 Giving away your gifts for free

04:55 There's nothing new under the sun

05:58 Understanding the centrifugal force in your own life

06:49 Whether long or short, your time on earth is limited

08:50 How suffering can be a gift

10:56 Embracing the fullness of suffering

12:34 Why you should only give your gifts to those who want it

13:35 The power that comes with giving away your gifts freely

14:55 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources:

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Thinking of yourself in small ways can be a good thing. How? Well, in a world with uncountable galaxies, you ought to understand that you are smaller than an electron. Unfortunately, we live in a world where so many people are stuck in a place where they think they're the center of the universe. Yes, nobody wants to feel small in life, but this kind of a reality is something we have to deal with. 

In today's episode, Les explains why thinking of yourself in small ways is the first step to achieving great things. Tune in to learn how you can use the Tao Te Ching to understand how the universe is massive compared to us and the role we play in shaping our own destiny.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:25 The source of all wisdom in life

03:22 What is the meaning of Tao Te Ching?

05:10 Understanding what it truly means to be alive

07:50 Dealing with people trying to devalue your peace

08:54 The idea of being infinitely small

10:47 Why you need to understand and embrace your smallness

12:19 The essence of Christ Consciousness

13:46 How to tap into your greatness by embracing your smallness

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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Are you living a "naked" life? Is the core of your everyday life in line with your true authentic self? If not, it's time to strip away the mediocrity of keeping up with other people's expectations. You see, trying to live up to other people's expectations is almost the same as walking around in borrowed clothes. You might come out looking stylish, but deep down, you know that's not who you truly are. 

In today's episode, Les describes what it's like to live a truly "naked" life. He explains the role other people's expectations play in our lives and how you can learn to manage them in a healthy way.

Expectations are not as awful as most people would like to believe. We all have them, and they are a natural part of modern living. Problems arise when we place the expectations of others above our own needs.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:41 The idea of choosing your own destiny 

04:54 Stop hiding behind the image of other people's opinion

06:45 Understanding the heart of your true self

07:39 Contribute to the world in meaningful ways

10:09 The burden of other people's expectations

11:34 Living a truly liberated life

12:36 Who's clothes are you borrowing?

14:24 You have to learn how to sit with yourself

16:03 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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What do you see when you look at yourself in the mirror? 

For most people, what they see is a soul unworthy of love. We are our worst critics. We have been taught that to be accepted, we must behave, look, and think a certain way. But here's the truth, all the stuff you see in the mirror that you’re ashamed of is not you. It’s the lies society has fed you ever since you were a child to prevent you from experiencing the full depths of peace.

In today’s episode, Les breaks down the characteristics of people of peace and why we all need to take responsibility for our peace because society wants us to live chaotic lives.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Who is a person of peace?

03:32 When trauma controls the root of your existence

04:34 Les shares how his recent encounter with Covid19

07:34 The Bookends of everybody’s life

09:38 Why some people have this want to make others look bad

10:23 The distinct source of all our shame

14:09 Leading others from a place of authenticity

15:29 How to fall in love with your nakedness

16:33 What peace is and what peace is not

18:57 Closing notes

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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Are you a person of peace? What are you doing to protect your peace from people who are out to destroy it? 

Peace is a precious and elusive thing. It’s valuable because it’s both difficult to attain and easy to lose. Unfortunately, chaos is an ever-present part of our lives. Politicians want us divided, and activists want us to defend our beliefs to the death. But as Les explains, peace is personal. And it would be best if you stopped giving people the power to mess up your peace. 

In today’s episode, Les shares why it’s essential to protect your peace in the midst of chaos. Tune in to discover the benefits of proactively implementing measures that protect your life from being disrupted by chaos.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Are you living in duality or oneness?

03:45 Why politicians want us divided 

05:22 Does the thing you’re defending bring you peace?

07:12 Connecting with people you don’t agree with

08:45 Knowing when it’s time to shake the dust off your feet

11:12 What to do when you feel attacked by a person of chaos

12:23 How to use hope to escape people of chaos

13:34 The role of faith in living a peaceful life

14:23 The benefits of embracing the fullness of love

16:26 Parting thoughts

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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Are you a person of peace or a person of chaos? Do you love people where they are without expecting them to follow your beliefs?

We live in a world where people would rather cause chaos than preach peace. We live in a world full of keyboard warriors patrolling the internet looking for people to crucify. And although chaos is a major part of modern life, it’s up to us to choose to be people of peace. 

Listen in to hear Les share simple tactics for identifying people of peace and avoiding people of chaos. Discover what you can do to start living in alignment with truth, peace, and love by becoming a person of peace when there seems to be no way out of the chaos.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:26 Interacting with people of chaos

03:35 A look at the chaos monsters on social media

04:36 Why you need to stay away from inconsistent people

05:57 Loving people who are quick to anger

07:25 Embracing other people’s cultures and ideologies

08:40 Characteristics of a person of peace

10:49 Commiting to a lifelong pursuit of love, hope, and peace

13:52 When humility brings peace

17:12 Be the peacekeeper for yourself and others

18:36 Parting thoughts

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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Are all relationships transactional? What does it look like when you invite someone into your life when they have nothing to offer in return? 

In our professional lives, transactional relationships make sense. Nothing will be held against you if you believe in the "I give you this, you give me that" type of relationship. Bring that same mindset to personal relationships, and all hell breaks loose. But as Les explains, every relationship is transactional. However, the connection and the mutual peace you bring to the table ought to be more important than the transaction.

Listen in to hear Les describe how we can all be people of peace by tapping into the transactional nature of relationships. Discover why we all need to approach interactions with the motivation to give and not just take value.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

02:30 Creating a mutual connection with people 

04:30 Leaning onto others to find your peace

05:40 What's stopping you from becoming a person of peace?

07:02 Understand that all relationships are transactional 

08:10 The power of mutual peace

10:43 Living in alignment with your divine self

12:20 How to find peace for others and yourself

13:55 Parting thoughts

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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Are you living a liberated life? Are you attached to an identity that resonates with your true inner values? 

Sadly, most of us are not. It's even more frustrating when you realize that the people around us are the ones keeping us from true liberation. The saying you're the average of the 5 people you hang around is so overused, but it's true. People can keep you from being fully liberated and truly tapping into the fullness of everything you are and could be. 

In today's episode, Les breaks down the biggest barriers potentially preventing you from living a fully liberated life. He also shares what it takes to become a person of peace in the chaotic environments we live in. 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction

01:18 What's keeping you from a fully liberated life?

03:28 One life - There's no such thing as family, professional, or spiritual lives

05:09 How to live according to the values of your true inner being

06:26 Understanding the divine state of being human

07:53 Living in the essence of love

08:40 Are you a person of peace?

10:44 Judge, and you will be judged

12:17 Love is the key to all of life

14:25 How to become a true believer of truth

15:51 Closing notes

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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As shocking as it might sound, humans don't know very much at all; we just crave absolute certainty. Some people go all in to achieve it, and others pretend to have attained it. But the reality is, certainty is unachievable. We know this but are too stubborn to embrace the discomfort of the unknown.

Thinking you have all the answers is a comfortable place for your ego but a terrible place for wisdom and knowledge. Yes, not being in the know can feel disempowering. But not knowing how to differentiate between what we know and what we believe is a recipe for disaster.

In today's episode, Les continues the discussion on the wisdom of insecurity. He explains the power of continuously questioning our beliefs and why the words "I don't know" are the most powerful words you can have in your vocabulary. 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

00:00 Introduction 

01:00 The story of the Maasai tribe

04:45 Most people are hypocrites of their knowledge 

05:20 Recognize that there's a lot you don't know

06:47 Are you willing to see the truth?

08:33 Quit comparing yourself to other people

09:33 Why you need to be willing to question your beliefs

11:03 True wisdom lies in uncertainty 

13:04 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources:

Lesismore.life

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