Key Takeaways

• The coffee bean story: A powerful metaphor for transformation, highlighting the ability to change one's environment and circumstances.
• The power of hope: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope, even in the darkest of times, as it can lead to personal growth and becoming the best version of oneself.
• The one-inch line: Learning to focus on what can be controlled, such as thoughts, words, feelings, and actions, leading to a transformative shift in perspective.
• The impact of belief: Damon's collaboration with influential coaches and renowned motivational speaker John Gordon showcases the power of belief and staying true to one's message.
• Becoming a problem solver: Encouraging the development of problem-solving skills to break free from mental prisons and overcome challenges.

In This Episode:

• [04:38] Damon's descent into addiction and criminal activities
• [08:19] Mr. Jackson's story of the coffee bean
• [10:56] The power of hope and belief
• [12:39] Becoming a coffee bean in prison
• [16:15] Infecting with positive energy
• [19:14] The gift of the serenity prayer
• [20:50 The wisdom to know the difference
• [25:59] The mission after prison
• [28:21] The phone call that changed my life
• [30:59] Choosing a word of the year
• [38:19] Becoming a problem solver
• [39:18]The hardest prison is in your mind

Notable Quotes

• [02:45] “The longer you hold on to a bad belief system, the harder it is to get rid of. In fact, the truth is, bad belief systems usually go out and they're very hard to change.” - Damon 
• [09:10] “I can do this because I understand I have three choices. I have the choice every day of how I want to see the world. Do I want to be sad, mad, mean like the egg? Or do I want to be a positive person like the coffee bean and change the pot of boiling water into a pot of coffee?” - Damon
• [12:57] "Hope is a good thing. Every human being has to have hope because if you don't have hope, you've got nothing.” - Damon
• [29:48] “Growth follows belief. You have to believe in yourself before anybody else will believe in you and subscribe to you.” - Damon
• [39:51] Do not become a prisoner of your mind. That is the hardest prison to walk out of." - Damon

Our Guest

Damon West, M.S. in Criminal Justice, is an accomplished college professor, renowned international keynote speaker, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author. His transformative work, "The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change," earned a spot in Forbes' "Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020." Damon's life journey, detailed in "The Change Agent," reflects his remarkable transformation from a college quarterback to a methamphetamine addict. He emerged from seven years in prison with a new perspective, sharing a message of redemption and hope. Damon's impactful message has reached major corporations, sports teams, and the U.S. Army. His Wall Street Journal bestseller, "The Locker Room," is slated for a film adaptation. Damon's passion for the "Coffee Bean" concept continues to change lives worldwide. His most cherished roles are being a loving husband to Kendell and a devoted stepfather to Clara.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

• Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

• Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
• Paul's Confidence Quiz
• Paul's Website
• Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
• Paul's Instagram to Follow

Damon West

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-west-685168152/
• https://damonwest.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/damonwest7
• https://www.facebook.com/damonjosephwest
• https://twitter.com/damonwest7

Mentioned

• The Shawshank Redemption: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption
• Cool Hand Luke: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_Hand_Luke
• The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Rules-Fuel-Positive/dp/0470100281
• The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Simple-Lesson-Positive/dp/1119430275