Forget the Critics: Pinpoint Your Gifts, Set Goals and Make Them Happen
Former Congressman Ric Keller learned a valuable lesson from his four years in pre-med: that he didn’t like the sight of blood.
“In terms of my gifts, I knew I loved public speaking, that I could take complicated things and communicate them in a way that is easy to understand, and that I loved using humor to relax people and build rapport,” Keller writes in his new book, Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams.
Logic told him to continue on to medical school. Intuition tugged him toward law and politics. His gut won, and in Chase the Bears, he shares the success principles that helped him pivot toward goals aligned with his purpose, with the aim of helping readers turn their own aspirations and thoughts into reality — no matter where they start in life. Keller uses examples from familiar names like Steve Jobs, Dolly Parton, Jim Carrey, Steve Harvey and many others to bring these strategies to life.
“Chase the Bears is about becoming the best version of yourself by using your gifts and taking chances that are aligned with your purpose,” Keller said.
The book is divided into two sections: Connecting Your Gifts to Your Goals and Connecting with People. In Part One, Keller starts with the importance of discovering your gifts, trusting your intuition and setting specific goals that are aligned with your purpose. Readers learn how to take actions to move toward their dreams by taking educated risks and making persistent efforts to achieve each baby-step goal.
Part Two of the book is focused on connecting with people and cultivating authentic long-term relationships. Keller shows readers how to network the right way. He also explains why leading with boldness, Civility, humility and a little humor will make them leaders worth following.
Woven with fascinating anecdotes about others who have made their dreams come true, Chase the Bears aims to inspire readers to trust their instincts, use their gifts and never stop pursuing their dreams.
About the Author
Former Congressman Ric Keller served eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He chaired the House Higher Education subcommittee and served on the Judiciary and Education committees.
Today, he is an attorney, writer, humorist, motivational speaker and television commentator. His TEDx Talk, “The Power of Self-Deprecating Humor,” was the sixth most-watched TEDx Talk in the world in May 2022.
Keller received his bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University, where he graduated first in his class, and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Lori, and their blended family.
Visit his website at
Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams
Publisher: HCI Books
Release Date: September 27, 2022
ISBN-10: 0757324487 ISBN-13: 9780757324482
Trade Paperback, 256 pages
Available for pre-order
REVIEW TO FOLLOW:
An inspiring, humorous, and original book of conventional and unconventional self-help ideas from former Congressman Ric Keller, who rose from humble beginnings to the US House of Representatives.
We are all born with a gift—a unique skill or talent that brings us joy and serves the greater good. At some point, we come to a crossroads: should we take a risk and chase our dreams or play it safe? Should we “chase the bears,” a metaphor for chasing our dreams, or are we fearful? In Chase the Bears, Ric Keller shows you that it is never too late. No matter your age or stage in life, you can still be what you wish to be. This inspiring book weaves together practical, actionable steps with fascinating stories about how other successful people have applied secret techniques to convert their thoughts and dreams into reality. You can, too!
About Ric Keller
Former U.S. Congressman Ric Keller served eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He chaired the House Higher Education subcommittee and served on the Judiciary and Education committees. Today, he is an author, speaker, TV commentator, and attorney. His new book, Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams, is now available everywhere books are sold. Ric’s TEDx Talk, “The Power of Self-Deprecating Humor,” was the sixth-most-watched TEDx Talk in the world in May 2022.
Ric has appeared on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. He a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Kindness Matters and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Too Funny! He has written articles for the Harvard Crimson and Orlando Sentinel.
Ric was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, and grew up in Orlando. Ric received his bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University, where he graduated first in his class, and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He lives in Winter Park, Florida with his wife, Lori, and their blended family.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
