We recently connected with Webster Bumpers and have shared our conversation below.
Webster, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Optimism, a noun that covers a lot of mental acreage and fortitude to carry out plans and meet self-expectations despite what is in front of you. For me, optimism, is a verb, an ace of faith in what is unseen. In the New Tesstament it reads, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Mainly, my optimism comes from knowing that Almighty God is the source of everything for me. I cannot do and have done nothing without Him! Many years ago I attempted to do it all my way. Well, hindsight is always 20/20. I am convinced that by putting in the deliberate effort to honor God in my daily walk to stay the course, my optimism is positively charged. I am not saying that everyday is friction free, but I am saying that adversity is the test not the result.
Another element of my optimism is my beautiful wife, Tina, she keeps me laughing, grounded, focused, and her efforts towards being my wife makes me feel like a hero. I am grateful for her! For several years, I have aligned a part of my focus and efforts on being a part of a college football staff. On this journey there are no flashing lights, no cameras to see me fall, yet to stand up again, it is me and opportunity. I truly believe that possessing an optimistic attitude is an antidote to stress. Although the previous sentence has not been approved or validated by the FDA, experience produces truth and truth is more than enough to start with a firm foundation.
Optimism is organically embedded in all of us. Time is our most precious commodity, once it passes by you can never get it back. I believe that not maintaining an optimistic outlook in the presence of challenges is the equivalent of throwing diamonds in a trash can.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Currently, I am a Special Education Educator primarily serving students with autism & Offensive Line Coach at Duluth High in Gwinnett County, GA. There, I maximize my time executing my duties and job responsibilities while improving my professional development skills. As a football coach, a critical part of what I do is mentoring young men in our football program to be the best version of themselves spiritually, socially, academically, and athletically.
During the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the months my wife, Tina, and I enjoy utilizing our efforts to serve others from our Victory Norcross Curbside Ministry. We and other team members of the curbside ministry assist parishioners and visitors out of their vehicles, and other types of assistance requested. The smiles on their faces and engaing in heart-felt conversation helps us serve God in such a way that advances His Kingdom.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Learn from experience and others that have been where you want to go.
2. Control what you can control.
3. Treat others as you want to be treated.
My advice for people who are early in their journey is to anchor yourself in truth instead of feelings or what the world says is popular. Sometimes the truth can difficult to digest. Constructive criticism is meant to build you up, how you accept or reject it may tear you down.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book titled “Stepping Into Greatness” Author and good friend Jimmy Vinson.
The dynamic of this book is undeniable. Jay’s Biblical based approach guide readers on a path to turn their pain into purpose. An impactful nugget or nuggets are the daily positive affirmations that are targeted to denounce any negative thoughts of why you were created and to hone into that you were made for something great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bold.pro/my/
webster-bumpers-ol - Twitter: @Coach_Bumpers
- Other: Email CoachBumpers@gmail.com
Image Credits
JayVinson.org
