Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rashad Bell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rashad, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

My defining moment was circa 2021, inspired by the COVID pandemic. Around this time, I became intentional about my life and what I wanted from it. Having just accepted a new role, I jokingly declared, “This will be my last job,” meaning I would no longer pursue roles solely for monetary gain. This decision, though challenging, was the worst-best thing that ever happened to me. It taught me to be intentional about my desires and the cost of my choices, both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

With nearly two decades of customer service experience across various sectors, I was unprepared for the challenges I faced in this role. Despite initial successes – Rookie of the Year in my first year and a Pinacle award in my second – my performance plummeted in the third year, earning me the worst rating of my career. Reflecting now, I see that I was setting myself up for burnout. However, this experience also brought valuable relationships, bonds, and resources, helping me understand my voice and desires for life.

After finally heeding my inner voice, I began walking away from distractions and towards my goals. This led me to use my gift to guide others in creating their best selves. The etymology of ‘best’ implies high quality, priority, and optimal performance. Who wouldn’t want to live a life that’s perfect for them, in the sense of being complete and fulfilling? I love words and etymology, and understanding a word’s true meaning allows for personal interpretation and guidance on one’s path.

Rashad, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For folks who may not have read about me before, here’s a brief introduction:

Hello, I’m Rashad Bell, a life architect, or as some might say, a life coach. I empower ambitious men to organize their success pieces – career, relationships, purpose – into a meaningful masterpiece. Unlike a game like Tetris, our focus isn’t just on filling gaps, but on building a legacy. Your goals set the foundation, and your growth becomes the masterpiece.

My journey into this field is deeply personal. As a husband, father, and a man balancing multiple roles, I faced challenges navigating the responsibilities and expectations that came with each. I didn’t know how to create a safe space or declutter my life. It was only after I embraced vulnerability and sought help that I began to understand my true potential. I realized that the voice I once suppressed – my natural gift – could be used to help others navigate their own journeys.

The products and services I provide are tailored to help my clients achieve their best selves. I offer one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and resources designed to help men unlock their full potential. I focus on providing practical, actionable steps that lead to lasting transformation.

The problem I solve is the struggle many men face in balancing their responsibilities and finding their purpose. I help them create a roadmap to success that aligns with their values and goals, allowing them to live lives of intention and fulfillment.

What sets me apart is my unique approach that combines personal experience, a deep understanding of human nature, and a love for etymology. I believe that understanding the true meaning of words can help us better understand our desires and the path to achieving them. By planting seeds of growth and potential in my clients, I empower them to harvest their own fruit and ultimately, change the world around them.

My Approach & Coaching Philosophy
In my coaching practice, I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel empowered to explore your potential and navigate life’s challenges. I combine evidence-based techniques from Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a human touch, ensuring our sessions are both effective and enjoyable.
I believe in the power of collaboration, and our journey together will be tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. By using MI, I’ll help you resolve ambivalent feelings, build intrinsic motivation, and make lasting changes. We’ll work together to identify and overcome barriers to growth, fostering a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.
Drawing from CBT techniques, we’ll challenge limiting thoughts and behaviors, replacing them with more positive and realistic alternatives. This approach helps you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and enhance your overall well-being. I’m committed to making our coaching relationship a safe, inclusive, and empowering space. You’ll gain clarity about your goals, build confidence in your abilities, and discover the balance needed to thrive in all aspects of life. Ultimately, my role is to guide and support you as you architect the life you truly desire.

You only have to get it right once! What’s the best that can happen?!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was my ability to create. Along my journey, learning the power of words and how we use them became crucial. In Genesis 1:1, it’s written, ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.’ Based on my understanding of the words, I now interpret this as God creating happiness – heaven being synonymous with happiness – before completing any work, such as creating the earth. It was then that I felt I’d found the key to understanding life for myself, not through someone else’s perspective. I’m not suggesting I don’t learn from others’ wisdom, as iron indeed sharpens iron. Now, I always find reasons to SMILE throughout the day, with three specific reasons: 1) Sweet Memories In Life Exist, 2) Sow Moments, Ignite Lasting Encounters, and 3) Seek Meaning In Life’s Experience. I love transferring a smile to someone, as it impacts them in a way they need in that moment, providing a reference point for future happiness and the creation of even more joyful moments.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Zig Zagler once said, ‘People do not change their minds. However, they will make a new decision based on new information.’ I’ve always created a safe space for people to be themselves without fear of judgment. I’ve adopted principles that allow me to show up for people in the way they actually need from me, rather than how I think I should be showing up. I create this space by practicing inclusion, allowing you to fill it with what you want and need from the conversation. Is it help you’re seeking? Or perhaps you just need to be heard? Or maybe you need a hug, or a combination of these? Alongside discretion and preserving your privacy, I meet you in your present and help you construct your future. I believe that any problem has a solution; otherwise, it wouldn’t be considered a problem as you would already have a solution.

The beauty of awareness lies in the initial acknowledgment that a problem exists. This doesn’t imply that you must accept the problem as unsolvable, whether the solution is known or not. I consider myself a ‘professional window cleaner’ sometimes too as I help people understand the power of the subconscious mind through cognitive restructuring, demonstrating its literal interpretation. By being open to the idea that this ‘problem’ could actually be an advantage, using new information to better problem-solve, you’ll continually gain more skills. Problems won’t disappear, but success teaches us that there are countless ways to achieve it. Luck cannot be duplicated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paperbell.me/be-your-best-self
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyourbestselfllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyourbestselfllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashadbell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXJrb8cZx6CvOJihPR_o4Q
• Other: https://dot.cards/beyourbestself

Image Credits

Tenola Plaxico
Articulate Photography