The Traveler's Gift

[S. Horn]

Recently, Steven Sammons introduced us to a unique book, and suggested that we might start a discussion of
its Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success.
The book is entitled "The Traveler's Gift", by Andy Andrews. It is well worth your time! I will not comment
on the format of the book, because I don't want to spoil
it for those who might want to get it; but it will capture
your attention, and draw you into the story. We will try
to discuss one of the decisions each week. So - let us
know what you think!

The First Decision is simply this - "The buck stops here."
The author goes on to say that, "I will not let my history
control my destiny. I accept responsibility for my past, and I am responsible for my future. I will not blame others or circumstances for my present situation. I con-
trol my thoughts and emotions." Perhaps my favorite
part of this chapter was that he urged us to not dwell on the past, but to look ahead. Some of you will probably recall Scriptures to this effect. I liked the quote, "I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable."

[firstknife]

what do you guys think of when you hear the phrase "the buck stops here"

[Major Destruction]

It makes me think that I'm out of money.

[<>Major_Havoc<>]

To me it means something like I've had enough Garbage and Im not gonna take it any more.

[kemosabe]

makes me think of Harry S. Truman, he made that statement famous if i remember my history correctly.
but I also wish more bucks would stop in my wallet for longer stays to.

[MadMath]

The story of Joseph (and his coat of many colors) in the Bible is an excellent example of not dwelling on the past. Joseph could have held a grudge against his brothers who sold him as a slave, but he didn't. He forgave them. It also has an example of dwelling on the past. After Joseph's father died, Joseph's brothers became afraid of Joseph again. Joseph had to reassure them that they were forgiven.
Anyway, there are my thoughts on the subject.

[Dingus]

nice matthew

[S. Horn]

I think it's time to move on. The Second decision for success is simply this - "Seek Wisdom."
Several areas are discussed in this chapter. (1) It is always important to continue to read,
listen, and learn from sources that will cause positive changes in my life. This includes seeking
the counsel of those who walk in wisdom. It also suggests that we choose carefully who we
will listen to. (2) We are always influenced by those with whom we associate. "Anytime you
tolerate mediocrity in your choice of companions, you become more comfortable with
mediocrity in your own life." (3) Wisdom also includes our attitude towards others. "A wise
man is a server. Serving is a way we can place value on one another." Those of you who
have been in the Staff Leadership Labs know that wise Leadership is all about service to others. What do you think?

[<>Major_Havoc<>]

I think one of my favorite quotes comes into play here - "Learn as if you shall live forever, and Live as if you shall die tomorrow." I also believe that the people who you hang out with will be a big influence on your life. So pick wisely your freinds. Sometimes you cant find someone who you think is a good influence and you have to stand alone, but its better than excepting less than excellence and perfection.

[kemosabe]

Hmm interesting, while i always choose very carefully who i associate myself with I must say it never crossed my mind to think as to whether these people were chosen to be a driving force for me in my own life. but as to wisdom one of the most key epiphanies in my life was the day i realized I didn't know everything, and still don't

[<>Major_Havoc<>]

Life hurts like that.

[S. Horn]

THIRD DECISION FOR SUCCESS - "I AM A PERSON OF ACTION."

Quotes from this Chapter include:
**Leading is doing. To lead, I must move forward.
**I inspire others with my activity. I am a leader. My activity will create a wave of success for the people
who follow.
**I am daring and courageous. Failure exists only for the person who quits. I do not quit.
**I seize the moment. I am energetic. I move quickly.
**Fear has no place in my life. I do not fear opinion or gossip. I do not fear failure.
**A person who moves neither left nor right is destined for mediocrity.
**I have deep within me the inability to do nothing.

"I am a person of action."

[firstknife]

this one is my personal favorite however these seven traits are meant to be put together not seperate. For example a person of action what is a person of action? A person of action doesnt just stand but moves on whatever principle is guiding them Hitler was a man of action, So was Patton the difference was their princples that guided them. One was guided by evil the other by good. Both where men of action. A lone gunman entering a bank is also a person of action, however he will not ultimately succeed (unless his goal is prison).
Success:
You must first accept responsibility for yourself ("the Buck Stops Here") then you will grow in responsibility. You will become responsible for your buddy, element, flight, etc. Col Chamberlain could not have made a difference if he refused to take responsibility and never gained command of the section of Gettysburg known as Little Round Top. If he had not started out by taking responsiblity he would have made that charge and no one would've followed. He would've died a man of action, but he would not have been successful.

Next, know yourself and your situation (seek wisdom). In the story, of Col Chamberlain has a sitrep with his two brothers and the first sergeant. He finds out how bad the situation is, condition of his men their ammo and takes input from his brothers onto a course of action and notices the confederate army advancing on his position. He takes all these things into account and weighs it with the gravity of the situation if he loses and decides that he cannot lose and then moves on to the next step,

I am a man of action.
These first three culminate into each other and they will continue through the next four. however these steps as you notice are sequential. A man of action who has no responsibility and doesnt seek wisdom ends up robbing a bank. An example of action + responsibility - wisdom= Gen Santa Anna (Texas Battle of San Jacinto 1836). Action +wisdom - responsibility=Doris Miller (Navy cross recipient for actions during Pearl Harbor)

[<>Major_Havoc<>]

Wow nice comparrison.

[S. Horn]

Fourth Decision for Success - "I have a decided heart." In other words, I do not procrastinate.
I do not shuffle back and forth. I am not afraid to make decisions and to pursue my
dreams. "When confronted by a problem, the committed heart will search for a solution.
The undecided heart searches for an escape." "A committed heart does not wait for
conditions to be exactly right. Why? Because conditions are never exactly right."

Every chapter of this book is filled with great quotes. This one is no exception. Some of my
favorite are:

"Truth is truth. If a thousand people believe something foolish, it is still foolish! Truth is never
dependent upon concensus of opinion. I have found that it is better to be alone and acting upon the truth in my heart than to follow a gaggle of silly geese doomed to mediocrity."

"Poor is the man whose future depends on the opinions and permission of others."

"Passion is what helps you when you have a great dream. Passion breeds conviction and turns mediocrity into excellence! Your passion will motivate others to join you in pursuit of
your dream. With passion, you will overcome insurmountable obstacles. You will become
unstoppable!"

This decision is a continuation of the third. We need to see more people of action and passion
these days. It is becoming more of a rarity. Perhaps people are having a hard time finding
something great enough to be passionate about. What do you think? The example in this
chapter was Christopher Columbus. Do you see how it would have taken these traits for him
to accomplish what he did?