The Energy Bus - Rule #1

Here we go...the first bus stop!

According to Jon Gordon, the first rule on the Energy Bus is:

You're the Driver of Your Bus

"Always remember that you are the driver of your bus.  It's the most important of the rules because if you don't take responsibility for your life and control of your bus then you can't take it where you want to.  If you're not the driver, then you'll always be at the whim of every one else's travel plans." (page 26)

So what is Jon Gordon saying here?  I believe that he's saying two words: personal responsibility.  Accept the responsibility of the lives that each of us are given and do with those lives exactly what we want.  There is a certain level of power and confidence that comes with taking the wheel of our lives and driving the bus in the direction of our choosing. There are situations and circumstances that occur that often distract, derail or deter us from our dreams, goals and ambitions.  What Jon Gordon is wanting us to grasp in the first (and most important!) rule is that regardless of what detours, exits or road blocks that we encounter, if we're in control of our own bus, then we can navigate the road easily based on the choices we make for ourselves.

"...once you reclaim your power, everything and I mean everything will begin to change.  No one can choose your attitude but you, George.  No one else can choose your energy George..." (page 28-29)

Choice!  I love this word.  EVERYTHING in life is about choice whether we realize it or not.  We can choose to say that our upbringing made us a certain way or a past relationship had a certain effect on us.  Staying silent and not doing anything to better a situation is a choice as well; it says that we've chosen to give up.  The truth of the matter is that we have to be active in choosing how we want to go through this life and who will be in charge.  Where are you going and why are you going there?  Who's driving?  Which route are you taking and why?  If you don't have clear answers for these questions, it's time to take back over as driver.

"The energy you fuel the ride of your life with is entirely up to you.  And as the driver, you are the one who must also choose your vision of where you want to go.  You have the best seat and the best view of your life so it's up to you.  You gotta have vision......a man with vision has a certain look in his eye and walk in his step.  He walks like he knows where he is going and why he is going there..." (page 29)

Jon Gordon says it simply: life is all about energy.  Positive or negative...life is all about energy.  Energy moves in, through and around us and it either moves us forward and upward or backward and downward.  Like the quote above says, it's up to us which energy we use to fuel the life ride.  And we can't get anywhere without a clear vision.

"...you can't go somewhere if you don't have a vision of where you want to go." (page 35)

"Sometimes we have to see what we don't want, to know what we do want." (page 39)

So...what's your vision?  Where are you driving your bus?  Why are you driving there and what's your route?

Personal Exercise
Some of you may have done this already which is perfect!!  However, I would encourage you all to answer the questions that Jon Gordon has placed on page 31.  It will help to define your vision and place before you a visual aid (a map if you will...) of where you're going to be driving your bus.

1.  My vision for my life (including my health) is:
2.  My vision for my work, career, job and team is:
3.  My vision for my relationship and family is:

Feel free to share your list with either the club or those around you that will be passengers on your bus so that the ride can stay on track.  I encourage you to look over your list often even if no one else sees it.  You must always keep the vision before you so that your route is clear.

HAPPY DRIVING!!!

As other drivers on the road, what do you have to say?  Post below!!