The Traveler's Gift Mastering the Seven Decisions, Vol. 1

1. The Seven Decisions: A Framework for Personal Success

"These Seven Decisions can give you a better tomorrow by affecting the choices you make today."

The power of choice. The Seven Decisions are a set of principles that can transform your life when consistently applied. They are not mere habits or theories, but powerful decisions that work every time, whether you know them or not. These decisions have been identified through extensive research of successful individuals throughout history.

Universal application. The Seven Decisions are:

• The Responsible Decision
• The Guided Decision
• The Active Decision
• The Certain Decision
• The Joyful Decision
• The Compassionate Decision
• The Persistent Decision

Each decision builds upon the others, creating a comprehensive framework for personal growth and success. By understanding and implementing these decisions, you can chart your own course towards a more fulfilling life, regardless of your current circumstances.

2. The Responsible Decision: Taking Control of Your Life

"The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success."

Ownership of your life. The Responsible Decision is about accepting that you are in control of your life, both past and future. It's recognizing that your current situation is a result of your choices and actions, not external circumstances or other people.

Breaking free from the past. This decision involves:

• Rejecting the victim mentality
• Stopping the blame game
• Embracing personal accountability

By taking responsibility, you empower yourself to change your future. You acknowledge that while you can't change the past, you have the power to shape your destiny through your thoughts and actions today. This shift in mindset is the foundation for all other decisions and is crucial for achieving personal success.

3. The Guided Decision: Seeking Wisdom and Counsel

"Wisdom waits to be gathered. She cannot be bartered or sold. She is a gift for the diligent. And only the diligent will find her."

Active pursuit of wisdom. The Guided Decision emphasizes the importance of continuously seeking wisdom and guidance. It's not about passively waiting for knowledge to come to you, but actively searching for it through various means.

Sources of wisdom:

• Reading books and listening to audiobooks
• Seeking counsel from wise individuals
• Surrounding yourself with positive influences
• Serving others

This decision encourages you to be selective about your influences, recognizing that you become like those you associate with. It also highlights the value of having a personal "board of directors" - mentors and advisors who can provide valuable insights and guidance in different areas of your life.

4. The Active Decision: Becoming a Person of Action

"I am a person of action. I seize this moment. I choose now."

Overcoming inertia. The Active Decision is about moving from thought to action. It recognizes that success comes not just from knowing what to do, but actually doing it. This decision challenges you to overcome procrastination and fear of failure.

Characteristics of action-oriented individuals:

• They make decisions quickly
• They move forward despite uncertainty
• They inspire others through their activity
• They lead by example

By becoming a person of action, you create momentum in your life. You learn to trust your ability to make decisions and adjust course as needed, rather than being paralyzed by indecision. This decision is crucial for turning your goals and dreams into reality.

5. The Certain Decision: Cultivating a Decided Heart

"I have a decided heart. My destiny is assured."

Unwavering determination. The Certain Decision is about developing a clear vision for your future and pursuing it with unwavering determination. It's about making a firm decision and sticking to it, regardless of challenges or setbacks.

Elements of a decided heart:

• Clear vision of your desired future
• Passion and excitement for your goals
• Resilience in the face of criticism or obstacles
• Ability to ignore naysayers and focus on your path

This decision emphasizes the power of commitment and how it can help you overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It teaches that success often comes to those who remain steadfast in their pursuits, even when others doubt or criticize.

6. The Joyful Decision: Choosing Happiness Daily

"Today I will choose to be happy."

Happiness as a choice. The Joyful Decision recognizes that happiness is not a result of circumstances, but a deliberate choice we make each day. It challenges the notion that we must wait for external factors to align before we can be happy.

Practices for cultivating happiness:

• Starting each day with laughter
• Smiling at every person you meet
• Cultivating a grateful spirit
• Finding joy in small things

This decision teaches that by choosing happiness, we not only improve our own lives but also positively impact those around us. It recognizes that a joyful attitude can open doors, create opportunities, and make us more effective in all areas of life.

7. The Compassionate Decision: Embracing Forgiveness

"Forgiveness is a secret that is hidden in plain sight. It costs nothing and is worth millions."

The power of forgiveness. The Compassionate Decision focuses on the transformative power of forgiveness. It recognizes that holding onto anger and resentment only hurts ourselves, while forgiveness frees us to move forward.

Aspects of forgiveness:

• Forgiving those who don't ask for it
• Forgiving those who criticize unjustly
• Forgiving yourself

This decision emphasizes that forgiveness is not about condoning wrong actions, but about freeing yourself from the burden of anger and resentment. It teaches that by cultivating a forgiving spirit, we can heal our own hearts and create space for new beginnings.

8. The Persistent Decision: Never Giving Up

"I will persist without exception."

Unwavering commitment. The Persistent Decision is about developing the habit of never giving up, no matter the obstacles or setbacks. It recognizes that success often comes to those who are willing to persist long after others have given up.

Key aspects of persistence:

• Continuing despite exhaustion
• Focusing on results, not comfort
• Having faith in your eventual success
• Finding ways where there seem to be none

This decision teaches that persistence is not just about working hard, but about working smart and maintaining faith in your goals. It emphasizes that by persisting without exception, you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve extraordinary success.

Last updated: September 21, 2024