The Energy Bus

1. You're the Driver of Your Life 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 go."

Take control of your life. Recognize that you are in charge of your destiny. While you can seek advice and support from others, ultimately, you are responsible for the direction your life takes. This mindset empowers you to make decisions and take actions that align with your goals and values.

Avoid the passenger mentality. Many people feel like they have no say in where their life is going, allowing circumstances and others to dictate their path. By embracing your role as the driver, you reclaim your power to choose your attitude, energy, and destination. Remember, if you're not driving your bus, someone else will.

• Actively make choices about your life direction
• Take responsibility for your actions and their consequences
• Seek advice, but make your own decisions
• Don't blame others for your circumstances

2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy

"Positive energy is very real, and in my work with thousands of leaders, salespeople, teams, coaches, organizations, teachers, athletes, moms, dads, and even children, I have witnessed the amazing power of positive energy."

Cultivate positivity daily. Positive energy is the fuel that propels your life bus forward. It's not about fake cheerfulness, but rather developing a genuine optimism and enthusiasm that helps you overcome obstacles and create success. This energy is contagious and can inspire those around you.

Practice positive habits. Incorporate daily practices that boost your positive energy. These might include gratitude exercises, visualization, affirmations, or physical activity. Remember, positive energy is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

• Start each day with a positive mindset
• Practice gratitude by listing things you're thankful for
• Visualize your success and desired outcomes
• Surround yourself with positive people and influences
• Engage in activities that energize and inspire you

3. Invite People on Your Bus and Share Your Vision

"The goal is to eventually have a standing room only bus and since this is an energy bus it is always expanding so you'll always be able to add more people."

Build your team. Actively invite people to join your journey. Share your vision and goals with them, making it clear where your bus is headed. This approach attracts like-minded individuals who will support and contribute to your mission.

Communicate your vision. Clearly articulate your goals and aspirations to those around you. When people understand where you're going and why, they're more likely to want to be part of your journey. This shared vision creates a sense of purpose and unity among your team or support network.

• Regularly share your goals and dreams with others
• Be open to new connections and relationships
• Seek out mentors and supporters who align with your vision
• Create opportunities for others to contribute to your goals
• Foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued

4. No Energy Vampires Allowed

"There are people who increase your energy and there are people who drain your energy. I call the people who drain your energy Energy Vampires and they will suck the life out of you and your goals and vision if you let them."

Identify and address negativity. Recognize the people and situations that drain your energy and hinder your progress. These "Energy Vampires" can be toxic individuals, negative thought patterns, or unproductive habits. Be proactive in addressing these energy drains to maintain your momentum.

Set boundaries. Establish clear boundaries with energy-draining individuals or situations. This might mean limiting your interactions, changing the nature of your relationships, or in some cases, removing them from your life altogether. Remember, it's not personal – it's about protecting your energy and staying focused on your goals.

• Assess your relationships and identify those that consistently drain you
• Learn to say no to commitments that don't align with your goals
• Surround yourself with supportive, positive people
• Address negative self-talk and limiting beliefs
• Create a positive environment that nurtures your energy

5. Enthusiasm Attracts and Energizes Passengers

"Enthusiasm comes from the Greek word entheos, which means 'inspired' or 'filled with the divine.'"

Cultivate genuine excitement. Enthusiasm is a powerful force that attracts others and energizes your journey. When you're genuinely excited about your goals and vision, people naturally want to be part of your mission. This infectious energy can inspire your team, attract new opportunities, and help overcome obstacles.

Lead with passion. As a leader or team member, your enthusiasm sets the tone for others. When you approach your work and life with passion and excitement, it motivates those around you to do the same. This creates a positive, high-energy environment where people are more engaged and productive.

• Start each day by reconnecting with your purpose and goals
• Share your excitement about projects and ideas with others
• Celebrate small wins and milestones along the way
• Find ways to make routine tasks more engaging and enjoyable
• Encourage and recognize enthusiasm in others

6. Love Your Passengers

"When you love them, they'll love you back. If you treat them like a number or your next promotion or your next bonus, they'll treat you like a number. But if you really love and care about them they will love you back by working hard for you, by being loyal to you, by surprising you with amazing initiative and success stories, and by teaching you as much as you will teach them."

Show genuine care. Demonstrating genuine care and concern for the people in your life – whether they're colleagues, employees, friends, or family – creates strong, meaningful relationships. When people feel valued and appreciated, they're more likely to support you and contribute positively to your journey.

Invest in others' growth. Take an active interest in the development and success of those around you. By helping others grow and achieve their goals, you create a supportive network that strengthens your own journey. This mutual growth and support lead to stronger teams, better relationships, and greater overall success.

• Take time to listen and understand others' perspectives and needs
• Recognize and appreciate the contributions of those around you
• Offer support and encouragement to help others achieve their goals
• Create opportunities for others to develop their skills and talents
• Practice empathy and compassion in your interactions

7. Drive with Purpose

"Purpose is the ultimate fuel for our journey through life, George. When we drive with purpose we don't get tired or bored and our engines don't burn out."

Define your mission. Having a clear sense of purpose gives meaning and direction to your journey. It's the reason behind your actions and decisions, providing motivation even when faced with challenges. When you drive with purpose, you're less likely to get sidetracked or lose momentum.

Align actions with purpose. Ensure that your daily activities and long-term goals are in line with your overall purpose. This alignment creates a sense of fulfillment and prevents burnout. It also helps you prioritize effectively, focusing your energy on what truly matters.

• Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you
• Write down your personal mission statement
• Regularly evaluate if your actions align with your purpose
• Share your purpose with others to create accountability
• Find ways to connect your daily tasks to your larger mission

8. Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride

"The goal in life is to live young, have fun, and arrive at your final destination as late as possible, with a smile on your face."

Embrace joy in the journey. Life is not just about reaching destinations; it's about enjoying the ride along the way. Make a conscious effort to find joy and fun in your daily experiences, even in challenging times. This positive approach can reduce stress, increase resilience, and make your journey more fulfilling.

Balance ambition with enjoyment. While it's important to have goals and work hard, don't forget to appreciate the present moment. Take time to celebrate small wins, enjoy relationships, and find humor in everyday situations. Remember that life is short, and the quality of your journey is just as important as your achievements.

• Schedule regular time for activities you enjoy
• Practice mindfulness to fully experience the present moment
• Look for humor and lightness in daily situations
• Celebrate achievements, both big and small
• Make time for play and relaxation, not just work
• Cultivate relationships and experiences that bring you joy

Last updated: July 22, 2024