For Columbus Day: From Doom to Discovery

When I think of Christopher Columbus, five words flash through my brain.

“I have a decided heart.”

These words are from Andy Andrews book, The Travelers Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success.

Each of the seven decisions is discovered by David, who was once a successful executive, lost his job and is in a state of desperation. Flooded with thoughts of doom. After months of struggle, he finds himself on a “journey”, during which he meets seven people, each of whom teach him a decision needed for success.

One of David’s stops was the Santa Maria where he finds himself face to face with Christopher Columbus who has been at sea for sixty-four days. You need to read the entire chapter (better yet – the entire book) to gain full benefit, but here are some of my favorite excerpts, words of wisdom bestowed upon David by Christopher Columbus:

“Today, you will not see land off the bow of my ship. You will see land only by looking into my eyes…I see it as plainly as I see you. For almost twenty years I have seen it. And tomorrow, you will see it too.”

“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.”

“If you worry about what other people think of you, then you will have more confidence in their opinion than you have in your own.”

“Getting started, getting finished – both ends of a journey require a demonstration of passion….. With passion you will overcome insurmountable obstacles. You will become unstoppable!”

“Most people fail at whatever they attempt because of an undecided heart. Should I? Should I not? Go forward? Go back? Success requires the emotional balance of a committed heart. When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The un-decided heart searches for an escape.”

“I will not wait. I am passionate about my vision for the future. My course has been charted. My destiny is assured. I have a decided heart.”

Powerful, memorable words from Andy Andrews that help us, especially when we are feeling desperate and doomed.

That we may not “see land off the bow of the ship“. But we must believe it’s there.
And we must believe in ourselves. And don’t you love the part about “follow(ing) a gaggle of silly geese doomed to mediocrity”?
And not worry about others think. Because if we do, we will be showing more “confidence in their opinion than you have in your own.”
And the part about “Should I? Should I not? Go forward? Go back?” Have you ever been there? I have. Over and over.
That it’s all about having a decided heart. Because a decided heart searches for solutions instead of escape.

A beautiful reminder that when we are trying to figure it all out, exploring, searching, reaching – the most valuable and necessary discovery is within – a decided heart.

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As you can probably tell, I love this book. It’s a great gift item! In case you want to read more about it, order copies – even autographed copies – from Andy Andrews’ website.

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