6 Lessons for Life
February 1st, 2010 Posted in Newsletter
I woke up Saturday morning in Newport News, Virginia, looked out the hotel window and all I could see was snow. I called the airport and heard the news no traveler wants to hear. The airport was shut down. I was set to speak to Lia Sophia Jewelry that morning at the hotel where I was staying and that night I was scheduled to be at an event in New York City. I knew one thing in that moment. If I was going to get to NY I wouldn’t be flying there. And most likely I would be stranded for a few days in Virginia. I decided to make the best of it and focus on inspiring, serving and impacting those in the audience.
As fate would have it, the President of Lia Sophia, Tory Kiam, was attending my talk and was also heading to NY. When I walked off stage I was told he arranged for a taxi to take us to Washington DC where we would take a train to NY. Sounded like a great plan, Except for the fact that to get to the train station we would have to travel 182 miles through a snow storm on icy, snow covered roads and avoid getting stuck or into an accident along the way. It was an experience I will never forget!
Here are 6 Lessons I learned along the way. I hope they will help you on your journey through life.
1. The Right Driver Means Everything - Samud, the taxi driver, was amazing. He avoided ten accidents, handled ice patches with the driving skill of NASCAR’s Jimmy Johnson, and stayed calm the entire time. Leadership is everything and the right leader is the difference between cruising past or crashing into the obstacles before us. Samud never doubted that we would get through the storm to reach our destination and his skill and confidence made it possible.
2. Every Driver Needs a Great Team - There were times when Samud couldn’t see and Tory and I would guide him by looking out the sides of the van. We were his co-pilots and advised him when to slow down, when to avoid other cars, and when to speed up the windshield wipers which were accumulating ice. We couldn’t have reached our destination without Samud and he couldn’t have done it without us. Teamwork made all the difference.
3. Tap into the Ultimate GPS - When you are driving on sheet of snow and ice you come face to face with the reality that no matter how confident and talented you are there is a lot you can’t control. So you bet I prayed a lot and tapped into the ultimate GPS, God’s Positioning System, and asked God to guide us safely on our journey.
4. Drive with Optimism - Tory kept laughing at me because every hour I would say the roads would get better the closer we got to DC. The first few hours the roads got worse. But sure enough as we approached DC the roads were plowed and smooth. I didn’t know if the roads really would be better but I hoped they would be better. And that hope kept our spirits up when it seemed like we would never make it. Faith in a positive future keeps you moving in the right direction and helps you reach your destination.
5. It Could be Worse - Along the way instead of focusing on our predicament I kept thinking about the people in Haiti. Our situation was a walk in the park compared to what they are going through. Keeping things in perspective helps you stay positive through your challenges and keeps you humble and grateful.
6. Showing up Matters - I arrived at the event in NY with an hour left. It was a fundraiser for the George Boiardi Foundation. George died in 2004 when a ball hit him in the chest during a lacrosse game at Cornell University. George was known for his character, persistence, heart, work ethic and his plans to join Teach America after graduation. George’s life was cut short but his dream lives on through his foundation. When I arrived I met his mom. We hugged and she thanked me for making the effort to be there. I couldn’t help but think that if George was in my shoes he would do the same. He showed up on and off the field every day of his short life and his legacy lives on through so many people impacted by his example. So, no matter how long the journey I want to encourage you to “show up.” Whatever it takes, show up. Whether it’s by plane, train or automobile, or all three, show up.
-Jon
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Tags: 6 lessons for life, God, GPS, grateful, humble, jon gordon, optimism, team, Teamwork
20 Responses to “6 Lessons for Life”
By George English on Feb 1, 2010
I agree with all six points. Also, with one of the six missing the other five easily go wanting and unsatisfied. Life is an amazing journey….filled with opportunities help oneself and so many other people. No oneother thing ismore satisfying.
By Randy Bosch on Feb 1, 2010
Jon, Fabulous post with great lessons learned from a fabulous journey, with the help of GPS!! Three Men in a Cab - I detect something new for the right-hand blog margin! And justifiably so!
By on Feb 1, 2010
Jon,
All of your articles are great but this one is even better than great. Everyone has the ability to take a deep breath and step back and reassess their situation as you did but few of us actually do it. Thank you for another priceless gem! Gymbeaux
By John Havelin on Feb 1, 2010
Thanks for sharing this, Jon.
I had one thought about the teamwork thing–hope the driver was able to get back safely–without his co-pilots!
God bless,
John
By Cheryl Bishop on Feb 1, 2010
I was extremely disappointed that you didn’t stay where you were during that snow storm. That was a poor decision to be driving in those kinds of conditions. Was it really worth risking your life to get to an event? You should not have been on the road. This really makes me question your other advice when you used such poor judgement. “when Samud couldn’t see…” Unbelievably upsetting. This ride could have ended so differently. I’m glad you’re safe.
By Jon Gordon on Feb 1, 2010
Sorry you feel this way Cheryl. I felt called to try to make it and I’m glad I did. I knew the risks and spoke to my wife. We all wanted to do it and sometimes you have to take the leap. I would do it again given the chance.
I also did say where I was. I was in Virginia heading to the DC train station.
Blessings,
Jon
By Jen Burger on Feb 1, 2010
Jon, those of us at the rally definitely thought you made the right decision. Had the situation been reversed and we were the second engagement of the day, we would have wanted you to do whatever you could do to make it.
I really felt that the message you gave to us was proven when you left with Tory. You do have to keep running and if you had been at the airport, we would have cheered you on.
We are all glad you got there safely and have yet another testament to tell about what happens when you put your faith in God!
By Carol Silvis on Feb 1, 2010
I enjoyed this post. You turned such a negative situation to your advantage.
By Brandy Reed on Feb 1, 2010
Jon, although we were sad you had to split so quickly, I am SO glad that all three of you made it safely to D.C. I hope you enjoued getting to know the amazing President of our company! I must say that I am a little jealous that I couldn’t be in that taxi with such an inspiring group of men! I am so grateful for the time we did have with you in VA and so grateful for the message you shared! I hope that you realize the example you have set for so many is changing lives! Myself and many other’s on Jen’s energy bus are living testiment to that! LIA SOPHIA LOVES YOU JON!!!
By Zsa Zsa on Feb 1, 2010
I love this, Jon! God can get us WHERE He wants us to be WHEN He wants to get us there! We have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone, don’t we? Enough of “accepting” status quo or defeat! We press on in Christ!
Thanks for sharing!
Zsa Zsa in Virginia Beach
(I did your story for CBN.)
By Kimberly on Feb 1, 2010
Jon, thank you for being a part of our lia sophia event. I’ve never read any of your books, but, I did win a signed copy of “THE SHARK AND THE GOLDFISH” I plan to read it tonight. I LOVE the comparison you gave of Faith & Fear, I’ll never forget why & how I should have a Faithful, Positive outlook. Just want you to know I truly appreciate those words and what I will learn along the way as I ponder on these thoughts.
By Jon Gordon on Feb 1, 2010
Cheryl,
One other thing i wanted to say was that when we started out on the trip we had no idea the roads were as bad as they were. i thought the highways would be much safer and better plowed. So did the driver. My wife even spoke to a friend who told her the roads weren’t that bad. By the time we had hit the worse of it, it was too late to turn around.
John,
Samud did make it back ok. I called him to make sure and was relieved when he did.
To everyone else, thank you for your support and encouragement.
By Pamela on Feb 2, 2010
Excellent reminder that positivity is one of the most important tools that we own.
By Alice Fabian on Feb 2, 2010
Jon,
You have NO idea how much you inspired me and my team. I will be honest, I never heard of you before, BUT I can tell you I will never forget you now either.
My team and I had a very rough drive down in a bus from PA for 6 hours that was not in good shape with no heat(not what we were promised) and it was ironic and humerous that you spoke about the Energy Bus, something all of us that rode the bus will never forget. Thanks for the laughs!
Alice Fabian
lia sophia Region Manager
By Gail on Feb 2, 2010
WOW!
The power of positive thinking!
By Liz Nelson Stepp on Feb 2, 2010
One of the best lessons I ever learned is “being there is over half the battle.” This is a very good lesson to learn for perfectionists who feel they are never quite prepared enough. And besides that, it is just simply true. Just be present.
By Tina Hawkins on Feb 3, 2010
Jon,
Thank you so very much for all you did to “show up” at our event in VA and your event in NY. You showed you definitely live by the words you teach. And at times, even with alot of hard work on our part, you have to trust and take a leap of faith.
By Peggy Valentine DON on Feb 16, 2010
I am Samad’s girlfriend. I am so glad you made it back as well. One thing you should know, Samad was having a rough time and the trip you made with him, helped him. He was inspired and thankful for being able to meet you. Also , he was thankful to God that everyone made it. Samad work’s hard and it was very nice to have someone appreciate him. Thank you.
By Peggy Valentine DON on Feb 16, 2010
I am Samad\’s girlfriend. I am so glad you made it back as well. One thing you should know, Samad was having a rough time and the trip you made with him, helped him. He was inspired and thankful for being able to meet you. Also , he was thankful to God that everyone made it. Samad work\’s hard and it was very nice to have someone appreciate him. Thank you.
By Jennifer on Apr 5, 2010
Good post! It is indeed true that “The Right Driver Means Everything”. After all leading at the edge means playing to win as an individual, as a team, and as an organization. Companies that create a leadership development culture excel because they become talent magnets by always providing people with opportunities to learn, grow, and build leadership competencies. Regardless of their professional and organizational roles, all top leaders must understand how leadership, culture, and operational effectiveness are closely intertwined to achieve outstanding results. At the IMD OWP 2010 you will learn what leaders in the top companies, who are known for their outstanding leadership cultures, do so successfully to continue leading at the edge