The world belongs to the man or woman who has made a decision. The decision I am talking about here does not involve simply indicating a preference or making an initial effort. The life decision that matters is the one in which you will invest everything you have, everything you are, and everything you hope to be in pursuing. Very few people ever make a decision at this level. It’s not as important what you decide to do or how you decide to do it. It’s important that you make a decision.
In January of 49 BC, Julius Caesar led one of his legions across the Rubicon River from Gaul into Rome, where he challenged the senate and General Pompey to an all-out confrontation, and since the crossing of the Rubicon by a general, especially with his army, was nothing less than an act of war with death being the only punishment to be rendered for the general and his army, Caesar knew that there would be no going back. As Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his legion, he uttered these most famous words known to all of us. “The die has been cast.”
I have heard of other military leaders who—upon crossing their own “Rubicon”—actually burned their boats to destroy any method of retreat. It is important in life to find something worthy of an all-out investment. A cause or a goal that will require a maximum commitment of your resources, efforts, and even your reputation represents your passion and your destiny.
My late, great friend and mentor Dr. Robert Schuller, was fond of saying, “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than attempt to do nothing and succeed.”
As I dictate these words, I have written 26 books. I remember a time in my life when the thought of writing a book seemed impossible to a point of absurdity. I was standing backstage at a speaking engagement with Dr. Schuller, and he was encouraging me to write a book. I politely and respectfully gave some sort of half-hearted answer about maybe trying it out or seeing what might happen. At that point, the master of ceremonies introduced me, and I went out into the arena to give my speech.
When I left the stage an hour later, I was met by Dr. Schuller along with my friend, mentor, and colleague Dr. Denis Waitley. They informed me that while I had been giving my speech, Dr. Schuller called his publisher about my book, and Dr. Waitley agreed to write the foreword. They told me that the publisher was expecting my manuscript in 90 days.
I was confronted with my own Rubicon. As I shook their hands and agreed to meet the deadline, I knew there was no turning back.
As you go through your day today, find a goal, purpose, or passion that is worthy of a Rubicon decision.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.
Refresh Leadership is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals
Love this! I might print this off and distribute to my employees tomorrow! There are some thoughts in here that everyone should read. We as a group are reading Brian Fielkow’s Driving to Perfection. We are a small business and I think it is important to have everyone on the same page. His book is fantastic, if nothing else a great reference for businesses of all sizes! drivingtoperfection.com is the book site, I recommend this one!