Ready for a journey of transformation that revolutionizes how you approach work, life, and challenges? Curious to understand how the principles of positive energy, vision, and love can transform not just individuals, but entire teams and their outcomes? Dive into this riveting tale that weaves together life-altering lessons, captivating stories, and startling statistics, leaving you ready to take control of your own 'bus'.

The Energy Bus

George's Monday started with a flat tire, a fitting metaphor for his life lately. Misfortune seemed to follow him everywhere, and today was no different. As he opened the trunk, he found his spare tire was also flat. His wife, always right, had warned him about this. In a desperate attempt to avoid being late for an important meeting, George tried to catch a ride with his neighbor Dave, but Dave had already left.

Out of options, he reluctantly asked his wife for help, only to be reminded of her own packed schedule. Frustrated, George headed to the bus stop, a mile away. Bus number 11 pulled up, and he was greeted by the cheeriest bus driver he'd ever seen. "Good day to you today, Sugar!" she exclaimed. George, in no mood for cheer, grumbled and took his seat. The driver, Joy, seemed to know everyone on her route and was determined to make George's ride pleasant.

"You came on my bus for a reason, George," she told him, hinting at a bigger picture. George dismissed her words, but they lingered in his mind. Later, at the car repair shop, George was told that his flat tire had saved him from potentially catastrophic brake failure. Instead of feeling grateful, he was annoyed by the inconvenience.

Walking home, George reflected on his crumbling marriage, his job in jeopardy, and his overall dissatisfaction with life. His wife had given him an ultimatum to change his negative ways or face separation. The stress was overwhelming, and he felt powerless for the first time. That night, he yelled to the heavens for help, only to wake up feeling the same despair.

The next day, George took the bus again, but Joy was not driving. He missed her unexpected cheerfulness and felt guilty for being rude. As he pondered his life, George realized he needed to make drastic changes. His team was underperforming, and his job was at stake. He was determined to turn things around, even if he wasn't sure how. It was time to act, and George knew he had to start today.

Could a Simple Bus Ride Change the Course of Your Life?

George arrived early at the bus stop, reflecting on the previous day's chaos at work. Despite his team's inefficiencies, he knew firing them wasn't an option. Deep in thought, Bus number 11 pulled up with Joy at the wheel. Her cheerful demeanor stood in stark contrast to George's gloom. Joy revealed her challenges, like caring for her father with memory loss, reminding George that everyone has problems.

Joy, ever optimistic, introduced George to "The 10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life," inscribed on a sign in the bus. Despite George's resistance to more rules, Joy insisted these rules would change his life. Rule number 1, "You're the Driver of Your Bus," underscored personal responsibility and control. Joy's stories of other passengers, like Danny the former "Corporate Zombie," illustrated transformative journeys.

Joy emphasized the importance of having a vision. She shared a startling statistic from Marty, the bus's research guy: more people die Monday mornings at 9 A.M. than any other time, highlighting the dread many feel about their work. George confessed feeling like a prisoner to life's demands, but Joy urged him to reclaim control and create his own life.

Challenged by Joy to define his vision, George outlined his desires for better health, a happier family life, and a successful work project. Joy reassured him that crises offer opportunities for growth. She introduced Rule number 2: "Move Your Bus in the Right Direction." Joy stressed the power of focused thought and positive energy, urging George to visualize his goals daily.

George, initially skeptical, began to see the potential in Joy's advice. The bus community's enthusiasm, including Marty's success story and Joy's contagious energy, inspired him to give this new mindset a try. With a major product launch looming, George decided he had nothing to lose by embracing Joy's rules and focusing on his vision for a better future.

Driving Towards Success: The Transformative Power of Joy's 10 Life Rules

George was grappling with challenges at work, feeling overwhelmed by negativity and setbacks. He confided in Joy, who introduced him to a powerful formula: E + P equals O, where Events plus Perception equals Outcome. Danny emphasized that while we can't control life's events, we can control our perception and response, which ultimately shapes our outcomes.

Joy stressed the importance of positive energy, explaining that it propels us forward, helping us overcome obstacles and inspire others. She introduced Rule number 3: Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy. George was skeptical but intrigued by the concept of releasing negativity and focusing on gratitude. Joy suggested practical exercises, like the "Thank-You Walk," which George tried and found surprisingly uplifting.

Inspired by the exercises, George remembered his friend Chuck, who seemed to have it all but was unhappy and ultimately lost everything. This realization reinforced George’s desire to embrace positivity genuinely. He started focusing on the good, like the one great shot in golf, which led to a new family ritual where they shared daily successes.

On the bus, Joy and her team introduced Rule number 4: Invite People on Your Bus and Share Your Vision for the Road Ahead. They explained how George could use e-bus tickets to invite his team to join his vision for the upcoming product launch. This idea excited George, and he planned to implement it immediately.

Over the weekend, George reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s resilience, drawing strength from Lincoln’s words: "I am not bound to win, I am bound to be true." He felt a newfound resolve to face his challenges head-on, ready to see who would join him on his journey come Monday.

Can Abraham Lincoln's Resilience and the Power of Positive Energy Transform Your Professional Life?

George felt a surge of nervous excitement on this Monday, unlike the dread he felt last week. He arrived early to collect bus tickets from his team, indicating their commitment to his vision. To his dismay, three key team members—Michael, Jamie, and José—expressed their lack of faith in him, predicting his bus would crash. This hit George hard, especially since José had always been reliable.

Despite his efforts, the day was chaotic. Larry and Tom, the team’s biggest troublemakers, bickered constantly. George’s focus wavered, distracted by the three who refused to board his bus. The negative energy was palpable.

Tuesday morning, George boarded the bus feeling defeated. Joy, sensing his despair, decided to stay and offer support. She reminded him of Rule number 5: Don’t Waste Your Energy on Those Who Don’t Get on Your Bus, advising George to stop taking it personally when people don't "get on his bus," meaning they don't embrace his vision or positive energy.

She reminded him that everyone has their own path, and by not worrying about the negative people or those who choose a different direction, George can conserve his energy for those who support him, ensuring a more successful and positive journey.

Joy identified negativity as the real enemy, explaining that it exists everywhere and must be managed. She cited a Gallup Poll revealing that negativity costs U.S. businesses $300 billion annually. Joy taught George to focus on feeding positive energy and not to waste his energy on those who refused to join his bus.

Later, Joy introduced George to Rule number 6: No Energy Vampires Allowed. She stressed the importance of eliminating negativity from his team, even if it meant removing people. This rule wasn’t easy but was crucial for success. Joy advised George to confront Larry and Tom about their negativity and give them an ultimatum: contribute positively or leave.

Joy imparted a final lesson: George’s positive energy and vision must surpass anyone’s negativity. She warned that negativity would always be present, but George needed to cultivate his positive energy daily. She handed George a rock, symbolizing the value within himself and others.

Determined, George called Larry in for a meeting and firmly told him to contribute positively or leave. Larry, realizing his job was at stake, agreed to change. Tom, however, remained defiant and disrespectful. George, summoning newfound strength, fired Tom on the spot, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

George then faced the three who didn’t board his bus. Michael quit, unwilling to support George’s vision. Jamie bluntly told George his negativity and lack of leadership were the real issues. José, feeling unappreciated, also expressed his frustration. George acknowledged their grievances and promised to change, asking for their help with the upcoming launch.

With newfound determination, George and José prepared to rally the team, marking the start of a productive and positive day.

Driving Positive Change: A Journey of Transformation and Leadership

That night, after one of his most productive days at work in years, George had a vivid dream. He was driving a bus filled with his employees, wife, and children, racing toward a black hole. Just before crashing, an invisible hand lifted them to safety. Standing on a ledge, George felt an overwhelming peace and heard a whisper, “Trust that great things are happening.” The dream left him in a deep sweat but filled with a surprising sense of calm about the critical days ahead. Life, he realized, could change in a flash.

The next morning, George pondered his recent conversations and his team’s performance. He recalled his college lacrosse coach’s wisdom, “The goal is not to be better than anyone else but rather be better than you were yesterday.” George wanted to be a better leader, husband, and father, aiming to improve daily and help his team succeed in the upcoming launch. Carrying a rock given by his mentor Joy, he wondered about its significance, hoping it would reveal what he was missing as a leader.

As George approached the bus, he heard the passengers enthusiastically chanting, “I feel great. Yes!” Joy explained that this captured the heart of Rule number 7: Enthusiasm Attracts More Passengers and Energizes Them During the Ride. She emphasized that emotions are essentially energy in motion, and positive energy can uplift everyone around. Although George found it a bit corny, Joy insisted that it's far better to be joyful and enthusiastic than to be miserable and reserved. 

Reflecting on his recent behavior, George realized he still felt something was missing. Joy revealed that George needed to lead with heart, explaining that his heart had been closed off and needed to open to lead effectively. Marty introduced research from the Institute of HeartMath, showing that the heart’s electromagnetic field is 5,000 times more powerful than the brain, radiating feelings energetically.

Jack, a seasoned leader, shared his story of transformation from a feared manager to a Chief Energy Officer (CEO), emphasizing that enthusiasm attracts and energizes people. He explained that leading with heart and positive energy is crucial, as people are drawn to enthusiastic and passionate leaders. Joy and Jack taught George that living and working with enthusiasm would make his team more cohesive and successful.

As George absorbed these lessons, he felt ready to embrace his new role as a Chief Energy Officer, excited to infuse his team with the enthusiasm and positive energy needed for their upcoming challenge. He realized that the key to success lay in leading with heart, feeling good, and projecting that energy to inspire his team.

Can Embracing Your Role as a Chief Energy Officer Transform Your Leadership Style?

As Joy drove down the road with George and the passengers in her bus, she pointed to a billboard that read "LOVE IS THE ANSWER." She shared her belief in the power of signs to guide life’s journey, suggesting that when you follow the right path with love, everything falls into place. She highlighted Rule number 8: Love Your Passengers, explaining to a skeptical George that love, not just enthusiasm, is crucial for team success.

Jack and Marty chimed in, reinforcing that love is a powerful force in business. Marty cited research showing that positive, loving thoughts make people stronger than negative ones. Jack shared five strategies for loving your passengers: making time for them, listening to them, recognizing them, serving them, and bringing out their best. George realized that genuinely caring for his team and helping them shine could transform their work environment.

George's journey wasn’t without self-doubt. Fear crept in as he approached his office, but a surprising encounter with Michael, a former Energy Vampire, asking for another chance, reminded George of the importance of trust. Encouraged, he decided to lead with faith rather than fear.

The next day, George missed the bus but found a letter from Joy at his office, introducing Rule number 9: Drive with Purpose. Joy explained that purpose fuels our journey through life, keeping us energized and passionate. Inspired, George gathered his team to define their shared purpose and vision. The team’s energy transformed as they agreed on three principles: striving for greatness, developing Chief Energy Officers, and sharing the light through their work.

That night, as the team worked late into the night, George saw the power of their collective vision and purpose. His team wasn't just on the bus; they were pushing it forward, energized and united. As they prepared for the product launch, George knew they were ready for whatever lay ahead, driven by love and purpose.

Driving with Purpose: Unleashing the Power of Love and Vision in Team Success

George stood at the bus stop, feeling a rush of excitement. It was his last day on Joy's Energy Bus, the magical ride that had transformed his life. He had learned the ten rules for the ride of his life, but the one that stuck with him the most was Rule number 10: Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.

When George boarded the bus, he was greeted with applause and cheers. Joy, the bus driver with an infectious positive spirit, introduced him to Eddy, an 88-year-old with a twinkle in his eye and a zest for life that put younger folks to shame. Eddy's secret to life was simple but powerful: live young, have fun, and arrive at your final destination with a smile.

Joy echoed Eddy's wisdom, reminding George that life is too short to be bogged down by stress and negativity. "The goal is to enjoy the ride," she said. "We only get one, so make it count."

George felt a sense of calm wash over him. He realized that he had been too focused on the fears and stresses of life, forgetting to count his blessings. As he walked into his office building, he knew that whatever happened in his upcoming presentation, he was ready to face it with a positive mindset.

The presentation went off without a hitch. George and his team delivered a stellar performance, impressing the executives and securing their future. The team celebrated together, basking in the joy of their success. George treated them to lunch, and they spent the afternoon talking about their plans and dreams, united by a shared sense of purpose and excitement for the road ahead.

Later, as George picked up his repaired car, he noticed the young lady at the counter had a name tag that read "Joy." He couldn’t help but laugh and feel thankful for the signs that had guided him. Joy had taught him that everything happens for a reason, and he felt blessed for the journey he had been on.

George made a commitment to experience joy in everything he did, whether at work or with his family. He called his mother, who had just finished chemo, and told her he loved her from the depths of his heart.

On Monday, George returned to Joy’s bus, announcing his success to the cheering passengers. He had decided to continue taking the bus, finding it more fulfilling than driving alone. The Energy Bus had changed his life, and he was ready to enjoy the ride, spreading positive energy and joy wherever he went.

Can Taking a Magical Energy Bus Change Your Life Forever?

Ever felt like you've hit rock bottom? George did. A flat tire, a failing marriage, a job at risk - he was a mess. Then, he met Joy, a vibrant bus driver who not only gave him a lift but also a fresh perspective on life. She introduced him to "The 10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life," a roadmap to personal success.

Rule 1: "You're the Driver of Your Bus," emphasizes personal responsibility and control. 

Rule 2: "Move Your Bus in the Right Direction," underlines the power of focused thought and positive energy. 

Rule 3: "Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy," encourages positivity and gratitude. 

Rule 4: "Invite People on Your Bus and Share Your Vision for the Road Ahead," promotes team involvement in shared goals. 

Rule 5: "Don’t Waste Your Energy on Those Who Don’t Get on Your Bus," advises not to dwell on those who reject your vision. 

Rule 6: "No Energy Vampires Allowed," focuses on eliminating negativity from teams. 

Rule 7: "Enthusiasm Attracts More Passengers and Energizes Them During the Ride," underscores the power of positive energy. 

Rule 8: "Love Your Passengers," teaches that love is essential for team success. 

Rule 9: "Drive with Purpose," emphasizes the role of purpose in keeping us energized and passionate. 

Rule 10: "Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride," reminds us to appreciate the journey of life. 

By applying these rules, George managed to turn his life around, saving his job and improving his personal relationships.

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The Energy Bus

Jon Gordon

8 Key ideas

17 MINS

4.4 (2.2k)

Ready for a journey of transformation that revolutionizes how you approach work, life, and challenges?

Curious to understand how the principles of positive energy, vision, and love can transform not just individuals, but entire teams and their outcomes?

Dive into this riveting tale that weaves together life-altering lessons, captivating stories, and startling statistics, leaving you ready to take control of your own 'bus'.