Wisdom - Paying it forward

Do you pass along wisdom that has been shared with you? Do you make it a point to do so or does it just happen as it will? Do you give credit where it is due (if you actually remember where you read or heard it, of course)?

Are you creating a legacy of knowledge and experience shared?

Today I’m going to pay it forward and to introduce you to someone who has had a profound impact on countless people’s lives, obviously including mine. I have known Bob Anderson, PhD, CMSgt (Ret) for the better part of my life where he has served alternately as a father figure, a Sensei, a Sea Daddy (even though he was Air Force), and, most importantly, a friend and mentor. He was always ready with a story or piece of advice and always available to pick up the phone and listen.

While, unfortunately, he is no longer physically with us (curse you 2020!), he left us much of his wisdom and lessons about life and leadership through his books. Over the next month, I’m going to share excerpts from his book, “Anderson’s Rules.” He sent me the original version many years ago when I was deployed and having a rough time and it has continued to give me whatever insight I need each time I reread it. This is a book that I have shared with many people I have worked and served with and will continue to do so.

I’m only going to share the rule (with maybe a comment from me or slight clarification) so some of them may not make sense out of context, you’ll have to read his book for his explanation and the stories behind it, I hope you’ll check it out and get as much from it as I have (available at Amazon – all proceeds go to his family).

Anderson’s Rule #1:?When faced with difficult decisions remember this:?It is not important what you decide – it is only important what you decide about what you decided. (It becomes a matter of your attitude about the circumstances you have or will create.)

Feel free to discuss in the comments.