The Seven Decisions: Understanding the Keys to Personal Success

200 Pages·2014·1.12 MB·English

by  Andy Andrews

PRAISE FOR THE SEVEN DECISIONS
“Andy Andrews’ words—both written and spoken—are a significant and
enduring presence in the lives of our Squadron Commanders around the world.”
—LT. GEN. MICHAEL W. WOOLEY
USAF COMMANDER, AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
“Andy teaches with humor and stories . . . the best way for most to learn the
lessons that can change your business . . . and your life.”
—RHONDA FERGUSON
PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL CONCEPTS
“My friend Andy Andrews is an inspiration! Read this book and find out for
yourself.”
—REBECCA LUKER
BROADWAY STAR
“If you are struggling with a troubled past or an uncertain future, this book can
lead you to triumph.”
—JOHN STARR
CEO, KOCH EQUIPMENT, LLC, MEMBER OF YPO
“The Seven Decisions manages to practically address life’s challenging balance
between taking action and simply trusting God.”
—JOSH JENKINS
PRESIDENT & CEO, TREEHOUSESEM.COM AND ENSURE CHARITY
“The Seven Decisions seamlessly unites life elements that are difficult to pull off
on their own, much less together.”
—ZACH SMITH
PRESIDENT, MERCHANTPLUS
“Andy has the extraordinary ability to focus on issues that define one’s character
—in this case how to be decisive when it counts. Brilliant work!”
—DOC FOGLESONG
PRESIDENT, MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
“The Seven Decisions transcends entertainment. It will encourage you to make
your life a masterpiece!”
—JEREMY BURKHARDT
PRESIDENT, SPEAKERCRAFT

© 2008 Andy Andrews
Previously published as Mastering the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success All rights reserved. No portion of this book
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the
publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information,
please e-mail [email protected].
Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
ISBN 978-0-529-10435-9 (repack)
ISBN 978-0-529-11270-5 (eBook)
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Andrews, Andy, 1959– The seven decisions: understanding the keys to
personal success / Andy Andrews.
pages cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-7852-6141-4
1. Conduct of life. 2. Success. 3. Andrews, Andy, 1959– Traveler’s gift. I. Title.
BJ1581.2.A535 2008
158.1—dc22 2007039924
Printed in the United States of America
14 15 16 17 18 RRD 5 4 3 2 1
To Maryann and Jerry Tyler of Roswell,
Georgia
I am so grateful for the love, wisdom,
belief, patience, and example you have
shown me throughout the years.
CONTENTS
Preface
INTRODUCTION:
CREATING THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE
Discovering the Seven Decisions
Seek, and Ye Shall Find
Seven Principles, Seven Decisions
Real-Life Travelers
The Qualities of Leadership
How to Read This Book
The Power of Consistency
ONE: THE RESPONSIBLE DECISION:
THE BUCK STOPS HERE.
Playing the Blame Game
The Power of Thought
Catching the Prize
Trading Freedom
Overcoming Fear of Failure
Og’s Initiative for Success
A Defeated Washington
Embracing the Gift of Adversity
Real Traveler Profile: Jimmy Dean
TWO: THE GUIDED DECISION:
I WILL SEEK WISDOM.
Seeking Wisdom
Words of Wisdom
The Power of Fellowship
Your Board of Directors
Beware of the Danger Point
An Afternoon in Waterloo
Napoleon’s Blunder
Learning to Serve Others
Alfred Vanderbilt’s Servant Spirit
Fuller’s Life Experiment
Real Traveler Profile: Bob Hope
THREE: THE ACTIVE DECISION:
I AM A PERSON OF ACTION.
The Decision to Act
History Remembers the Bold
The Way of the Hero
Becoming a Person of Action
Chamberlain’s Charge
Early to Bed, Early to Rise . . .
The Butterfly’s Effect on Change
The Protective Field of Purpose
Adams’s Choice
Real Traveler Profile: Stan Lee
FOUR: THE CERTAIN DECISION:
I HAVE A DECIDED HEART.
The Purpose of Analysis
A Decided Heart
Finding Your Vision
Your Heart, Your Life
The Cortés Initiative
Burning Our Boats
Thriving on Rejection
The Passion of Decisiveness
Architecting the Greatest Show on Earth
Living a Life of Unlimited Possibility
Real Traveler Profile: General Norman