The Energy Bus
By: Jon Gordon
Reflection by: Katelyn Waters
Why I read it?
This book was recommended by Kylie Felker and featured in Foster Victor’s Book Club.
What is it all about?
George is a married man with two children and is a manager at a light bulb manufacturing company. However, life is anything but perfect for George as his home life and work life are both unfulfilling and on the cusp of disaster. On his way to work one day, his car breaks down, causing him to ride the bus. As George climbs aboard the #11 bus, he is greeted by the bus driver, Joy. As luck would have it, Joy knows exactly what George needs. In the two weeks that George’s car is in the shop, Joy and the passengers on the “Energy Bus” give him 10 rules to change his life.
What caused me to pause?
If you’re anything like me, stressing over things I have no control over comes naturally. Rule # 3 “Power your ride with positive energy” is truly what caused me to pause and take inventory of my actions and perspective on situations. Perhaps the most profound line in the book, to me was, “it is physically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same moment.” It seems so counterintuitive to give thanks when we are in need or in a stressful situation but imagine the impact that could have on your mood, day, or life. This really encouraged me to see what other changes I could make and the impact that would have on my life.
How will this book change my habits or influence me?
While the majority of The Energy Bus focuses on how we can change our perspective in life, rule # 8 gives an outline on how we can improve relationships with people on our bus. 5 ways to love our “passengers” include: making time for them, listening to them, recognizing them, serving them, and bringing out the best in them. Since reading The Energy Bus, I try to find ways I can love each of my passengers better whether that is a simple text letting them know I’m thinking of them or changing my schedule to make time for a dinner together.
Pickle Rating: 4.5/5
Bonus: Here are the 10 Rules to have the “ride of your life” and put positive energy into the world:
- You’re the driver
- Use vision and focus to set your direction
- Power your bus with positive energy
- Share your vision and Invite people on board
- Don’t waste effort on those who don’t join you
- Ban “energy vampires” from your bus
- Be enthusiastic: it attracts and energizes others
- Care about your team
- Have a larger purpose
- Enjoy your ride
