Well, a good friend of mine “Bill Holtan” sent me a book is where this article starts. Reading is fun, sitting down and giving yourself time to ingest it is another thing. After reading the first 31-32 pages I decided to give meaning to this book and how it affects me. I ask you follow along as I get into the seven decision that determine personal success.
#1.
“The buck stops here” is a phrase that means the responsibility for something cannot be passed on to someone else, and it ultimately lies with the person who has the authority or power to make decisions.
The phrase was popularized by U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who had a sign with those words on his desk in the Oval Office. Truman used the phrase to signify that he took full responsibility for the decisions made by his administration.
The exact origin of the phrase is not clear, but it is believed to have come from the game of poker. In poker, a buckhorn knife with a handle made of buck’s horn was used to indicate who the dealer was. The person who had the knife was responsible for dealing the cards, and if there was a dispute, the buckhorn knife was used to settle it. Over time, the knife was replaced with a marker called a “buck,” which was made of ivory or plastic. The buck was placed in front of the player who was the current dealer, and the responsibility for dealing the cards stopped with that player. Hence, the phrase “the buck stops here” came to mean that the responsibility for a decision or action could not be passed on to someone else.
“The buck stops here” can apply to teachers, coaches, dads, and athletes (and me) in various ways in today’s life. Here are a few examples:
- Teachers: A teacher is responsible for their students’ learning and well-being while they are under their care. They cannot pass the responsibility for a student’s success or failure onto someone else, such as the student’s parents or other teachers. The teacher must take responsibility for their students’ progress and ensure they receive the education they need to succeed.
- Coaches: A coach is responsible for the performance of their team. They cannot pass the responsibility for a loss or poor performance onto the players or other coaches. The coach must take responsibility for their team’s training, strategy, and overall performance, and work to improve it.
- Dads: A father is responsible for the upbringing and well-being of their children. They cannot pass the responsibility for their children’s success or behavior onto their spouse or anyone else. The father must take responsibility for their children’s upbringing and work to ensure they grow up to be responsible and successful individuals.
- Athletes: An athlete is responsible for their own performance. They cannot pass the responsibility for their success or failure onto their coach, teammates, or anyone else. The athlete must take responsibility for their training, preparation, and performance, and work to improve their skills and achieve their goals.
In all of these roles, taking responsibility and ownership of one’s actions and decisions is essential for success and growth. “The buck stops here” reminds me that we cannot pass the blame or responsibility onto others and must take ownership of our choices and outcomes.
On with the reading… As I finish important aspects of the book I will write something up and post it on here (Dakota Grappler). It will keep me accountable and I can digest the learning I did. If you want feel free to email me dakotagrappler@gmail.com if you want to comment.
Wow this starts off strong with a statement I need to copy here because it hit me hard, it was a declaration, a statement that is to hold myself accountable… Here it is: “My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solution of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.”
Wow, and “The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions. In the future when I am tempted to ask the question “Why me?” I will immediately counter with the answer: “Why not me?” Challenges are gifts, opportunities to learn.”
Wrestlers Motivation as I Finish the book
I will link these when I am finished with each one.
