There are many things that I learned while growing up in my church. One was what former church president Spencer W. Kimball termed “deciding to decide.”
For me, I personally decided that I simply wouldn’t do certain things, like be unfaithful, smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. And I decided it would be the last time I’d have to make a decision about those particular temptations.
As 19th-century philosopher Thomas Carlyle once said, “A man lives by believing something, not by debating and arguing about many things.” Once you decide to decide, life becomes very simple. You don’t have to think about certain issues or questions again. You simply get on with things and don’t waste time and energy rehashing — debating and arguing — the problems and possibilities.
Deciding to decide and then sticking to those decisions has another benefit. I'm sure I sound old-fashioned, but I think there’s satisfaction to be had in standing firm against the onslaught of temptations that are part and parcel of contemporary life. Saying no consistently can provide a sense of real power in a world that often seems out of control. It also helps you focus on the task at hand, which for me was raising a family and trying to run a business.
Not everyone finds the idea of hard-and-fast choices appealing, but I’ve found it liberating. It can also keep you humble by providing an ongoing reminder that no one’s judgment is so infallible that a few rules aren’t necessary.
Let me know what words of wisdom you live by.
I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Thank you Mr. Marriott for your words of wisdom. It is inspiring. "deciding to decide and then sticking to those decisions". These words will be embedded in my mind.
Posted by: Kit Chan | 06/16/2014 at 03:45 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
Thank you for these wonderful words of wisdom. My father always encouraged me to read a lot. He said: "Your books are your best friends." And in the same way as in books, your written words -along with the reactions of the readers- inspire and make me feel incredibly grateful to be able to work for Marriott International. Yours sincerely, Petra Kalkman
Posted by: Petra Kalkman | 05/10/2014 at 10:43 AM
Fear is the mind killer, the destroyer of worlds.
Posted by: Chris Bruce | 05/06/2014 at 05:02 PM
I avoid "paralysis through over analysis"! Somethings call for quick decision making, and opportunities can be lost by not making those key decisions at the right time.
Posted by: Gary | 05/04/2014 at 10:45 PM
Thank you Mr. Marriott for your words of wisdom. A teacher once taught me "you are your own best self advocate" which is why I ask endless questions. one posed question equals many perspectives on the topic. I am a life long learner.
Kind Regards
Posted by: Kayla Reintjes | 05/03/2014 at 11:13 AM
Thank you Mr. Marriott for your words of wisdom. A teacher once taught me "you are your own best self advocate" which is why I ask endless questions. one posed question equals many perspectives on the topic. I am a life long learner.
Kind Regards
Posted by: Kayla Reintjes | 05/03/2014 at 11:13 AM
Great blog!
My simple words of wisdom:
Love isn't everything, it's the only thing.
Posted by: Jeff Steffanina | 04/29/2014 at 08:31 AM
Well I decided that my motto is being driven and destined..I am driven to do better for my children. To show them with hard work you can go along way. And destined is my favorite. We are all here for a reason. What you decide is your choice. But I live the fact we have the right to choose. I have came along way. And I know I habe alot to do. You are a guide and an inspiration. And im happy to be finally apart of your team.
Posted by: Nikita Daniel | 04/28/2014 at 12:22 PM
Excellent words!!
Personally I believe in not trying but doing, one must transcend in the lives of others even when nobody else knows.
Regards,
Posted by: Ivan Torres | 04/27/2014 at 07:19 PM
Decide to decide is similar to one of my favorite sayings:
Indecision becomes decision with the passing of time.
I have also found that making a decision and sticking to it makes my life easier.
Thanks for the post, Mr. Marriott!
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 04/26/2014 at 10:24 AM
Discipline yourself and other wont need to. - Wooden
Posted by: Michael Atkin | 04/25/2014 at 07:42 PM
I am so inspired by you message of "Decide to Decide"...Life really can be more simple. I have also heard the expression that we should "Wear life like loose clothing"..I have been w Solon Resv for approx 6 years..I am proud to work for Marriott.
Posted by: Wendy Hughes | 04/25/2014 at 01:16 PM
I injoy reading ur blogs some of them have helped me out. I work for Residence Inn in Charleston w.v. Ive been here for about 4 years an love working here. I think old fashing thinking is a good why of thinking manny things have come from thinking that way my wisdom of words I keep im my mind is do unto others u would want done unto thee.
Thank you
chad peyton
Posted by: chad peyton | 04/25/2014 at 11:58 AM
"What we do for ourselves dies with us- what we do for others remains and is immortal." Albert Pike
Posted by: Nico Dominguez | 04/25/2014 at 11:20 AM
This is a powerful statement and a personal decision made by many, could change the world for the better: "Deciding to decide and then sticking to those decisions has another benefit. I'm sure I sound old-fashioned, but I think there’s satisfaction to be had in standing firm against the onslaught of temptations that are part and parcel of contemporary life. Saying no consistently can provide a sense of real power in a world that often seems out of control. It also helps you focus on the task at hand, which for me was raising a family and trying to run a business." ~~Bill Marriott- See more at: http://www.blogs.marriott.com/marriott-on-the-move/2014/04/deciding-to-decide.html#sthash%2EXVDG9pAo%2Edpuf
Posted by: Ivory Dorsey | 04/25/2014 at 09:43 AM
I look forward to listening to your blog. I love the way you impart valuable lessons you have learned along the way. I have learned a lot about you from your blogs and l thank you for being so open and honest.I can't help but think that there are many more people like myself that you have successfully connected with via your blog. I hope that you continue to blog simply because i need to connect with you.Thank you for takng the time to share your life experences with us all.
Posted by: fred cronk | 04/24/2014 at 10:47 PM
My precious grandmother always treated people the way she wanted to be treated. So I try to live my life by that golden rule as well. I also remember that old saying that goes something like: "No one will remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel". :)
Posted by: Stacy Champion | 04/24/2014 at 12:54 PM
It takes the reality of death to awaken one from the everyday sluggishness and into an active pursuit of what life is really about.
And, "wear your seatbelt!" That about sums it up for me.
Posted by: Heather Murphy | 04/24/2014 at 12:30 PM
Wondrful words and thougts. I agree whit all you say and I send my best regars and a great consideration.
Posted by: Luis Cruz Gomes | 04/24/2014 at 10:50 AM
Much like a soldier relies on muscle memory during combat, I rely on my princials during my most dificult times. This has enabled me to focus on moving forward instead of second guessing my decisions & ruminating the past. It has also given me the strength & confidence to know that no matter what this day brings me I will thrive. Thank you for your blog today as I feel it is in alignment with my values.
Posted by: Michelle | 04/24/2014 at 10:32 AM
I find that as time goes by, my father's words of wisdom are becoming my words of wisdom. Here are just of few words he passed on to me. I miss him so much.
1. When in doubt, don't
2. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me
3. Never co-sign on a loan
4. You can do anything you set your mind to
5. Always ask someone who is retired, what they did before they retired
6. Listen more than speak
7. Slow down
Posted by: Linda Bookhultz | 04/24/2014 at 10:16 AM
I like your article on deciding to decide, cause I can relate to it in my life. I do use your #12 Rules for success,also #1 and #4 well let's say many of them .
Thank you for your wisdom. Don .
Posted by: Don Field | 04/24/2014 at 09:52 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
I appreciate your profound words of wisdom! After numerous years of always trying to please everyone, I too, have learned th power of "no" and find I say "no" more often and without apologies.
Posted by: Alicia Charles | 04/24/2014 at 09:32 AM
Great blog post! Bill Marriott's principles live in the way Marriott is run and managed throughout the world. It's no surprise to me why Marriott's brand is as excellent as it is and as a Sales Manager for the Residence Inn Charlotte South, I very much appreciate the legacy that Bill Marriott leaves with all of us.
Posted by: Rob Tull | 04/24/2014 at 09:26 AM
Mr. Marriott, I couldn't have agreed with you more. I too, at a young age, decided not to smoke and drink alcohol and has never regreted it. My late husband, he passed away 4 months ago, has always admired me for that. He's also happy that I'm always the descinated driver. I've retired from Marriott since my husband's death...but I just want to thank you for being such a great leader.
Posted by: Peggy Liu | 04/24/2014 at 08:43 AM