“Think things through—then follow through” has been described as a sex-word formula for success. The saying has sometimes been credited to Scottish author Walter Scott (1771-1832), but there’s no evidence that he ever said it.
 
“I can give you a six-word formula for success — ‘Think Things Through — Then Follow Through’” was cited in print in 1949. The saying was credited in 1953 to American World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973). It seems likely that Rickenbacher popularized (and possibly coined) the line.
 
Another six-word formula for success is “find a need and fill it.”
     
 
WIkipedia: Eddie Rickenbacker
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker (October 8, 1890 – July 23, 1973) was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. With 26 aerial victories, he was America’s most successful fighter ace in the war. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.
 
Wikiquote: Talk:Walter Scott
“Think things through - then follow through”
“I can give you a six-word formula for success: “Think things through - then follow through”. I’ve seen this attributed to Sir Walter Scott and also to World War I flying ace Edward Rickenbacker. Can anyone pin this down to either one? 80.195.233.60 06:36, 20 September 2007 (UTC)
     
Google Books
The Great Silver Fleet News
Eastern Air Lines
Volumes 12-14
1948 (Google Books date may not be accurate—ed.)
Pg. 19:
Whenever you turn a lamp switch and get instant light, remember that its brightness began in the mind of a man whose greatest asset was to Think Things Through and Follow Through.
   
Google Books
American Farm Youth
Volumes 15-16
1949
Pg. 24:
I can give you a six-word formula for success — “Think Things Through — Then Follow Through.”
 
12 October 1953, Burlington (IA) Hawk-Eye Gazette:
I can give you a 6-word formula for success: “Think things through—then follow through.”—Eddie Rickenbacker. ‘
 
Google News Archive
22 October 1954, Meriden (CT) Record, “Capt, Rickenbacker Dedicates Lufbery Ave.; Pays Tribute To His Comrade Of World War I,” pg. 9, col. 4:
“Opportunity exists for those with the power to see it. Opportunity always is within reach for those who have the power to Think Things Through and Follow Through to goals of attainment.”
 
Google News Archive
22 November 1979, Boca Raton (FL) News , bridge column, pg. 15B, col. 3:
“I can give you a six-word formula for success: think things through — then follow through. ” — Eddie Rickenbacker.
 
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TTT-TFT “Think Things Through, Then Follow Through”. Quote from #thinking4aChange by John C. Maxwell (a book you MUST read)
1:44 PM - 8 Aug 13