Andy Andrews is not just a New York Times bestselling author. Good Morning America has also listed The Traveler's Gift, as "One of the five books you should read in your lifetime" and The Bottom of the Pool was listed on Forbes as one of the "Top 7 Books All Entrepreneurs Must Read." Andy is a lighthouse of hope and inspiration for many who seek wisdom and a better way of life. With 26 published books, including the widely acclaimed “The Noticer Series,” Andy has carved a unique niche in the world of literature and personal development. However, his journey to success was not a linear path; it was filled with challenges that shaped him into the man and inspirational figure he is today.
At the young age of just 19, tragedy struck when Andy lost both of his parents. As he humorously reflects “I've always had the ability to make bad decisions worse, and I did that then.” Faced with grief, he made a series of financial decisions that led from him living in a trailer and having a car to sleeping in a tent and sometimes under the Gulf State Pier. Despite these hardships, Andy never considered himself homeless. “Back then, that was just not a word we used and it never really crossed my mind until someone eventually said something to me.” Andy worked diligently cleaning boats, guiding fishermen, and selling bait, embodying a resilience that would later inform his teachings.
In what can only be described as a pivotal turning point, Andy began to reassess his life and the decisions that had brought him to this point. An older man named Jones encouraged him to read biographies and thus began a transformative journey of self-discovery. Over the course of several years, reading more than 200 biographies, Andy uncovered a common thread among the happy and successful individuals he studied. He identified seven key principles that he believes are essential for anyone seeking to improve their life:
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Responsibility. Taking ownership of your own thoughts and actions.
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Seeking Wisdom. Constantly looking for knowledge and insight from sources that inspire you.
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Becoming a person of action. Understanding that knowledge is only powerful when it is acted upon.
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Having a decided heart. Committing to a path and seeing it through.
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Choosing your emotions. Recognizing that we have the power to decide how we feel.
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Forgiveness. Embracing a forgiving heart to free yourself and others from past burdens.
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Persisting without exception. Demonstrating unwavering determination and resilience.
“While these principles may seem simple,” Andy says, “their depth is often overlooked.” He encourages individuals to open their perception to the world around them, as every experience, good or bad, holds the potential for learning and growth.
Andy’s commitment to fostering a brighter future extends beyond his books. He founded WisdomHarbour.com, a streaming service designed for families and schools with the mission of creating America’s greatest generation. Through this platform, Andy provides valuable resources and insights aimed at nurturing the minds and hearts of young people.
In addition, Andy hosts a weekly podcast titled “The Professional Noticer: Observations and Answers with Andy Andrews" with subscribers in more than 120 countries. Listeners can join him live on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:15 PM for enlightening discussions that draw on his wealth of knowledge and experience.
What truly sets Andy apart is his genuine heart for people. He speaks life and inspiration into those who are searching for guidance, offering a message of hope that resonates deeply. In a world often overshadowed by negativity. Andy serves as a reminder that change is possible. A better life is within reach for anyone willing to seek it.
I had the ability to make bad decisions worse, and I did.