Things I Am Currently Noticing...

"Great new post, Andy! And once again, you're making me really think about my life. I've been working on a Total Money Makeover for a year now, and I'm not nearly as far along as I'd like to be - because I haven't made myself do some of the things I'd rather not do. But as you have pointed out, by doing so, I could achieve the result I'd like to have. Time for me to get more serious! Thanks for the enlightening post - and thanks for being you! :)

By the way, I posted about this blog on one of my blogs a few days ago. Check it out.

http://blogsweluv.com/2009/07/06/blog-spotlight-andy-andrews/"

"Ditto on comment #1! Timing is everything and even though you don't think you're blogging enough I appreciate that it comes when I need it most. At least that's how it seems to me. Thanks again Andy for such great perspective and insight. And, have a great day!"

"Great advise. I saw a quote yesterday that I really liked and it prepares you to do what you might not want to do.
"The future is being born right now in your thoughts and actions. Choose to make it the best it can possibly be." and today's message "Achievement does not require extraordinary ability. Achievement comes from ordinary abilities applied with extraordinary persistance." Ralph Marston
Read more: http://greatday.com/motivate/090708.html#ixzz0Kmjdg0Q3&C
Your books have provided me some much needed encouragement to be a better person. Thanks!"

"Andy,

Good to have you back in the blog world again - I've not joined in on the tweet thing - too much stimuli already in my life...!!

Hope all is well! Loved The Noticer - been promting it to any and all who will listen to me!

Grateful for the family inclusion in the book - we are proud to be apart of you and your family!

God Bless you and your family - stay you and persevere!! Hey it's all surf and turf with an ocean view anyway - right?!?

GK"

"Your blogs make me think more. Your Twits? Tweets? whatever, they make me LOL more."

"Great post! So true.....and unfortunate. I was really hoping to just wake up thin and rich one day!"

"For those of us who prefer not to join the Twitter/Facebook/MySpace/Social Network world, I, for one, sincerely appreciate your efforts to keep up the blog.
Being the wife of a marathon runner, I fully understand the concept of not liking the writing (training), yet the deep desire for the end result; be it a book, or a sub 3-hour marathon.
Again, I appreciate the blog; I like the way you make me think. Please keep reminding me that - Yes, I can!"

"You may not 'love to write', Andy, but writing certainly loves you, for it captures the stories you love to share and makes them live in the hearts and minds of we (us?) who love you and your work.

Thank you for having the discipline of which you've written to share the gifts God has given you to bless us all and give us wisdom we might never otherwise access!

Guess I must also say thank you for making me say 'ouch' with your post's quoted question that I just lifted and posted on my Twitter and Facebook pages(with proper attribution, of course) "Can you make yourself do something you’d rather not do, in order to get a result you would like to have?" Wny ouch? Because I know that I know this is a necessary decision to have victory over inertia and procrastination, yet of late I have not been up for it. Now, my friend, I must look at the reality and make that choice. Thank you for making us look in the mirror.

When I find they have been previously unaware of your work, I feel like Santa Claus when I get to tell each new person about your books :-)

God bless you and give you an awesome day!"

"Andy, Your Blogs are great and make me think and appreciate what we have. Your Tweets show that you are a real person. I'd rather know a real person."

"Andy,
I know what you mean about making yourself do something you'd rather not to get the outcome you desire. Two years ago I set about to change my lifestyle in regards to my health. I was pushing 300 pounds and didn't like who I was and felt judged by my appearance. I felt embarrassed for my children to have such a fat mother. I joined a weight-loss study and learned I had to exercise daily and how to eat correctly. It was slow going with the exercise - I was lucky if I could force 10 - 15 minutes of walking at a slow pace. Now, 100 pounds lighter walk 4 miles most non-school mornings. I also eat healthier. Never before did I care if I had one or two servings of fruit or veggies. Now I have a cow if I don't get my 5 or 6 daily servings.
I'm not saying it's easy. Had to turn down wings with friends last night because I made too many bad decisions over the holiday weekend. But made plans for in the future so I can be healthy and "have a life" with friends.
It's a conscious decision, that I don't always want to make, but I love the results. I feel better, look better. Have tons more energy and can outlast not only people my own age, but some younger too.

I've accomplished this in a year's time and have maintained for a year - I'm still afraid of going back to the old way. But now I have to Decide to make other changes in my life. Have the confidence to buy a new home that is safer than what I live in now, and do something about my personal/marital life.

I'm headed down your way next week - staying down at Gulf Shores - I've printed your January blog so we can find the Crazy Horse Cafe or Lillian's. Two years ago we stopped at the Wolf Bay Lodge after reading about it in Island of Saints. We were not at all disappointed.
I'm bringing The Noticer to read on the beach, can't wait - it's been sitting here for months. There is something special about reading a book - close to where it was written!

Keep up the good work, hope to see you around.
Frances"

"Andy,

Thanks for your encouraging and thought provoking ‘blog’;
Three years ago, I changed professions and for the last three years, at least once a week, I listen to you as you tell the story of Abraham Lincoln being the ‘only leader available’ to inspire me when ‘the going gets tough’.

Two years ago, I began writing a book, which I finished writing November of 2008 and by the end of this month, July 2009, it will be published. I forced myself to delete all the RSS news feeds and countless other distractions that consumed my days while I worked at my new profession and wrote my book, while making a living selling insurance. Yes, you read correctly, I sell insurance Monday through Friday and when I wasn’t talking to a client or prospect, I wrote a book, which I am sure will change peoples lives for generations to come . . . not from the written words, but from what the written words will create.

Thanks again Andy, for your writing and for your inspiration."

"There's an old Chinese proverb you may have heard: A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

I've really enjoyed your work and I think alot of that enjoyment stems from the fact that you've got a connection and a presence with the stories and a genuine relationship with those that would share in your labors and recieve the benefits therein.

WE all seem to be looking for answers, but perhaps the answers are simply reflections of the vibrato of our songs...our degree of focus on our own song, and our ability to sing that song in the present moment--sans the trappings of our human rationalizations and emotionalizations--yeilding and shedding light through our songs, just for the sake of singing.

Keep on chirping, my friend. You get better and better."

"Andy, thanks for The Noticer, Jones and the many lessons you teach, every day. Amen!"

"In Twitter style...WOW! Your words touched me today!"

"For me what makes you writing so effective is that you write the way you talk. When we read your "ridiculous observations" your personality just jumps off the page. We feel a friendship, a connection with you, the writer.

That, my friend is an art.

Sam"

"hi andy have always enjoyed and put into practice what i lernt from you when you came to new zealand dreams do become a reality only if you make that desision that it is already done have worn out that comedy cassette i got off you when you were here do you have other cd comedy stuff have you been back to new zealand since you would be awsum at our major church conference we are part of hill song in australia anyway thanks for all the laugter and teachings may see you at another F.E.D at some stage kindist regards:)"

"Hi Andy,

Me too couldn't understand this Twittering and Facebooking thing, but I had to learn quickly, or be left behind.
I cam across a guy who gives a great over view on Social media I learned that OBAMA + Social Media=Presidency! So I wanted to check it for business, it's a free Webinar, check it out and invite your followers.
http://budurl.com/ma6g

Love your book and DVD, Especially the story about the dog. Do you offer any TeleSeminars?
I would love to interview you and promote the Traveler’s Gift.

warm regards
Racheli Smilovits

www.loans-4-u.com
Bio www.MeetRacheli.com"

"Andy! I didn't know you were on Twitter and FB! This is the first blog entry that you've mentioned it (I believe). Look forward to seeing you there."

"Andy, Thank you so much for "reappearing" on your blog site. I've missed you! Although my sister "blackmailed" me into joining Facebook because that's the ONLY way I was going to see pictures of my new Grand-nephew, I rarely even open Facebook unless I have a reason. So, I have no idea what you've written, and, frankly, would rather have more than a few random thoughts in incomplete sentences that seems to pass for communication on Facebook and Twitter. For example, the question you asked on today's blog was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I'm struggling and needed that perspective to make the change I need to. Thank you! And I'm certainly glad you continue to write, even if you don't like to. Keep it up, please. Renee"

"I should never read other people's comments before I make my own, it makes me feel inadequate. I totally understand about Twitter/F-Book as I've gotten a bit hooked myself and haven't gotten as many "shoulds" done as I need to. I always used to tell my boys, "Do your 'have-to's' before your 'want-to's' and you'll have more time and no guilty conscious. Have I been taking my own advice? No, and I could use the excuse that my boys are out of the house now and will never know Mom's being a hypocrite-but it was good advice in the homework days, and it's good advice in the work-from-home days too.
Andy thanks for reminding me. And again, thanks for making me really think about the results/goals I want to achieve and the 'have-to's' I need to take care of to get there!
I read 'The Noticer' first, and just received my copy of 'The Traveler's Gift'. Have been re-reading 'The Noticer' already and taking some life notes in my Journal, so haven't picked up the TG yet.
Thanks Andy. I agree with Sharon up there; writing certainly agrees with you!
Amy"

"Andy, I owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

I own book shelves of books that I have not read. You guessed it I haven't been an avid read, ever.

The first time I was exposed to your work was on a private web cast where as part of the presentation they showed your The Seven Decisions DVD.

The stories and laughter got my attention. I was glued to the 15 inch screen on my laptop. Your words started my search for more...

Then I located The Seven Decisions book and you won my heart. I just finished the book in the first 3 days of reading. At times I had to stop reading because of the tears clouding up in my eyes.

You see I have been living David Ponder's character. And I've had my foot to the floor board of my life.

Andy you have a gift Thank You for sharing it. Blessings to you and your family.

Daniel"

"Hi Andy,
As always, you are right on the money. And your timing couldn't have been more appropriate. I was just reading about the 5 areas of life that have to be in sync for success. Whether it is spiritual, family, financial, work or personal, sometimes doing what we don't want to do, gets us to where we want to be.
Who wouldn't want to sleep in on Sunday mornings instead of going to church? But, that little investment every Sunday morning just kinda makes lives run a little better. Of course there are times when you'd rather not invest your last ounce of energy on an activity one of your kids wants you to do. But, when you're done, that "Thanks, Mom. I love you" says it was worth it. Being in sales, I know calling people back is what I have to do. It doesn't mean I like doing it. But, those calls make the difference between success and failure. There are times when you don't want to wait to buy a particular item...But, you know holding off is the right thing to do. It sounds antiquated to say that success comes down to self-discipline. It makes it sound like you should never have fun. I can tell you that I enjoy life more every day I get closer to achieving my goals in all the key areas of my life. Here is what I've discussed with my adult children: Every day thank God for all you have; Love and respect your spouse and children; Do what makes you successful while having boundaries in your professional life. Invest in yourself physically and emotionally; Have a financial plan. In a perfect world, I would always follow this advise. I am so thankful my children don't remind me of my shortcomings! Thanks for all you do!"

"andy - thanks so much. here is what i am doing - cause' of inspiration from people like you, dave ramsey, my mom, sister, dog lola, and the people that i love and admire in my life.

1. working 30 hours a week with AWESOME people with developmental disabilities - and sharing their joys with the special olympics, bowling, athletics and helping them socialize.

2. working from 1am to 5am, five days a week delivering my hometowns newspapers to stores, carriers and filling up the coin racks...GOOD JOB - i am like a ghost rider in the middle of the night - working and listening to van morrison and then watching the sunrise.

3. sleep six hours and then off to the gym - where i work out with powerlifters who believe in the almighty and lift a tremendous amount of weight...

4. getting my photography - stuff - together and trying to market myself and have art shows. this coming - thursday - i have an exhibit - part of an art walk - in sarnac lake, ny - psyched!!!

5. chipping my way out of financial debt - trying to live the lords prayer and love and forgive. "the buck stops here."

well that is what my - life - consists of right now - and i would not change it for the world. getting out of debt is a huge deal - at least for me - and i am on my way.

you help a lot, brother. i wish you the best!

"bright and smart people are never bored." - dorothy bonczek - english professor - dean junior college - 1991

- Josh"

"Good point Andy. I have been married 35 years, got married when i was 19 and of course everyone said it would not work, but it did! I think we can do things we do not like to do to get a result that we want. I think that exercise is probobly the most evident. I hate to exercise, but love how i feel afterwards!But on the other hand i think it is very difficult to change our ways after we have lived our lives for so long in the same way. It is like telling someone "you really need to read this book" and they never do. I guess we are all at different places in our lifes and books mean different things to us. I can tell you that I have read everything you have published and they have always been hard to put down after I start reading. I think the thing that is so profound to me of all your material is the dvd you ask one of your boys to ask them shelfs at nite if they had been good and love their mom and dad and you then tell them that they have a good heart. The first thing that i ever read of yours was given to me as a gift, and I had never heard of you before, what a great gift. You have given and allowed me to have thoughts that i have never had before.
Thank you
Bill"

"Andy,
You make such wonderful sense and create deep thinking on my part even though I know myself well enough to know I'm strong on planning but weak on carrying through.
Thank you.
Lynn"

"Andy,
After recently reading The Traveler's Gift, Mastering the Seven Decisions . . . , The Lost Choice, Island of Saints and The Noticer - (not a stalker - just love your books!) I have become inspired to write. I am blessed to be the mother of three young adults ages 22, 19 and 18. I want to share some my family's challenges and triumphs (with humor). I believe how we choose to approach life determines our success.

Thank you for the inspiration to try something I have always dreamed about.

Best of luck with the blog!"

"Great post. I am still thinking about my answer to your question. I know you are on to something true.

Thanks for sharing. I always appreciate a gentle nudge in the right direction."

"How to do things you don't want to do.
Many years ago as a recent college graduate I began my career with my major in chemistry and minor in English working in retail in New York City. After work one day I walked out to Broadway and saw my first bag lady. She had one foot in the street and one foot on the curb. She was urinating. That was motivating. I have never forgotten that lady.
I never "want" to go to work. I could watch "Let's make a deal" every day. Fear of failure is a motivator and as I get older I know it is not over.
I found that if you focus on what you do and make an athletic event out of it then work can become fun. Sally and I enjoy yor work and we appreciate it. Your books make for great gifts too."

"Andy,

I've learned that you have to want to change so bad that the "pain" of doing what needs to be done to change must be less than the pain of sitting still, of doing nothing. Thanks for so much inspiration ... I've read all your books, and buy cases of them to give away to friends, family, colleagues, and clients. I'm yet to meet someone that didn't love your books. Don't ever stop writing. I've "noticed" you're quite good at it."

"Hi Andy!! Just read "The Noticer" (all in one sitting - couldn't put it down). I'm giving it to Tommy for his birthday (I'm not telling him I already "used" his gift). I'm also getting more copies to give away to, well, a bunch of people I know and love. You have managed to so creatively cram the best life lessons into one book - I love it! Love to you and Polly,
Jackie Redmond
p.s. hope to get back to Orange Beach again someday - really enjoy having lunch at Tacky Jacks and watching the dolphins in the bay!"

"I agree 100%!!! That's exactly what I need to do; get back to doing the things that will take me where I want to go. Nothing happens overnight. I will need to keep a journal in order to see the progress I am making and keep me going."

"Hi Andy, thought I'd let you know I'm doing a seven part sermon series on the Traveler's gift. I'm really enjoying it and I think my folks are too.

Hope with everything else it generates some sales and new fans for you.

Thanks for great thoughts."

"Hi Andy,

I think the first time I saw you was on a country western show where you played a guitar and told very funny stories - a long time ago! Years later, you were a business associate with Amway and I realized you were the guy from the television shows. A few years ago I became a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and as a member of the Agent Leadership Council I was given a copy of your book The Traveler's Gift. This last week I saw an interview on Dave Ramsey's show where you talked about The Noticer. The next day my Broker at Keller Williams Realty had the book at our team meeting and read a portion of it to our agents. I left the meeting and went straight to a book store and bought The Noticer. I just finished reading it this morning. Thank you so much for putting into words the wisdom and knowledge to make our lives better and to touch other peoples lives too. I have already recommended The Noticer to about 10 or 15 agents in our market centers here in Austin, TX. Now I am wondering when you will cross through my life next. I am on the Board of Directors of The Pregnancy Help Center of Williamson County and would love to have you come and speak at a fundraiser for our nonprofit organization sometime"

"Hey Andy,

I saw you at the Million Dollar Roundtable in Indianapolis. You were fantastic. We live in Maine and have a cabin about 3 hrs north. I had my wife, kids and their two cousins listening to the audio of "Travel's Gift" as we drove north a week ago. They were spellbound.

Incidentally, my nephew is named Joshua after JLC. His dad was born on JLC's birthday, went to Westpoint, and became commander of that branch in the Army that doesn't exist.

Thanks and keep on doing what you're doing. I've introduced all my salespartners to you.

You make us ask ourselves "What can we do next?" At the same time you've opened up historical characters that we all need to know about.

Continued Blessings!"

"Hi Andy,
I finshed The Noticer last night and noticed the many places and people you've borrowed your wisdom from. You skill is not in writing but in gleaning. Btw, it was Dorothy Parker who originally said, "I hate writing but I love having written.""

"I want to thank you for sharing your gift. I have been told for much of my life that I have a gift of writing and although I've been making fairly consistent small sales freelancing, I've not worked on the heart-messages for some time. I saw through The Lost Choice that the tyranny of others needs in the demands of life situations have moved my 'calling' to the "When I have time pile." My major decision from that book is that my first writing project of the day will be to work on the heart message. When an editor told me it would touch the lives of many I began fearingI would not be able to complete such an important undertaking. I determine each day to do what I must and of course never get to my special project. I am determined to be like GW Carver, to listen to God and trust Him to complete the rest of the first image He gave me. Thanks for the inspiration!"

"wow really enjoyed the noticer i dont even read very much but just happened to pick it up at sams and started reading and could not stop till i finished looking forward to reading more of your books!"