Thursday, August 20, 2009
What Do I Do Now?
After my last posting entitled “Here We Go ...”, I have enjoyed reading your comments on the blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook. I have also talked to quite a few of you in person. It has been interesting to note that as excited as we all seem to be, there is one question that continues to recur in almost every comment and conversation: What do I do now?
If you are like me, that question has been one of life’s most common (and constant) refrains. In fact, the more important the task before me, the more tempted I am to cautiously approach the starting line. After all, I have reasoned, I don’t want to do anything wrong ...
Over and over again in my life, however, I noticed that when I didn’t know what to do, I usually did nothing. I didn’t intend to do nothing. I knew “nothing” wasn’t the answer. But often, it was the ultimate outcome of not knowing what to do.
By now, many of you have read The Noticer and are familiar with Jones, the old man who was a real person to me and is the title character in the book. As you might imagine, I think of him almost every day and have for almost thirty years. I remember how he walked, his smile, and how he could be simultaneously stern and loving. Lately, as I do interviews and talk to folks about The Noticer, I am also reminded almost daily that
I didn’t include everything the old man told me when I wrote the book . . .
Almost every television or radio appearance I do now includes some form of this question: Andy, having been homeless and knowing there are so many people today facing the toughest times in their lives, what would you advise them to do ... when they don’t know where to start?
I remember asking Jones a variation of that very question ... the same question we are contemplating here and now! His answer, as always, was simple, yet profound.
“Son,” he said, “when you don’t know what to do, you must always doooooo ... something!” My eyebrows lifted. Jones chuckled and continued. “I know you can’t do everything right now, but right now, you can do something. Look here, the problem you have at this moment is that while you are not lazy—you work and continue to look for work—there is a lot of time everyday that you sit under this pier or walk the beach being scared or mad or feeling sorry for yourself. You keep asking, what do I do? And I’m telling you, the answer is “something”.
“Actually, I believe that you don’t even know what you can do anymore. You have begun to doubt the very value that exists in you as a person.” Jones paused for a moment as if to let this sink in. He stared as if to dare me to refute him. Then, he continued. “So let’s think about this for a minute.
What value do you have?
Can you read?” Gesturing with his hand, Jones said, “You know, there are people out there who can’t read. Do something! Go read to ‘em! You’re young ... you’re strong. Can you carry things? There are lots of folks who can’t carry things anymore. Go carry something! Can you mow grass or pull weeds?” The old man leaned toward me and spoke with intensity. “I’m not sayin’ to find someone and ask, “If I mow your grass, will you give me ten dollars when I’m finished ... I’m telling you to go out into your community and find weeds that need pulling and pull them!”
Jones took a breath and cocked his head. With a sly smile, he pressed on. “Here’s what will happen ... By doing something, your mind and heart will remember and reestablish the enormous value you already possess. You will have more energy, more excitement, a renewed sense of purpose—
and you will become more valuable!
“As you become more valuable, people will notice. No longer will they think of you as the kid who sleeps under the pier. They will forget that you bathe in the Holiday Inn swimming pool. Folks will talk to each other about you, but here is what they’ll say ... ‘Have you noticed that guy? Every time I see him, he is helping someone. Every day, he is finding things that need to be done and is doing them!’
“People will observe your actions and your attitude and they will begin to place a value on you that they didn’t see before. In their eyes, you will have become valuable. I don’t have to tell you what happens to valuable people. You already know! They get job offers and opportunities and encouragement and favors and advice ... and all because they did something—even when they didn’t know what to do!”
So this is our beginning, my friends. In this country, we have forgotten just how valuable each of us are. This is not the time to gripe or worry or accuse.
Now is the time to do something.
Do you see?
As rich and poor do something, they will begin to value each other and establish common ground where once there only existed opposition and distrust.
People of different colors, of different political parties, and different cultures will discover value where they were certain none would ever be found!
This is our beginning.
And we are the ones who must begin.
Your Friend,
Andy
48 Comments
1. Kelly Krei:
August 20, 2009 @ 7:29 AM
"Andy,
Good morning; great post, very thought provoking; now it's time to get up, dress up and show up.
First mailing of my book, The Trials and Triumphs of Down Syndrome, went out in yesterdays mail. Little by little and book by book, I will do a little something everyday, that will last far beyond my lifetime; a 'pay it forward' in honor of my sons and the developmentally disabled.
Have a Blessed day Andy."
2. todd:
August 20, 2009 @ 2:33 PM
"Andy, lot of truth in todays blog. The call to action can be intimidating for some... One thing I've learned is that even when you are apprehensive or even fearful of whatever you are trying to accomplish, simple steps are the best way forward. You can't save the planet in a day, but you can make a difference for a neighbor. Building on small successes often lead to bigger ones.
Live fiercely my friend!"
3. Marge Myers:
August 20, 2009 @ 2:41 PM
"I like that do something just be helpful, It's funny because when one is helpful they are sometimes looked at with mistrust. But even so you are correct, do something if one does something often enough the mistrust will be replaced with trust."
4. Gien Farcais:
August 20, 2009 @ 2:54 PM
"Andy - here's an idea - www.DoOneNiceThing.com -- it's a wonderful site (and book). Everyone can do one nice thing a week for someone somewhere -- in any number of areas and interests. But be warned ... being nice is addictive--you may become a Niceaholic! And if everyone did just one nice thing for someone else, imagine how the world would change! Check it out. It may just be the way to get started doing "something". Have a Great Day!"
5. Beverley Brown:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:02 PM
"When faced with a decision, not making a decision is a decision itself. When not sure which path to take, start by putting one foot in front of the other. Eventually you will get where you are going. OR, you can just jump in feet first and then start walking. Sometimes jumping is envigorating."
6. Dorethia:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:15 PM
"Great story Andy, so many are at a loss right now and listening to the negative voices all around them doesn't help. This message is refreshing and helpful for those not sure what move to make next.
-Dorethia"
7. stan mcpike:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:18 PM
"I would like to suggest that you get the book "Your Sacred Self" by Wayne Dyer. It fits "hand in glove" with what you have put into my life.
Living BY God's grace,trying to live IN His grace."
8. Maureen:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:20 PM
"Awesome! Thanks for that....just do something.....simple yet profound and potentially life changing for those of us that choose to do something....thanks for that again!!!!"
9. Dave Paul:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:42 PM
"Andy,
hmmmmn.....I've been thinking.....I've been thinking about doing......now I'm forgetting about what I was just thinking and now I'm doing something else......That is me when I am not focussed and uninspired.
Your conjecture about "What needs to be done?" (and then Doing It) seems to be a good starting point which changes the above scenario to, "I've been thinking"..."Now I'm doing It"....."Now It's done!"......I need inspiration (God, Pro-active People) and I need to be accountable to have an extraordinary life .....thanks for the message....it keeps me "Doing"."
10. Phoebe Ezell:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:46 PM
"As hard as these times are to swallow, I’m finding a wonderful expansion in people’s thinking; followed by action!
Within our own company we have been overwhelmed with individuals embarking on some wonderful new companies and services. What’s the old adage - - necessity is the mother of invention. So maybe now is the time to step out of the box.
I think ultimately, we’ll look back on these days and see a tremendous expansion in creative entrepreneurialism.
You gave us an awesome reminder! Thank you!
Your forever fan,
Phoebe Ezell
Creative Director of BizVisioneers"
11. Brian:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:50 PM
"Andy,
Your message is simple yet thought provoking. It seems to me that my solution may be working to instill this in the children that attend my school. I would like to share this with the staff and encourage them to "do something" and push their children to do something. Maybe that needs to be our motto for the year. If we can instill this belief in our children I think it will have the greatest impact on the future generations. Thanks for your inspiration.
Blessings"
12. Tom Downey:
August 20, 2009 @ 3:52 PM
"We all can do something to help stop the agressive attempt by the Obama administration to "change" America to a government controlled society that will slither into every corner of our lives. PLEASE, wake up, stand up, speak up, and DO all you possibly can to protect our sacred freedoms and liberties. God bless you and the U.S.A."
13. Pascasio (JR) Felisilda:
August 20, 2009 @ 4:06 PM
"I read almost all of Andy Andrews books and have learned a lot (and will continue to learn) by keeping the proper perspective and making the most out of my life. After reading the book, "The Noticier", it got me (and my wife) to finish our book which is published. It is entitled, "Nanay: Lessons from a Mother". I read many of the postings and was amazed on the similar thinking many of you have with myself.
Andy, keep leading by example through your books and other works. Also, look forward to hearing great postings from everyone."
14. Katherine:
August 20, 2009 @ 4:06 PM
"Great message today. It's so easy to let fear 'freeze' us. "What if's" will always be a part of life. Anything worth having is worth working for... so without some pain there would be no glory.
Being in real estate, we find ourselves overwhlemed by people in sad situations. Often we are the only people they confide in, the only ones they can talk to about their fears of losing their house, the tears on their kids' faces having to move away from friends, the lose of "The American Dream." Your words sit heavy in my heart and spill onto their ears often.
God bless... hope to hear you speak in Chicago sometime.
Katherine"
15. Dru Lee:
August 20, 2009 @ 4:10 PM
"Andy,
It's the third most important decision of success at work. It reminds me of the question, "If four birds are sitting on a wire and one thinks about flying away, how many are left?" Many would answer "That's easy its three." The correct answer however, is "Four" The bird thought about flying away but didn't take action and actually do it.
This blog makes me think about The Lost Choice, "By Your Hand, The People Shall be Saved.""
16. Chris Quarnberg:
August 20, 2009 @ 4:37 PM
"Thanks Andy,
I remember a great man by the name of David O McKay. He had a bunch of small round disks in a box on his desk. It had the words printed on both sides that said "Tuit". Often times people say one of these day's i'll get a round tuit. Well when he would here some one say that he would give them once of his "round tuits" and say, "well now you have one.
Chris"
17. Jody:
August 20, 2009 @ 5:07 PM
"Andy, I wish that there was a stronger phrase than Thank You. I am so grateful for what you are pouring into our lives."
18. Linda K:
August 20, 2009 @ 5:08 PM
"WOW what a powerful message. Thank you for reminding all of us there is always something to do. It doesn't have to be some gigantic project, sometimes it can be as small as opening a door for a disabled person, because to them that means so much."
19. Ed Strouse:
August 20, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
"Years ago while working with a youth group, I came across a life changing poster. It simply said, "Not To Decide Is To Decide". It easily could have said, "Not To Do Something Is To Do Nothing". Jones was right on!"
20. Pascasio (JR) Felisilda:
August 20, 2009 @ 7:10 PM
"Enjoyed reading "The Noticer". It certainly gives perspective on doing what is right and keeping the proper perspective in life.
Thanks for a wonderful book and look forward to more of them."
21. Woody Wood:
August 20, 2009 @ 7:49 PM
"This reminds me a bit of the Pay it Forward Movement or Random Acts of Kindness. I fully agree with your concept and have always tried (sometimes not too well) to practice it. The only problem in just doing it. We can all find reasons and excuses not to "do something". We lie to ourselves by saying later or I'm too busy now, etc. Why can't we just suck it up, quit procrastinating and JUST DO IT?"
22. Joe Carr:
August 20, 2009 @ 8:32 PM
"Excellent advice. Far too many of us sit around wishing somebody would do something...all the while never stopping to consider that while everybody else is wishing somebody would do something, they are thinking about us doing something instead of them doing it. We need to just get up and get moving. GREAT, GREAT Blog and advice. That is how we can ALL make a difference.
BTW, I have really enjoyed all of your books and have recommended everyone of them to others.
God Bless!"
23. Frances:
August 20, 2009 @ 9:42 PM
"Thought provoking Andy!
I enjoyed The Noticer this summer, and you have refreshed the warm feeling it left me with and my plan is to take it to school on Monday for the first day back!
I noticed someone suggested doonenicething.com - I'm going to check that out and see how appropriate it will be for my emotional support students. When they do good for others they tend to look outside their own problems. Thank-you Andy
Waiting for the next book!
Frances"
24. Dave Edwards:
August 20, 2009 @ 9:56 PM
"Very thought-provoking Andy. I often get frustrated with my professional (education technology/virtual learning) because educational leaders "talk" a good game, but they never commit to doing something. I have often been in that same spot, and yes, I find if I just do something for someone else (the students in this case), it leads to more positive results. I challenge you to begin to really use the principles in this book to challenge educational leaders to stop talking reform and begin to "do something" about changing education. I love your work and can tell you both books have changed my thinking and my life."
25. Mac Bledsoe:
August 20, 2009 @ 10:20 PM
"Andy,
I read your blog today and it really struck a cord with me as I look forward to continuing our work in teaching parents HOW to teach their children to make great decisions for themselves.
Since we last met about twelve years ago at the Children's Miracle Network National Telethon in Orlando I, like you, have been traveling the country talking to thousands and thousands of people. In my case, most of the people I have spoken to have been either parents or teachers. While speaking and LISTENING at these events I believe that I have very clearly identified the most common "mistake" that most of those people are making is that they are attempting to teach children without any plan.
By this I mean that they are simply "crisis managing." In terms of what you have just written in this post, they WAITING TO DO SOMETHING until there is some crisis or big problem.
I have come to this conclusion simply because the most common questions that I receive from parents or teachers always begin with the phrase, "What should I do when my child (or student) does..." and you can fill in the blank at the ned of that sentence. The problem is that waiting until the child has behaved badly or has made a bad decision is usually to late for the parent or teacher to take any really effective action!
So many times in life we all wait until it is too late to DO SOMETHING!
If we wait to take action until a child is making poor marks in school, it is often to late... the poor study habits and ineffective time management skills have already become habits... and habits are very hard to break.
If we wait until a child has developed rude and abusive language it is very difficult, if not completely impossible, to erase that language from the child's vocabulary.
If we wait until a child has experimented with drugs and alcohol, we are facing a failure rate of freeing them from that addiction that runs almost at 90%!
If we wait until a child has become sexually active to teach them appropriate dating and courtship behavior, the result is often an out of wedlock pregnancy or STD.
The key lies in choosing TO DO SOMETHING with a very clear purpose BEFORE there has been an unwise decision, action, or behavior. We must teach children to make great decisions BEFORE they are in the situation to make that decision.
As I see it, teaching people to DO SOMETHING works best if it is begun at a very early age. While it may be possible to "teach an old dog new tricks" it is much easier, and far more effective, to begin teaching that dog as a pup! Teaching desired and wanted "tricks" at an early age is much more effective!
If anyone is interested in pursuing some tools for effectively teaching children HOW to make great decisions for themselves, BEFORE they have developed bad habits or made irreversible bad decisions, I would suggest that you visit our website and take a look at our Parenting with Dignity curriculum or give me a call.
Andy, keep up the great and needed work. You have inspired me to do even more.
Sincerely,
Mac Bledsoe
President, Author, and Founder
Parenting with Dignity
(406) 752-8035
Mac Bledsoe
(406) 752-8035
Cell: (406) 250-8651
mac@macbledsoe.com
www.parentingwithdignity.com"
26. jy moore:
August 20, 2009 @ 10:25 PM
"Right on do SOMETHING, but there is another phrase that has helped me in life. That is no excuses. You can do a lot in your life if you don't waste your time makeing excuses. I learned this too the hard way! Thanks for your point of view, I find it very refreshing."
27. Linda:
August 20, 2009 @ 10:25 PM
"What you've laid out there is so true I can hardly stand it. Don't we all ponder this! I do every day, mostly every morning. Fear is the devil's greatest tool, and I truly believe why most of us are "frozen".....what if I fail, what if I lose $$$ the almighty dollar. As I get older the more fearful I become and I do not like that at all. I guess I'm at a phase in my life where I'm not sure what to do -- not happy with where I'm living, but love my home. But feel I should take the plunge and go where I want to go. Living in a very depressed part of the country does not lift one's spirit. I could go on and on, but you have the ability of touching one's soul and felt compelled to write which I don't do hardly ever. You are very thought-provoking. Your friend, Linda (linked w/Facebook & Twitter)"
28. Darryl Richaed Lehman:
August 20, 2009 @ 10:41 PM
"I love Andy Andrews and appreciate his spirit to inspire, encourage and motivate me on my life path. This is solid, practical advice that I can immediately apply. Thanks for simplifying profound principles that add depth and meaning for ourselves and those we come in contact with each day. Also, I am thankful for all who shared their thoughts on this topic."
29. Amy/Nenya71:
August 20, 2009 @ 11:25 PM
"Andy,
Thank you again for the follow-up post today. IF I CAN DO ONE THING FOR ONE PERSON...
When I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for kids at risk for abuse and neglect who were in the court system, people would ask me "WHY do you do it? Isn't it HARD?" Yes, it was hard, sometimes heartbreaking, but that was my answer: "If I can help ONE child through this scary process and into a safe, permanent home, then I will have done SOMETHING!" Same when I worked as a Victim/Witness Advocate for victims of felony crime, suicide intervention, death notification, etc., I felt if I could help ONE person, or One family... I'm retired from all of that now because the sadness level got too big and overwhelming in 2007. I've been wondering lately "what do I do now?" - and the answer is much easier than I thought it must be. Thank you so much Andy, for showing me that again!
Blessings,
Amy"
30. Erik Born:
August 20, 2009 @ 11:37 PM
"Andy,
Thanks for Everything. The encouragement is energizing! I have been inspired by the Noticer and am on the look out for Jones and have a lead on him in my local area. We all have one and can be one! I think there should be a site where we can post photos of our Jones.
Be safe, blessed, and inspire the world!
~Erik"
31. Ray Lane:
August 21, 2009 @ 2:04 AM
"Andy: I want to thank you for your words. I was especially struck by your last post. I'm right there with you. As a 53 year old man I look around and say ... how much longer do I have and what have I done? What am I supposed to do? so, thanks for those words and for this post as well. While I'm talking to you let me also tell you that The Traveller's Gift has been the most influential book I have ever read. Even today I listened to your words from Mastering the Seven Decisions. I shed a tear every time I read the Chamberlain story. Thanks!
BTW, I'm not to far from you, I live on the western side of the Western Shore."
32. Dan:
August 21, 2009 @ 6:18 AM
"Andy
I love your prospective. You are our Mr Jones. Thank god your not a motivational speeker!
Dan"
33. Robin All Things Heart and Home:
August 21, 2009 @ 7:17 AM
"Wonderful post! I just reviewed your book The Noticer for Thomas Nelson. I loved it. This post today is timely. I'm pretty tired after a tough season. Tempted to just stop...thx for encouragement to keep moving...
Happy Day Andy~
Robin
All Things Heart and Home"
34. Jimmy:
August 21, 2009 @ 11:09 AM
"Andy,
Go to the ant and....observe!
Jimmy"
35. Barbara Barrett:
August 21, 2009 @ 12:17 PM
"Andy,
Just reading your words makes my day. If only we could clone you and your thinking. Your words are words to live by. Thank you for being you."
36. Janet Erickson:
August 21, 2009 @ 2:11 PM
"Andy,
I have read every book you have written. The words you put into these books including the Noticer and your blogs have helped me change my life and I am doing something.
Warmest Regards,
Janet Erickson"
37. Steve:
August 21, 2009 @ 3:46 PM
"Profound thoughts indeed. And yet, a Zen master once told me, "don't just do something, stand there." The idea of having to do something can often lead us into busyness without any real growth. It seems like we are accomplishing something, but it can be counter-productive. All I'm saying follow your intuitive leads."
38. David Lisk:
August 21, 2009 @ 4:48 PM
"Andy,
Great words to live by. But I have to say that "Do Something" is somewhat of a double edged sword.
What we can't forget is that sometimes we must slow down and listen to that still, small voice that tells us what that "something" is. Only then can we truly follow our spirit and our direction in life. I myself learned this the hard way and now I'm suffering the consequences of a mass layoff.
Your words have inspired me and now I'm back to listening to that voice that says "My yoke is strong."
Have a wonderful weekend"
39. Will Ezell:
August 21, 2009 @ 5:58 PM
"Awesome, Andy! And even more awesome - all the people posting fantastic responses!
You're building an amazing community of inspired people - WANTING to make a difference.
What do you think the BEST call to action is - to move all of us into ACTION?"
40. Bobbi Gregory:
August 21, 2009 @ 7:55 PM
"Andy,
A great message indeed and a wonderful reminder to take our focus off of what we can GET out of any situation and instead just focus on what we can GIVE, which automatically transforms our lives and the lives of those around us.
Thank you for giving me a call to action. It's not about what I can do, but what I actually do that makes a difference."
41. Roe McGrady:
August 21, 2009 @ 10:16 PM
"Having read all the posts from yesterday and thinking about "doing something" and wondering what I can do, I realized that I "do" something everyday. My mother long ago told me, "Do the very best that you can do and be the best you can be. You have to be able to look yourself in the mirror everyday and like the person looking back at you. Accept responsibility for your own actions." No matter what job I do, no matter how big or how small, I do the very best that I can do and if I can help someone else along the way, all the better."
42. Ellen:
August 22, 2009 @ 4:50 AM
"Andy - I have been up since 3 am. What am I doing up that early?, you may ask. I am doing! and planning! Thanks so much for your encouragement."
43. John H. Estes:
August 22, 2009 @ 9:52 AM
""So be careful, my son, about other teachings. People are always writing books, and too much study will make you tired. Now,everything has been heard,so I give my final advice: Honor God and obey his commands, because this is all people must do. God will judge everything, even what is done in secret, the good and the evil." Ecclesiastes 12:12,13&14.
These words are from the wises man that ever lived or wrote. Good luck."
44. Charlie:
August 22, 2009 @ 12:07 PM
"I love what you say about value. I saw a church sign recently that said, "It is good to be a person of success. It is even more important to be a person of value". This is, as you point out in your message, solidly true. It is entirely possible to be a person of value without yet being a person of success, but it is impossible to be a person of success without yet being a person of value. Thank you for this wonderful, insightful blog."
45. Lynn:
August 23, 2009 @ 2:32 PM
"Andy, this is a fantastic blog! I wish the school would let me allow the kids to read this. If our kids today would spend more time preparing for their future rather than griping about having to learn or finding excuses not to do schoolwork, we'd have a much stronger workforce."
46. Kim:
August 24, 2009 @ 8:04 AM
"Hi Andy! On the heals of your post to just do something, I find myself asking a question...If you come to a fork in the road, where a decision needs to me made, and both are equally inticing for different reasons (one emotional and one financial), how do you make a decision which way to go?"
47. Sandy Harper:
August 29, 2009 @ 5:09 PM
"Hi Andy ~
After hearing you tell this story at Mega Book in Orlando this summer, I recounted it to my brother who was wanting to do nothing but lay in bed after coming into some bad luck. It helped him tremendously.
Then, I stumbled across this posting today, whenever I needed to be reminded to DOOOO something!
I am starting to think that you are one of my living guardian angels!
Thanks so much!"
48. Scott Shofner:
September 19, 2009 @ 10:43 AM
"Andy,
Having just read your books in the following order: The Noticer, The Travelers Gift, The Lost Choice and Island of Saints I must tell you I am inspired and moved by your God given talent to at least "speak to me" and move me in a way few other authors have. At 52 yrs I have worked hard and long to get where the Lord. By his grace has brought me. I am thankful for my exciting and fun journey through this gift of life He gave me.
After my company closed back in April of this year (thanks to the economy) I had time to do something I had not had time to do for the last 26 yrs. Recreational READING, it's been a pleasure to come out of my 26 year long 24-7 pedal to the metal work life to actually have time to read. By God's hand I have prospered greatly and I believe now is the time as you spoke of in your “blog for action”. I now have a little more time on my hands and look forward to the “rest of my life”. It’s a great adventure really. Compared to eternity this life is just a “blink of an eye” so I intend to make the most of it by not sitting and watching life go by, I intend to jump in and ride it for all it’s worth until the end. Then I will rest!
In my case, I have heard from the Lord as to my direction from here and to borrow a phrase from Rick Warren “I know my purpose”. I would add to your wonderful words of wisdom this. Seek the Lord with all of your heart, lean not to your own understanding but Seek His will and He will direct your pathways. I think Solomon wrote those words and they are just as true today as when he wrote them.
As someone who has not always been seeking His pathways I can tell you it's always better to seek His pathways. I have hit a few brick walls seeking “my pathway” and I must say His pathway works much better in my life anyway. In order to make a difference we must be pursuing God's direction for us if we are truly to make a difference in life.
As my son said to me at the “ripe old age” of 7 yrs. Daddy, life is REALLY about God isn’t it? Yes, Andy I believe my son has it right, like a young King Solomon, life is about God.
Keep up the good work, I am inspired!"