Why Motivational Speakers are Not Effective
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hi Everyone!
To say "I am overwhelmed" by your response to starting this blog would be understating it in the extreme. Am I the only one who read every posting from you? Or did you all do that? Either way ... WOW! As we get into more "life stuff" on this blog, I think our combined thoughts—available for everyone to see—will create great opportunities for us to learn and understand concepts that will make immediate differences in our lives.
Now ... how can we use this blog to enrich our lives? Can we become more productive in our careers? Can we be better parents or spouses or friends? Is it possible to make more money and still have time for the quality of life we desire?
You might have noticed that on any material originating from our offices (to include books, biography, or web presence) I am never described as a "motivational speaker". Neither do I claim any particular expertise in any specified field. How many of you know that I don't have a college degree ... ?
When I am speaking to a corporate group, I sometimes tease the audience by saying, "I appreciate being here, but I must confess that I do not really know what you do ... " It is amusing to me how nervous some of the company leaders become when I make that statement! I quickly go on to explain that while I couldn't hope to understand the detail and skill with which they go about their daily jobs, my own "talent" lies within noticing little things that bring about seismic shifts in our lives.
Many CEO's or leaders of major companies mistakenly believe that they can elicit better production from employees by specifically training them to do more of (or become better at) what they do. For instance, a sales organization might train in specific detail, "the steps to successful selling". This training is usually done by someone who has enjoyed more success in sales than the people whom they are teaching.
Or an organization might bring in a "motivational speaker" to inspire the rank and file to greater levels of production ...
Believe me, neither approach works long term. The only reason companies, teams, associations, or organizations do ANY of this is because of tradition (that's what they have always done...) or they don't have any idea what else to do!
Specific training has limited value and is virtually useless unless there is something new to learn. How many times can we hear, "The more calls you make, the more success you will have ... "
Similarly, motivation itself is highly overrated. I have never seen anyone "motivated" into winning (or even running) a marathon. One might be motivated into starting ... but that's a different story.
Think about this: If we polled society today, no one would ever say that their job/career is the most important thing in their life. The answer to that question always revolves around God or family or both. Yet corporate entities sometimes train and treat their people as if the most important thing in their lives is their career and are subsequently baffled when production and profits fail to increase.
There are four challenges I see people struggle with every day:
1) Their most significant relationship isn't what they want it to be... (I am not saying that someone's marriage or friendship is horrible—I am just saying it is on their mind in a somewhat negative way.)
2) Communication with their children, friends, or work partners isn't what they want it to be... (Again, I am not saying that communication has broken down entirely, I am just saying that it is "not great".)
3) They don't have any idea that they can control their lives financially.
4) They are not certain that their life really matters anyway.
Listen... anytime we have employees or clients or children or friends who have any of these four challenges—or any combination thereof—they can't possibly be trained or motivated into doing their best. Why? Because the most important part of their lives is in disarray! Simply put: Something besides their job is overriding their thoughts and reducing their effectiveness in accomplishing the task at hand.
So, you see, I don't ever claim to save anyone's marriage or have any particular business expertise. All I do is uncover principles which, when applied, make a drastic difference in the most important parts of our lives, allowing us to focus on our jobs and careers, ultimately generating greater results. This is what I do as a speaker, with my books, and very soon, what I hope to accomplish with this blog: Together, we will discover some little things that will make it possible to create THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE.
For now, remember that to improve your life's bottom line (financially and in every other way), it is generally not the sales technique we need to work on—it is the salesman!
Throughout the life of this blog, you and I will find ways to dive more into specific thoughts, actions and their consequences.
In the next post, I will tell you how my life changed drastically several weeks ago ...
Your friend,
Andy
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1. Eddy Belew - July 1, 2008 @ 6:42 PM
Eddy"
2. Chris - July 1, 2008 @ 7:06 PM
At times I've written in my blog about trying to improve an area of my life and I get comments from people saying things like, "What are you talking about? You've got a great relationship with your wife, you're a great father, and have everything."
I've read many variations of "you don't have to be bad, to want/need to be better" and it is one of my favorite reminders.
Wanting more, wanting to be better does not make us greedy. It does not make us ungrateful. It just.....makes us."
3. Greg Stevens - July 1, 2008 @ 7:14 PM
The life lessons you speak and/or write about have empowered me immensely. I now have a decided heart.
Thanks for all you do and for who you've chosen to be."
4. Steve Collins - July 1, 2008 @ 7:19 PM
Well said. Don't know if you remember me...I drove you to the airport in Austin after a Keller Williams presentation.
I now have a total of SEVEN children and six are under the age of 10! I just turned 40, run a successful real estate business and have a very fulfilled life.
My wife and I have a "date night" once a week and make sure that the kids know that we absolutely value our marriage and each other.
The greatest resource for our marriage & parenting (Besides Church & the Bible!) was a book called "The 5 love languages" by Gary Chapman.
Each of our kids receives love differently, and by taking the time to discover what "floats their boat", we can purposefully engage them at their level of specific need! Tori wants Quality Time, so we may read together for about ten minutes. Stephen likes Physical Touch so I'll wrestle with him for a few minutes. AJ likes Words of Affitmation, so I'll take time to tell him how awesome he is and how glad I am that God let me be his daddy. Ella likes Acts of Service, so I will do things for her like make her a special dinner or get her a cold drink, and then she's happy! Josh also responds to physical touch, so he gets in on the wrestling.
This enables me to "connect" in an individual way to each of my kids and my wife, speaking their personal "Love Language", so, although I may not be able to spend as much time with them as I would like, the time that I do spend with them is extremely effective for making them feel loved and important!
Rather than engaging them in an activity that I like, I meet them at their special place. Way cool!
If our personal relationships are not an area of focus and effort, we can certainly find ourselves financially well off but emotionally bankrupt.
Better to struggle a little in business with a warm and loving family than to be rolling in the dough coming home to strangers!
Would love to hear more on your point that we can control our financial lives..... haven't had much success there yet. 7 college funds is a little intimidating!!
God's best to you!
-Steve"
5. Debbie Danielson - July 1, 2008 @ 7:26 PM
6. Gregory Kayne - July 1, 2008 @ 7:50 PM
You are the best non-motivational speaker that I know. Wait, did that come out right?
Greg"
7. Sarah in South Carolina - July 1, 2008 @ 7:51 PM
Sarah
www.lifemapsystem.com
www.DNAspecific.com"
8. Donna - July 1, 2008 @ 7:51 PM
9. Lynn - July 1, 2008 @ 8:05 PM
10. Ken Canavan - July 1, 2008 @ 8:22 PM
11. Juan - July 1, 2008 @ 8:33 PM
sequestered by the most important part of our lives being in disarray!..wonderful
reasoning."
12. Tim Thielen - July 1, 2008 @ 9:00 PM
13. Beverley - July 1, 2008 @ 9:02 PM
14. Tex - July 1, 2008 @ 9:04 PM
I have some tapes you made when you were with Amway/Quixtar. Do you mind if I make copies of them? Thanks."
15. Toni - July 1, 2008 @ 9:33 PM
I connect with what you are saying about zooming in on what truly affects a person's performance on the job. I'm nodding — we've had so many management books/trends poured into our brains and veins that applying the traditional performance blueprints to very human "employees" doesn't work...for long. That said, I'm eager to plug a "morale maintenance" program — for lack of a better term — into my workplace to keep my team engaged and content while keeping profitability climbing. Thanks for the quick refocus. I anxiously await your next post and some "principles" that will help me better serve my team.
Keep blogging. It matters! Your words are smelling salts to this very fatigued entepreneur.
Toni"
16. Lynette Chartier - July 1, 2008 @ 9:36 PM
Boy can I relate to your blog post today - for 24 years as an educator - I noticed what you are sharing with us here - only with children and not CEO's.
Your 4 challenges translated in the life of a child are the following:
1. Not having as much attention as wanted from the parent they so admire or not having the friendship that they desire, out on the playground.
2. Feeling misunderstood by their peers, parents or teachers.
3. They have no idea that they can control how they react to another child's or adult's opinion of them - that they do not need to be a victim.
4. They are not sure that they matter and make a difference in a large class of 25 or 30, or that they make a difference in their family setting. They are not sure that they are in fact loved.
When the above challenges are taken care of - a child can then focus on the learning task at hand and be him or herself - feeling productive and appreciated!
Looking forward to your future posts,
Lynette Chartier
http://www.thepowerisinyourhands.com
P.S. And left me leave you this gift - Go to http://www.10stepstosuccess.com and download a free copy of “10 Steps On The Journey to Success and Personal Development”. Through Personal Development you can see your desired Life change."
17. Renee Badertscher - July 1, 2008 @ 9:39 PM
Renee Badertscher"
18. Amy - July 1, 2008 @ 10:22 PM
19. sandy - July 1, 2008 @ 11:29 PM
20. Dennis McPartlan - July 2, 2008 @ 6:22 AM
You hit the mark with your comments regarding the importance of God, family and friends. Please feel free to share the above site with your family, friends and all of those who would benefit submitting for a free analysis enabling more time and less stress for the more important things in our lives.
Thank you once again and I am sure that you will continue to enrich the lives of all who you contact."
21. Carole Miller - July 2, 2008 @ 6:26 AM
We are all looking forward to the experience of learning and sharing.
Thank you for this opportunity!
I am anxiously awaiting the next email and the chance to learn new inspiring thoughts from you and everyone.
Carole Miller"
22. mike - July 2, 2008 @ 7:19 AM
New blogger here. I appreciate what you said about motivational speakers. We can learn a lot from them and get emotionally pumped up and excited, even make new commitments. Having a MDiv in Marraige & Family Therapy, I know how easy it is to make emotionally decisions and then soemthing happens and lets the air out of our emotional ballons. I personally have experienced the disaster of of emotional decisions.
The principles of the seven decisions are life changing and not emotionally driven. Like you said about forgiveness, "our emotions will follow our decisions." Lots of times I have had the "cart before the horse, being too emotional."
A couple of guys at church and myself decided to do a class on the Seven Decisions. (Spread the word a little bit on the seven priciples that will change your life.)We show the DVD in 10-12 minute spots.
Not to go fanatical or religious on you, but the principles are overwhelmingly present in "The Word." Hey, here's an idea, can I hook up with you and discuss writing a supplement for church groups (small groups, life-groups, etc...)...hey, I'm starting to dream big here, and since the Buck Stops Here and I must Persist without Exception, you might as well go ahead and give me a call:)
Thanks for sharing with the rest of us what you realized what already present and working in the world, "whether we know it or not."
mike"
23. Kevin Assmann - July 2, 2008 @ 7:26 AM
Thanks for the blogs. Enjoy them and hope to talk to you sometime! Dont know if you remember me.
Kevin"
24. Charles - July 2, 2008 @ 7:54 AM
25. Sue - July 2, 2008 @ 8:23 AM
26. Charles Graham - July 2, 2008 @ 8:27 AM
My wife and I attended your "Discussion" in St. Thomas with the Lincoln group and we were impressed with your story telling. Upon our return, my wife and I read your book, listened to your CD (the easy part) and I think that I have discovered the reason so many of us fail at this stuff. This stuff is hard and much of it brings back deep hurts and pains. Any suggestions, books or articles on how to deal with this issue?
Thanks,
Charlie Graham"
27. Todd Luster - July 2, 2008 @ 8:56 AM
You know its interesting, the problem with motivational speakers has less to do with the speaker and more to do with the audience.
Managing expectations is key. As we all know there are lot of ways to improve performance in a sales organization and a lot of what you see is temporary at best and don't address the real issues at hand.
To create lasting improvement, you have to change the core of the people in the organization. That might sound a bit touchy/feely but quite frankly thats what you have to do - if you want the improvement to last and for it to continue to get better.
I'm curious to hear your strategy and look forward to the conversation.
much love to you and yours my friends!"
28. David Lisk - July 2, 2008 @ 9:01 AM
Thanks Andy for another influencial message!"
29. Larry - July 2, 2008 @ 9:01 AM
I would say sorry you don't have a degree but I don't either but I believe in the following quote: “I never let my schooling get in the way of my education.” - Mark Twain
I have found that Wisdom is far more important.
If they gave degrees for wisdom you would have a PHD."
30. Jared - July 2, 2008 @ 9:10 AM
"Motivation alone isn't enough. If you motivate an idiot, you now have a motivated idiot." :)
-Jared"
31. Rudy - July 2, 2008 @ 9:12 AM
32. Gordon - July 2, 2008 @ 9:16 AM
I'm curious. Why do you refer to techniques of a salesman... not that I am in any way offended as a sales professional of 28 years?
Thanks for reaching out to us that appreciate your thoughts and writings.
I am in His grasp."
33. mary - July 2, 2008 @ 9:46 AM
Ms. Mary"
34. Scott from Hendersonville, Tn - July 2, 2008 @ 10:01 AM
Always good to hear your thoughts and now more with more regularity.
Through reading your Seven Decisions, (I copied them out of the book and read them regularly) I have been taking action with a decided heart on some things in my life; I know they will happen because I am stubborn enough (dumb enough!) to persist without exception.
A little different application of decision #7, but it helped me through.... I recently took my 20 year old daughter on a backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail. While hiking up a steep pass (4,000 vertical feet in 7 miles!) I kept telling myself, while fighting the climb and the altitude, "I persist without exception"..... We finally made it up the pass, through snow fields and all the elements then down the other side. The stunning views (reward)was worth the climb which few people see because they give up too easily. We finished the loop a day earlier than expected.
While on this four day trip, I carried photo copies of the Seven Decisions. I read from them morning and night along with other inspirational material. I thought you should know how much I appreciate and am benefitting from what you have written. Thanks Andy!
Grace and peace"
35. Kent Koyle - July 2, 2008 @ 10:21 AM
I was introduced to you trough a company called Trivani; I received an invitation from them to attend your show in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have to admit that I was only there to talk to the members of Trivani and see if I could get them interested in the business I represent. I thought I would sit and watch a little of your show and then sneak out, I could not leave my seat once you started talking you not only made me laugh more than I have in a long time but you touch my heart and soul in more ways than I thought possible.
You meet a lot of people so I don’t expect you to remember, I walked up to you after and asked for your autograph and told you that you have made a difference in my life. I never do stuff like that but on this occasion I felt that I needed to express my gratitude to you for sharing your story and thoughts. To call you a motivational speaker is by far an under statement you are a lot more than that.
A lot of things had gone wrong and I was not to excited about life anymore until I attended your show, since then I have made a lot of changes and I feel like I am back on track which makes my wife and 4 beautiful children a lot happier.
I just felt like I needed to share my appreciation to you and all you have done for my life.
Thank you for what you do. I pray that your message can keep providing people with the great feelings and happiness that it has provided in my life.
Sincerely
Kent"
36. Andy Andrews - July 2, 2008 @ 11:01 AM
You are correct... examining things in our own lives does bring forth thoughts and feelings that sometimes we would rather not think about or feel. There is a process I have discovered that allows us to work through these feelings that so often stunt our life's forward progress. It was some of the most meaningful research I have done into a particular subject. It is all recorded on 6 cd's and includes a downloadable companion guidebook. It is called DISARMING THE PAST...COMMAND YOUR FUTURE and is on my website. Hope this helps!
AA"
37. Andy Andrews - July 2, 2008 @ 11:16 AM
I am not considered "a salesman", but I want to incorporate the principles of "good salemanship" into every part of my life.
I "sold" Polly on marrying me.
Everyday, I must "sell" my boys on the fact that they should listen to what Mom and Dad say. If I don't do a good job in this area, when they are 14, I won't be able to "sell" them on anything!
Right now, I am taking a moment to "sell" others who may read this exchange on the idea that "together, we can make this blog a valuable use of our time". Hopefully, you and I are discussing something here that will "turn a light on" for someone else.
But for now, Gordon, I have to go... Adam, my six year old, just came in and sold me on the idea of a bike ride!
AA
"
38. Kelly Krei - July 2, 2008 @ 11:26 AM
Your comments could not be more true and thank you for sharing the "Truth".
I am a devoted husband of 24 years; my beautiful wife and I started our family 13 years ago and we were blessed with twin boys. Our sons were born with Down syndrome and you may or may not imagine, our lives took a huge turn. During the last 13 years I have gone from a business owner, to an employee to unemployed. The straw that broke my back was when my last employer told me that "I was placing my family at a higher priority than I was placing on my employer". I made a choice to become unemployed at the very moment my supervisor made that comment, September 2004.
As you may or may not imagine; I do not lack "motivation", they wake me up every morning between 5 and 6AM. What I was seeking was "inspiration" and not from some speaker that was trying to motivate me by telling me how to be a better salesman.
Sometime in 2005, I was introduced to your book, The Traveler's Gift; I have read and reread it at least 100 times. Now, I am the proud owner of book #412 of the first edition of your new book, Mastering the Seven Decisions.
Your story and the stories you tell, Mr. Andrews, inspire me. They inspire me to be a better husband and father; to live with faith, not fear; and to live my life with purpose, not mediocrity. Thank you sir, for the inspiration you have given me.
A fellow High School Graduate"
39. Joshua Christensen - July 2, 2008 @ 11:45 AM
Andy, I've been a man with a dream for a long time hitting road blocks all the way. I've experienced realatively good earnings, yet I'm still facing many financial challenges that have my focus completely taken off of my work, my family, and most importantly, my walk with my God. I confidently believe that getting back on track with God and my family will set me straight with work and our financial well being.
Thank you for the reminder that it's not the sales technique, but the "salesman" that is important!
I'm currently going through your lastest book, Mastering the 7 decisions. AWESOME! Thank you for pouring your heart out."
40. Andy Andrews - July 2, 2008 @ 2:50 PM
I appreciate the time you took to write. The situation with your children obviously gives me the opportunity to be grateful for the health of my own, but your determination and the smile on your face that I could "see" through your words are what touched me most. Thank YOU for the inspiration you provided me today.
AA"
41. Tex - July 2, 2008 @ 8:37 PM
I have some tapes you made when you were with Amway/Quixtar. Do you mind if I make copies of them? Thanks.""
42. Kristina - July 2, 2008 @ 9:41 PM
You spoke last year at a meeting I attended for Trader Joe's. Any chance you might be coming back this year? You certainly were inspiring, not to mention entertaining and I have been talking about you since that meeting. I also went out and bought just about every piece of work you have ever done and have made my entire family watch your dvds. The simplicity of your message is what makes it so special. Thank you so much and I hope that I will be seeing you again in September."
43. Frances Kranik - July 2, 2008 @ 9:57 PM
You write - even in this blog in a way and a style that I get - on many levels.
Thank you for creating this public blog - your fans/readers have similar gifts - I got much from reading Steve Collins - your "driver" in Austin, I think. He too has some great points - I enjoyed reading how he connects with each of his children in THEIR own special way.
I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Hope you come to SW Pennsylvania soon.
Frances"
44. Todd Luster - July 3, 2008 @ 6:04 AM
Andy - your point to Gordon is right on the money. We all sell each and every day.
The art of communication is the most fundamental of all sales gigs :-)
Both verbal and non verbal and I've found that actions are more powerful, especially at the beginning of the process.
It's about conveying a thought or an idea in a manner that someone else can understand.
If you do a good job in that, you get the results you desire. If not, back to the drawing board. It doesn't get anymore basic than that."
45. Andy Andrews - July 3, 2008 @ 8:19 AM
There are indeed some old tapes of some of my speaking engagements floating around. Those are owned by the organization or corporation I spoke for at the time. Therefore, I don't have the power to give you permission to copy the tapes. That would be someone other than our office. Sorry for the confusion...
AA"
46. Andy Andrews - July 3, 2008 @ 8:25 AM
Yes! I have been invited back again to the Trader Joe's convention! See you in San Diego in September...
AA"
47. Melecia Banning - July 3, 2008 @ 8:40 AM
Yes I agree. Our lives are all about choices. We decide what our day will be like when we get up in the morning. We should be pro-active and learn not to be so re-active. Anyway, in January I decided to lose 20 lbs by the end of the year. I made a visual poster and placed it at my desk at work. I see our office holiday party photo everyday in my office and talk about motivation! I made a choice. And to date I have lost 21 lbs.by simply cutting down on portions and exercising. I still have an occassional Peanut Buster Parfait at the DQ, but all in all I have learned how to make better choices and not deprive myself. Your books have helped me. Not that they are motivational, I can only truly motivate myself and take action, but they make you think. Really think. Thanks!
Melecia"
48. Michael S. Hyatt - July 3, 2008 @ 4:58 PM
Great post. This made me relive the talk you gave here at Thomas Nelson several weeks ago. I couldn't agree with you more.
Thanks,
Mike
P.S. I can't believe how many comments you are getting. That's a very good sign on a blog!"
49. Patricia Laderer - July 4, 2008 @ 7:48 AM
Thank you for helping me change my life. I have become a person of action. Just do it!
Blessings,
Pat"
50. Robin Dunning - July 5, 2008 @ 10:21 AM
51. Bob Hathaway - July 6, 2008 @ 9:58 AM
So glad to hear you will be back to speak at Trader Joe's annual meeting. I loved your message last year and the passion it was delieverd with. I really enjoyed the Time Traveler. It's a great read. It's easy for me to see how God has directed your steps. Proverbs 3:5-6. See you in San Diego."
52. Tex - July 7, 2008 @ 6:55 AM
Thanks for your reply. I always enjoyed your appearances, tapes, and books. Thanks again."
53. Tom McLeod - July 7, 2008 @ 8:47 PM
I must confess that the concept of a running dialog with you is very appealing. I do comprehend the constraints and am comfortable with the limitations....and yet I am optimistic about the opportunity. Let’s see where this thing takes us. I am up for running alongside your cart."
54. Charlie - July 8, 2008 @ 8:01 AM
Great point with the four challenges. I am focusing a great deal on number four right now; I've just started reading Man's Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl, which you probably know is the story of this famous psychiatrist's time as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp and his type of therapy that came from it.
I see a lot of people suffer because of this point (#4) and I see a lot of suffering on the other 3 points that seem to come from this one. I had a friend tell me the other night that he just doesn't feel that he has anything to look forward to, like he isn't working toward anything substantial in his life. I told him that I could truly relate to that (and I can), but that I thought we were all better off if we just focused on what we have now and the blessings we have in this moment. That's one of the main things that I have gotten from your work; to choose to be happy. The big concerns in our lives seem to take care of themselves if we just trust that someone is guiding us, whether or not it seems that way at the moment.
Thanks for all you do, Andy. God bless you."
55. gg&mg - July 8, 2008 @ 8:48 PM
Welcome to blog world! Keep up the good work--puts a smile on our faces every day. See ya, Buddy
gg & mg"
56. Kathy Nettles - July 9, 2008 @ 9:27 PM
I continually remind my staff that they 'sell' in everything thing they do.
Once again you are RIGHT on Target!
I’m a manager for a non-profit organization and it has become increasing difficult
in today’s economic climate to keep up the pace with our fundraising. Keeping the staff and volunteers focused is challenging to say the least.
It seems the more challenging the ‘times’ - the more organization turns to 'skill' training rather than personal development (working on the salesman) . I think it is a difficult area for most organizations to understand what to do…so as you say they turn to what they have done in the past.
My challenge is to continue to find ways of 'influencing up' in our organization focusing on personal staff development as well as keeping a balance with the necessary ‘task training’. Maybe you have tips on how to be more effective with this message.
Thanks and keep up the encouragement –
Kathy"
57. Kristina - July 9, 2008 @ 11:49 PM
I just finished reading again about Anne Frank and how she chose to be happy in spite of her circumstances. It really hit home for me. I thought about how great my life is, but how sometimes I seem to be asking God for more than I am stopping to thank Him for. What a great amount I have to be thankful for and being happy should be a choice that I make every single day...I'll be working on that!
Also, I'm sure that you have already heard of him, but Joel Osteen is a pastor from Texas that I have been following. I just finished his book Your Best Life Now, and although he writes from a more "religious" point of view, I have found that you both have similar messages. Choosing to be happy seems to be a simple concept, but during these tough times it can feel almost impossible at times. You and Joel have been very helpful for me and my continuing efforts at success. I'm sure that you cannot begin to imagine the impact that your book and your message has had on so many of us! Thank you so much!"
58. Rachel - August 12, 2008 @ 3:09 AM
Today is my first day back from Dallas, TX, attending Success School for the company Advocare. I wanted to express my appreciation for taking time out of your schedule to share your wisdom with us this past weekend. The biggest lesson I learned from your speech was that everyone has the power to make decisions that can better any given circumstance.
I have learned this: in order to get ahead in life, we must put pride aside and seek those that are better than us - learn from our weaknesses, seek those that have moved past that weakness, and use their strength to move beyond the weakness that holds us back from achieving our dreams. Identify the major weak points in ourselves; without recognizing what we lack, we can never take an honest look at what holds us back. After we can learn to do this, we can look for people who embody strength in the areas that hinder our future. Therefore, we can grow through that process and design our own future.
I know God brought Advocare into my life for a reason, and I believe you were a part of that plan. I can't wait until the next Success School in February where I can hear you speak again! I am trying my hardest to get my Mom, an elementary school teacher, and my Dad, a retired colonel from the Air Force, to join me on that trip.
God bless you and your family. You will be in my prayers!
arizonagraduate@gmail.com
www.advocare.com/08035625"
59. Rachel - August 12, 2008 @ 3:13 AM
60. Terry & Gilles - October 23, 2008 @ 4:27 PM
Wow - it was so awesome to see you at The Summitt event at The Atlantis in the Bahamas. My husband and I without even knowing who you were at the time got to see the delight in your eyes and your boys as we all floated down the lazy river. Your candor and insight all put together in your stories are so very powerful. We are delighted as a couple to begin your journal as soon as we receive it along with reading the Travelers' Gift. Hey, do you rmember us giving you 2 little stuffed animals - a duck and a dog?? They were actually meant for you to use at the point that you were speaking about laughter. We have been traveling with those guys all around the world. They are hysterically funny - just press on them and they will give you your 7 seconds of laughter...I am sure we will be able to replace them so please do enjoy them and use them to your delight. Andy, you are a gift and we both appreciated seeing you and look forward to future encounters. Terry & Gilles"
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