In The Loop With Andy Andrews

My Newest Book and a Surprise OpportunityOn this week’s episode, I talk about the release of The Seven Decisions and how you can win a Kamado Joe grill.We did an episode a few weeks ago on the Kamado Joe, and ended with saying that we wanted to have a Kamado Joe giveaway. Well, we have done it. Anyone who pre-orders The Seven Decisions and sends us their receipt will be entered in a drawing for their very own Joe in either black or brick red.    •    You can be entered in the contest as many times as you can order a book.    •    Each entry must have a different receipt.    •    You can order 25 books in one order, but you will only be entered once.    •    Order 25 books separately and you will be entered 25 times.    •    Pre-orders must be before May 6, 2014.    •    If we receive enough entries, the drawing will be for more than one winner. The Seven Decisions is a re-release of Mastering the Seven Decisions.     •    The book has updated content and a new cover.     •    The reason it is being released a

On this week’s episode, I answer a listener question: "What should a new writer focus on the most?" The one most important thing to focus on is writing. You would not believe how many people I talk to who are “waiting to be inspired.” Their short answer is, “No, I am not writing.” Only the process of doing it gets it done. I hear terribly incomplete advice given to writers. Write what you’re interested in, but keep seeking more information. It will get you excited when you find what you don’t know. You have to think it terms of, “What do other people want to learn?” How will this help others? Two things I ask myself before any project
 Is anybody else doing this? Will this help people who are hurting?
     
There are several things in common with the books I really enjoy.
 Stories—They all started "in the action" and I didn’t really know what was happening. Reveals—That’s who that is! Or thats what’s happening! 

So what are the three most important focuses for a young writer? I’ll give you five.
 R

The Toughest Mental Obstacle I’ve Faced   On this week’s episode, I answer a listener question about the toughest mental obstacle I had to cross after overcoming homelessness.   Has there been any point when I felt like hiding under the pier again? I occasionally feel like crawling back under the pier. I say that jokingly, but I really am very aware of where I am when I walk on that pier. Living under the pier was undoubtedly the worst time in my life, but without that perspective I don’t think I would have become what I am today.    Part of life is the struggle to think a certain way. It’s not just to improve and increase your level of thinking. We are all in the process of becoming. The people who are humbly listening and learning from other people are the people with money and influence.   The toughest thing I had to do was distance myself from that pier. I needed to get away from it with my thinking, choices, and actions. Your thinking is the foundation of your success as a parent and member of your

On this week’s episode, I talk about my passion for cooking outdoors, reveal my secret recipe for the best grilled vegetables ever, and discuss why I like to put things that I actually use into the stories in my books.   I am kind of a foodie. I enjoy making and eating great food. I don’t know if it’s just a southern thing, but we seem to devise events around food. I really like cooking outside.   I’m a grill guy, and I love the charcoal taste. I come from a long line of “grill people.” My dad thought he was good, but he burned everything. All you people who have gas grills. Wrong! You’re cooking with heat and there is nothing to give your food taste.   For years I have put things in my books that I like or use. In The Noticer Returns, Jones is teaching how to start a business, and one of the guys (Baker Larson) starts cooking with a Kamado Joe. We cook on them at least three times a week. We do pizza, fish, steak, and wild game. One of our absolute favorites is cooking vegetables.   Secret Recipe: We w

On this week’s episode, I talk about how you can win tickets to see me (along with many other awesome speakers) speak at Dave Ramsey’s SMART Conference!   This is going to be an amazing event at the Verizon Theatre in Dallas, TX—with speakers:   Dave Ramsey                        Rachel Cruze Dr. Henry Cloud                  Dr. Emerson Eggerichs Joy Eggerichs                        Dr. Meg Meeker Andy Andrews   People forget that Dave had to learn his financial stance as an adult after battling bankruptcy. His daughter, Rachel, grew up watching the changes happening in her family as a child, teen, and young adult. She has been raised to understand these principles, and I am excited to hear her perspective.   I have already pre-ordered my copy of their book, Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money.   Follow the link above to pre-order yours now!   Why is it important for people to attend events like this? I work with coaches, teams, organizations, businesses—I can’t afford for

  On this week’s episode, I talk about the new “anger management”—conflict resolution.   When I hear the term still used, I always think, “Anger management? Why would you want to manage something like that and not get rid of it?” You can defuse a conflict, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. If the underlying causes of a conflict are not dealt with, there really is no resolution.   Society believes two things about change. You must have a deep desire to change. You have to be at rock bottom.   However, I believe the two things people need are… An understanding of what’s in it for them. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the change will be good.   When something is demonstrably good for you, that change will occur whether you are looking for it or not.   Imagine conflict resolution as two people across from each other on opposite sides, playing double solitaire. You’re both trying to get rid of all your cards in the same line. You both win, or you both lose. The only way to win is to not hold any cards b

A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Writing Process On this week’s episode, I discuss my creative process for writing even in the midst of rejection.     The greatest book ever written is in somebody’s drawer somewhere. They put it out there, it got turned down a few times, and they decided to put it away. Gone With the Wind was rejected 34 times. Part of my creative process is to do battle with myself quickly.  I try not to let wondering if something is working drag me downhill.  Publishers told me The Traveler’s Gift did not have a desirable plot and that writing good books takes effort and talent. After 51 rejections from professionals, the book has been successful for over 10 years.  You can either take their word and live according to their opinion, or you can reject it and look for people who are wiser in the area where you are heading.  For most successful writers, it takes a great deal of work and almost a formula to help with the writing process.  I’m not fired up the whole time that I’m working

On this week’s episode, I answer listener questions about time-travel and my switch from comedy to whatever it is that I do now.   Would you rather go into the future to meet your great grandchildren, or travel backward and meet your great grandparents? If I went into the future to meet my great grandchildren, I wouldn’t learn anything from them that will change my life and in turn allow me to change their lives. The best I could do is try to convince them to do something or not do something. If I went back into time, I think it would give me a lot of insight as to why my family dynamic came along the pathway that it did.   Wisdom is a little beyond knowledge. I hear people say, “My grandparent was such a wise person,” and then turn around and ask where all the wise people are today. Technology makes things so fast and allows for an amazing flow of knowledge and information. However, I really believe wisdom requires quiet and time.   How did you know when it was time to change speaking platforms from come

On this week’s episode, I give my two cents on some of my favorite responses to our previous listener question: “If you could have a five-minute phone call with your 18-year-old self, what would you tell yourself to be aware of?”  From our listener… "Just pick up the phone and make the needed phone call. Just do it. Returning needed phone calls, or calling to confirm, cancel or postpone appointments is part of the process of becoming a responsible, dependable person.  Don't shut the door on yourself through negligence caused by shyness and procrastination. Keeping doors open or ensuring good closure is crucial for maintaining good relationships.  Faithfulness in little things will lead to bigger things." Have a decided heart. • You will get stuck in an ongoing state of analysis.  • I see so many people who spend so much time analyzing decisions they have already made, that they don’t have any emotional or physical energy to do what they have decided.  The Traveler’s Gift was written four years before it w

On this week’s episode, we have comedian and good friend Jeff Allen on the show to have some laughs and answer a few questions.   Jeff is one of my great buddies and, to me, is one of the funniest working stand-up comedians today.    One of my favorite bits of his is the Three-Word Vocabulary It’s the signature piece of trying to argue with a 16-year-old. Pfffff, Khhhhk, and Whatever. “Whatever” comes in different frequencies, but one of them affects my nerves.   My son Austin is getting close to getting his drivers license. Jeff shared his experience with having a child at that age: When Jeff’s son started driving, he was so bad that Jeff would let him drive the family to church. That way he got his prayer time in before he got there. Some Sundays had so many miracles on the way to church that they would skip the service and just go straight to Cracker Barrel.     What is Jeff’s favorite product he has produced and why? The first Bananas DVD he did. The first one is the tightest in terms of content beca

On this week’s episode, we answer a fun question from a listener: Would you rather win the lottery or live twice as long?   As history has shown us, winning the lottery can be life changing…but not always in a great way. •                This is something I think we all have fantasized about. •                I think we all have a purpose and I’ve asked myself the question… •                Would I continue to write if I didn’t have the pressure?   How many times in my life am I not aware of what is going to happen next week? •                You can sometimes get a little fearful looking ahead, but… •                Don’t expect to know what is coming. •                Allow God to direct our path.   Look back and think about times in your life in which you know your path was being directed.   Question: If you could have a five-minute phone call with your 18-year-old self, what would you tell yourself to be aware of? ·      We would love to hear your answers! Send your answers to InTheLoop@AndyAndrews.c

On this week’s episode, Andy discusses a listener question: I’m making an effort in positive personal development, but my spouse is not ready to do the same. What do you do until they’re ready, or how do I continue to nudge them in the right direction without being “pushy” or making them feel inferior? This is a huge source of confusion is marriages. We all grow at different… • Rates • Times • Areas Confidence or Arrogance?  • Don’t brag about the improvements that you are making. • It is hard for a spouse to listen to someone whom they perceive as arrogant. • What you are doing speaks louder than anything you could say. A good marriage is a work in progress. If you and your spouse were exactly alike, one of you would be unnecessary.  Questions for Listeners Do you have a question? Call in and your question might be featured on the show! • Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY • E-Mail: InTheLoop@AndyAndrews.com • Facebook.com/AndyAndrews • Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

What is it about you that other people would change if they could?  I’m not saying we should live our lives according to other people.  What I am saying is if you look at your life, business, family, and want people to believe what you believe, it really helps if they like you a little bit.  What if 25% of people were not comfortable with swearing? If you’re a business person, would you be okay with having 25% less business just because of the way you talk? I had a friend who wanted to quit cursing around his boys. He decided that he would pay a quarter every time he did. It made him more aware of his words. The other day one of my boys had a look on his face, and I could tell something was wrong. I asked: Can you do anything about it? Since you can’t do anything about it, how are you going to deal with it? Since you can see an end to it, you can either put a smile on your face or walk around looking sad for the next two weeks.   What I’m trying to do is not just tell him what to do, but explain why t

On this week's episode, I talk about the surprising benefits of spending time alone. Why is it important to spend time alone? • Spending time alone is the best way to concentrate my thoughts. • It’s a good way to stimulate creativity. • If I can wake up before my family and refrain from checking email, my phone, or turning on the news, I can have amazing results.  This isn’t so much about being alone as it is about spending time with my boys, but while driving the boys to school, I reach my hand back and say, “Hands!” and we pray for… • Teachers • Friends • Mom • Our day Sometimes, it’s necessary to leave the house in order to be alone. Here are some of the places I go: • The woods are a great place for me to get away. • I’ll go alone to a cabin sometimes and spend several days by myself.  • Most of my novels are not written while I’m at home.  • The water is not a particularly good place for me, as I’m always wondering what is in the water.  As much as you may be thinking, I wouldn’t say that I am alone

On this week’s episode, I address the difference between being decisive and impulsive. More people fail at what they attempt because of an undecided heart than any other reason.  They’ll talk to their friends. Then talk to their family. Finally, they’ll make a decision. Then they’ll ask if they should have waited longer to make a decision. Then they’ll take the decision back. Life then becomes an ongoing analysis. The question you need to ask yourself before making a decision is…Is this a wise thing to do? This is one of the best questions in life and one of the best questions to teach your kids to ask. It reveals what is ahead of you. If you’re asking if something is wrong, you’re going to rationalize the situation and keep pushing the envelope on what is “technically” wrong. Andy Stanley states that direction determines destination—not intention.  Intention has no power. Imagine how I would sound if I said, “I can’t believe Polly is treating me this way after everything I intended to do.”  T

On this week’s episode, I give the inside scoop on my short story Socks for Christmas and also do a live reading of the entire book.   In this reading of Socks for Christmas, you will hear a childhood story about how the gift of socks is one of the greatest reminders I have for being grateful.   I love talking about the inside scoop on some of these books, and to see the way that people use these stories to help others.   In the picture below, Jan Burch in Key West, FL, organized a Sock Drive with her ladies club.   On the cover of Socks for Christmas, that is my sister Christie and me on Christmas of ’68. •            I was nine years old •            Christie was four   On page nine, that is a picture of me at May May and Granddaddy’s house on Christmas morning.   On page 12, for Christmas Eve we would have a birthday cake and sing happy birthday to Jesus and it was always great. My family still does that.   On page 21, that is a picture of Christie in Dothan, AL. This was the same year that she was “Li

On this week’s episode, I explain what a personal board of directors is, and how you can create one for your life and/or business without spending a dime.             I realized that most major companies and great speakers had a group of people that keeps them on track.             I thought to myself, why can’t I have a board of directors? •                My first answer was because I didn’t have any money •                However, you don’t have to pay someone to be on your board of directors…if they don’t know they’re on it!   I want to find people who are…. •                Better •                Smarter •                Wiser •                More productive   What’s important? •                My children •                My writing •                Speaking •                Finances •                Health   Mentally, I went though the people I loved and knew. I wrote down the people with long marriages or who were financially successful. I then started going through people who were in newspa

On this week's episode, Andy announces a new host for In The Loop, and the events leading to the publishing of The Butterfly Effect.  Be sure to visit check out Andy Traub's latest eBook The Early to Rise Experience  and visit AndyTraub.com for more information. In the middle of the night during a hurricane, Andy received a phone call from General Foglesong in Afghanistan.  He wanted Andy to find proof that every life matters and could make a difference to the world. The Air Force's suicide rate was higher than the general population's suicide rate. Andy's interest in the Butterfly Effect, also known as the sensitive dependance upon initial conditions, led him to reverse engineer the life of Norman Borlaug, who is credited with saving the lives of over 2 billion people.  Andy found that Norman's life was steered in its direction due to others' actions in the preceding years.  After hearing Andy tell the Butterfly Effect story live, Zig Ziglar told him that he should make part of his speech into a book

On this week's episode, Andy discusses his passion for cooking and the steps to make his most famous dish. When did Andy start cooking? He started with breakfast foods at an early age, moving from toast to eggs and bacon. Was Polly skeptical about Andy being a good cook? She was delighted because chicken and rice was the only thing she knew how to make. Since then, Andy and Polly have worked together, and they both help prepare dishes.  Why does Andy like cooking so much? He loves to eat! What does he love to eat? The answer is, "Yes!" Andy's blue ribbon recipe for his famous chicken and dumplings.  Start the night before with a whole chicken in a pot of water. Add salt and pepper, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. Once the water boils, put the pot in the oven at 250 degrees and let it sit overnight. The next morning, stir the pot and take out a cup or two of the broth. Strain the broth, add salt, cover it, and place in the refrigerator for later.  Take the pot out of the oven and remove

On this week’s episode, Andy answers a listener question about the best way to communicate with teenagers. Listener question: • When my daughter was 12, her three best friends moved away. Around that same time, another friend decided to tell her everything people didn’t like about her. We’ve been trying for the past three years to empower her again. She is now at a new school, but can’t seem to break out of the “new girl” frame of mind. What do we do as parents to break her out of this rut? The most important thing you could do at this time is to be friends and talk to her. Really talk to her. • Sometimes you will have to talk about why you are talking to her. • A lot of times, kids this age tend to go to their room and put up a do-not-disturb sign. • In spite of this, you still must talk to them. It is important that you don’t teach your kids what to think, but how to think. • We see this problem in our schools, but we tend to ignore it at home. • Many parents sadly miss the opportunity to have lo