What we say has power. Whether we realize it or not, our words have the potential to change lives — if only we knew how to use them. Andy Andrews has a unique perspective on how to do just that.
Not too long ago, I had a delightful conversation with Mr. Andrews, who is the author of multiple New York Times best-sellers, a sought-after speaker, and all-around nice guy. We discussed the craft of writing, the magic of storytelling, and why fiction matters more than we realize.
Whether you tell true stories or not, you probably aren't that different from Andy. We all have the ability to bridge the gap between our experiences and a world in need of inspiration. The trick is figuring out how to reach them, and the answer just might be learning to tell better stories.
In this episode of The Portfolio Life, I talk with Andy Andrews about his new novel, The Noticer Returns, what it takes to tell a great story, and why we all need a little more perspective in life.
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Interview highlights
In this interview (that clocks in just under 30 minutes), Andy and I talk about:
- How a real-life “noticer” changed Andy's life by altering his perspective forever
- Why how we think affects who we become
- What a best-selling author's writing process looks like (this was super interesting!)
- The reason you should be reading more fiction
- How stories teach us far better than facts do
Tweetable moments
- “We tend to listen more when we're forced to.” [Tweet]
- “Don't believe everything you think. What you think is what you know. And wisdom goes beyond what you know.” [Tweet]
- “Wisdom is what separates average people from extraordinary people.” [Tweet]
- “Motivation is a myth. Encouragement is fine. Proof is better.” [Tweet]
- “Stories connect in a way that nonfiction cannot.” [Tweet]
About Andy and his new novel
Andy Andrews has been called “one of the most influential people in America.”
He is the author of several bestsellers, including How Do You Kill 11 Million People?, The Noticer, and The Traveler's Gift, and a popular public speaker.
Andy has spoken at the request of four different U.S. presidents and was called “the best speaker I have ever seen” by Zig Ziglar. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.
His latest book, The Noticer Returns, is about how little things can make a big difference — if we choose to notice them. This book, though fiction, was actually inspired by a real person, which Andy and I talk about in our interview.
I hope you get a chance to listen to our chat and take a moment to consider how the stories you're living can be used to make an impact.
Resources
I love giving you extra resources in addition to these podcasts, so here go some goodies galore:
- Watch Andy's free video series: The Guided Traveler Experience. In it, he talks about goals, time management, and how to live the life you dream of. Sign up for no cost by clicking here (and don't miss the special bonus that you can download at the end).
- Be sure to check out Andy's latest book, The Noticer Returns, on Amazon (affiliate link). I highly recommend it; it's awesome!
- If you're wanting to read more but don't feel like you have the time, I recommend Audible, an audiobook resource I use to read several books per month. Sign up today, and you'll get a free book.
- And if you're in need of some extra inspiration, check out my friend Grant Baldwin's podcast, “How Did You Get into That?”, which tells the stories of how people discovered their life's work. I was recently a guest, and we discussed the topic of calling. Listen here: Shining a Light on Your Calling.
Let's connect!
If you're enjoying this blog and podcast, I want to hear from you. Here’s how we can connect:
- Leave a review of the podcast. By doing that, you are helping other people find the show and telling me what I'm doing writer, as well as what I can do better. You can do that in iTunes or Stitcher.
- Are you near New Orleans? I'm going to be speaking at #FinCon 2014 September 18-20 and I'd love to meet you while I'm there. Get the details of my public meetup (feel free to bring a friend) and RSVP here.
[specialbox]Special Announcement: I want to invite you to a live, online training TODAY, Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) called “Mastering the Habit of Daily Writing” (convert to your local time zone here). There will be no pitch and no upsells, just an hour of teaching from me. All you have to do is register. I know this is short notice, but if you can't make it go ahead and register anyway. All registered guests will receive a replay link via email. Sign up here. [/specialbox]
How has a change in perspective changed your life? Share in the comments.