In the Loop with Andy Andrews

A new friend of Andy’s joins us on the show today, and shares how principles from Andy’s book The Butterfly Effect are being implemented into her school and the effect that it’s having.

The Butterfly Effect teaches the kids how to think and prepares them for the real world

• Kids are caught doing something good
• Their choices are what matter
• They can change their future
• Teachers get more chances to have conversations with children and give them guidance
• Kids are being told how important they are

How do we change our society?

• By little actions every day
• Treating those we come in contact with on a daily bases in a positive manner
• People will treat others better if they are treated well themselves
• We’re not teaching kids what to think, but rather how to think

Questions for Listeners

· What books do you use to help your children make better choices?

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY

o E-Mail: [email protected]

o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews

o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

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On today’s episode, a listener writes in with the question: How do you apply the principle of “Today I choose to be happy”?

Andy’s simple answer is:

· No one wants to follow a grouch

· You have to become someone whom others want to follow

· Choose to be grateful

· Most people exist in life without anyone telling them how great they are

· Learn how to vocalize the things we are grateful for having in our lives

For those who think that living life this way may be hokey, Andy comments:

· What kind of life do you want to lead?

· What kind of mood do you want to establish in your house?

· What kind of aura do you want around you as you interact with others outside of your home?

· If you’re doing what everyone else is doing, then you’re doing something wrong, because everyone else is not living a life filled with extraordinary results

· If you treat people the way that you would like to be treated, most people will live up to your expectation, so treat them well

· Let others know what you expect of them, and how excited you are to be interacting with them

· The one thing more powerful than telling someone how great they are is telling their kids how great their parents are in front of them

Were you encouraged or helped by this podcast? Click here to forward it to a friend!

Questions for Listeners

· How are you going to implement “choosing to be happy by choosing to be grateful” in your life?

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY

o E-Mail: [email protected]

o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews

o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

We all want to go beyond the average in certain areas of our lives. But how do we begin to do that? Andy and A.T. discuss how living a life of gratitude produces shockingly different results.

What are the practical things you can do that change you life from ordinary to extraordinary?

• One of the keys is understanding that you can choose to live an extraordinary life
• It is very seldom that an extraordinary life is just granted upon someone
• If you choose an extraordinary life, you must understand that you can no longer act and think like the average person

There are many baby steps you can take to start thinking and acting differently.

• How Andy treats his garbage men drastically changes the “garbage” area of his life
• The way you treat people who do everyday jobs that we all have to have done see drastically different results
• These are little areas of our lives, but they can make a big difference in our day-to-day experiences
• Look for ways to make a fuss over people
• When you treat people beyond the normal way most people treat them, you will get extraordinary responses

To live an extraordinary life, you have to think about how you can serve people better.

• You have to pay more attention than the average person
• You have to look for different ways to solve average problems
• Don’t take anything or anyone for granted
• If you live a grateful life, you will achieve shockingly different results

Were you encouraged or helped by this podcast? Click here to forward it to a friend!

Questions for Listeners

• What do you do differently than everyone else you know?

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY

o E-Mail: [email protected]

o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews

Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

A listener calls in with a story of how The Traveler’s Gift has changed his lifeA.T. asks Andy what people say his books have done for them:

• The importance of choosing with whom you associate
• Finding a love for reading that they didn't know they had
• Seeing a need to change something in their life

Andy talks about association and the affect it has on our lives:

• You tend to live the average of your closest associations
• So, you have to choose who you're going to be around
• If you don't want to live like average people live then you have to change the association you have with the average lifestyle

Addressing change and what that looks like

• Little changes now can mean massive change further on in life
• Everyone is changing
• So, if you're going to be changing, why not move in the direction that you want to end up?
• Change can be achieved while interacting with people or in your own thought process.
• Every great thing that ever happened in your life happened because something changed

Question for ListenersWhat small steps will you take today to move toward your ultimate goal?

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

What small steps will you take today to move toward your ultimate goal?

Andy and AT discuss how to develop good reading habits and how they will change every aspect of your life for the better.

The role books have played in Andy's past, present, and future

• While living under a pier not long after his parents died, an old man names Jones introduced biographies to Andy
• Biographies became the basis for the rest of Andy's life and writing
• Andy then identified the 7 decisions/principles based off the 200+ biographies that he read

What about people who don’t like to read or say they don’t have the time?

• “I don't like to read”

• What does that have to do with anything?
• Are you expecting yourself to read?
• The point is not do you want to read; the point is—what do you want?

• “I don't have time to read”

• Reading has to be a discipline that helps you get what you want out of life
• It is essential to discipline yourself to make time for it

• Statistically:

• People who read make more money
• People who read have a lower divorce rate
• People who read have fewer problems with their children
• People who read get promoted at a faster rate
• People who read get hired at a higher paying rate

The best way to get yourself or your children to read:

• Find books that don't bore you
• Books of short stories
• Sports books or books about athletes

If you already got your copy of Andy’s free eBook, The Perfect Moment, please share it with your friends! Click here to get it.Question for ListenersWhat do you do to find reading time?

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

Find something to read aloud to your family

Do your actions match your intentions? Find out on today’s episode of In the Loop!A.T. brings up a blog post Andy recently wrote called “An Important Announcement for Men Everywhere.”

• The post is about why we need to remember that watching football (or anything on TV, really) is not what this time of the year is all about
• Andy explains that he really does love watching the game of football, regardless of who is playing, and he can tend to get wrapped up in it
• His boys love watching it with him, but he has noticed that if he isn’t there to watch a game, they don’t watch it on their own

Somewhere along the line, Andy began to understand that you put your time into what is most important to you.

• When he listed the time that he spent reading about and watching football, he discovered that it was much more time than he was spending reading about things like being a better dad

What do we consider to be important in our lives?

• Most people would say things like their wife, husband, kids, etc.
• But does that answer match up with reality? If we look at how we spend our time throughout the day, will our actions reflect that belief?
• Andy realized that his actions were not matching up with what he thought he considered to be important in his life

It doesn’t matter what we intend to do with our time.

• Intentions have no power
• Intending to do something is not the same as actually doing it
• We tend to judge other people by their actions and ourselves by our intentions
• There is a big difference, however, between “intentions” and “being intentional”
• “Being intentional” means doing specific things with purpose

Because of this, Andy has been very specific about the games he watches with the boys over the past few years.

• Doing things with the entire family is more important, long term, than not doing activities that include the entire family
• Watching football games can be a great bonding experience in families where everyone is into it
• What he’s finding more and more, however, is that there aren’t very many families where everyone is truly into it
• If your whole family is into it and it’s a great bonding experience, by all means, go for it

If you already got your copy of Andy’s free eBook, The Perfect Moment, please share it with your friends! Click here to get it.

Questions for Listeners

• What activities does your entire family do together?

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

Andy and A.T. discuss the movies that Andy enjoys watching with his boys, his wife, and by himself.What are some movies that really shaped Andy growing up?

• Andy saw a ton of Disney movies as a kid
• He loved the animal ones
• They gave him a great love for the outdoors
• He loved John Wayne movies and other Westerns
• He hated—and still does—horror movies

What movies did Polly and Andy enjoy when they were dating?

• Polly does not like to go see movies…in fact, she’s never even seen Star Wars!

What movies does Andy like to watch with his boys?

• A Christmas Story is one of his favorite movies
• His manager, Robert, insisted that he and Andy go see it in the theater
• They were the only ones in the theater, and they couldn’t stop laughing
• Andy and his family watch it every year
• The reason why it appeals to him is because it conveys how a kid actually thinks about the world around him
• One of the good things about watching movies with kids is that all the great old movies are totally new to them

The Legend of Bagger Vance is another one of his favorites.

• Disclaimer: Sports Illustrated actually listed it as one of the worst sports movies
• Andy wholeheartedly disagrees; it is a brilliant movie

Andy and Polly love O Brother, Where Art Thou?

• They sit there and quote every line
• “Gopher, Everett?”

What movies from the last five years did Andy really enjoy?

• True Grit blew Andy away, and he didn’t see it coming
• Why would you remake a movie that featured John Wayne and won an Oscar?
• About 15 minutes into the movie, Andy realized he was blown away
• He hates to say it…but he thinks it’s even better than the original
• Note: Andy accidentally referred to the directors of True Grit and O Brother, Where Art Thou? as the Farrelly Brothers. Both films were directed by the Coen Brothers.

Listeners, don’t forget to sign up for AT’s Early to Rise Challenge!

Questions for Listeners• What movies do you enjoy watching with your family? o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

This week, A.T. and Andy introduce a new segment called “Finish This Phrase,” where Andy takes listener-submitted phrases and finishes them on the spot.

Parents should always ________

• Andy says, “Discipline their kids.”
• If parents don’t discipline their kids now, life will discipline them later…and it probably won’t be pretty.

When you go to work ________

• Andy says, “Go in a good mood, because no one wants to be around someone who is whining and complaining.”

Husbands should never ________

• Andy says, “Put too much salad in their mouth at once.”
• “Leave Band-Aids in the shower.”
• “Honk the horn when his their wife is doing whatever she does inside.”

When your kids walk out the door to school, you should always tell them ______

• Andy says, “Don’t forget to smile while you talk.”
• This is huge and will give your kids so many more opportunities.
• He also says, “Find someone who doesn’t have many friends and be a friend to them.”

If you want a different life _______

• Andy says, “You have to think different.”
• “Seek wisdom like a crazy person. Read.”

Before you go fishing, you should ________

• Andy says, “Always make sure your rods are in the boat.”
• “Always make sure your bait is in the boat.”
• “Make sure there is gas in the boat.”
• “Put drinks in the boat.”

When you get up early, you _______

• Andy says, “Gather insights that would not happen at any other time of the day.”

If you don’t have goals _______

• Andy says, “You’re playing basketball without the baskets.”

When you get discouraged ________

• Andy says, “Do the things that you know to do.”
• Your actions dictate your feelings. Do the things that make you feel better.

If you ever get a chance to ________

• Andy says, “Go to a Gaither Homecoming concert, do it.”
• No matter what kind of music you like, you will be blown away.
• A.T. says, “Take time off from work and go on a field trip with your kids, do it every time.”

Questions for Listeners• Want to hear Andy finish more phrases? Submit your own! o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

Is there a secret to becoming “extraordinary”? What’s the difference between extraordinary and ordinary?Define an extraordinary life.

• An extraordinary life means a lot of different things to different people.
• But there are several characteristics that they have in common.
• Being debt-free. It’s hard to live a life of freedom when you’re living with debt.
• A track record of wise decisions leads to an extraordinary life. Wise decisions lead people to places of influence.
• Influence is essential because it is part of helping people, which is another key ingredient in an extraordinary life.
• We all possess influence in some areas.
• The pursuit of wisdom opens the door to all of these qualities.

How do you want to live?

• In relation to your family, finances, God, your community, etc.
• This question will give you a good idea of what your version of an extraordinary life is.
• If you want to live an extraordinary life, then you can’t live the way most others do, because most people are leading average lives.

Can anyone live an extraordinary life?

• Yes. Anybody can change their thinking. Anybody can change their actions and their path by changing their thinking.
• There are two things people need to change: there has to be something in it for them (a benefit); and something has to be proven beyond doubt.
• Our thinking guides all of our choices. So if we want to make better choices, we have to change our thinking.
• Your thinking is the foundation that your entire life is built upon.

What do extraordinary people do that average people don’t do?

• They get up early and with a purpose. If you don’t have something to do, create something to do.
• Create a spirit of gratefulness in your life and your children’s lives.
• Watch out for other people and have manners. Treat people with respect.

Who do extraordinary people spend their time with?

• They spend their time with extraordinary people.
• They spend their time with people who are good examples for them, and who are committed to learning the same things they are trying to learn.

Early to Rise Challenge

• Go to TakePermission.com/EarlyToRise
• Put in your e-mail address and first name and you’ll get an e-mail early every morning.
• Each e-mail will give you encouragement and ideas of what to do with your extra time.

Questions for Listeners

• What do you consider to be an extraordinary life? Let us know!

o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

One of Andy’s favorite musicians and good friends, Jason Crabb, is on the show this week. Jason won Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at last year’s Dove Awards. He and Andy discuss everything from music to the importance of practicing what you preach.Andy asks: How did you get started in the business? • His dad was a pastor, so he grew up in the church and learned how to communicate to people and play music • Eventually, people started to take an interest in him and his family and they would get invited to perform all over the countryAndy asks: At what point did you realize you had a gift for singing? • Jason thinks it’s more about being passionate about what you do and seeing the way what you’re doing is affecting people in a positive way as opposed to thinking about your talent level and how much money you’re making • So there wasn’t really one particular moment, but over the years he has been blessed enough to see the life-changing effects his music has had on peopleJason’s song “Somebody Like Me” is played • It’s a song about accepting responsibility and accountability for taking care of one another • Christianity has been painted the wrong way to the world, often due to our own self-righteous behavior • Christianity is about love and taking care of your neighbor • We have to watch what we say and do at all times, because our actions reflect on the entire group • You can view the video for “Somebody Like Me” by clicking hereIf you’re not familiar with Jason, click below to check him out online! • Facebook • Twitter • iTunesQuestions for Listeners • What would you like to hear Andy discuss on future podcast episodes? o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: [email protected] o Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o Twitter.com/AndyAndrews