“I’ve sat with kings and dined with poets, eavesdropped on history’s most significant conversations and danced with ideas that forever changed me — all because I picked up a book.”
Have you heard the amazing story of Andy Andrews?
At the age of 19, Andy lost both his parents: his mother died of cancer, and his father died in an automobile accident. In just a few years he was homeless, sleeping under a pier.
He finally asked himself the question:
“Is life just a lottery ticket, or are there choices one can make to direct his future?”
So Andy sought out this answer by visiting the library and reading many biographies of successful individuals. He identified “Seven Decisions,” that over 200 successful individuals shared and then applied them to his own life.
He is now a New York Times Best Selling author, and every 60 seconds a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world. To date he has written 23 books, most recently How Do You Kill 11 Million People?: Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think , and the book that started it all: The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success.
So here is my question to you: What life changing book have you read?If you are looking for some good recommendations, you can start here:
Hey Jonathan, thanks for sharing the story of Andy Andrews. I may have to add “The Traveler’s Gift” to my list!
I’m currently reading “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud, “It’s Your Ship” by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff, and a couple more. I’m actually leading a book club through “It’s Your Ship” and it’s a great experience! Leaders are readers!
Ellory, those two books are excellent reads! Boundries has a TON of material packed into it.
Do you have a guide or a framework you use for the book club?
I shared 5 tips here: http://www.empoweringthe80percent.com/5-tips-to-starting-a-successful-book-club/. I’m currently leading a book club at my day job which is typically done in person. In the past, I’ve hosted Google+ Hangouts with 3-5 guys and read “Entreleadership” by Dave Ramsey, as well as “48 Days to the Work You Love” by Dan Miller.
I have a full list of books that I’ve read, as well as reviews for most of them here: http://www.empoweringthe80percent.com/empoweredu/ I think that’d be a great place for anyone to start!
Awesome resources, thanks for sharing!
I recently read It’s Your Ship…definitely picked up a few things.I don’t agree 100% with the decentralization thing he hits pretty hard – but you can’t argue with his success.
I discovered Andy Andrews fairly recently – I have The Traveler’s Gift on the bookshelf…it is on the list!
I know you have a good list – what else you have qued up?
What a great story. I’ve heard a little about Andy Andrews story in an interview I listen to recently but did not realize he had gone through all of that. It shows anyone can do great things no matter current situations or circumstances. John Maxwell’s books have really allowed me to become a better person and leader. They have been life changing for me.
I love Maxwell’s book – simple, yet very profound. Is there one book of his in particular that stands out to you?
Man, that’s a tough one because I love and enjoyed all his books. I really can’t pick just one:)
The Travelers Gift is a fantastic book. Andy Andrews has inspired me to change my life by changing my thought process. Great post Sir Harrison!
Thanks Jared, I actually owe you thanks for pointing me to his amazing story!
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