Andy Andrews gave a talk to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce about finding meaning and purpose in life's challenges. He discussed how biographies show common experiences of famous people, and that we are more likely to remember stories than facts. Life involves extremes of success and failure with most time spent in between. Someone in the audience may be going through a difficult time, but adversity is a test and better times can follow if one has the right mindset of purpose over randomness. Everything a person does matters, and one should replace inactivity with action and lead by example. Having a decided heart means not letting others rule your life and keeping a clear vision while moving forward despite criticism. Choosing happiness, forgiveness, and perseverance can help

1. Talk February 3, 2009
 By Andy Andrews
 Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
 AHaller Commentator

2. Is Life Just a Lottery?
 Took to reading multiple biographies to see if some
sort of common experience of those who were famous
 We are more likely to remember stories not facts
 Life is one of averages. You could be at the top of
everything today or at the other extreme at the
bottom.
 Most the time we live life out sandwiched between
these two extremes

3. Someone Here is Going Through
the Worse Moment of Your Life
 It is normal
 You either are entering a crisis, in a crisis, or exiting a crisis
 You still are here! This implies you are left here as a random act of a
bitter fate or instead a yet unseen transcendent reason
 If mere bitter fate this choice spells despair
 If transcendent then it implies the rest of life is yet to be lived. This
adversity is merely a test.
 Out beyond this era of crisis is the return of success, more laughter,
wisdom, and love. Instead of defeat and despair victory and hope.

4. Everything You Do Matters!
 I can do nothing about the past.
 I can do something about the present and future.
 Laziness or inactivity I replace with acting.
 As I act I inspire and lead others by example.
 I am a person of action. I can make a decision.
 Mediocrity is defined by indecisiveness. Stagnation occurs.
 I do not fear failure. I chose to dare.

5. I HaveADecided Heart
 I take the first step now on my journey.
 Criticism, doubts, condemnations, and complaints of others I
will not let any longer rule my life.
 My vision is clear and my passion grows.
 I retire at night knowing I am headed in the right direction.
 The purpose of any analysis is to come to a conclusion.
 Procrastination is my sworn enemy.
 Candor and confrontation achieve greater results faster than
appeasement or avoidance.

6. I Choose to be Happy
 Happiness is a choice. Today I chose to be happy.
 The world belongs to enthusiastic people
 Gratefulness not criticalness fills my thoughts.
 Information, opportunities, and encouragement come to those who
project happiness.
 Cheerfulness blesses both the giver and the receiver.
 Smiles invite smiles in return. Discouragement, despair, and
frustration are subdued in others and myself.
 Smiles forge bonds, break ice, and calm storms.

7. I Choose to forgive
 Valuable hours are lost in thinking revenge or anger
 Victory is achieved by abandoning bitterness
 The rage I embrace often is one sided and self destructive.
 Besides others I also forgive myself and my failures.
 Retribution and revenge are yielded to God to settle. He is wiser and
more powerful than myself.
 Offenses of others make me powerful. It is my offense I can do what I
want to with it. I greet each day with a forgiving spirit.

8. I will Persevere
 Courage is to do that which is difficult or risky
 Perseverance is courage in perpetual motion
 I will attempt the difficult. Fears, inhibitions, and insecurities will
be replaced with a fresh boldness to dare to do.
 I will embrace taking calculated risks.
 I do not quit. I stay the course. Exhaustion is a precursor to
victory

9. Butterfly
Effect –
Sensitive
dependency
on initial
conditions
 By Andy
Andrews
 AHaller Commentator

10. Talk February 3, 2009
 By Andy Andrews
 Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
 AHaller Commentator