Andy Andrews
Andy Andrews – Life, Work, and Impact
Discover the life and journey of Andy Andrews (born May 22, 1959), the American motivational author, speaker, and storyteller. Learn about his early struggles, breakthrough books, “Seven Decisions,” speaking career, and legacy.
Introduction
Andy Andrews (born May 22, 1959) is an American author, speaker, and storyteller whose works span both fiction and nonfiction, with a strong emphasis on personal growth, decision making, and practical wisdom. He has appeared on The New York Times bestseller lists in multiple categories and is best known for his book The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success.
Andy Andrews bridges narrative with practical advice, often weaving personal stories, historical anecdotes, and motivational principles. In addition to his writing, he is a frequent speaker for corporations, military groups, and organizations.
Early Life and Tragedy
Andy Andrews was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Dothan, Alabama, where his father (Larry Andrews) served as a minister of music, and his mother (Joyce Andrews) played piano, organ, and directed children’s choir programs in their church.
When Andrews was 19 years old, he experienced severe personal loss: his mother died of cancer at age 41, and shortly thereafter his father died in a car accident (age 44). In the wake of these tragedies, he spent over a year homeless along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, sleeping under piers or in garages.
During that difficult season, he turned to reading. He read dozens (if not hundreds) of biographies of notable people, and from that study he synthesized the idea of “Seven Decisions” — choices that successful people often make. That concept would later become central to his breakthrough book, The Traveler’s Gift.
From Comedy to Motivation & Writing
Before becoming a bestselling author, Andy Andrews worked as a stand-up comedian. He eventually opened for major acts such as Joan Rivers, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Cher, and Chaka Khan. As his comedic storytelling began to infuse deeper, motivational themes (especially around decision, purpose, and perspective), his focus shifted to writing and speaking with impact.
His public speaking engagements include corporations, sporting teams, and the U.S. military. He also leads a company called “Creating Measurable Results” focused on coaching organizations. He is also founder of Andy Andrews has written more than 20 books, many of which are translated into multiple languages. Some of his best-known titles include: The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success (2002) The Noticer (2009) The Heart Mender (also called A Story of Second Chances) How Do You Kill 11 Million People? — Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think The Butterfly Effect The Final Summit Storms of Perfection series (4 volumes) The Boy Who Changed the World (children’s book) His writing often interweaves personal anecdotes, historical characters, and moral decisions. A recurring idea is that small, wise choices cumulatively shape one’s destiny. Some recurring themes across his work are: Personal responsibility & agency Perspective & attitude Courage in adversity Faith & spiritual insight (often implicit, not dogmatic) Legacy & ripple effects Andrews’s style is accessible and narrative-driven. He often frames lessons through stories, metaphor, or dialogue—rather than abstract theory. This gives his work a parable-like quality. He doesn’t shy from blending motivational or self-help content with spiritual undertones. Though he is not usually aligned with a single religious doctrine in his public work, faith and meaning often inform the layers of his writing. His background as a comedian and storyteller helps him infuse humor, timing, and engagement into messaging that could otherwise become didactic. Several of Andrews’s books have made The New York Times bestseller lists in various categories (fiction, nonfiction, business, advice) His ideas have been used by corporations, military groups, and organizations, who invite him to speak on leadership, mindset, and performance. Through his media platform His life story—turning personal tragedy into motivation—serves as an influential model for resilience and purposeful reinvention. From Andy Andrews’s life and work, several lessons emerge: Adversity can catalyze growth. The loss of parents and a period of homelessness became the crucible for his thinking. Decisions matter. Even small, consistent choices can shape one’s trajectory over time. Story is powerful. Messages grounded in narrative tend to resonate deeper than abstract instruction. Service and impact can follow from authenticity. Andrews’s voice feels personal—not forced—and that helps people relate. Leverage multiple platforms. He spans books, speaking, media, and digital content—a diversified approach amplifies reach.Major Works & Themes
Style & Approach
Influence & Reach
Lessons & Takeaways