Ep. 32 - Victor, Victim, or Villain

Experience Andy Weins Live

Welcome back to another installment of Experience Andy Weins Live. This weekly session is my chance to delve into a topic that's not only significant in my life right now but also universally relevant. Today, we're exploring the concepts of being a victor, a victim, or a villain through our choice of words when reacting to events around us.

But first, let's chat about gratitude. Each week, I focus on gratitude because, honestly, it's something I've always struggled with. This practice ensures that at least once a week, I pause to truly appreciate the people and things in my life. Today, I want to give a shout-out to Aaron from Camo Crew. He's been with us for almost a year, and I've often wondered what he thinks about his job. After asking him, he shared how working here has opened his eyes to the importance of recycling—a concept he'd never considered before. His new perspective is not only changing his life but also influencing his family's habits. This transformation is why I'm grateful for the chance to educate and impact others through our work in recycling.

Now, onto my weekly ask—I'm inviting anyone in or visiting the Milwaukee area to join me for lunch. Every day between 11 and 12, I give a quick tour of our warehouse, followed by lunch at the Butler Inn. It's a simple yet fantastic way to connect. Let's grab Lunch!

Let's dive into today's main discussion about being a victor, not a victim or a villain. This theme was almost a chapter in my book that I had called Hustle, Struggle, Grind, but it didn’t fit the final cut. However, the essence of choosing your words carefully remained crucial, shaping our final title, Words Fucking Matter. In any challenging situation, the words you choose can dictate whether you emerge as the victor who learns and grows, or fall into the roles of victim or villain who blame and deny reality.

Take responsibility—it's a powerful choice. Recently, a team leader blamed others for a messy truck, but upon reflection, he realized he hadn't supervised effectively. This shift from blame to responsibility is what transforms situations and personal outcomes.

I’ve faced many setbacks—failed businesses, a divorce, near-dismissal from the army—but like Rocky Balboa says, it’s about getting up one more time than you’re knocked down. That’s what victors do: they see each challenge as a chance to improve and grow.

Finally, I had an enlightening experience with my godson this weekend. Despite his struggles at school, spending time working together showed him the value of hard work and personal effort. It was a moment of victory for both of us, highlighting the importance of facing challenges head-on.

So, this week, regardless of the situations you find yourself in, look for ways to be the victor. It’s all about the language you use and the choices you make. Remember to take ownership, stay accountable, and be responsible. Do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, and show the fuck up—consistently. See you next week!