We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrew Pruett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrew below.
Hi Andrew, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is rooted in several pillars: a deep understanding of history, unwavering faith in God, the values instilled in me by my parents, the guidance of my public-school educators, and lessons from my life’s journey. I have faith in the divine, trust in the rigor of scientific inquiry, and a firm belief in the inherent goodness of most individuals.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently teach Phlebotomy at the Mayo Clinic, an endeavor I’m deeply passionate about. What excites me most about my profession is not just the technical aspects of teaching but the deeper connection it allows me to forge with my students and the broader community. Beyond my primary profession, I am equally passionate about public speaking and writing. My recent book, “Shaped by Water,” encapsulates this passion. It intertwines local history on water, personal experiences, and our collective responsibility towards this vital resource. Although the subject might initially seem dry, I’ve ensured the narrative remains engaging, mirroring water’s essence as life’s elixir. This book also contains some of the most poignant stories from my life, all centered around the theme of water.
I’m excited to share that I’m currently working on two more books. One delves into a vision I have where Minnesota emerges as an economic powerhouse, rivaling even the mighty Californian economy. The other is a more personal exploration of my journey through faith.
It’s my belief that our professional pursuits should be extensions of our personal passions, and I’m fortunate to have found that balance in my work and writing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Faith and Resilience: My unwavering faith in God was my anchor, ensuring I didn’t lose my way during life’s most challenging moments. This faith instilled resilience in me, teaching me to perceive failures not as dead ends but as avenues redirecting me toward success. Survival Skills and Adaptability: Acquiring wilderness survival skills was transformative. It taught me adaptability, the ability to think quickly, and the art of improvisation. I learned to find solutions in unlikely places and believe that no challenge is insurmountable.
Kindness and Generosity: While these virtues didn’t necessarily bring material gains, they enriched my emotional and spiritual well-being. Acts of kindness, whether received or given, reaffirmed my belief in humanity’s cooperative spirit. Helping and supporting others has been both fulfilling and empowering for me.
Advice for Those Starting Their Journey:
Hold Tight to Your Faith: It can be your guiding light, often carrying you further than physical or mental strength alone.
Embrace Failures as Lessons: Each setback is a steppingstone to a new beginning. Stay persistent.
Practice Gratitude and Stay Present: Cherish what you have and avoid falling into the trap of constantly longing for more. Enjoy the present moment, understanding its fleeting nature.
Commit to Continuous Learning: Explore new horizons and dedicate yourself to practice. Mastery in any skill often demands considerable time and effort — remember, expertise is often said to require around 10,000 hours of dedication.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The influence of my parents on my life is immeasurable. Each gesture, lesson, and moment with them has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Some of the most impactful things they’ve done for me include: Instilling Trust: From a young age, they believed in me, trusting me to act rightly and honestly.
Unwavering Love: Their love was, and remains, unconditional.
Grace in Imperfection: They were quick to forgive my mistakes and shortcomings, teaching me the value of growth and understanding.
Nurturing a Love for Nature: They imparted a deep appreciation for the natural world and the wonders of God’s creation.
Experiencing Serenity: Through activities like camping and fishing, they introduced me to the tranquility of the outdoors.
Endless Support: Whether I faced challenges or successes, they were my steady pillars of support and encouragement.
Guidance with Grace: Their advice, even when I chose not to heed it, was always given with my best interests at heart.
Teaching Respect: They emphasized the importance of love, respect, and recognizing both my own value and the value of others in this vast world.
In essence, it’s impossible to pinpoint just one thing they’ve done; their entirety as my parents has been the most impactful gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foxpointepublishing.com/author-andrew-pruett
- Other: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52821029?source_impression_id=p3_1696622004_KkCMXB%2FYZ2PtC12v
Image Credits
Andrew Pruett JoAnna Pruett Jerry Pruett
