Positive Thinker: Jon Gordon, Author, Speaker and Dad

The best-selling author on combatting negative thoughts, his daily “thank you” walk and more.   

Author and speaker Jon Gordon; photo courtesy Jon Gordon

Hardest thing you’ve ever done Raise two children who are now 22 and 20.

Best advice you’ve gotten Don’t listen to yourself. Talk to yourself. When negative thoughts come in, speak words of encouragement instead of listening to the voice of fear, discouragement and doubt. This comes from Dr. James Gills.

Real-life hero Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager

Song at the top of your playlist “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

Favorite Bible verse John 15

Occupation you’d pursue if not your current one There’s nothing else. Once I knew this was my calling there wasn’t a plan B.

What you do for your spiritual well-being I take a daily “Thank you” walk. While I’m walking I practice gratitude. It floods your body and brain with positive hormones that uplift you instead of the stress hormones that drain you. You can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time. I also pray while I walk.

One question you wish an interviewer would ask What’s your secret to writing your books in 3 to 4 weeks?

Go-to place to pray  Walking on the beach

Early riser or night owl? Early riser

Favorite comfort food Pizza

A detail about you that people would find surprising I’m not naturally positive. I grew up in Long Island, New York, in a Jewish-Italian family. A lot of food and a lot of guilt. : ) I’ve had to work at being positive and have rewired my brain from negative to positive and Jesus transformed my heart from living in fear to love.

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