The past few weeks have been super intensive. At the bank, we are deep into succession and strategy planning. We now have the ability to serve our customers across the country, whether they are deposit, loan or treasury management customers. We are striving to reach the next level of performance, and I believe it’s crucial to be laser-focused when aiming for such growth. It's hard to believe that I'm in my sixth year here, loving the learning and impact I get to make with the team, and enjoying the things I focus on beyond work that bring me joy.

Recently, I stopped by my neighborhood 'hole in the wall' to order some wings. While there, I struck up a seemingly typical "isn't the weather great" conversation with the waitress. As I was about to leave, she shared that her foster mom had given her some advice. Hearing "foster mom," I asked, "How long were you in care?" She shared her story, mentioning that she had two kids and was just trying to make it. I could tell she was curious about my interest, so I shared that I had aged out of foster care and had recently written a book about trauma and my experiences in care.

She then revealed, "About a year ago, I took a solo trip for about a week with the goal of writing a book." When I inquired about the outcome of the trip, she said, "It was hard. I was remembering things I didn't know happened." She continued, "I called my birth mom and asked if these things actually happened, only to be shrugged off. I didn't complete the book because it was retraumatizing."

I have shared previously that when you no longer cry when telling your own story, it's at least one sign that you have dealt with or are appropriately dealing with the trauma. But my point isn't about this. Talking to this waitress reignited my wonder... I wondered how many people thought about writing a book and for one reason or another never followed through. I found a couple of stats, including a 2002 New York Times article titled "Think You Have a Book in You?" which cited a survey indicating that 81 percent of Americans feel they have a book in them and that they should write it. Another, more recent survey by OnePoll on behalf of ThriftBooks, found that more than half of Americans think they've got a good idea for a novel but most have never attempted to write one. The study found just 15% have started writing a novel, and a mere 6% have gotten halfway through, with writer's block being the biggest challenge.

As I exited, I shared my counsel with the waitress. I struggled at times to write, not so much with writer's block like most people but with dredging up old hurts, like her, and trying to sift through the mountains of thoughts that needed to be framed as content. I tried to keep the book focused on what might be of value to others, and this helped me focus. I left her with the thought that when she is ready, the book will come pouring out of her.

Focus is crucial. I believe you have a book in you too, but it will require you to focus and not be one of the 81% who think about it and never do it. Let me know what book you are thinking about.

As you know, upon completing my book, I asked a couple of dozen people to be early reviewers and endorsers. I encouraged them to frame their comments simply as what, if anything, the book made them think, what, if anything, the book made them feel, and what, if anything, the book compelled them to do. Here is one of those endorsers:

“Arresting. Piercing. Beyond inspiring. Get to know Orvin Kimbrough like you've never known him before, and get inspired to accomplish the impossible. Orv's is an unforgettable tale of tragedy, toil, and triumph. You won't want to put this book down."

A big thanks to my early reviewers and endorsers. Inspired by this group and others, I have written the Thrivers Workbook… that now, 10 versions later, is completed and will be available when the book is released!

Scoreboard – Update (July 28, 2024)

I have 25 out of our target of 100 people who have signed up to help spread the word about the book. Thank you! Remember, if you have signed up on LinkedIn or Facebook, you have only committed to learn more. You may also be here because you are interested in reading the book. No matter why you are here, thank you. This is a place where I will work to enroll more people to read and discuss the book. I will be fielding questions about the book and the happenings on these channels and at orvinkimbrough.com.

To join and help:

1. Go to orvinkimbrough.com/contact
2. Provide your name and email address.
3. In the message box, write "Sign me up to be a Thrivers Club member."

As a Member of the Thrivers Club, You Are Asked to:

1. Read the book. The book costs $21.95 and will be available wherever books are sold beginning in September.
2. Engage 10 others to read the book as part of your team. Discuss the book with them, especially parts that resonate with your and their lives. We believe that after reading Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life, readers will be encouraged, inspired, and equipped with actionable strategies to shift their mindset and improve their lives.
3. Ask each of the 10 you engage to engage 10 more people. This is a crucial step, if we don’t ask, people will not act.

When we reach 10,000 people, Orvin will host one group digital author Q&A for you and the people you invite to read the book at a date to be determined. The first 100 will be invited to a private in-person reception and receive a discount on the book. Ten percent of the profits will go to support charity, a real full circle moment.