Surviving Life's Adventure

Surviving Life's Adventure

Just like the roller coaster above, life has it's UPs and it has it's DOWNs!

When you really think about it, what I have said this week is definitely true - LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE!

It just seems to be "human nature" for us to like it/enjoy it when things are on the "up" swing, right? However, I don't know that I've ever met anyone that actually expressed a liking to life when it is in a "down" swing and doing so at break-neck speed.

Oh, I've read words from people that have said we need to do this, but I've never actually met one. Have you?

So, here's the focus for the day - you CAN survive life's adventure!

You DO HAVE the ability to survive the struggles as well as life's celebrations!

How do I know that? Simple. You're still here.

The fact that you are still here reading this blog shows that YOU have the ability to survive life's ups and downs even if it's not fun!

"As long as there is breath there is hope!" I came up with this quote over a year ago and it is as true today as it was then and it will continue to be true for the rest of time!

As long as you are alive and breathing there is HOPE for something to change. And YOU have the ability to put that change into action.

Are you going to tell me that you have never had to get creative in order to survive life's adventure? Sure you have! Hey, "McGyver" has nothing on you! You've had to learn how to juggle bills or juggle jobs or..... you can fill in this part, right?

Has it always been easy? NO!

But, remember, no adventure is "easy" - that's what makes it an adventure! The risk involved ensures that it is not going to be an easy task. Seriously, what would be the adventure if it was all easy?

Now, please understand that I KNOW it's easier for me to sit and type these words than to remember them when things get tough. But, I know this about myself as well. I CAN because I already HAVE!

That's right. Just like you (and everyone else) I have survived which tells me that I can do it again - regardless of what life throws at me. And, yes, some things may knock me for a bigger loop and make it harder to get back up on my feet....but I WILL get back up on my feet. I know I can and I know I will.

Why? Because I - like you - am a SURVIVOR of life's adventure!

Take a look back at your life - as painful as it may be - and just notice times in your life that you have pulled through and survived when, at the time, it seemed like it might be impossible to do so.

Yeah, see? You CAN do it. You've done it before and you can do it again.

So, what's there to be afraid of?

Indeed, life IS an adventure and it's an adventure that YOU can survive.

So... let's go!

And, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Adventure Involves Risk!

Adventure Involves Risk!

It's quite a dilemma, really.

Think about it. The idea of having an adventure sounds quite exciting, doesn't it?

It SOUNDS exciting until you start thinking about that darned RISK factor!

Wouldn't it be nice if you could figure out a way to have an adventure with all of the risk removed? Wouldn't that be wonderful?

I can tell you how you can do that right now! Go sit on your front porch in a rocking chair and just rock away! Yup, knock yourself out.

Bottom line - ANY adventure and ALL adventure involves risk! That, my friend, is what makes it an adventure.

As we continue to talk about living life as an adventure we must also consider the fact that, even in life, the fact that there are RISKS out there makes it an adventure!

But, how many of us try to avoid as many risks as possible? Now, please understand, I'm not promoting being foolish and not making adequate plans for success. Playing the lottery involves risk. Playing the lottery with the plan being for your winnings to be your retirement is not only risky, but - in my opinion - it's also quite foolish.

So, now that we are on the same page let's ask ourselves a very important question: "Do I REALLY want ALL risks removed from my life?"

It is really easy to become comfortable with our present life and to not want to do ANYTHING out of the "ordinary". It's easy to allow the "fear of failure" (risk) to keep us where we are even though our inner being may be crying out for more!

Please understand, this is NOT for everyone! There are some people that are completely happy with the status quo and that have NO DESIRE whatsoever to change anything about their lives. If they are happy with that - God bless 'em!

But, my guess is that this does not describe you! My guess is that, if you are reading this blog and if you are listening to my podcasts then you are one of those people that feels the NEED to do something more and to actually DEMAND something more out of yourself and out of your life.

If that describes you, I understand that fear of risk! Seriously, I do. I deal with it every day just like anyone else that pushes themselves to follow their dream.

Dreaming is easy! Following that dream by taking that first step and then another and then another is the hard part!

Why? Because it involves RISK.

But, remember, where there is risk, there is also adventure!

So, friend, let's get on up out of that rockin' chair and take a step off of that porch and let's start taking those steps toward your goals and your dreams.

One step at a time.

And, as you do...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

What Adventure Are YOU Ready For?

What Adventure Are YOU Ready For?

In the March issue of Success magazine, Jeff Probst (host of "Survivor") makes the following quote that I used for the "spring board" for today's discussion: "The adventure you're ready for is the one you'll get!".

Are YOU approaching life as an adventure? Are you LIVING life or are you merely "existing"? These are some things I'd like you to seriously consider as we go through this discussion. I do encourage you to read the article that I've mentioned. I have posted it on the FYU fan page on Facebook but, for your convenience, here is the link:

http://www.successmagazine.com/jeff-probst-a-survivors-perspective/PARAMS/article/987

This article will challenge you and, I believe at the same time, inspire you to approach each and every day with a little bit different outlook - AN ADVENTURE!

Another quote that I used from the article was this - "I'm here for an uncertain amount of time and I want to get the most out of it."

Hey friend, what Mr. Probst says is true for us all! We ALL have an uncertain amount of time here - so what are YOU doing with YOURS?

I've shared thoughts before on the movie, "The Bucket List" in which two men make a list of things that they wish to do before they die. We should ALL create such a list! MTV also ran a show with a similar theme ("The Buried Life") featuring a group of young men that were setting out to check off items on their list while helping people along the way complete something on their own list. Likely, we all get inspired by such things but, does it change us or inspire us enough to actually DO something?

Tell me, friend, what do YOU do to keep your days from becoming a monotonous routine if you do the exact same thing every day for years at a time? What do YOU do to keep from taking your days from granted? What do YOU do to squeeze the adventure available out of each and every day?

You don't have to become a contestant on a show like "Survivor" or "The Amazing Race" to enjoy and experience the joy of life right where you are! It's not always easy to do, but isn't that part of what makes it such an adventure?

You see, just like everything else I talk about - this is a choice and it is YOUR choice!

How you approach your day is YOUR choice. You either choose to dread the day and go through it merely "existing" OR you can choose to anticipate the day with excitement and attack the day (yes, along with it's problems) as the adventure that it is and retire at the end of the evening feeling that you have, indeed, lived an adventure!

It's up to YOU!

Now, this takes a little "advanced training" in the area of "adventure - living" but it's something to strive for... each and every problem that comes your way is an adventure waiting for you! If you will allow yourself to develop a mindset that will help you approach even your problems and your struggles in this way then you will also begin to live a life of "adventure" while others simply go through each day griping and complaining about the problems in their lives.

This DOESN'T mean that it is always fun! Most adventures involve some hardship and some times that just aren't fun...BUT that is part of the adventure!

To be able to push yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually beyond your perceived abilities is what makes life such an adventure!

"Wow, I didn't know I could do that!" is a much better way to live than to always wonder IF you could have or what MIGHT you could have done "IF ONLY".

So, friend, what adventure are YOU ready for today?

I'd love to hear from you on this one. I'd love to be inspired by YOUR story and YOUR adventure of life. Please share with me anytime by dropping me an e-mail at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

And, as we live this life of adventure, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

I don't usually answer this, but I will today....NO ONE!

Mike

The Value of NOW!

"The Value of NOW!"

The other day I posted something about what my friend, Jim Ferguson mentioned during our "Goals" class this past Tuesday night. He said something along the lines of, "Yes, let's all be planning for our future but let's not forget to ENJOY today!"

Isn't that something we ALL need to be reminded of from time to time? I can answer that for you - "YES!"

My guess is that everyone of you that are reading this blog entry has a calendar nearby. And, that being so, my guess is that you have things written on that calendar that has to be done or places that you have to be at a certain time on a certain day.

Some years back when I was working as a youth minister I was always working my calendar a year in advance. That's the way I had to do it to make sure that things were taken care of with many of these plans. Let me tell you - if there is ever a way for time to "fly by" and for you to "miss" the importance of today.... start planning your life a year or so in advance!

Yes, we all need to be making plans for our future. We all need to be setting goals for ourselves with some sort of timeline as to when we'd like to reach that goal. Yes, there are things we MUST put on our calendars in advance so that we can make sure we don't forget that appointment or whatever it may be.

JUST DON'T FORGET TO LIVE TODAY!

Men and women have worked long and hard hours in order to provide for their families and to ensure a well-funded retirement. However, many times, in doing so they have lost the love and/or respect of their children because the parent was never around for the events that made each day special in the life of that child. Too, many times that person got ready to enjoy their retirement and found that they would be going through retirement alone because their spouse, just like their children, had grown tired of the day being set aside for the future.

A friend of mine shared some great insight on this in response to what I posted about Jim's comment. Here's what she said:

"I learned this lesson well by the passing of my grandparents who died in their mid to late 50's. My grandmother had just retired an my papa was just about to when they both passed away. We save but I intend to enjoy life an make many fun memories with my family because even though you have a future ahead of you it's not promised."

Sad, but so true. Likely, we've all seen this in some way and vow for it not to happen to us... but, many times it still does.

This is a fine line that we all walk and we don't always do well in this area. However, the main thing is for us to be AWARE of our tendency to live too much for the future and to do our best to LIVE TODAY!

You've heard me say it and/or seen me type it in my articles - once today is gone, it is gone forever, never to be reclaimed. Today - as I type this - is Thursday, March 25, 2010. When this day is done there will NEVER be another Thursday, March 25, 2010. Ever. Gone forever.

So, the challenge for each of us is to not lose sight of this fact. We need to do whatever we need to do to call our attention to TODAY! Perhaps set ourselves a reminder on all of our little gadgets so that it will "pop up" during the day and remind us to, "LIVE TODAY!".

Remember, "Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!"

The most expensive items (art, automobiles or ANY item) are those that are "one of a kind" or the only one left in existence. Guess what? So it is with TODAY.

Today truly is "one of a kind" and the only one left in existence.

Pretty valuable, wouldn't you say?

Live it, love it, share it! And, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

YOU Own the Pricing Gun!

Yesterday we talked about the fact that we do not need to allow ANYONE to try to determine our value and/or our worth. But yet, sometimes that is easier said than done, right?

Here's the thing - just because something is easier said than done does NOT mean that we should not do all within our power to DO IT! Hey, if that were the case we'd all give up ANY attempt at improving our lives because it's not always easy.

Is it?

Of course not! And, when we have people around us that seem to take joy in trying to determine our worth and convince us of THEIR view in this regard - well, that just makes it a little tougher!

However, REMEMBER: use that "negative garbage" to fuel the fire for your future! Use the words, "You can't" or "You never will" to drive you to look back at them with, "I DID!".

Now, I know that sometimes we all have problems realizing our own worth. Many times it is because of the input and impact of others, but sometimes we just don't feel very valuable.

In today's podcast I talk about the art work of the greats and the fact that they were not considered so great while they were alive! The phrase, "starving artist" came from the fact that many of these artists were literally starving because no one would pay them anything - or much of anything - for their work!

But now, long after these artists have been dead, their work may be worth MILLIONS!

With that in mind, think about YOUR life and the fact that YOU'RE NOT DONE YET! I mentioned the phrase, "Please be patient with me. God isn't done with me yet!", to encourage all of us to realize that this is a true fact! WE'RE NOT DONE and, that being so, NO ONE (not even ourselves at time) can determine the value of our lives!

Do you understand and realize that you may likely never know the extent of your reach? What do I mean by that? When you reach out with a kind word or deed to someone do you really think that it stops there? My friend, the truth is, IT DOES NOT!

You likely never see the IMPACT of your kind word or kind deed on that person and how it may encourage them to do the same for someone else. And then, guess what? THAT person may be impacted in such a way so as to "pay it forward" to still another person. I wonder how far reaching that kind word or deed that YOU did really is?

WE HAVE NO IDEA! Isn't that exciting to think about?

So, my friend, don't "devalue" your existence and your life! You truly have no idea how valuable you really are to some that you may never know and that may never know you!

The Christmas classic, "It's A Wonderful Life" is a great example of this! When the lead character played by Jimmy Stewart is shown the IMPACT made if he had NOT existed, he is able to see how far reaching his "little existence" really was!

And so it is with YOU...with ALL of us!

So, remember - NO ONE else but YOU owns the pricing gun on your life! And, likely, NOW is NOT the time to put that price tag on your life just yet. But, even if you do, know this - THAT VALUE CONTINUES TO GO UP DAY AFTER DAY!

That's just plain ol' cool!

And, friend, as you go about sharing your value and worth...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

From "You Can't" to "I DID!"

From "You Can't" to "I Did!"

Who do YOU let decide your future?

Going back to what we talked about yesterday and using the "garbage" of negative thoughts to "fuel the fire of our future pursuits" I want to continue to encourage us all to understand and realize that WE are the ones that determine the value of our lives!

My friend, Mike Magdaleno (http://www.MikeMagdaleno.com) shared a quote by Brian Tracy on one of his Facebook status updates yesterday - "Say no to anything that is not a high-value use of your time and your life." I made a comment that the challenge many times was determining the value of these things in our lives. I loved Mike's comment about that - "Make sure YOU (emphasis mine) determine the value and not outside forces, ego, etc."

Many of us, if not ALL of us, have had others try to determine our value and our worth for us. And, as we all know, they don't hesitate to share with us (dump on us?) their opinion about this matter! Remember the story I used yesterday as the basis of my discussion? "You are an exhibition of failure and all the children in school need to know about you..."

How DARE anyone say that about a child! How DARE anyone say that about ANY other person! And now, may I step on YOUR toes? How DARE you allow it and/or believe it!

Now, I understand that, as a child, you may have felt helpless and intimidated. But what I'm talking about is now that you are an adult. How DARE you allow this in YOUR life!

That's how determined we MUST become in taking control over this most important aspect of our life - OUR WORTH AND VALUE!

If that has happened to you in the past, perhaps as a child, do NOT allow those cruel words to continue to control your life or determine your value and worth. ENOUGH! Understand that NO OTHER HUMAN has the right (or the ability) to determine your worth and/or your value!

If you have those around you in your life now, as an adult, you MUST reject this negative influence by not allowing these harmful words to become a belief in your life AND I would suggest that you strongly consider ridding your life of these people if at all possible.

Friends? I would strongly suggest otherwise.

If you have no way around it, then use this to fuel your future!

Even if you DO have a way around it and you have removed it from your life then you likely still feel the effects of those harmful words. Hey, whoever said "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me" didn't have a CLUE what they were talking about! So, even if this is something from the past, you likely still feel the sting. USE that to fuel your drive for success!

Use the words, "You can't!" to drive you to success where you can say (with pride), "I DID!"

I LOVE THAT, don't you?

Tomorrow we are going to continue with this discussion with examples of others that I know that have had people tell them, "YOU CAN'T". And, guess what? Yup, you guessed it - THEY DID and they STILL ARE doing!

I love it, I love it, I love it!

Hey, whatever you do and wherever you go, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Fuel For Your Future!

"Fuel For Your Future!"

Negativity attacks all of us each and every day, doesn't it? Sometimes we are successful in our battle to keep it from having an impact on our mindset and our lives but then there are the times that we don't do so well.

The example I used on today's podcast was comparing it to germs. We can do all within our power to stay healthy - take vitamins, cover our mouths when we cough, wash our hands often, get plenty of rest, etc. - but, sometimes, even in spite of our best efforts we still catch a cold.

So, what do we do with the negativity that gets through our "invisible force field" anyway? Will we allow it to sink us OR is there a way to use it to our advantage?

I've include the following link on the Fan Page for Future You University (why not join the fan page while you are there?) - http://www.facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

This is the story of a man that was belittled by a teacher when he was a small boy. Here's what she told him: "You are an exhibition of failure, and all the children in the school need to know about you, because this is what happens if you don't listen to me, children."

Isn't that a terrible thing for ANY adult to say to a child? The story doesn't tell HOW his mother found out, but we all know that mother's DO find these things out. My guess is that he didn't come home and tell her but that she could tell something was wrong just by looking at him. Mother's have a way of doing that, don't they? And, don't you know he had to be feeling pretty low after that?

Now, the mother and child had a few choices of how to handle the situation. I know you can run through some of those and even what YOU would have done in this situation and the story doesn't tell us if the mother did use any of those other options or not. However, the story DOES tell us one major thing the mother DID do!

In the story, the boy - now a man - was told this by his mother: "You are now going to continue to make small things. If you keep making small things, your name will get bigger!" She also told him, "The smaller your work, the bigger your name."

The man, Willard Wigan, now creates"micro art" sculptures (read all about it in the article I mentioned) which sell for up to $150,000!

What an inspirational story! What a wonderful and wise mother! What an example of using the negative to FUEL HIS FUTURE!

The reason I have the picture of trash burning for this article is simply this: Use the negative "garbage" that comes your way to fuel YOUR future!"

Instead of allowing it to bring you down (the intent of negativity - do not forget that!) use it to inspire you and drive you to success!

How many times have you heard a successful person say something along the lines of, "They told me I couldn't do it" or "They told me I'd never amount to anything" and they used this to drive them to success?

So, yes, do your very best to block out the negativity so that it cannot have a negative impact on your mindset and life.

BUT - not if - when it DOES seep through, use that negative garbage as a way to fuel YOUR future! Burn it! Allow the heat and energy that comes from burning that garbage to provide you the energy to propel you towards success!

I like it!

Don't you?

And, as you do so, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

The Time is NOW!

The Time is NOW!

Isn't it? We've all talked about it, right? This week's podcasts and blog entries have all centered around this need that we all have IF we plan to move forward with our goals and dreams. So, isn't the time to "jump", NOW?

Here is a fact to consider: IF you choose to try to achieve your goals and dreams (and, by the way, if you don't choose to try to achieve them, why are you setting them in the first place?) you WILL face moments of FEAR and, along with those moments of FEAR, moments of DECISION.

That DECISION will be about ACTION. Will you "jump" or won't you?

I'm going to share a couple of things from the Bible just to make a point and because it also relates directly to what we are talking about today -

The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight." I don't know about you but my initial reaction is, "Whoa! Hold up there, buddy! I HAVE to see where I'm going!"

And that is our initial and "natural" way of doing things. But, tell me, friend - can you see the future? Can you KNOW with 100% certainty how something is going to turn out? OF COURSE NOT!

And, this is the very FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) that keeps us where we say we don't want to be! We often want someone to make a GUARANTEE about our future and/or our plans - but that is impossible! YES we should make adequate plans and chart out our journey to the best of our ability, but there are NO guarantees!

The other day on one of the podcasts I talked about the fact that there is risk involved every time we get into our cars and drive down the street! There are risks involved every time you get on an airplane or every time I get on my motorcycle.

So, in order to avoid the risks, do you just stay put and never go anywhere? SOME PEOPLE DO!

Did you know that there is actually a word to describe those that have a fear of FAILURE? Here it is: Atychiphobia.

So, back to what the apostle Paul said - sometimes you just have to "step out" and walk by FAITH and NOT by what you can or can not see!

YES this is 100% easier said than done BUT it MUST be DONE in order to move toward success in our goals and dreams!

The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible says this in chapter 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." You see, this is NOT a "blind" faith!

When we understand that "walking by FAITH and not by SIGHT" still means we have "substance" and "evidence" then it becomes a little easier to digest!

By planning and carefully working on our "planned route" for our journey (just like planning a trip), yes, there will ALWAYS be unknowns, BUT there is evidence - either from our past experiences OR the experiences of others that have done the same - that we CAN be successful in this action. We have FAITH in that believe. Why? Because there is SUBSTANCE to that faith and also EVIDENCE to back it up!

So, again, we are NOT walking "blindly" when we talk about it being time to "jump"!

Scary? Sure. Worrisome? At times. Butterfly-producing? Most likely!

But just think about the "rush of the ride" that you are about to experience when you are feeling these emotions!

So, what would you rather do? Stay where you are and beat yourself up because, once again, you have failed to make progress in your journey? OR would you rather step out by FAITH which is backed up by SUBSTANCE and EVIDENCE and "jump"?

I ask one more time...

Isn't it time to jump? Isn't the time NOW?

Enjoy the ride and, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Is It Time to Jump?

"Is It Time to Jump?"

I'm scared of heights! That's right - I'm a "scaredy-cat" and I admit it! I don't even like getting up on a ladder to get up on my roof. The climb up is not quite so bad, but making that step off of the ladder and onto the roof drives me nuts!

As a matter of fact, yesterday afternoon I was watching an episode of "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery channel where the host was doing the job of changing a light bulb on a big bridge. He had to walk on a "cable" (looked more like a big pipe to me) all the way to the top of this suspension bridge to get to the bulb that needed to be changed. He started off around 200 feet above the water and I'm not sure how high he ended up but it was a LOT higher than when he started.

Here's the crazy part - I was just watching this on t.v. and I started breathing hard. My wife got tickled at me because I began to "pant" as I saw how high he was. Yup, I'm afraid of heights!

I love my sons. What? What does this have to do with what I'm talking about. If you have listened to the podcast, you probably already know where I'm going with this. If not, hang on a minute and you'll see the connection.

I am afraid of heights and I love my sons. What do you do when the two come together? Specifically, I'm talking about being on the lake with my 3 boys and them wanting to jump off of some cliffs and into the water. "C'mon dad, come with us!" Yikes!

So, what do I do? I try to find some cliffs that don't look too high so that I can still have fun with my sons without killing myself or giving myself a heart attack!

But here's the problem - the appearance of height is not the same from the boat as it is from the top of the cliff itself! Not by a long shot! The view from the top is a WHOLE lot different than from the safe confines of the boat below. Trust me on this.

So, again, what do I do? It's too late to chicken out. Remember, I'm afraid of heights, but I also love my boys and I love creating memories with them. (By the way, this is actually all in past tense since 2 of the 3 now have wives of their own and our youngest is about to graduate high school).

So...guess what? They are almost as terrified as I am. We all have discussions about who is going to jump first. This conversation always involves each volunteering SOMEONE ELSE to go first!

Then we do the countdown thing...everyone is going to jump on "3" right? WRONG! We count and no one jumps. We count again, same result.

Well, sooner or later one of the boys decides to jump and, honestly, I'm usually the last one standing and they are all waiting for me to jump. BUT REMEMBER? I'M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS!

But, I love my boys.

So, I jump!

Believe me, it wasn't easy and, although it got easier the 2nd and 3rd times (yeah, believe it or not, the thrill was so great I even did it again! Imagine that!) I still hesitated every time before making that jump.

Here's the point: You may be afraid to break the habit of "NO" and start living in the "YES!". But I hope you LOVE the idea of what awaits you if you decide to do so. I hope you love your LIFE more!

Again, saying and living in the "NO" is the easiest way to "exist" - it's not living, just existing. No challenges. No risks. No potential failure. But also, no reward and no life.

Don't let the F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) keep you paralyzed where you are... love your life and your LIVING life in the "YES!" more and prepare to jump!

And, hey, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Breaking the "NO" Habit!

You've probably seen the following saying: "The best way to break a habit is to drop it!", right? As corny as it sounds - it's TRUE!

Again, I encourage you to check out the article about Phil Keoghan in the February issue of SUCCESS magazine or access it via www.Success.com (on the main page in the left column click on "current issue" and then click on February 2010 and scroll down and find the article) OR just go to our FYU Fan Page on Facebook where I have already posted it for your convenience.

Yesterday we talked about the need to start "Living in the 'YES!'" and today we want to talk about doing so by BREAKING the "no" habit that many of us have gotten too comfortable with.

Again, part of what Phil shares is this: “People become very good at what they practice. If you practice building a ‘wall of no’ up in front of everything you’re trying to do, you’ll be very good at building that wall. The more you practice, the thicker the wall becomes; the more resilient it becomes, the harder it will be to push that wall down.”

So, if this is true - and I do believe it is, don't you? - then we need to make a shift in what it is that we practice! Wouldn't you agree?

Instead of practicing telling ourselves NO all of the time - let's start examining the great potential of getting in the habit of saying YES in our lives!

We - I speak for myself and assume that many of you have experienced the same - have gotten ourselves in the habit of telling ourselves why we CAN'T do something and we need to shift our mindset to start thinking of ways that we CAN!

"Can't" or "No" is easy! It requires no effort and no risk. It's the easiest way out - the path of least resistance. When considering our future or ANYTHING do we really want to take the path of least resistance? Do we REALLY want to take the easy way out?

Likely, if you are reading this blog - you would answer, "NO WAY!" - and that is one time that answering "NO" would be a good thing!

Well, listen, I have to get on with today's business, but I hope you have been stirred up a little to start breaking the "NO" habit and to begin living in the "YES!".

And, as always, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Living in the "YES!"

You know, it didn't dawn on me until I was recording the podcast for today (I recorded today's podcast on Monday evening) that I didn't write a blog entry for Monday! YIKES!

My apologies on that - sometimes the day just gets busy and things don't happen while other things DO happen!

So, here is the blog entry that goes along with Monday's podcast on, "Living in the 'YES!' ".


I've shared with you before how I get behind on my reading of SUCCESS magazine. By the way, if you are looking for an EXCELLENT magazine this is one of the best - if not THE best - in my opinion. But, remember, you can also go online to www.Success.com and have access for FREE to a lot of the articles that can be found in the magazine.

Well, anyway (I NEVER get sidetracked, right?) I have gotten behind on my reading again and, given the fact that they send them out a bit early, even though I am currently reading the February issue I still have the March and April issues sitting on my reading table!

But here is what I have found and what I have shared with you before... I don't think this happens by accident!

I'm not sure that ANYTHING happens by accident and I have seen this same thing happen again and again whenever I have gotten behind on my reading.

What is it I'm talking about? Although I'm behind, what I'm reading right now is what I NEED to be reading right now! Do you understand what I mean?

There have been times before that I was in the middle of a series of discussions in my podcast that I decided to try to catch up on some reading and I would read something that was RIGHT IN LINE to the current discussion that I was having on the podcast.

This has happened not only once, but three or four times now and this week has been no exception!

As we are preparing for my FREE 8-week course on "Setting and Reaching Your Goals" there has been a wide range of thoughts, ideas and excited emotions that has been going on in my life. For one, just preparing for the class and the information that I plan to share has me refreshed and excitedly thinking about the great potential that lies within each of us in not only planning or setting our goals but actually moving on to REACHING them!

Then, on top of that, my wife and I have been spending a bit of time talking about some of the goals we have set for ourselves and how exciting it is to realize that we are moving forward with those goals!

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE HERE: Friend, let me encourage you to understand that this is how CONTAGIOUS positive thoughts and people are and how it works! Right now I am more refreshed and excited than I have been in a long time. Now, that doesn't mean I was about to give up or anything like that - but we ALL need a boost and a charge from time to time and I'm getting one from preparing for this class and also sharing thoughts with my wife on these things. GET AROUND POSITIVE AND LIKE MINDED PEOPLE and see what happens in YOUR life!



O.k. back on track now!

But, as I was reading the February issue of SUCCESS magazine I began reading an article about Phil Keoghan, the seven-time Emmy-winning host and producer of "The Amazing Race". Now, I LOVE that show so I was immediately drawn to it and then I was inspired by what I read! (By the way, I have placed this article - which is available on Success.com - on the Future You University fan page on Facebook for your convenience - you can click on that link/banner over toward the bottom of the right column of this blog to become a fan).

He arrived in New York City from New Zealand in the late 80's, he had little money, no job and no friends. As the article asks, "Risky, right?"

But I LOVE what he has to say about such things by saying it's the only way to be - "The successful people I know have taken a lot of risks - risk of failure, financial loss, being judged. Successful people tend to think less about what might go wrong and focus on what might go right." (emphasis mine)

Wow, does that hit YOU between the eyes the way it does me? So many times we focus on what MIGHT go wrong that we forget to even THINK about what MIGHT happen if things go RIGHT!

I heard Tony Robbins say something along the line of, "We are so afraid to make a move - to take a risk that, even if we are miserable where we are, we'd rather stay in THAT situation than take the chance to find out what 'might be'."

I really don't want to live that way, do you?

Another thing I found interesting in this article (well, actually I found the WHOLE article interesting, but you'll have to read it yourself) was when Phil began to discuss how we get so used to saying, "no" in our lives.

"People become very good at what they practice. If you practice building a 'wall of no' up in front of everything you're trying to do, you'll be very good at building that wall. The more you practice, the thicker the wall becomes; the more resilient it becomes, the harder it will be to push that wall down."


Sound familiar?

As we go through this week's discussion, I want to encourage you to start thinking about the possibility of living in the "YES!" and get EXCITED about those possibilities!

Just notice even today, as you go through your day, how often you are tempted - out of habit (that wall) - to say "no" to something that really doesn't have to require a "no" - especially when it comes to what you might be able to accomplish or achieve in your own life!

Remember, you're good at what you practice so why not begin to practice living in the "YES!"?

Try it, see what happens. And, as you do...



"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Purpose + Passion

Wow! What a POWERFUL equation!

We've already talked about our PURPOSE in life and that each of us needs to understand that, indeed, we were put here on PURPOSE and FOR a purpose - not by accident!

We also have talked about how, generally speaking, we are all here for the same purpose - helping each other along the way. Service - doing for others without expecting something in return.

Yesterday we talked about how EXCITING our lives can be when, understanding this purpose, we begin to live our lives ON purpose! I hope that hasn't confused you with the way I've worded that. I expounded on it quite a bit in the podcast and in yesterday's blog entry so that, hopefully, you would follow what I was saying about that.

Bottom line is this: REGARDLESS of your job, your pay scale, your educational level and any other factors that you may want to throw in there - YOU have the ability TODAY to approach your day/life with the intention (on PURPOSE) of putting your PURPOSE (service) into place NOW!

This breathes new breath into each day, doesn't it? It should!

This can also bring a sense of FUN into our lives as we seek out ways to serve others and especially when we can do so without their knowing who was responsible.

Now, for some of you, the words "excitement" and "fun" seem like foreign words when used in conjunction to your work. But that no longer needs to be true!

Start an epidemic! YOU can be responsible for impacting YOUR workplace in a powerful and positive way and, in so doing, impact YOUR LIFE in the same way.

On PURPOSE and FULL of purpose!

So, what does this mean as far as your "specific" purpose in life.

I can't answer that for you. That's not a "cop out" - it's a fact.

You've read it and heard it many times before, though - follow your PASSION and try to find a way to have that PASSION serve as your life's work and the way to support you and your family financially.

But, again, even RIGHT NOW, you can bring a new passion to your work! You don't have to wait until you discover the ultimate way to make this happen in your life. It can begin - to some extent - in your life RIGHT NOW!

Try it, you'll like it and you'll like it a LOT!

Now, if you're already doing what you love - your passion - then add this ingredient of PURPOSE to the mix and see what happens.

As I mentioned in my podcast, there is nothing wrong with having great wealth for that great wealth can allow you to SERVE in a much larger way and on a larger scale than you could do without that wealth. WILL YOU? ARE YOU?

Yes, there are some that have wealth that focus all of their thoughts on themselves - but there are many out there that understand this "purpose" and are doing great things.

PURPOSE + PASSION is an unstoppable force for good!

Are you getting excited yet? I'm about to jump out of my skin here! I really am!

This quote that I used earlier in the week still rings in my ears. Consider it one more time with me today:

"One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one's life has meaning, that one is needed in this world." - HANNAH SENESH

Friend, once we begin to live our lives KNOWING that our life has meaning and that we are, indeed, NEEDED in this world - we are living a life of our dreams.

Purpose + Passion = Life Worth Living

Think about it. Begin living it and sharing it (your purpose) TODAY and, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Living Life ON Purpose!

So far this week we have talked about the fact that EACH of us has a PURPOSE for being here - we are all here for a reason! You are NOT here by accident and you are NOT here to just "take up space"!

We also talked about the need to understand that our general purpose while here on this earth is to serve our fellow man, to be of service to those around us and, overall, to do what we can to lift each other up and lighten each other's load.

In today's podcast we talk about the need to live life ON purpose! What does that mean?

Some people just coast through life with no real direction and no real focus - BUT NOT YOU! You understand that you have a meaning, a PURPOSE in life and you understand the need to be aware of the opportunities that are available to you each and every day to LIVE this life of PURPOSE!

With that in mind, you LIVE EACH DAY WITH PURPOSE! And, you do it ON purpose - it's not by accident. You purposely seek out these opportunities to do good, to share a smile, to say a kind word, etc.

When you do so, you begin to take the focus and attention off of your own problems and they seem to become lighter. Why? Simple. YOUR FOCUS has shifted! Instead of putting all of your focus on your problems (which leads us to the proverbial "making a mountain out of a molehill") you begin to focus your attention on others and how you can make a positive impact on the lives of those around you!

ANYONE can do this! There is no special requirement. You don't have to be of a certain income bracket to do this and it doesn't matter where you live or what your job is - ANYONE can do this!

But the main question is this - ANYONE can...but will YOU take advantage of this great opportunity?

Let's look at the quotes that I shared on today's podcast and consider the importance of what is being said for us today...


"One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one's life has meaning, that one is needed in this world." - HANNAH SENESH

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."

"I'm doing what I think I was put on this earth to do. And I'm really grateful to have something that I'm passionate about and that I think is profoundly important." - both by MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

“We are possessed by what we pursue.” - GERRY NESBITT



The way to LIVE LIFE ON PURPOSE and WITH PURPOSE is to KNOW that our life has meaning and that we are, indeed, NEEDED in this world! And, each and every day, NOT IGNORE the small daily differences that we can make that will add up to BIG differences in the lives of those around us.

So, as is true with everything else we discuss here - this is a CHOICE!

You can simply ENDURE life or you can live a life OF purpose ON purpose!

I think I'll choose to live a life OF purpose ON purpose - won't you?

And, as you do, remember to...

"Make it an AWESOME day!(Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Living a Life of PURPOSE

"Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time." - Marian Wright Edelman

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." -Robert Byrne

"We are here on earth to do good for others. What the others are here for, I don't know."
- W. H. Auden

As we continue to talk about "PURPOSE" and, more specifically today, "Living a Life of PURPOSE" it is interesting to notice these quotes that have shed light on this very topic.

In a very general sense we are going to discuss the PURPOSE that each of us has in our lives - this is a common theme for each and every one of us. You likely can pick up on it already just from reading the quotes provided so far.

Regardless of who you are, where you live, what your economic situation is - we are all here for one general purpose: Doing good for others or, said in a different way - SERVICE!

Now, we will try to get a little more specific as far as determining our INDIVIDUAL purpose in life - but this is a MUST for our starting point!

Zig Ziglar said it this way: "If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

I emphasized that last part of his quote because it speaks to the topic at hand - notice what he says! You see, living a PURPOSEFUL life of SERVICE TO/FOR OTHERS is not exclusive of being a success - even a financial success - in our world today!

So, you see, it really DOESN'T matter who you are, where you live or how much money you do or don't have! We can ALL look around us and reach out to those around us and do SOMETHING for them to help them in some small (yet, likely bigger than we realize) way!

I really believe that, until we begin to understand this and even PRACTICE this in our own lives, we will NEVER discover our "specific" purpose for our lives. Why? Because, until we start understanding this basic principle we will continue to live a life focused only on ourselves.

Remember, you were put here for a PURPOSE! You were placed on this earth for a REASON! And, for each and every one of us, that general purpose and reason is to help EACH OTHER! Think about how POWERFUL that is when you really look at it closely.

Living a life focused on ourselves is not really living at all. Here's one final quote that emphasizes this truth:

A useless life is an early death. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

None of us wants to feel as if we are living a "useless life". We ALL want to know and feel that we have a PURPOSE and a REASON for being here. Open your eyes, look around you. See and live PURPOSE for your life!

And, as you do so...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Still Time to Sign Up for the FREE Class

Yes, there is still time to get signed up for this FREE 8-week course!!

What are YOU waiting for? PROCRASTINATION is a KILLER OF DREAMS and it may very well be what is holding you back from getting signed up for this course.

All excuses have been removed, have they not?

Oh sure, you can use the one about TIME... but I can't remove that one for you.

But, again, it is absolutely FREE and being offered TO you and FOR you.

Go to the website: http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and register by clicking on the banner promoting the box and I will be getting the pertinant information to you.

PURPOSE

PURPOSE: –noun
* the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
* an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

–verb
* to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
* to intend; design.
* to resolve (to do something)

The above definitions come from dictionary.com . Take a good look at the definitions and think about what that means for you and your life as we discuss the question:

"WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?"

What is the reason for your existence? What is the reason for you being made/born? I'm sure these are questions that you have contemplated many times before and you may have yet to come up with a satisfactory answer for yourself!

I CAN answer one thing about this for you with 100% certainty! Now, this may sound a big presumptuous - but I KNOW I can and I KNOW I can do so with 100% accuracy! Are you ready?

I can tell you with 100% accuracy what your purpose is NOT! It is NOT to just "take up space" while you are here. That, my friend, is one thing I am sure of!

Yes, you may have been told this at some point during your life or even perhaps all of your life. And, chances are, if this is the case that you STILL struggle with the concept that you are here for MORE than just "taking up space".

Yes, I know that you may have been told, "All you're good for is taking up space!" or some variation of that - and you may have began to believe it after a while and you may STILL believe it to some extent even today.

LISTEN TO ME - You are here for a REASON and there is a PURPOSE for your existence! This is also something that I can state with 100% certainty!

And, hopefully, over the next few days I can help you at least begin to understand what your purpose just might be in this life. But, be assured - YOUR LIFE DOES HAVE PURPOSE!

Here are a few quotes I shared on today's podcast (from http://www.wisdomquotes.com/):

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." (Epictetus)
"Life is what you make of it. Always has been, always will be." (Grandma Moses)

I also shared a listed quote that comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in the Bible. This is the section of Scripture that the group, The Byrds, used in the most popular version of this song ("Turn, Turn, Turn) when it was released on October 1, 1965.

The main focus of these verses? There is a REASON (and a time) for EVERYTHING! This includes YOU, my friend!

I really don't believe in accidents. I believe that everything happens for a REASON! I gave the example on the podcast about how our youngest son, Jordan (now 19 at this writing) was not "planned". This is often referred to as an "accident". This happened at a very difficult time in our lives when I was out of work and we had very little money. HOWEVER, I do believe that his birth was for a PURPOSE and not by accident! Listen to the podcast to hear more on this story - I think you'll enjoy it.

HERE'S THE POINT FOR TODAY:

YOU are here for a REASON! Your life has PURPOSE!

Know that! Believe that! Absorb that as a FACT and allow your subconscious mind to accept it as TRUTH so that it can then reaffirm that back to you as such.

Tomorrow we will try to look at what your purpose IS in life - in a general way. Though general (applies to us all) it may very well help you to become more specific in realizing your purpose in life.

Until then...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Followers COUNT!

Followers COUNT!

We've talked about leaders already. And, by doing so I know that there are some that are thinking that they don't belong in the discussion. Why? "Because I'm a follower, not a leader. I have no desire to be a leader or to be out front!"

That's o.k. and we'll get to you in a moment. But first I want to address the phrase that I used yesterday to launch this discussion: "LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

We have already talked about leaders and we are about to discuss the follower...but for a moment, let's address the group that simply needs to "get out of the way!".

Again, as I mentioned on the podcast for this discussion, some may think that this phrase is harsh - especially telling ANYONE that they need to move out of the way. That's o.k. too. However, when we come to realize that this process of staying focused with a positive mindset in order for us to move toward our goals and dreams (and help others along the way) is a BATTLE against the negative in our world then you may begin to understand that, sometimes, the approach MUST be "harsh" and tough.

Seriously consider this with me for a moment if you would.

Some in our world LEAD. Some in our world FOLLOW. Now, if you're not willing to do one or the other, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

If you are not willing to lead OR follow then you are not willing to do anything. You are unwilling to MOVE in any direction. You are simply staying put and, to be blunt again, getting in the way!

Here's what I have noticed about this group of people that are unwilling to move in ANY direction... they are not satisfied to do this by themselves. That's right. It's not enough for them that THEY don't want to move but they feel the need to recruit others to join them in their "dead weight" mentality.

They are a great discouragement to ANY leader. Why? Because they will not follow. No matter what is done to try to encourage them to follow or even HELP them to follow - they will not!

They are also a great discouragement to other followers. Why? Because they will not follow. Yes, the same reason that they are a discouragement to the leaders. They WILL NOT follow!

Their refusal to either lead or follow has the tendency to "rub off" on other follower that, perhaps, are "on the fringe". These "fringe followers" have just begun to follow and realize that they are a part of a larger team and that it requires EVERYONE to help out and do their part. But then the "fringe follower" notices the "dead weight" and wonders why they, too, won't follow.

So, guess what happens? The "fringe follower" stops following so that they can have a discussion with the "dead weight" and then, before they realize it, the "fringe follower" has now also become "dead weight".

It happens CONSTANTLY in our world and in companies and businesses all around the world.

GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Here's what I mean by that. Hey, if you're not willing to be a leader and if you're not willing to be a follower, would you please move yourself to the side of the "track" or the side of the "highway" so that the rest of us can move on toward our journey?

Sit on the sidelines and gripe and complain if that is what you want to dedicate your life to, but, PLEASE, move out of the flow of "traffic" so as not to impede the progress of those that are either leading or following!

Is it possible for the "dead weight" to change and become a follower and even a leader?

YES! But they first must decide that they want to CHANGE their life and CHOOSE to make this change in their life. They must decide first of all that they, too, want to become a follower. Perhaps, one day, they MIGHT become a leader, but not until they learn the value of becoming a follower.

So, yes, I stick by the bluntness of the phrase, "LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY!".

Followers COUNT!

Sometimes in the are of personal development the idea is felt - whether it's intentional or not - that if you are not a leader, you really don't count.

I disagree with that and so do most people that work in this area. Again, if there are no followers there can not be leaders! Leaders MUST have followers in order to lead.

In today's discussion I group followers into two categories: 1. The "no more/no less" follower and 2. The "more than expected" follower

The "no more/no less" follower is the person that does EXACTLY what is asked of them. This is good in that you know if you ask this person to do a task IT WILL BE DONE! You can count on them and KNOW - without having to check on them - that the task will be done and it will be done well. However, they will do that task and NOTHING MORE.

For example, if they are doing their task and they discover along the way that there is also something else that could be done at the same time - a separate, but connected task - they will not do it. Their thought process is something along the lines of, "I wasn't told to do that task. I am going to stick to what I was told to do and not attempt to do anything else."

Sometimes this action is due to fear of doing the "extra task" incorrectly or even fear of being reprimanded for doing something that they were not told to do. And then, sometimes this action is due to a certain level of "laziness" in that they will do ONLY what they have been asked to do and nothing more. If asked, "Why didn't you go ahead and do this extra task when you discovered it?" their answer will likely be, "Because you didn't tell me to."

Although this type of follower CAN be valuable (they do the task and they do it well) they can also be VERY frustrating to the leader. A leader would prefer to have a follower that, yes, will do the task assigned but will also have the drive to do another task IF it is something that can be done and not distract the follower from their original task. This is called "efficiency".

My guess is that, if you are reading this blog and consider yourself a follower as opposed to a leader, you DON'T consider yourself to be THIS kind of follower. That's just my "gut feeling" about someone that is trying to improve their mindset and, thus, their life.

However, IF, being honest with yourself this DOES describe you, I want to encourage you to change your thinking and step out of the "comfort zone" of being a "no more/no less follower". You may feel some unhappiness and restlessness in your life that is likely connected to being this type of follower and you haven't even realized that yet.

Let me encourage you to step out and become the second kind of follower that I'd like to discuss: the "more than expected" follower.

I have three sons (26 - in April; 23 and 19) and I have tried to instill in each of them the idea of "do more than what is expected" as they have had summer jobs. Do what you are told to do and then do more. I have told them that, if they will develop this attitude about their work - ANY work - they will do well and they will be a valuable employee.

THIS is the kind of follower that leaders love!

Yes, just like the "no more/no less" follower, this follower does not have to be constantly checked on to make sure that they are doing the task as assigned, BUT they have the added bonus of taking the initiative to go ahead and do EXTRA tasks found along the way.

Their attitude is, "Hey, here's something that needs to be done. I'm here, I can do it, so why not do it while I'm here and while I can?"

This type of follower is an invaluable asset to ANY organization and EVERY organization MUST have this kind of follower in order to survive and succeed.

Follower - do NOT allow yourself to develop the attitude of, "If you want me to do more than expected then you need to pay me more!" or anything even similar to that. This is the type of negativity that will end up causing you to be a "dead weight" that needs to get out of the way. And, likely, if you develop this type of attitude and allow it to stay for very long you will likely be MOVED out of the way by having your job taken away from you.

YES, followers COUNT!

YES, even if you are not a leader, YOU COUNT and are a vital part of ANY organization!

Take PRIDE in what you do and always strive to be a "more than expected" type of follower. You will be happier in your work and you will gain great pride in your efforts as well.

Oh, and by the way... by doing so, you will also be a leader to the other followers that have not stepped out of the "no more/no less" category.

That's right, you will be a leader, too even if you don't consider yourself to be one.

Crazy cool, huh?

Thanks for taking the time to read this today. If you haven't done so, I invite you to be sure to listen to the podcast available at iTunes (Future You University) or on my website at http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com

And, as always...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

LEADERSHIP

"Lead, Follow or GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

This is basically the saying that I am using for the basis of my podcast/blog for Wednesday and Thursday and today I am focusing on the "Leadership" aspect.

Now, I understand it when some people kind of "winch" when they read or hear this little line --but think about it and I think you will agree that it is a legitimate phrase. Not everyone is a leader, but if you're not going to lead, then be the BEST follower you can be! However, if you aren't going to lead OR follow - GET OUT OF THE WAY!

I'm going to talk more about the "follow or get out of the way" part in tomorrow's podcast/blog and I won't be devoting a whole lot of time to the "get out of the way" part. Why? Well, honestly, people in that category are not likely to be listening to or reading ANYTHING along the lines of personal development!

In the podcast for today I shared several quotes about leadership that I picked up from http://www.wisdomquotes.com/ (check it out - it has many different categories full of quotes and is a great resource) and I'll share just a few of my favorites here:

"Inventories can be managed, but people must be led." - H. Ross Perot

"I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: which is: Try to please everybody." - Herbert B. Swope

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Again, I use several more in the podcast so be sure to check it out to get the rest of them - but take a close look at even just these three. Leaders are SPECIAL people that understand what it is, first of all, to follow and also to be a servant!

Here's the thing about leaders and followers that most people miss - ALL leaders are STILL followers! Every leader - regardless of who it is - still follows someone! They ALL have a mentor or someone that they turn to for advice or that they use as a model on how they want to lead. It's true!

If ANYONE says, "I follow no one!" then, in my opinion, here are three things you can know about that person immediately: 1. They are a LIAR 2. They are a FOOL 3. They are an IDIOT - 'nuff said.

We likely have all seen "leaders" (I use that term loosely here) that have tried to please everybody - and we've all likely seen the chaos that followed! Being a leader - a TRUE leader - is not always easy and, if you think it is then you are in for a major correction in your thinking!

I love the quote by John Quincy Adams! Summed up, "Leaders Inspire!"

So, here's the thing to think about today...you may not consider yourself to be a leader and, yet, you likely ARE a leader of someone! Remember, all leaders follow someone and, most of the time, most followers have those that follow them. But we'll get into that more in tomorrow's discussion.

If you deem yourself a leader, I really encourage you to take the time to either listen to and write down the quotes I share on the podcast and REALLY take the time to allow them to sink in OR to just got to the quotes page I've shared with you and do the same thing.

It takes a special person to lead in such a way that creates a DESIRE to follow in those around them. Not because they "have to" out of fear, but because they "have to" due to the draw of their "spirit" so to speak. Do you understand what I mean? It's as if there is a magnet in this leader that is drawing them to follow.

WARNING: Keep your head on here! Don't blindly follow someone because they are charismatic! Many have made that mistake and have suffered great losses in their lives - be careful!

The "draw/magnetism" I refer to is one that draws/attracts because you SEE in them action that goes beyond the talk or the charisma. There must be SUBSTANCE behind the pretty lights!

I'd like to leave you with one last quote that I shared on today's podcast:

"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born -- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." - Warren G. Bennis

Are YOU cultivating the leader quality within you?

In my opinion, just being here reading this and/or listening to this podcast shows that you are, indeed, working on improving your mindset and, thus, your life!

That's what leaders do and then they show others the way to do the same thing in their own lives.

Thanks for taking the time to share in my thoughts today - I always appreciate it. Whatever you do, as always, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

One Year Anniversary Celebration!

F.Y.U. Podcast Celebrates ONE YEAR!

It's really hard for me to believe but, on March 2, 2009 I began doing my Future You University podcast with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday format. And now, here I am a year later, still here and now doing a Monday through Friday format and having a great time along the way!

I want to encourage you to be sure to listen to today's "celebration podcast" as I share my very first podcast on "HOPE". I also take some time to thank some of the people that have helped me along the way either by encouragement, participating in my podcasts or even helping with some of the actual physical aspects of what I am trying to do.

So, again, thanks to:

J.B. Glossinger, founder of MorningCoach.com , the place where I discovered a whole group of people all focused on improving their lives by improving their mindset. This is the place that I began to share a lot of my ideas and thoughts through my articles and responses to other posts. It is also where I joined up in a class and learned what I needed to know about doing my podcasts. Some of the people that I met through this site are still connected with me in one way or another and have been real encouragers along the way. J.B. - thanks for your encouragement along the way!

Angie Strader & Joe Hazen have both been guests on my podcast and both have been big encouragers in their own special way. Angie is doing some AMAZING things in her own way and I really connected with Angie when I heard the name of one of her websites: TheWorldNeedsMoreHappy.com - that name spoke to me and I had to talk to Angie to find out more. (Yes, Joe and Angie were both students in the same class that I participated in at morningcoach.com). Joe - "Jammin' Joe" or "The Amazin' Hazen" - and I just seemed to "click" right from the start and, although we haven't spoken a whole lot lately, still seem to have the desire to spur each other on to greater and greater things! Joe is also involved in improving his life by taking steps to be in charge of his own future! Thank you, Angie and Joe!

Gerry Ottesen & Jim Ferguson have both been MAJOR encouragers for me along the way! Gerry regularly sends notes and messages to me either via e-mail or on my Facebook page that also lift me up! Thanks so much for that Gerry - you have a gift in that area, my friend! Jim has done the same thing for me very often and, just about the time I think no one is "out there" and listening I either get a note form Gerry or Joe OR both of them - at just the right time - and I am encouraged to keep sharing my thoughts and ideas. THANK YOU BOTH so much!

Frank McDerment has helped me in so many ways since I began this journey. He has always been available with some great insight and suggestions along the way and has voluntarily helped me with my website and the changes and additions that I have wanted over the past year. This has been worth more - and meant more - than can be expressed here but it is a GREAT blessing to have someone like Frank in my life in this effort! THANKS Frank!

Carola Fuertes is a friend that lives in Chile and, thankfully, last I heard was doing o.k. following the recent earthquake in her country. I've not had the chance to keep up (don't think I could EVER keep up with this firecracker!) with Carola as much lately as earlier, but she is another that I connected with via the morningcoach.com page. Carola has such a brightness surrounding her - a joy - that is infectious and she is one that, for me, encourages me to step out and LIVE LIFE! I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that Carola is still doing her podcast that she began just a little before I started mine. Whatever Carola is doing - she will do to her best and she will enjoy it every step of the way! THANKS Carola!

O.k. now - this is starting to look like a speech after winning an Oscar award or something. Are you waiting for me to break out into, "They like me. They really, really like me!" ? Nah, don't think I'll do that!

But I just couldn't talk about this being a one year anniversary without mentioning at least these that have been some a help to me along the way.

And, oh yes, there are many others that have been an encouragement with a little note here and there letting me know that what I'm doing is making a difference in their lives.

Thank you all and I hope to hear from more and more of you along the way. I cannot tell you what a lift it gives to hear from someone that lets me know that they are listening and that it is something positive for their life.

I have many big plans for this next year and I hope that you will join me along the way for this wonderful ride!

Whatever you do - wherever you live - regardless of your circumstances - always remember these thoughts:

"As long as there is breath, there is hope."

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

The Chilean Earthquake IMPACT

Most, if not all of us, are well aware of the devastating earthquake that hit the country of Chile over this past weekend. I have watched the progression of news articles that have increased the death toll from "dozens" to now over 700 and many of us have seen the images of the terrible destruction and devastation that has come as a result of this earthquake.

One thing that caught my attention, too, was the extended impact of this earthquake with the tsunami warnings that were posted for so many different countries. Here is a small clip from an on-line report I found that emphasizes this fact:

"The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cancels its widespread alert after smaller-than-expected waves hit Japan and Russia. Earlier, experts had issued a warning for 53 countries and regions in the area."

Wow! Fifty-three countries impacted by this one earthquake! I discuss on today's podcast how this brought a few thoughts to mind on how we are connected in this world in so many ways. Let's look at this thought first and then I'll discuss another train of thought that came to mind with this terrible tragedy.

First of all, this world is connected in many more ways than just the physical impact that this earthquake had on some many areas and countries. Because of the expansiveness of our modern media, we have almost IMMEDIATE news and images brought to us from all over the world when such a tragedy strikes.

Yes, there IS also a positive side to the same media that I "ranted" about in last weeks program and it is how it CAN make us all aware of the need for help in situations like this. It also can help us have empathy for those suffering from such a tragedy and, hopefully, move us to ACTION to help in whatever way that we can.

CAUTION: However, we still must be very careful with the AMOUNT of coverage of this tragedy that we allow ourselves to "consume". We can become overwhelmed with emotion to the point of depression if we sit and watch the non-stop coverage of these terrible happenings in our world. So, just be aware of that and be careful in the AMOUNT of coverage that you take in.

Technology also allows us to be connected to people all over the world and to be impacted by these events because of that connection. I have a friend, Carola, that is from Chile and, although rattled and pretty much having everything in her house destroyed, she is alive and well! I have never met Carola but have "connected" with her through several different avenues available on the Internet including Facebook.

You have similar instances in your life, I'm sure. We have the ability to be in contact with people that we have never even met - WOW!

But, here's the question: What are you doing with that?

Here's what I mean - you may have 10,000 followers on Twitter and 10,000 friends on Facebook, but what are you doing with that? Is it just a "let's see who can get the most numbers" thing or is it an OPPORTUNITY for YOU to do good and impact lives?

I really want to encourage you to consider the latter and take advantage of the "tools" available to each of us today to impact people's lives all around this wonderful world of ours! Sure, chat with your friends and laugh and have fun, but also take the time to encourage and share positive thoughts and ideas.

Finally, the Chilean earthquake, along with the recent earthquake in Haiti brought to mind some thoughts that are a little more sobering. There are NO GUARANTEES in life! Put even more plainly, LIFE IS NOT GUARANTEED!

You've heard me say (or read) many times that TODAY is all we have and that "tomorrow" is an illusion. Recently in our discussion of 12 Things to Do For a Positive Life we ended with something along the lines of, "Make the most of each day and evening because, once gone, they are gone forever!"

Think of the countless numbers of people in Chile and Haiti that, either the day before or even earlier in the same day, spoke to friends and family for the last time without realizing it. I'm not trying to be morbid, I promise. I'm simply trying to bring into focus the need for us to make the most of the time we have NOW!

Make the most of each day. Do today what needs to be done. Don't put it off. Don't wait for a better opportunity to share you life and love with those around you. Do it TODAY.

Keep those that have been impacted by these terrible tragedies in your thoughts and prayers and take the lessons mentioned here to heart and let it IMPACT your life for the better!

And, as always...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike