Begin to Dream Again!
Taking the main thought from yesterday's article - Can you still hear the music? Or, as I talk about on today's podcast, have you allowed the music (passion, drive, dream) to be buried by negative thoughts and influences to the point that it can no longer be heard and enjoyed?
It's easy for us to allow this to happen, so don't beat yourself up too much.
It's easy because it usually doesn't happen all at once but a little bit at a time and a little bit each and every day. Then, after a while, we have failed to even notice that the "music" is gone and, instead, we have replaced it with "noise".
Today I want to encourage you to DREAM AGAIN!
Here are the questions that I said we would address today - "If money were not an issue, what would you be doing right now?" - "Are you doing that right now - today?" - "If not, why not?"
Again, remember - IF MONEY WERE NOT AN ISSUE (because I know that's our first "objection" to this scenario and the first "reason/excuse" we use as to why we AREN'T living that life)!
Somewhere along the way we have lost our passion and our the joy of our dream (the "music") in our lives and for our lives. And we wonder why we often feel unhappy and unfulfilled?
Maybe it was the idea that we had to "get a real job" and give up on our dreams. Maybe it was the lure of something else that took us off course.
Whatever the reason, I want to encourage you to uncover that dream once again!
Now, I understand that you may not be able to make the living that you desire by that dream alone (but, then again, perhaps you could!), but I still want you to get excited about uncovering that "hidden treasure" that you have left out of your life for so long.
Have you ever discovered a box from your attic that contained some items from your childhood? Do you remember the excitement and child-like feeling that you had when you began to rediscover those items and the thoughts and feelings along with them? Do you remember the joy? The thrill? Did you begin talking and sharing with those there with you about what each item was and why you kept it? My guess is you were like a kid all over again!
THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Just the very fact that you decide to "uncover" and rediscover those dreams (the "music") that you once had will excite you - IF you will allow yourself this joy and pleasure!
Beware of the negative talk in your own mind as well as what may come from others. You may tell yourself, "Oh, just leave that alone - what good will it do to think about it again? You'll never be able to do it anyway, so why even think about it?"
DO IT ANYWAY!
I believe you will feel that same exhilaration that I described above in the scenario of opening a box from your youth.
Do this a little each and every day and feel some joy come back into your life. Feel some hope begin to show up as well. You may very well even discover (as well as your family and those around you) that you are a little happier and not as grumpy and negative as before!
Why? Because you have allowed yourself to "hear the music" or to dream once again!
And finally, one last suggestion - find a way to begin to incorporate these dreams back into your life once again. Just a little at a time begin to find ways to enjoy them in your life.
Perhaps it will be in the evenings or on the weekends...whatever and whenever - just do it and see what happens!
Hey, I'm excited for you!
And, as you do, let the "music move you" like it did once before!
And, hey friend, don't forget to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Can You Still Hear the Music?
I'm glad I was able to find the graphic above for today's podcast. Sometimes it's hard for me to find a graphic to "fit" what the topic of the day is and sometimes I have to kind of "stretch" it a bit to make it work -- but this one seems to fit perfectly with today's topic.
Let me get off track a little right off the bat, o.k.? Music is POWERFUL! Music has the ability to make us laugh, smile, sigh and even cry. I believe that music - perhaps on an even level with love - is the most powerful force on earth.
You don't have to agree with me. After all, this is MY blog and MY thoughts, right? But, I can almost promise that you have been moved to tears of sorrow and/or joy as well as had your foot tapping - whether you intended to or not - due to music.
Music is PASSIONATE! And, many times, this passion is what makes music so powerful in our lives.
Think about it. The passion attached to someone that we love is connected to a song that has "just the right words" to it. The two mix together to move us in a powerful way! The passion attached to the pain we feel when someone we love has died can be connected to a song that, again, has "just the right words" that express exactly how we feel at the moment. Powerful.
Have you noticed how even babies just HAVE to move when music starts playing? I've seen that with my own kids and it has always amazed me.
I would sing to all three of my sons while my wife was still carrying them in her stomach and they would get very still as I would sing. My oldest - obviously being the first born - went through a very long ordeal in labor before the doctors finally decided that a Cesarean section needed to be done. By the time he was born, Jacob was very stressed and crying like crazy. When they handed him to me I began to speak and sing to him and he calmed down immediately!
O.k. now - have I painted a pretty good picture of the passion and moving force that we find with music? I hope so and I hope that you can relate. I know you can because, again, music IS such a powerful force in our world.
Now then, in connection to what we began talking about yesterday based on the movie, "August Rush", I must ask the question found in the title of today's article - "Can you still hear the music?"
"Music" in this sense can be a variety of things in your life. I want you to think back 10, 20, 30 maybe even 50 years ago and ask yourself what it was that made you smile and sing? What made you happy? What made your heart soar?
Do you remember what it was like when you saw that special someone for the very first time? What about the very first time that you spoke to that person? Were you nervous? Elated? Excited?
How did you feel when you went out on that first date? How about when they said "yes" to your proposal of marriage? The wedding day...the honeymoon?
How long ago was that? Now fast forward to today. Is it the same or have you allowed all of the "stuff" in life to drag you and your relationship down to where you have forgotten the joy and the passion of your relationship?
Now let's connect this to your "job" and/or what you wanted to be "when you grew up".
What were your plans even when you got married or when you first got out of college or whatever time you were looking at your life ahead in a brand new way?
What were you going to do? How were you going to go about it? Who was going to stop you? Were you going to be the BEST at whatever it was? Was it going to make you happy and provide you and your family with everything you ever dreamed of?
What happened?
(Now, again, I know that there are some of you that are doing what you love and have always been doing what you love. I want to hear from you! Send me a note and let me know how you have kept it this way - mike@futureyouuniversity.com )
For many, the "dream" has vanished and they find themselves doing something other than what they had planned as well as finding that they dread each and every day. They find that because of this dread, they are physically and emotionally exhausted most - if not all - of the time. Due to this, many times the life at home with the family is not at all what they had planned either.
What happened?
Can you still hear the music in the midst of all of this or has it been silenced by all of the "stuff" that is weighing you down? Am I connecting with you here?
Here's the thing - the music STILL PLAYS whether we can hear it or not. It's still there and it still has the ability to move and inspire our lives.
The "music" I refer to can be called "passion", "drive", "motivation" or whatever it is that you want to call it. Whatever it is that puts the "wind in your sail" and gives you that feeling that, indeed, anything is possible!
Can you still hear it? Can you still feel it? Do you feel the sense that it IS still there is you will be take the time and the effort to listen?
Here are a few questions to lead us into tomorrow's discussion:
If money were not an issue, what would you be doing? Are you doing that? If not, why not?
Give it some thought, wrestle with it, write down your thoughts and join me tomorrow as we continue this discussion and, in the mean time....listen for that "music". It's still there!
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
What Are YOU Absorbing Today?Each and every day we absorb an unimaginable amount of information.
Some good. Some not so good. Some useful and much that is useless!
Some positive and some negative.
Here's the deal...although we may all be exposed to this almost overpowering amount of "data" for our minds, we can control what and how much we actually let in!
A lot of this has to do with what we are seeking, what we are wishing to include in our lives and what we are wanting to make a "permanent" part of our mind and mindset.
Permanent? Yes, permanent! Once it's "in there" it's "in there" for good!
If we don't have any focus or direction in and/or for our lives then it really doesn't matter to us what we do or don't let into our mind. We become a "human landfill" that is open for anyone and everyone to freely "dump" whatever they'd like into our lives and our minds.
Pretty picture, huh?
However, if we DO have focus and we are determined to keep out as much negativity from ever gaining access to our minds and attitudes, then we will likely be successful in this endeavor. Why? Because it is part of what we have "set out" to do and accomplish in our lives!
Here's the real kicker - even those that have no focus and have turned their minds into that "human landfill" likely once had passion and focus in their lives - they've just given up and given in!
When did they (you?) give up on following their (your?) dreams? When did they stop "listening" to that inner voice that kept them going with hope and promise?
WHAT HAPPENED?
In today's podcast I talk about the movie, "August Rush" starring Robin Williams. This movie came out in 2007 and I highly recommend it for your viewing if you have not seen it already. Even if you have, you might want to watch it again!
I had watched it once before and it was on again over the weekend. My son, Jordan and my wife were watching it so I sat down to watch what was left of the movie. It's really a powerful movie full of all kinds of "hidden treasures" for those that are seeking to follow their passions.
You can listen to the podcast for more, but let me get to the main thought and idea that I want to share today about this movie - would that be alright with you?
The main character in the movie is a boy of about 12 years old that is searching for his parents. His grandfather forged his mother's signature to "release papers" in the hospital which allowed him to be put up for adoption. His mother - a teenager at the time - was told by her father that the baby had died during childbirth. The father of the baby - the girl's boyfriend had been run off by her father "for her own good".
They were both deeply moved and involved in music and this boy - renamed "August Rush" by Robin Williams' character ("Wizard") - was very musically inclined and would say that the music would help him find his parents.
He heard music EVERYWHERE! He heard music in the busy traffic of the New York city streets! He heard music in the noise that he encountered as he walked those streets. Everything was music to this young boy's ears!
Again, for more details, listen to the podcast or just watch the movie (really, DO watch it!) or check out this Wikipedia article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Rush , but at one point in the movie this boy and Robin Williams' character are looking up at the stars and Robin Williams asks the boy, "Where you do get it? (the music) Where does it come from?"
The answer? Something along the lines of, "I just hear it everywhere. It calls out to me!"
He "listened" to what led him - his passion, his life and, in his own belief - his future with his parents that he had never even seen.
Now, I'll be talking more about other thoughts I picked up on from the movie during the rest of this week, but just think about that one main thought and how POWERFUL it is and how POWERFUL it can be in our own lives!
What passion are YOU following? What is your LIFE'S PASSION? Direction? Path? Course?
What are YOU "hearing"? What are YOU absorbing?
Somewhere along the way many of us - if not MOST of us - have forgotten to listen to our dreams and to our heart's desire and we have given up and stopped listening!
That "inner voice" has been muffled by all of the other "noise" and other "voices" (usually negative) that we have allowed into our lives.
My guess is that for many of you, as you read these last couple of paragraphs, you maybe felt a slight "tug" from inside. Am I right?
It's that "inner voice" trying to get your attention once again. It's that passion that you have put away that is trying to come back to the surface!
Do you feel it?
DO NOT GIVE UP! Do NOT stop listening!
This was the whole point of the title - "What Are YOU Absorbing?" - are you absorbing the sounds and "vibes" (yes, I said "vibes") that can draw you, lead you to your destiny?
And, yes, I feel that strongly about it!
Or will you turn a deaf ear once again and follow the same, mindless path of so many?
Be sure to follow this blog and my podcast this week IF you want to start to listen once again. IF you want to start to dream once again. IF you want to start to LIVE once again.
Until then - and as you go through the day...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Survivor: Character Counts!
For this week's last blog entry I wanted to share a few more thoughts on some things that I saw as part of this most recent season of "Survivor" which came to an end this past Sunday night.
I've already talked about Pavati's excuse of, "I had no choice!" in trying to defend her alliance with Russell - the most vile of the villains - when she realized that her decision to do so was starting to cost her in her bid to win the $1 million prize.
And that's exactly what it is - an EXCUSE!
Have you bought into that excuse in your own life? Have you decided that it's easier to give up any responsibility in and for you own life by claiming that you have no choice? Please don't!
There is ALWAYS a choice. Always. 100% of the time.
The choices that we have may not always be wonderful choices, fun choices or even choices that we particularly want to make, but there are ALWAYS choices and we make them every single day.
Deciding to do nothing, to wave the white flag of surrender and proclaim, "I give up! I have no choice" is a choice in itself. Please understand that it is a choice that will never lead you forward closer to your dreams and your goals.
The excuse, "I have no choice" is like a ball and chain tied around your ankle that will always weigh you down and keep you where you claim that you don't want to be.
Free yourself, take responsibility and open your eyes to the many choices that surround you each and every day!
Now on to the second part of today's discussion - CHARACTER COUNTS!
As I mentioned, Russell (in my opinion and apparently in the opinion of those that played with him and against him) was the most vile of the villains. He lied to anyone and everyone and told them whatever they wanted to hear. He continuously would tell someone one thing and then turn around and tell another person something completely different. He tried to threaten and bully everyone else because of his perceived "ultimate power and control" of the game.
He did well! He got all the way to the final three contestants - as he did in his last appearance on the show - who had a chance to win $1 million. And, just as it was the last time he was on the show, he really thought that he was the clear winner and that he would be rewarded the money.
Wrong!
Not only did he not win, he didn't even receive one vote from his peers deeming him worthy of the prize. Russell was shocked.
Really? Yes, really!
He felt - and even said - that those on the "jury" that he had helped kick off of the island and lied to (he had lied to each and every one of them) would respect (he actually used that word) the way that he played the game and that they would vote him in as the winner.
Wow. I don't believe anyone could ever be more "off" in their opinion and that of reality.
But, you see, this is one of the things I absolutely hate about this show. People have begun to believe that the phrase, "Outwit, Outlast, Outplay" means "Always Lie" in the process of the game.
That really bugs me! In my opinion, if you really want to see someone "outwit, outlast and outplay" then let's see someone do so WITHOUT lying! That, my friend, would be a person deserving of the $1 million!
But back to the main point - CHARACTER COUNTS!
Russell found out that, to his surprise, even in a game full of lies, CHARACTER COUNTS.
And, for those that follow the show that phrase does seem a little odd when talking ABOUT that show!
So many people live their lives conniving and scheming to get ahead and try to excuse their actions by saying something along the lines of, "Oh, that's just the way of the world!" and "If I don't do this I'll get chewed up and spit out!".
And yes, sadly, many people do get ahead in our world by living lives of dishonesty. (By the way, one thought I had about Russell was this - would you want to do business with him in the "real world" after watching how dishonest and conniving he was?).
But even when it may not seem to be so, please understand and stick to the belief that CHARACTER COUNTS!
It counts in defining who you are! It counts in defining your legacy that you will leave behind! It counts in what your children see in you - part of that legacy.
When you live a life of dishonesty and deceit you will always be living a life of discomfort and distrust. After all, if YOU are dishonest and deceitful then likely the people that you have around you are the same way. Watch out for that proverbial "knife in the back"!
However, even though those that live lives of character do not always see the immediate "reward", know this - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE BLESSED BY LIVING IN SUCH A WAY!
Yes, you will. Your life will be blessed with TRUE and HONEST friends - people that you can count on and are willing to be counted! You will find people ready to help you at a moments notice regardless of the need or when the need arises. You will live a life of contentment knowing that you have done your best to live a life worthy of the "Golden Rule" - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Hey, that may sound corny - but it's true.
CHARACTER COUNTS!
And I encourage you to live that way today even if it seems that those who live otherwise are the ones "getting ahead".
Let's get to the finish line and THEN take a look around, agreed?
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
"Keep Going"
Based on what I read in the quote by Conrad Hilton, if you quit you become unsuccessful. I've actually talked about this from time to time over the time that I've been doing these podcasts and blog entries - but it's worth visiting again as I celebrate the occasion of my 300th podcast.
Yup, that's right - #300!
Let me share some thoughts that I have about that and then I want to turn it around and help you apply these things to YOUR life so that you can be encouraged to "keep going" as well.
I began doing my podcast on March 2, 2009 as a Monday, Wednesday and Friday podcast and, though a little nervous at first, loved it right from the start. Of course, you have have to understand that most of my life has been spent speaking in front of people so it wasn't anything new to some extent. Just a new "venue".
It didn't take long for me to realize that, especially since from the beginning I was reserving the Friday podcast to do a "Fun Friday" episode that, just having Monday and Wednesday to talk about things really wasn't enough.
I'll never forget as I announced that I was going to a Monday - Friday format that I had a close friend say to me, "Why are you doing that? What in the world are you going to talk about all of that time?" She didn't really understand the whole concept anyway and so she couldn't see that anyone would be able to have THAT MUCH STUFF to share!
Let me say this (and this is something you can apply to your own life as well) - when you pay attention to the world around you there will be lessons shown each and every day. IF you are watching and paying attention. That being so, I try to pay attention to how people behave (including myself), things people say and attitudes (both positive and negative) that are displayed as I go through my day. Try it and see if it's not true in your own life! Perhaps keep a journal of just some quick thoughts that come to mind on what you have learned from this process through each day and soon you'll be amazed at how much you have learned and noticed!
Anyway, over time I have asked for some feedback for one reason or another and, most of the time, I've never had a lot of response - that's disappointing!
I really don't have an adequate way to know how many people are listening to my podcasts and I do have some sort of tracking to have an idea how many people might be reading the blog - so I know they're out there...but they (uh...YOU!) just aren't getting involved in much interaction.
So, yes, there have been many times that this has been a bit frustrating and discouraging, but I have kept going and I WILL keep going.
Why? Because I hope that what I do is helping someone - even one! And, there are times that I do receive an e-mail or a message on Facebook from someone that tells me that they are benefiting from what I am doing. That makes me smile and, at times, has even put a tear in my eye.
So, here' the deal... yeah, there are days that I wonder if anyone is listening and if what I'm doing makes a difference and then there are days that I know - even if I haven't heard from anyone - I KNOW that I am making a difference and I keep moving ahead!
So, what about you?
Perhaps you are on a similar journey. Oh, it may not be doing a podcast and blog, but you may have started down a journey toward your goals and dreams and, as you plod along, you wonder if you are actually making any progress or if anything is even happening in your life.
It's hard to "see" the progress that we make from day to day as we go through the day. Have you ever tried to watch the grass grow? I hope not!
But, you know, if you tried, not only would it get very boring but you'd not notice anything happening at all!
However, come back in a week and take a look - it grew and you can tell that it grew!
Remember going to see your grandparents or someone else that hadn't seen you in a while when you were younger? What did they almost always say? "My goodness how you have grown!"
We may not have noticed that much at the time (even though if you were a male teen you likely were measuring your height almost every day!) but they noticed right away. Why? They were seeing you "from a distance" (through time) and not "up close" (day to day).
If you had the ability to "rise up" above yourself and actually see a beginning point for this journey that you are on and then also be able to see a line to where you are now - you'd SEE the progress that you have made!
One of the ways that you can do this is by keeping a journal along the way. Write down the good and the bad thoughts and moods. Likely, what you will see is that your attitude has improved over time and your whole thought process is not the way it once was.
You ARE making progress as long as you have not decided to give up!
KEEP GOING! Never give up!
The world needs people like me and you that are DETERMINED to make a difference in our world and are DETERMINED to better themselves along the way!
So, my friend, even when times are tough and you get discouraged, understand that you ARE making a difference and keep going!
In closing, I would like to say "thanks" to a few people that have kept me encouraged along the way from time to time. I usually hate to do this because I'm always afraid that I'll leave someone out - but I hope not! A special thanks to Brain Johnson for sending the encouraging cards to me, to Jim Ferguson that always lets me know that he is listening and to Gerry Ottesen for being a constant source of encouragement and finally to my good friend, Frank McDerment for being an encourager and also for doing my Future You University website going!
Thanks, friends!
And, to you my friend, if you are reading this and following along - I thank you! Let me hear from you from time to time!
Always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Survivor - Choices Matter!
This past Sunday the latest "season" of the television reality show, "Survivor" came to an end with someone receiving $1 million as a reward.
The interesting thing about this season' shows was that the producers pitted "Heroes" vs. "Villains" and it was quite an entertaining series.
Now, even if you HATE this show or if you don't know anything about it - PLEASE KEEP READING because I believe there is a very valuable point to be made. (I'll be talking about some other things that really DO bother about the general make up of the show - so you'll like that if you don't like the show!).
One of the things that EVERYONE in the show does is the development of alliances that they may - or may not - stick to in order to have a "team" that will all help each other. This usually doesn't happen because, hey, when there's $1 million dollars involved people go crazy!
Anyway, one player, Parvati, chose the worst of all villains, Russell, to be her main ally. Yes, this got her down to the final three to remain but, as she soon found out, this decision also worked against her as those that had already been voted off would now decide who would receive the $1 million prize.
Here's the thing...while Parvati used her alliance with Russell to get her through the game, once she realized that the "jury" was against her due to that connection she told one jury member, "I didn't have a choice! I had no choice but to ally myself with him!"
Wrong.
Whether you are playing Survivor or the game of life - you ALWAYS have a choice! ALWAYS!
I know I just went a long way to make a point - but it was so powerful to see (at least to me) how once Parvati knew it was working against her she decided to use the excuse, "I had no choice!"
What about you today?
Have you allowed yourself to fall back on that weak excuse, "I have no choice!"
Not only is it a weak excuse, it is a LIE!
No, I'm not calling you a lie, but I am saying that you have fallen for a lie and have CHOSEN (there's a choice in iteself) to use it as an "excuse" for whatever is not as you would have it in your life.
Take the time to think about it and honestly ask yourself how many times and for how many different situations in your life have you allowed yourself to use this as an excuse (you may even think of it as a legitimate reason)?
Many times when people give up they cry out, "I didn't have a choice!" or "What choice did I have?".
What about you?
I will be continuing on with this thought process and, between now and then, I ask that you really take a close look at this and discover what areas - if any - in your life that you have allowed this lie to be used.
You might be surprised.
Until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Shake It Off and Move On!
So why is there a donkey staring me in the face? If you don't know already then it's obvious you haven't listened to the podcast for today, so I'll have to explain in a moment.
This past Saturday my youngest son, Jordan, graduated from High School and, during the ceremony, the featured speaker shared a simple - yet powerful - story about an old donkey (aha! Now I know why there's a donkey staring me in the face!).
It seems that this old donkey was walking around the farm when he stumbled into an old, dry well on the property. The old farmer, discovering this old donkey down in this dry well thought about it for a little while and decided that since there was no way he could get the old donkey out of the well and, also, since the old donkey wasn't really good for much of anything, that he'd just fill in the well with the donkey in it.
Now, that sounds harsh, I know - but it's just part of the story, o.k.?
The old farmer then called together his neighbors and asked them to all bring a shovel so that they could fill in this old dry well and be done with it. As the crowd dumped shovel after shovel of dirt down the well the old donkey would simply shake the dirt off of his back and step up on the dirt that was now beneath him. Most did not notice this at first - the action was so small and unnoticeable - but, soon, the crowd begin to notice that the donkey was continually shaking the dirt off of his back and then stepping up and getting closer and closer to the top of the old well.
As you can imagine, eventually, the old donkey finally stepped up one last time and walked on out of the well and off into the distance! A silly and corny story, yes, but it does have a very powerful message attached!
The graduation speaker then challenged this graduating class with the idea that they must be like the old donkey and be prepared to "shake it off and step up" as they encounter struggles in their lives. I added "move on" to the equation because that is what the donkey did once he had gotten out of the well.
"Shake it off, step up and move on!"
What a powerful formula for all of us to remember and put into practice in our lives.
By now, you have likely heard me (or read my writings stating such) say that there are more than enough people that are more than happy to dump their "negative dirt" (let's get blunt here - "negative CRAP!") on us again and again and again.
If we do not have the determination to prevent this from having an impact on our lives then this negative crap will begin to weigh us down and wear us out until we finally crumble under the weight and give in to stay put and never make advancement in our lives.
WILL YOU ALLOW THAT?
Instead, let's determine that we will shake off this negative crap - don't allow it to stay "on your back" or in your mind! Shake it off! It's worthless and useless! The only worth it may have is if you use it as "fuel for your fire" and determination to move on REGARDLESS of what others may say and/or do!
Shake it off and then STEP UP, determined to not stay put. Determined to move FORWARD in your life! Keep doing so and you will soon discover that you have, indeed, moved on in your life!
Powerful, powerful story! Simple, yes. But again, do not allow the fact that is simple cause you to overlook the power found within.
So, today, I encourage you to be determined to do just like the old donkey - "Shake it off, step up and move on!"
You can do it! One step at a time and one day at a time.
And, as you go through each day, always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Desire Determines Direction (Part 4 - Conclusion)
Here's a question to consider as we begin today's discussion: Do you even KNOW what your real "desire" or "dream" is for your life?
That may sound like a silly question and you may even answer right away, "Well, of course I do!" But do you really?
You see, again, so many of us THINK we are following OUR desires when, in reality, we're not following our desires at all - we're following someone else's FOR us. And, if you take the time to really think about it and you discover that this is actually true in your life, you may not even remember or even know what YOUR desire/dream really is after all.
This is purely a "guesstimate", but I'd say that at least 80% of us are not really following OUR desires and dreams, but someone else's. If I'm even close to being right - and I think I am - isn't that something to consider?
And, again, the thing is, most of that 80% don't even realize that this is true in their lives! Many f that 80% think they are actually following THEIR desires and then wonder why they feel unfulfilled and unhappy!
So, today, as the conclusion to our week's discussion on, "Desire Determines Direction" (if you're following someone else's desire or dream, which direction are you headed?) I want to try to help you focus in and discover - or rediscover - YOUR desire and dream for YOUR life!
I want to challenge you to really take the time to sit down and give this some thought - have you forgotten what your desire and dream is for your life? Has it been so long - have you been "off track" for so long - that you have forgotten what it was that got you "excited" about your life? Try to remember, try to think again of what it was that you wanted for your life and get a piece of paper and a pencil or pen out and get ready to go through a very simple process that will help you in this endeavor.
Let me just say here first, that sometimes, "life" just gets in the way and we do have to postpone some things from time to time. That doesn't make you a failure or a "slackard" as we say in Arkansas, it just means that "life happens"! For example, if you have young children at home, many times these children and all the things that go with it take center stage - as it should!
So, sometimes things may have to be postponed, but it's also important for us to keep our desires and dreams at the forefront of our thoughts so that, when the opportunity arises, we are ready to make some moves in order to make them a reality in and for our lives. You may even be able to do some things "on the side" (in the evenings or whenever) that might be slowly moving you in that direction. By keeping this at the forefront of our thoughts - even though other things are taking center stage - our minds will be open and aware of opportunities that, otherwise, we might miss!
Alright, do you have your paper and writing instrument ready? Here we go and keep in mind, get as detailed as you possibly can in this process! This will help you remember and reignite vividly your true desires and dreams for your life!
1. Write It Down! As best as you can, write down what your desire/dream is and get as specific and as detailed as possible. Don't just say, "I want to be successful". What does that mean anyway? For some, "successful" means raising a happy and healthy family while, for others, it may mean that PLUS running their own business. It's different for everyone so get as detailed and specific as you can as to what it means for you! See what I mean? Hey, don't worry about it if you fill up a whole page! What you may find is this - once you start thinking and writing down your thoughts it may all just "flow" line after line after line! This is good for it shows that your mind if opening up and pouring out the treasure that you have, perhaps, kept under lock for too long!
2. "Visualize" Living that Desire and/or Dream! What does it look like? Again, get as specific and detailed as possible. Don't worry about what anyone else might think about what you write - no one else needs to even see this! This is for you! As you write describe where you are, what your surroundings look like - both geographically and physically (your home, office, car and other surroundings). See and describe what YOU look like - your hair, your body, your clothes, your smile. See and describe how you FEEL! What about the people around you? Who are they? What do they look like? Picture it in your mind and transfer those thoughts down on this paper.
3. Your Why. Why does that image you just wrote down excite you? DOES it excite you? Why is this so important to you? Why is it a desire or dream of yours? Again, get as detailed and specific as you can. By doing so, you will clarify whether this is really YOUR desire or not! Honestly, only YOU know the real "why" behind your dream or desire. Perhaps you've never even shared that with anyone else - do it now on this paper and remember, no one else ever has to see this but you! So, release any inhibitions that would keep you from being open and honest about your "why" and free yourself by writing this down now.
4. What Now? It's a wonderful thing to think, visualize and talk about your "why" concerning your desires and dreams. However, if that is all we ever do then it will always remain simply a dream. So, it's important for you to know take the time (it may even take several days to do this part) to figure out exactly what has to take place - what has to happen - in order for you to actually arrive at the image you visualized in step 2. Do you need to take some courses of some kind? Will you need to get a loan for a business? If so, how and where do you need to check this out? Will you need to move to a different place? You are the one that will have to take the time to make out this list. And then, for each of these you have to break it down to what will be involved in that process.
For example, let's say your desire is to teach at a nursing school. I heard on the news last night that there is a BIG shortage of those that are able to TEACH nurses and, because of that, there is a shortage of qualified nurses to feel the need! So, if that were your desire you would write that down and visualize it as well as get specific as to "why" this is a desire of yours. Now, you will have to get specific as to WHAT has to happen. For one, you will need to check to see what the requirements are and what requirements you lack. You will need to also find out where you can go to take the classes necessary as well as the cost involved. Will you need financial aide? Will you have to relocate? Can you do some of this online? Will you be able to do this part time while you keep your job or do you plan to dedicate yourself to this 100% so that you can move ahead as quickly as possible? If you decide to go for it 100%, what will be the financial strain or need while you do so?
Get the picture? There is a lot more to this example, but I think I've shown enough to give you the idea of what you really need to do here. Again, specific and detailed!
5. Date to be Completed? By going through the process described in #4, you should be able to come up with a reasonable time line as to when you should be able to be living the life that you envisioned when you "visualized" your desire and dream. Yes, there may be some things that come into play that set it back from time to time - but for now, come up with a realistic idea of when this process might be completed.
6. What Now? Again, it's easy - and fun! - to talk about and dream about our desires and dreams. And, again, it's easy to keep them there as a dream and never really make a move to help them become a reality in our lives. Is that what YOU want? Do YOU want to still be talking and dreaming about this five years from now? OF COURSE NOT!
So, the thing you MUST do now (and this may be the hardest thing to do) is to figure out what you must do NOW to "get the ball rolling" on this process. What step - what first step - do I make today?
Perhaps it is a phone call to begin the process described in #5. Whatever it is, the important thing is to do SOMETHING that will begin this journey to reality!
The easiest thing in the world to do at this point is to do nothing! To put it off until "tomorrow" and then put it off again until "tomorrow" and on and on it will go.
Isn't it time to stop talking about it and start moving - actually MOVING toward your desires and dreams? YES, IT IS!
And you can do it! Just make sure the desire and dream is yours and, as the title of this week's topic states: "Desire Determines Direction"!
Now, get up and get going and make that desire a reality! And, in advance, congratulations for doing so!
And, every day along the way, never forget to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Desire Determines Direction (Part 3)Where are you headed? It depends on your desire, does it not?
Think about it...if one person desires to go to New York and another desires to go to California they will NOT be headed in the same direction, right? Pretty simple concept when we think of it like that - but not so easy to grasp when we apply it to our own lives.
Along that same thought, if your desire is to go to New York and you stay at home - will you make progress on your journey? You may say, "Well, DUH! Of course not!"
Seems pretty obvious when we use an example like that, right?
Yet, how many of us "say" that we have the desire to change the direction of our lives or state that we have a desire to achieve this or that and our lives and remain "sitting in our chair" never making a move in that direction? And, the sad thing is, many people in that situation whine about why nothing ever improves in their life!
As is true with everything that I share with you through the podcast and through this blog - THE CHOICE IS YOURS! It really and truly IS up to you!
"Oh, but I'll start tomorrow" you say. Wouldn't you agree that this is an indicator of what your desire REALLY is? Your TRUE desire would appear to be staying right where you are and not making any changes or progress in your life REGARDLESS of what you SAY!
What's that old saying? "Actions speak louder than words."
Jim Rohn put it this way: "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure."
Notice the words, "our disciplines" and "our judgments" and understand that it IS up to you! No one else can do it for you. Sure, others can encourage you but only YOU can make the decision to put words into action!
Don't settle for the "instant gratification" of spending one more hour glued in that chair in front of the television watching mind-numbing junk....ACT UPON YOUR TRUE DESIRE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE!
(Yeah, I was "yelling" that -- sometimes that's needed, wouldn't you agree?)
Tomorrow we will conclude this series of thoughts with some encouraging words to help us ALL live up to our words and by examining what our TRUE desires really are.
I hope you'll join me and, until then and as you go through you day, be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Desire Determines Direction (Part 2)The definition of "desire" as given by dictionary.com is as follows for the verb usage: "to wish or long for; crave; want." And, for the noun usage: "a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment."
I also wanted to find out the definition for the word crave or craving since it was used in both of these definitions. The noun usage of "craving" is defined as: "great or eager desire; yearning" and the verb usage for the word, "crave" is defined as: "to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly".
So, here's the question for the day - What is it that you "long for, want greatly and desire eagerly"? What is it that you crave that will "bring satisfaction or enjoyment"?
Only YOU can answer that question for only YOU know the answer to that question!
Again, it's one thing to SAY that we desire something in our lives and it's a whole different thing to actually live our lives in response to something that we don't actually believe deep down inside!
Think about it this way... have you ever changed your mind about how you felt about someone? Sure you have! But even more specifically, have you ever thought you were "in love" with someone only to discover later on that you either weren't in love with that person anymore OR that you discovered that, perhaps, you weren't really "in love" with that person in the first place.
You see, you can still SAY the words, "I love you" but your actions - even your body language - will betray you because you know deep down inside that it simply is not true. And, usually, if the person on the other end of this relationship is paying attention at all, they will pick up on the body language and other factors that even let them know that, although you say it, you really don't mean it.
You may feel that way about a so-called "desire" in your life. Maybe it WAS a desire in your life at one time. Maybe it was a desire that really wasn't your own but, you were more or less talked into it and you've tried to follow it anyway. Maybe you took some sort of "test" that would determine what your gifts and talents were and you have been trying to follow what was indicated SHOULD BE your desire.
Let's go back and revisit that "wake up call" from yesterday: You are where you are BECAUSE you have allowed it to be so!
Go back up two paragraphs and revisit the thoughts on "how" or "why" something may be a "desire" that you've tried to follow. Notice that in EACH of these situations that "fire" for that "desire" is not sufficient enough to keep you enthused.
Yes, it IS possible to really, truly believe that something IS a real desire of yours - your life's calling and have that change later. Early on you're "on fire" and ready to take on the world with your dedication to this "desire" and then you find that your heart just isn't in it after all.
What happened? Sometimes it's simply called "growing up" and, at other times, it is simply a result of you "peeling back the layers" on that desire only to discover that it is not quite what you thought it was. Think about this: how many college students change their major? Lots - if not most - of them! Why? Because they discovered through a process that this was not what they thought it was in the beginning and, perhaps, they discovered something else that seemed to inspire them even more!
Also, as we discussed earlier, it is possible that you were "talked into" this desire and you've tried to "live up" to whoever it was that felt that this was what you needed to do. THIS WILL NEVER WORK! Please understand that you might have some success in this area, but you will never feel the "connection" necessary that you must have to carry you on in a powerful way. Maybe it was a parent, a spouse or some other person that you highly regarded in your life. Regardless, your "direction" prompted by this "desire" will never lead you where you truly wish to go.
It's o.k. to change your mind and leave something that you thought was a desire. It's o.k. to stop trying to please everyone else. Actually, in both of these situations (or any others) not only is it o.k. it's NECESSARY for you to discover and follow YOUR desire.
You know what I'm talking about, right? YOUR desire! The one that effortlessly pushes you along in the direction of it's fulfillment!
DESIRE DETERMINES DIRECTION!
Here's the thing: not many people are dedicated and disciplined enough to "stay the course" even with a desire that is THE desire! It's hard because we live in a world of "instant gratification"!
One last example: You have decided to cut back on sweets, eat healthier foods and, as a result, lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Whether you realize it or not, this takes dedication AND discipline! But your DESIRE to be healthier is strong and you are determined!
But then, you walk in and one of your kids has left something out on the counter while they went back to their room to drop off their backpack. It's a nice big bowl of vanilla ice cream smothered in thick, chocolate fudge covered with whipped cream! WOW, that looks SOOOO GOOD!
What do you do? Your IMMEDIATE desire is to get a spoon and dig in, right? But your "long term desire" is to walk on past that bowl of ice cream and pass on this temptation. But, will you?
It depends on how REAL your "long term desire" really is.
If you were to go ahead and dig into that bowl of ice cream, what would your thoughts be? DURING the destruction of that ice cream you'd likely be thinking, "Oh wow, I know I shouldn't be doing this but it tastes SO GOOD!"
And, almost immediately upon finishing it off you'd think, "I can't believe I just did that!" and then you would continue to "beat yourself up" over your lack of self-control and discipline.
What will it be for you, my friend? Will you continue to give in to the "right now" or will you be dedicated to your "real" and "true" desires and stick it out for the long run?
DESIRE DETERMINES DIRECTION!
Which direction are you headed?
Think about it and join me for more on this topic tomorrow and, as you go along the day be sure to remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Desire Determines Direction!
I want you to take a couple of minutes and write that down - DESIRE DETERMINES DIRECTION!
Now, if you have time, I want you to write it on three separate pieces of paper that you'll be able to post somewhere at your home (bathroom mirror?), somewhere in your car and somewhere at your work so that you can see it constantly throughout each day.
This series of messages this week goes "hand in hand" with the series that I just completed this past week on "TODAY Matters!" because the DESIRE you have TODAY will DETERMINE the DIRECTION of your FUTURE!
Do you want a "wake up call" today? You may have already gotten it IF your mind is really "gearing up" on what I'm talking about today and you've started thinking ahead on this line of thought.
Here it is: Could it be that you are where you are in your life due to your desire (or lack of it) in your life?
You see, NONE OF US (yup, myself included) likes to admit that something COULD be our fault - or at least partially our fault. But, in all honesty, we have to at least look at this possibility, wouldn't you agree?
A "spoken desire" is not the same as a "heart-felt desire". Think about that with me for a moment. Have you ever SAID "yes" to something that, deep down, you really didn't want to say "yes" about? There, in a nut shell, is the difference between a "spoken" and "heart-felt" desire.
When you really take the time to think about it, you likely do that a lot more than you want to admit! WHY DO WE DO THAT?
Let's continue the "wake up call". We NEED a "wake up call" once in a while, don't we? Yes, it makes us uncomfortable but, hopefully, the uncomfortableness will help us to review what is going on (or ISN'T going on) in our lives. So, here's some more...
Perhaps the reason that we express "spoken desire" that is not the same as our real, "heart-felt desire" is that we are either trying to impress someone else or ourselves. Maybe - and likely - even both.
You may say, "Oh, I don't care what anyone else thinks!" Really? I hear a LOT of people say that but I've actually met very few - if any - that really lived that way. Let's be honest, we DO care what others think!
And, sometimes we express these "spoken desires" as a way to appear more together than we actually are on different matters. For example, we may express a "spoken desire" about what we plan to do with our life over the next few years as a way to "keep up" or "fit in" with those that are around us at that moment. Don't you hate when you do that to yourself?
And then there are the times that we utter these "spoken desires" as a way to convince OURSELVES that we are more together than we actually are on different matters! You know what I'm talking about, right?
It's EASY to write down goals and dreams. It's EASY to fill out a questionnaire that is designed to help us discover our gifts and aide us in the process of planning some important goals in our lives. It's EASY to talk about what great things we plan to accomplish in our lives over the next twelves months!
Wow! Take a step back and just look at what all you just expressed about yourself! You're a real "go-getter" aren't you?
Why then is there that nagging pit in your stomach?
It's because, deep down, you know better. Deep down, where your "heart-felt desire" is located you know that that your REAL desire doesn't match up with your "spoken desire".
And then, when you follow that path of thought you must come to the conclusion that the reason you have not actually made changes in your life is because of you. OUCH!
Yes, you. No one else. No one else can be blamed and you can't point your finger at anyone else. It's you and your desire - or lack of it.
Do I have your attention today? GOOD!
It gets better, I promise! But we needed to start HERE with some honest talk to ourselves and about ourselves before we can move on to the next part of this discussion.
The good news is that you CAN boost that "heart-felt desire" to the point of it being a driving force in your life instead of letting that "weak desire" continue to lead you in a life of weakness!
You see, even now your desire is determining your direction.
Join me tomorrow as we move on to the next part of this discussion and really look at the thought of, "What IS My Desire?".
And, until then...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to to it for you?)"
Mike
How old is old? That's a question with an answer that is dependent upon who it is you are asking! I'm 50 years old right now, so to me, 70 would be considered old and yet, someone that is 70 would suggest to you that anyone OLDER than them is old!
When I was a teenager, I couldn't imagine someone being 25 years old - THAT WAS OLD!
So it is when I say that today's message is for "young people" or "youth" -- what does that mean and who does that include?
I'll try to clarify it in the following way: Anyone that has the ability to understand what I'm saying (we're talking "little one's" now!) up through those that have completed college and are in the 20's...that's who I'm talking to today.
How's that?
What do I feel that this message is so important for you? Because so many people in the world will tell you that what you do right now in your life doesn't really matter! And, from what I've seen, the younger you are the more likely it is that you will hear this said.
Bottom line: THAT JUST ISN'T TRUE! It's a LIE!
Regardless of your age - no matter how young you may be - what you do TODAY MATTERS!
Now, let me clarify something else again - I'm not trying to get you to "grow up" too fast and skip your childhood or the life of a teen. Enjoy every bit of it WHILE YOU CAN!
But what I AM saying is this: no matter how young you are you can make "life-impacting" decisions TODAY!
Since I usually direct my thoughts toward adults, let mention a couple of things to you first: 1.) I am not going to "talk down" to you - regardless of your age. You need to hear this "straight"and "to the point" and that's what I am going to do. It's what I always try to do regardless of the age of my audience. 2.) Although I emphasize the fact that TODAY is all we have and that, in reality there is no such thing as tomorrow (what do you call that 24 hour period that we refer to as "tomorrow" once it arrives? "TODAY"!) we still MUST be planning for the future. Our future is NOW. I wanted to get that out there before I continue on with this discussion. There now, let's move on!
What you do today matters because you are laying the FOUNDATION - the BUILDING BLOCKS - for your future TODAY! And, just like with any building of any size, if you have a shoddy or weak foundation, that building will not be stable and it WILL come crashing down!
Here's my main point: I encourage you - I CHALLENGE YOU - to make a decision NOW - TODAY - to live a life of character!
What do I mean? I challenge you to STEP UP and ABOVE those around you and choose to live a life of honesty and honor which, in turn, is living a life of character.
Hey, don't laugh this off - what you do TODAY matters and what you do TODAY becomes a habit for your life! Really think about that!
Don't laugh it off when I challenge you to NOT CHEAT on any tests or assignments. The sad thing is that this has become so common place that many young people would look at me like I'm crazy for saying that. Really? This is what I mean by you stepping UP and ABOVE the rest!
It's not "just" about not cheating on tests or assignments, it's about living a life of TRUTH! Dedicate yourself to a life of TRUTH and you WILL "rise above the rest"! That's a promise and guarantee!
Why is this so? Because so many of your peers WON'T and DON'T live a life of truth! And you're decision to do so will set you apart and lay a solid foundation for a powerful and positive future.
Living a life of character means that, because you life a life of TRUTH, when you speak people believe you. Think about how important that really is.
If your habit has been to lie about big things or small, how do you get anyone to believe you when you really ARE telling them the truth?
Understand this: some people may appear to be "making it" in the word by living a life of dishonesty and lies - you can see it around you each and every day - but that is a facade, a "false appearance" and you need to dedicate yourself to NOT be lured away by false appearances.
People that live this kind of life will encourage you to take the path of least resistance! Instead of dedicating and disciplining yourself to WORK at an honest job, they will try to lure you away with the "false appearance" of money and wealth.
I know that the lure is strong for some of you. But I want to CHALLENGE you to STAND UP and STAND ABOVE the rest! You CAN do it if you set your mind to it and I will do all I can to encourage you along the way.
And, you know what? There are many more people just like me out there that are waiting and willing to HELP YOU ACHIEVE this life of character!
The habits that you form TODAY will shape all of your "tomorrows". Regardless of your age!
THIS CHOICE IS NOT EASY and the life that comes from choosing to live a life of character is not always easy either!
One last thought - You may think that those that live a life based on dishonesty and lies have a lot of things that you desire such as popularity, friends, money and lots of "stuff". But I encourage you to look again and look very closely.
Those that live this kind of life really have NO true friends. Those people that you see following them and surrounding them will stab them in the back (both figuratively and literally) at their first opportunity. Those that live this kind of life can never really be at peace for they are always "watching their back" due to what I just said about those that surround them. When that "stuff" is gone - so are the so-called "friends".
Choose a life of character - regardless of your age. You attract those that are like you! Usually this is worded that you become like those you hang around and this is true. However, I want to turn it around and use it to show the power that YOU have in and with your life!
When you choose to live a life of character you will attract others that are drawn to this type of life and decision.
When can you begin this process? When you can you take the first step of this journey?
TODAY! Right now.
And, YES, YOU CAN! Never doubt that.
Contact me at any time via the information that you can find on my website (http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com) - I'd love to hear from you.
And, as you go through each day always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
TODAY Matters! (Part 3)So, how's today going for you? Does it matter? You KNOW what I'm going to say for an answer right - SURE IT DOES!
What you do today - and every day - matters! I hope you are beginning to understand - and ABSORB - this concept so that you can apply to your life each and every day.
So far we have discussed the fact that TODAY MATTERS because: 1. It is the only "today" that you have! Once gone it is gone forever and cannot ever be reclaimed! 2. What you do with today shows your perceived value of the day as well as of your relationships, your job, etc. That's right - how you LIVE today shows how important people are in your life and also it shows how important your job is as well as your goals and plans for a better future.
Today, I want to share some thoughts with you on the idea that TODAY MATTERS because it shows "who you are"!
This is very closely tied in with yesterday's discussion (point 2 above) about the "value" we place on the day. It also is closely related to what I discussed a week or two ago about each of us leaving our own "life's fingerprint" on our world.
You see, what you do TODAY MATTERS because you leave your "stamp" on the day. It's like someone can look at the day and say, "Hey, look, Mike Spillman was here...let's see what he did with this day." - how does that make you feel?
Too many of us have wasted away too many days. Is THAT the "stamp" that you want to leave behind? Perhaps you are one that is easily persuaded by others to "blow it off" (whatever "it" may be) until later so that you can spend mindless hours playing video games or some other mind-numbing (and time sucking) activity.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Be sure to read the extra message after my "signature"
I encourage you to sit up and understand the power behind this concept! When we ALL understand the impact that we have on our world (our "life's fingerprint") as discussed before and we also understand that how we LIVE this day shows "who we are" then we likely will look at each day in a different way.
Oh sure, I know it's easy to get caught up in a routine to the point of it becoming a rut - but that is why we must all actively pursue JOGGING OUR MIND and our MINDSET with such things as my podcast and this blog. It helps to call us back to the importance of today!
I learned when I was a teen not to EVER say, "I'm bored" around my dad. He would very easily and quickly find me something to do! You may find yourself in the same situation once you decide that you need to spend your time more wisely. "O.k. I've made a decision to do something of more value and importance...now what?"
Perhaps you can volunteer at the local hospital, nursing home, library or many other places that are always seeking help from people like you!
Perhaps you can spend that time on the computer - NOT playing video games and endlessly checking e-mails or chatting with friends - doing some research on some new venture for you to pursue.
Perhaps you can take a class at the local university OR online since many now offer this in such a convenient package.
If you are a parent, perhaps it is simply spending more quality time with your children because, if you don't already know it, they grow up way too fast.
None of us will do everything the way it should be done 100% of the time. However, we can ALL do BETTER than we have done in the past. Instead of going to bed restless because, deep down we know that we wasted away the day, we can now lay our heads on our pillows with a feeling of peace knowing that we did, indeed place great value on the day. We can also rest easy knowing that we can be PROUD to have left our "stamp of approval" on the day as it ends.
What a great way to life life, my friend!
What a great way to live life TODAY!
And, as you do so...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
SPECIAL NOTE: I want to call your attention - in advance - to tomorrows podcast and blog (but ESPECIALLY the podcast)! The message for Thursday will be directed to young people...teens and pre-teens and I want to encourage you to make this available for them. Our young people MUST UNDERSTAND and be ENCOURAGED with the fact that what they do TODAY matters!<>
"TODAY Matters! - Part 2"As you can tell by the title of today's entry, I will be continuing my discussion on the topic, "TODAY Matters!"
The basic premise for our discussion this week is as follows: TODAY is all you really have! When that 24-hour period that we call "tomorrow" arrives it will then be "TODAY"!
So, with that in mind, I'd like to begin by asking you this question: "What are YOU doing with TODAY?"
We've all heard the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun" and I've also made the comment in the past that, regardless of whether you are having fun or not - time still flies by!
Time passes at the same 24-hour pace TODAY (regardless of your age or "fun-status") as it did yesterday or even twenty or thirty years ago! Oh sure, it seems that time goes by faster as we get older but we all know that, in reality, it doesn't pass by any slower or faster than it ever has before.
So, here's the deal - IF we begin to understand this concept then we will begin to understand how VALUABLE today really is! Once gone it is gone forever, never to be reclaimed!
We also know that none of us has ANY promise about "tomorrow" ever arriving for us. And, again, understanding that fact SHOULD help us attach more value to the time that we have TODAY!
I believe that what we do with our time each day shows the VALUE that we have attached to that day and our time. Think about it and see if you don't agree.
My guess is that, if you DON'T agree it is because you realize that you don't spend your time each day very wisely and you almost get offended at the idea that this indicates how you value each day. Ouch!
Instead of becoming angry at me for saying it, why not allow that feeling of "indignation" cause you to take a closer look to see if it's not actually true in your life.
Now listen, I'm not saying that we can't all enjoy some "down time" when we simply kick back and relax! If we DON'T allow that in our lives we will end up with some "down time" against our will and it will likely be in a hospital!
But I also know this - if you are reading this blog entry then you know what I'm talking about. You are smart enough and wise enough to differentiate between those needed "down times" and our tendency to "waste time", right?
Sometimes we need a wake up call (a close brush with death, for example) to cause us to understand now valuable today really is - but what about if that "wake up call" doesn't come? Is it still possible for us to begin to treasure and value each day?
YES!
Honestly approach every area of your life with the idea that I have already mentioned - how you "treat" that area of your life shows the value that you place on that area of your life.
For example, let's think about our relationships. You can think of your spouse, partner, best friend, children and other family members - you decide. But, many of us take for granted these relationships, don't we? Many times, this comes to our attention once it's too late to do anything about it.
One thing for sure, once death has come and taken that person away from us - we can never go back and laugh, cry, talk or walk with that person ever again. This point is quite obvious.
However, a point that many times we overlook is the fact that once TODAY is gone we can never go back and laugh, cry, talk or walk with that person in THAT OPPORTUNITY GIVEN ever again!
Sure, we may have the chance to do it again - but never can we go back and "redo" that opportunity. The time is NOW and your approach to this shows your thoughts on the value of that relationship.
This is true of not only relationships, but also of our jobs and thoughts about our future. I think you have the ability to sit and think about the ramifications by using the examples already given with relationships.
Wow! Makes you think, doesn't it?
I know it does me and especially as my wife and I prepare to watch our youngest son, Jordan, (yes, our YOUNGEST of three - the last one!) get ready to graduate from High School in a little over a week and a half.
Where has time gone? The same place that it always goes...into the past one day at a time.
Be sure to join me as we continue the thought behind the title, "TODAY Matters!" and be sure to take a little extra time TODAY to value all areas of your life. Once gone, today and all the things that make it what it is, can never be reclaimed.
So, you see, as always - it is up to YOU! Take advantage of it and make the most of it and, as you do, always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
This is a basic truth that I've been sharing with you for quite some time now. For months (over a year now) I have talking about the fact that TODAY is all we have and that when that 24 hour period that we call "tomorrow" arrives it, too, will be called TODAY!
So, in reality, there really are no tomorrows...only TODAY!
I appreciate those of you that follow my blog and/or my daily podcast that I've been doing since March of 2009. Some of you were connected to me on a different site that I began sharing my thoughts through articles on and commenting in forums. Some of you have discovered me by other means.
I'm sure, at times, many of you have thought and wondered, "Who IS this guy?" and "Does he REALLY know what he is talking about?".
That's o.k. I'd be asking the same thing!
But here's the thing... what I know about myself and what you know about me are likely two different things. You see, I KNOW that I know what I'm talking about and I KNOW that the thoughts and ideas that I share with you have real benefit and are "solid" in the area of personal development.
And if YOU take the time to read and/or listen to others in this field - especially those "big name" people out there (Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, John C. Maxwell, etc.) you will discover that, indeed, I DO know what I'm talking about and their writings and audios will back that up!
I don't say this to brag, I promise you that! I simply enjoy the validation I receive when I read things from some of these giants in this area that say the same thing that I've been saying. You see, for the most part, we're all saying the same thing.
Why? Because we are all learning and growing as well as testing and experiencing in our own lives the truths of these foundational principles. Basic principles of change and growth!
I could just about promise you that every one of the "greats" in this field have read Napoleon Hills book, "Think & Grow Rich". (By the way you can get a free copy - just pay s/h - by going to the products tab on my website - www.FutureYouUniversity.com) These men will tell you about the IMPACT that this book had on their lives and the way that they thought and allowed their thoughts to impact their lives!
This was brought to my attention again recently as I began to read the book, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson.
I've not gotten very far into the book yet, but right off I discovered him saying the same thing that I've been saying to you for over a year now - TODAY MATTERS! Using different words Mr. Olson said the exact same thing as I have been saying about the fact that TODAY is all we have and that, in reality, there is no such thing as "tomorrow".
Validation. Yeah, it helps me when I read this stuff and receive this validation but I also hope that it helps you as you read and/or listen to my thoughts. This old boy DOES have some idea what he's talking about after all!
One final thought to share with you on this first of four segments on "TODAY Matters!"... the step or steps you take TODAY will determine the path of your journey.
Perhaps you want to go a certain way to reach a goal that you have set for yourself. If, TODAY, you begin to step OFF of the path that you have "mapped out" for yourself to reach that goal, then TODAY you have begun a journey on a different path!
It's not too late! If TODAY you realize that you have gotten "off course" then you can also redirect your steps TODAY and begin to make progress toward your original path.
TODAY.
What you do with it DOES matter!
And, as always, as you go along the journey, remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
