No More Left Overs!

 

 

I'm so glad that I didn't live during the time when kids ate only after the adults had their meal first. ESPECIALLY when I was a kid! I'm sure "Momma" fixed plenty of food for all but, at the same time, the kids got what was left over, hence the term "left overs".

 

Now, I honestly like some left overs when it comes to food. I enjoy "turkey-burgers" from a Thanksgiving meal about as much as the meal itself. Many others are like me in that way.

 

However, eating a turkey-burger from the Thanksgiving Day turkey is something that I do by CHOICE. I have not been forced to wait and see what was left before I could decide what my meal would be. You can read of other situations in history when all that was left was crumbs and these crumbs were all that were available for some.

 

THAT'S the image I want in your mind as we talk about your life (and mine).

 

This ties in so closely to the last article about understanding your VALUE and your WORTH and not giving out any more "discounts" of yourself to others.

 

There are varying degrees of this type of behavior and acceptance and some may not even realize that they are living a life that is accepting "left overs" from those around them. Today I want to encourage you to STOP living a life of left overs!

 

It may be a wife accepting this life of left overs from her husband. It may be a Mom that has allowed her children to conduct themselves in such a way that she is living this life of left overs from them.

 

It may be an adult that grew up in a home where they accepted this type of behavior from their parents because, to a large extent, they had to. But now, as an adult, they still accept this life of left overs from their parents because they have not learned how to break that habit.

 

It may be a person that has this type of situation at work and are living a life of left overs from their boss or even their co-workers. It may be a person that has accepted this from their circle of friends.

 

PAY ATTENTION TO THIS: Yes, it may even be a man that has accepted this life of left overs from his wife, his children, his parents, co-workers and circle of friends. Many times men like to separate themselves from this type of truth - but it IS true with some.

 

When others put everything and everyone else ahead of you and then show you "attention" or support only as an afterthought then, friend, you are living a life of left overs. Go back and read the last article again or for the first time. YOU ARE OF MORE VALUE THAN THIS!

 

Now obviously I'm not talking about being an attention seeking diva. I think you know that.

 

I'm talking about you or maybe someone you know that is allowing this to happen in their lives. Many times it is allowed because the one accepting this life style doesn't quite know how to stop it from happening.

 

You may need professional help and there is NO SHAME in that! Many have years of abuse (remember, abuse does not always have to be physical) in their lives that must be approached with someone that is trained to help them through this. Don't be afraid to search this out.

 

I do hope that just by reading the blog articles this week and by listening to the podcasts that you may be inspired enough to stand up, claim your value and act accordingly.

 

You ARE worthy. Don't ever forget that and do NOT allow others to treat you in any way other than acknowledgement of that fact.

 

Again, I'm here and would love to hear from you at any time. And men, don't forget, that includes you, too!

 

Sit down and "eat" all that life has to offer and stop waiting around to see what is left over before you do! And, as you do so, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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When All is Said and Done (Image)

"Victim to Victor" Week

April 28 - May 2, 2014

 

I didn't really intend or plan this when I started this week's articles and podcasts BUT it seems to have migrated all toward the same thoughts along the way.

 

So, due to that, I am promoting this for those that need to change their position in life from that of a VICTIM to that of a VICTOR or one who is VICTORIOUS!

 

You'll have to go back just a little bit to start off on the Monday, April 28th article and podcast that began the week but it is easily done.

 

If this touches and/or impacts you in any way, I'd love to hear from you.

 

Mike

No More Discounts

There are many people in this world (maybe you are one of them) that have a very low self-esteem. "Self-esteem" is just another way of saying that they have a very low self-worth view of themselves.
Many times - if not all of the time - this is a result of others continuously degrading and devaluing this person along the way and, perhaps, continuing even today.

Some, even after moving on in their lives to where they no longer are in contact with the person(s) that have "put them down" for years, STILL have an issue with low self-esteem or self-worth because they continue to believe the LIE that has been put into their mindset that they are, indeed, not of much - if any - worth.

Again, THAT IS A LIE!

I acknowledge the fact that I am not any sort of phychologist or phychiatrist BUT I do hope that what I am addressing this week WILL help SOMEONE take a different look at themselves.

YOU ARE OF WORTH AND VALUE!

As the graphic above points out, once you begin to understand how much you really ARE worth, you'll stop giving people discounts on who you are.

"Discounts" meaning that you allow others to devalue you and treat you as less than what you truly are.

Of what value are you? What or who is it that you truly are? Friend, as you read this, I have no idea if you are a believer in God or not but, I am, and this is what I feel to be true that I want to share with you.To answer the first two questions in that last paragraph let me say this: You - yes, YOU - are made in the image of God Almighty! And, to use a saying that I have loved for years, "God Doesn't Make Junk!".

YOU are unique - one of a kind! Whether you realize it or not, you are of GREAT VALUE to many around you that, indeed, DO understand and acknowledge your value. There are some around you (more than you think) that simply have their days "made" when they see your face!

Believe it or not - it's TRUE!

And, because you ARE one of such great value, I hope you can also come to realize that you DESERVE more than giving out discounts of yourself to those that simply want to keep you down.

Once again, many - if not all - people like that do not have any value in their own lives so they do not want to give you any either. They also do NOT want to see you happy or successful because it shines a light on their own unhappiness and failure.

YOU must take care of YOU first and foremost so that you CAN be a shining light to those around you that can and will be encouraged and uplifted by what you have to share.

And, friend, what is it that you have to share? THE GIFT OF YOU!

I'm here. I'm not a doctor but I am one that knows that we need each other to help keep going at times. Please feel free to contact me at any time. I'd love to hear from you.

YOU ARE VALUABLE! Never forget that and keep putting positive information into your mindset on a daily basis. And, as you do so, be sure to...

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

Mike

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Start Here

My guess is that we've all seen stories of people that rose up from horrible circumstances to experience incredible success which inspires all that find out about such a person.

Usually, when I see such stories shared, it's with the idea of, "Look at what they have been able to accomplish - what's YOUR excuse?" And it IS powerful. Very powerful.

Yet, for many of us, we've not had to fight such huge difficulties BUT, at the same time, many of us still struggle with setbacks of our own. (No, I'm not comparing "apples to apples" and I understand that).

You can have the best background in your life and still struggle with current circumstances. You may have had the best childhood possible but, your adult years may have put you in circumstances that you never thought you'd experience.

Here's the focus of the message for today (from the graphic above): "Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go, they merely determine WHERE YOU START."

So, here you are. "Current circumstances" may have you stunned and/or feeling discouraged, depressed and even defeated.

"As long as there is breath, there's hope." is a quote I have used often since coming up with it back on March 2, 2009. THERE IS HOPE!

It may not happen overnight but you CAN move on from where you are now. And you can begin that process now as well. Hey, we can all fuss and complain about it not being fair or how angry we may be or whatever the emotions may evoke due to your current circumstances. BUT, where you are is where you are. This is where you must start regardless of what has been fair or not fair.

START HERE!

It is what it is but also remember WHO YOU ARE and what you are capable of. You are one that has been created with tremendous resilience and potential in spite of setbacks.

So, friend, get up and go - REGARDLESS.

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

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

Mike

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What Do YOU Build?

We've looked at what successful people build in the last article....they build other people up and motivate and inspire them.

THEY BUILD PEOPLE!

Here's another way to look at the graphic above that may actually fit you and your situation better: "You don't build an ORGANIZATION. You build PEOPLE and then PEOPLE build the organization."

Those that do this NEVER have a hard time getting volunteers.

It doesn't have to be a business. It can be any type of situation where you need PEOPLE to get the job or task done.

You NEED people!

Why do so many have such a hard time understanding that, if you NEED people (and there aren't many situations where this isn't true) then why would you treat people in a way that would drive them away?

Who cares who gets the glory? Who cares who gets the attention?

A true leader (and a successful leader) will sit back with a big smile on their face while OTHERS get the attention and the glory.

Why? Because successful people BUILD PEOPLE.

Apply that at your church, at your sewing club, your book club, your civic club and any other place that you work with others. Do that - build up people - and see what actually gets accomplished and with so much less drama.

Business? Even if it's not YOUR business, if you work FOR this business or company, the same applies. Take PRIDE in what you do and build up those that work WITH you and even "under" you and see what happens.

Success WILL be yours in whatever form or fashion the situation brings about.

And, as you go about this great and wonderful task of building up others, be sure to...

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

Mike

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                                         Start your home based business HERE

What Successful People Build

I'm not sure why more people don't understand this idea, but more sure need to!

When one hates, blames and complains they live in a vicious cycle. Think about it: those that are in "leadership" positions that conduct themselves this way do not get the results that are needed in order for them to be successful. Then, as a result of the disappointment and frustration of not being as successful as they would like, they increase their hate, blame and complaining which, in turn, makes it even worse.

Yeah, I know. How did people like this get in a leadership position in the first place and why do these people STILL get promoted at times? I really don't understand that myself but, this I DO know. They can get promoted BUT they will NEVER be as successful as they could be if the would conduct themselves on the "other side" of this equation.

Whether you are around to see it or not, these people WILL fail and they WILL fall. Sooner or later, it WILL happen.

So, enough of that. Let's look to what SUCCESSFUL people build.

Sure, they may build buildings and big businesses BUT, first and foremost, they build PEOPLE!

Notice what the graphic points out: they motivate, inspire and push each other along (in a POSITIVE way). They build each other up!

You KNOW that this works, don't you? Don't YOU want to work harder with/for people like this? Doesn't this type of person cause you want to GIVE your best, DO your best and BE your best?

OF COURSE THEY DO!

That's why they are successful and they, too, are in a cycle but, not the same type of vicious cycle that those on the unsuccessful side experience. Those that are successful by conducting themselves in this way live in a continuous cycle of promotion, positivity and progress.

"Yeah, but I treat people that way and I'm not successful like them!"

Sure, you may not be in the same position that they are, but know this:
     - You ARE successful buy living this way and treating others in this way
     - Don't forget that they did not get where they are in a single day
     - "Success" can have many different meanings in life

Bottom line, it's just a better way to live (and it's more fun, too!).

So, build the way SUCCESSFUL people build and be sure to...

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

Mike

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What Successful People DO

Easy to do - Easy NOT to do.

Simple, right?

Sometimes the most simple things are the most difficult things.

 

Here's something simple to think about: Do you listen when a successful person says, "That's what successful people do..."?

 

Simple to listen and consider but also just as easy/simple to ignore.

 

I heard a guy - who was fairly successful in what he was doing - say that many times people would say to him, "I want to experience the success that you have!". Now, he wouldn't respond to all of them this way but, from time to time he would say, "I have a lot of people tell me that but, let me ask you a question: Are you willing to do what I do?"

 

I've heard this said before many times as well - Those that are successful are those that are willing to do things that others aren't.

 

I think back to when I was in college and how I would wait until the last night before a test to try to "cram" all of that information into my head. That never worked very well! It would have been EASY to study a little each day so that I wouldn't have to try to "cram" it all in over a few hours. BUT, it was also too easy for me NOT to do that and for me to find plenty of other things that were a lot more fun to do than study!

 

Do you remember the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness" which starred Will Smith and his son, Jaden? It was based on a true story about the struggle of Chris Gardner and how he was able to become a success even after being homeless with his son. (By the way, if you've never seen this - WATCH IT!).

At one point of the movie, while going through an internship program, this gentleman discovered that he could make a lot more phone calls to potential clients IF he never hung up the phone. Instead of hanging it up after each call he would simply "push the button" on the phone with his pencil eraser and move on to the next one on the list.

 

That's easy enough to do, right? But it's also easy enough NOT to do and, guess what? The others in that same program did NOT do it and that is why Mr. Gardner was able to succeed.

 

You can apply this to ANY area with which you want to be successful.

 

Eating better, exercise, reading more, writing that book, parenting, changing a bad habit, etc.

 

So, as always, it's totally up to YOU!

 

Success - whatever that may mean for you - is within your reach. What you do with it and about it is, again, up to you.

 

Easy to do - Easy NOT to do.

 

 

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

Mike


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Another One of THOSE Days...

So, yeah...here we go again, right?

You've likely had this same conversation with yourself time and time again and, guess what keeps on happening?

TODAY just keeps on showing up!

The "comfortable" thing about putting things off until "tomorrow" is that "tomorrow" is always there. It never gets here because TOMORROW is always in the future.

But, when that time period that we call "tomorrow" arrives then it is called TODAY. So, to really look at this the way that it really is, TODAY is all that we have - there is no such thing as tomorrow.

I heard this once several years ago, "TODAY is the TOMORROW that you worried about YESTERDAY!"

Here's the thing - you know it, I know it, we all know it BUT we keep living the same way...waiting and planning and "putting off" until TOMORROW.

TODAY.

Whatever "it" is that you keep postponing until tomorrow or, even next week ("next week" still becomes TODAY sooner or later) must be faced and defeated and, friend, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN DO!

But it must be done today.

I think I've said that about enough because, for one, YOU are the only one that can get that done. I can encourage and point things out but, again, it's all up to YOU.

And, as you get done TODAY what needs to be done TODAY, be sure to...

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

Mike

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Got Passion?

 



If you're like me, when you read this quote from Dave Ramsey (he is an AWESOME guy!) you want to agree with it but, at the same time, you can't figure out how to make an income from your "passion". Anyone else out there with me?

 

It's absolutely true! As it's been said before, "Find something that you LOVE to do and get paid for it and you'll never 'work' a day of your life!"

 

I can hear someone say, "I love ice cream but I don't think I can make a living due to my love of ice cream!"  Well, that may be stretching it a bit BUT, at the same time, I think it CAN be used on your path to success!

 

Huh?

 

Stay with me here...

 

What I'd like to suggest is that you bring your "passion" to your work REGARDLESS of what you do for work and whether or not you love what you do or not.

 

Perhaps your passion is making people smile and feel better about their day - take that passion to work with you and watch what happens. Make it a habit of using that passion at your place of work and see what changes take place in your life and the life of those that are around you while at work.

 

Perhaps your passion is working with children in your town or city. Maybe you can bring that passion to your workplace, get your co-workers on board because you ARE so passionate about it and get them involved - along with your boss - in getting your company to help raise money in some fun and involved way!

Do you think that, MAYBE, those in management might notice your ability to sell an idea and get others involved?

 

Now, about that ice cream... What if you took that passion to work by picking out one person per week to reward with some ice cream? Come up with some fun "award" or "achievement" and go with it. I wonder what will happen to your workplace environment by sharing your passion for ice cream?

 

I'm telling you, friend....BRING YOUR PASSION TO WORK (and take it with you everywhere you go) and see if it will, indeed, become a part of your "path to success".

 

As an added note, I found it very interesting that, after I recorded the podcast version of this topic earlier today (DO go listen to the podcast via one of the two links below) I ran across an article about a 12 year old "kidpreneur" (he started when he was 9 years old) that has a passion of his own about bow ties. That's right, bow ties!

Here's a quote from the article that you can read here: "...His advice for other young entrepreneurs? 'Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.' "

 

Love and live your passion. Make it a part of your everyday life and incorporate it into everything that you do both at work and away from work and I believe that your path to success WILL become clear!

 

And, as you do that, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

His advice for other young entrepreneurs? “Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.” - See more at: http://www.success.com/article/mos-bringing-back-bows#sthash.ElD8wubw.vtA0bSzJ.dpuf

His advice for other young entrepreneurs? “Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.” - See more at: http://www.success.com/article/mos-bringing-back-bows#sthash.ElD8wubw.vtA0bSzJ.dpuf

His advice for other young entrepreneurs? “Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.” - See more at: http://www.success.com/article/mos-bringing-back-bows#sthash.ElD8wubw.vtA0bSzJ.dpuf

 

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Behind Your Back

We often worry about things that don't really matter, don't we?

One of the things that we often worry about that really shouldn't matter is what - in many cases - other people think and/or say about us.

Sure, there are some that we DO need to have some concern about their thoughts and words (spouse, our kids, and yes, our employee as well as those that we lead) but, even then, we can take it too far.

So, to "cut to the chase" or, in other words, to get right down to it, the people we are talking about are the people that really don't matter in our lives!

We try too hard to please those or impress those that really don't matter! And, if you think that they DO or SHOULD matter then ask yourself this very important question: WHY?

HINT: Don't start relationships off by being deceitful (doing and saying things in order to make them think that you are someone other than who you really are) and this should not be much of a problem for you!

"Keeping up with the Jones' " (Who the heck are these people anyway? I STILL haven't met them to see why they're so special.) and trying to impress certain people for egotistical reasons just brings extra stress and drama into your life. And there is NO NEED for it at all.

I once had a conversation with a guy who is older than me and was griping and complaining about a motorcycle he owned that was a very famous and very popular brand of motorcycle. After he went on and on about it I asked him, "So why do you own one?" Without hesitation he answered, "Prestige!". I paused for a couple of seconds and said, "You know, I'm old enough that I don't really care what people think about me or what brand of motorcycle I ride." He didn't quite know what to say once he realized what I was saying about him even though I never mentioned him or his name in what I said.

Do you want to know why some people will talk behind your back? It is simply because they don't have the "guts" or the character to talk to you about something to your face AND because what they are talking about is nothing of importance...and they know it!

LET THEM STAY THERE and let them watch you as you continue to move forward and make progress toward your goals and your dreams.

"They" will always be there and "behind your back" is where they are destined to remain.

YOU keep your eyes focused on what is ahead and don't EVER look back or give notice to those behind you that are there by their own doing (or LACK of doing).

And as you keep moving on, be sure to...

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

Mike

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Chance vs. Change

Today's quote comes from one of my favorite people that I ever had the privilege of hearing speak, the late Jim Rohn.

 

This goes along so well with our recent discussions about change coming into our lives - which MOST of us resist!

 

The kind of change that Mr. Rohn refers to in this quote is NOT change that comes along without any purpose by us but, rather, the kind of change that comes about because we have CHOSEN to make changes in our lives.

 

Sometimes the change that comes "out of the blue" is more directly connected to something happening by "chance". Right?

 

Too many people wait for something to happen by CHANCE in order for a change to take place in their lives and in the lives of those that they love.

 

Why wait - as I've heard said many times after "near-death experiences" - until you feel that you've been given a second chance for there to be change in your life?

 

WHY??

 

There is no need for that, friend! You - yes YOU - have the ability for CHANGE in your life beginning now! Yes, RIGHT NOW!

 

Stop waiting for something to happen by CHANCE. Stop waiting for it, stop wishing for it, stop talking about it and stop planning to do something about it "some day".

 

DO IT.

 

NOW.

 

Now, before we're done, go back and read that quote from Mr. Rohn one more time....

 

And, as you go about this change in your life, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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Good and Bad for Every Season

 

 

As I type this on a Sunday afternoon, I'm looking out the picture window in my living room at the "explosion of Spring". I'm in Arkansas, it's almost mid-April and the greenery is everywhere. My goodness, I've even already mowed my yard for the first time of the season two days ago.

 

I LOVE SPRING!

 

But as I look out my window I notice, very clearly, one of the "downfalls" of Spring....POLLEN. The wind is blowing and the pine trees are sending out "clouds" of pollen as the wind blows through the branches. The oak trees are doing their job in pollination as well and there is pollen EVERYWHERE. This is the time of the year that it would be very nice to open the windows and get fresh air into the house but, if you do that you end up with that yellow powder all over the furniture and floor.

 

Some people suffer terribly from the pollen in the Spring.

 

Then comes Summer - I LOVE SUMMER!

 

I love to go to the lake and either get IN the water or ride on TOP of the water. I love the long days and all that comes with this time of year. I love to get out on my motorcycle and ride where ever the road takes me.

 

But, in Arkansas, as the Summer goes along the temperatures get very warm and we also have LOTS of humidity that comes along with it. Depending on where you live, the mosquito's become quite a nuisance as well as ticks. On top of that the electricity bill soars due to having to run the air conditioner pretty much non-stop.

 

Ahhh, then there's Fall - I LOVE FALL!

 

The cooler temperatures after a very hot and humid summer along with the fall colors make this one of my favorite times of the year. I don't have many down sides to fall except for the fact that winter is on it's way. However, there are others (some in my family) that really struggle with allergies that come from mold in the fall.

 

Oh, too....I hate it when the time changes and we turn our clocks "back" in the fall and it gets dark earlier.

 

And then there's WINTER - sorry, I'm not a big fan of winter.

 

Some people love the winter and I do like at least one "good" snow. When my boys were young and at home I always wanted at least one good snow for them so that they could enjoy getting out and playing in it with each other. For me, one good snow that comes and is melted and gone quickly is just perfect! I do not like the cold temperatures (I know, I'm in Arkansas and, comparatively, it doesn't get as "cold" as other places) and, again, the dampness in the air makes the cold even worse. I don't like the fact that, in the middle of winter, it's dark by 5:00 p.m. and I also don't like the fact that there is no color due to the fact of everything being bare.

 

But, I know some people that absolutely LOVE winter.

 

Here's the thing - I notice the "we" tend to complain about whatever season we happen to be experiencing while talking about how much we are looking forward to the next one. Then, once that season arrives we complain about some of the things I listed above.

 

There are things that we LOVE about each season and then there are things that we don't like so much about parts of each season.

 

Is that a fair assumption?

 

Friend, so it is with life.

 

You can apply that to different stages (ages) of our lives or even different stages of our careers and business desires. You make the application.

 

With every progression - whether in age or business/work - comes new and different challenges.

 

WAKE UP AND REALIZE THAT!

 

Let's be careful that we don't find ourselves griping and complaining about the very thing that we longed for before. It's easy to do but it's also a sign of a lack of gratitude. Wouldn't you agree?

 

So, yeah, there are good things about every "season" and there are also bad things - or things we'd rather be different - about every "season". That's life and that's progress in and for our lives.

 

Think about this: any other way would be very BORING!

 

So, I want to encourage you to ENJOY and FLOURISH with each and every change and challenge that comes with each and every "season" in your life.

 

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

 

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

 

Mike

 

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FUN FRIDAY: Best Pants EVER!

I don't usually post a blog article when I do a "FUN FRIDAY" podcast but, obviously, today is the exception.

 

Why? Because there are some of you out there that only read this blog and have never experienced one of my "FUN FRIDAY" podcasts and I want to give you a little extra push to do so.

 

I'm not going to cover everything I talk about in the podcast but I'll share with you the main points that I discuss:

 

     1. The use (or misuse) of the phrase, "best ever!"

     2. An origin of "pants" that is often heard but impossible

 

Join me by clicking one of the links for the podcast below and - as a special treat - we'll also have fun with the "Bootie Shake Break" between the two discussions!

 

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

 

Enjoy your day, smile and share that smile with those around you and, as always, whatever you do, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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Growth is Optional

How does that saying go? I think it's something like, "If there is anything consistent in life, it's change!"

 

You cannot go through ONE DAY in life and not experience change. I'd even say that you cannot go through ONE HOUR  - or even ONE MINUTE - in life and not experience change.

 

Our bodies are constantly in a state of change and, much of that change is unable to be seen by us. Regardless, that change exists.

 

Any information that you put into your brain during the day brings about \change in the makeup of your mind. What you have read so far in this blog has caused such a change to take place. The moment you opened your eyes today began that process as well.

 

Some changes we have no control over, don't know about and, for the most part, feel no reactions or results due to those changes.

 

But then there are the changes that we KNOW about and definitely FEEL and REACT to the results that come due to those changes.

 

And, many times, we DO NOT LIKE THEM!

 

Like them or not, as the graphic above points out - change is INEVITABLE!

 

The important thing, then, is what we do with the changes that come our way. As with everything else that is discussed in this blog and on the podcast it comes down to a CHOICE that has to be made by each one of us and no one else can do it for us.

 

GROWTH IS OPTIONAL.

 

You can choose to be defeated, beaten up, put down and embittered by the changes that come your way OR... you can choose the growth that can come from the change, even if it is painful.

 

No one else can make that choice for you.

 

From what I understand, a person's ears never stop growing. That explains to me why I see so many "old people" with HUGE ears! But, you know what? We should all strive to make the following true as well:

     - We, regardless of the changes that come our way, will never, ever stop growing. We choose GROWTH!

 

And, as you maneuver you way through and around the constant changes in life, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

Future You University     "Like" FYU on Facebook!     Podcast on iTunes     Podcast RSS feed

                                         Start your home based business HERE

 

Ordinary or EXTRAordinary?

I actually was looking up the definition of the word, "extraordinary" on dictionary.com to share with you in today's blog but then I thought, "You know what? Just point out the obvious!"

 

And the obvious definition is simply this: NOT ORDINARY or MORE than ordinary!

 

Here's something else to consider: many will have a different definition of what it is to be EXTRAordinary simply due to the fact that "ordinary" is lived, shown, defined in different ways based on the surroundings.

 

For example, if you make $200,000 a year and you find yourself among multi-millionaires, you will find it hard to be considered "extraordinary" financially. However, in a group of most "average" and, yes, "ordinary" salaried employees, you may very well be looked at as financially "extraordinary".

 

You've heard it said many times before that we tend to "fit in" along the lines of our 5 or 10 closest acquaintances. This is true financially but it is also true in the way that we live life. Those 5 or 10 people will highly influence the way that we look at what it means to "play it safe" or take a risk and step out. Your way of thinking in what it means to just "fit in" and not "rock the boat" with thoughts and ideas is highly molded by those that you are closest to.

 

What do YOU want?

 

How do YOU want to live?

 

What is the "norm" in your situation? What is ordinary?

 

Many settle for going to work, coming home, sitting in front of the television until time to go to bed and then getting up in the morning and doing the exact same thing all over again. Day in and day out.

 

I guess I'm kind of "tip-toeing" around on this one because I know a lot of people that are very happy in their lives. I'm not talking about those that I described in the preceding paragraph, but others that find ways to make their lives MORE than just sitting in front of a television set.

 

So, in their own way, they have chosen to live an extraordinary life!

 

How do they do what they do? Perhaps they make an extra effort to earn more or maybe they just save more. Whatever it is, they have found a way to add a little something EXTRA to their lives to keep it from being mundane and ordinary!

 

It doesn't have to be going on an "around-the-world" trip or a two month cruise.

 

It may be stepping out and starting a new business from home OR it may be stepping out and learning a new hobby or planning a trip to somewhere that you have never been before.

 

I don't know but YOU can figure it out based on your own life and where you are.

 

This can be the fun part BEFORE the fun part - planning to do something out of the ordinary for you...something EXTRAordinary!

 

Why live life any other way?

 

Don't wait for others to do it for you. Instead...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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Let it Go (Part 2)

Did you ever wear weights while training for some sport?

 

The idea behind this is for you to train while wearing weights around your ankles so that you get used to doing your task (mine was basketball) at full speed while having that extra weight strapped to your body. THEN, once game time came around and you took the weights off, you should be able to actually run faster and jump higher because you are doing so without the added weight.

 

The Bible, in talking about the life-long fight against sin, also uses this example in part in Hebrews 12:1 - "... let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."

 

You can also see this same concept with an airplane that needs the ability to lift or to stretch their fuel usage by ridding the plane of nonessential weight! You really see this dramatically played out in movies when they begin to throw out the non-essentials.

 

I've seen it played out in different movies with boats and even covered wagons in the old west when needing to spare their  horses from such a heavy load.

 

HERE'S THE POINT: When you rid your......automobile, airplane, boat, covered wagon or even YOURSELF.....of excess weight you can go faster, fly higher, have your fuel or even your horse last longer!

 

And, friend, so it is with those things that we just need to LET GO in our lives! (If you haven't done so, go back and read the last blog article as well as listen to the last podcast for the first part of this discussion).

 

Yes, it is difficult to let go and walk away from those things to which we have grown accustomed - especially when those things are PEOPLE.

 

However, what you will likely find over time is that you actually are beginning to live life again or, perhaps, for the very first time. You may even find yourself thinking and saying things like, "I never knew that life could be this good!"

 

Just as the Bible verse above expresses, life IS a race, but friend, it is NOT a sprint...it is a marathon. Any excess weight that you carry begins to burden you down the longer you participate in this race called life.

 

You hear me say daily (if you listen to the podcast) that "as long as there is breath, there is hope" and it applies in such a strong way with this topic.

 

Many, weighed down by those things that need to be left behind, have become so burdened down that they have lost sight and lost hope of what life really has to offer.

 

DO NOT GIVE UP and do NOT allow yourself to continue carrying those things which MUST be left behind.

 

So, let me put it this way: DON'T GIVE UP but, instead, GIVE IT (what needs to be left behind) UP so that YOU can GET UP and move on in your life and begin to LIVE LIFE!

 

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

 

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

 

Mike

 

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                                         Start your home based business HERE

Let It Go

It's hard to let go of things to which we have grown accustomed.

 

Think about it and you will realize that you can easily apply this to many things. Let me go ahead and mention a few - you may want to make a list of all of the ones that you come up with and see if there is a need to rid your life of any of these.

 

Bad habits are hard to rid our lives of due to the fact that we have grown accustomed to them. This goes back to last week's podcast/blog that talked about things that we allow will continue in our lives.

 

Bad habits, such as poor eating habits, not exercising, having a negative attitude, listening to and participating in gossip, not giving it our all at the workplace, not giving it our all in our relationships, a lack of self-discipline - these are but a few of some bad habits that can make a "nest" in our lives.

 

And they will stay there as long as we allow them to do so.

 

You have likely seen this quote before: "The best way to break a habit is to drop it."

 

Easier said than done? ABSOLUTELY! But that does NOT mean that it's something we should avoid.

 

Hey, listen, I understand that it's hard to rid our lives of those "comfort foods" if one is wanting to lose weight but, at the same time, it is an absolute NECESSITY to just let them go - rid your life of them - IF you want to have any success at all in losing weight.

 

We often try to hang on to these things (whatever they may be in your life) while trying to figure out how to still allow them in our lives and still have progression or improvement of our lives.

 

But sometimes, you just have to let it go and walk away.

 

And, yes friend, sometimes that includes people.

 

This is likely the HARDEST situation to deal with and the HARDEST from which to walk away and let go. But sometimes it is necessary.

 

I'm not talking about a hasty decision and I'm not taking this lightly or talking about giving yourself an easy "out" so that you can allow inappropriate actions into your life.

 

There is so much I could say here that would apply. I do want to encourage you to listen to the podcast with this (see links below) and I may even continue this further in the next article and podcast.

 

Do the work in spending time diligently taking inventory of your life. What (or who) are you allowing in your life that you need to simply "let go"?

 

It's not always easy. That's why I share these thoughts with you, for you. We all need a little encouragement along the way.

 

Right?

 

And, as you continue along this journey of life, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

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                                         Start your home based business HERE

Move Up to the Front Row!

 

I don't know about you but I cannot look at this picture and not smile!

 

I also don't know if I've ever seen a more clear illustration than what is shown here. I LOVE THIS PICTURE and the graphic attached to it. Don't you?

 

Look at the progression that takes place from the first row to the third row. There's even a change from the first to the second row though not as dramatic as is shown in the third row.

 

LIFE IS MEANT TO BE LIVED!

 

I love roller coasters and I love to ride on the front row! Now, understand this - I am afraid of heights and the slow trip up to the top terrifies me along with the pause at the very top before the "release" which sends the roller coaster plummet straight down.

 

But I LOVE the thrill that comes once that release takes place. At that point my fear of heights is gone and the thrill of the ride has taken over! (Be sure to LISTEN to the podcast so that you can hear the happiness in my voice as I talk about this).

 

Now, once in a while I have agreed to ride in the middle of the line of roller coaster cars because someone that was too afraid to ride in the front wanted to ride the roller coaster with me. BORING! I could have almost had a tray of food and drink set up in that car and not spilled anything.

 

It was safe and a person could walk away bragging that they rode that roller coaster!

 

Well, technically, they did but they did not experience all that the roller coaster had to offer. The experience that they had when they "rode" the roller coaster was NOTHING compared to what those on the FRONT ROW of the roller coaster experienced.

 

Apply that to life, friend. You may say that you are "living" life but are you experiencing all that life has to offer?

 

You see this even connects to what we've discussed in the previous two articles.

 

Are you - WILL YOU - allow yourself to truly live life and experience all the wonders that are offered by life when you do so?

 

It's up to you but, friend, look at that picture one more time and ask yourself, "Do I want to live and laugh like the ladies in the front row or do I want to sit and chat like the ladies in the third row?"

 

C'mon....let's get on the FRONT ROW and for the the ride of a lifetime!

 

And, as you enjoy that ride, always be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

Future You University     "Like" FYU on Facebook!     Podcast on iTunes     Podcast RSS feed

                                         Start your home based business HERE

What Will YOU Allow? (Part 2)

In our last blog and podcast I approached this topic from the side of allowing NEGATIVE things into our lives and that, as long as we allow these things in our lives that they would continue to exist.

 

If you haven't done so, go back and take a look and listen so that you can apply that important part to your life.

 

It was not until AFTER I had recorded the audio for that last podcast that it hit me - it is also important to apply this to allowing POSITIVE things into our lives as well. Let's take a look.

 

Many have a hard time accepting GOOD in their lives due to the them feeling that they do not "deserve" anything good in their life. There are more people that feel this way than you might imagine and, honestly, there are some that feel this way that don't really even understand that they do.

 

So many live a life full of chaos that they can't even imagine having a life of peace instead. They even begin to think that it is IMPOSSIBLE and, yes, even something that they do not deserve. Yet, if you apply what we talked about in the last article, and you begin to NO LONGER ALLOW the chaos in your life and you begin to allow PEACE in your life then, guess what? Chaos ceases to exist and PEACE begins to become present instead.

 

WHAT YOU ALLOW IS WHAT WILL CONTINUE!

 

It's your choice: chaos or peace, impatience or patience, negative attitude or positive attitude, doing your job "half-way" or doing the very best you can do and feeling good about it, stress in your marriage or patience and love.

 

Again, YOU KNOW what area it is in your life that you are allowing something that you need to change and remove. YOU KNOW which area of your life that you need to allow something "better" and more productive.

 

Like I said, it's your choice. It's up to you  and it can begin today.

 

What will you do? It depends on what you want to allow into your life!

 

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

 

Mike

 

 

Future You University     "Like" FYU on Facebook!     Podcast on iTunes     Podcast RSS feed

                                         Start your home based business HERE