Friday, January 30, 2015

EXPERIENCE More



Have you read the previous two articles and/or listened to the previous two podcasts for this weeks' series? IF NOT, TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT NOW (and go ahead and listen to the podcast for today while there) so that you can get the full impact of today's article.
 
In this series I have challenged and encouraged you to HEAR more (by talking less) and to SEE more of the world that is around you each day. Today I will discuss briefly what the result of doing these things will be.
 
You will begin to EXPERIENCE LIFE more!
 
Don't we all really want that for our lives?
 
Listen, as we get older it does seem as if time goes by faster and faster! We cannot do ANYTHING to actually slow time down, but we CAN do something about how we EXPERIENCE each day of our life.
 
By HEARING more and speaking less and by SEEING more, we will discover and enjoy a world that we may never even knew existed before. We may find that the world is a much happier and promising place when we begin to hear and see the lives of those that are around us as each day goes by.
 
Do you want to do more than just "go through" life?  Do you wan to truly EXPERIENCE life?
 
Then friend, make the effort to follow the challenges that I have put before you in this series and see what happens. I think you'll be glad that you did.
 
I am excited for you as you discover a whole new world that is around you by doing these simple things.
 
Until next time, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

SEE More

 
In my last article about the late Stuart Scott, I mentioned (once again) the need to "get your head out of your phone" and pay more attention to what is going on around you in your world.
 
This is something that I could literally talk about every day and it would be needed. After listening to the podcast that went along with that last article I mentioned, my wife mentioned how people don't even make eye contact when she is at the store. For the most part, we have become a society of individuals...we all live in our own little worlds and cocoons and we don't really want to reach out to or be touched by those that are around us every day.
 
What a sad way to go through life.
 
I chose the words "go through" on purpose because you cannot say that this is a way to "live" life, can you?
 
Going along with the idea from the last article on "HEAR More", I want to encourage (and challenge) you to SEE more as you go through each day.
 
As I've said before, life is passing us by each and every day. We can either be a part of it and get as much out of each day as is possible or we can continue to keep our heads in the sand and miss out on so many wonderful things that take place around us...right under our noses.
 
Be sure to listen to the very short podcast on today's topic (only around 2.5 minutes long) by clicking on one of the podcast links below and take on the challenge of "opening your eyes" and SEEING more as you go through your day.
 
And, as you do so, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike


 

Monday, January 26, 2015

HEAR More

I want to encourage you to be sure to listen to the accompanying podcasts for this weeks' series...you will find them very short and to the point. Each one is only around 2.5 minutes long and you can access the  Podcast on iTunes or the Podcast RSS feed by clicking on either link.
 
Why do I mention that to you? Specifically - for today - is because the way that you HEAR more is by SPEAKING (SAYING) LESS.
 
I really didn't have that much to say this week. As a matter of fact, as I was thinking about what I wanted to do for this weeks' series, I couldn't come up with anything that really "fired me up" or that I had a passionate urge to share with you.
 
So, instead of just not doing a podcast, I decided to say very little and encourage you to do more of that yourself. I want to encourage - and CHALLENGE - you to HEAR MORE today by saying less.
 
You may remember that I discussed several similar ideas in a recent article entitled, "New Year's Tip #3: Do More and Less". If you didn't read it, just click on the link and it will take you there.
 
I understand that your job will likely require you to talk - that's a normal situation. However, I'm talking about those times when you aren't required to talk, but you do. Try talking less (especially about yourself or your own opinions) and listen - HEAR - others more.
 
Even as a part of your work, seek the input and opinions of others more and see what happens. Not only will you likely discover some great ideas that you hadn't thought of yourself (does that threaten you?) but you will also notice a definite moral boost among your team!
 
Ask those around more personal questions about THEM and LISTEN to what they say. Ask them about their family, their kids, their pets...anything about them that shows interest in them.
 
You may be surprised at who is around you each and every day.
 
Can you do it? (Yes). WILL you do it? You are the only one that can answer that question by putting this into action.
 
Join me next time as we talk about something else we need to do more of each and every day.
 
Until then, whatever you do, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike





Friday, January 23, 2015

People Worth Meeting (3)

Interesting Person #3

 

There is ONE major difference in my introduction of "Interesting Person #3"...I never had the opportunity to meet him. I've never had a conversation with him and I've never even seen him in person.
 
However, you likely will recognize his name and, like many, you likely have been touched and inspired even in his recent death. He definitely fits the title of "People Worth Meeting" or at least, in this situation, "People Worth Noting"...the late Stuart Scott.

Now, before I go any further, let me say this... If you have never listened to any of the podcasts, THIS would be a great one to begin with. You can do so by going HERE for the podcast on iTunes and HERE for the RSS feed. I think you will be encouraged by the message and the passion that you cannot get through a written article.

I'm calling Mr. Scott, "Mr. Live Life Today" for the sake of consistency in these articles.

I'm not going to focus on his work history with ESPN, but I know you will likely recognize a couple of his well-known catch phrases, such as "Booya!" and "Cooler than the other side of the pillow". However, he likely became even more well-known and beloved through a speech that he made at the 2014 ESPY Awards in which he was awarded the "Jimmy V Award" (you can read up on all of this for yourself).

Probably one of the most often quoted and shared lines out of that epic speech was when Mr. Scott ("Mr. Live Life Today") said this:
 
 "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and the manner in which you live."

 
 
Friend, this is how you beat ANY THING! I'm not taking away from what was said in ANY way. Instead, I am using this great thought to encourage you to apply this principle to EVERY area of your life!
 
HOW you live will greatly be determined by WHY you live! (Go back to the last series and notice the importance of your "WHY")
 
But, here's the key - LIVE LIFE TODAY AND EVERY DAY!
 
Don't let life "pass you by"! It's easy to do by getting wrapped up in trivial matters that tend to distract us all from what is important and what is around us each and every day!
 
Thank you Stuart Scott - "Mr. Live Life Today" - for these inspiring words that will live on for years and years to come.
 
And for you, friend...take these words and apply them to YOUR life and to every area of your life! Don't let these inspirational words become words that simply make you feel good but, instead, allow these words to inspire you to ACTION.
 
Share this article, listen to and share the podcast with as many as you can - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO INSPIRE OTHERS!
 
Until next time, always be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike
 



Wednesday, January 21, 2015

People Worth Meeting (2)

Interesting Person #2

About a week after I met Mr. Don't Tell Me I Can't (go back and read the last article if you haven't done so already), I met the next person that I want to tell you about.
 
Again, open your eyes and pay attention to those that are around you. Take the time to connect with others and you, too, may very well discover some very interesting people on your own.
 
Before I had a chance to talk with this gentleman, I noticed a very tearful good-bye between this man, his wife and a couple of kids. I had no idea what was going on at this point, but I could tell that this was not an easy separation.
 
During our conversation I found out that he was going to a "school" to do some training for a new job. This would involve him traveling to a location several states away and would mean separation from his family for a couple of months. He and his wife had been married for 8 years and had never been apart. He had a 10 year old stepson and a 4 year old little girl that were there to see him off.
 
I'll call him "Mr. Do What You Gotta' Do" because he stated that this was not his first choice of what he would prefer to do but, due to circumstances, this was what was needed to be done.
 
NOTE: Too many people will put themselves and their families in a bad position because they cannot find exactly what they are looking for when it comes to a job. Sometimes in life you do what you have to do in order to pay the bills and take care of your family. That does not mean that you will never find the job you are really wanting but, in the meantime, you do it because it's necessary!
 
He also mentioned to me that he had made some bad choices early on in his life as an adult and he was trying to get things right. He made no excuses, he didn't allow himself to sit and soak in his own pity but, instead, he made a tough decision in order to take care of and provide for his family.
 
I did everything I could to encourage him by telling him that, as hard as it would be, his family would know that he loved them enough to make tough decisions in order to take care of them He was demonstrating his dedication to his family by doing whatever was necessary to provide for them.

Who knows? He may find a whole new career that will allow him a more positive future than he would imagine at first.  I was impressed with  his determination and his great love for his family. I wished him well as we went our separate ways.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you whining and complaining about what is not right in your life OR are you ready to do whatever is necessary at the time?

Are you complaining that there are no jobs available when there are jobs available around you every day? Stop whining and do what you must do to make things happen!

Quite honestly, no one wants to hear such whining and complaining. Again, it may not be what you want to do with the rest of your life but, what are you made of? How determined are you to do what is necessary?

No one can do it for you...as always, it's up to YOU!

Follow the example of "Mr. Do What I Gotta' Do" (yes, again, a real person and a true story), regardless of how difficult it may be.

In the last segment of this series I will talk about someone that I never did get to meet. However, this person made an impact on MANY, even in his recent death.

Join me then - you don't want to miss it.

Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike





Monday, January 19, 2015

People Worth Meeting (1)

Interesting Person #1
 
In my job I meet some very interesting people from time to time - almost daily. Now, true, sometimes they are "interesting" in a way that causes me to think, "Now THAT was interesting!".
 
Yet, at other times, I come across people that really spark my interest and helps me know that, indeed, coming across their path was a unique and special experience that I was able to absorb.
 
In this weeks' series, I will introduce you to two men that I recently met that impacted me in the way that I just described in the last paragraph. Then, in the last segment of this series I will share some information with you about a man that I never met and that you will likely recognize. I will share something with you about this man that has made a profound impact on MANY over the past few weeks.
 
Meet "Interesting Person #1" - Mr. Don't Tell Me I Can't
 
A few weeks ago I met a young man (he is about 40 years old - hey, younger than me!) that had a physical handicap that he did not let hinder him. In our discussion I found out that he had suffered an injury when he was 13 years old in which his head was crushed. I don't know all of the details but, from what I understood, he suffered some mental injuries as well as some physical injuries that are connected to his brain.
 
Here's what he proudly told me with a big grin on his face: "If someone tells me that I can't do something, I'm the S.O.B. that's going to get it done!"
 
I asked him when the last time was that someone told him he couldn't do something and he told me it had happened just the week before I met him. When I asked him what it was, he told me that someone told him that, though he had planned to do so, he could not walk home from town. Oh, and by the way, this guy lived about six miles from town which is a long walk for ANYONE. Some of his physical problems made it even more difficult but, friend, that did not hold him back and he walked the full way home!
 
Even after 27 years of dealing with this adversity he still had a great attitude and a determination that this set back was not going to allow him to make excuses and give in to a weaker mindset. As a matter of fact he told me that he hated being on disability. He told me that his goal was to get off of disability and to be able to support himself financially. If I were a betting man I'd place my bet on him doing just that!
 
Now then, what about you?
 
What have you allowed to serve as your excuse for not accomplishing what you have set out to accomplish?
 
If you're like me (and I think you are), when I look at someone like the man I just introduced you to, I really have a hard time really coming up with any EXCUSE that makes much sense. Right? Bottom line is this: I HAVE NO EXCUSE when compared to "Mr. Don't Tell Me I Can't".
 
And, yes, this is a true story and this is about a real person.
 
I was encouraged - and challenged - by this meeting and I hope that you will be as well. I hope that you will be challenged to the point of really taking another look at your attitude and your actions.
 
I also hope that it will cause you to pay attention to those that cross your path each and every day. Pay attention, you will likely meet someone that will inspire you as well.
 
Here's the thing, though...you will actually have to talk to them and find out a bit about them in order for this to take place. Our world is FULL of interesting people.
 
AREN'T YOU GLAD? I know I am!
 
Join me in the next segment of this series as I introduce you to "Interesting Person #2". Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike
 

Friday, January 16, 2015

The Time is NOW! (Part 3 - Conclusion)


Before we get started, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and red the 1st two installments of this series as well as listening to them via the podcast (see links below). I also want to encourage you to watch the videos that I recorded on this series as well. (You can find the videos HERE).
 
In this final article of the series I want to share with you THREE specific steps that you need to consider in order to "get back on track" and "re-ignite that spark" of your goals and dreams.  Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of being caught up on the 1st two segments of this series.

So, let's get to it! Here are my thoughts and suggestions on how you can "kick-start" that thing in your life and get moving again toward your goals and dreams. Here we go...

1. Re-evaluate, Re-discover and Re-examine your WHY 
     You may discover that the "why" that you once used as your "fuel" to get you going is not as important as it once was. It is also possible that you have lost sight of how important that "why" was - and still is - to you in and for your life. Either way, you need to spend some time and RE-EVALUATE that "why" and see how important it is to you now. You should also RE-DISCOVER your "why"...maybe you'll get the feeling back that you once had about it and it may spur you on to get moving again! Overall, you just need to RE-EXAMINE your "why" so that you can decide if it's even a worthy "why" for you at all.
     You may find that your "why" has changed or NEEDS to change! The bottom line on this point is that you need a STRONG REASON to move you past the inactivity that you have experienced.


2. Take a look at your "reasons" (excuses) as to why you have not progressed as you had planned. 
      I have mentioned before how it is easy to get "comfortable" with our excuses...we can find that it is easy to "soothe" the disappointment (and even disgust) at our lack of progress by using these excuses and calling them "reasons". Oh, we'll even share these with anyone and everyone that will listen - they need to know that it's not US...it's not OUR fault!
     Don't be fooled. Most "reasons" are excuses in disguise.
    While this process of calling excuses "reasons" may make us comfortable, it is important to remember that progress is NOT comfortable! If you're comfortable, you're not being BOLD enough or BRAVE  enough! If you're comfortable, you're not "stretching" and challenging yourself!
     Never forget that, in order to make REAL progress in your life, you MUST step outside of your "comfort zone". Will you?


3. WHAT NOW? 
     If you follow and implement these first two steps then you will come to the point of needing to make a decision. If you are honest and either "re-discover" your original "why" or find that you need a new, bigger and more important "why" and you have decided to stop making excuses once and for all, then YOU MUST MAKE A DECISION!
    You have a choice to make and the choice is YOURS..what will you do?
    Really be careful with those excuses...they have a way of talking yourself out of making the kind of BOLD MOVE that, many times, is absolutely necessary. Some such excuses may be that you don't have the training needed, the education needed or the money needed to move forward.
     Maybe you don't have everything that you need to reach your "ultimate" end goal but, friend, the key is to GET STARTED NOW where you are and with what you have.

 
These steps may seem too simple but, again, don't miss the fact that the PROFOUND can often be FOUND in the SIMPLE. Too, don't let the "simplicity" fool you. These three things are much harder to put into action than you may think.

The key question is this: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

Your answer to that question will let you know if, indeed, "THE TIME IS NOW!"

Let me hear from you - we're in this together and I'd love to get your feedback and your stories about this journey in your own life.

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

The Time is NOW! (Part 2)


Sooner or later the "talking and planning" has to translate into ACTION or it's just "noise pollution".
 
Whatever "New Year's Resolutions" that you put together for this year, talking about them, spending time "planning" for them means NOTHING if you never take ACTION.
 
But, you already know that, right?
 
Talking and planning is safe, while taking action involves a bit more risk.
 
Again, to reach your goals and dreams will DEMAND that you step out of your "comfort zone". If not, it must not be that big of a stretch when it comes to goals and dreams.
 
Listen, I want - encourage - challenge - and I NEED - you to share your thoughts with me on what it is that you are READY TO MAKE HAPPEN this year! Every time that you watch one of my videos, or read one of these blogs, or listen to one of my podcasts, YOU HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE!
 
You can either keep saying and thinking, "Yeah, that's a good idea! That's something I need to apply in my own life!", OR you can take that bold step beyond the talk, and take ACTION.
 
"Change has to take place, and it WILL take place!" - A quote from my video that goes along with this article. (You can find that video HERE).
 
The main thing that I ask you to consider in this particular segment of this series is this: HAVE YOU DECIDED TO SETTLE FOR LESS?
 
There's a "fine line" between enjoying and being aware of your daily life and "accepting" life as it is and deciding that it is all that it ever can be. This kind of thought can easily lead to our "waving the white flag of surrender".
 
"Surrender? Who? Me? NEVER!"
 
That's what we like to think, right?
 
But, let's get real here. The only way for us to make positive progress toward our goals and dreams is to be HONEST about what has been holding us back. Do YOU have what it takes to face the truth head on - regardless of how difficult that may be?
 
You may have struggled and it may seem as if "it" is never going to happen for you but, friend, I want to tell you that I DO NOT think that you have surrendered! The fact that you are reading this right now tells me that this DOES NOT DESCRIBE YOU!
 
You want more than that - you ARE more than that!
 
But, at the same time, if we are not careful - over time - we can begin to weaken and tire and to settle for less. And, if not corrected, we can eventually surrender. And, friend, I KNOW that this is NOT what you want in and for your life.
 
I just hope that I'm able to "stir the BEAST within" that once helped push you forward toward these goals and dreams of yours. Allow yourself to dream again! Allow yourself to believe again! Allow yourself to get excited again!
 
In the next article (the last of this 3 part series) I will be giving you some SPECIFIC things that you can do to help "re-ignite" that spark and fire in your life.
 
You don't want to miss it.
 
Remember, I want to hear from you. I'd love for you to share what it is that you are ready to claim as yours once and for all in your life. Don't be shy - we're in this TOGETHER!
 
Until next time, friend, whatever you do, always be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike

Monday, January 12, 2015

The Time is NOW (Part 1)


Have you ever gotten to the point where you said, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"?
 
In this 3-part series, I will be connecting that thought to  how you feel about goals and/or achievements that you have still not reached.
 
Before I get into the discussion of this article, I want to mention that I actually have recorded a VIDEO of this series as well. I recorded the video at the same time that I recorded the podcast and you can access the video by CLICKING HERE. For future reference, you'll find it by clicking on the "Videocast tab" at www.FutureYouUniversity.com
 
I have made the decision - for me and my life - that, in some areas of my life, it is time to STOP talking about what I want to accomplish and it's time to MAKE IT HAPPEN! In other words, I've decided that, once and for all, THE TIME IS NOW!
 
What about you?
 
You see, friend, if we're not careful we can lose focus on reaching those goals and achievements in and for our lives. PAY ATTENTION TO THIS NEXT POINT: "The longer it takes to achieve a goal, you begin to weaken, you begin to get weary and you begin to tire of the effort and the process of not making the progress you desire." - Mike Spillman
 
I really want to encourage you to take the time to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video so that you can HEAR and SEE the passion that I have on this topic. I'm SICK of MEDIOCRITY!
 
Let me ask you a couple of questions about this in your own life. Now, listen, if you are SERIOUSLY tired of "treading water" in this process and you are ready to take some "THE TIME IS NOW ACTION", then answer these honestly and with passion!
 
1. Are you tired of the planning, talking about, preparing for THAT thing to take place?
 
2. Have you begun to lose your FOCUS? - to the point of SURRENDER?
 
Wow, that second question can be hard to admit and "swallow"! We don't want to think that we have even come CLOSE to surrendering yet, at the same time, we may already know that, to some extent, we have done just that.
 
In the next blog article, podcast and videocast, I will be discussing in detail the fine line between living the life that you have and surrendering. You don't want to miss that.
 
Here's what I'd like you to do: Share with me what it is that you are ready to take that "THE TIME IS NOW ACTION" with in your life. If you would prefer to do it privately, then shoot me an email at mike@futureyouuniversity.com. You can also leave a comment below this article OR (and I really prefer this one) you can post a comment on the Future You University "fan page" on Facebook. WHAT IS IT for you? What is it that you have also come to the conclusion that "enough is enough" and you are ready to push past the barriers that have held you back in the past?
 
Let me know, I look forward to hearing from you on this because, after all, we are in this thing together, right?
 
Here's one final thought I want to leave with you concerning time: "No matter what you do or DON'T do, time continues moving on." - Mike Spillman
 
Get in on the discussion and get ready to make some POSITIVE PROGRESS in your life as we go through this special series. Are YOU in?
 
Until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike


Friday, January 9, 2015

New Year's Tip #3: Do More and Less


While considering what I wanted to share with you for the third - and final - tip of this first week of the New Year, I came up with the idea of, "Smile More - Argue Less".
 
That's a pretty good idea and tip, wouldn't you agree? Couldn't we ALL benefit from following this idea? It was a good start but I felt that I needed to expand on it a little more so I began to look for a graphic to use that might hep spark something more for this thought. The result? The graphic that you see above that will serve as the foundation of today's article.
 
Now, along with this blog, I also want to encourage you to listen to the podcast (click either of the two links below for the podcast) and share both this article AND the podcast with as many people as possible. Even though it is on the same topic, there is always additional material due to the fact that the two are done at different times and there is not a script.
 
Too, if you haven't done so yet, go back and read/listen to the first two "Tips for the New Year" that came right before this one. Read them and then take the time to implement these as part of your daily routine.
 
My third tip for the New Year is to DO MORE by DOING LESS.
 
That's right, there are things that we all need to INCREASE in our lives as well as things that we all need to DECREASE in our lives. Follow along with the graphic above...
 
FEAR LESS - HOPE MORE: Instead of the word, "hope", I decided to go with the word, "BELIEVE". Beyond hope there has to be a belief that is based on our preparation. Don't allow the fear of failure to paralyze you from moving forward. Develop (yes, it will take practice and training) the ability to downplay the perceived fear and to go more strongly with your BELIEF about your ability and your future.
 
EAT LESS - CHEW MORE: Here's my take on this phrase...enjoy life and take the time to savor every "bite" of it as it comes your way! You don't have to necessarily take in EVERYTHING that life has to offer (if that's even possible) in order to enjoy what surrounds you every day. "Chew more" is to simply ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE and get every bit of flavor and "taste" that there is from the life that you live.
 
WHINE LESS - BREATHE MORE: Who WOULDN'T agree that our world could do with a lot less whining? However, the thing is, we usually want to talk about everyone else that is doing the whining. Yet, my guess is, there is likely some whining that you involve yourself in that you may not want to admit. Hey friend, we ALL - myself included - could do a whole lot less whining and complaining. "Breathe more" or, simply, TAKE A BREATH and approach whatever the situation is with a different mindset. Whining or complaining doesn't really solve anything. If it is something that really bothers you THAT much, approach it in a way that will help you find a solution. You may also find that it's really not that important after all. If so, drop it and walk away. Whatever you do...stop the whining.
 
TALK LESS - SAY MORE: I've dedicated a whole podcast and blog article to this in the past. Choose your thoughts and words carefully to the point that, when you decide to speak, you actually have something that others will want to hear. Otherwise, it just becomes more "noise pollution" in a world that is already "over-polluted" with such noise. When you begin to conquer and accomplish this task, you will find that you actually will say MORE by saying LESS!
 
And finally, LOVE MORE: I believe that it all starts with believing in yourself and loving yourself more. No, I'm not talking about a selfish and self-centered approach to life. What I AM talking about is understanding that you are a person of worth and value. It is you understanding that you DO actually deserve a better life for you and your loved ones. It is understanding and believing that you DO have the ability - what it takes - to make such improvements in and for your life. Doing so will allow you to truly appreciate and love those around you more.
 
And, once more, back to the beginning...always remember to SMILE MORE! Each and every day, practice the art of smiling more and see what happens.
 
Don't procrastinate on these - DO THEM NOW! Don't wait - INCORPORATE them into your daily activities today.
 
And as you do so, whatever you do, always be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

New Year's Tip #2: Check Your Trash


 
One day, a couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were out on a walk down the road that runs in front of our house. As is often the case (and sadly so), there was trash strewn along the side of the road of cups, beer cans, etc. as we walked. And then we came upon a big pile of trash that someone had thrown out of their passing vehicle.
 
I told my wife that, on our way back, we would pick it up and get rid of it since it was such a large pile of trash. And, upon our return trip, we did pick it up so that we could dispose of it once we arrived home. The following is a description of what made up this pile of trash...
     First of all, it was a bag from a fast food restaurant with the accompanying cup, lid and straw thrown out beside it. Inside the bag, along with the wrappers and small box from the french fries, was also an empty cigarette box, several scratched off lottery tickets, one beer can and another beer bottle.
 
As I noticed these items that had been tossed out of a passing vehicle, I was, first and foremost, disgusted that a person had no more respect for the beauty of nature than to do such a thing. I simply do not understand that type of mentality.
 
Then it hit me. As I put that original thought together with the contents of the trash pile, it dawned on me that this was all evidence of a "poor man's mentality".
 
I have no idea what the financial situation is for the person that did this act, but I think I can probably give you a pretty good idea based on the trash and the type of mentality displayed by the trash and the action as well.
 
A poor man's mentality is a mentality that has no respect for anyone else or for nature and helping keep it clean of such trash. They often have the attitude of, "Someone else will pick it up" instead of taking it to their own home and finding a place for disposal.
 
A poor man's mentality is also displayed by one who, if they even have a job, will struggle to make ends meet and yet will spend the unnecessary money on the following:
     - Fast food: Instead of taking a lunch from home to work, they will stop off and spend between $5 - $10 on a lunch and do this several times a week. Even if they are not working on a particular day they may run through the drive through of a fast food restaurant and do the same...and throw the trash out of the window on the way home.
     - Beer or alcohol: Again, often, the person with this type of mentality struggles to make ends meet but, at the same time, will have the purchase of alcohol as a main part of their expenditures. Many times this person will be the person that will drink to the point of being drunk and passed out weekend after weekend. And, if drinking in their vehicle (illegally) will toss the can and/or bottle out the window as they drive down the highway.
     - Cigarettes: Do you want to come up with a better example of literally lighting up money with a match and watching it burn? Many times those with this "poor man's mentality" will struggle to keep their lights turned on yet, at the same time, will burn through dollar after dollar through the smoking of cigarettes. And, you guessed it, when done, if in their vehicle, they will toss it out of the window as litter.
     - Lottery tickets: Several years ago I worked at a convenience store that sold lottery tickets. I quickly learned that, come payday, there would be a steady stream of customers that would come in with their "fresh cash" from payday and spend money on lottery tickets, hoping to "hit it big". With amazement I would see men burn through $20-$30 of tickets and then get excited when, after scratching off all of the numbers on all of the tickets, would end up with "winnings" of $5.00. There would be days that I would see a man spend half of his newly earned paycheck on lottery tickets by the time he left the store. I often wondered what his family went without due to this habit.
 
Am I saying that every person that participates in any of these activities has a "poor man's mentality"?
 
No, of course not.
 
I will say this: If you are one that throws trash out of your window, you are a person that has no respect for others and, likely, not much for yourself. You can determine what type of mentality you would like to call that, but I feel very strongly about anyone that particpates in that activity.
 
However, I would challenge any of you on the use - and amount of use - with any of the other items listed above. I understand the draw of "eating out" but question the mentality of anyone that struggles in any way that makes this a regular part of their activity. Have you added up how much money you spend on fast food/eating out over a month's time? Maybe you should even just break it down to a weekly amount and then go from there. It's something to think about.
 
The same is true for alcohol, friend. Have you taken the time to add up your expense on this? It's definitely something to think about and, for sure, if you are getting behind the wheel of an automobile after drinking you, again, are not considering (respecting) anyone else as you do so. You might want to also ask yourself what the reason is for your drinking. Hey, get honest with yourself on this. Is it just habit? Is it to relax? Is it even to, perhaps, "escape" from life?  It's all worth taking a look at, friend.
 
Yes, there are people that win big money by playing the lottery. LOOK AT THE ODDS listed on YOUR chance to do so. You are literally "throwing your money away" when you play the lottery and, especially, when you play it in such a way that has you thinking that you are going to "hit it big" one day as long as you keep on playing and throwing your money away.
 
So, the tip is simply this: WHAT'S YOUR MENTALITY? Does it need to be changed? If you're not sure what your "mentality" may be, perhaps you should spend a little time going through your trash. Seriously.
 
As well as going through the trash, you probably need to go through your checkbook to figure out how much money is being spent on things such as this.
 
Think about it, this could be an adjustment that could greatly improve the your physical AND financial health as well.
 
And, one final thought...if you find that you are angry after reading this article, ask yourself, "WHY?" And then take the time to be honest with yourself as you uncover the answer.
 
I'll share one more tip with you for the New Year in the next article but, until then, whatever you do...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you/)"
 
Mike
 
 

Monday, January 5, 2015

New Year's Tip #1: Get Your Head Out of Your Phone!


 
Well, here we are...beginning a new year together!
 
I hope that you had the chance to read my last article that I put together as a special "New Year's Week" article. If not, I want to encourage you to go back to the article before this one and read it and apply it to your life. Here  is to you and my wishes for your best year ever in 2015!
 
What I'd like to do now is to offer a few tips that may help that wish to become a reality in your life. They are not "life changing" as far as "big moves" go and, because of that, many will ignore and overlook what it is that I'm sharing. However, at the same time, they CAN be VERY "big moves" because they will require a definite change in your attitude and actions.
 
The week before Christmas, I went into the local revenue office to renew the tags on the license plate of my car. As is usually the case, I drew a number and sat, waiting for when my number would be called. Now, I have to tell you, "people watching" is one of my favorite things to do and, this day would be no exception.
 
There were two numbers before mine and, when the first of those two numbers were called, no one moved. I looked around and noticed two ladies who had their attention focused on their phones and, from what I could deduct, one of these two had the number being called. I was sitting close to the "window" that the workers were behind and I mentioned to the lady that had called out the number that I didn't think that anyone heard her. She called it out a second time and, still, no reaction. I finally looked over toward where the two ladies were sitting and called out the number.
 
It was as if I had sent the lady a text myself and she finally saw it! She awoke out of her "texting fog" and came to the window to take care of her business.
 
The second of the two ladies was not quite so responsive when her number was called. After the worker had called her number two times, she finally got up to walk toward the desk, never taking her attention away from her phone. As she approached the desk, she never looked up or acknowledged the worker behind the desk but, instead, simply put her papers on the counter and pushed them toward the worker.
 
I could see the look of "you've got to be kidding me" on the worker's face as she looked up at the young lady standing before her, all of her attention focused on her phone. After waiting for a few seconds, and still not receiving the appropriate attention to the task at hand, the worker cleared her throat and said, "Excuse me...do you have the REST of the papers that you need?"
 
I'm sure you have seen similar situations, haven't you?
 
I simply refuse to attempt any type of conversation with someone that is focused on their phone. Friends, whether you agree or not, that type of action is rude and shows no respect to the person across from you.
 
Are YOU guilty of such?
 
I hope not but, at the same time, in this world of instant gratification and immediate communication, it is likely that you have been caught in this trap at one time or another.
 
Here's my simple tip for you for this new year - GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR PHONE!
 
That's a simple and alternative way to say, "Pay more attention to the world that is around you." Too many people spend too much attention to someone that they can't even see at the moment when, at the same time, there is so much to see and experience that is right before their very eyes.
 
Determine now to give those around you the proper respect that they deserve. And, yes, at the same time, do now allow yourself to be disrespected by others that refuse to do so.
 
ENGAGE with your world as it goes by day by day. Again, once gone it can never be regained, relived or replenished.
 
When do you start? Start NOW, at this very moment and see what happens.
 
Join me as I discuss another tip for you in this new year in the next article. But, until then, whatever you do, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike