The Challenge of DREAMING BIG

The bigger the DREAM, the bigger the CHALLENGE...that, my friend, is a fact! And, if the CHALLENGE is bigger, it must be due to the fact that the OBSTACLES are also bigger.

Now, friend, will you STILL make a decision to DREAM BIG even knowing the facts that I just presented?

A dream with no challenges is just that...a dream, and nothing more. It is only when you make the decision to begin to take the steps on the journey toward your goals and dreams that the dream becomes more than just talk.

It is only when you become more focused on your GOALS than you are on the CHALLENGES and the OBSTACLES that you begin to make progress toward reaching those goals and dreams. 

Many times people will refer to their dreams as their "destiny".  Be sure to pay close attention to the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson in the graphic below..."The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."

I have spent a good part of the past 9 years trying to provide information to help you (and myself) to understand the importance of developing and keeping a positive mindset - even after you have made such a decision as was just discussed. 

This is the last blog article that I will be writing for a while. Be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic (the iTunes and RSS Feed link are found below) to get more (and different) insight into the thoughts on this challenge that comes when you decide to dream big.

Also, be sure to check the next podcast that will be coming out next...it will be the last podcast for a while as well. Be sure to listen to it to get all of the details.

And, finally, be sure to follow along via the fan page on Facebook (link below). That is the main place that you will be able to still be in touch with me from time to time until the relaunch sometime in the future

So friends, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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Whatever You Do...KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Do not allow yourself to become discouraged and defeated - KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Do not allow yourself to start losing ground, slipping back to where you were before - KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Do not allow yourself to give up - Do not EVER give up - KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Hey, listen, even if you do the whole "Two Steps Forward and One Step Back", you are STILL making progress...you are STILL moving FORWARD!

Dig in, dig deep and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem. KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic (see the iTune and RSS Feed links below) and get a lot of extra thoughts and insights to this important topic.

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

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

Mike

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

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The Timeline for "The Final 100"

O.k. folks, I have a major announcement about my podcast and, perhaps, even my blog coming in the very near future.

I recently recorded podcast #897. Believe it or not, this is way less that I thought it would be at this point based on the beginning on March 2, 2009. Yes, it IS a great accomplishment and, yes, I am proud of this accomplishment but I have decided that it is time to make some major changes to the podcast and, again, maybe even the blog.

I will record two more "regular" podcasts (898 and 899) and then I will record #900, the first of "The Final 100". Number 900 will be a preparation podcast detailing what is going to be taking place but I will give you a quick insight here.

If you have followed me since the beginning of this year (2018) then you know that I plan to be a part of the John Maxwell Team by the end of this year. Once I do that I will begin working on putting myself into a position of doing far more in the area of public speaking, etc.

Once I get to that point (starting to speak and do other things) I will then begin the completion of "The Final 100". Once I reach #1,000 I plan to stop with the podcasts - at least in the way that I've done them for the past nine years.

How long will it take before I do podcast #901? At this point I have no idea.

What does this mean as far as this blog? Again, to be honest, I have no idea.

Here's what I DO know...you can keep up with all of this by going to the fan page on Facebook.

"The Final 100" will more or less be a "re-launch" of the podcast and maybe even the blog.

Again, you will be able to keep up with the details via the Facebook link...be sure to do so and also be sure to stop by and make a comment from time to time.

Be sure to watch for those final two episodes of the podcast and the blog articles that will go along with them!

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Be Flexible in Attaining Your Goals

I came across this graphic on a friend's Facebook page and it "spoke to me" specifically about what is going on in my life right now. You can go back a couple of articles ago and get a glimpse into what I am referring to in the article, "Are You Laying Eggs?".

Since the beginning of this year I have been very "open" about my goals for the year and how I planned to achieve those goals. You can go back to those articles and podcasts where I talk deciding what "vehicle" would be used to get me from where I was to where I wanted to be.

What if the "vehicle" that you have picked out is not doing the job of getting you where you want to go? Are you determined to stay in/with that vehicle regardless or are you flexible enough to do what needs to be done? Maybe your "vehicle" just needs a little tune up or a tweak to make some minor adjustments OR maybe your "vehicle" needs a complete overhaul or replacement.

What you do is greatly determined by your flexibility in such matters.

For me, I have decided that it is time to change the particular "vehicle" and get on my way with my journey and try to catch up since I'm behind with my goals.

Specifically, I'm still going to be in the insurance business but I'm just doing it with a different company (yes, again) and a different approach.

Here's the deal - for me and for you...I can't be worried about what other people think in the matter. DO YOU HEAR ME?

Hey listen, I know for a fact that there are some people that look at me and think I'm just "hopping around" form one thing to another. And, yes, to some extent I have done that but, what they don't know is my reason and purpose for doing so. And I cannot concern myself with that!

I (and you in your own journey) must do what I feel is the best move for me and my purpose and goals in and for my life. And I must be FLEXIBLE in doing so.

How flexible are YOU in reaching your goal? Again, make sure you are CLEAR on what that goal is but, at the same time, be flexible in the process of reaching that goal.

Be sure to take a listen to the podcast on iTunes or on the RSS Feed and get more insight to this topic.

Also, when you listen to the podcast on this topic, you will find me discussing my future plans for the podcast. You can find this starting around the 4 minute mark. Go there to hear the details about another example of flexibility in this process.

You can actually also read more about this in my next article. It won't be long, just an explanation on what I plan to be doing with the podcast. Be sure to check it out.

 And, whatever you do along the way, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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PASSION or BOREDOM?

Right off, I want to tell you to be sure to listen to the podcast HERE so that you can get even more thoughts and discussion on today's topic. Don't miss it!

I think most of you reading this would agree with what Vincent Van Gogh said in the graphic above: "I would rather die of passion than of boredom."

But what does that mean for you? What comes to mind when you think of living a life of "passion"? Does it mean to live a careless life or a carefree life? Does it mean to live a life without rules or a life where you make the rules? Does it mean that, if you don't "love" what you are doing then your life is not of value? Does it mean that your passion brings value to your life regardless of what you are doing?

Some are completely satisfied to live what I may consider to be a "boring life". I - and you - must be careful about judging someone in such a situation because they may be living the life that they have always wanted...even if it "looks" boring to you or me.

As I put this article together, I am 58 years old (YOUNG!) and I still believe that I am living a life of passion or, the way I like to look at it, a life of PURPOSE.

Simply put, for me that means that, regardless of what I'm doing (whether what I would prefer to be doing or not) I still have a passion - or a PURPOSE - in what I want and plan to achieve. I don't think I will ever be in a position to where I decide to be satisfied with less than I know I can be and do.

Make sense?

What about you? My biggest fear for myself - and for you - is to allow myself to get to a point where I "settle for less" because it is easier. THAT IS NOT PASSION!

Again, be sure to listen to the podcast and please, feel free to leave your comments on the fan page on Facebook (click the link below). I'd love to hear from you.

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

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Are You "Laying Eggs"?

Apparently, the phrase, "laid an egg", meaning something bad happened or was done poorly is attributed to it's use when Variety had it in October 1929: "Wall Street Lays An Egg."

But, why was laying an egg used in a derogatory way? 

Other things that I came across suggest that an egg resembles the number zero - 0. We even hear the phrase "goose egg" to describe something that comes back as "0".

So, when one "lays an egg", it is not something that is a positive thing but, instead, something negative.

But, in nature, the laying of an egg will often result in LIFE!

I took the above picture in my backyard this afternoon after seeing a female blue bird come out of the bird house. I had noticed both the male and female spending time around the bird house but did not know that she had already laid eggs until I took this picture. 

Will EVERY egg hatch? I don't know but it is not unusual for some not to produce life. But, even at that, birds laying eggs and the baby birds that will soon be born are all a part of the "new life" that comes with Spring.

So, what does this have to do with you and me? Let me know if you relate to what I'm about to describe. Lately (as in the past month and a half) I feel as if I've been "laying eggs" when it comes to my business. It has not gone as well as I would have liked and I feel that I'm just not getting anywhere. 

Have you been there? Are you in that type of situation now?

But taking this picture today reminded me that "laying an egg" can also be something POSITIVE that can bring NEW LIFE into the world. Maybe - just maybe - I've gone through the eggs that aren't going to hatch and now - NOW - something good is about to happen with the eggs that remain!

Does that make sense to you? Does that speak to you or to someone that you know that may need to hear this message?

Oh, and by the way, even those eggs that don't hatch (I'm thinking chicken eggs now) still produce something positive in that they supply nourishment as food! So, even allow your disappointments - those eggs that didn't hatch - to serve as a source of nourishment for you in that you know you are learning something along the way and each "bad egg" brings you closer to the ones that will produce something positive in and for your life!

Be sure to click on one of the links below to listen to the podcast for additional thoughts on this topic and, whatever you do, until next time...

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

Mike

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

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Addressng the "YOU Fund Me" Mentality

It has probably been a week now since I published the podcast and Vlog on this topic. That is one reason I really suggest that you listen/watch those along with reading this article. I do not have a script that I follow and, due to the time that has gone by, there will definitely be some different and/or additional thoughts on this topic that you won't get by just accessing this topic via one channel. 

This thought all came about from what I witnessed one day a little over a week ago. Sure, I'm used to seeing people with signs asking for donations standing by the entrance/exit to one particular store that I go to at least once a week. However, on this particular day, I exited this store by a different way and found a guy holding up a sign that said, "EMERGENCY" across the top with an elderly person wrapped up in blankets and in a wheelchair a few feet away. I slowed down for a moment thinking that this might be a real emergency and then read the rest of his sign, "Cancer Co-Payment Needed". 

Others - including my wife - told me that they have seen this same guy with the same "EMERGENCY" word scribbled at the top of a sign but with different "needs" addressed on the rest of the sign.  One thing I thought was, "If this was a REAL emergency, I think he would likely find other ways to try to raise the money besides standing where he was holding up a sign". 

One thing I thought was that he might even try one of those "YOU Fund Me" approaches that I see others use so often. (Now, obviously, I have changed the name of one particular source, but I think you get the idea).

Long story short, I went to the main page of this "YOU Fund Me" group and read several "success stories" of some that had used this approach and I became a bit frustrated. 

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I do know and understand that, at times, this is a valuable tool to help with certain needs.  

However, I noticed many that featured people that received this type of funding for things that weren't necessities but, rather,  "wants".  Yes, they may have been "noble" or even "honest" but they were things that people used to accept the responsibility of raising the wanted funds themselves. 

For example, one "success story" featured a young lady that had received funding to further her education while another featured a young man that belonged to an organization of "scouts" that had received funding for a particular project that he needed to do with this organization. Both of these situations are "desires" or "wants" and not necessities. No, higher education is not a "right" or even an absolute necessity. It is a desire - yes, a "noble" or worthy desire - but, again, one that people used to do whatever they had to do to accomplish the funding of that desire.

WHY?

This mentality and approach is killing our society in the United States of America and, it doesn't matter where you are from, it will kill your society as well if allowed to take root in the mindset of it's people.

This goes along closely with one of my recent articles, "Water Your Own Grass". If you've not read it yet, take the time to do so.  

Yes, we are here to help each other along the way but, friend, we MUST NOT expect others to take care of things for us in our own lives that we can - and should - take care of ourselves.

We need to teach the RESPECT and PRIDE to our children that comes in putting in the effort that it takes to ACHIEVE these things on our own even though, at times, it may be difficult.

Again, please take the time to listen and/or watch the podcast and/or Vlog (links below) on this topic for much more discussion.

There is a sense of accomplishment that is being neglected when we look to others to fulfill our efforts for things that we want in our lives and, yes, even those things that we need.

Think about it and, 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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CHANGE Happens!

I have already posted the Vlog and podcast that I did for this topic earlier this week and I'm just now getting to this blog article. So, that being said, you need to BE SURE to listen/watch one or the other. WHY? Because I don't have a script that I follow and there will be different/additional thoughts and ideas shared in the podcast and Vlog than there will be with this article. (Check out the links at the end of the article).

I'm not sure how much I've shared via my blog articles about the changes that have taken place in my life since the start of this year (2018). I did not label them as "New Year's Resolutions" but, rather, just a "redefining of my direction" and my future. 

Just a quick review: I have been in the insurance business off and on for several years now and joined up with an agency shortly after the start of the year that I believe will be the best connection that I could have possibly made in this industry. Along with that, I have also made positive plans to be a part of the John Maxwell Team by the end of 2018. 

This insurance business is the "vehicle" that I have chosen as my way of getting from where I started the year to where I want to be at the end of the year. (Go back and read the articles about "What Do YOU Want" and the "Journey" series for more information).

This past Monday morning I found out that the person that was my "manager" and was also the one that hired me into this particular "branch" of this agency had quit. Boom! Immediate and with no warning. WOW!

A few years ago that would have thrown me for a loop and caused me to stress out about what was going to happen next! And, I'm sure it probably has done that to some people in this group. 

Why do I say that? Because CHANGE is something that makes us very uneasy and it is also something that, many times, we do not know how to handle.

Look at that graphic at the top of the article again. If you have lived for very long then you know that what is said there is absolutely true! One of the few constant things in life is CHANGE!

Everybody and every thing changes every single day. (Listen to the podcast or watch the Vlog for a more in depth discussion of that thought).

What do YOU do when CHANGE comes your way? And friend, if you say that it hasn't - it WILL.

This next statement is also a FACT - "With change comes opportunity." And, many times (if you are determined to approach it with a positive attitude) that opportunity can be a BETTER opportunity.

That is the case with the change that has taken place this week with my insurance business. It has now ended up to where the person that is now my "manager" is, to be honest, a better equipped person to do so. He already has infused "new blood" into this whole thing which will provide me with even more opportunities to be successful. 

Again friend, CHANGE WILL COME. Prepare your mindset in a way that will keep you from "freaking out" or crumbling under the pressure that COULD come with that change. Preparation is the key to this situation as it is with most every situation that you face each and every day. 

What will you do? What have you done? I'd love to hear your comments on how you have handled change in your life. You can leave them here but I would prefer that you leave them on the fan page on Facebook .

May you find a better opportunity before you with each change that comes your way.

Until next time...

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

Mike

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Water Your Own Grass!

THIS (the quote found in the above graphic) is a LIFE LESSON that we all need to learn and that we need to be sure to teach our children and grandchildren.

At the same time, THIS seems to be a LIFE LESSON that has NOT been taught to many in our current society. (When I say "our" society, I'm referring to those in the United States. I have no idea what your society in another country may be like but I DO know what is going on here in the U.S.).

Too many want what others have without putting in the work that the others put into what they now have. Make sense? 

We've discussed this principle before: Many look at a successful person and say, "I want that!" but are unwilling to do what that person did to build that success.

There are many in our society that do not even hesitate to admit that they have no desire whatsoever to do any work towards that kind of success at all. They simply WANT what others have because they do not think that it is "fair" that others have more than they do. What a warped sense of reality!

Hypothetically (and, often, even literally) they look over their fence into their neighbor's yard and notice how nice and green it is. They notice how thick and healthy the neighbor's grass is and also how beautifully the yard is landscaped. Then, they take a look at their own yard and notice just the opposite. They make note that their back yard doesn't even have grass growing in it because of the fact that their five dogs have worn it down. They also notice mounds of dog poo throughout  the yard but, yet, they make no effort to clean it up. They also notice that there is trash and paper shredded all over the yard because they have left trash in the back yard and then the dogs have ripped that trash to pieces. And, finally, they also notice the scattered beer and/or cola cans scattered all over the back yard.  And, yet, they don't think it's right that the neighbor's yard is so much nicer

Of course, they may or may not have paid attention to the fact that the neighbor has put in countless hours maintaining their back yard. The neighbor actually has a dog but that dog has not destroyed the back yard. The neighbors do not leave trash in the back yard so, of course, there is no trash for the dog to tear up and rip to shreds. Oh, and by the way, not only has the neighbor spent a lot of TIME on that back yard but they have also spent a bit of MONEY for the landscaping, etc. They take pride in their yard and the work that they have put into making it beautiful and enjoyable.

As the graphic above says, "Stop staring, stop comparing, stop complaining Start watering the grass you're standing on"

WATER YOUR OWN GRASS!

You likely are not one of those people wanting what everyone else has without putting in the effort to receive it but, we must all be careful to not allow this attitude to creep into our lives and mindset. 

One main way to do that is for YOU to take care of YOU and, by doing so, you won't have time to worry about anyone else and what they do or don't have. 

Make sense?

Sure it does. 

So, even if you don't suffer from this "lack mindset", be sure to teach the truth of the "water your own grass mindset" to future generations. This is a MUST!

If you haven't done so, take a few minutes and listen to the podcast (links below) and/or watch the video (see the YouTube link below). Although this is on the same topic, I did the podcast and video several days before I wrote this article which means that there is different material and thoughts available there.

Thanks again for joining me and, 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

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

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Are You Giving "It" Your Best OR Is Average Good Enough?

This blog article, the podcast (iTunes & RSS feed) and the video version (Vlog) were all done at separate times, so be sure to listen/read ALL avenues of this topic because each will be unique in it's own right!

AVERAGE.  Average is neither good or bad...it's "in-between". It's just "there". As I read from one person, "Average is the same distance from being good as it is from being bad."

Ouch!

We live in a world that seems to be o.k. with just being "average". Yes, I know that this doesn't apply to everyone. You, for example, don't fit into that category or you wouldn't be here spending the time to read this article. Average people don't do things that require anything "extra" from them. "Above average" people do things that average people will not. It's not that they can't...they just won't. 

Here's the thing: If average people would just keep their "average-ness" to themselves then, as bad as it still would be, the rest of us could just move effortlessly through the quagmire of this affliction. But, sadly, that is not the case. Notice this quote from John Maxwell...

"Average people want you to stay average."

You see, it's not enough for the average person to be satisfied with this being their own downfall. Nope. They don't want anyone else around them to escape from this mind-numbing lifestyle.

This is true of every form of negativity. Negative people aren't satisfied with keeping their negative thoughts and actions to themselves. For whatever reason they feel the need to "spread it" to anyone and everyone around them. It's as if they don't want anyone else being any happier than they are. And, friend, they tend to NOT be happy about anything.

An "average mindset" is also a form of negativity and you MUST be aware of the dangers of spending your time with those with this mindset. IT WILL BRING YOU DOWN AND KEEP YOU WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE!

Yes, it IS that "dangerous" to those that want more, dream more and plan to BE more. 

To change up a famous quote from "Forrest Gump"...."Average is as average does." 

There is NOTHING wrong with striving to achieve more. Think about this...only those who have done so have made positive change in their lives and, in turn, in our world.

Think long and hard about that fact and then also think about this...

Average people would likely not be missed if they were no longer "there". What I mean is this: An average person who does an average job would likely not even be missed if they stopped showing up for work. Why? Because there was nothing special about what they were doing and it is very easy to replace average with another person that seeks nothing more than just being average.

That's really very sad, isn't it? 

Rather, “Be so good they can't ignore you." - Steve Martin

It's YOUR move, friend! Don't settle for less because YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE!

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

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

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CONCLUSI0N: "Taking the Journey: Detours, Delays and Delusions"

Right off I want to encourage you to be sure and listen to the podcast (RSS feed  - iTunes) and/or watch the video on this important conclusion of this series.

There will be MORE information shared in those avenues than will be shared in this short blog article (be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel).

We have really already talked about the DETOURS. I actually thought about concluding this series by talking about how we can actually AVOID IN ADVANCE some of the detours.

Is it possible to avoid some of these in advance? Yes, it is! For example, before heading out to work one might turn on a local news channel to see if they have any traffic reports so that they can plan their route accordingly. Even after they have gotten in their automobile, one might turn to a radio station that has regular traffic updates so that they can continue to be aware of potential detours in advance.

In our personal journey to a better and brighter future it is also possible to know - in advance - of possible situations or people that might cause a detour in that journey. People, places and "things" may cause a detour. People: There may be some people (or groups of people) that you know in advance that you need to AVOID so that their negativity does not slow you down or take you off of your course. Places: Perhaps there are even some places that you need to avoid knowing, in advance, that they may cause a detour. One may even be sitting in front of the television set. Things: Sometimes we can cause our own detours by getting distracted with "things" or "stuff" that we THINK is part of our progress that, in reality, may be nothing more than busy work.

DELAYS 

For this discussion, I consider "detours" as something that we are not necessarily responsible for...something that is pretty much out of our control. However, when I think about DELAYS, I consider these more as something that WE DO have control over. In other words, in this discussion, when it comes to DELAYS, we have no one to "blame" but ourselves. 

These type of delays may come due to over planning or finding all kinds of reasons NOT to get started on this journey... at least not yet. Many times these delays (even the ones I just mentioned) are due to FEAR. This has to do with our mindset in this area. We can literally "scare ourselves into inactivity" and cause unending delays. Yes, it is true, the best way to get rid of this type of fear is to face it and attack it head on.

DILUSIONS 

Example: If you think that you are going to get in your car and drive from Los Angeles to New York City on one tank of gas...you are delusional. If you think that you are going to make the same trip without ANY detours and/or delays, you are also delusional. 

In like manner, if you think that, on your journey to a better and brighter future you will no longer need to "study" and absorb information to keep your positive energy tank filled and fueled, you are being delusional.  

Maybe you are still "early on" in this journey and you haven't really had any delays and/or detours as of yet. BEWARE! To think that you will NOT have any delays and/or detours along your path is a DELUSION! You are kidding yourself and, to be more blunt, you are lying to yourself! Don't listen to and don't believe such a lie.

And, finally, if you think, after listening to a bunch of hype, that (for example) you are going to make a million dollars in six months...you got it, you are delusional! I'm not sure where I first read or heard this but I have always tried to remember it and, yes, I do have to remind myself of this fact from time to time: We often OVER estimate what we can accomplish over the short term and UNDER estimate what we can accomplish over the long term.  

You are in control! Be aware of the possible detours, delays and delusions that may be before you that could cause you to get "off track".

Thanks for joining me and, until next time, whatever you do... 

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

Mike

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

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"Taking the Journey - What About the Detours?"

Here's a fact: The longer the journey the greater the possibility of one or more detours along the way.

What then?

Be sure to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video of this topic and pay close attention to the recording of John Maxwell and what he says about "getting from here to there". To paraphrase, he stated that the BEST way to reach your destination is to make sure that you have STRATEGIES and a SYSTEM in place. He stated that having a SYSTEM was the MOST EFFICIENT way to progress along your journey. 

You see, the time to plan on what to do when you come across those detours - or roadblocks - is NOT when you come across them. Now, sure, sometimes you can't avoid such a thing but, there ARE ways to plan ahead. One way is to have a "strategy" as to what to do in such a situation as well as a "system" in place to carry out those plans. 

Like I said at the start of this article...detours WILL come. That, my friend, is a fact.

But, how determined are YOU to reach your "destination"? How important is it to you?

Do you remember the first "Vacation" movie? Chevy Chase took his family all the way across the country to go to "Wally World" only to find it closed once they arrived. BIG DETOUR! He wasn't about to turn around and go back home after all they had been through along the way and, even though it was not exactly the smartest way to approach it, he did exactly what he came to do - treat his family to some fun at "Wall World".

Again, how determined are you to reach your destination? 

That - your determination - will greatly determine what you will do when you come to one of those detours. You MUST be determined to NOT allow ANY detour to set you back and stop you from accomplishing what you have set out to accomplish.

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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"Taking the Journey - What Route Will You Take?"

Whatever you do, be sure to check out the video cast (Vlog) as well as the podcast of this topic  by clicking on the appropriate links at the end of this article.  

As we continue our analogy of "taking a journey" with what it is that you want to accomplish during this year, we now look at which "route" you will take in order to reach your destination. 

Again, if you don't know where it is you want to go, how will you know when you get there?

Last time, we talked about which VEHICLE you would use for your journey and we talked about how it depended on the destination. You could walk, ride a bicycle, drive, ride a train, fly in an airplane and/or ride on a boat. And, you could actually do ALL of these on one journey!  

Is there only ONE ROUTE to take in order to reach your destination? Not likely!

You may decide to take a leisurely approach to your journey so that you can stop and "see the sites" along the way. Your goal may not be so much "getting there" but, instead, enjoying the journey along the way to "getting there".

Or, for whatever reason, you may want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, even if it means driving all night!

Your reason for the trip (your "WHY") will greatly determine what route you take and at what pace/speed, right?  

Just don't get the two confused! Here's what I mean - if you have told your family that you are going to take a leisurely trip so that all of you can enjoy some special sites and adventure and then, along the way, you decide you want to just "zoom" right past all of that so that you can save time, you will likely have a very unhappy family with you! Why? Because you said you were going to take one kind of journey and then actually took a very different kind of journey. What you SAID and what you DID were two different things.

On the other hand, if a family member calls you and tells you that another family member is deathly ill and that you need to get there as quickly as possible, what would you do? You would likely tell them that you would leave as soon as possible and get there as quickly as possible, right? But, what if along the way a sign for the world's BIGGEST ball of yarn caught your eye and you took a 50 mile round trip detour to go see it and then decided to stop off at a souvenir shop to commemorate that amazing sight? Would there be disappointment in you shown by your family members when you showed up many hours later than you could have and should have? OF COURSE!

 When planning out your "route" it is important do make a decision as to what type of journey you wish this to be. Don't whine and complain about it taking too long to arrive at your destination if you have ended up having a leisurely attitude and approach toward reaching your destination.

Make sense?

But what if you got "off track" and didn't even realize it for quite a while? Is it too late to still reach your destination? 

Yes...and no.

Join me next time as we discuss that important factor in reaching your destination.

Until then...

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

Mike

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

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Taking the Journey: How Will You Get There?

If you haven't done so, it is VERY IMPORTANT for you to go back and "catch up" on this series. It actually goes back to this article entitled, "What Do YOU Want?" and progresses each week from there.

So, in a nutshell, here is the whole process behind this current series. For one, I have stopped doing "New Year's Resolutions" because, like so many, I never really ever followed through with them and usually felt discouraged because of that repeated process. What about you?

However, this year I KNEW I had to take a different approach than I have ever taken before if there was going to be real, positive and powerful change in my life like I wanted - REALLY wanted like never before. As a matter of fact, I came up with what I have called my "Statement of Fact" about this very thing. Here is what I wrote down and committed to about this "journey" that I MUST take:

I took the time to get out my notebook and "brainstorm" about what I REALLY wanted to take place in and for my life in this coming year. I knew that it was time to stop TALKING about what I wanted to accomplish and start taking DEFINITE STEPS OF ACTION in order to bring this into reality.

Go back to last weeks article to get more specific information and details about this "map" that I have posted here in the graphic below. This is a "template" and you need to make it uniquely yours! But, bottom line, I KNEW where I wanted to be by the end of this year and I also knew where I was currently. 

NOW the part of the puzzle I had to figure out was HOW I was going to get from where I was to where I was going to be. The "gap" between these two things is what I am calling "the journey" and the "how" I was going to do so is what I am calling "my vehicle".

Again, go back and listen and read the previous entries on this to get the specifics about what this is for me and then work on what it means for you. But whatever you do, IF you are serious about making marked improvement in your life during the course of this year - DO IT and stop just talking about it. 

Again, this graphic above is what I call my "map" with the understanding that I must MAP OUT my patch on this "journey" that I am on for this year.

Why is it important to have a "map" or a plan for such a journey? Notice the next graphic and what Dave Ramsey says about that...

So, what VEHICLE will you use to take you from where you are to where you plan to be? How will you get there?

Well, it really depends on the journey, does it not? If you're just going up the street, your feet might be able to get you there. If you're going to the grocery store in town, just about any old car or truck might get you there. Maybe even a bicycle!

But, if you are traveling cross-country, will just any old car or truck do? Are you going to hop into a vehicle that you're not even sure would make it to the next county for such a journey? I HOPE NOT!

And what if you are traveling to another country in another part of the world? You will likely have to take more than just one type of vehicle, right? 

Here's a fact: The further the journey - the greater the distance of the journey - the more cost, time and effort will be involved.  

So, in relating to this "journey" between where we are and where we plan to be, the same thing applies. The "bigger the gap" between the two makes for a "journey" that will cost you more in money, time and effort. THAT IS A FACT!

So, what will you do? Will you decide that the destination is WORTH the extra costs in the areas of money, time and effort? Or will you decide to stay where you are?

Yes, as always, there is a CHOICE to be made and it's a choice that cannot be made by anyone but you. Notice the graphic below, "Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today." - Tim Fargo 

Here's another thought...maybe it's time that you quit trying to make a life-changing journey with a "old car or truck" mindset. Think about it.Maybe it's time for a "new vehicle" as in a "new mindset".

What will you do?

Until next time, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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Taking the Journey - Why Do I Need a Journey?

A little explanation before we get into today's blog article. As you can see from the above graphic, this topic is from a LIVE EVENT that I did on January 21, 2018 (the night before this article was published). There will, again, be a lot of graphics that I'm going to be sharing with you that I also used during this LIVE event. Be sure to check out the links at the end of this article so that you can also access the recording of this event as it took place on the fan page on Facebook as well as the recording on my YouTube channel. You will also find the link to listen to the podcast on this same topic.

BE A PART OF THIS SERIES OF LIVE EVENTS! For now these LIVE events are open to anyone that would like to join but, at some point, it will become a closed group for a select small number of people. This will be taking place each Sunday evening @ 6 pm CST on the fan page on Facebook.

Although this is starting a new "titled" series, this is still a continuation of what was started with the last topic of, "What Do YOU Want?" as we discussed the importance of knowing WHAT we want in order to pursue our goals and dreams.

Here's the thing: "Setting" a goal is not all that impressive. People do it every year at the start of every year, right? They call them "New Year's Resolutions" and, yet, very few people stick with them beyond a few weeks or maybe even a month or two. 

Instead, we should be determined to do MORE than just "setting" goals. Again, ANYONE can do that and just about anyone and everyone does! But, as the graphic above points out, let's pay more attention to goal "getting" - or achieving. Going back to the last article, it goes beyond just DREAMING and turns into DOING. 

So, once you decide what you actually want to achieve in your life, once you have not only SET those goals but you have also STEPPED OUT in order to achieve those goals, you are - of necessity - on a JOURNEY. That journey is going from where you are right now to where you will be a year from now (or ANY time period).

However, in order to take such a journey, in order to make any significant change in your life in ANY area, there are some things (pointed out in the graphic below by Jack Canfield) that tend to hold people back as they SET the goal. The question is, will they move PAST these 4 things listed to GET those goals?

For some people, one of those "limiting beliefs" is that they don't believe that they actually have the potential to reach those goals that they have set. They don't think that they "have what it takes" and, guess what? If they don't shed those limiting beliefs, they will NEVER reach their potential!

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to hear Jim Rohn speak in person before he passed from this life. Of the many quotes that he is known for, this may be one that I see quoted more often than others: "For things to change, you have to change."

Think about that - doesn't that just make sense? You would think so but, yet, too many people think that they can achieve results (that REQUIRE something to change) without making any changes! Sounds a bit crazy, doesn't it? A very simple example can be found with the many people that set a "resolution" that they are going to lose weight. The main problem with this? Too many people want the RESULT of having lost weight but are unwilling to CHANGE their eating habits. And, guess what? They never reach their "goal". I wonder, is it really a goal when no real and serious effort is put into it's achievement? The truth is, not only do they not reach their goal, they usually end up GAINING weight. Why? Because NOTHING changed!

So, for me, as I have prepared for this journey - a very SERIOUS, thought out and DETERMINED journey - I have made a "Statement of Fact" concerning the necessary change in my life that MUST take place. You can read it in the graphic found below. 

Hey, if you're willing and if you want to be a part of taking your journey along with me, I invite you to help hold me accountable to these words. And I'm serious about that invitation.

mike@FutureYouUniversity.com

Yes, to be honest, it IS a little "scary" because I will be stepping out into new territory. I am going to allow myself to be CHALLENGED and pushed OUT of my comfort zone in a way unlike I have ever done before. But, as John Maxwell points out, "Everything worthwhile is uphill."

It all begins with a DECISION and a COMMITMENT.  Doing so can actually change your DIRECTION overnight.

I don't have the graphic up with the quote but, Jim Rohn also would talk about how it's just as easy to NOT do something as it is to actually DO it and reach success. What's YOUR excuse? Don't tell me "reasons" because, quite honestly, most excuses are disguised (by us) as "reasons".  So, let's get real and get past that thought. 

The fact is - you see it referred to as "The Law of Diminishing Intent" in the below graphic - the longer you put it off and the longer you wait to "get started" the more likely it is that you NEVER will even begin the actual process. And then nothing changes.

DON'T MISS THIS POINT! James Allen said it in such a way that SHOULD get our attention - but will it? Does it? He says that we will "remain bound". BOUND! Chained. Tied down. Frozen. Paralyzed. 

Friend, if THAT doesn't get your attention then I don't that there is anything that I can say that will. Bottom line is simply this: What WILL it take for you to "wake up" and get "laser-focused" on beginning this journey?

Notice what John Mayer said in the graphic below about time. Even a SHORT period of time. STOP TALKING and START TRAVELING!

Again, I really want to encourage to take the time to watch one of the videos - either the recording of the LIVE event on my Facebook page OR by going straight to my YouTube channel. It would be particularly helpful on this next part that I will share with you in this article. I do think that you would benefit more by watching me talk about "My Journey Map" that I have posted below. I think hearing me talk about it would help make it come more "alive" for you as you, hopefully, prepare for your own journey.

This "map" is a very "easy" layout. At first glance you might even think that there is not much to it. It actually depends on YOU and what YOU put into it!

For those that approach this with the importance that it deserves, it is a very DEEP and THOUGHT PROVOKING exercise. You can start either with where you are going in order to "get what you want" OR you can start with where you are now and work your way up.

For me, I clearly came to a knowledge of what I REALLY want and set my goals accordingly. Honestly, for me, this goes way beyond past attempts at so-called "New Year's Resolutions" that have come and gone without any fulfillment. I spent the time to formulate in my mind - and on paper - what I truly, ultimately want in and for my life (and for my wife and I as a couple). 

Yes, I had to do a little research to find out how much time and money that this might "cost" me and then I had to figure out "how" I was going to do that and what was needed in order for me to accomplish this part of the "map". This "how" is what I call my "vehicle" in this illustration. (By the way, our next LIVE EVENT next week will focus completely on this topic: "What Is Your Vehicle?").

Before you can adequately figure out what your "vehicle" will be for this journey you will need to actually take a look at WHERE YOU ARE right now. This part might hurt a little but it is imperative that you be 100% totally honest on this part. No one else has to see this but you must be honest as far as where you actually are. This is your "starting point" for your journey.

On this part, make it personal for YOU. The things that I listed were things that I used on my own "map" so that I could see "where I was" compared to "where I am going to be" at the end of this year. I got personal and wrote down the amount of my current debt and how much money I had in my bank account. Again, you do what you need to do to make it personal for you!

But, for me, I knew that I needed to address something more than just the financial factor. I knew I needed to address my attitude and my past excuses! Again, make it personal for you. I'd love to hear some of the things that YOU decided to put on your "map".

Hey listen, when I took a long look at where I was currently I KNEW, beyond a shadow of any doubt, that I MUST leave where I was and get moving on this journey to where I KNOW I will be a year from now.

A lot of stuff to look over, I know. But I hope that you will get out a piece of paper and draw out your own personal "map" for YOUR journey. There is just something about physically writing down on paper things such as this, so please, take the time and spend the time to jot these things down. YES, you can go back and add to what you start with - that's great! That means that you have continued to think about where you are going on your journey and, maybe what more may be possible when you get where it is that you really want to go.

Feel free to connect with me on this with any questions or some of your own thoughts and experiences in this area. I'd love to hear from you.

Once again, next week, I will be focusing my thoughts for the LIVE EVENT as well as the next podcast and blog article on "What Is Your 'Vehicle'?"

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

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

Mike

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

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