Monday, December 28, 2020

TODAY - It's HERE, It's NOW...LIVE IT NOW!

Just a quick entry for today. There's that word...TODAY.

I've talked about this many different times over the years but simply wanted to bring it to the forefront of your thought process today as we near the end of another calendar year. 

By the way, you do realize what the calendar year is made up of, right? Years are made up of months, months made up of weeks and weeks are made up of days and "days" are made up up of individual "TODAYS". 

So, it's TODAY

Like it or not, it's HERE

What are you going to do with it? What ARE you doing with it?

Bottom line: It's HERE, It's NOW and it is imperative that you LIVE IT NOW!

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

 

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


Mike



 

Friday, December 25, 2020

If Not Now...WHEN?


 For the past several weeks I have been sharing information with you about "Project 141: The One Year Social Media Work From Home Experiment".

Have you been following along? Have you been considering the things that I have shared and presented to you? Have you considered what this COULD possibly do and mean for your future?

Or, perhaps, you HAVE actually seen all of this information but you are thinking that this is like so many other things that you have seen or heard of and you are just going to pass it on by without even asking me any questions.

If enduring the pandemic and all of the hardships that have come from it has taught us anything in 2020, it SHOULD be that we MUST do something FOR OURSELVES to help provide income for ourselves and our families.  

Many business owners have had to shut down their business that they have had for several years - even decades - due to their business effectively being shut down due to the restrictions put into place with this pandemic. And, as a result, many that worked at such businesses have also found themselves out of work due to the business shutting down. And, still others have been "laid off" or have very limited work due to a great reduction in customers.

See what I mean?

If you are thinking that this is a "once in a lifetime" situation that will never happen again then friend, even though I wish that you were right, I'm here to tell you that it will now be easier than ever before to place such restrictions upon businesses and individuals. 

No, this is not a political post. It is pretty much a guarantee.

So, if not now...when?

What is it that you are waiting for? Have you been "burned" by past experiences trying to "work from home"?

So have I . More than once. And that, my friend, is what makes this so promising. I have been able to put something together that avoids many of the pitfalls that continue to be out there with most all types of home-based businesses that are being offered.

Check this out and see if it is not exactly what I'm saying it is...DIFFERENT in a GOOD WAY.

If you've not been following along, start HERE with the blog article that I have used to post each and every update of information that I have provided up to this point.

Then pray about it. Seriously. Ask God's guidance in this situation about your decision for your future. Then, if you feel PEACE about making this move - MOVE! TAKE ACTION! Ask questions if needed but MAKE A DECISION to finally DO SOMETHING that will not cost you "an arm and a leg". However, it WILL cost you COMMITMENT. That's right, I ask you to commit to this program for one full year - nothing less. 

Though I do not know you or what your current situation is, I am praying for you. I am praying that God will help "open your eyes" to this opportunity that lies before you and I also pray that He will give you a sense of PEACE and CALM in this decision and then, finally, I pray that you will decide to TAKE ACTION with your decision.

If not now...when?

I'm here with you and for you. As you prepare to impact your future in a powerful way, always be sure to...

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


Mike


YouTube  




Friday, December 4, 2020

Will You Continue to WAIT...and WHINE?


Over the years, as I have worked in sales, I have had people tell me how BADLY they needed whatever it was that I was there to talk to them about. Yet, more often than not, they wanted to WAIT and THINK ABOUT IT

I specifically remember one lady that was 71 years old and had me come by to talk to her about life insurance...at age 71. She told me that it was time for her to finally do something and that she owed it to her family to do something and to stop putting it off. I found her a policy that would fit her budget and would do most of the things that she wanted to accomplish but, yet...you guessed it. She said she wanted to "wait and think about it". I simply asked her WHY she had not ever gotten life insurance up to this point. She said exactly what I knew she would say, "Oh, I've planned to do it several times in the past but..." I looked her straight in the eyes and said, "And you KNOW that if you don't do this NOW - TODAY - you will, once again, put it aside and not do anything...AGAIN."

And I was right.

I understand that it is easy to tell ourselves that we are only being "cautious" and "careful" before jumping into something with a decision. I get it. I really do. 

But it's also easy to let "waiting" become a habit, friend!

 You may or may not have been following along recently with my articles and videos about "Project 141". This is a program that I have been working on to help provide a way for YOU to finally be able to be involved in a "work from home" situation that doesn't require you to empty your bank account to get involved and/or keep it going.

Yes. Really.

If you are looking for something that requires less than the $30 that this will cost you to get started then, friend, you will still be looking 10 years from now.

"Oh, but I know of one to where it doesn't cost me ANYTHING to get started!" That's a false promise. Yes, technically speaking, you may can "join up" for $0 but you won't be able to do anything to actually make any money in that position.

Believe me. I know that from experience. 

I encourage you (even if you've never done anything like this before) to click on this link  to be taken to my blog article that is updated with each and every blog article, podcast and video about this program up to this point.

I will be revealing the actual "vehicle" (program) that I will be using as a way to achieve success over the course of 1 year. (By the way, that's unusual in and of itself. Everyone wants to promise you GREAT RICHES in a very short period of time. Not me. Let's get real and let's do it right the first time!) 

What then? After you catch up, go to my Facebook page and leave me a message letting me know that you are following along.

And/or shoot me an email at: mike@FutureYouUniversity.com and do the same. 

And, above all, STOP WAITING and get in the habit of TAKING ACTION! 

Be watching for the next update and, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...


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


Mike


 

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

It's Coming!


 Sharing the potential numbers for "PROJECT 141" is still on it's way...it's just been delayed a little bit.

WHAT HAPPENED? Simply put, I got a little ahead of myself and put together some wrong projections that would have been very misleading...yeah, it happens with this old guy and I apologize. You may have even seen the video that I posted with those projections. As soon as I realized what I had done, I removed the video and all links to it as soon as I could.

I plan to put up the new video either tonight (Tuesday, 11.24.20) or tomorrow (Wednesday, 11.25.20) so be watching for it.

Once I get it posted I will add the link to the previous blog article that I have been using to direct those through every article and video up to this point.

Until then...

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


Mike


YouTube  



Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Introducing "Project 141"

 

 UPDATED 10.20.2021

WOW! Most of my adult life, like many others, I have been "chasing" the elusive work from home opportunity that would actually prove to be something worthwhile and that lived up to all of the "hype" that usually surrounded that particular opportunity.

And, like most, I have always been disappointed, frustrated and with less money in my bank account than when I started.

Anyone else out there? (I see all of your hands going up!)

I have "been there, done that" and have "sworn off" ever trying to be involved in any thing like that ever again but, like many, I still believe that there is SOMETHING out there that could actually work.

So, for the past several months (at least 6) I have been trying to figure out a way to provide people, like myself, a way to SLOWLY build something that could be very profitable over time and I think I finally have done so.

"Introducing Project 141"

I'm not going to take the time or space to go over all of the details that I have revealed up to this point in this blog BUT I am going to list the links on what you need to do to follow along from the beginning discussions of this program up to my most recent video at the time. PLEASE don't "jump ahead" on this because my thought process for this program is revealed through a series of blog articles and videos in a PURPOSEFUL ORDER.

If you've not done so, you need to go back and read over these blog articles in the order listed:

1. "What a Year It Has Been!"

2.  "For These Plan to Work - This is What Is  Needed"

3.  "The 8th Wonder of the World"

4. "Will You Continue to WAIT...and WHINE? 

5. "If Not Now...WHEN?"

THEN, watch the following videos (this is KEY in you "seeing" the idea/vision for this project): UPDATE (10.20.2021)...I currently have most of these videos "hidden" due to the fact that the "vehicle" and the "product" discussed in them is something that I no longer support and/or promote. STAY TUNED! I am currently working on something that I believe will be far and beyond what this previous program could ever do for you financially and as a way to bless many others along the way!

 1. "Plan for a BETTER 2021"

 2.  "The Power of 1: DUPLICATION"

3. "A Look at the Projected Numbers" 

4. "Project 141: The VEHICLE" 

5. "Some Specifics" 

6. "What's the Product?" 

7. "Time for Launch - If Not Now...When?"

And, finally, if you'd like to listen to the podcasts I did (to this point) you can go to the link below. Honestly, if you've watched the videos above, it is basically a description of those for anyone that has not seen them. 

"Plan for a BETTER 2021"

 "A Look at the Numbers: Will YOU Take Action?"

"If Not Now...WHEN?"

Take the time to go through that information if you haven't do so already. THEN be following along on my FYU Facebook page so that you can be informed of my next video release that will be coming in a couple of days. THIS ONE WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

Besides that, I need you to do one more thing for me. Please go to that Facebook page, "like it" if you haven't done so, and LEAVE ME A MESSAGE there telling me that you are following along with this. 

If this does not interest you at all, maybe you know of someone that MIGHT be. If so, please share this article with them so that they can check it out for themselves.

==========UPDATED 2.17.2021 ----- PROJECT 141 EXPANDED ==============

I have expanded the "reach" or application of Project 141 beyond the financial aspect. Check out the following information on how YOU can change your life THIS YEAR in ALL areas of your life...

BLOG ARTICLES:

1. Every Area Every Day

2. Project 141: SPIRITUAL

3. Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT  

4. Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 2)

5. Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 3) 

6. Project 141: HEALTH 

7. Project 141: RELATIONSHIPS  

8. Project 141: RELATIONSHIPS (Part 2 - "The Worksheet")

9. Project 141: RELATIONSHIPS (Part 3 - Family, Friends, CoWorkers, Boss) 

10. Project 141: COMMUNITY 

11. Project 141: WEALTH 

12. Project 141 Summation: VISION

PODCASTS: 

1. Every Area Every Day

2. Project 141: SPIRITUAL 

3. Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 

4. Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 2: RELEASE) 

5. Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 3: REFILL)

6. Project 141: HEALTH 

7. Project 141: RELATIONSHIPS (Part 1 and 2) 

8. Project 141: RELATIONSHIPS (Part 3) 

9. Project 141: COMMUNITY 

10. Project 141: WEALTH/FINANCIAL 

11. Project 141: VISION 

I'm really excited about this because I think I have finally been able to put together something that removes all of the "roadblocks" that I (like so many of you) have encountered with so many other programs that I've tried over the years.

Let me know what you think and, until next time friend, whatever you do, be sure to ...

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


Mike


 

 

Monday, November 2, 2020

The 8th Wonder of the World


 Up front, this article is really not going to be about "compound interest" but, rather, the IDEA and POTENTIAL behind that process.

As you can see in the quote above, Albert Einstein even called it the 8th wonder of the world.

I found a good article that explains WHAT compound interest is and HOW it works either for you, or against you. You can access that article by going HERE.

By the way, if you haven't done so, please go back and read over the past two articles that I have posted before this one...they all work together and are leading to something that I will be unveiling very soon as we approach and prepare for the year 2021.

Like I said, I'm not going to try to delve into the ins and outs of compound interest but, in a nutshell, it boils down to choosing between your efforts alone OR your efforts PLUS the efforts of others COMBINED.

Sure, we all know that this is a very basic, elementary principle (the fact that you can get more accomplished having others work with/for you as opposed to doing it all alone) but, at the same time, even though the majority of people may UNDERSTAND the idea, most FAIL TO IMPLEMENT the idea in and for their own lives. 

But, what if?

WHAT IF you and I began to grasp the power behind this idea?

WHAT IF you and I were able to help others grasp the power behind this idea?

WHAT IF you and I were able to help others grasp the power behind this idea and THEY were able to help others grasp the power behind this idea?

Oh sure, I know that there are some of you reading this that have already considered this as nothing more than some sort of multi-level marketing thing-a-ma-jig (technical term) that I'm trying to promote.

Yes and No.

The IDEA behind "multi-level marketing" is a great concept that can do great things for many people along the way. However, what has happened in many situations is the WAY that it has been done and well as the "overly-hyped" promises that have been made as well.

All I ask at this point is that you "stay with me" and not bail out over what you THINK I may be moving towards with this information. 

I've actually posted the image you see below on my Future You University Facebook page (link below) but I wanted to share it with you now so that you can see that I'm considering this an "experiment". I'm approaching this as a "WHAT IF?" type of proposition.


I'm also approaching this with my own research on how to do this as inexpensively as possible. Bottom line: you don't have to put a lot of money into something when you add in the concept of "compound interest" to the mix.

I will plan to do some videos as well as podcasts on what I've shared so far in these past few blog articles. Be watching for those (again, all likes can be found below).

Let me end with this thought: Isn't it time to put a little "WHAT IF?" into your life and then put some action behind that thought?

Think about that 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


Wednesday, October 28, 2020

For These Plans to Work - This Is What Is Needed


It's as simple as that... SPREAD THE WORD.

If you haven't done so, be sure to read the LAST article that I posted a few days ago. It simply discusses the idea that we CANNOT GIVE UP, regardless of how hard 2020 has been to this point. 

It also hints at the fact that I'm working on some things that MIGHT provide you - and anyone that cares to pay attention - with a way (or ways) to be able to change your financial outlook for 2021 no matter what happens with jobs, etc. due to the pandemic. 

But, as stated in the very first sentence of this article, the ONLY WAY that this will work is with NUMBERS and, friend, those numbers will come ONLY if you spread the word to as many people as you can. 

To be honest, I'm basically starting from scratch as far as followers in this area. Oh sure, I have a few here and there and I've lost a LOT over the years due to having to step back from time to time. But, you know what? WITH YOUR HELP those numbers can increase quickly which, again, is the ONLY WAY that this whole thing will work.

Will you help me? I know I haven't told you the details yet. But I encourage you (if you have never really seen any of my "stuff") to go back and look over some of the articles that you will find listed for my blog articles. Go to the links that you find below and watch some of my videos that are on YouTube, go listen to some of my podcasts that I have done and even go take a look at my Facebook page.

And share THAT information as well. 

Here's what I need you to do RIGHT NOW -> Leave a comment below this article OR (preferred) go to my FBook page (link below) and leave me a comment saying that YOU WILL HELP SPREAD THE WORD about my plans for a better 2021.

This is where it starts. If I can't get you to do THAT for me and indicate that you actually READ this and are planning to SPREAD THE WORD then, friend, it's just not going to happen.

So yeah, I NEED YOUR HELP and I will do al I can to HELP YOU as well.

Deal?

Always remember, whatever you do, be sure to...

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


Mike



Monday, October 26, 2020

What A Year It Has Been!

 

 
So, I'm guessing that you don't need me to tell you that 2020 has been quite a year up to this point, right? 

As I type this article, it is October 26, 2020 and I will be turning 61 on November 3 this year. I have NEVER seen or experienced ANY THING , in my lifetime,  like what we have experienced during this year.

Some may even want to "wave the white flag" and surrender!

I get that.

I know of several businesses that have been around for decades that have had to shut their doors due to the business that has been lost due to the pandemic that has impacted the lives of us all.

I have been blessed to be a part of companies that are considered "essential" (don't even get me started on that part) during this time period which means that I have been able to work while many have not.

What does one do?

Well, we could spend a lot of time discussing all of the possibilities of what one could do, but one thing I do know that you CANNOT do and that, my friend, is give up.

YOU CANNOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO GIVE UP. 
 
In a year of uncertainties, THIS is certain...if you give up, you cannot succeed.

Easier said than done? Yes, absolutely. But it is still true.
 
For today, I simply want to encourage you to "hang in there" and to NEVER, EVER, GIVE UP!
 
I will actually be sharing some ideas very soon on some things that you and I may be able to do to help equip ourselves in a way that will "protect" us from future events that cause many to falter financially. 

PAY ATTENTION! Listen, what I share with you may not be what you are looking for BUT, at the same time, the IDEAS that I share with you may "spark" something within you that will cause YOU to think about ways that will work for you. 

That's my goal in what I will be sharing.

So again, PAY ATTENTION and start coming back here often because I will start sharing some information very soon so that we can be in place, ready to start at the beginning of 2021.

Until then, hang in there and, whatever you do - even in times like this - always be sure to...


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

Mike






Friday, March 13, 2020

Flashback Friday: "There Is Hope - and TODAY IS THE DAY!"

"As long as there is breath - there is hope!" - Mike Spillman

Wow, talk about "flashback"...I've gone all the way back to the very first podcast and blog article that I posted back on March 2, 2009.  Be sure to listen to the podcast (link below) for this original and premiere podcast for the "full story" behind today's topic. The article that went along with this original podcast is very short but I will still share it with you today. Here you go...
-------------
 
Wow, what an awesome day this has been!

I'm not going to go back over everything I talked about in that podcast entitled, "There Is Hope" but I do want to simply "touch base" on a little of it to share with you here.

In the podcast I quote a few other people on their thoughts about "hope" and I also share one that I came up with myself which is: "As long as there is breath - there is hope." (not too shabby, huh?)

Don't ever forget that! No matter how dark things may seem - no matter how hopeless they may appear --- as long as you have breath, THERE IS HOPE!

Listen to the podcast and then begin to look around you through the "eyes of HOPE" as opposed to looking thorough the darkness of doom and despair.

Please feel free to leave comments and/or ask questions - I'd love to get your feedback and hear from you.

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

Mike


Thursday, March 12, 2020

How High Are YOUR Hopes?


The graphic above features some lines from the song, "High Hopes" by Panic at the Disco and, if I remember correctly, was "hot" around the end of 2019. Even though the popularity of the song has come and gone, I STILL love the song but especially love the words found IN the song.

You can read the words to the chorus for yourself but I want to highlight a few ideas from the song that have inspired me these past several months. 

1. Even When Things Aren't Good - Keep Moving On With Your Hopes and Dreams! 
    "Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing, didn't have a dime but I always had a vision" says, very plainly that things were not always "super-great" for the writer of this song. Wouldn't you agree? But, even though things weren't that good, they had HIGH HOPES that caused them to see past the struggle. How?
2. Always Keep Your Vision in Focus!
    Whoever wrote this song expresses the FACT that one can rise above the struggles and setbacks and keep their eyes on their VISION. As a matter of fact, this is an absolute necessity if one wishes to succeed. Things will not always go smoothly or as planned and your VISION and your hope/belief in that vision will be what helps you keep moving forward...REGARDLESS.
3. Don't Worry About the "How"
   Bob Proctor discusses this idea when he talks about coming clear with your vision and desire for your future. What do you wish to attract into your life? What do you wish to achieve? "See" it and declare it for your life but DON'T WORRY ABOUT HOW it is going to happen. He says that the "how" will appear as you keep your eyes on the vision. 
    Pretty cool, huh? Too often, too many people fail to even get started because they feel that must first figure out HOW they are going to make "it" happen. And, that being the case, they will stay right where they are.

How high (or strong) are YOUR hopes? How strong and in focus is YOUR vision? How powerful is YOUR purpose? 

Know that, anytime you attempt to achieve betterment in your life, there WILL be struggles and roadblocks along the way. You must decide NOW what you will do when those difficulties come your way. Plan for it, prepare for it and move on toward your goals and dreams!

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

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

Mike



Wednesday, March 11, 2020

The Success Iceberg


I've shared this image before and even have mentioned it before but, today, I want to "dive" a little deeper into what is represented by the picture that you see above. 

I've also mentioned before that success of any kind is not an "overnight sensation". What you SEE is illustrated as being above the water in the picture above. What you SEE is the public acknowledgement of a person's success.

If you desire success - in ANY area - "what you see is NOT what you get". Let me explain.

Most of us can relate to the example of someone who makes it to the Olympics. We understand that, making it to the Olympics in and of itself, is a great accomplishment. I also believe that most of us understand that this "success" did not happen overnight and that it took YEARS of sacrifice and many, long hours of training for that person to achieve this level of success.  

Many begin at a very early age preparing for this future success. Sure, many times it begins as a goal or dream of their parents BUT, at the same time and at some point in time, they also have to "buy into" the dream in order to dedicate themselves to this extensive training and sacrifice. 

Those that actually reach the level of winning a gold, silver or bronze medal in the Olympics are receiving those public accolades or what you "see" as "the tip of the iceberg".  Again, what you DON'T see is all that went into that success.

Success is something that many say that they want. Many will swear up and down that they are ready to do "whatever it takes" in order to achieve success. And, though many may THINK that they are ready and willing to do "whatever it takes", few actually are.  

As is usually the case, it all boils down to the strength of your "why" and the power of your purpose. Put another way: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

You MUST "count the cost" because, friend, there WILL be cost - in many different ways,for the success that you seek. There will be "sweat equity" cost and there will be financial cost. You must also understand that there will be "relationship cost" and this is one that you really need to be careful with and consider very seriously. 

WORD OF CAUTION:  Take care that you do not seek your own success at the expense of your children and your spouse. This is a sad mistake that I have seen many make in their pursuit of "success" and, in my opinion, though they may have reached some level of what the world might consider success, they have actually failed. 

Yes, do the best that you can for your family. Show them dedication and persistence. Provide for them the very best that you can but, at the same time, do not do so at their expense. You only get one shot with those kids and it is for a very short period of time. Cherish and protect that time, friend because once it is gone it is gone forever. No matter how badly you may want to "re-do" this time while they are in your care you simply cannot.

Prepare yourself for success but understand that "success" can be defined in many different ways. Yes, prepare yourself for your own success but be cautious and aware of the timing of the sacrifices that must - and will - be made.

Please be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on today's topic. You can find the links below. Also, please be sure to stop by my Facebook page and leave some feedback on today's topic. That link can also be found below.

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


Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Results INSPIRE



Over the years, as I have checked into several different "home based business opportunities", I have always asked ONE question right from the start - "What are YOUR results?" Oh, listen, I know for a fact that anyone that is "recruiting" someone new to their business HATES that question and it's a question that THEY bring up to the person that recruited them: "What do I say if I don't have any results yet?"

Now, please understand that this is MY view on this and you sure don't have to agree with me. I know, for a fact, that those involved in "recruiting" don't agree with me on this and, again, that's o.k. I know that, when a "new recruit" is asked that question and they don't yet have any results, they are told to talk about someone else's results. I get it. I really do. But, for me, I want to know what results THAT person has had and - again, just my take on this - if they don't have any results to share then they shouldn't be trying to recruit anyone else. I hear you but, let me say again, that's MY view about it, o.k.?

RESULTS INSPIRE. But, in my opinion, they need to be PERSONAL results for it to really matter.

 I've shared my story with you on several occasions about losing 100 pounds over the course of thirteen months way back in 2003. Guess what? I didn't have to talk about someone else's results when mine were right there in front of them to see for themselves. On the other hand, if I had been trying to get people to buy into this weight loss plan and I, personally, had not had ANY results to share then, who would have thought it was a good program?

RESULTS INSPIRE.

Hey friend, it's the same way with the idea of PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. Your journey to develop a "better" version of yourself can, indeed, inspire others. If those that have consistent contact with you see a change in your attitude and mindset then, guess what? They would be more open to listening to you if you encourage them to try to develop a positive mindset in and for their own lives.

Yet, at the same time, you need to understand this fact: THEY ARE WATCHING YOU! And, if they hear you "promoting" personal development and a positive mindset and they have seen NO change in your attitude and mindset then, guess what? They will treat you like the hypocrite that you are. That doesn't mean that you will ALWAYS be "on" and never have a bad day or moment but it DOES mean that, overall, there has been a change in your life. 

What are YOUR results? Don't forget, RESULTS INSPIRE.

Hey, if you would, be sure to also listen to the podcast and watch the video that goes along with today's topic. The links can be found below.

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


Monday, March 9, 2020

Stop Trying to Fit In



Why do so many try to "fit in"? Why do so many try to be like someone else, instead of being themselves? I'm sure there are many different answers to those questions and you, yourself, may have struggled with this very thing in your life.

But, let me ask another questions: Why try to be like someone else when YOU are the ONLY YOU in existence? YOU are UNIQUE and there is no one else like you - never has been and never will be!

I do understand wanting to emulate - or copy - some favorable characteristics that some have. We all need mentors or those that we look up to as a good example. I get that. I understand that and I support that. 

HOWEVER, that does not mean that you should give up who you are in order to "be like" someone else. Make sense?

The fact that you are UNIQUE (and you are!) supports what the graphic above states...you were BORN to STAND OUT!

Now listen, let's use a little common sense here, o.k.? Yeah, I know...sometimes common sense ain't so common but, still, help me out here. Obviously, if you are a mean spirited jerk to everyone around you then, friend, you need to STOP being "that" version of you and do all that you can to become a better you and the BEST you that you can be!

We ALL should be striving to do that in our lives and for the impact that we have on those around us. That's the whole purpose of "personal development", right? That's my whole purpose in what I have done over the past 11 years through Future You University...to help each of us to be a better "future version" of ourselves than we are now.

Again, you are unique and there is no one else like you. You have certain gifts, talents and abilities that only YOU bring to the table of life. 

That being said, stop trying to fit in when you were BORN to "stand out"!

Please be sure to check out the podcast and the video that goes along with today's topic. You can find the links below. 

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


Friday, March 6, 2020

"Flash Back Friday" - Taking Care of Business NOW!

 
Today is "Flashback Friday" and I'll be sharing an article with you from April 7, 2011. Enjoy!

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Some of you may think of Elvis when you hear the phrase, "Taking Care of Business" while others (like myself) think of the song by Bachman Turner Overdrive (yeah, BTO sings TCB...I just love all of these abbreviations).

And, you may be wondering what this has to do with our current discussion on LOVING WHAT YOU DO. Hang with me here...it's an easy leap on this one.

First of all, remember, we have been talking about a video featuring a man that worked as a janitor when he won the state lottery. What did he do? He kept right on working his janitor job because of his love for the track program and his desire to donate money to help build a new track for the school. He had a PURPOSE and a PASSION for what he was doing so it didn't matter to him that he didn't HAVE to keep working as the janitor. He WANTED to!

That is when you know you are at your "dream job". When you don't HAVE to do it but you do it anyway.

Now tell me, would being a JANITOR ever have been on your list of answers as being anyone's "dream job"? Likely not. But it brings on the main point of this whole discussion.

Here it is: it doesn't matter what ANYONE else thinks about what you are doing or what they think you SHOULD be doing. It's up to YOU to live your dream, whatever it may be.

Now then, most of us think of something far more elegant when we think of our dream job, don't we? But, again, let me refer to a question I asked early on in this series that SHOULD give you a clear view of your "dream job" - If money were not an issue, what would you be doing?

Well? Surely by now you have come up with an answer to this question if you have been following this series.

But the curve ball comes when we look at where we WANT TO BE and then at where WE ARE and we don't like what we see. The "wanna' be" is a long ways away from our "what is".

What then?

Yesterday I suggested that it might be possible to learn to love what you are doing even if you are not doing what you love (your "dream job"). I hope you have thought about that.

On yesterday's podcast I encouraged you to really try to brainstorm and think of HOW you can approach your current job with excitement rather than dread. WHAT CAN YOU DO to approach your day and your job with a challenge so that you get out of the rut of whining and complaining?

One thing that may be absolutely necessary is to change who you hang around with at the office!

BREAK FREE from those that do nothing but whine and complain but also never lift a finger to try to improve their position or make any attempt to actually do their best for the company.

How many times have you heard someone say something like this (and YOU may have been one of the ones to say it!): "Well, I'm not doing one thing more than I have to! If I don't HAVE to do it then I'm not going to do it!"

May I be blunt? What a loser mentality!

What if you decide to TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS RIGHT NOW where you are TODAY?

What if you decided to put 100% of your effort into doing the very BEST job that you can RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW?

What if you did this today, tomorrow and EVERY day from now on?

What do you think would happen?

I can tell what would happen - THINGS WOULD CHANGE!

You don't need me to tell you what might change for you, do you? Take a moment and write down everything you can think of that would change for you if you adopted this approach.

Why not STOP dreading the day at work and why not TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS when you go to work today and start learning to love what you do (which is simply loving the fact that you are living up to your potential!) until you get to the point that you can finally have the "job of your dreams" and do what you love.

Thing is, you just might find out that this "dream job" was right under your nose all along.

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


Thursday, March 5, 2020

Sit In The FRONT Row!


Those that speak to audiences LOVE the "front row people".  We know that those who are sitting in the front row have likely made some sort of sacrifice in order to be in the front row. They may have paid more for their ticket that placed them in the front row OR they may have gotten into line EARLY in order to make sure that they had a chance to get down to the front row before all of those seats were gone.

They are at that particular event to get as much out of it as they possibly can. They are eager and ready to learn and absorb as much as possible while they have the chance. They do not want ANY distractions by others and they WILL NOT give up their seat in the front row!

Friend, this should be the way that you approach YOUR LIFE! You need to do all that you can and make whatever sacrifices required so that you can MAKE SURE that you are on the "front row" of your life! Your life - just like the fact that you are unique - is uniquely yours...why would you want to take a chance on missing out on ANYTHING in and for your life?

Just like in the last article, let me say that I really urge you to WATCH THE VIDEO (link below) that goes along with today's topic. I'm just able to illustrate some things about the following graphic that I just cannot do through print...but I'll do my best.

The graphic - or picture - below is my all-time favorite that I have used and shared over the past 11 years. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and have gotten feedback from others that say the same.

Take a good, close look at it and see if you don't smile when you do so.


Take a look at the two ladies on the front row....WOW! You have NO DOUBT that they are having the time of their lives, right? Look at their faces...they are not just smiling. They are laughing and, you can tell that they just cannot help but do so! They are trying to hold their dresses down and the one on the right is doing her best to hold on to her hat. These two ladies illustrate the "JOY OF THE FRONT ROW".

Now, when you take a look at the two ladies that are in the second row, you notice a slight change. Yes, they are smiling but - hey, c'mon - it's NOTHING like the two in the front row. And then, go to the third row. Hello? Are they even ON a roller coaster? You seriously could not tell it by just looking at them. They look as if they are bored out of their minds and, honestly, they look a little "hacked off".

Do NOT allow yourself to become complacent about living your life in the time you have been given on this earth. Do NOT allow time to pass you by that you will never, ever be able to regain. Do NOT live a life of regret when you have the CHOICE of living your life in the front or third row.

What does that mean for you and your life? I'd love to get your feedback on that. Yes, I know you can leave comments below this article but, if you would, I'd prefer you to go to my Facebook page (link below) to do so. Thanks, in advance, for doing so.

In the next article I will share an article from the past through "Flashback Friday". And, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike




Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Life Happens!


I'm guessing that you - like me - can relate to the graphic above. Am I right? I would also guess that your answer to that question would be an emphatic, 'YES!"

We all have ideas and plans about how our life is going to go but, in reality, "life" has a different idea and, as the title for today's topic declares: "LIFE HAPPENS".

I really want to encourage you to watch the video (YouTube link below) for this topic so that you can see how I illustrate this next part that I'm going to discuss with you now...I think it would be beneficial for you.

In both pictures let's call the lower left hand corner, or the "starting point", point A. And, again, in both pictures let's call the arrow tip point B. Got it?

Obviously, in the first picture on the left, the graph indicates how everything would go IF everything went perfectly! There are no "hiccups" or detours, just a straight and upward climbing path of success.

HOWEVER, the picture on the right would likely more accurately depict the pattern in your life as well as mine. And, yeah I'm sure we have all even sat with a stunned look on faces saying, "What happened?" Here's your answer: "LIFE HAPPENED!"

In both pictures, notice that BOTH scenarios start off at the same spot - point A. The picture on the left shows a steady, uninterrupted and upward climb to point B. I'm not going to say that point B is where a person "ended up" but, rather, it is where they are, CURRENTLY, in their journey. 

Now I want you to focus on the graph on the right. Again, point A begins in the same spot and, although there are ups and downs and even circles at times, point B is still at a higher place on the graph than point A. Oh, I know, it's not as "high" on the graph as the first picture BUT, still, it definitely shows progress!

Keep this in mind and don't ever lose sight of that fact! Even though there have been obstacles and delays and even though you have even gone in circles at times, you are STILL making progress and moving closer to your goals and dreams! That is, as long as you don't allow yourself to give up. 

I've shared this thought with you many times before but it fits right in with this discussion: "Even if you take 2 steps forward and 1 step back, you are STILL ahead of where you started by 1 step!"

Seriously, watch the video. You'll be glad that you did and DO NOT EVER lose sight of your goal and DON'T YOU DARE EVER GIVE UP!

Keep pushing and keep moving my friend.

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