ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

 Once you decide to "get real" with yourself and actually admit that things actually are NOT "fine", you MUST come to the point that you decide that "ENOUGH is ENOUGH!"

Are you there yet?

If not, as was asked in a previous article/podcast/video...what will it take to get to that point?

Listen, you have to understand (and realize) that, unless you follow through with these thoughts one step at a time, you will NOT be able to "move forward" with your desires for a better future! It will only be "talk" like it has been so many times before...perhaps even years. 

Truth?

Listen, you don't have to STAY where you ARE in your dissatisfaction. YOU have the ability to actually MAKE A DECISION and MAKE A CHANGE!

“If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree.”

Jim Rohn

Be sure to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video. I don't use a script and, even though I cover the same topic, there will be additional thoughts shared between the two. Just click on the appropriate links 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

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

December Podcasts and Videos...GETTING CAUGHT UP!

 

Alright! It's time for me to get CAUGHT UP on the podcasts and videos that I have published so far this month...sorry for not getting the blog articles up with each of these but...it is what it is so this will be a quick recap for you in order to encourage you to check them out for yourself.

The Holiday Season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) is a very joyous and festive time of the year...but not for everyone. There are many that go through high levels of stress during this Holiday Season that is brought on by several different factors.

I've tried to address some of these factors in this month's episodes and I hope that either you, yourself, will be blessed and encouraged by these OR that you will share with someone that could use this encouragement. 

*You can access all of the podcasts and/or videos by clicking on the appropriate links found at the bottom of this article.* 

I began talking about the very fact that many people struggle during this time of the year and then, in following episodes address some specific "Holiday STRESS Factors" as follows:

    - "Missing Loved Ones"... For many this time of the year is especially stressful and hard to get through due to them going through this season without loved ones. I know, for me, my oldest sister is going through this Holiday Season for the first time without her husband of nearly 50 years. My wife is going through her 3rd year without her Mother and her 2nd year without her Dad and it's still tough! I have found that it doesn't really matter how long that loved one has been gone, it's still tough! Watch and/or listen as I share some suggestions to help ease that difficulty.

    - "Dealing with 'Uncle Eddie'! (FAMILY)" - I jokingly refer to "Uncle Eddie" as THAT particular relative that's a little "odd" that you may try to avoid at family gatherings. However, many times, stress can come from a lot of DIFFERENT family members during this time of the year. I think I give some pretty good suggestions on how to best handle some of these situations that you may come across while being around family. What about YOU? What suggestions do YOU have that care to share...perhaps from your own experiences?

    - "Being BROKE at Christmas!" - I'm not sure that there are many more things as stressful for parents as "being broke" at Christmas and trying to figure out how to have Christmas for their kids.  Hey listen, I give some GREAT advice on how to "have Christmas" even when short on funds BUT I also close this one out with a very STRONG challenge to those listening: DETERMINE TO NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE IN THAT SITUATION AGAIN - EVER!!  The late, great Jim Rohn used to tell the story of a Girl Scout coming to his door to sell him some Girl Scout cookies for $2.00, which he didn't have! He talked about how embarrassed he was that he couldn't even give this little girl the $2.00 for a box of cookies and, due to this embarrassing situation, vowed that he would NEVER be in that situation again. And, he wasn't!

This led me to the start of my next set of episodes...DETERMINING that it is TIME to MAKE A CHANGE once in for all!

"You Can NOT Change!" - Wow, that's a pretty BOLD statement, isn't it? Well, you need to be sure to watch/listen to the content because, in the context provided, that statement is 100% TRUE!

You've heard it before: "For things to CHANGE, things must CHANGE!" Or, maybe you've heard it this way, "If Nothing CHANGES, NOTHING changes!" And finally, maybe this one: "If you wants THINGS TO CHANGE then, understand that THINGS MUST CHANGE!"

This is also when I began talking about my upcoming "Do-Be-Have MORE Challenge" that will be coming up soon. Be sure to listen in for that information! 

"What Will it Take" for you to finally get to the point that you are "sick and tired of being sick and tired"??

I'd love to get your feedback on that question and I'd really love to hear your feedback IF you have reached that point and began to make positive changes in your lie. What was it that brought you to that point that made you DECIDE - once and for all - that it was TIME to make a CHANGE? 

Be sure to listen in as I share a personal story regarding my health back in 2003 and what it was that made me finally reach that point.

Now you are all caught up! *Whew*

I hope that you will take the time to now go and watch/listen and, if you would, leave comments either on my YouTube channel or at my www.FutureYouUniversity.com page with the corresponding podcast and/or video.

In a recent blog post I asked if you were ready to MOVE FORWARD WITH ME. Well friend, that time is NOW...you coming?

Whatever you do, always be sure to make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Take care -

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

 

Do Something TODAY!

 "Remember WHO You Are" video 

CLICK HERE to watch the video 

(Listen to the podcast for this topic HERE)

Do something TODAY that TOMORROW will thank you for!
Do something TODAY that NEXT YEAR will thank you for!

 

As always, if you've not done so, go back and read the previous article and listen to the previous podcast for the 1st of this most recent 3-part "Mini-Series". That will help "connect" these together. Also, I'm not going to write a very long blog article (the podcast was fairly short as well) on this topic because I have recently discussed the importance of TODAY. 

The two lines above the first paragraph are what stood out in the above listed video after covering the first main impression that was covered in the previous article and podcast. 

Have you ever heard or read this phrase? 

"TODAY is the TOMORROW that you worried about YESTERDAY!"

 

Listen, it doesn't matter if you are having fun or not, the fact is, TIME FLIES either way! It seems to pass by even faster as I have gotten older but, the fact remains that time passes at the exact same pace for EVERYONE, regardless of what we may think.

 

The late Charlie "Tremendous" Jones once said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” 

 

The late Jim Rohn also said,"The difference between where you are today and where you'll be five years from now will be found in the quality of books you've read." I also remember hearing him talk about the fact that five years are going to come and go for us all but the difference will be what we decide to do TODAY, each and every day, over those next five years.

 

Jim Rohn also emphasized the importance of TODAY in this quote:  “Either you run the day or the day runs you..” 

 

The choice is yours. What will YOU do TODAY?

Until next time, remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, 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

YouTube   

 

Success Factor #2: GET UP!

"Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself" - Unknown

 

As always, if you've not done so, be sure to go back and read (and listen to the podcast) on "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" since it "leads into" today's topic for Success Factor #2.

 

Friend, it is a fact that, before you can GET UP you must first, LOOK UP so that you know what action you need to take and which direction you need to head when implementing that action. Remember, success does NOT always "knock"! You have to be on the look-out and be ready to take action once you see opportunity come your way.

 

So, bottom line, what will you do once opportunity appears? What action will you take...if any?

 

 

I was recently listening to a recording of several people sharing some personal development thoughts and heard some very good thoughts from Marisa Peer. In her thoughts about the "Law of Attraction" she pointed out that it doesn't take the process out to the practical aspect...the fact that, once you "attract" whatever it is into your life, you still have to ACT in order to bring it into actuality.

 

She used the example of "attracting" the opportunity for that "dream job". Even if you do attract that dream job, you STILL have to actually apply and interview for the job! You can't just sit back and think, "Well, the law of attraction will drop it into my lap...I'll just wait for them to call me."

 

NOPE! 

 

In James 2: 15-17 we see this pointed out in a very practical way... " ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (New King James Version)

 

To put it bluntly, TALK IS CHEAP! What good does it do to wish someone well and not DO anything about their situation? So it is with the need to GET UP and TAKE ACTION in every area of your life! 

 

In the podcast, I also share some scripture from Ephesians 6 where the "armor of God" is discussed. Imagine, if you will, someone getting ready to go out to do battle. That is the imagery being used here. Different parts of the armor is discussed in this section of scripture (vs. 10 - 17) instructing the importance of putting on each piece as well as the actual importance OF each piece of armor.

But then, in verse 13, something very powerful (and important) is stated in this process - "...and having done all, to stand." 

 

In other words, it doesn't matter how much you - or what you do to - prepare for battle, you must STAND (get up) in order to actually go out TO the battle! Again, "talk is cheap" but so is "pretty armor" if it is not actually used. 
 

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to hear the late Jim Rohn speak while he was still alive. I heard him say the quote that you see above many times and it speaks right along with what we are discussing today. Stop whining. Stop complaining. "If you don't like where you are, change it. You're not a tree." (Jim Rohn)

Change does not occur by staying seated...you have to actually GET UP in order to MOVE forward in the direction of your opportunity.

 

CLICK HERE

 

So, "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" and "Success Factor #2: GET UP!" will be followed in my next podcast and article with "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!". 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, 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

YouTube    Project141 

 

 

Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 1)

 

 

Today, as I begin to write this blog article I just want to state that I don't know why you are here but I do believe that you are here FOR A REASON. I absolutely do believe that. I do not believe that it is just a coincidence that you are here, now, reading this blog article.

That being the case (and, again, I believe that it is), it is very important that you PAY ATTENTION to what I share with you today. You are here for a reason and there is something that you NEED to read in this article. Or, perhaps, something in this article will cause you to decide to read my previous article or...? 

As I continue my discussion on the "expansion" of Project 141 let me first call your attention to the original concept of Project 141...and that is the financial aspect of the program. You can read, listen and watch everything I've done about that by going to www.myProject141.com .

In the "expansion" of Project 141 I wanted to approach the fact that each of us can do SOMETHING every single day to make a difference in our lives as well as in the lives of others. The numbers in Project 141 represent doing 1 thing per day (or week) 4 (for) 1 year. This is more than your normal "New Year's Resolution" that most people start and stop consistently each and every year. This is more of a "strategic" approach to making actual change and improvement in our lives.

But you MUST be committed to doing this for ONE FULL YEAR!

In my last article, I discussed the importance of spending time in God's Word (the Bible) at least once a day. Again, you may or may not believe in God. That's besides the point. I DO believe in God and I'm simply sharing with you MY thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Whether you believe it or not, I do believe that YOU are a child of God...that you were created by God and, that being the case, you have an absolute need to "connect" with your creator - your Father - every single day. If you've not read that article yet, you can do so by going HERE. 

Closely related to the importance of your SPIRITUAL strengthening each day is your need to also focus on PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT each and every day. Do SOMETHING - (read something, listen to something) in the area of personal development every day for the next year and see what happens in and to your life. Whether you realize it or not, the area of "personal development" is closely related to what I've already discussed - the SPIRITUAL life based on the words of the Bible. That's right, the majority of the things that you read and hear from those that specialize in the area of personal development use thoughts and ideas that come straight from the Bible. 

For example, one of the key components with "personal development" (positive mental attitude, positive attitude, etc.) is that of "guarding/protecting your mind or your mindset". Look at the next graphic and read how the late Jim Rohn put it...

 

I've talked about this for years! The world is FULL of negativity and is more than willing to dump all of that negativity into your mind and mindset. You already know that, right? That's my goal and my purpose with everything that I have done with Future You University since it all started on March 2, 2009 and it still is the focus even now. 

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to hear Jim Rohn speak in person on a few occasions while he was still alive. Notice the very strong word that he uses here: GUARD! This is serious business friend! Also notice how often he stressed that we "stand guard at the door of (our) mind"...EVERY DAY.

A guard is to be AWAKE, ALERT and diligent in his duties. He is not to take the task lightly and he is to PROTECT whatever it is that he is guarding. Get the point?

Now, along those same lines, follow along with this passage from the Bible...

Philippians 4:6-8

New King James Version

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

 Do a little research on those words if you'd like, in Part 2 of this section I will get into the ideas and meanings behind those words and why they are so important as we continue our discussion on PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

But, even for now, PAY ATTENTION to what you let into your mind and mindset. BECOME AWARE of the need for YOU to "stand guard at the door of your mind."

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

YouTube  Project141

Every Area Every Day

Relationships (spouse/kids/family) - Spiritual - Physical - Financial

 

On December 15, 2020, I wrote out my plans for the next 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. Notice the date that I listed. The above graphic (from Dave Ramsey) came across my social media feed just a few days ago and, as I type this article it is January 6, 2021 - a time difference of about three weeks. 

Why do I bother mentioning that information? Because I always find it interesting the way things like this work. The heading line that you see below the "wheel" above are the areas that I listed on my paper on the 15th of December that I focused on in my plans over the next three years and the items in the "wheel" from Dave Ramsey listed items to focus on for the New Year just a couple of days ago. 

Coincidence? I don't think so.

For years as I have done my podcast, blog articles and videos and shared my thoughts and ideas I have always been amazed when I would read something from people like Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor or others that said basically the exact same thing. 

WOW!

But I've discovered that when you focus on powerful and positive things as others do (like those that I listed along with many more) you will find a similar mindset...a cohesiveness of thought, so to speak. 

For me, it is an acknowledgement that I am on "the right track" in my thinking about such things. 

So, as a continued discussion about my Project 141 and also as a way of introduction of how I am "expanding" Project 141, I want to encourage you to take into consideration HOW you can make improvements in the areas mentioned above every single day of your life. 

Yes, the items listed in Dave Ramsey's "wheel" expand on my thoughts a little more, but specifically, I will be sharing this approach for the following areas in your life, as well as mine: Relationships (spouse/kids/family) - Spiritual - Physical - Financial.

 

Why not start brainstorming these things ahead of time? Why not start NOW thinking about how YOU can implement something on a DAILY basis to improve these areas of your life TODAY...right now!?

Until next time, when I begin to discuss how we can use Project 141 in our relationships, 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

YouTube 

 

Inspired to Inspire

"You Can't Give What You Don't Have!"

I believe that a majority of people have a desire to inspire others. But, at the same time, I would also suggest that a majority of people don't know HOW to inspire others.

It's really fairly simple - or, at least STATING the solution is fairly simple. "Be Inspired, Inspire Others" or, as the title says, we must be "Inspired to Inspire". And, yes, still yet: "You Can't Give What You Don't Have." 

Get the point? One must first HAVE inspiration in order to share that inspiration and, at the same time, inspire others.

 Here's a simple example that may make it even clearer. Let's say that you have a desire to share some grain that you have with others. Perhaps it's been a very harsh year and many of those around you are struggling. But, when you go to your barrel of grain you notice that there is barely enough grain in the barrel to cover the bottom. This creates a dilemma in that now you have to decide to give a little more (and very little at that) to one or two people OR to give a little less to maybe three or four people.

However, if you go to your grain barrel and the grain is full and spilling out onto the floor around the barrel then you have the ability to help a larger group of people with a larger amount of grain! What you have will determine what you are able to give and share.

Who - or what - inspires you? 

Perhaps it is the beauty of God's creation around you or the beautiful laughter of a baby. Maybe even the unconditional love of a pet. What have you read that has inspired you? Maybe you find inspiration in Scripture or maybe there are certain authors that have inspired you. I know that there have been many authors that I have read that have really inspired me in the area of doing all that I can to work on myself and protect a positive mindset. To be honest, some of those, I don't even remember their names but, at the same time, there are some of the "greats" such as Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar and Bob Proctor among others.  Every blog article that I've ever written can be found in this blog. Hopefully you can be inspired by some of the things you find and read here. 

This doesn't mean that you have to be in some major leadership or management position to inspire others. When you become inspired you become like that barrel that is overflowing with grain. You cannot help BUT share inspiration - and you can do it without being annoying! 

Just simply live an inspired life. 

As you do so, 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

YouTube

Do NOT Give Up!

Let me mention, right off the start, that you can find the podcast that goes along with this very same topic by clicking on the podcast link at the end of this article. I don't follow a script when I do the podcast and the blog article so, even though the topic is the same and there are some similarities, there is different material to be found in each.

Chances are, at some point in your life - at least once - you have felt like giving up. And, if we were to be completely honest, most of us would have to admit that we likely actually HAVE given up on something in our lifetime.

But we don't like to admit it. Why? Because it makes us feel like a failure!

However, keep this important fact in mind: One usually must experience failure (and, sometimes, lots of it!) in order to finally experience success. 

When I first put together my first podcast back on March 2, 2009, I came up with a little saying that I use with every podcast still today: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" I have also discussed that thought in several podcasts and blog articles since that time.

But it is still such an important fact to keep in mind! No matter how large the problem(s) may seem or how "dark" your world may seem, as long as you are alive and breathing, THERE IS HOPE for something to change!

I get it. Sometimes it is VERY difficult to "see" any type of hope or change when things are really difficult.  But, friend, it IS possible!

I've used the following example many times in the past and I use it in the podcast that goes along with this article. It will take a lot bigger space, a lot more time and, yes, even the cost of a lot more fuel to turn around a large tanker in the ocean than it does a small jet ski, but it IS possible to turn that thing around!

Time. Effort. Dedication. Space. 

THESE are the things that we give up on too soon, my friend.  

 Thankfully, I had the opportunity to hear the late, great, Jim Rohn speak before his passing and this is one of my favorite quotes that I actually heard him say at such an occasion: "The major key to your better future is you."

We MUST begin to understand this important fact! YOU are what makes the difference! Stop telling yourself that you are a FAILURE and start telling yourself that YOU ARE THE SOLUTION! 

Whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP!  

GET UP - however many times it takes - and KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

Be sure to listen to the podcast and hear me talk about being 10 years behind on some of my goals. Have I ever thought about giving up? YES! Have I done so? To some extent, at times...YES! But, do I continue to push forward anyway? YES! YES! YES!

And I encourage you, friend, to do the same. Don't you EVER give up!

And, please also keep this in mind until our next time together...
 

"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

YouTube

It's Not Rocket Science - CHANGE Requires CHANGE!

What you read in the graphic above is about as simple as it gets. Yet, at the same time, it is one of the most difficult things that most people have to accept. 

Actually, I guess they DON'T have to accept what is stated above but, at the same time, their refusal to accept what is said means that they have accepted a different, sad fact. "I choose to remain where I am and settle for less than what may be possible for my life and the lives of my loved ones."

That, my friend, is what is called a HARSH TRUTH. And far too many people settle for that harsh truth - a DECISION that they have made themselves, FOR themselves - while whining and complaining about why things don't change for them. 

Ironic, isn't it?

 Jimmy Dean said, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

Yes, there are things that you and I CANNOT change but we CAN change or control how we react to those things in our lives.

Pay close attention to what William Pollard is quoted as saying: "Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable."

Did you notice the last word in his quote? INEVITABLE! Change is a fact of life! Those individuals or companies that refuse to prepare for that inevitable change will lose in life and in business. How many video stores do you see around? Remember "Blockbuster Video"? That's just one example and, the older you are, the more examples you can come up with as far as companies that have gone out of business due to change.

Around where I live one can go through one small town after another and see what once was a thriving center of town around the courtyard square or even what was just referred to as "downtown".  And now? Empty storefronts. There may be a few that have thrift stores in them now but, by far, change has caused these stores to close their doors for good.

Sad? To some extent, yes. But, again, change is a fact of life both for individuals and for business as well.

Let's direct this to you...personally. Whether you want to admit it or not, YOU have had to change more than you likely realize. I'm not going to take the time to try to cover those changes here but I do encourage you to stop and think about what things have changed around you since you were a child. You may be surprised.

The bottom line is this: What are YOU doing to prepare for the changes that are yet to come? The great thing is the fact that you possess the power to change - IN ADVANCE - to prepare for your future and to also prepare for the future of your family and loved ones.

I will leave you with this great quote from Harriet Tubman: "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_pollard_163245?src=t_change

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_pollard_163245?src=t_change

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_pollard_163245?src=t_change

With that in mind, 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

YouTube

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

YouTube