Significance or Success?

A person of SIGNIFICANCE is always a SUCCESS. 

However, a SUCCESSFUL person is not always SIGNIFICANT.

I don't remember exactly WHERE this came from - book or video - but I do know that it was inspired by something from John C. Maxwell that I came across with my studies. 

Be sure to read all the way through the article before you make a judgement and also be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video. The links are all found below this article.

There are MANY so-called "successful" people in our world and, really, those designations vary depending on who it is that is discussing that person. When you really think about it (or at least the way I think about it), a person can actually be "successful" in whatever area they excel in but, does that necessarily make them a success? 

Define success. Yes, we could go to the dictionary but different people have their own definition of that word. What is it that makes one a success?

Is it the fact that they have built a business that has remarkable financial success? Is it the fact that someone has moved up through "the ranks" of a company to land at a "high level" of management? Is it the fact that a person can score a lot of baskets in basketball or excel on the football field? Is it the fact that a person can score a lot of goals in a hockey game? Is it the fact that this person has been instrumental in bringing a number of championships to themselves or the team for which they play? Is it the fact that a person has won a lot of awards due to movies in which they have starred?

Some would say "yes" and, again, I would say that they may be successful in their field but that does NOT mean that they are, truly, a success. 

I do know that this does not mean that they are SIGNIFICANT.

A person can be significant and, for the most part, be totally "unknown" as far as the world is concerned. 

Define significant. Again, we could go to the dictionary but, like success, people will have their own different definition as to what makes one "significant". 

Here's what I think of when I consider the word "significant" - what have you done for others? In what way have you touched and/or impacted the lives of others in a positive way?  What have you done to invest yourself into the lives of others in a way that has made a major impact on their lives that will inspire them for the rest of their lives? 

How have you SERVED? 

Yes, I know that many athletes, for example, are involved in "doing things for others" but we must also understand that, many times, these things are required by their particular team and /or league. That does not make one significant.

HOWEVER, there are some in that arena that go "above and beyond" that which is required and/or expected of them in this area and they DO become significant in and through their actions. 

Again, you can be a SUCCESS but that does not mean that you are SIGNIFICANT.  However, anyone and everyone that is SIGNIFICANT is ALWAYS a SUCCESS even if that person never receives any notice or fanfare. 

Here's why I wanted to have you be sure to read all the way to the end. I do want to clarify this fact: A person CAN be a SUCCESS and, at the same time, that same person CAN be SIGNIFICANT.  But one must take their eyes off of themselves and seek how they might serve others. 

That my friend, is how one becomes a SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS. 

Thanks for your time today. 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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Work From Home Series #4: YOUR Purpose and Passion

I firmly believe that, if you are considering "joining up" with a work from home "opportunity", THIS is the MOST IMPORTANT "piece of the puzzle" that you MUST consider.

Yes, I do actually believe that it is that important!

You see, even when you consider the six "warning signs" that I've mentioned in Lessons 2 and 3, your decision of how YOU feel about them will be determined by YOUR purpose and passion. 

In other words, IF you are a person of character and you are determined to remain "true" to who you are and to your PURPOSE then, friend, these things will take care of themselves. Make sense?

If you have not done so, it is IMPERATIVE that you go back and catch up on the previous lessons and, if at all possible, WATCH the videos for this series. I believe that you will benefit greatly by doing so. 

Does the "purpose" or "value" of whatever product the company promotes match up with YOUR purpose? If not, why be a part of something like that?

What IS your purpose? What IS your passion? Obviously, I cannot answer that question for you but I do believe that God has placed you here for a reason and that He has given you your purpose!

Take a look at my "mission statement" that I put together back in 2013. By the way, I had tried to put together a mission statement before but never could come up with anything. Why? I now believe that this is something that you cannot force or "make happen". I believe that is something that must "naturally" come from you, your life and beliefs.

I have to be reminded of my mission statement from time to time. I need to be reminded of my purpose and I must also be reminded that this purpose is to apply to ALL areas of my life - "all endeavors that I undertake".  Is it possible for me to find some sort of "work from home opportunity" that will match up with my mission statement? YES and, here's the thing to consider: If I strongly believe that this is my purpose (mission statement) then I should not settle for anything less in my search! And, friend, YOU don't need to settle for less! Don't allow any type of desperation cause you to "cut corners" on what you believe to be your purpose and passion in this area.  I believe that is what you will find in the message in the image below...

It is important that you "get clear" on your purpose so that you have a "compass" for your life! This will be your guide to help direct you along your way and in every way or area of your life. YES, IT IS THAT IMPORTANT!

Notice what Tony Evans said in the above graphic about how your purpose will "not allow circumstances to dictate your decisions." Again, for example, being desperate - needing money - will NOT dictate your decision if it is not in alignment with your purpose. 

 

John C. Maxwell also expresses this truth very plainly, does he not? Now listen, I don't know you or what you do or don't believe and, friend, that's o.k. If you don't agree or don't like this thought, that's up to you. But it is what I believe to be true and I will promote such things in my blog, my podcasts and my videos. I do ask you to consider it anyway.

I can certainly relate to being "unhappy and confused" during times in my life and I know that, often, it was due to the fact that I was ignoring or trying to "go against" my purpose in and for my life. Given to me by God. And, yes, this unhappiness and confusion often was connected to work from home opportunities that I would try to make work.

Are you unclear about your purpose and your passion or maybe even unsure about "how" to discover your purpose and passion in life? If this describes you then, friend, you MUST watch the video that I show below. You can find it by going HERE.

Again, be sure to watch my videos on this series by going to the "YouTube" link below. I believe that you will gain a LOT of extra insight into my thoughts on this topic.

I will conclude this series in the next lesson - Lesson 5: My Suggested Solution - and invite you to check it out. If you want to get a "sneak peek" at the business that I will share with you (no, this will NOT be a sales presentation!) then click on the link below that is listed as "LiveDebtFree!"

I'd love to get your feedback about this series. If you would, please do so by going to my Facebook page (link also below) and do it there. If you have any questions on any of this, just post them there and I will answer them as soon as possible.

Until next time, stay true to YOUR PURPOSE and PASSION and, while you are at it...

"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   Live Debt Free!

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

YouTube

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

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

YouTube

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

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

What Do YOU Want?

 * Be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video on this same topic!*

Seems like a simple enough question, right? Yet, not many people can actually ANSWER that question. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people will give an answer to that question very quickly but it will likely be an answer that is very vague and generic.

For example, to say, "I want to make more money!" is a very vague answer.  For one, how much is "more"? Another may say, "I want a better job!". Again, what is "better"? What are the things that would make a job "better" for you than what you do now?

Perhaps a better question to ask about ANY such thing is to ask "Why" as well as, "How bad do you want it?".

We'll get back to that in a moment but, bottom line, ANY change in your life, like even these that are being briefly discussed, will require you to answer that one question up front: "How bad do you want it?"
 

May I be blunt? Regret SUCKS! The way I look at the definition of the word, "regret" is that fact that you cannot go back and do anything about it! It's too late, hence the real regret.

Yes, change - ANY change - is hard but at least the difficulty that comes with that change indicates that you can, and are, actually striving to DO something about it. Regret? It's too late.

So, again, what do you want to do - and why? Do you even know? In the last article I posted a graphic and talked briefly about your "vision" (for what you want to do) becoming clear once you approach this from your heart. That becomes the answer to the question, "Why?" as well.

That's why I ask you to answer the question, "Why?" in all of this. What is your heart telling you about what you really want to accomplish? What does your heart tell you about your PASSION for your life? Many times we forget to talk about "passion" because of the reality of "having to pay the  bills" and often just settling for whatever we can do.

But, often, when we KNOW what our passion is and what it is that we actually DO want to do with and in our lives, the temporary "discomfort" of such a job begins to lessen. Why? Because we know that it may be the "vehicle" that we need to get us to what we really want to do and accomplish in and with our lives.

I have a "goal" or "passion" of something that I want to accomplish in my life. It's been the same thing for many years and I've yet to really get much closer to it than I have been in the past. Believe me, there is ALREADY some regret attached to that fact BUT the good news is that it is NOT too late for me to do something about it! Here's the thing: I have found what I believe to be the "ultimate tool" to accomplish that task but it will require a financial investment that I am unable to fulfill at this time. BUT GUESS WHAT? I also know that my current job WILL provide me the "vehicle" to get to where I want to be as long as I am willing and determined to do my best and become my best in this area.

A "half effort" likely won't even get me "half-way" there. I must be determined to make the necessary changes and break some old habits in order to make this push in my life. So, if it is something I REALLY want to accomplish, then I must make the necessary changes regardless of how difficult and, yes, even "painful" the journey may be.

Yes, every single day! This is what I talked about right before the start of the new year when I challenged you to think about "Happy New DAY!" as opposed to "Happy New Year". Why? Because it is EASIER to check our progress - or lack of it - at the end of a day as opposed to trying to track our course over the course of a whole year.

Yeah, what if I (you) struggle? THAT'S A GOOD THING because, like I mentioned above, it helps us to KNOW that we are actually doing something that is not our same old habit from before!

Do you want to know how to avoid that struggle? QUIT.  That's right...give up and quit. But, guess what you will have to deal with then that is worse than the struggle of change? REGRET.

It's your choice.

 

 Oh, and one more thing. "Don't water your weeds". Don't feed the negativity in your life and don't "give life" to those things and/or people in your life that will continue to try to choke out your dreams and your goals. And, yes, that may mean that you need to separate yourself from some PEOPLE in your life that currently occupies some of your daily time. If it's a spouse or someone else in your own household then you - YOU - must figure out some way to avoid such a situation. Perhaps you need to stop sharing your thoughts and goals with such people. If possible (easier said than done) you may have to actually "cut" some of these people completely out of your life. 

That's right, you may have to go a step further than just not "watering" your weeds, you may actually have to actively WEED YOUR GARDEN. 

Feel free to contact me: mike@futureyouuniversity.com to discuss this further if you'd like.

So, really...what do YOU want and how bad do you want it? Get focused - get LASER focused - on this part of the journey. You will find it hard, if not impossible, to move forward at all until you do.

Join me Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. CST at www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity for my weekly LIVE streaming event 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

YouTube

Win OR Lose?

 

Right up front let me acknowledge that the idea for today's article and podcast do not come from me. I was listening to a video from John C. Maxwell and his "Minute with Maxwell" video series, and I REALLY liked what he shared on this topic. You can watch it here . You can also sign up for "Minute with Maxwell" to be delivered to your own e-mail address on that same page.  

For most of us - if not all of us - we normally think of this type of thing where there is a winner and there is a loser. One person (or team) wins and the other loses. I love the example that Mr. Maxwell gives about what happens when, over a period of time, the same person wins while competing with the same person that, of course, always loses. 

In case you didn't watch that video clip, I'll tell you what happens. (Actually, if you think about it for a moment, you likely already know the answer). The person that always loses will no longer be interested in "playing" or "competing". 

Why? Because no one likes to continually lose. Most people do NOT want to participate if it has been proven that they will likely lose. Every. Single. Time. 

And, by the way, this is NOT promoting the "everyone gets a trophy" and "we don't keep score so that no one experiences losing" type of mentality. C'mon, now. That's not real life and, by following this type of mentality, we (adults) are not doing our job of preparing our young people for a realistic future. 

But, is it possible to create an environment that is a "Win-Win" situation for all involved? Well, it's not likely that it will be that way for ALL involved (there are many reasons why this is so and many of them have to do with the attitude of some individuals), BUT, perhaps, there is a way to create more of  this than we may think. 

Think about it... business is an easy example of this concept. Specifically as it deals to companies making a profit while, at the same time, those that distribute that companies product also makes money. And, this usually takes place along several levels. As long as everyone along that "chain" is happy with the amount of money that they make ("profit"), then it is a "win-win-win-win", etc. situation. 

See what I mean? 

The problem comes when someone along that chain becomes dissatisfied because someone else (up the "chain") is making more than them. They get greedy and, instead of being happy with their profit (and their level of responsibility that accompanies that level of profit) they begin to, as I said, get greedy and begin the process towards a miserable existence. 

I don't always have to make ALL of the profit available in order to be successful or happy. Right? I can share the profit with others and, often, by doing so, I can actually expand my ability to the point that I can actually make MORE overall profit as a result. As a matter of fact, those that try to "do it all" and "make it all" themselves usually end up failing in the process. 

Get the point yet? 

In the same way, just as I don't have to make ALL of the profit, I don't have to "win" in ALL areas in order to share that "winning" with others along the way. I can "win" and you can "win" as well. The only one that loses is the one that chooses to sulk, pout and try to figure out how to completely keep all of the "winning" to and for themselves. 

Oh yeah, and when you help others "win", guess what happens? They become even more productive and you "win" even more . Too, don't sell short the fact that you WIN even just from the knowledge and feeling that comes from helping others do more and be more along the way. 

BE SURE TO WATCH THAT VIDEO THAT I GAVE YOU THE LINK TO ON THIS! It's very short (it's called "MINUTE with Maxwell" for a reason) and worth the watch. I also encourage you to sign up to have it sent to your e-mail. It's another great "tool" to ad to your routine to help keep positive thoughts coming to your mindset.

So, as you go about your day today (or tomorrow), start looking at how you can create more "win - win"  and less "win - lose" scenarios. I wish you much success in this endeavor. Truth is, if you find ways to do this successfully, you WILL experience much success!

Be sure to come back for the next article and be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article. 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

Excuses Prevent Action!

 I'm sure you've heard the saying about "Opinions", right? Well, I'm going to "clean it up" just a little bit and go with it like this: "Opinions are like ARM PITS...everybody has them and they all stink!"

Now, for today's article, I'm going to change that up just a little bit more and apply it to EXCUSES:
"EXCUSES are like ARM PITS...everybody has them and they all stink!" 

Just like in the last article, this one comes as a result of me catching up with some "Minute With Maxwell" e-mails that I receive from John C. Maxwell every day. And, in case you didn't get the link in yesterday's article, you can sign up for free and get this sent to you own e-mail address by going HERE.

I'm sure you've guessed it by now but, the word being addressed in this particular episode was, "Excuses". As I listened, John said something that really jumped out at me and I wanted to share it with you today. Here's what he said: "It's easier to go from FAILURE to SUCCESS than it is to go from EXCUSES to SUCCESS!" 

 It seems that he pointed out, as well, that it is literally impossible to go from EXCUSES  to success because EXCUSES will prevent us from ever taking ACTION (see yesterday's article).

Excuses are the language of FEAR. You can debate that if you wish but, friend, it is a fact. You make excuses because you are AFRAID of SOMETHING in whatever area of your life it is that you are needing to take action. 

Here's the thing, though. Many people have become so accustomed to making excuses that they don't even realize that they do it so much. I know someone who automatically starts making excuses about as soon as they open their mouth when asked about ANYTHING. And, I do mean just about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! It's a self-defense mechanism that many people set up because they don't want to have to face the fact that they are not following through by taking action. 

Now listen, I understand that it just flat out HURTS to have to face the truth like that, doesn't it? But listen, friend, EXCUSES WILL KEEP YOU WHERE YOU ARE and PREVENT YOU FROM MOVING FORWARD TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!

So, yeah, maybe it's something we all need to get serious about.

Just like anything else that requires change and a completely different approach, moving away from EXCUSES will be a PROCESS that you approach and attack on a DAILY basis...one day at a time.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear some of you making excuses as to why you can't approach and attack this every day. C'mon...just stop it. :)

So, take a look at where you are and then take a look at where it is that you want to be and realize that it is your EXCUSES that are keeping you where you are. Period.

Hey, I hope we're still friends after this article! I know we are and I know that, even if this was a little painful, you will be fine once you get past the initial shock of the truth. But, friend, you can do this and you CAN get past the excuses and on toward your planned goals and dreams!

As always, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

And, until next time, 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

The Importance of EXECUTION

Have you ever participated in "cliff jumping or diving"?  Here's what I mean. I live in Arkansas and we have a lot of lakes around and I've had the pleasure of living in areas where I had quick access to getting on the lake in a boat and enjoying that time.

When my sons were younger and still at home, we would load up and go out on the lake and spend some time exploring different areas of the lake, swimming and - you guessed it - "cliff jumping" when we could find a safe area to do so. It simply means that you climb your way up to a specific point on a "cliff" or a "bluff" and then you jump off of it into the water.

Here's the thing though - that "specified area" never looks as high from the boat as it does once you climb up TO that point! And, for some (like me), it's hard to "pull the trigger" and take that leap off of that cliff or bluff into the water. I remember one such time with my boys where we would count, "1...2...3!!" for each one for them to jump. NONE of them ever went on "3" that first time. As a matter of fact, it usually took four or five times of that countdown before they would finally jump...and, yeah, I was the same way!

In today's podcast (see links at the bottom of this article) I share some thoughts that I got from John C. Maxwell from his "Minute With Maxwell" that I get delivered to my e-mail every day. (You can sign up and get this sent to your own e-mail as well - I don't get anything for this, I just want to share "good stuff" with you - by going HERE. )

I was listening and catching up on some of the past episodes of this yesterday and came across John addressing the word, "EXECUTE", in which he shared his initial thought and image of a guy being blindfolded, with a cigarette in his mouth, standing before a firing squad. Of course, the "call" that is made by one in charge is, "READY.....AIM...FIRE!" However, John shared that, too often, when we plan to "execute" or take action on some plans that we have laid out before us, we often make THIS call: "READY......AIM.....AIM.....AIM...."

Just like the example I used above about preparing to jump off of that cliff or bluff, sometimes it's hard to "pull the trigger" and take that leap! We may be ready (climbed up to the cliff/bluff) and have taken aim (looked over the bluff to decide where the best place to land would be) but, we didn't really make that climb with the idea of just standing around on that cliff/bluff, did we?

Execution or taking action is a MUST - a NECESSITY - if we plan to ever move forward or experience success in whatever area it is in which we are involved.

John also talks about the other end of the spectrum in this scenario. He says that others will make THIS call: "READY.....FIRE....AIM!".  Now, even though that sounds kind of funny, too many people do just that. Have you? I know I have! Sometimes we get in a hurry and we do make some preparation, BUT we fail to "take aim" or complete the preparation process before we "jump in" or "pull the trigger".

In the example that I used of jumping off of the cliff or bluff, this can be catastrophic! Failing to "aim" or plan where it is that you want to land could even lead to death. Climbing up to the specific area is part of the process but so is looking over that cliff/bluff and "taking aim" or planning where it is that you want to land in the water. Just going up and jumping, without taking that look, could cause one to jump right on top of a big rock just under the surface of the water.

At a shooting range, preparing your weapon to fire but not taking aim will cause one to miss their target and - again with possible catastrophic results - possibly strike another human instead of the target that was set.

So, it is important to follow the course in the correct order, wouldn't you agree?

But again, all of the preparation in the world carries no value if we fail to EXECUTE the plan of action.

How does that "speak" to you today? I'm sure it does in some way, friend. Don't hide from it but, rather, embrace it and address it so that you can take the needed actions in your life to move on toward your intended success.

Join me in the next article as we deal with another area that often prevents us from taking action and experiencing success in and for our lives.

As always, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

And, until next time, 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

3 of 6: ATTITUDE!

ATTITUDE. Good or bad, it's something that we all have. And, on any given day, we may have both...several times throughout the day!

Your ATTITUDE can and will either be a CURSE and poisonous OR it will be a BLESSING to those with whom you come into contact.  You literally hold the keys to LIFE or DEATH of a person's mindset in YOUR ATTITUDE. 

And, you hold that same key for your OWN life through your attitude. 

Am I over-stating the importance of ATTITUDE? You decide for yourself as you look over the following quotes...

"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." - John C. Maxwell

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. Wade Boggs
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_attitude.html

"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." -  Wade Boggs 

"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." -  Zig Ziglar 

 "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." -  Winston Churchill

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." -  Thomas Jefferson

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. Wade Boggs
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_attitude.html

The things that I have stated so far in this article as well as the profound words found in the above quotes, just emphasize even more, how important it is to PROTECT YOUR MINDSET and, thus, your ATTITUDE.

I was reading an article just yesterday about a lady (she was the author of the article) who, over time and due to different things that she was not happy with, allowed her attitude to become more and more negative as that time passed by. And, as a direct result, she was "let go". In other words, she was fired and told to move on. 

Again, a bad attitude can POISON one's life...EVERY area of that life.

Now, let's end this on a "high" note and talk about the POWER of a POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

Your positive attitude can (and will) make all the difference in the direction of your life and ALL relationships in your life. That, my friend, is a FACT and one that you need to consider very seriously. Go back and read again what Thomas Jefferson said about the man with "the right mental attitude"...HE CANNOT BE STOPPED!

That's right, friend. What you allow INTO your mind and what you allow to STAY in your mind will have a direct impact upon the direction of your life!! (Yeah, that was worth TWO exclamation points). And, as a direct result, it will also have a PROFOUND and POSITIVE impact upon the lives of many people around you in any area of your life.

Now then, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

Join me in the next article as I continue to discuss these 6 important "tasks" for our life from my "POWER Board". 

And, until next time, 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