"Life is a HABIT...Does YOURS Need to be Broken?"

(This is an edited version of an article originally posted on January 9, 2018)

 

I recently visited with an elderly lady about her need for final expense (burial) insurance. She had filled out a card and requested to get more information about this. She acknowledged to me that she knew she needed to do something to keep her family from having to come up with the money to pay for her funeral and she acknowledged that the price I presented to her was right "on target".

That was about 3 weeks or so ago and, to this day, she still has not done anything about it and, guess what? She never will. How do I know this? Because LIFE IS A HABIT and her habit has been to NOT take action on something that she has known for quite some time that she needed to get done.

Another word for "habit" might even be "rut". It's hard to break a habit and it's hard to get out of a rut!

 

 As is the case regarding ANY significant change, the beginning IS ALWAYS the hardest part of the process. It goes against what we are comfortable with and it goes against our "daily routine" of this habit. But, just like the activity that takes place when one of those "strongest man" contestants start to pull a train car with nothing but a rope, the hardest part is the beginning! Yet, after much effort and determination, MOMENTUM finally starts to "kick in" and the wheels of that train begin to finally move. Slowly at first but they begin to roll with more ease as this momentum continues to work in the contestants favor.

As funny as this little cartoon is, the point of it is actually kind of sad, is it not? Isn't it time to finally get past this "hamster wheel" mentality that so many (you?) do year after year with these, so-called, New Year's Resolutions? Stop talking and start doing!

 Wow, what good news, right? If you go back and read my blog and listen to the podcast that I did right before the start of this new year ("Happy New Day? Happy New Year!) you find this very thing talked about. If you have followed me for very long then you have also heard me discuss the fact (yes, I said "fact") that TOMORROW does NOT exist! That 24 hour period into the future does not exist - it has not even arrived into the realm of reality. And, in the same way, that 24 hour period in the past that we call "YESTERDAY" no longer exists as well. It's gone and can never be relived or recovered. So, TODAY is the day to start making your move. Bottom line, it's all you have, friend.

GET UP AND MOVE ON! Stop dwelling on your past disappointments...what good does that do you but to disappoint you even more? Today is the day to decide to "get up and move on"!

 Are you in sales? If so, you need to "google" this guy and check out his stuff. I found this quote of his the other day and I love what it says even though it is hard to accept sometimes. But, it is TRUTH! Whether you are talking about weight loss or job and/or career success, there are many that want the RESULT but that are not willing to "pay the price". That price? CHANGE. And, again, any significant change is not easy. Never has been, never will be. HOWEVER, again, with momentum, that change becomes less and less of a burden as you continue to move forward.

 

So, are you all talk? Do you spend all of your time "dreaming" about what you will achieve and, are you one of those people that keeps telling everyone else what you are GOING TO DO? Dreaming is important! One must have a "dream" that will challenge them to move forward. However, as Jack Canfield says, the difference between just dreaming and actually putting action behind that dream (PURSUING your passion) is "taking the first step". 

 

 

 

Forget about the past! Remember, it's gone. Yes, absolutely LEARN from the past but do not allow yourself to continue to LIVE in the past. So, regardless of what you have been "planting" in the past (you may likely be "harvesting" that now) you can still "plant a new crop" starting TODAY. This is not just a "cheesy" saying or thought...it is a FACT of life, friend.

 

 

What is in your heart? What is it that you REALLY want to do and/or accomplish? What is it that "stirs" your soul and creates "purpose" in and for your life? When you allow yourself to "tune in" to whatever that is for you, your "vision" (path, direction) will become clear. Do you believe that?  For years I kept hearing about the need to create a "mission statement" for your life. I even would almost "stress out" over the fact that I couldn't come up with one. I literally would try to put something into words but I kept falling short and, as a result, I also would get discouraged. However, "out of the dark" (so to speak) as I was "immersed" in positive information it just "came to me" and came in a very clear and powerful message. The next graphic is what I came up with (or, perhaps, what came to me):

 

 

I need to work harder on getting back to this focus but, the point is, once my "heart" took over, THIS literally just "came out" or "appeared" to me. No, it wasn't magic and it definitely came from my inner thoughts and feelings (my heart). It can only be "real" and "true" when it comes out of your heart. 

Today is the day, my friend. Haven't you waited long enough? Haven't you procrastinated long enough? Are you tired of breaking the promises that you have made to yourself over the years? ONE DAY AT A TIME breaks things down into much smaller "steps" that need to be taken. You don't look at the idea of losing 50 lbs. over the next twelve months and become overwhelmed. What you DO is break that down to what is needed monthly and then daily and start making that journey.  (By the way, that comes out to .13 lbs per day).

Well? Now what? 

That's up to you. "LIFE IS A HABIT"...what do you need to do with yours?

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

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Flat Balls Don't Bounce!

It's been a while, friend! As a matter of fact, I looked back on my podcasts and saw that the last podcast that I published was back in April of 2018!

I took a break and had planned not to start again until I had been certified in the John Maxwell program and, to a large extent, I have completed that task. I did become a member of this prestigious group before the end of 2018 and I continue forward growing and learning. The original plans were for me to attend the Certification event this August (next month) in Florida but I have some scheduling conflicts that will not allow that at that time. So, it's being rescheduled for a different time and I'll keep you updated on that as well. 

But, even at that, I felt it was time to get started (again) with my blog and podcast and, a little later, with my "vlog" or "video podcast". 

Here's one thing that I have noticed over the years since I began this (March 2009): I do much better with my positive mindset when I am doing the blog, podcast and videos. In other words, doing so helps keep the "air" in my positive mindset. 

Have you noticed? A flat ball doesn't bounce! Have you tried? It just doesn't work and, to be honest, it's not much fun to have a ball that you CONTINUALLY have to air up in order to use it for whatever sport. 

I'm guessing that many of you are already "getting the point", right?  If we allow ourselves to "go flat" it is literally impossible to "bounce"!

Have you "gone flat"? Have you allowed the "air" of positivity to slowly seep out of your life? Hey friend, it's easy to let happen! Many times it is hard to really notice a slow leak when it first begins and the same is true in your life and mine. 

So, selfishly, I am beginning this blog and podcast for my own good but, at the same time, I want to do all that I can to provide you with at least ONE outlet to help you maintain your "bounce". 

Do a little check on yourself to see if you have developed a "slow leak". as far as your positive outlook and development. Have you "lost your bounce"? Have you "gone flat"?

I'd love to hear from you on this. Please feel free to share with me what you are doing to help combat this in your own life and, of course, feel free to reach out to me for any input that I may be able to give.

Hey, "I'm BAAAAAACCCCKKK!". Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. The podcast on the same topic (different thoughts since I don't use a script) is also available, just click the link below. 

So friend, 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

 

CHANGE Happens!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time...

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

Mike

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

YouTube

"Taking the Journey - What About the Detours?"

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

What then?

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

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

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

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

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

Again, how determined are you to reach your destination? 

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

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube

Taking the Journey: How Will You Get There?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What will you do?

Until next time, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube

"Life is a HABIT...Does YOURS Need to be Broken?" - Mike Spillman

I recently visited with an elderly lady about her need for final expense (burial) insurance. She had filled out a card and requested to get more information about this. She acknowledged to me that she knew she needed to do something to keep her family from having to come up with the money to pay from her funeral and she acknowledged that the price I presented to her was right "on target".

That was about 3 weeks or so ago and, to this day, she still has not done anything about it and, guess what? She never will. How do I know this? Because LIFE IS A HABIT and her habit has been to NOT take action on something that she has known for quite some time that she needed to get done.

Another word for "habit" might even be "rut". It's hard to break a habit and it's hard to get out of a rut!

As is the case regarding ANY significant change, the beginning IS ALWAYS the hardest part of the process. It goes against what we are comfortable with and it goes against our "daily routine" of this habit. But, just like the activity that takes place when one of those "strongest man" contestants start to pull a train car with nothing but a rope, the hardest part is the beginning! Yet, after much effort and determination, MOMENTUM finally starts to "kick in" and the wheels of that train begin to finally move. Slowly at first but they begin to roll with more ease as this momentum continues to work in the contestants favor.

As funny as this little cartoon is, the point of it is actually kind of sad, is it not? Isn't it time to finally get past this "hamster wheel" mentality that so many (you?) do year after year with these, so-called, New Year's Resolutions? Stop talking and start doing!

Wow, what good news, right? If you go back and read my blog and listen to the podcast that I did right before the start of this new year ("Happy New Day? Happy New Year!) you find this very thing talked about. If you have followed me for very long then you have also heard me discuss the fact (yes, I said "fact") that TOMORROW does NOT exist! That 24 hour period into the future does not exist - it has not even arrived into the realm of reality. And, in the same way, that 24 hour period in the past that we call "YESTERDAY" no longer exists as well. It's gone and can never be relived or recovered. So, TODAY is the day to start making your move. Bottom line, it's all you have, friend.

GET UP AND MOVE ON! Stop dwelling on your past disappointments...what good does that do you but to disappoint you even more? Today is the day to decide to "get up and move on"!

Are you in sales? If so, you need to "google" this guy and check out his stuff. I found this quote of his the other day and I love what it says even though it is hard to accept sometimes. But, it is TRUTH! Whether you are talking about weight loss or job and/or career success, there are many that want the RESULT but that are not willing to "pay the price". That price? CHANGE. And, again, any significant change is not easy. Never has been, never will be. HOWEVER, again, with momentum, that change becomes less and less of a burden as you continue to move forward.

So, are you all talk? Do you spend all of your time "dreaming" about what you will achieve and, are you one of those people that keeps telling everyone else what you are GOING TO DO? Dreaming is important! One must have a "dream" that will challenge them to move forward. However, as Jack Canfield says, the difference between just dreaming and actually putting action behind that dream (PURSUING your passion) is "taking the first step".

Forget about the past! Remember, it's gone. Yes, absolutely LEARN from the past but do not allow yourself to continue to LIVE in the past. So, regardless of what you have been "planting" in the past (you may likely be "harvesting" that now) you can still "plant a new crop" starting TODAY. This is not just a "cheesy" saying or thought...it is a FACT of life, friend.

What is in your heart? What is it that you REALLY want to do and/or accomplish? What is it that "stirs" your soul and creates "purpose" in and for your life? When you allow yourself to "tune in" to whatever that is for you, your "vision" (path, direction) will become clear. Do you believe that?  For years I kept hearing about the need to create a "mission statement" for your life. I even would almost "stress out" over the fact that I couldn't come up with one. I literally would try to put something into words but I kept falling short and, as a result, I also would get discouraged. However, "out of the dark" (so to speak) as I was "immersed" in positive information it just "came to me" and came in a very clear and powerful message. The next graphic is what I came up with (or, perhaps, what came to me):

I need to work harder on getting back to this focus but, the point is, once my "heart" took over, THIS literally just "came out" or "appeared" to me. No, it wasn't magic and it definitely came from my inner thoughts and feelings (my heart). It can only be "real" and "true" when it comes out of your heart. 

Today is the day, my friend. Haven't you waited long enough? Haven't you procrastinated long enough? Are you tired of breaking the promises that you have made to yourself over the years? ONE DAY AT A TIME breaks things down into much smaller "steps" that need to be taken. You don't look at the idea of losing 50 lbs. over the next twelve months and become overwhelmed. What you DO is break that down to what is needed monthly and then daily and start making that journey.  (By the way, that comes out to .13 lbs per day).

Why so many graphics in today's article? These are the graphics that I shared in my recent LIVE stream broadcast that you can still find on the FaceBook page. These thoughts were also shared on the podcast that goes along with this blog (click the link below for either RSS feed or iTunes) so I wanted to be sure and share them with you here.

Well? Now what? 

That's up to you. "LIFE IS A HABIT"...what do you need to do with yours?

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