"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

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books) $10/mo REAL Opportunity!

 

 

NEW YEAR - NOW WHAT??

 As I write this, January 1st is just about done as we start ANOTHER "New Year". 

So, here we go - it's another "NEW YEAR"...NOW WHAT??

So many make their annual "New Year's Resolutions" and often, just as many have put them aside within a month into the new year. Does that describe you?

Is there ANYTHING that you can do to FINALLY follow through and actually see and experience some POSITIVE CHANGE in and for your life?

Yes, there absolutely is!

I really want to encourage you to watch the video (listed below) and/or the podcast (also listed below) to get the "full impact" on my thoughts on this topic and, please, if you find value in what I am sharing, be sure to share it with others that you believe will also benefit.

Thank you in advance!

Here you go: The MOST IMPORTANT thing that you MUST HAVE in order to actually MOVE FORWARD in a POWERFUL and POSITIVE direction in this new year is...are you ready?...

DEVELOP and MAINTAIN a POSITIVE MINDSET

Don't let the apparent "simplicity" fool you. It's NOT easy or else we would not be discussing it even now.

And, friend, it's NOT "simple". Either way, pay attention to this statement: "Many times the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple." So, pay attention!

If you go into this new year with the SAME MINDSET as you had in the previous year - NOTHING WILL CHANGE!

Even IF you have been improving your mindset (don't miss this point either), as wonderful as that is you must STILL be IMPROVING and MAINTAINING that positive mindset!

You cannot allow your mindset to "stagnate"!

It is a DAILY process that requires your constant attention. No, it's not a chore...it DOES become easier and, along the way, you begin to enjoy EVERY ASPECT of your life more and more!

That's it. 

If you are ready to DEVELOP a positive mindset and/or MAINTAIN that positive mindset then friend, you need to follow me closely.

LET ME HEAR FROM YOU and let's make this personal for you. Either comment on this article what YOU need (what's your main struggle, where do you get "hung up" on this journey, etc.) in this process. This will help me to "fine tune" my topics for you.

If you'd rather not post those thoughts publicly, feel free to e-mail me at: mike@FutureYouUniversity.com

It's up to you. I hope to hear from you soon and to KNOW of your progress!

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)

YOU be the GIFT!

 If you watch the video that I recorded for this topic, you will find that it was recorded on Christmas day. Many experienced watching the wrapping paper being torn off of presents and left strewn about the room once all had been uncovered. 

Perhaps you were involved in giving - and receiving - a gift and experienced the same for yourself. We ALL love gifts and, many of us, enjoy GIVING the gift more than receiving a gift. 

With those thoughts in mind, and as we get ready to head into yet, another, "New Year", I simply ask, "What GIFT will YOU bring into the 'New Year'?" 

What gift will you bring yourself? Following up on several of the recent podcasts/videos I've done lately, it's time to ask yourself, "Isn't it TIME for me to GIVE THE GIFT of FULFILLING my DESTINY?" Hey listen, that may sound a bit over-dramatic but I assure you...it is not!

You need to FEEL satisfaction KNOWING that you are, indeed, FULFILLING that task (your DESTINY) for which you were made! Decide NOW to give yourself that gift in this upcoming year and begin "putting that gift together" NOW!

Something else to consider is this: SOMEONE is WAITING on YOU and your "GIFT"!

Yes, it's true. Believe it to be true or not (it doesn't really matter as far as the fact), there are people that are wanting and needing EXACTLY what you have to offer them via your GIFT of YOURSELF.

You may be completely confused trying to figure out what your "gift" is and what you even have to "offer" the world in the coming year. That's o.k. and, by the way, I can help you with that but you have to connect with me first in order for me to do so. 

Stop wasting time. Stop putting it off. Stop letting time continue to pass you by. Yes, ANOTHER year is upon us...isn't it time?

Think about that. Be CHALLENGED by that and, please, be COMMITTED TO THAT!

Let's talk more about that a little bit later, shall we?

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   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)

 

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 

 

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

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

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

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

So, it's TODAY. 

Like it or not, it's HERE. 

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

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

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

 

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

Mike

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

Sunday Night Live Streams with Mike!

Starting THIS SUNDAY NIGHT (Jan. 7) I invite you to JOIN ME at www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity for my very first WEEKLY LIVE STREAM!

I plan to do this EVERY Sunday night and hope to build a "community" that will come together to encourage each other in the process!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Please go to that Facebook page and post your topic ideas and/or questions that you'd like me to address during the live stream.

You can also send those to me via e-mail at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

Plan to be a part of this special event and tell/invite others to join as well!

The End of Another Year...NOW WHAT?

Wow! It has now been over a year since my last blog...OUCH! I knew it had been a long time but didn't realize it had been THAT long!

So, to recap on that, when I wrote my last article on Christmas Day of 2016, we were getting ready to head into the year 2017. And, now, as I put this article together, we are just a few days away from 2018! If THAT doesn't point out the "passing of time", I'm not sure what does.

ANYWAY, on to this particular article that I want to leave with you today. Let me say that I DID do a podcast on this topic a few weeks ago (December 8th - click the podcast link at the end of this article) and I even did a Facebook live stream on it with a little extra a week or so ago. Be sure to check that out as well if you haven't done so. (You can also find the link to that Facebook page at the end of this article).

Bottom line is this: We've come to the end of another year - NOW WHAT?

You may be one of those people that have accomplished great things this year and feel that you "stayed on track" most - if not all - of the year. AWESOME and CONGRATULATIONS! Maybe you are one that would not necessarily label it as accomplishing "great things" but, at the same time, you have had some good things happen this year that puts a smile on your face. Or maybe you are one that feels that you have fallen far short of where you wanted to be at this point in time.

I guess I would put myself in the last two categories in that I have fallen far short of where I wanted to be at this point in time but there have still been some good things happen during this past year that definitely puts a smile on my face. What about you?

If you fit into category #1,  I would love for you to share your thoughts and simply tells us how you were able to stay focused and accomplish those things this year. Share and inspire!

But, for those that (maybe once again) have "fallen short" the questions comes, "Now what?" Do you (we) just give up? Do we just plod along the same old path and keep getting the same old results?

Here are a few thoughts and suggestions that may help you as you look back over this year...

 1. Don't beat yourself up!
    Listen, there are more than enough people out there that can do that for you, right? You don't need to beat yourself up and continue the negative impact of negative thoughts. "Beating yourself up" accomplishes NOTHING except to increase the power of the negativity that will hold you back for another year. 

2. Try to pinpoint where you got off track (even if before this year) 

   You will likely be able to "pin point" when it was that you got "off track". Yes, it may even go back before this past year - it does for me! But be determined in this part of the process. For most people, there is SOMETHING that took place that knocked you off course and I encourage you to keep digging until you find it. (Honestly, most people know right away what that is but they want to ignore it because it makes them look bad or "feel" bad.)
    These things or this particular thing that knocked you off track or off course will likely fall into one of two categories:
     a. Things that were out of your control (couldn't change/can't change)

         Hey listen, there are things that happen that we have no control over at all that greatly impact our lives. It could be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a health issue or health issues due to an accident, etc. There are but just a few examples of things that can cause our life to come to a "screeching halt" and make it very difficult to get back on track and moving back in the direction we were headed before that even took place.

    b. Things that WERE in your control and still are (could change/can change)

        This one may hurt a little bit because it takes us admitting that it was OUR own fault that caused this even to take place. It requires you to be brutally honest with yourself and it also requires you to be willing to admit your mistake(s) in this process. 

       I'm being honest in sharing this with you - THIS ONE describes me and my situation. Sure, there are some things that I can point to that definitely affected my mindset and attitude but it was still up to me and in my control what I did in response to those events. Know what I mean? For me, it goes back before this past year. I'm not anywhere near where I wanted to be at this point in time but I can either just give up or I can be determined to get back on track and keep moving forward. And, that brings us to point #3.

3. What Now? 

    In either situation it is imperative that we ask ourselves that important question, "What now?" Put all of the "reasons" or "excuses" to the side and realize that there is a decision that must be made. Do you want to stay where you are or do you want to MOVE FORWARD? 

    First, it's going to require you to GET OUT OF THAT "FUNK"! I am not making light of this - it may even be a depression that has set you back but you must still find a way out of that depression even if it means getting professional help to help you do so.
    Get that passion back! Did you lose your passion? You MUST get it back! I have to admit that, for me, I had lost my passion over the past 2 or 3 years and I know that I must do what is necessary for me to get it back. 

     If this describes you as well then what we must do (you and I) is to look back at when we WERE passionate and honestly determine what is different between then and now. For me I know I must get back to completely immersing myself with positive information via articles, podcasts and other recordings. No one else can do it for me..no one! So again, I have to make a decision and either settle for where I am (and it's not where I want to be) and whine and complain about how I wish things were different OR I can decide that I must do whatever is necessary for me to get that passion back and MOVE FORWARD with a positive mindset.

IT IS UP TO YOU! No one else can do it for you.

*Note on above graphic: There is no ".com" at the end of the FB address*

ASSIGNMENT! I would like to ask EACH ONE OF YOU to take a moment and go to the FB page and share just ONE good thing that happened to you during this past year! Let's not focus on what DIDN'T happen but one something good that DID happen. It won't take but a minute...please do that on the facebook page .

Until next time (and hopefully before another year has passed!)...

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

Mike

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New Year's Tip #3: Do More and Less

While considering what I wanted to share with you for the third - and final - tip of this first week of the New Year, I came up with the idea of, "Smile More - Argue Less".

 

That's a pretty good idea and tip, wouldn't you agree? Couldn't we ALL benefit from following this idea? It was a good start but I felt that I needed to expand on it a little more so I began to look for a graphic to use that might hep spark something more for this thought. The result? The graphic that you see above that will serve as the foundation of today's article.

 

Now, along with this blog, I also want to encourage you to listen to the podcast (click either of the two links below for the podcast) and share both this article AND the podcast with as many people as possible. Even though it is on the same topic, there is always additional material due to the fact that the two are done at different times and there is not a script.

 

Too, if you haven't done so yet, go back and read/listen to the first two "Tips for the New Year" that came right before this one. Read them and then take the time to implement these as part of your daily routine.

 

My third tip for the New Year is to DO MORE by DOING LESS.

 

That's right, there are things that we all need to INCREASE in our lives as well as things that we all need to DECREASE in our lives. Follow along with the graphic above...

 

FEAR LESS - HOPE MORE: Instead of the word, "hope", I decided to go with the word, "BELIEVE". Beyond hope there has to be a belief that is based on our preparation. Don't allow the fear of failure to paralyze you from moving forward. Develop (yes, it will take practice and training) the ability to downplay the perceived fear and to go more strongly with your BELIEF about your ability and your future.

 

EAT LESS - CHEW MORE: Here's my take on this phrase...enjoy life and take the time to savor every "bite" of it as it comes your way! You don't have to necessarily take in EVERYTHING that life has to offer (if that's even possible) in order to enjoy what surrounds you every day. "Chew more" is to simply ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE and get every bit of flavor and "taste" that there is from the life that you live.

 

WHINE LESS - BREATHE MORE: Who WOULDN'T agree that our world could do with a lot less whining? However, the thing is, we usually want to talk about everyone else that is doing the whining. Yet, my guess is, there is likely some whining that you involve yourself in that you may not want to admit. Hey friend, we ALL - myself included - could do a whole lot less whining and complaining. "Breathe more" or, simply, TAKE A BREATH and approach whatever the situation is with a different mindset. Whining or complaining doesn't really solve anything. If it is something that really bothers you THAT much, approach it in a way that will help you find a solution. You may also find that it's really not that important after all. If so, drop it and walk away. Whatever you do...stop the whining.

 

TALK LESS - SAY MORE: I've dedicated a whole podcast and blog article to this in the past. Choose your thoughts and words carefully to the point that, when you decide to speak, you actually have something that others will want to hear. Otherwise, it just becomes more "noise pollution" in a world that is already "over-polluted" with such noise. When you begin to conquer and accomplish this task, you will find that you actually will say MORE by saying LESS!

 

And finally, LOVE MORE: I believe that it all starts with believing in yourself and loving yourself more. No, I'm not talking about a selfish and self-centered approach to life. What I AM talking about is understanding that you are a person of worth and value. It is you understanding that you DO actually deserve a better life for you and your loved ones. It is understanding and believing that you DO have the ability - what it takes - to make such improvements in and for your life. Doing so will allow you to truly appreciate and love those around you more.

 

And, once more, back to the beginning...always remember to SMILE MORE! Each and every day, practice the art of smiling more and see what happens.

 

Don't procrastinate on these - DO THEM NOW! Don't wait - INCORPORATE them into your daily activities today.

 

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

 

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

 

Mike

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

New Year's Tip #1: Get Your Head Out of Your Phone!

 

Well, here we are...beginning a new year together!

 

I hope that you had the chance to read my last article that I put together as a special "New Year's Week" article. If not, I want to encourage you to go back to the article before this one and read it and apply it to your life. Here  is to you and my wishes for your best year ever in 2015!

 

What I'd like to do now is to offer a few tips that may help that wish to become a reality in your life. They are not "life changing" as far as "big moves" go and, because of that, many will ignore and overlook what it is that I'm sharing. However, at the same time, they CAN be VERY "big moves" because they will require a definite change in your attitude and actions.

 

The week before Christmas, I went into the local revenue office to renew the tags on the license plate of my car. As is usually the case, I drew a number and sat, waiting for when my number would be called. Now, I have to tell you, "people watching" is one of my favorite things to do and, this day would be no exception.

 

There were two numbers before mine and, when the first of those two numbers were called, no one moved. I looked around and noticed two ladies who had their attention focused on their phones and, from what I could deduct, one of these two had the number being called. I was sitting close to the "window" that the workers were behind and I mentioned to the lady that had called out the number that I didn't think that anyone heard her. She called it out a second time and, still, no reaction. I finally looked over toward where the two ladies were sitting and called out the number.

 

It was as if I had sent the lady a text myself and she finally saw it! She awoke out of her "texting fog" and came to the window to take care of her business.

 

The second of the two ladies was not quite so responsive when her number was called. After the worker had called her number two times, she finally got up to walk toward the desk, never taking her attention away from her phone. As she approached the desk, she never looked up or acknowledged the worker behind the desk but, instead, simply put her papers on the counter and pushed them toward the worker.

 

I could see the look of "you've got to be kidding me" on the worker's face as she looked up at the young lady standing before her, all of her attention focused on her phone. After waiting for a few seconds, and still not receiving the appropriate attention to the task at hand, the worker cleared her throat and said, "Excuse me...do you have the REST of the papers that you need?"

 

I'm sure you have seen similar situations, haven't you?

 

I simply refuse to attempt any type of conversation with someone that is focused on their phone. Friends, whether you agree or not, that type of action is rude and shows no respect to the person across from you.

 

Are YOU guilty of such?

 

I hope not but, at the same time, in this world of instant gratification and immediate communication, it is likely that you have been caught in this trap at one time or another.

 

Here's my simple tip for you for this new year - GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR PHONE!

 

That's a simple and alternative way to say, "Pay more attention to the world that is around you." Too many people spend too much attention to someone that they can't even see at the moment when, at the same time, there is so much to see and experience that is right before their very eyes.

 

Determine now to give those around you the proper respect that they deserve. And, yes, at the same time, do now allow yourself to be disrespected by others that refuse to do so.

 

ENGAGE with your world as it goes by day by day. Again, once gone it can never be regained, relived or replenished.

 

When do you start? Start NOW, at this very moment and see what happens.

 

Join me as I discuss another tip for you in this new year in the next article. But, until then, whatever you do, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

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

What IS a "Resolution"?

Here we go again. Many (you are likely one of them) will be composing a list - even if it's just mental - of "New Year's Resolutions" that they plan to keep for the whole year of 2014. This list of "resolutions" usually consists of changes that require MAJOR discipline to make those changes which, also, are MAJOR.

 

Most of us also know that there are MAJOR problems in keeping these "resolutions". Many even joke about the fact that those "changes" (how can they be changes when nothing has changed?) won't last longer than a month or maybe even two, into the new year.

 

Gyms (work out facilities) will be swamped with new clients. One of my brothers started work for a company that had their own gym for their employees and he started right around the start of the year. He could hardly find machines available for his workout due to the crowded conditions. While talking to one of the workers at the gym the worker told him, "Don't worry. Give it about a month and you'll have access to any machine you want." And, he was right.

 

WHY?

 

Why do we do this? Why do we go through this yearly process only to fall extremely short each year?

 

Why do so many do nothing more than make a mental list of these changes that they say that they want to make?

 

Bottom line: we're not that serious about the whole thing! Oh, I can hear some of you almost yelling at me through the computer that you ARE serious and that there are just things that "get in the way" every year that prevents you from seeing your "resolution" through.

 

I also think that many are not serious because most do not understand what a "resolution" really is. We attempt these "resolutions" half-heartily (yes, I can still hear you) fully expecting that we won't stick to them for very long.

 

So, what IS a resolution?

 

Here is the definition of the word, resolve, from dictionary.com... "to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full."

 

"Resolve" is the root-word for "resolution". Go ahead and look up the definition for the word "resolution" and you will find a similar definition somewhere in that list given.

 

So, with all of that being said, let me give a few suggestions on making these resolutions which should also help you actually have a little more success at the changes that you wish to make:

 

1. Come to a DEFINITE or EARNEST decision about whatever it is that you desire to change. This would suggest a "whatever it takes" mentality! Too many give up too early and never see success. HINT: Make sure that this goal is something that, even though it may "push" you, will be something that is actually reachable.

 

2. Make a list of only ONE or maybe TWO "resolutions" on your list.

Too often we make too big of a list and do not dedicate ourselves to any of them fully. For example, if you have a list of 10 New Year's Resolutions, how can you be "definite" and "earnest" in all 10 of these? Honestly, you can't! SHORTEN YOUR LIST! Decide what really IS most important to you. Decide what you HAVE arrived at a "whatever it takes" attitude towards and then attack it full force.

 

3. BE SPECIFIC!

"I want to lose weight" or "I want to make more money" is not specific enough. In order for you to determine IF  this goal is something that you CAN have the correct "whatever it takes" attitude about, you must get as specific as possible. One way to do that is to start with your end goal and work backwards. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds over the next 12 months then break that down to how many pounds per month that would be (4.2 lbs. per month) and then even go further than that and break it down per week by either dividing the 50 lbs. by 52 weeks OR by taking your pounds per month and dividing that by 4 to get an idea. Watch this: if you divide it by the 52 weeks then it comes out to only .9 lbs per week and if you divide your monthly figure by 4 it only comes out to 1.05 lbs. per week. Doesn't that help you see this goal in a whole new, REACHABLE light?

Do the same thing with money. Again, if you want to increase your income by $20,000 over the next 12 months you will find that this comes out to $1,666 per month or (divided by 52 weeks) $384 per week more. If you are DEFINITE in your resolve you WILL find a way to make this happen!

 

4. Stay away from ALL negativity!

Do not share your resolutions with ANYONE that will not support your decision. Do NOT share your goals with anyone that will say to you with a grin on their face, "Biting off a bit more than you can chew, aren't you?" You may be surprised at who may actually say that to you so, if you get surprised this way, STAY AWAY from that person if at all possible.

Search on the web or the library for books, recordings, articles about how to successfully achieve what it is that you are trying to achieve. BE CAREFUL IN YOUR SEARCH! Yes, there are a lot of people that prey, specifically, on New Year's resolutions.

 

5. DO NOT GIVE UP!

If you have followed the first 4 steps listed, then you should have the mentality in place and the DEFINITE mindset to achieve what it is that you wish to achieve. Will it be easy? Change is NEVER easy but, I do believe that by following these steps it will be "easier" than it has been for you in the past.

 

KNOW THIS: You DO have what it takes to achieve great things in your life!

 

I'd love to hear your response to this article by either leaving comments below or on the Facebook fan page or even directly at mike@futureyouuniversity.com .

 

Until next time, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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