Will YOU "Settle for LESS"??

 "Ninety-nine percent of people in the word are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for the mediocre. The level of competition is thus fiercest for 'realistic' goals, paradoxically making them the most time and energy-consuming. It's easier to raise $1,000,000 than it is $100,000. It's easier to pick up the one perfect 10 in the bar than the five 8's." - Tim Ferriss

I came across this quote this morning while reading from the book, "10X is Easier Than 2X" by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy. That type of thought is what this book is all about but, at the same time, it STILL got my attention!

I couldn't help but think about that quote in connection with the fact that (as I write this article) we are 3 days into a new year. Yes, many people make BIG "resolutions" for the new year and, due to a lack of discipline along with several other factors, usually fail and fail rather quickly. "So, since I always fail at making my "resolutions" I just won't make any or set any goals at all."

Yeah, that doesn't work either.

At least not for those who DO actually desire MORE and BETTER for their life.

Listen, I'm dedicated to helping YOU learn how to actually put ACTION behind those desires!

Here's another quote from the above mentioned book that came from the author himself. Read this closely and pay close attention:

"Whatever you focus on and commit to, you become the master of."

Perhaps this is the best place to start this journey of avoiding mediocrity and living a fulfilling life...FOCUS.

Write your thoughts down on that and allow your thoughts to "run free" (aka "brainstorm") and see what comes out of it. Take the time to really look over what you have written and consider them carefully and seriously.

I'd love to hear from you on what you came up with and, maybe, some things that I can use from some future articles to share with you.

I will be continuing this line of thought and I also encourage you to listen to the podcast on this topic as well as watch the video. You'll be glad you did!

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)

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)

 

Mike's Quotes #38: Easier Said Than Done

"ANY THING that requires ACTION and that involves CHANGE will ALWAYS be 'easier said than done'. But remember, change comes not by what has been SAID but by what has been DONE!"  Mike Spillman (11.10.14)

Losing weight. Quitting smoking. Better time management. Reading more. Setting and working on daily goals. ANY New Year's Resolution.

If we were playing the television game show, "The $10,000 Pyramid", this category could be labeled, "Things That Are Easier Said Than Done". 

As my quote states, ANY thing that requires action and change will ALWAYS fit into that same category: Easier Said Than Done. This is why so many people fail at their "New Year's Resolution" attempts. It's EASY to talk about all of these things that one plans to change and accomplish. It's actually FUN to talk about those things and it makes you FEEL good! "I mean, c'mon...listen to what I'm saying I'm going to do! Look out world!"

However, the "more important" truth can be found in the last part of my quote: "...change comes not by what has been SAID but by what has been DONE!"

This is similar to one of my articles from last week where I discussed the fact that history books are not written about those who quit and gave up. The same is true in that history books are not written about all of the things that people SAID they were going to do. Instead, they are written about GREAT FEATS that are DONE by those who put their words and thoughts into ACTION. 

To get right to the point, "Talk is cheap!"

Here's the thing, friend. YOU are the only one that can do what needs to be done. Yes, I can (and will) continue to encourage and challenge you in this area but, again, YOU are still the one that has to take ACTION. 

As I've said before, you must decide the importance of your "WHY" as well as the "Power of Your PURPOSE".  WHY are you wanting to do whatever it is that you wish to accomplish? What is the PURPOSE of what you wish to accomplish? The strength of BOTH of these will determine your dedication to this activity as well as the needed discipline. 

Remember, results come by what has been DONE, not by what has been SAID.

As you absorb the challenge that will ALWAYS come when you make a decision to move forward in any area of your life, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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The Week Between Christmas and New Year's Day

Well, here we are.

As I type this article it is December 26th...the day after Christmas. To be honest, I absolutely dislike the day after Christmas. Why? Because, for weeks now, there has been Christmas music, Christmas commercials, Christmas specials, Christmas movies, Christmas decorations and then - overnight - it's all gone. Disappeared!

I think there is one local radio station that actually does still play Christmas music for a few more days which helps "ease in" to the transition to this post-Christmas time of the year. 

Now, just around the corner, we await the arrival of the start of another New Year!

This week between Christmas and New Year's Day is always a bit odd. If you have kids that are school age, they are still home for the holiday break but, if you work out of the home, you go back to work and it's "everything back to usual". 

It's just a strange time of transition. 

Are you still going to "feed your face" with all of the junk food this week in preparation for yet another "New Year's Resolution" about getting into better shape? Do you already have planned what it is that you are going to state as your "New Year's Resolution"?

If so, on either of these, WHY WAIT?

Today is another day and there is no real reason to wait for another week before making changes that may be needed in your life. 

But, at the same time, I get it. It's HARD to make that switch and transition that I've already discussed in this article. 

Here are a few suggestions  I have about this "odd week" in which we find ourselves:

   1. Relax and enjoy this special time of the year. Just because the calendar says that Christmas has now passed does not mean that you cannot still enjoy the holidays! Keep playing that Christmas music if you want and cherish this time with your children if they are still at home. Oh, I know, they can make you want to pull your hair out at times but listen, once they are out of the house you will miss these times. Believe me, I know this to be true.

   2. Ween yourself off of all of that candy and other junk food that you have enjoyed during all of the parties and other special occasions over the past several weeks. There is absolutely no need to wait until January 1st to do so. You really need to start working on the needed mindset NOW instead of waiting.

   3. If you have followed me at all over the past month or two then you know how I feel about these so-called "New Year's Resolutions". Bottom line, for the most part they are just a joke and something that most people never plan to really put much effort into achieving in the first place. So, DON'T WAIT for another week before you start working on the things in your life that you truly want to change and improve. Just like #2, you need to start NOW on the mindset that you will need to make these changes. 

   4. Go easy on yourself. Let me clarify for those of you that want to read this differently than what I intended...I did NOT say "Be lazy" with all of this. Perhaps I should have more correctly stated it as, "Be forgiving of yourself" along the way. You WILL fall short from time to time in this journey. But the most important thing is that you don't quit and that you keep moving forward!

   5. Make Future You University a part of your daily diet!

It doesn't really matter what the date is on a calendar. Today is another day and it's another day for you to LIVE TO THE FULLEST! It's another day in your life that, once passed, you will never be able to relive or get back. 

With that being said, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #26: "Direct Your Thoughts"

“Direct your thoughts for your thoughts will direct you.” - Mike Spillman (06.02.14)

There are things that still continuously amaze me that, honestly, should no longer do so. I could get into a LOT of "things" to which this thought would apply but I'll stick to my main focus for this article. 

For one, I am amazed at how TRUE my quote from 2014 really is and how POWERFUL that truth is now as it was at that time. Your thoughts WILL, INDEED direct your path! 

This is not "magic" or "mystical". It is a natural FACT and, you actually know that it is true. Even though I do not know you personally, I can say with certainty that, at some point in your life (if you paid any attention at all) you have found yourself being "stuck" in a negative environment. Every thought, every word, every thing around you all was negative. 

That's not a "fun" place to be and, hopefully, you made the necessary changes to replace those negative thoughts and actions with positive ones. 

I was listening to some videos that featured Bob Proctor yesterday afternoon. I had already picked out today's topic, as well as the topics for each day this week. This is another thing that continues to amaze me, even though it should no longer do so! In those videos that I was watching yesterday, Mr. Proctor was discussing this very thing...how our THOUGHTS determine our PATH and our ACTIONS. 

The thoughts that occupy your mind on a regular basis will be shown in and through your life and your actions. These same thoughts will "attract" the type of thing about which you think!

WOW! POWERFUL!

Absolutely! It has been commonly referred to as "The Law of Attraction" but, friend, it's been around and evident long before that phrase became so popular. As a matter of fact, the Bible also states the following: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7). 

This is not "magical" or "mystical" as I said earlier, it is a NATURAL fact of the world in which we live.  

Though I am still amazed when I see this type of thing happen in my own life, just as it did with my quotes for this week - particularly this article - lined right up with what I absorbed via the videos yesterday, I should not be! I've seen and experienced this type of thing before, many times in my life. 

THIS FACT DOES NOT CHANGE! So, if it was true in my life before then, friend, it is STILL true in my life and YOUR life as well.   

STOP allowing yourself to think those negative, self-doubting thoughts about what you can or cannot do in your life and for your future! KNOW that you can, BELIEVE that you can and SEE yourself actually living that life! Visualize it and attract what is necessary for this to come true in and for your own life.  

Listen to me now - this is important.  Be sure to watch the video that goes along with this topic. I recorded it earlier today and it will have some additional thoughts that go along with today's topic. But, friend, BE SURE to listen to the podcast, which I have yet to record. I can tell you right now that I will be focusing on the thoughts, particularly, shared in the previous paragraph. I will "drill down" on that thought and the importance of that thought in your life. 

DO NOT MISS IT!

Let me hear from you via my Facebook page (link below) about how you have seen this and/or experienced this truth in your own life. If you doubt it, just keep reading and listening and allow yourself to start BELIEVING, friend!

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

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FRI: Mike's Quotes #25: What's YOUR Pattern?

“Keep doin' the same, Keep gettin' the same. Change Nothing, Nothing Changes!”

 - Mike Spillman (06.19.14)

Somewhere, I have a graphic with the above quote on it with the additional words at the very beginning, "IT AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE!"

This is about as simple as it gets yet, at the same time, this seems to be a lesson that many either refuse to learn or they simply fail to learn during their lifetime. 

Why? I'm not completely sure but I have an idea that it has a couple of possibilities:

   1. People do NOT like change!

   2. People DO like to complain!

I've talked about this before but, for some people, "change" is a "4-letter word". Again, they don't like change and will resist change - in ANY form - at all costs. Even at the cost of living a life that is less that what it could be for them.  

Honestly, people like this won't even listen to what someone like me has to say about what might be possible for them IF they would only open up the possibility of making some positive changes in their lives. Nope. No way. 

And, usually, these are also the people that LOVE to complain about what all is wrong with and in their lives! They prefer to "wallow" in their own self-pity rather than make the necessary effort to actually DO something that could improve their situation. 

My guess is that you know someone that I just described perfectly. HOPEFULLY that person is NOT you! I really don't think it would be because this type of person would not waste their time reading a blog article like this that would encourage them to actually make a change for the better. 

Let's talk a moment about the upcoming flurry of "New Year's Resolutions" that will be coming in just a couple of weeks as we head into the start of a new year. I've talked about this quite a bit lately on the podcast and videos that I've produced but, most people will simply pull out and dust off the same old "resolutions" that they've made over the past five, ten or fifteen years and make the same halfhearted effort once again. This type of activity accomplishes absolutely NOTHING, my friend!

If you have not done well with whatever "resolutions" that you made at the start of this current year then here are a few things that I suggest you need to do:

   1. First of all, see if you even remember WHAT it was that you supposedly "resolved" to do!

   2. How close did you come or how far did you fall short with this "resolution"?

   3. Try to figure out WHY you did not reach the completion of this "resolution".

What I'm about to say doesn't apply to everyone but, at the same time, I would suggest that it does apply to most people. Here it is: It is likely that the reason that you did not achieve what you set out to do during this year is because you simply did not make the necessary changes to do so.   

Even if you do like I do and make ONE decision of what you would like to accomplish during the coming year, you STILL MUST do a DAILY "resolution" to make sure that you are "on track" and not "off track" on this journey. DAILY. 

And, by doing so, you will discover things that are working and things that are NOT working. What will you do with that? Those that will move on closer to their goals WILL MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES along the way. Those that don't, won't! Won't what? They won't - will NOT - achieve what they have "resolved" to do. That is a simple fact, friend! 

As I said on the video that I recorded earlier today, I can just hear some of you now saying, "Oh wait, but you don't understand..." and then start spouting off "reasons" as to why you were not able to accomplish what you said you wanted to accomplish. BY THE WAY, many times "reasons" are simply EXCUSES IN DISGUISE.  

"Mike, why are so you "rough" and direct about this stuff?" Here's my answer: Do you want me to lie to you and make you "feel good" or would you rather me be honest - even BRUTALLY honest - so that you can finally be honest with yourself about what is really going on?

If you would prefer for me to lie to you so that you can "feel good" about yourself then, friend, you are in the wrong place!

Here's the kicker - as anyone that has followed me for any length of time can tell you, even though I can be very direct and, sometimes, "brutally honest" with you, most STILL end up feeling good about themselves because I have helped them cut through the "crap" (pardon my expression) and get on with actually accomplishing what is possible for them. Which, by the way, is whatever they set their minds to!

So, what's YOUR "pattern"?  Do you continue to do the same thing and expect different results? Remember, change nothing and NOTHING changes.

TRUTH!

I'd love to hear from you on this topic by you going to my Facebook page (link below) and sharing with me your thoughts.  Oh, and by the way, don't wait until January 1st to start making your move toward your goals and dreams. Start TODAY by working on your mindset and be determined that you WILL make necessary changes along the way so that you CAN finally achieve something during the coming year!

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   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #21: Just A Little Closer

"Move a little closer to your goals today....even a little move is a move in the right direction!" - Mike Spillman (4.4.11)

It is easy to become discouraged if we feel that we are not progressing as quickly as we would like in regards to reaching goals that we have set for ourselves.

This is one reason we must be very careful with the whole "New Year's Resolution" idea that is about to take center stage once again as we near the middle of the last month of the year. Too many people set goals that are unrealistic and that, often, they never plan to really attempt to achieve, but it sure SOUNDS impressive!

Don't be that person.

Hey listen, I began my blogs and Future You University back on March 2, 2009 and now, 10.9 years later, there are still some goals that I set even way back then that I have yet to achieve. I have achieved some of the goals that I have set along the way but, at the same time, there are some that I have still yet to check off of my list.

Discouraging? At times, for sure but, at the same time, I have to remember the quote for today's topic. Even though I have had to make many detours and have faced several delays and roadblocks along the way (many of my own doing), I have made significant improvement and movement along the way during that time period.

Just like most things, as I have been going through this time period it has not always seemed as if I was making progress.

That's the way it is with time, isn't it? 

The key point is this: Make sure that you move closer to your goal TODAY and EVERY day, regardless of how "small" you may feel that the move may be. Remember, "...even a little move is a move in the right direction."

 I'd love to hear from you about YOUR journey and YOUR struggles and victories along the way. The best way to do so is to leave a comment on my Facebook page (link below).

One of the things you can do to keep moving in the right direction is to be sure to join me as I continue to share more quotes with you this week. As I look ahead, they all seem to deal with ways to HELP you in this process. Don't miss out! 

Keep moving and, as you do so, always be sure to... 

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #19: Life is Like...

"Life is a lot like females. Just when you think you have it figured out, 
it will throw you a curve ball." - Mike Spillman (8.26.11)

I believe that I should make sure that I don't have any ladies coming after me because of that quote! The way I see it, ladies, it should serve as a compliment to all of you. You are all unique and are so mysterious that we (the guys) are unable to get you figured out. That's a good thing, right? :)

Now that I have that "self-preservation" paragraph out of the way, let's talk about the point that is being made with that quote.

Bottom line: Life is like a roller coaster with all kinds of ups and downs as well as twists and turns.

Life is not fair nor is it easy. If anyone ever told you that it was either of these then, friend, they were just flat out lying to you!

But, it's not about what happens TO you that matters. It's about how you REACT and RESPOND to what happens to you. THAT'S what matters and THAT is what will determine the course of your future. 

I know of those that worked faithfully for the same company for many years only to have the rug jerked out from under them when that company either decided to start laying off workers or the company decided to move to another country. Either way, I've seen those that have devoted their life to said company get tossed aside because it was not "feasible" to keep them on due to their age. What then?

All of us can likely point out some in the area of sports that seemed to have it all in perfect fashion as far as their future. The money and the fame seemed to be a sure bet. And we can all likely remember those that, due to some injury or just their own stupidity, had it all taken away from them. Gone.

As I type this article I think of one college player that has been projected to be at the top of the NFL draft. However, a couple of games ago he was unexpectedly injured during a game and, who knows, may not ever play again. For sure it is known that he is out for the rest of the season and, as far as his future? That is still to be determined. 

I have a friend that went to his Mother's house on Thanksgiving Day last week only to find that she had passed away while preparing the family feast that many were to enjoy later that same day. 

Yes, life is absolutely unpredictable.

But friend, you have two choices and the decision is yours.  You can give up on life or you can decide that you MUST continue on to your future.

Easier said than done? Absolutely!

As one guy said once, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get!" Though true, I disagree to a point. At least with a box of chocolates, even though you don't know what you're going to get, IT'S ALL STILL SWEET!

The same cannot be said about life at all times. 

But, remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Sure, you can give up on life but you must understand that there are others out there that are depending on YOU to get up, dust off, and keep LIVING LIFE, regardless of the struggles that may come your way from time to time. 

And ladies, thanks for keeping us guys on our toes! You help keep our lives interesting and, for that, we are thankful. 

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #15: The POWER of LOVE

Love. It's not what you say, it's what you DO and BECOME. Don't just utter the word, SHOW love - BE love - SHARE love. Always.  - Mike Spillman

We've talked about it before: TALK IS CHEAP!

I'm not sure that there is any word in the English language that is "thrown around" as carelessly as the word, "love". People (men AND women) use it as a bargaining tool to get what they want. They will also use the word as a way to manipulate others around them.

Adults will say the word to their children even though their actions say otherwise.

In my opinion, the word should never be used unless it is truly MEANT.

Yes, I know that we use the word "love" to describe everything from food to our pets. But, friend, you know what I'm talking about and you know that I am referring to love that denotes a feeling of commitment, trust and purpose.

Yes, I believe that this kind of love is something that you must BECOME. This may seem like an odd concept to some but, from my experience, this is true. This kind of love is something that I have had to go through a lot of life before I fully understood what it truly meant.

For those that you say are important to you in your life, your love should never be doubted or brought into question. You LIVE it, you BREATHE it, you SHOW and SHARE it and, yes, you BECOME it.

It took me about 58 years to get there but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to "arrive" at this point in my life. It is, indeed, the POWER of LOVE.

I'd love to get your feedback by going to my FaceBook page (link below) and leaving your comments. I'd greatly appreciate it and I thank you in advance.

Whatever you do, each and every day always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #14: Just a Bump in the Road

 “The past is just a bump in the road to the future.” - Jordan Spillman (8.10)

The quote that I want to share with you today comes from my youngest son, Jordan Spillman.  

Though he is my youngest son, he is currently 28 and about to turn 29.

This quote came in the summer following his High School graduation. And, as a little bit of background, my wife had suffered a heart attack the summer before and we almost lost her. That was a very traumatic experience for us all! Since I don't know the EXACT date that he came up with the quote I'm not sure of the specifics in relation to timing, but our whole family went through a frustrating transition in August 2010. 

Without going into details, Jordan has gone through quite a few "bumps" since the time of this quote but he continues to press on. Yes, I am PROUD of him!

I know that, at the time, he had no idea what life had in store for him over the next 9.5 years but, the fact is, none of us do, right? I would say that his quote has had "skin" put on it and that it (the quote) has breathed "life" and has become more than a collection of words.

Friend, the quote is GOOD ADVICE!

Just go back to the article featuring "Quote #12" where I emphasize, once again, the fact that TODAY is truly all that we have available to us. Not the past, not the future, but TODAY.

The past is just a "bump in the road".

But those bumps can either be just a small thing or something that can actually cause you to end up in a wreck, the hospital or even dead. YIKES! All bumps are NOT created equal!

So it is with life. We ALL have our struggles and, believe me, even those that you think are "immune" to such, certainly are not. If you have yet to experience hardship in your life then, friend, it's not "if" but "when".  I'm not trying to be pessimistic. I'm simply being honest and trying to help you prepare for what WILL come to pass at some time in your life.

Two quick thoughts:
   1. What will you do when it happens?
   2. What will you do AFTER it happens?

When these "bumps" come along in your life you must decide that you will KEEP MOVING FORWARD and that you will NOT allow that "bump" to cause you to quit and give up. Yes, again, I DO understand that there can be some incredibly hard situations that can cross our path as we go through life. I'm not down playing that fact. But friend, the fact remains that we just simply cannot allow ourselves to curl up in a little ball and give up.

So, WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN IT HAPPENS? The time to decide is NOW, before that time arrives. And, if you have already experienced such things in your life then, friend, you are better prepared to handle whatever "bump" may (and likely will) come your way.

Just as importantly, we must also decide, in advance, the answer to the following question: WHAT WILL YOU DO AFTER IT HAPPENS? Remember, your PAST does NOT determine your FUTURE.

Yes, learn from the past and do all you can to not make the same mistakes again. Where there is pain, hurt and suffering, learn the lessons that are provided  through the process that you had to go through, take them to heart and move on, a better person.

But, whatever you do, do NOT allow yourself to continually LOOK BACK at the past with regret. Yes, I understand but, friend, do all that you can to do WHAT you can that may need to be done and then MOVE ON.

Do NOT be "derailed" or "side-lined". Remember that "the past is just a bump in the road to the future."

This blog article is being published on Thanksgiving Day 2019 and I wanted to take a moment and wish you, your family and loved ones a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy every moment, cherish every moment and be thankful for even the small blessings in your life.

As you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #12: Your Future Begins TODAY

"You plan for your FUTURE by what you do TODAY"  
- Mike Spillman (10.17.16)

If you have followed me for any length of time at all (even just last week!) then you know my emphasis on the importance of TODAY. Again, "tomorrow" doesn't even exist and you cannot go back and re-live "yesterday".

So, yeah, TODAY really DOES matter!

What you do TODAY will determine your path for your FUTURE. If you haven't done so, go back and read the very last article that I published about the need to know where you are before you can begin your journey to where you want to be.

Once you have planned out your course you must then commit to following the "path" that will take you where you want to be.

Will you?

You decide TODAY if you will or if you will not! What you do - or DON'T do - today is movement toward your future. Are you taking a step in the direction of where it is that you SAY you want to be or have you actually taken a step back or down a "different"path that will NOT take you where you want to be?

Hey, listen, I'm not here to "hold your hand" and try to make you feel good about your indecision in this area. I'm here to CHALLENGE you and to be brutally honest about your activity TODAY and what that means for your future.   

Remember, it's not what you SAY you wish to achieve, it's what you actually DO that SHOWS what you wish to achieve.  

Do NOT wait until January 1st to get started. WHY WOULD YOU? Start planning  where it is you want to be and start moving toward that goal TODAY!

Well, what are you waiting for? Get moving 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

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Mike's Quotes #11: Where Are YOU Going?

"You have to know WHERE YOU ARE before you can know 
how to get WHERE YOU WANT TO BE." - Mike Spillman 

Whether you use a map or use your GPS, the above quote applies as you travel. In order for you to know which route to take to get to your desired destination, you must first know where you are - your starting point.

Of course, a physical trip going from here to there is not what is being addressed in this blog article. Regardless, the same idea applies to your life and your desire to reach your "destination" of your dreams and goals. 

For example, you may desire to make $20,000 per month. In order for you to know what needs to take place, you must first know where you actually are with your current income. If you are already making $15,000 per month then you know that it won't take a lot of adjustment to make up the difference. However, if you are only making $8,000 per month, it is obvious that you will need to take different action in order to achieve your desired goal. Perhaps, like an actual, physical journey, understanding that you have further to go may simply mean a longer journey. So it would be in this example for desired income. Wouldn't you agree?

Is your goal to improve your mindset and become more positive? For one, you must get more specific than that. That's like saying, "I want to go somewhere tropical." Sure, it gets you thinking about a generalized idea but you must narrow your thoughts down in order to get more specific and to know how to actually get where it is that you want to go. Make sense?

"I want to lose some weight." Again, how much weight you want to lose will greatly determine the actions that will be needed to achieve your goal. You must also take into consideration whether or not you wish to do so in a healthy manner. All of these factors matter.

Don't wait until January 1st to start "mapping out" your course. Determine what you wish to achieve (where you want to go) and work your way back to determine what you need to do (what route you need to take) in order to get there. 

Be realistic with your expectations and be willing to make adjustments along the way. Just like a GPS will make the adjustments to your route as well as to the "time expected for arrival" so you must do with this journey, friend. 

I'm here to help any way I can and I encourage you to reach out via my Facebook page (link below) with any comments and/or questions that you may have.

STEP ONE: Be honest and determine "where you are" today and then go from there.

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

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