DON'T See It? DON'T Want It? DON'T Get It?

 Yes, this is an absolute "FLIP" from the last article I shared with you which was: "SEE IT! WANT IT! GET IT!"  But, you know what? I know that, for many of you, you could easily put the word, "DON'T" in front of each of those and come up with what I have shown on the graphic above.

It's not so much that you "DON'T WANT" improvement in and for your life but you simply can't "See It" which also means that you just "DON'T GET IT". 

I've dealt with and struggled with this for years in my own life. I have always been one to have a big desire for something better. For example, I began this blog and my podcast back in 2009...yeah, that long ago! I had big plans on what I wanted to do and accomplish with my "Future You University" (my "umbrella" thought for all that I do in this area).

But, you know what? I did gain some traction over time but, overall, I've still come nowhere close to what I always planned to achieve. UNTIL...

I'm not going to go deep into this with this article but I did want to "touch base" on this side of the thought process and then, over the next 3 articles, I will address each of these 3 roadblocks that I have faced and that, I believe, many of YOU also face in your plans for a better you.

I will say this, though. IF what I'm describing fits you...describes YOU...then it is absolutely NECESSARY for you to join my FREE community on Skool, which is called, "Finish What You Start". I WILL help you "get over the hump" and FINALLY begin to see some positive movement in your life with your thoughts, ideas and plans for your better future. That's a promise IF you're willing to take that step. 

Sign up/join and introduce yourself in my community and I will connect and welcome you personally and we will go from there. 

 Once again,  the ball is in your court - it's your CHOICE. 

 

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

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

Get Rid of Old Ways (G.R.O.W.)

 This article goes hand in hand with the recent one that talked about the idea that some people have that they want everything to be BETTER as long as THEY don't have to change. 

*Buzzer Sound* WRONG ANSWER!

As the graphic above illustrates, if we actually want things to be BETTER in and for our lives then we MUST "Grow"...we must "Get Rid of Old Ways". 

I talk about this type of thing ever time I record a video, a podcast or write a blog article. So...what now?

First and foremost, you must make a DECISION about what you truly want for your life and the lives of those around you. Not an empty "resolution" made every year at the start of every new year but an actual FIRM COMMITTMENT, a DETERMINATION of necessary change and improvement. 

I'm telling you for sure, one thing that you can actually DO and not cost you any money to DO, is to sign up and join my community on Skool (link below). Why? Because you MUST do something to "Get Rid of Your Old Ways" which means it's time to DO SOMETHING NEW. 

Join (again, it's free) and introduce yourself. I'll welcome you personally and we'll start the process of getting you finally following through and being able to "Finish What You Start" (the name of my community). 

Now then...what will you actually do? "For things to change, things have to change. If nothing changes, nothing changes." 

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

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

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)

 

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 3)

 

I just finished recording and posting the podcast that goes along with today's article. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of today's article to listen in. It's always good to LISTEN as well as READ since I don't have a script that I follow. That being the case, the two will not be exactly the same and you may pick up some extra "nuggets" from one or the other!

Let me begin by asking you this question: If you seek and ask God for direction...or ask him to "lead you" in your life and decisions, what does that mean for you and what is it you are "looking for" to where you would know?

That is a HARD questions to answer - at least for me it has been!

Let me ask you another question: How many of these "things" have to walk right in front of you and even "slap you upside your head" before you pay attention and see them for what they are? 

Follow me?

In this "transformation" series that I am currently sharing, I let you in on my wife and I's journey over the past 7-8 months of "seeking" God's guidance in and for our lives. Here's the deal: I've been "in church" literally all of my life and was even in ministry for around 20-25 years or so.

Yet, at the same time, I have known that I have not fully given myself up to fully surrender to God and allow Him to take me and use me in the way that was designed before I was even born.

Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW he has used me for His good and glory along the way. I honestly believe your reading of this blog article is a part of that process and I hope that you are always encouraged in the process even though I may challenge you on a few things in and for your own life. 

(Here's what I mean by getting an extra little "nugget" from either the podcast or the article. I didn't discuss this part in this podcast!)

I'm trying to share as much detail as I can in the podcast and, that being the case, I'm not covering very much material or covering a very large "time-frame" in this journey that has taken place over these past few months. But I want to make sure that I "point out" things that have made a HUGE difference even if I didn't fully understand that along the way.

But, I tell you this, friend...even up to yesterday, for example, God is still doing things that make me literally start laughing out loud in how it connected to something else that he "brought across my path" earlier the same day! What's He up to? I don't know for sure but I can sure tell you that He is up to SOMETHING in and for my life!

So, be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article and simply ask yourself this question: "If I ask God to lead me and to guide me...will I do what He says? Will I open my eyes to SEE who and what He may be bringing across my path?" Hey easier said than done, my friend, that is for sure!

One thing I did share in this podcast that I want to be sure and share with you here: Opportunity doesn't always knock! Stop waiting for that to happen! Sometimes it may walk down the sidewalk in front of your house and you may have to run out there and tackle that sucker!

Stop sitting around and waiting. Start watching. Start paying attention - expectantly - for what may be passing before you every single day.

I'd love to hear from you. You can leave a comment here but I'd prefer you to do so on my Facebook page (link below). Either way is good as long as I hear from YOU!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141

Seeing With NEW Eyes: The TRANSFORMATION (Part 2)

 

 If you have not done so, be sure to go back and read the blog article that preceded this one as well as listening to the two podcasts that I have posted so far in this new series entitled, "Seeing With NEW Eyes" (see link at bottom of article). 

I will tell you that I did not get as far in that second podcast as I had planned...but that's o.k. because I want to say what God wants me to say and share as I go along the path of this story of TRANSFORMATION that has been taking place in my life as well as in the life of my wife. 

We have been married for a little over 39 years now and we are more focused and happy than ever before. It is because of what we are experiencing TOGETHER along this path. 

Now, some of you may already be getting "scared off" due to the language that I am using and you may be thinking this is going to be some strange, mystical, cultic-religious article but you can just relax, friend. I will say this though: If you listen to my podcasts, I now pray during each one and I will say what you will hear me say on those podcasts...I don't know who is reading this but if you are, you are reading this for a reason. You likely don't even know what that reason is but I firmly believe that there is a PURPOSE for you being here, right now, reading this. 

And, whether you want to believe that or not I want you to consider the fact that acknowledging the possibility of that being true does you no damage at all. None.

As I said, in this series I am sharing with you information and events that have taken place that has taken my wife and I down a path of TRANSFORMATION. What does that mean, exactly?

Perhaps it is best to begin with a "dictionary" definition of the root word - transform. Here is what is recorded in the Merriam-Webster dictionary for the word, transform (transformation) - 

a : to change in composition or structure

b : to change the outward form or appearance of

c : to change in character or condition

 

Simply put, it is the process of CHANGE taking place ("change in character or condition") and, yes, even - at times - a resulting change in the "outward form or appearance of" an individual, in this case. 

If, for some reason, you think that sounds a bit odd, consider how often you hear someone tell a lady that is pregnant with child that she is "glowing". Have you ever told someone or heard it said about someone that "It is easy to know that you are happy...it is written all over your face!"? It could be as simple as turning a frown into a smile or a life of desperation into a life of hope and promise.

I also want to call out a scripture that is found in Romans 12:2 which reads... "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJV)

Two sides of the spectrum discussed here: being CONFORMED or being TRANSFORMED.

Being "conformed" is just the opposite of what was defined by the word, "transform". Whereas the word, "transform" indicates CHANGE, the very idea of "conform" indicates more of "molding to" (which, yes, is a change) and not "changing from". 

Let me go further with this comparison...ANYTHING that is poured into any type of a mold is being CONFORMED to the shape and limitations of that particular mold. That which is being poured into that mold has no ability to be anything different or shaped any differently than that particular mold. Yes, even people can be "molded" into a certain way of dressing, talking, behaving and, overall, living. 

However, a TRANSFORMATION is taking place when a caterpillar enters into it's cocoon and comes out as a butterfly! Completely changed! And, once again, it is possible for people to undergo such a transformation. No, I'm not talking about a person becoming an animal or anything like that but, instead, a person becoming something that they (or others) never thought that they could or ever would. 

THIS IS POWERFUL! 

The Bible verse listed above states that one way that this transformation can take place is by the "renewing of your mind" (and some versions indicate that this is to be a DAILY process). In other words, "making" your mind "new" on a daily basis. Allowing your mind (mindset) to "grow" and "expand" in it's knowledge and thought process. Never allowing it to be the same. To never, ever stop thinking and growing in this way. 

THIS IS POWERFUL!

When you listen to the podcast you will hear a song playing in the background that is titled, "Rattle", that is sung by Zach Williams. In case you don't know the story of what this song is talking about, you should go look up what is found in the Old Testament in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37. Ever hear the song that goes something like, "...ankle bone connected to the - leg bone, leg bone connected to the - knee bone..." ? That song is also referring to this occurrence found in Ezekiel 37.

Are YOU, perhaps,  going through a DRY season? Do you feel that you are just a bunch of "dry bones" that are lying out in the middle of the desert? Take heart, friend, because TRANSFORMATION is possible!

Perhaps you are one that is going through a POWERFUL and TRANSFORMATIVE change? LET ME HEAR FROM YOU - I'd love to hear your story just as I am sharing mine with you!

  Listen, I'm not trying to be "preachy" or anything like that. I am, however, trying to be encouraging by sharing this amazing story that my wife and I are experiencing right now as I write this blog article. 

The other day, the image you see above is a thought that "came to me" so I wrote it down...just as you see in that image. I knew it was something that I needed to see and hear and, I honestly always feel that, at the same time, it is something that others probably need to see and hear as well. (Remember when I said that I don't know why you are here but that there is a REASON for you reading this article? Maybe THIS is the reason.)

No matter what is going on in your life and no matter how LONG this has been going on...I want you to "feel" those dry bones begin to move and I want you to listen closely to see if, maybe, you don't begin to hear those dry bones begin to "rattle" in preparation for the TRANSFORMATION that might be coming your way!

So, right now - today - I want to encourage you to, first and foremost, LOOK UP! Stop looking down in defeat and begin to look UP to what lies ahead and then make that next step and GET UP! That's right, GET UP and get ready to put some life back into those legs that were intended to move you forward and then, do just that - GET GOING and, friend, don't you dare stop...KEEP GOING!

Easier said than done? Maybe. But you won't get anywhere lying out in the middle of that desert now, will you? YES, YOU CAN do this!

In my next podcast and blog article I plan to start getting into SPECIFIC details about people and situations that have come into our lives over the past 7 months or so and how they  - all different - have come together to aide in this TRANSFORMATION that is taking place in our lives. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and, like I mentioned above, I'd love to hear any stories of transformation that you have to share. The best place to do that is on my FaceBook page (see the link below). 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141

So You're Saying There's A Chance?

Earlier this month I came across this sign in the office of a "weight loss center" and I knew I had to take a picture of that sign. I did post it on my FYU Facebook page (link below) either the same day or the day after but I did not make any comments about it at that time.

But, today, in this article, I want to spend a few minutes discussing what you see in the graphic above. I absolutely LOVE what it has to say to and for each of us.

It doesn't really make a lot of difference if you are talking about weight loss, career choices, relationships or making a shift in mindset, all of these things contain a CHOICE if there is a CHANGE that is desired to take place.

Now, to be honest, deciding that you want to lose some weight and get in better shape is not as risky as someone considering making a completely different change in their career path. But, at the same time, there is a CHOICE that has to be made before the CHANGE can take place, right?

Once you have made the CHOICE - or decision - to make a CHANGE in your life, in any area of your life, then you also have another choice - or decision - that must be made. What will you do with your CHOICE or your DESIRE to make the change?

If you truly desire (how strong is your "why"?) for the change to take place then, friend, you MUST take the CHANCE and take action. 

How important is this desired CHANGE for your life? How important is it for you to reach or obtain that CHANGE for your life? That (your "why") will determine, to a great extent, how determined you will be to reach that goal of CHANGE.

Many are afraid of taking that CHANCE in and for their lives due to their fear of failure. They, themselves are afraid of possible failure and they are often also afraid of what others will think or say if they do fail in this effort. 

Sure, you might temporarily fail or have a set back but, again, how determined are you to achieve this CHANGE in and for your life? Is that temporary failure and set back worth the CHANCE?

ANY change...ANY change first and foremost requires that you CHOOSE to finally do something about whatever it is that you are dissatisfied with in your life and then you MUST determine if you are willing to take the CHANCE required for that CHANGE to actually take place in and for your life.

 The CHOICE is yours and yours alone. And, as you consider the CHANGE that you wish for your life, 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 #36: Do You STINK?

 "You can't keep hanging around stink and smell like roses!" - Mike Spillman (08.17.14)

It is amazing to me (not sure why it still is) that people think that they can continue to do the same things, hang around the same people and change absolutely NOTHING in their lives and expect things to change IN and FOR their lives. 

What's that definition of "insanity" that we've all heard before? "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." IT AIN'T GONNA' HAPPEN!

There was a time when people were allowed to smoke just about anywhere. That may seem very odd to some of you but I, like many others, lived in - and through - those times. During that time I remember working for one particular company that had a small break room and it was in that room that I would hang my jacket once I arrived at work.  This same break room was where people smoked while on their break - they didn't have to go outside to do so.

Although I didn't smoke, my jacket would smell HORRIBLE by the end of the day and I would have to put my windows down on the ride home to just keep from being overwhelmed by the smell. And, no, I actually did NOT eat my lunch in the break room...I sat out in my car because I could not stand the smell. Once I got home I had to hang my jacket outside to try to air it out and not bring that smell into the house with my wife and small children.

Even though I didn't actually smoke, my jacket WREAKED of cigarette smoke due to my jacket being where those that smoked congregated during their break. How silly would it have been if my wife asked me, after my first day on the job, "Why does your jacket smell so much like cigarette smoke? Have YOU been smoking?" and I replied, "No, I have not and I have NO IDEA why it smells that way!" REALLY?  "You can't keep hanging around stink and smell like roses!"

Years ago, when I was working in ministry, I would have people come to me and say that they wanted to change their lives and that they were not happy with how they were living nor the direction that their life seemed to be headed. One of the first things I would ask was, "WHAT do you plan to actually change in your life to make this happen?" I would also ask, "Do you plan to keep hanging around the same people and keep going to the same places that you do now?" And, again, it was amazing to me how many people did not plan to change ANYTHING in their life while, at the same time, stating that they wanted to change the direction of their lives. It just doesn't work that way!

Here are two main questions that you must ask yourself if you wish to rid your life of the "stink" that you say you want to get rid of in your life: WHAT do you allow into your life and WHO do you allow into your life?

WHAT do you allow into your life? What do you do with your "spare time"? Do you watch television? If so, WHAT do you watch and allow into your life and your mindset? What do you read? What do you listen to? What information are you soaking up on social media?

WHO do you allow into your life? Who do you spend your time with and what do you do while with them? What do they have to say? What kind of attitude do they have? What messages and influence are they continuously "pouring into" your life?

 Have you ever walked into someone's house and almost get "knocked over" by the smell of their pet(s)? I have and I thought, "How in the world do these people live with this smell?" Here's the answer - they have gotten used to the stink! Yes, people CAN get used to STINK no matter how strong that STINK is!

YOU may have gotten used to the STINK in your own life and don't even realize the influence that it has on your life and your mindset. Since that is true, you need to pay close attention to what those that actually care about you may have to say to you about your life and where it is headed. Remember, you can GET USED TO THE STINK and not even realize what you are allowing into your life while, at the same time, saying that you want to CHANGE the stink in your life!

Here's the good news - once you have removed yourself from the stink, you then become sensitive to even the slightest hint of that stink. That's right! The same "stink" that you were so used to being around that you didn't even notice it any longer can now become something that you notice IMMEDIATELY and even with just a "hint" THAT, my friend, should be your goal in this area. 

Develop your life in such a way that you literally become REPULSED at even getting a "whiff" of the stink that you allowed into your past life and be determined to rid your life of that stink forever!

Hey, be sure to also listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic. All three of these were put together at different times so there will be additional thoughts and comments found in each one. The links for all of this can be found below. 

Thanks for joining me for today's topic and, if you find it beneficial, please be sure to share it with someone that you know could benefit as well. 

Until next time, 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   Live Debt Free!

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!

Introduction to "The Importance of Action"

Over the past few days I decided that it was time to TAKE ACTION. 

Oh, I know that there are many that would suggest that I (or them or anyone) should just wait until the start of the new year to take steps to make changes or take action, right? 

But, why SHOULD I and why WOULD I wait when I can start taking action today? 

So, let me share with you what I have decided to do and, as part of this sharing, hopefully encourage you to take action in your own life.

Back at the start of July I made a big "push" to promote that "Future You University" was back! Well, I did do a few blogs and podcasts but, by no means, did I do so in a way that would qualify as saying that I was "back". 

Yeah, as usual, "stuff" kept getting in the way or, to be more honest, I ALLOWED that to be an excuse as to why I wasn't following through with what I said I was going to do. 

IMPORTANT TIP #1: You MUST be honest with yourself about where you are in your own life! 

I have come to realize the absolute NECESSITY of taking ACTION in my life and to get past the excuses that I have allowed to rule - yes, rule - parts of my life. You? 

So, part of my decision to take action - DAILY action - is to get back to doing a DAILY blog article along with a daily podcast and video (Vlog) as well.  

IMPORTANT TIP #2: Make sure you start out with a DAILY activity and stick to it!  

If you try to make a major change without dedicating yourself to DAILY action toward that purpose your chances of failure increase dramatically.  Yes, you can always adjust things later on if necessary but do not be fooled into thinking that you can/should start off doing this any other way except for doing it DAILY!

I also made some other decisions about taking daily action in other areas of my life: physically, spiritually and concerning my business. Why wait to do what everyone does and make those so-called "New Year's Resolutions"?

IMPORTANT TIP #3: Doing what everyone else does will take you to the same place that everyone else ends up...that same place that they started.   

I've already hit a challenge in this process. I'm having some major issues getting my podcast up and publicized. This podcast company has been having some major issues over the past several months but this is the first time that it has directly impacted me. So, to be honest, it may not get published as planned but I will STILL continue to record new ones each and every day. 

IMPORTANT TIP #4: Anytime you plan to make major changes in your life, get ready - THERE WILL BE ROADBLOCKS trying to block your way to successfully completing what you have set out to do.   

Now, interestingly, as is usually the case, this blog article is COMPLETELY different than the podcast and Vlog that I recorded earlier today. So, hopefully that podcast will be available to you soon. If not, check out the video on my YouTube channel (link below) since I recorded them at the same time.

I plan for this to be a series for this week: "The Necessity of ACTION!". Be sure to join me DAILY.  

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

 

It's Not Rocket Science - CHANGE Requires CHANGE!

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

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

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

Ironic, isn't it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With that in mind, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube

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: 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