"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

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Success Factor #4: KEEP Going!

As a quick review (all can be found in the previous articles), here are the "Success Factor" steps previously covered:

1. Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!
2. Success Factor #2: GET UP!
3. Success Factor #3: GET GOING!

Be sure to take a few minutes to read the previous articles as well as listening to the podcasts (see link at bottom of article) IN ORDER. They all "feed" off of the previous "Success Factor" step.

That being said, "Success Factor #3" discussed how important it was to "GET GOING!" and, in this article, we will stress how important it is to "KEEP GOING" once you start taking action.

In the podcast I discuss the difference between "falling short" and "failing". Pay attention to this: FALLING SHORT is NOT failure! Changing course or direction, is NOT failure! Failure occurs when you have decided to "wave the white flag" and "give up". You CEASE to make any effort to continue progressing FORWARD. 

Here's something else to consider in this thought process. You can even decide to stop pursuing something that you thought was very important to you at one time and STILL not be a "failure".

Our lives change and, with that, our perspectives and priorities change as well. Wouldn't you agree? There are things that I once pursued that, at the time, I felt were VERY important to me and I was determined to reach "success" in those areas.

 

 CLICK HERE

Things (my goals, perspective AND priorities) have changed quite a bit over the past 13 years when I first began "Future You University". I am proud of the number and the quality of the articles and podcasts that I have done over this period of time. They will "live on" long after I am gone from this earth. That has now become a major feeling of accomplishment to me and for me in my desire to share positive information with as many people as possible.

My goals that I once had to be a major "player" in the public speaking arena is no longer of major importance to me. I have worked and pushed hard in different areas in the field of "home-based business" over the years and now, to be honest, I have no real desire to pursue that any longer. 

Does that make me a "failure". NOT AT ALL! I am still dedicated to making sure that I am doing all that I can do in order to "take in" as much positive and encouraging information that I can for my own personal benefit. And, as I continue to share information with you from time to time, I can also try to provide the same for you. 

So, yes, I have definitely "changed course" but I have not "given up" or "surrendered" in my desire to improve my life on a daily basis as well as being dedicated to sharing what I can to help others in that same journey.

Do you happen to remember when you first learned how to ride a bicycle? Or, perhaps, you may remember the time that you taught your children to do the same. I use this example in the podcast for this topic and talk about how hard it is to grasp the idea that you must peddle faster in order to get momentum which, in turn, makes it easier to ride. At that stage of the learning process, being told that does NOT make sense but, it is still a true fact, right? 

I also use the example of having to push a car that is completely stationary and of how much force and effort it takes to get that car rolling/moving even just a little bit. But, once it begins to roll, momentum kicks in and it takes less and less effort to keep it moving.

Newton’s first law of motion – sometimes referred to as the law of inertia states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Listen, ANY relationship takes effort. ANY endeavor to improve your life in ANY way will take effort. The earlier it is in the process, the "harder" it is to gain that "momentum". Too many give up TOO SOON before they begin to experience the momentum in whatever endeavor it is that they are pursuing.

(By the way, in the podcast, I give some much-needed advice to those that are involved in any type of "home-based business" beginning at the 9:52 mark. If you are involved in such or are considering such, make sure you take a listen!)

As always, I encourage you to listen to the podcast that accompanies this article...I believe that you will gain even more out of this particular topic by doing so.

So, "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" , "Success Factor #2: GET UP!" and "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!", "Success Factor #4: KEEP GOING!". This will be followed in my next podcast and article with the last of the "5 Success Factors" with,  "Success Factor #5: DON'T YOU DARE, EVER, GIVE UP!". 

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

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"Flash Back Friday" - Taking Care of Business NOW!

 

Today is "Flashback Friday" and I'll be sharing an article with you from April 7, 2011. Enjoy!

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Some of you may think of Elvis when you hear the phrase, "Taking Care of Business" while others (like myself) think of the song by Bachman Turner Overdrive (yeah, BTO sings TCB...I just love all of these abbreviations).

And, you may be wondering what this has to do with our current discussion on LOVING WHAT YOU DO. Hang with me here...it's an easy leap on this one.

First of all, remember, we have been talking about a video featuring a man that worked as a janitor when he won the state lottery. What did he do? He kept right on working his janitor job because of his love for the track program and his desire to donate money to help build a new track for the school. He had a PURPOSE and a PASSION for what he was doing so it didn't matter to him that he didn't HAVE to keep working as the janitor. He WANTED to!

That is when you know you are at your "dream job". When you don't HAVE to do it but you do it anyway.

Now tell me, would being a JANITOR ever have been on your list of answers as being anyone's "dream job"? Likely not. But it brings on the main point of this whole discussion.

Here it is: it doesn't matter what ANYONE else thinks about what you are doing or what they think you SHOULD be doing. It's up to YOU to live your dream, whatever it may be.

Now then, most of us think of something far more elegant when we think of our dream job, don't we? But, again, let me refer to a question I asked early on in this series that SHOULD give you a clear view of your "dream job" - If money were not an issue, what would you be doing?

Well? Surely by now you have come up with an answer to this question if you have been following this series.

But the curve ball comes when we look at where we WANT TO BE and then at where WE ARE and we don't like what we see. The "wanna' be" is a long ways away from our "what is".

What then?

Yesterday I suggested that it might be possible to learn to love what you are doing even if you are not doing what you love (your "dream job"). I hope you have thought about that.

On yesterday's podcast I encouraged you to really try to brainstorm and think of HOW you can approach your current job with excitement rather than dread. WHAT CAN YOU DO to approach your day and your job with a challenge so that you get out of the rut of whining and complaining?

One thing that may be absolutely necessary is to change who you hang around with at the office!

BREAK FREE from those that do nothing but whine and complain but also never lift a finger to try to improve their position or make any attempt to actually do their best for the company.

How many times have you heard someone say something like this (and YOU may have been one of the ones to say it!): "Well, I'm not doing one thing more than I have to! If I don't HAVE to do it then I'm not going to do it!"

May I be blunt? What a loser mentality!

What if you decide to TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS RIGHT NOW where you are TODAY?

What if you decided to put 100% of your effort into doing the very BEST job that you can RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW?

What if you did this today, tomorrow and EVERY day from now on?

What do you think would happen?

I can tell what would happen - THINGS WOULD CHANGE!

You don't need me to tell you what might change for you, do you? Take a moment and write down everything you can think of that would change for you if you adopted this approach.

Why not STOP dreading the day at work and why not TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS when you go to work today and start learning to love what you do (which is simply loving the fact that you are living up to your potential!) until you get to the point that you can finally have the "job of your dreams" and do what you love.

Thing is, you just might find out that this "dream job" was right under your nose all along.

Think about it.

And, 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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Mike's Quotes #47: No Vision, No Success

As the above quote states, yes, this is a Biblical truth but it is also a very important FACT that we MUST apply to our individual and personal lives IF we plan to move ahead toward our goals and dreams. 

We have talked quite a bit about vision this week and about what you "envision" for your future life. You MUST have a "goal" or a "vision" that pushes and pulls you - at the same time - through any difficult situation with determination to reach that "goal" or to make that "vision" a reality. 

If you don't have such a plan (a goal or vision) for your life then, friend, you're just spinning your wheels and wasting your time.  Going back to my earlier article from this week, your "dreams" are just "fantasy dreams" that might as well be about jumping over a marshmallow rainbow while riding a unicorn!

NO VISION - NO SUCCESS!

I know that you have heard about putting together a "vision board" as a way to "visualize" what it is that you desire in and for your life. This is simply posting pictures of THAT house, car, location, cruise or whatever it is that you desire, on a "board" or wall or wherever, so that you can SEE this every single day. The idea is that, by seeing this every day, you will become to see this desire as a reality until it does, actually, become just that - a reality.

Here is something that you MUST understand about this: A "vision board" is nothing but a bunch of pictures unless you actually TAKE ACTION in order to begin the process of making these things become a reality in your life. It's simply a "day dream" or "wishful thinking" without action.

NO VISION - NO SUCCESS!

So, one more time - what's YOUR vision? 

SEE it...MOVE forward toward it...LIVE it and then BECOME it!

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 #43: Live the TRUTH of Your Dreams!

truth troo͞th 

n. Conformity to fact or actuality.

n. Reality; actuality.

 For the purpose of this article, I want to draw attention to the second definition given above: "reality; actuality"

Yet, in my quote, I talk about living the TRUTH of your DREAMS. Dreams? Dreams aren't real, right? And, if that is so, how can I  connect something that is "not real" to the very definition of the word "truth" when the words "reality" and "actuality" are used?

For me I believe that you must ask yourself what YOU mean by the word, "dreams".  

Are your dreams something that resides in the fantasy world? I mean, do your dreams involve you jumping over marshmallow rainbows while riding on the back of a unicorn? That would definitely fit into the category of "fantasy", would it not? 

But, at the same time, if your "dreams" consist of things that are so far out of your realm of possibility that you don't actually take any action to bring these dreams to "reality" and "actuality" then, friend, they also remain in the category of "fantasy". 

Make sense?

Yet, if your "dreams" are an expectation and vision of what is yet to become reality then, friend, we are talking about something completely different! Even if your dreams stretch you and even push your limits of "is it possible?", they can still be something that you can envision as REALITY in your future. 

If your desire to turn that vision into reality is strong enough, you will not only simply DREAM of those things but you will TAKE ACTION to bring those dreams into reality and/or actuality in and for your life!

In the same way, great men and women in history brought their DREAMS into REALITY and that reality became so for not only them, but for you and me as well. THINK ABOUT THAT FACT!

And now you discover how one can begin to "live the TRUTH" of their dreams. You see or envision your dreams and you decide that it is something that you MUST achieve in and for your life. Then - and this part is HUGE - you begin to walk in or "go confidently in the direction of your dreams". You begin to TAKE ACTION by taking those steps and, as a result, you begin to "live the TRUTH of your dreams".

Here's another kicker - when you begin to do this, you find that you begin to "walk" and conduct yourself as if the dream has already become a reality. You begin to walk IN your belief and your dream and this will actually bring that dream into reality even quicker than you ever imagined.  

Be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic - THIS IS KEY! You will hear some additional thoughts and you will hear me talk about this with passion. The links can be found below.

One other thing...if you believe this to be POWERFUL and BENEFICIAL, please take on the responsibility of SHARING this important message to anyone and everyone that you can. Help me help others begin to "live in the TRUTH of their dreams".

Be sure to join me for my next topic as we discuss what it is that you actually seek. Thanks in advance for all that you do to help spread this message 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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Mike's Quotes #37: Why Are YOU Here?

 “We were put on this earth FOR each other, not to HIDE FROM each other.” (9.01.14)

It's easy to "tuck ourselves away" in this life. Leave everyone else alone and be left alone. I understand that, I really do. However, if you are one that is striving to improve your life then, friend, it is basically impossible to not have an impact on those around you.

As a matter of fact, whether you realize it or not, you already do have an impact on those around you even if you think you are just "leaving everyone else alone". 

Several articles back I mentioned my belief that all of us are here for a reason. I believe that God put you here for a reason, a purpose and that your purpose involves touching the lives of those around you. I believe this to be true of everyone even though there are some that absolutely refuse to see this or fulfill their purpose while here on this earth.

I have also pointed out the fact that YOU are the only YOU in existence! There has never been anyone like you, there is no one like you now nor will there EVER be anyone like you again. You are unique! And, friend, that being true (and it is!), you add a certain "spice" or "flavor" to life that needs to be enjoyed and experienced by those around you. 

That's right...we need each other, so make sure that you don't try to "hide away" from the world. BE your gift to the world and leave a positive path that others can - and desire to - follow.

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 #2

 "Value is not a price tag. One places value on something by how they treat that item. This is true whether it be of cars, clothes, pets or people. YOU determine how valuable it is to you." - Mike Spillman (8.2.09)

Please make sure that you take the time to listen to the podcast AND also watch the video broadcast on today's topic (see links below). Yes it is on the same topic but, I don't follow a script which means that there is always additional material in each of these.

You likely make decisions just about every day as far as to whether or not "price" and "value" are the same to and for you. Think about it for a moment.

My guess is that there have been times in your life where you have looked at a price tag and decided that the particular item was not worth the price listed on that tag. For whatever reason, you decided that the "value" was not equal to the listed price. 

And, there have likely been times that you have paid MORE than what you normally would because you PLACED A HIGHER VALUE on a particular item. It could be because you desperately needed that product or item. It could be that you had a sentimental attachment to the item but, regardless, the price tag did not determine the VALUE of that item for you. 

As my quote points out, "whether it be of cars, clothes, pets or people", you SHOW how valuable these things are to you. 

It's not what you SAY about the value of something in your life, friend. It's proven by your ACTIONS...how you "treat" those things in your life. 

You simply cannot say that you love your spouse and cheat on them, lie to them and talk badly about them! You cannot say that you love your children and then show, by your actions, that just about anything and everything is more important to you rather than spending time with them. 

These are harsh truths but, friend, they ARE truths!

And, by the way, this also applies to your "dreams" and what you say that you want to achieve. Let's be brutally honest here...talk is cheap, but those things that are truly valuable to you will require you to invest time, effort and even money at times. TRUTH!

One final point: YOU are valuable! Think long and hard about that and consider whether or not you really believe that about yourself. How do you know? How do you treat yourself? How do you talk to yourself and about yourself? How do you care for yourself?

VALUE IS SHOWN.

Be sure to join me next time as I discuss the importance of PASSION in and for our lives. And, until then, 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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Dreamers or Doers?

Several years ago, when I was still in ministry, I began a program that I called, "Dreamers and Doers", with the idea of our group of people taking our TALK and putting it into ACTION. 

I've always liked that title that I came up with and I am reminded of it from time to time and it still challenges me even today. And, I believe that it fits right in with our theme for this current series.

When we talk about the need to "stop hitting the 'snooze button' for our lives" and we discuss the need to CONTINUALLY grow, then it becomes a natural discussion of the need to put our passion and our "why" into ACTION. 

Remember? Purposeful, DAILY action!

Let's make sure we understand this first: We MUST have dreams! We all NEED something to hope for, to strive for in our lives. WE NEED DREAMS!

Also, as we have already talked about, these dreams must be YOURS and no one else's. No one can decide your dream for you and you can't live or follow a dream that belongs to someone else. 

QUESTION: Have you taken steps to put that DREAM into ACTION? Have you made the move of turning that DREAM into REALITY? Let's be careful that we don't continually talk about what we PLAN to do or WHEN we plan to do or WHAT HAS TO TAKE PLACE in order for us to do so.

Listen friend, it's EASY to dream! It's EASY to talk about those dreams and to get excited about those dreams.The real work begins when you start taking steps, when you start taking ACTION!

So, what will you do?

Are you going to keep "talking" or are you going to start "walking"?

In our next article, we will discuss the need to "Get Off of the Fence" and get moving.

Until then, 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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The Challenge of DREAMING BIG

The bigger the DREAM, the bigger the CHALLENGE...that, my friend, is a fact! And, if the CHALLENGE is bigger, it must be due to the fact that the OBSTACLES are also bigger.

Now, friend, will you STILL make a decision to DREAM BIG even knowing the facts that I just presented?

A dream with no challenges is just that...a dream, and nothing more. It is only when you make the decision to begin to take the steps on the journey toward your goals and dreams that the dream becomes more than just talk.

It is only when you become more focused on your GOALS than you are on the CHALLENGES and the OBSTACLES that you begin to make progress toward reaching those goals and dreams. 

Many times people will refer to their dreams as their "destiny".  Be sure to pay close attention to the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson in the graphic below..."The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."

I have spent a good part of the past 9 years trying to provide information to help you (and myself) to understand the importance of developing and keeping a positive mindset - even after you have made such a decision as was just discussed. 

This is the last blog article that I will be writing for a while. Be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic (the iTunes and RSS Feed link are found below) to get more (and different) insight into the thoughts on this challenge that comes when you decide to dream big.

Also, be sure to check the next podcast that will be coming out next...it will be the last podcast for a while as well. Be sure to listen to it to get all of the details.

And, finally, be sure to follow along via the fan page on Facebook (link below). That is the main place that you will be able to still be in touch with me from time to time until the relaunch sometime in the future

So friends, 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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Whatever You Do...KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Do not allow yourself to become discouraged and defeated - KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Do not allow yourself to start losing ground, slipping back to where you were before - KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Do not allow yourself to give up - Do not EVER give up - KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Hey, listen, even if you do the whole "Two Steps Forward and One Step Back", you are STILL making progress...you are STILL moving FORWARD!

Dig in, dig deep and keep going no matter how difficult it may seem. KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic (see the iTune and RSS Feed links below) and get a lot of extra thoughts and insights to this important topic.

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

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

Mike

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The Timeline for "The Final 100"

O.k. folks, I have a major announcement about my podcast and, perhaps, even my blog coming in the very near future.

I recently recorded podcast #897. Believe it or not, this is way less that I thought it would be at this point based on the beginning on March 2, 2009. Yes, it IS a great accomplishment and, yes, I am proud of this accomplishment but I have decided that it is time to make some major changes to the podcast and, again, maybe even the blog.

I will record two more "regular" podcasts (898 and 899) and then I will record #900, the first of "The Final 100". Number 900 will be a preparation podcast detailing what is going to be taking place but I will give you a quick insight here.

If you have followed me since the beginning of this year (2018) then you know that I plan to be a part of the John Maxwell Team by the end of this year. Once I do that I will begin working on putting myself into a position of doing far more in the area of public speaking, etc.

Once I get to that point (starting to speak and do other things) I will then begin the completion of "The Final 100". Once I reach #1,000 I plan to stop with the podcasts - at least in the way that I've done them for the past nine years.

How long will it take before I do podcast #901? At this point I have no idea.

What does this mean as far as this blog? Again, to be honest, I have no idea.

Here's what I DO know...you can keep up with all of this by going to the fan page on Facebook.

"The Final 100" will more or less be a "re-launch" of the podcast and maybe even the blog.

Again, you will be able to keep up with the details via the Facebook link...be sure to do so and also be sure to stop by and make a comment from time to time.

Be sure to watch for those final two episodes of the podcast and the blog articles that will go along with them!

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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Be Flexible in Attaining Your Goals

I came across this graphic on a friend's Facebook page and it "spoke to me" specifically about what is going on in my life right now. You can go back a couple of articles ago and get a glimpse into what I am referring to in the article, "Are You Laying Eggs?".

Since the beginning of this year I have been very "open" about my goals for the year and how I planned to achieve those goals. You can go back to those articles and podcasts where I talk deciding what "vehicle" would be used to get me from where I was to where I wanted to be.

What if the "vehicle" that you have picked out is not doing the job of getting you where you want to go? Are you determined to stay in/with that vehicle regardless or are you flexible enough to do what needs to be done? Maybe your "vehicle" just needs a little tune up or a tweak to make some minor adjustments OR maybe your "vehicle" needs a complete overhaul or replacement.

What you do is greatly determined by your flexibility in such matters.

For me, I have decided that it is time to change the particular "vehicle" and get on my way with my journey and try to catch up since I'm behind with my goals.

Specifically, I'm still going to be in the insurance business but I'm just doing it with a different company (yes, again) and a different approach.

Here's the deal - for me and for you...I can't be worried about what other people think in the matter. DO YOU HEAR ME?

Hey listen, I know for a fact that there are some people that look at me and think I'm just "hopping around" form one thing to another. And, yes, to some extent I have done that but, what they don't know is my reason and purpose for doing so. And I cannot concern myself with that!

I (and you in your own journey) must do what I feel is the best move for me and my purpose and goals in and for my life. And I must be FLEXIBLE in doing so.

How flexible are YOU in reaching your goal? Again, make sure you are CLEAR on what that goal is but, at the same time, be flexible in the process of reaching that goal.

Be sure to take a listen to the podcast on iTunes or on the RSS Feed and get more insight to this topic.

Also, when you listen to the podcast on this topic, you will find me discussing my future plans for the podcast. You can find this starting around the 4 minute mark. Go there to hear the details about another example of flexibility in this process.

You can actually also read more about this in my next article. It won't be long, just an explanation on what I plan to be doing with the podcast. Be sure to check it out.

 And, whatever you do along the way, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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Are You "Laying Eggs"?

Apparently, the phrase, "laid an egg", meaning something bad happened or was done poorly is attributed to it's use when Variety had it in October 1929: "Wall Street Lays An Egg."

But, why was laying an egg used in a derogatory way? 

Other things that I came across suggest that an egg resembles the number zero - 0. We even hear the phrase "goose egg" to describe something that comes back as "0".

So, when one "lays an egg", it is not something that is a positive thing but, instead, something negative.

But, in nature, the laying of an egg will often result in LIFE!

I took the above picture in my backyard this afternoon after seeing a female blue bird come out of the bird house. I had noticed both the male and female spending time around the bird house but did not know that she had already laid eggs until I took this picture. 

Will EVERY egg hatch? I don't know but it is not unusual for some not to produce life. But, even at that, birds laying eggs and the baby birds that will soon be born are all a part of the "new life" that comes with Spring.

So, what does this have to do with you and me? Let me know if you relate to what I'm about to describe. Lately (as in the past month and a half) I feel as if I've been "laying eggs" when it comes to my business. It has not gone as well as I would have liked and I feel that I'm just not getting anywhere. 

Have you been there? Are you in that type of situation now?

But taking this picture today reminded me that "laying an egg" can also be something POSITIVE that can bring NEW LIFE into the world. Maybe - just maybe - I've gone through the eggs that aren't going to hatch and now - NOW - something good is about to happen with the eggs that remain!

Does that make sense to you? Does that speak to you or to someone that you know that may need to hear this message?

Oh, and by the way, even those eggs that don't hatch (I'm thinking chicken eggs now) still produce something positive in that they supply nourishment as food! So, even allow your disappointments - those eggs that didn't hatch - to serve as a source of nourishment for you in that you know you are learning something along the way and each "bad egg" brings you closer to the ones that will produce something positive in and for your life!

Be sure to click on one of the links below to listen to the podcast for additional thoughts on this topic and, whatever you do, 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

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What Do YOU Want?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's your choice.

 

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

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

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

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

Join me Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. CST at www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity for my weekly LIVE streaming event and, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube