My Current Read = RECOMMENDED!

I wanted to share a book that I am currently reading that is helping to prepare my mindset for a MAJOR MOVE FORWARD in this new year.

I'm not going to write a review because you can actually go to the link listed below and listen to a part of this book for FREE without even signing up. 

But, at the same time, why would you NOT go ahead and sign up for a FREE TRIAL so that you can actually listen to the WHOLE BOOK?

We all have OPPORTUNITIES that come our way and, for whatever reason, we often let those opportunities turn into MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.

You have absolutely NOTHING to lose and EVERYTHING to gain by taking the time to listen to this incredibly challenging book.

You can get a FREE trial and listen to this book at audible.com by clicking on this link:

 https://www.audible.com/pd/10x-Is-Easier-than-2x-Audiobook/B0C2J8VZZ3?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

 

I'd love to read your comments about the book once you've listened to it...I hope you are challenged and PUSHED FORWARD as I am.

 

Until next time...

Whatever you do, always be sure to make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

Success Factor #5: DON'T YOU DARE EVER GIVE UP!

 In this conclusion of my "Success Factors" we will discuss the importance of NEVER GIVING UP! You can see the previous titles in the image above.

Remember, when we talk about "success", that word can mean different things to different people. SUCCESS can be applied to any area of your life...YOU decide what that means for you - these factors will apply no matter which way you decide to apply them.

                                                                          

Remember, "changing direction" does NOT equal failure! Failure only comes when you decide to "wave that white flag" and surrender...to QUIT. 

 

I'm sure that, by now, most of you are familiar with Thomas Edison's journey through many "failures" that led him to success. (If not, do some research and discover it for yourself - you will be amazed!) 

Too, it's important to understand that your goals and desires - or what is even important to you - may change over time. Does that mean that you are a failure? NO! Honestly, if those things DON'T change for you then, in my personal opinion, you are not maturing as you age.

I plan to do a video soon sharing my own personal journey and "where I am" now after 13 years on this particular journey with "Future You University". Be sure to check out updates HERE.

 

I've been with a new company now for about two months and I probably had the worst week on ANY job this past week. It was BRUTAL! I would be lying if I told you that I didn't have a hard time maintaining a positive mindset because it was VERY difficult to keep my focus on the positive.

Some might consider quitting and finding something else to do after such a week. Although I had a hard time maintaining a positive mindset, the thought of QUITTING never entered my mind! This is a "commission-only" sales position and, that being the case, there will ALWAYS be great weeks and there will also be "sucky" weeks like the one that I just endured. 

 

You simply push FORWARD, regardless. 

As you can tell from the date at the bottom of the graphic below, I came up with this statement a little over 11 years ago...and it is still true today and it will ALWAYS be true.

In the podcast that goes along with this particular "Success Factor" (see links below for podcasts), I discuss how I've taken a step back from "pushing" so hard on some things like I have done in the past and that I am now attempting to do better at enjoying what is available for me TODAY...right now. Take a listen, I think you'll be glad that you did since I don't follow a script. You will hear other thoughts and ideas than what I am putting in this article and I do believe that you will benefit from that additional material. 

Here's a quote that I pulled from that podcast: "If you do not quit - stop - trying to live your best life and to share your best life so that you can IMPACT those around you in the best way possible, then you will never, ever be a failure."  

 

 

 

Now then, the following is for "the believers" out there. Obviously, even if you are not a "believer", you can still read what I put below but, if you don't like it, then just skip over it and take the positive information that I have provided for you in the article. Don't allow yourself to "get your feather's ruffled". This may not be for you!

 

For the believers out there, I want to leave a couple of encouraging thoughts that apply to those of us that seek to follow God and His Son, Jesus as we strive to make our world a better place by doing so. Take comfort in the words found in Galatians 6:9 - " Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)

 

And then, finally, I hope you will enjoy and celebrate in the truth found in this video. You will hear the words, "So, keep your head up...don't you give up...Jesus is coming back!".  Don't ever forget that truth, friend! 

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   

Success Factor #3: GET GOING!

I will begin this blog article the same way I begin any blog article that is a part of a series...if you haven't listened to the podcasts or read the previous articles in this series that have come before today's article, please be sure and do that FIRST. (Links for the podcast are below).

As is indicated by the title of this article, today we continue on with "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!" and, if you've noticed, these "Success Factors" are following a natural progression of steps that will lead to success in ANY area that you pursue. Yes, I do mean ANY area!

We've discussed that fact that, first of all, you must have your eyes open to the opportunity that may cross your path on a daily basis and you must LOOK UP in order to see that opportunity when it appears. 

Then, in order to take ACTION when opportunity presents itself, you must then be ready to GET UP to take action!

In the podcast (I strongly suggest you listen to all of the podcast articles that go along with this series) I present a very simple illustration to help drive this point home. Simple, yes but remember that often, the profound can be found in the simple!

In a nutshell, I discuss an example where you finally decide to take "THAT" trip that you have planned for and talked about for years. You know, the one that everyone around knows about because you haven't stopped talking about it? Yeah, that one!

You get your car all loaded up, ready to go and you get in your car that is in your driveway. Your neighbor notices you sitting in your car and stops by and asks where you are going and you tell them that you are finally taking THAT trip that you've talked about for so long. "Congratulations!" says your neighbor and they wish you a safe trip as they walk away.

 

 CLICK HERE

The next day, that same neighbor notices that you are STILL sitting in your car which is STILL sitting in your driveway. The neighbor comes over to make sure everything is o.k. and says, "Hey, do you need any mechanical help with your car? Is everything o.k.? to which you reply, "Oh yeah, sure! Everything is fine! I'm going on THAT trip, you know and I'm ready to go!"

Your neighbor replies that, yes, they do know that you said you were going on THAT trip but asks why you are still just sitting there. You reply in such a way that would indicate that you are a little offended that your neighbor would ask such a thing, "You don't think I'm ready to go? I mean, just take a look! I'm all packed and ready to go...are you trying to say that I'm not??"

You neighbor tells you that they can, indeed, see that you are all ready to go but then asks this very straight-forward question: "But, when are you actually going to leave?"

Again, a very simple story that, sadly, is lived out by many year after year after year. Does this describe you?

As I've said before, talk is cheap and you must do more than just "talk the talk"...you must put ACTION behind those words and actually "walk the walk"!

Talking and planning are great things to do and, as a matter of fact, planning and dreaming are FUN things to do but, friend, if you wish to have success in your life you must finally take some ACTION by getting up and getting going!

Isn't it time?

 

So, "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" , "Success Factor #2: GET UP!" and "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!", will be followed in my next podcast and article with "Success Factor #4: KEEP GOING!". 

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 

Success Factor #2: GET UP!

"Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself" - Unknown

 

As always, if you've not done so, be sure to go back and read (and listen to the podcast) on "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" since it "leads into" today's topic for Success Factor #2.

 

Friend, it is a fact that, before you can GET UP you must first, LOOK UP so that you know what action you need to take and which direction you need to head when implementing that action. Remember, success does NOT always "knock"! You have to be on the look-out and be ready to take action once you see opportunity come your way.

 

So, bottom line, what will you do once opportunity appears? What action will you take...if any?

 

 

I was recently listening to a recording of several people sharing some personal development thoughts and heard some very good thoughts from Marisa Peer. In her thoughts about the "Law of Attraction" she pointed out that it doesn't take the process out to the practical aspect...the fact that, once you "attract" whatever it is into your life, you still have to ACT in order to bring it into actuality.

 

She used the example of "attracting" the opportunity for that "dream job". Even if you do attract that dream job, you STILL have to actually apply and interview for the job! You can't just sit back and think, "Well, the law of attraction will drop it into my lap...I'll just wait for them to call me."

 

NOPE! 

 

In James 2: 15-17 we see this pointed out in a very practical way... " ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (New King James Version)

 

To put it bluntly, TALK IS CHEAP! What good does it do to wish someone well and not DO anything about their situation? So it is with the need to GET UP and TAKE ACTION in every area of your life! 

 

In the podcast, I also share some scripture from Ephesians 6 where the "armor of God" is discussed. Imagine, if you will, someone getting ready to go out to do battle. That is the imagery being used here. Different parts of the armor is discussed in this section of scripture (vs. 10 - 17) instructing the importance of putting on each piece as well as the actual importance OF each piece of armor.

But then, in verse 13, something very powerful (and important) is stated in this process - "...and having done all, to stand." 

 

In other words, it doesn't matter how much you - or what you do to - prepare for battle, you must STAND (get up) in order to actually go out TO the battle! Again, "talk is cheap" but so is "pretty armor" if it is not actually used. 
 

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to hear the late Jim Rohn speak while he was still alive. I heard him say the quote that you see above many times and it speaks right along with what we are discussing today. Stop whining. Stop complaining. "If you don't like where you are, change it. You're not a tree." (Jim Rohn)

Change does not occur by staying seated...you have to actually GET UP in order to MOVE forward in the direction of your opportunity.

 

CLICK HERE

 

So, "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" and "Success Factor #2: GET UP!" will be followed in my next podcast and article with "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!". 

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 

 

 

How Do YOU "Start Your Engine" For the Day?

 

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information.

 

When race car drivers hear the command, "Gentlemen/Drivers....START YOUR ENGINES!" they don't have to worry about whether or not their car is ready to race. They KNOW that their team has already put in many hours in preparation for this moment and that they have done whatever it was that needed to be done in order to BE PREPARED for this car to run at it's best for this race.

 

It's really easy to make the connection here, right? The title already makes that "jump" for you but I'll say it again: What do YOU do to prepare for YOUR "race"? What do YOU do to make sure that your "car runs at it's best for this race"? How do YOU "start your engine" for the day? 

Can you imagine a race team approaching this with the attitude of..."Well, the car ran fine for the last race so it should be o.k."??? Or how about, "Surely somebody checked to make sure there was gas in the car, right?" NO OWNER of a race car or "team" would allow such because this would mean FINANCIAL DISASTER for that owner!

The time to prepare for the race is NOT at the start of the race. In the same way, the time to prepare for your day is NOT at the start - or AS you start - your day.

 

 

 CLICK HERE

 

Yes, you may START your day doing certain things to "set the tone" and direction for your day BUT, I can promise you that, if you do this, you have PREVIOUSLY decided what you were going to do once you began that day. Am I right? 

You control your day (as much as possible) OR your day controls you. Too many go through their day(s) without any control or plan and wonder why things feel so "out of control" 

I won't try to tell you that I accomplish what I'm going to share with you EVERY day BUT I can tell you that this is my PLAN on how I want and need to begin each day so that I can begin my day with a positive mindset. And, yes, I've thought it out ahead of time and actually have an "activity tracker" set up to help me "stay on track" and follow my plan. (By the way, be sure to listen to the podcast on this topic...there's always additional information to be found there).

1. Get out of bed and go for a walk. (I walk 1.1 miles...that's just how my route turned out)

2. AS I WALK, I pray. (This is my time of PRAISE and THANKSGIVING to GOD for all that He has done for me and IS doing for me in my life. This is also my time to bring my desires before Him).

3. AS I WALK, I also say my "8 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS" for my life and I also say (all of this I do OUT LOUD) my "Relationship Declaration" that I put together a few years back for my relationship with my wife.

4. AS I WALK I also verbally state some scriptures that I have in my head as well as a few other "declarations" that I've made a habit to verbally state each day.

5. After my walk and once I return to the house, I work out on my "Total Gym" for about 20 minutes and then take a shower.

6. I then read - OUT LOUD - one page (there are 6 pages total) of my "scripture declarations" that I have typed out. POWERFUL!

7. I then fix my cup of coffee and sit and listen to at least one and often, two, spiritually encouraging podcasts. (I crank up the playback speed to where I can still hear and understand what is being said but, at the same time, to make the most of my time).

8. After this, I read my Bible. (For me, I read from my "physical Bible" one day and then read in a different section on line the next).

9. I also, at some point during the day, read from a book that I have picked out to read. (Once I finish the one I am currently reading, I have 3 more picked out. Two that I have not ever read and one that I will re-read).

10. I also have listed on my "to-do" activity sheet other things that I want to be sure and do my best to accomplish during each day if at all possible. 

(#'s 1-8 take a total of about 1.5 hours of my morning)

It's also important to notice what I DON'T do...I DON'T start my day reading emails, checking my social media or turning on the T.V. or listening to the "news".  

 

 When you listen to the podcast you will hear what 16 other people shared with me about how THEY start THEIR morning. The MAJORITY of them will be very consistent in their answers while a few start theirs off with a little less focus and intention. 

What about YOU? Do you have any sort of "plan" for your day BEFORE your day begins? If not, I would suggest you consider starting one but to NOT wait for January 1st to do so! 

Just like anything else, it will be hard to do at first BUT if you are determined to improve your life one day at a time, you WILL take the actions needed to DO THIS CONSISTENTLY! That's why it is important to have some sort of "activity tracking" program set up (mine is a simple spread sheet that I'd be happy to share with you). 

Listen to the podcast, go to my Facebook page (link below) and leave a comment with your thoughts and - oh, by the way - be sure to fill out the form at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and get your copy of my FREE e-book on how to avoid being "Paralyzed by Fear".

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 

 

 

SEEKING (Asking - Seeking - Knocking)

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

 If you've not done so, please take a few minutes and read the previous two articles on "WHY Do You Ask, Seek, Knock?" and then on the first part on "ASKING". They will get you caught up on this discussion that, regardless of what you do or don't believe, STILL have application in your life for today. 

As a quick preview, the strength of your "why" will greatly determine the strength of your search, or your "SEEKING". If, whatever it is that you decided to "ASK" for/about is not that big of a deal to you then, guess what? The effort that you put into searching and/or SEEKING for that will also not be that big of a deal and, as a result, nothing will happen. You can't just ASK and wait for the answer to fall into your lap!

Remember, "Opportunity Does NOT Always Knock!"

One of the main things that I discuss in the podcast version of this particular article is that, when you begin to actually take action and search and/or seek, YOU CANNOT SEEK WITH PREDETERMINED IDEAS OF WHAT THE ANSWER WILL BE FOR WHICH YOU SEEK.

You can't put "guidelines" or "parameters" on that search. If you do, you are not truly SEEKING. You are simply limiting yourself to hopefully finding something that will already fit what you have decided that you actually need at this point.  

I share in the podcast (see links for iTunes as well as the RSS feed below) a TRUE STORY from my own life where I was "asking" and "seeking" a new church to work with/for a number of years back but, at the same time, I had put some specific parameters on where I was willing to look. And, for me at that time in my life, I had actually put the stipulation on my search of, "O.k. God, please lead me to my next location to work in youth ministry BUT...there needs to be a lake nearby!". I literally would get out a map and see if there was a lake nearby if I got a call from a church that wanted to interview me for the job. Be sure to listen to the podcast to find out how this turned out. Hint: As long as I kept that closed-minded approach to my "search" (it wasn't really a true search, was it?) things did not turn out as I had hoped.

Remember what I said earlier about the strength of your "WHY" determining the strength of your search or SEEKING. Another way to word that would be, how VALUABLE is that for which you seek? Take a look at another scripture where Jesus discusses such thoughts...

⁴⁴ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13: 44-46)

So, to sum this all up, IF YOU TRULY SEEK TO FIND "THE ANSWER"...  

1. Do not put parameters or limitations for that which you seek 

2. Remove the "blinders" that would keep you from truly seeing that "open door" that might appear

In the next podcast and article we will talk about "KNOCKING" in the process of "ASKING, SEEKING, KNOCKING". Think about this between now and then: If you decide to "knock" on a particular "door", WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED THAT YOU NEED TO KNOCK ON THAT PARTICULAR DOOR?

I'd love to get your feedback about this series and, maybe even, this particular article. Yes, you can do so by leaving a comment here but, would you do me a favor and go over to my Facebook page to do so? I'd really appreciate that! 

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 

 

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

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

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

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

So, it's TODAY. 

Like it or not, it's HERE. 

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

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

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

 

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

Mike

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

YouTube 

 

What Makes YOU Happy?

 "In the midst of "doing more of what makes you happy", perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others."

Mike Spillman 

What makes you happy?

Hopefully, your answer to that question would be different at age 5 compared to age 35 or 55. But, for some in our society that, although the "object" of their answer may change, their "mindset" remains very similar. In other words, what makes them happy still revolves around THEM.

The "pursuit of happiness" is actually one of three "unalienable rights" listed in the Declaration of Independence so, obviously, there is nothing wrong or immoral about doing just that.

You and I have both heard of (or know of, personally) those who sought or pursued happiness in all kinds of ways only to come back "empty" in more ways than one. Many that have done so express the lack of fulfillment in their pursuit. 

What about you? What - in your experience along your pursuit of happiness - have you found to TRULY bring happiness into reality? Are you still searching?

As my quote suggests, "...perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others." 

My guess is that you and I have also both heard of or seen others that have expressed this very thought. They have found true happiness by bringing happiness to others, by SERVING others. By taking their eyes - their FOCUS - off of themselves. 

Check that idea out for yourself and let me know what you find. I'd love to hear from you about your journey in this way.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Focus On...

Yeah, I realize that this is something that I have talked about a lot recently but, this is the quote that I had lined up for today so I want to touch base with it again.

Let's get to it...it's EASY to focus on what ISN'T. It's EASY to focus on what is WRONG. It's EASY to focus on what WE WISH WERE DIFFERENT!

It's EASY because doing so is achieved by taking the path of least resistance. 

Think about it...doing so takes NO DISCIPLINE whatsoever! You already know this to be true, right? The easiest thing to do is gripe and complain about what is WRONG ("what isn't") with your spouse, your friends, your job, your family and your country. And, you know that you have experienced the fact that there are plenty of people ready to join you in this approach. 

The discipline comes in focusing on what IS! Especially if you have been accustomed to always focusing on what ISN'T. It will take a lot of discipline to change your outlook, your perspective and - most importantly - your whole mindset. 

So, friend...the choice is yours. What will YOUR focus be?

When you begin to focus on WHAT IS you soon discover that, indeed, you are blessed.

Hey listen, BE SURE to listen to the podcast and watch the video for some ADDITIONAL material that can only be found there. You'll be glad that you did.

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...


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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Be Thankful for Every New Day

"Every new day is a day of new opportunity. Be thankful for every new day."
 - Mike Spillman

If you didn't see the dates on the articles or if you had no idea what time of the year it was when these articles were published, you MIGHT think it was November and we were about to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday as much as we have talked about "being thankful". 

 But listen, as I talked about in an earlier article this week, we MUST beware the "poison" of being ungrateful! Again, it is EASY to slip into that negative habit and we must all understand that we ALL have SO much for which to be thankful!

Once again I go back to one of my original quotes that I spoke in my very first podcast back on March 2, 2009..."As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

Every new day is a day of NEW OPPORTUNITY! As long as you are ALIVE and breathing friend, you have the OPPORTUNITY to change the direction of your life - that is a FACT!

What opportunity lies before you TODAY?

How exciting is it for you to consider that question? You are ALIVE, you have CHOICES that YOU can make! Breathe in the air that gives you life and look for that opportunity TODAY!

One other thing...it's also important to EXPRESS that thanks. That's right, say it out loud! You don't have to say it out loud to someone else but, even if you are alone, vocally expressing that thanks tends to "cement" that believe in your life.

I want to THANK YOU for taking the OPPORTUNITY to read today's message. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the podcast and the video that goes along with today's topic. 

Would you do me a favor? Would you stop by my Facebook page and leave some feedback? I'd really love to hear from you. The link for that page as well as the links for the podcast and video can be found below.

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   Live Debt Free!

The Blind CAN Lead the Blind

 "Remember this: the blind can easily lead the blind in a rut. Why? Because, again, a rut controls your path and direction. That's the very nature of a rut." 

You have likely heard the phrase, "It's like the blind leading the blind", right? Basically, the idea behind that statement is the fact that there is no real direction to that group of people because even the person in front - the leader - is blind. They can't see where they are going.

However, the blind actually CAN lead the blind if they are in a rut! As my quote points out, it's possible simply due to the nature of a rut. There is no need for ANYONE to be able to see where they are going if they are in a rut. The rut controls your path and direction. You have NO CHOICE in your path or your direction. You will always go the way of the rut.

So, here's a key thing to thing about: Who do YOU follow and why?

Just because there is a line of people following someone DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING!! The person in the "lead" may have simply fallen into that rut and hasn't quite figured out how to get out and, along the way, others have fallen is as well and, GUESS WHAT? They really have no choice where they go or even who they follow. That's the very nature of a rut!

Again, they have NO CHOICE! The RUT will dictate their path!

Who do you follow and why? Are you simply following someone because there seems to be a good sized group doing so? Again, go back and understand that this could also indicate that all of those people - leader included - may be in a rut.

So, first and foremost, you must be careful that you do not "fall into" a rut, friend. It is very easy to do, especially if you really aren't paying attention to where you are going. If you have no focus, no plans on how to reach your goal, you likely will fall into that rut. 

Then what?

Getting out of the rut requires effort and energy. You may fall back down into the rut. You may even need to get someone to help YOU get out of the rut and, in turn, you may need to help THEM out as well!

There is some "food for thought" in that last paragraph. If we can help each other OUT of a rut then we also should be able to help keep each other OUT OF the rut in the first place. Right?

My desire is that I can help you avoid the rut but, even if you happen to slip down into that rut, I also hope that you will quickly get yourself out due to what I share with you here.

Hey, be sure to stop by my Facebook page (link below) and leave some feedback, please. I'd love to hear from you. ALSO, please be sure to listen to the podcast as well as watch the video so that you can get the "full impact" of today's topic. The links for those are also found below. 

Until next time, stay "rutless" my friend and 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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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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Where Is Your Focus?

Focus. Probably one of the most talked about topics in the area of personal development, growth and achievement.

You want to talk about GOALS? The topic of FOCUS will be discussed along the way!

I would say that it is much easier to LOSE focus than it is to discipline yourself to GAIN and MAINTAIN focus...at least in the beginning. 

When we have yet to train and discipline ourselves in the area of focus, it is quite easy to get distracted and lose our focus.  That's a pretty easy concept to grasp, isn't it? 

Any time you are not disciplined in ANY area, it is easy to allow your lack of discipline to side track your success. 

Can you say, "diet"? Many people SAY that they want to lose weight and be in better shape yet there are not many that are willing to DISCIPLINE themselves in a way that will get them where they want to be. 

This is true in ANY area that requires CHANGE. Changing something that you do (or think) and attempting to do it differently - in a new direction - is NOT an easy task and it requires DISCIPLINE and FOCUS!

Now listen, you can - and I encourage you to - take this article and apply it in MANY different areas of your own life. Take it and run with it. Dissect it. Question it for yourself. Allow it to challenge you in different areas of your life that you seek change and/or improvement. I'm not here to tell you that this "topic" has to go in the direction that I thought about for this blog article. I suggest that you take it as a topic and apply it to yourself FOR yourself.

That's one reason I always encourage you to also listen to the podcast on the same topic. The thoughts that I had when I recorded the podcast are likely (absolutely true on this one!) DIFFERENT than my thoughts as I type this article. I think that makes my work unique.

A couple of final thoughts and questions for you to consider:

     - WHOSE focus are you using? In other words, are you focusing through your OWN thoughts/eyes OR are you basing what you are trying to "see" on what someone else tells you?

       -  Are you focusing only on the familiar?

      -  When your focus becomes "clear" will you discipline (and trust) yourself to pursue what that which you see?

      -  Can you? (YES!)

      - WILL you? 

Have fun with this. Yes, be sure to listen to the podcast (link below) and have fun with this but be ready to "see" something that may even scare you a little once your focus becomes clear. The next step will be up to you.

In the meantime, 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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Do NOT Give Up!

Let me mention, right off the start, that you can find the podcast that goes along with this very same topic by clicking on the podcast link at the end of this article. I don't follow a script when I do the podcast and the blog article so, even though the topic is the same and there are some similarities, there is different material to be found in each.

Chances are, at some point in your life - at least once - you have felt like giving up. And, if we were to be completely honest, most of us would have to admit that we likely actually HAVE given up on something in our lifetime.

But we don't like to admit it. Why? Because it makes us feel like a failure!

However, keep this important fact in mind: One usually must experience failure (and, sometimes, lots of it!) in order to finally experience success. 

When I first put together my first podcast back on March 2, 2009, I came up with a little saying that I use with every podcast still today: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" I have also discussed that thought in several podcasts and blog articles since that time.

But it is still such an important fact to keep in mind! No matter how large the problem(s) may seem or how "dark" your world may seem, as long as you are alive and breathing, THERE IS HOPE for something to change!

I get it. Sometimes it is VERY difficult to "see" any type of hope or change when things are really difficult.  But, friend, it IS possible!

I've used the following example many times in the past and I use it in the podcast that goes along with this article. It will take a lot bigger space, a lot more time and, yes, even the cost of a lot more fuel to turn around a large tanker in the ocean than it does a small jet ski, but it IS possible to turn that thing around!

Time. Effort. Dedication. Space. 

THESE are the things that we give up on too soon, my friend.  

 Thankfully, I had the opportunity to hear the late, great, Jim Rohn speak before his passing and this is one of my favorite quotes that I actually heard him say at such an occasion: "The major key to your better future is you."

We MUST begin to understand this important fact! YOU are what makes the difference! Stop telling yourself that you are a FAILURE and start telling yourself that YOU ARE THE SOLUTION! 

Whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP!  

GET UP - however many times it takes - and KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

Be sure to listen to the podcast and hear me talk about being 10 years behind on some of my goals. Have I ever thought about giving up? YES! Have I done so? To some extent, at times...YES! But, do I continue to push forward anyway? YES! YES! YES!

And I encourage you, friend, to do the same. Don't you EVER give up!

And, please also keep this in mind until our next time together...
 

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

Mike

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