"Life is a HABIT...Does YOURS Need to be Broken?"

(This is an edited version of an article originally posted on January 9, 2018)

 

I recently visited with an elderly lady about her need for final expense (burial) insurance. She had filled out a card and requested to get more information about this. She acknowledged to me that she knew she needed to do something to keep her family from having to come up with the money to pay for her funeral and she acknowledged that the price I presented to her was right "on target".

That was about 3 weeks or so ago and, to this day, she still has not done anything about it and, guess what? She never will. How do I know this? Because LIFE IS A HABIT and her habit has been to NOT take action on something that she has known for quite some time that she needed to get done.

Another word for "habit" might even be "rut". It's hard to break a habit and it's hard to get out of a rut!

 

 As is the case regarding ANY significant change, the beginning IS ALWAYS the hardest part of the process. It goes against what we are comfortable with and it goes against our "daily routine" of this habit. But, just like the activity that takes place when one of those "strongest man" contestants start to pull a train car with nothing but a rope, the hardest part is the beginning! Yet, after much effort and determination, MOMENTUM finally starts to "kick in" and the wheels of that train begin to finally move. Slowly at first but they begin to roll with more ease as this momentum continues to work in the contestants favor.

As funny as this little cartoon is, the point of it is actually kind of sad, is it not? Isn't it time to finally get past this "hamster wheel" mentality that so many (you?) do year after year with these, so-called, New Year's Resolutions? Stop talking and start doing!

 Wow, what good news, right? If you go back and read my blog and listen to the podcast that I did right before the start of this new year ("Happy New Day? Happy New Year!) you find this very thing talked about. If you have followed me for very long then you have also heard me discuss the fact (yes, I said "fact") that TOMORROW does NOT exist! That 24 hour period into the future does not exist - it has not even arrived into the realm of reality. And, in the same way, that 24 hour period in the past that we call "YESTERDAY" no longer exists as well. It's gone and can never be relived or recovered. So, TODAY is the day to start making your move. Bottom line, it's all you have, friend.

GET UP AND MOVE ON! Stop dwelling on your past disappointments...what good does that do you but to disappoint you even more? Today is the day to decide to "get up and move on"!

 Are you in sales? If so, you need to "google" this guy and check out his stuff. I found this quote of his the other day and I love what it says even though it is hard to accept sometimes. But, it is TRUTH! Whether you are talking about weight loss or job and/or career success, there are many that want the RESULT but that are not willing to "pay the price". That price? CHANGE. And, again, any significant change is not easy. Never has been, never will be. HOWEVER, again, with momentum, that change becomes less and less of a burden as you continue to move forward.

 

So, are you all talk? Do you spend all of your time "dreaming" about what you will achieve and, are you one of those people that keeps telling everyone else what you are GOING TO DO? Dreaming is important! One must have a "dream" that will challenge them to move forward. However, as Jack Canfield says, the difference between just dreaming and actually putting action behind that dream (PURSUING your passion) is "taking the first step". 

 

 

 

Forget about the past! Remember, it's gone. Yes, absolutely LEARN from the past but do not allow yourself to continue to LIVE in the past. So, regardless of what you have been "planting" in the past (you may likely be "harvesting" that now) you can still "plant a new crop" starting TODAY. This is not just a "cheesy" saying or thought...it is a FACT of life, friend.

 

 

What is in your heart? What is it that you REALLY want to do and/or accomplish? What is it that "stirs" your soul and creates "purpose" in and for your life? When you allow yourself to "tune in" to whatever that is for you, your "vision" (path, direction) will become clear. Do you believe that?  For years I kept hearing about the need to create a "mission statement" for your life. I even would almost "stress out" over the fact that I couldn't come up with one. I literally would try to put something into words but I kept falling short and, as a result, I also would get discouraged. However, "out of the dark" (so to speak) as I was "immersed" in positive information it just "came to me" and came in a very clear and powerful message. The next graphic is what I came up with (or, perhaps, what came to me):

 

 

I need to work harder on getting back to this focus but, the point is, once my "heart" took over, THIS literally just "came out" or "appeared" to me. No, it wasn't magic and it definitely came from my inner thoughts and feelings (my heart). It can only be "real" and "true" when it comes out of your heart. 

Today is the day, my friend. Haven't you waited long enough? Haven't you procrastinated long enough? Are you tired of breaking the promises that you have made to yourself over the years? ONE DAY AT A TIME breaks things down into much smaller "steps" that need to be taken. You don't look at the idea of losing 50 lbs. over the next twelve months and become overwhelmed. What you DO is break that down to what is needed monthly and then daily and start making that journey.  (By the way, that comes out to .13 lbs per day).

Well? Now what? 

That's up to you. "LIFE IS A HABIT"...what do you need to do with yours?

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

 

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

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NEW YEAR - NOW WHAT??

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

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

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

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

Yes, there absolutely is!

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

Thank you in advance!

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

DEVELOP and MAINTAIN a POSITIVE MINDSET

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

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

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

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

You cannot allow your mindset to "stagnate"!

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

That's it. 

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

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

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

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

Until next time...

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

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

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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

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

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How High Are YOUR Hopes?

The graphic above features some lines from the song, "High Hopes" by Panic at the Disco and, if I remember correctly, was "hot" around the end of 2019. Even though the popularity of the song has come and gone, I STILL love the song but especially love the words found IN the song.

You can read the words to the chorus for yourself but I want to highlight a few ideas from the song that have inspired me these past several months. 

1. Even When Things Aren't Good - Keep Moving On With Your Hopes and Dreams! 

    "Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing, didn't have a dime but I always had a vision" says, very plainly that things were not always "super-great" for the writer of this song. Wouldn't you agree? But, even though things weren't that good, they had HIGH HOPES that caused them to see past the struggle. How?

2. Always Keep Your Vision in Focus!

    Whoever wrote this song expresses the FACT that one can rise above the struggles and setbacks and keep their eyes on their VISION. As a matter of fact, this is an absolute necessity if one wishes to succeed. Things will not always go smoothly or as planned and your VISION and your hope/belief in that vision will be what helps you keep moving forward...REGARDLESS.

3. Don't Worry About the "How"

   Bob Proctor discusses this idea when he talks about coming clear with your vision and desire for your future. What do you wish to attract into your life? What do you wish to achieve? "See" it and declare it for your life but DON'T WORRY ABOUT HOW it is going to happen. He says that the "how" will appear as you keep your eyes on the vision. 

    Pretty cool, huh? Too often, too many people fail to even get started because they feel that must first figure out HOW they are going to make "it" happen. And, that being the case, they will stay right where they are.

How high (or strong) are YOUR hopes? How strong and in focus is YOUR vision? How powerful is YOUR purpose? 

Know that, anytime you attempt to achieve betterment in your life, there WILL be struggles and roadblocks along the way. You must decide NOW what you will do when those difficulties come your way. Plan for it, prepare for it and move on toward your goals and dreams!

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #42: Talking vs.Doing

 “Talking and planning is a whole different thing than planning and doing.”

Mike Spillman  - (12.1.19)

Take a look at the date the above quote came to be. The first day of the last month of 2019. Now, take a look at the date this article was published - the last day of the first month of 2020. 

When I said what I did in today's quote many were organizing their "New Year's Resolutions" that they were planning to put into place - again - at the start of the New Year. And now, here we are at the end of that very first month of that new year and...?

If you haven't read the last article, be sure to do so since it is so closely related to today's topic. I've talked about this type of idea many times over the years but it still remains true...talking and planning is one thing but planning and DOING is a whole different thing my friend.

As I mentioned in the last article, it really all begins with being honest with yourself and then you MUST TAKE ACTION. It's called "putting the POWER behind the PLAN".

That POWER? 

ACTION.

There's no other answer, no other solution. There's no other way to get things done but to DO those things. And, yes, I need this lesson as well!

So, here we are at the end of month 1 in 2020. Already gone. Completed. January 2020 cannot be relived or reclaimed. It is "in the books". 

Get the idea? 

What is it that one song says about TIME?

Until next time - at the start of another month - 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 #35: Whatever Happened To...

“History is not full of stories of those who quit and gave up.” - Mike Spillman (07.08.14)

I love inspirational stories of those who, even after suffering great setbacks, have persevered and succeeded in their quest. Stories of people like Abraham Lincoln, for example that experienced many failures along his way to success...becoming President of the United States. 

Recorded history is FULL of stories of those who never gave up. True, not all of them experienced the success which they sought but, they still never gave up!

However, do you know what you will NOT find? You WILL NOT find stories of those that decided to quit and give up. My guess is that there could not be enough books written to contain such stories of those who simply have given up over the course of history. 

Would YOU be in one of THOSE books? 

In my last blog article I shared a quote from a lady that had lost her job and was facing some struggles in her future. In relation to that scenario she said, "I hear a train coming and I'm either ON IT or IN FRONT OF IT." As I said in the last article, I'm not sure what she ended up doing but, based on our conversation, she didn't give up and found a way to "get on that train".

Again, you don't become a failure by "falling short" of your goals. You fail when you decide to quit and give up. You fail at that point because you have decided to give up on the path which you were on that could, eventually, have led you to success. But now? Now you have abandoned that journey and, likely, any other possible way to achieve what you seek. Quitting IS failure!

What will the legacy be that YOU leave behind?

I will do all that I can to encourage you along the way but, at the same time, you must APPLY the things that you learn here. You MUST involve yourself in a daily diet of positive information to help you because, friend, you WILL face obstacles and setbacks.

I wanted to leave you with a couple of graphics on the topic. One will hopefully inspire you while the other should put a smile on your face. Then, after the smile, you should decide that you do NOT want to be the winner of the "Who Can Quit First" game!

I'd love to hear from you and your thoughts on this article or any other article that you have read. The best way to do so is to stop by my Facebook page (see link below). Be sure to join me in the next article as I discuss the need to separate yourself from "the stink". 

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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Mike's Quotes #32: Better and More Productive

"Better, more productive "today's", when added together, will bring about a better and more productive year." - Mike Spillman (12.31.2018)

If you have not done so, be sure to go back and read the last blog article, "One Day at a Time". This article, along with the last one, go "hand in hand" and build on each other. 

Don't sell short the importance of each and every day in your life. Oh listen, I understand and support 100% the need to just kick back and enjoy yourself with no real focus on "doing this and that". I think if you go through your life without those times you are hurting yourself as well as those around you. We all need those times to just enjoy life!

Here's the thing - even days like that are days that we don't need to "sell short" as far as their importance and what they can actually mean as far as our ability to be "productive" in our efforts!

When you understand the main point from the last article that last year passed by one day at a time and this new year will do the same - pass by one day at a time - you may begin to grasp the importance of what you do and accomplish today. 

Whether it be "New Year's Resolutions" or just a decision to be more pro-active in your daily decisions and activities, it is much easier to gauge your progress DAILY rather than weekly, monthly or annually. 

DON'T JUDGE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS (or anyone else's) BY WHAT HAPPENS IN ONE DAY. 

Why is that important? We all have bad days and, at times, those times go beyond even a day. Don't make major judgements or decisions when you are in one of those "down" times. You must understand, as stated in today's quote, it is the combination of your days that will determine the productivity (or lack thereof) of your year. Remember, as this is published, we are only three days into the new year!

A few suggestions for you:

     1. Make a COMMITMENT that you WILL take action toward whatever it is you have set out to accomplish. DO IT TODAY and don't wait. (Again, yes, there are days that you may "relax" but don't make it a habit!) 

    2. Though you don't have to make MASSIVE moves each day, make sure that what you do TODAY is challenging enough to push you a bit. For example, writing a plan down on paper, though it has a purpose, is not really DOING anything. Make sense?

   3. Honestly check your progress at the end of each day. BE HONEST and hold yourself accountable to what you had planned to accomplish. This is the best way to make needed adjustments as soon as possible so that you do not get too far off course. 

NEXT WEEK, the first full week of 2020, I will do a series on "WORK FROM HOME" opportunities. I will discuss some "warnings" about what you need to "watch out" for with so many things that are promoted and I will also share with you one that I believe to "check off" all of the things that are necessary for a legitimate, work from home opportunity. You can actually be checking this out by clicking on the "Live Debt Free" link below. 

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR 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 #31: One Day At A Time

"One day at a time...that's how it comes AND goes!" - Mike Spillman (12.31.2017)

Here we are again. Still looking over the year that has just passed and now, on this 2nd day of the New Year, we look forward to what lies ahead.

"Where did the time go?" That's something that you hear a lot, isn't it? Well, at least I do and I also find myself saying that very thing! It's strange but, it DOES seem as if time goes by quicker as you get older but we all know that this simply is not true. It passes for each of us in exactly the same way and at the same pace. For the purpose of this blog article I will state how it goes by in seconds, minutes, hours and days. 

The year that just passed did so one day at a time - 365 of them. And, guess what? The year that we have just begun will also pass the same way - one day at a time and then, after 365 of them, we will find ourselves back at the start of yet another year. 

"One day at a time...that's how it comes AND goes!"

If you have followed me for any length of time then you know how much I stress the importance of TODAY. Let me state it again: That period in the future that we call "tomorrow" does not exist. There is no promise of it's arrival and, at this point in time, it is yet to come into existence. And, on the other side, that time period that we call "yesterday" also no longer exists. Different than "tomorrow", "yesterday" DID actually exist but it is no longer. It's in the past, gone and never to be relived or retrieved. That being said, TODAY is all that we have at our disposal. What will YOU do with YOUR "today"?

Next week I plan to start a new series about all of those so-called, "Work From Home Opportunities" that so many of you (along with many others) may be looking over at the start of this new year. But, in my next article I will share another of my quotes that goes a step beyond today's thought and touches on how we can make sure that we have a PRODUCTIVE year by having PRODUCTIVE days. Be sure to join me for that article and also be sure to listen to the podcasts on these topics as well. All links can be found below.

Again friend, I do want to wish you a Happy New Year and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your "positive information diet". Until the 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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The Week Between Christmas and New Year's Day

Well, here we are.

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

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

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

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

It's just a strange time of transition. 

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

If so, on either of these, WHY WAIT?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike

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