Your Attitude MATTERS!

 This article comes from thoughts I shared on my most recent podcast (access it HERE) on the #TRUTH that, "Your Attitude MATTERS!"

Listen, it doesn't matter WHO you are or WHAT you are doing (job, school, parenting, etc.) the fact remains that the ATTITUDE that YOU CHOOSE (that's right, it's a choice!) will have a HUGE impact on you day, week, month and year. And, if you keep adding that time up it will turn out to be YEARS and you will wonder why your life did not turn out the way you had wished. 

This past week I came across a post on my social media that brought about my decision to do a podcast/blog article on this topic. Without revealing more than the content, here's a picture of the post with some notes that I've made that I'll discuss with you here.

First of all, let me say that, whoever came up with this was someone that had a horrible, negative attitude about work and - my guess would be - pretty much every area of their life. That's just my opinion but it is an opinion based on what I've observed and learned over the years.

 

Now then, on to the information in this graphic. Right off the start - at the top - marked as #1 in my comment box we find someone that feels the need to share what THEY HAVE LEARNED about employment. Key point here: Be CAREFUL who you listen to and take "advice" from. Listen, there is actually SOME good advice found in this graphic such as found in numbers 8 and 12.  Your family IS more important than any job BUT you still have to understand the BALANCE that must come with both. (I could do a whole article just on this point and maybe I will in the future). And, for sure, as is mentioned in #12, it is important to keep your personal life private. But, here's the kicker...this also applies to social media and, my guess is, since this was posted on social media that the author of these thoughts does not apply this advice consistently. 

Notice my notes in my second comment about #4 in the posted list... "Do the bare minimum, or you'll get rewarded  MORE work." Again, this "advice" alone should cause everyone to run in the opposite direction! Oh, I know that this is a common opinion held by many but IT IS POISON to your mind and to ANY POSSIBILITY of you actually improving your situation/position at your work. That's a guarantee!

Again, the attitude exhibited by this point alone, should be enough to see that this person's mind has been poisoned by a negative mindset. However, many times, those who ALSO have their minds "poisoned" by negative attitudes will see this as something that makes sense. And it does...to them. Why? Because this is all they see, hear, taste, touch, smell and consume. 

Side note on #9: "Some of your coworkers secretly hate you." Really? Is this a surprise? It shouldn't be because it's called LIFE! Moving on...

Now in my "3rd comment box"...  The attitude expressed in #4 on the list will GUARANTEE that there will NEVER be any substantial pay increase (#10) AND that there will NEVER be promotions in compensation (#11). 

Here's the thing that so many people (like the one that posted this list) don't seem to understand: Your negative attitude and negative approach to your work will KEEP YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE. That is how it works, friend!

This type of negative attitude will keep you on the "hamster wheel" of frustration and disappointment while you continue to blame anybody and everybody else for your lack of forward progress in your position. Go take a good long look in the mirror at where the problem actually lies...YOU! 

But, here's the GOOD NEWS about all of this: It doesn't have to STAY that way. That's right! YOU have the ability to start making CHANGES in your own attitude and life. It won't be easy because you have likely grown so accustomed to this negative attitude and lifestyle that you may feel that it is even impossible. Always remember this quote that I came up with back in 2009, "As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

If you REALLY wish to rid your life of this negative attitude then I have some good news for you! I actually did a series of articles addressing that very thing. It's called "Positive Mindset 101" and it is designed to help you learn how to DEVELOP and MAINTAIN a positive mindset. If you've not done so before, you can begin with the first article in the series by going HERE. 

One last thing to leave you with. I'VE BEEN THERE! Yep! There have been times in my past where I allowed myself to be influenced by others around me that had a stinking attitude (negative attitude) about work and I became miserable! Yes, I turned it around but I just want to make sure you understand that I, too, have struggled with the influence of negative attitudes.

IT'S A CHOICE and it is YOUR choice. My advice: Choose wisely!

Until next time...

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

Mike

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Do Something TODAY!

 "Remember WHO You Are" video 

CLICK HERE to watch the video 

(Listen to the podcast for this topic HERE)

Do something TODAY that TOMORROW will thank you for!
Do something TODAY that NEXT YEAR will thank you for!

 

As always, if you've not done so, go back and read the previous article and listen to the previous podcast for the 1st of this most recent 3-part "Mini-Series". That will help "connect" these together. Also, I'm not going to write a very long blog article (the podcast was fairly short as well) on this topic because I have recently discussed the importance of TODAY. 

The two lines above the first paragraph are what stood out in the above listed video after covering the first main impression that was covered in the previous article and podcast. 

Have you ever heard or read this phrase? 

"TODAY is the TOMORROW that you worried about YESTERDAY!"

 

Listen, it doesn't matter if you are having fun or not, the fact is, TIME FLIES either way! It seems to pass by even faster as I have gotten older but, the fact remains that time passes at the exact same pace for EVERYONE, regardless of what we may think.

 

The late Charlie "Tremendous" Jones once said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” 

 

The late Jim Rohn also said,"The difference between where you are today and where you'll be five years from now will be found in the quality of books you've read." I also remember hearing him talk about the fact that five years are going to come and go for us all but the difference will be what we decide to do TODAY, each and every day, over those next five years.

 

Jim Rohn also emphasized the importance of TODAY in this quote:  “Either you run the day or the day runs you..” 

 

The choice is yours. What will YOU do TODAY?

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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A "Plan B" IS Necessary - My Personal Story

 In the last blog article I discussed the question, "Do you NEED a 'Plan B'?" Again, "Plan B" referring to having a "back up" plan or source of income in case your "Plan A" (main plan or source of income) falls through.

You will have to decide that for yourself but, in my opinion, the answer is a great big "YES!".

In this article as well as in the podcast I've done on this topic (see links below) I will discuss my personal, most recent, story about my last "job" and how that situation has, once again, emphasized to me and for me the ABSOLUTE NECESSITY to have a "Plan B" in place and, more than likely, even a "Plan C, D, E, F and G" , if not more.

 

Some of the time frame on this may not be completely correct but, I'll do my best to be as accurate as possible. The main focus of sharing this with you is to help you understand what could happen to you - IF it hasn't happened to you already.  

Back in November of 2021 I answered an ad that I had come across for a job that, to be honest, seemed too good to be true. It was for a job to where I only worked two days a week and had the ability to make $100,000 + my very first year. It was for the position of being a sales consultant (official title was "Clinic Consultant") to close on a $5,000 product offering. 

I applied but, to be honest, I didn't expect much and definitely didn't expect it to actually be a legitimate job opportunity. However, I DID start noticing commercials on my local television channels for this particular company and for the office from which I would be working. That increased my "faith" that this may, indeed, be an incredible opportunity.

Long story short, I was interviewed by a couple of managers, hired and went to a 4 day training at which I caught COVID which delayed my start by about a week. 

I finally started my work the first week in January of 2022 and, after a nervous and slow start for the first couple of weeks, I began to "hit my stride" and began to have some INCREDIBLE results for the two days that I was working for the week. WOW! I was excited and thankful for such an opportunity.

I had already told my wife that I KNEW that I needed to get a "Plan B" in place because this was a job that relied on me being physically present to do the job and it was all commission. In other words, if I didn't work, I didn't make money or even have the opportunity to make money.

In March I noticed that things began to change. Instead of "screening" being done in such a way that the majority of the people I met with being able to actually pay for the product, I was seeing more and more people that were on fixed incomes that had no way to be able to do so.  This greatly was impacting my commission checks and, from what I could tell, it was affecting everyone in the company that held the same position that I did in different offices. 

Even though my commissions took a big hit - probably cut in about half - I was still able to maintain a reasonable amount of income with promises of "it would get better". I was beginning to feel uncomfortable due to the "rah rah" talk that I was hearing that would be similar to someone on a sinking ship stating that "all is well". 

Fast forward to the end of April and everyone in the company that held the same position had their "days to work" cut in half. In other words, I went from 2 days a week (8 days a month) to 2 days every 2 weeks (4 days a month). Again, "Oh, it's going to get better!"

For various reasons, my clientele dropped by about 80% and my commission dropped by about 90%. I knew this was a sinking ship and it was confirmed when, on one of my "off" days, I dropped by the office and found someone there that was about to go to training to take my spot.

I had never had any problems, never been "written up" and had produced well. My managers were not even aware of this move and I discovered that this was happening to others as well.

So, I was out just like that with no "Plan B" in place.

None.

So now I've been scrambling to try to get something going that would enable me to make some good income and also allow me to still work on developing a "Plan B, C, D, E" and so on.

You tell me...after reading that story, would you agree that it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to get a "Plan B" in place?

COVID-19 should have made that very clear to EVERYONE. If you don't know what I'm talking about due to when you read this article, do a little research but, businesses were shut down and not allowed to operate, people were sent home with no way to make an income and MANY of these businesses went OUT of business after being in business for decades.

What if you get sick or hurt and you can't work? What if your spouse or a parent or a child becomes ill or injured to the point that they need YOUR care and attention that would prevent you from working a "regular" 9 to 5 job?

I will continue this discussion in the next article but, until then, ask yourself this question: "How much CONTROL do I actually have over my current situation/job?" 

Be watching for it and, until then 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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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

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Mike's Quotes #18: More Than Talk?

 "A lot of people like the idea of 'doing something' but not many people actually like DOING something!" - Mike Spillman (8.24.11)

You know the type. The person that always is talking about what they are going to do...ALWAYS.

They may be talking about the fact that they just aren't going to take "it" anymore and that they are going to tell the boss off and quit! How long has THAT conversation been going on? They may be talking about some great trip that they are going to take or some big financial move that they are going to make or...you fill in the blank. 

The sad thing is that, sometimes, "that person" is you and me. OUCH!

We are really getting ready to see this played out once again - like clockwork - as we get ready to enter another new year. You know what I'm talking about, right? Those things called, "New Year's Resolutions". 

As the quote says, "A lot of people like the idea of 'doing something' but not many people actually like DOING something!" 

The easiest thing in the world to do is to TALK about DOING something. I won't quote it but, what's that saying about "good intentions"? Talking and planning is a whole different thing than planning and doing. There's truth in that sentence, friend!

It is also often referred to as "paralysis of analysis". This simply describes the temptation to wait and to try to get everything "just right" or "perfect" before taking action. Many people spend a lot of time getting all of their supplies gathered up and getting their desk all set up and organized and, yet, fail to ever actually get started DOING something.  

What will it take to finally step out of the "talk zone" and get into the "doing zone"? Well, friend, that honestly depends on the strength of your purpose or your "why".  We've talked about that detail many times in the past and it is still THE deciding factor in this area. Remember, talk is cheap! 

Don't wait until January 1st. Start putting your words into action TODAY 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 #17: Opportunity Knocks?

"Did you know that OPPORTUNITY doesn't always 'knock'?" - Mike Spillman (3.6.11)

I'm sure we've all heard the different discussions about how we must all be ready when opportunity "knocks". Though it is true, I still have a question about that - How do you know when opportunity "knocks"?

Here are a few things I have noticed about opportunity by observation...

   1. OPPORTUNITY IS TRICKY! Sometimes, "opportunity" will send a lot of "pretty stuff" before it comes your way. What am I talking about? Go back and read my last article that talks about, "PRETTY stuff doesn't always mean GOOD stuff!" Sometimes "opportunity" will sit back and watch how you handle the distractions before it decides to reveal itself to you!

   2. OPPORTUNITY MAY DISGUISE ITSELF! Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."  

    3. OPPORTUNITY MAY NOT KNOCK! You see, too many people sit around and wait for opportunity to walk up to THEIR door, KNOCK on their door and then WAIT for them to answer the door. To be blunt, what makes YOU so special as to think that opportunity is going to go to that much effort or that opportunity is going to actually choose to knock on YOUR door as opposed to your neighbor's door?

   4. OPPORTUNITY MAY HAVE TO BE "HUNTED DOWN" AND "CAPTURED"! Hey, it's the truth! Sometimes you have to go out there, hunt opportunity down and wrestle that sucker to the ground and capture and claim it for your own! If you pay attention you will find "clues" as to where this opportunity may be found but, again, you must pay attention! You can't always - if ever - sit back and wait for it to knock on your door. If you want it bad enough then you must be willing to take ACTION and go after opportunity!

Are you WAITING or are you PURSUING opportunity?

You can continue to wait if you choose but, remember, "Opportunity doesn't always KNOCK!"

Take action TODAY 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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Are You Growing or Rotting?

I really don't have any idea what John Addison had in mind when he said the above quote but I can share with you what comes to MY mind when I read his quote.

The first thing that comes to my mind is a watermelon growing on the vine. By the way, I LOVE watermelon! But, like anything else, if you "pick it" (cut it from the vine) too early, too prematurely, the watermelon will not be as good as it could be if it had been left to ripen to perfection. 

Even when a watermelon has been left on the vine so that it may grow to perfection, in order for me to get that watermelon, it once again has to be cut from the vine. 

Either way, once the watermelon is taken from the vine, it ceases to be green and it ceases to grow. What happens? It begins to rot and die!

Here's the kicker: Even if it is allowed to grow to being ripe, if it is not harvested (and enjoyed by people like me!) it will rot on the vine. Why? Because it has a natural growing season - a cycle - that takes place and ends up with the melon "being done" one way or the other.

Aren't you glad that we don't have a "growing season" that only allows us to become "ripe" or to "reach our potential" only to begin an immediate descent toward death? 

Oh sure, I understand that, technically speaking, we ALL have a "growing season" or a "cycle of life" but, at the same time, we can continue to grow and expand our lives regardless of age.  If you ever decide that you have learned all that you need to learn or that you know all that you need to know then, friend, you are on a downward spiral!

Yes, there are many people in this world that are "rotting on the vine", so to speak. They have ceased growing or they have never really even tried to grow or had any desire to do so. They exist, but that's about it...nothing more. 

And, friend, that's sad!

It goes back to what I talked about a couple of weeks ago about those that had talent but failed to put the work in that was necessary to make the most out of that talent.

Remember: DAILY activity. PURPOSEFUL activity. Every. Single. Day.

So, let's ask that question again: "Are you GREEN and GROWING or are you DEAD and ROTTING?" 

Don't TELL me and/or the world...

SHOW US. 

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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ACTION: The Only Way to Stay "FRESH"

 Stagnant - 1. not flowing or running, as water, air, etc. 2. stale or foul from standing, as a pool of water. 3. characterized by lack of development, advancement, or progressive movement: a stagnant economy.  4. inactive, sluggish, or dull.

And, as a matter of interest, here is a list of words that describe the opposite of being stagnant: active, alert, busy, energetic, lively, mobile, moving, spirited, working.

Allowing any area of your life to become stagnant is very similar to allowing yourself to get into a rut, as we discussed in the last article.

Honestly, no matter what your situation, you MUST do whatever it takes to prevent stagnation in your life! Remember, "No activity equals DEATH!" 

Take a look at that body of water in the above picture. My guess would be that, if there were any fish in that body of water before, many - if not all - have already died due to the lack of fresh water that would continue the life in that water. 

Many would be shocked if they were able to see a visual image like this picture as it described their own life and the lack of activity found therein. 

Just as a charging dog could cause one to be paralyzed by fear and just as the "deepness" of one's rut can do the same, so it is with taking the needed action to prevent themselves from becoming stagnant! 

However, if you desire to live a productive life and if you wish to improve your life in all areas then it is an absolute necessity that you do whatever it takes to bring in "new life" INTO your life in order for it to remain "fresh" and "alive".  

It will not happen over night and it will not happen by itself. It will require YOU to make a decision to take action and it will also require you to actually put that decision into gear by TAKING action. 

Here's the kicker...some people actually are AFRAID of their life improving. What??? I know, as odd as it may seem, there are actually people out there that are fearful of their lives improving for the better.

WHY? Well, as best as I can figure out, it is because it is sometimes easier to live a life of stagnation and  a life in a rut so that one can use that as an excuse for their circumstances. For some, it is easier to blame their lack of action and activity in their life on the very things that are a result of the lacking activity.

Strange, isn't it? But, let's get real here - what about you? Again, as has been discussed in every article in this series, YOU MUST BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF before any advancement can be made.

Read and/or listen to those that can help stimulate your mind and your ideas. Spend time around those people that do the same and spend less time - if any at all - around those that do the opposite.

You MUST begin to bring in some "freshness" to your life if it has become stagnant. You must bring in some "fresh air" to help clear out and clean out the stagnant air that you have become used to.

So, again (from previous articles in this series) what is your WHY or your PURPOSE? What is it that you wish to accomplish?

Bottom line, get moving and take ACTION because it is the ONLY way to stay "fresh".

Tomorrow, we'll discuss the topic: "ACTION: It Becomes Easier With Momentum!"

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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Are You Giving "It" Your Best OR Is Average Good Enough?

This blog article, the podcast (iTunes & RSS feed) and the video version (Vlog) were all done at separate times, so be sure to listen/read ALL avenues of this topic because each will be unique in it's own right!

AVERAGE.  Average is neither good or bad...it's "in-between". It's just "there". As I read from one person, "Average is the same distance from being good as it is from being bad."

Ouch!

We live in a world that seems to be o.k. with just being "average". Yes, I know that this doesn't apply to everyone. You, for example, don't fit into that category or you wouldn't be here spending the time to read this article. Average people don't do things that require anything "extra" from them. "Above average" people do things that average people will not. It's not that they can't...they just won't. 

Here's the thing: If average people would just keep their "average-ness" to themselves then, as bad as it still would be, the rest of us could just move effortlessly through the quagmire of this affliction. But, sadly, that is not the case. Notice this quote from John Maxwell...

"Average people want you to stay average."

You see, it's not enough for the average person to be satisfied with this being their own downfall. Nope. They don't want anyone else around them to escape from this mind-numbing lifestyle.

This is true of every form of negativity. Negative people aren't satisfied with keeping their negative thoughts and actions to themselves. For whatever reason they feel the need to "spread it" to anyone and everyone around them. It's as if they don't want anyone else being any happier than they are. And, friend, they tend to NOT be happy about anything.

An "average mindset" is also a form of negativity and you MUST be aware of the dangers of spending your time with those with this mindset. IT WILL BRING YOU DOWN AND KEEP YOU WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE!

Yes, it IS that "dangerous" to those that want more, dream more and plan to BE more. 

To change up a famous quote from "Forrest Gump"...."Average is as average does." 

There is NOTHING wrong with striving to achieve more. Think about this...only those who have done so have made positive change in their lives and, in turn, in our world.

Think long and hard about that fact and then also think about this...

Average people would likely not be missed if they were no longer "there". What I mean is this: An average person who does an average job would likely not even be missed if they stopped showing up for work. Why? Because there was nothing special about what they were doing and it is very easy to replace average with another person that seeks nothing more than just being average.

That's really very sad, isn't it? 

Rather, “Be so good they can't ignore you." - Steve Martin

It's YOUR move, friend! Don't settle for less because YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE!

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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"Taking the Journey - What Route Will You Take?"

Whatever you do, be sure to check out the video cast (Vlog) as well as the podcast of this topic  by clicking on the appropriate links at the end of this article.  

As we continue our analogy of "taking a journey" with what it is that you want to accomplish during this year, we now look at which "route" you will take in order to reach your destination. 

Again, if you don't know where it is you want to go, how will you know when you get there?

Last time, we talked about which VEHICLE you would use for your journey and we talked about how it depended on the destination. You could walk, ride a bicycle, drive, ride a train, fly in an airplane and/or ride on a boat. And, you could actually do ALL of these on one journey!  

Is there only ONE ROUTE to take in order to reach your destination? Not likely!

You may decide to take a leisurely approach to your journey so that you can stop and "see the sites" along the way. Your goal may not be so much "getting there" but, instead, enjoying the journey along the way to "getting there".

Or, for whatever reason, you may want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, even if it means driving all night!

Your reason for the trip (your "WHY") will greatly determine what route you take and at what pace/speed, right?  

Just don't get the two confused! Here's what I mean - if you have told your family that you are going to take a leisurely trip so that all of you can enjoy some special sites and adventure and then, along the way, you decide you want to just "zoom" right past all of that so that you can save time, you will likely have a very unhappy family with you! Why? Because you said you were going to take one kind of journey and then actually took a very different kind of journey. What you SAID and what you DID were two different things.

On the other hand, if a family member calls you and tells you that another family member is deathly ill and that you need to get there as quickly as possible, what would you do? You would likely tell them that you would leave as soon as possible and get there as quickly as possible, right? But, what if along the way a sign for the world's BIGGEST ball of yarn caught your eye and you took a 50 mile round trip detour to go see it and then decided to stop off at a souvenir shop to commemorate that amazing sight? Would there be disappointment in you shown by your family members when you showed up many hours later than you could have and should have? OF COURSE!

 When planning out your "route" it is important do make a decision as to what type of journey you wish this to be. Don't whine and complain about it taking too long to arrive at your destination if you have ended up having a leisurely attitude and approach toward reaching your destination.

Make sense?

But what if you got "off track" and didn't even realize it for quite a while? Is it too late to still reach your destination? 

Yes...and no.

Join me next time as we discuss that important factor in reaching your destination.

Until then...

"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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Happy New Year? Happy New DAY!

As this blog article is being put together it is December 29, 2017, on a Friday. Monday will be the start of another year - January 1, 2018.  Let me be the first to wish you a "Happy New Year!"

Well, I may not be the first but it's still pretty early as far as that stuff goes, right? 

Before I get going let me mention that there is a podcast and "video-cast" (vlog?) that goes along with this article that is also available. Just check out and click on the links at the end of the article. 

We recently discussed the importance of "back-tracking" to find out where we got "off track" if we find that we have not reached our goals as we had planned. Hopefully, this will help as we get ready to head into the new year. 

Yet, millions of people will - once again - make their "New Year's Resolutions" without putting much thought into it and then "fall off the wagon" within about a month, maybe two, into the new year. Yes, January 1st marks the start of a new calendar year but, beyond that, it is just another day that basically begins and ends the same way as all other days. 

I'm not trying to downplay the significance of the passing of one year and the beginning of another but, at the same time, I do think that too much emphasis is put on that thought. 

How do you avoid the regret and disappointment at the end of one year and the unbridled (and often "void of reality") plans that people make at the start of another? 

Stop focusing on the year ahead and start focusing on what you actually know that you have before you - TODAY. And, honestly, we don't even know that we have that so, to get even more specific, the next HOUR. 

You remember this phrase, don't you? "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Do not despair with the burden of what has not been accomplished over the past year. Understand that, by taking it one day at a time, it is much more manageable to work with that smaller time frame rather than the foreboding YEAR-LONG time period.

Determine that, each day (TODAY), you will do all that you can to make improvement, to move forward in your goals and life and to do all that you can to encourage others. Today! One day at a time. And then, at the end of the day, check to see if you "stayed the course".

It's a lot easier to track your movements in the course of a day as compared to trying to look back over a year (or maybe even two) to try to figure out where you "got off track."

It's also a lot easier to make those corrections and adjustments with this smaller time period.

So, YES, make those goals and plans and start making your move TODAY toward the fulfillment of those goals and plans. Just be sure to do a daily check up along the way and make the necessary adjustments NOW instead of later. 

Make sense? Feel free to share your comments with me. You can do so here but I would prefer to hear from you on the Facebook fan page (link below). 

Happy New Year? Sure. 

Happy New DAY! Even better.

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

The Joy of GIVING

I remember well the time that my Mom tried to convince me that it was "more blessed to give than to receive". I don't remember my age but, based on where we were living it was sometime from 2nd grade or earlier and, at that stage in my life, I wasn't buying that idea. Not even close!

Now, obviously, as I have gotten older and have had children of my own, I absolutely DO understand and agree with that sentiment. I DO understand and believe that there is JOY in giving!

I'm not trying to brag when I say this (and, likely, many of you are the same way) but, I'd much rather GIVE someone a gift that really puts a smile on their face than RECEIVE a gift. Anytime. 

Here's the thing, friend. You don't have to go out and BUY someone a gift in order to GIVE and to receive JOY by doing so! Don't let the idea of "but I don't have any money" hold you back. Giving is not about money or what you can buy in a store. GIVING, at it's best and purest form, is about you sharing what you have the ability to share because you know it will help someone and/or make that person happy. 

It could be something as simple as time. Spending time with someone and just visiting and sharing the gift of YOU listening and enjoying the relationship that you have with that person. By the way, you don't even have to know the person for this to take place. I can promise you this - there are a LOT of people in your local nursing home that would love for someone - ANYONE - to just spend some time with them to brighten up their day. And, friend, that "someone" can be you. 

It could be a short, handwritten note that simply expresses appreciation or encouragement to someone. 

If you are continuously adding to your "positive mindset" then you have a LOT that can be shared. No, I'm not suggesting that you "preach" these thoughts and ideas to those around you and try to tell them that this is what THEY should be doing. But, rather, simply sharing your positive mindset as a way to uplift and encourage would be a gift worth sharing. 

What is it for you? What opportunity comes your way (maybe on a daily basis) to share and GIVE to those around you?

Think about it. And, try to get in the habit of doing so at other times besides this "special" time of the year. Make it a daily habit and see what happens to and for your life!

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to share this blog and podcast with you. I hope that it is a source of encouragement for you and to you and that it helps you in your daily activities. 

And, finally, never forget that YOU are a gift worth sharing. Think about it and share your talents and abilities with those around you and discover, as well, that there IS joy in giving!

Until next time friend, whatever you do, 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

Win OR Lose?

 

Right up front let me acknowledge that the idea for today's article and podcast do not come from me. I was listening to a video from John C. Maxwell and his "Minute with Maxwell" video series, and I REALLY liked what he shared on this topic. You can watch it here . You can also sign up for "Minute with Maxwell" to be delivered to your own e-mail address on that same page.  

For most of us - if not all of us - we normally think of this type of thing where there is a winner and there is a loser. One person (or team) wins and the other loses. I love the example that Mr. Maxwell gives about what happens when, over a period of time, the same person wins while competing with the same person that, of course, always loses. 

In case you didn't watch that video clip, I'll tell you what happens. (Actually, if you think about it for a moment, you likely already know the answer). The person that always loses will no longer be interested in "playing" or "competing". 

Why? Because no one likes to continually lose. Most people do NOT want to participate if it has been proven that they will likely lose. Every. Single. Time. 

And, by the way, this is NOT promoting the "everyone gets a trophy" and "we don't keep score so that no one experiences losing" type of mentality. C'mon, now. That's not real life and, by following this type of mentality, we (adults) are not doing our job of preparing our young people for a realistic future. 

But, is it possible to create an environment that is a "Win-Win" situation for all involved? Well, it's not likely that it will be that way for ALL involved (there are many reasons why this is so and many of them have to do with the attitude of some individuals), BUT, perhaps, there is a way to create more of  this than we may think. 

Think about it... business is an easy example of this concept. Specifically as it deals to companies making a profit while, at the same time, those that distribute that companies product also makes money. And, this usually takes place along several levels. As long as everyone along that "chain" is happy with the amount of money that they make ("profit"), then it is a "win-win-win-win", etc. situation. 

See what I mean? 

The problem comes when someone along that chain becomes dissatisfied because someone else (up the "chain") is making more than them. They get greedy and, instead of being happy with their profit (and their level of responsibility that accompanies that level of profit) they begin to, as I said, get greedy and begin the process towards a miserable existence. 

I don't always have to make ALL of the profit available in order to be successful or happy. Right? I can share the profit with others and, often, by doing so, I can actually expand my ability to the point that I can actually make MORE overall profit as a result. As a matter of fact, those that try to "do it all" and "make it all" themselves usually end up failing in the process. 

Get the point yet? 

In the same way, just as I don't have to make ALL of the profit, I don't have to "win" in ALL areas in order to share that "winning" with others along the way. I can "win" and you can "win" as well. The only one that loses is the one that chooses to sulk, pout and try to figure out how to completely keep all of the "winning" to and for themselves. 

Oh yeah, and when you help others "win", guess what happens? They become even more productive and you "win" even more . Too, don't sell short the fact that you WIN even just from the knowledge and feeling that comes from helping others do more and be more along the way. 

BE SURE TO WATCH THAT VIDEO THAT I GAVE YOU THE LINK TO ON THIS! It's very short (it's called "MINUTE with Maxwell" for a reason) and worth the watch. I also encourage you to sign up to have it sent to your e-mail. It's another great "tool" to ad to your routine to help keep positive thoughts coming to your mindset.

So, as you go about your day today (or tomorrow), start looking at how you can create more "win - win"  and less "win - lose" scenarios. I wish you much success in this endeavor. Truth is, if you find ways to do this successfully, you WILL experience much success!

Be sure to come back for the next article and be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article. 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

Be Humble!

(from the song, "It's Hard to Be Humble" by Mac Davis)

 Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better lookin' each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble
But I'm doin' the best that I can!

You may not be old enough to remember that song, but I have enjoyed singing that chorus from time to time over the years - just out of fun. 

But, let me ask you this: How many of you know someone that really IS that way? Yeah, I thought so - we ALL likely know someone like that. And my guess is that NONE OF YOU like to hang around a person like that, right?

It can be said (and has been said) of some people, "If you want to know how good they are at something, just ask them - they'll tell you...and tell you...and tell you."

I was in the car one day with a relative and, for the hour that we were in the car, all that person talked about was themselves and how they were good at this and that and the other thing. The thing is, knowing them like I did, I knew that it mostly was NOT true. 

So, what if you really ARE "that good"? Then let your work or your results do the talking for you. Simple as that! Going back to the last article, when you WORK HARD you won't have to tell others how good you are or what a success that you are. Oh sure, there will be some that won't see it and others that will even refuse to see it or acknowledge it, but friend, the results will speak for themselves. 

Bottom line, no one likes to be around someone that talks about themselves like that and they also don't like to listen to someone talk about themselves. 

So, work hard, be your best, do your best and stay humble. 

You'll be glad you did. And so will everyone around you! ;)

Thanks for joining me today - 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