Tell Me WHY Again?

(join in and LIKE me here!)

O.k. I'm not REALLY going to "go Hulk" because of this stuff I'm discussing but, I thought I'd have some fun and, at the same time, emphasize how disgusted I am with how some people "do business" - especially when it comes to "on-line opportunities".

If you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read my last blog since it serves as a background to what I'm talking about today. But, let me give a shortened version for a review in case you don't have time to read the last one at the moment...

Basically I ask WHY people that promote "opportunities" can't just be honest and upfront about what the cost of being involved in the program will actually be.  WHY can't they go ahead and give you the information that you really need - for the cost advertised - so that you can actually DO what they SAY you can do with their opportunity?

The two main problems that I've seen are as follows:

     1. You are sold a "watered-down version" of the program and, if you REALLY want to use this program to it's full potential (their hype applied here) then you REALLY NEED to "upgrade" to a different program OR to their "one-on-one coaching program". (Have you noticed how they all seem to have their own coaching program now?).

     2. You pay the advertised price only to be hit with page after page (or video after video) trying to "up sell" you to other parts of the program that you really need in order to get the most out of this program. HINT: When you pay and you are not immediately taken to the check out page - GET READY FOR UP SELL ATTEMPTS!

Today I will address another "frustration" that I have experienced over time and that I saw exhibited again just this past week as well as give you some hints/pointers as to what to watch out for with many of these programs.

First of all, a HINT and SUGGESTION for those of you that may take a look at some of these opportunities. GO FOR THE BEST PRICE! Here's what I mean - the price advertised is rarely the price that you CAN pay if you just make a few extra clicks. I'm sure you've noticed a box popping up on your screen asking you to not leave but to stay on the page "for a special offer", haven't you? IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED in this product/opportunity then, by all means, STAY ON THE PAGE! You CAN and WILL get the offer for a lot less than was originally advertised if you want to follow through with the transaction.

Example: the current program that I am testing out was originally advertised for something like $49 and then $39 and, finally for $19 - which is what I paid for the program. (Of course, then came the constant "up sells" trying to get me to pay more which I declined).

I'm determined to figure this out WITHOUT having to "buy in" to the other "up sells" and I think that I will be able to make it work to some extent. THE POSITIVE: I am learning a lot that I didn't know before getting into this program and KNOWLEDGE is ALWAYS valuable!

Now on to my most recent event that has me bewildered at both the person/people promoting this business as well as the many others that are "gung-ho" about this opportunity. Stay with me here...

As part of my "package" that I paid for (for a lot less than originally advertised, remember?) I am able to be a part of 12 special webinars that are supposedly designed to help me get the most out of this program. The first one was rather uneventful and set up the basics which I had already done through the already-provided on-site videos. It was the second, and most recent, webinar that, once again cased me to ask the question, "WHY DO THAT?".

It did not take me long to figure out that this second webinar was nothing but a sales pitch for another program. By listening to the name of a "tool" the speaker kept talking about I figured that this "tool" was soon to be the topic of another thing "I must have". Was I correct? YES! (HINT: Pay attention to things like this. LISTEN and PAY ATTENTION to what is being said in advance of what is going to be said - make sense?)

So, what did I do? Well, while the presenter was talking away about this "program" I did an online search and found this program listed as a program offered by a relative of the presenter. That's right, the exact same program with lots and lots of links showing up after my search. HERE'S THE KICKER: The presenter was promoting this "program" as something that HE had come up with (true, he may have and helped his relative get it going) and that it was BRAND NEW and NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN and something that he just felt he HAD to share with his students. Why? Because that's just the kind of guy he is! (I kid you not, he didn't use those exact words, but that is pretty much what was said).

Anyone that was listening in on that call could have done exactly what I did. Perhaps some did - I sure hope so! However, apparently many DID NOT and literally JUMPED AT THE CHANCE to get this extra program. Oh, it was also being promoted by the fact that the first 40 or 50 (I can't remember exactly)that signed up that night would get an extra webinar with the presenter in the future). Get this...all for the low, low price of only $997!

Yeah, you read that right - $997. Hey folks, that just $3 short of $1,000!!! (And, honestly, it may have been the first 100 to sign up that night - I had pretty much "checked out" at that point).

And, guess what? He sold out right then and there. As a matter of fact, the last 20 minutes of this webinar was a continuous push for anyone/everyone to get in on it NOW while there were spots still open. Now then, friend, DO THE MATH and see how much $$ this guy made on this call. Why? "Because that's the kind of guy I am".

Now do you share my frustration (and yes, even outrage)?

FINAL HINT: Do NOT become so enamoured/gung-ho about an opportunity that you don't THINK and keep your eyes open! All anyone on that call had to do was just THINK and do some quick research to find out that, quite honestly, this was a LIE that they bought in to at a very steep price! THINK - THINK - THINK!

So, I can hear you now: "Mike, why are you STILL doing business with this guy?" Well, I'm really not doing business with him anymore. I got in for only $19 and I am learning a LOT of things by my own follow through. Honestly, I'm determined to make some $$ in SPITE of this guys deceit and deception - yes, I said that very clearly.

Again, once I make some decent or consistent money with this, I will let you know EXACTLY what I did for FREE. Believe me, what I've learned is NOTHING proprietary and nothing that ANYONE couldn't do. Fair enough?

Bottom line: This, once again, has strengthened my resolve to FIND A WAY to make some money online in order to help fund some of my other goals.

ATTENTION: Be watching VERY SOON for a new video podcast/recorded podcast as well as a CHALLENGE TO/FOR YOU MY FRIEND to join me in during these last 4 months of 2012. Simply put, I'm TIRED of this kind of crap (excuse my language)that I just discussed and am more determined than ever to PUSH FORWARD TOWARD SUCCESS - aren't you?

Until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

CHANGES: I Screwed Up!

CHANGES: I SCREWED UP!!

Now, hopefully you're really familiar with F.Y.U (Future You University) but I hope you're not TOO familiar with I.S.U. (I Screwed Up!).

But, let's face it, since we are all human we ALL spend time trying to deal with the consequences that come when we screw up, right?

Before I get too far into the discussion for today, let's take a look at the four types of changes that we face in our lives:

TYPES OF CHANGES: (1)Those we voluntarily bring on ourselves... (2) those that we have no choice in but are not "against" us (change of seasons, life changes due to age, etc.)... (3)those that come at us DUE TO our actions and (4) those that come to us 100% involuntarily and at no fault of our own.

If you haven't gone back and read the articles on the first two (and/or listened to the podcasts that go with them) then you might want to do that first to catch up with the discussion so far.

So, for today, we are going to talk about the 3rd category listed above: Those changes that come our way due to our own actions. In other words, changes that come when we SCREW UP!

Here's the deal even with this: too many people still try to blame other people or other circumstances for their own screw ups and won't take the action necessary to accept the blame, do what can be done to correct the mess and then move on!

Does that describe you? (*OUCH!*)

Hey, let's face it...it's hard to ADMIT it when we suffer or those connected to us (spouse, children, friends, etc.) suffer due to our own screw ups! Seriously, who wants to admit to that?

But, it's necessary for us to wake up and realize that we have made a big mistake so that we can hopefully learn from it and avoid that same mistake in the future.

Have you noticed that those that fail to do this seem to keep making the same dumb mistakes over and over again?

Again, does that describe you?

If it does, DO soemthing about it and LEARN as you move forward.

Hey, let's face this fact too...sometimes we just make a wrong decision and we suffer CHANGES that aren't good for us or those that are around us. It's not necessarily a pattern in our lives but, nonetheless, it causes some problems, right?

Maybe you pulled your family up from where you lived and moved them across the country for a new job that you thought would be best for all of you and it turns out that it was, actually, a very poor decision.

This ties in closely with our last topic about those changes that come due to our voluntarily actions but, yet, it's a little different because, at times (unlike that last example) these changes come due to our stupidity.

A bit blunt, huh?

Sometimes an inablility to control our temper and/or our tongue results in changes due to that inability. Maybe you told your boss off and got fired. Now what?

Do that type of thing too many times and you will find it harder and harder to get hired by anyone!

I was talking to someone not too long ago that was complaining about their current situation so I asked them what their "ideal situation" would be. They described it to me and then said, "But I know that will never happen." When I asked them why they would say that here was their response: "Because of all of the stupid stuff that I keep on doing!"

Thing is, during the time period that I was having this discussion with this person they were still doing some of the same stupid stuff that was keeping them from their "ideal situation".

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

So, let's get on to thinking about some sort of solution to this mess. How does that sound?

FIRST, if you fit the type of scenario like the last guy I talked about then you MUST decide what is more important in your life....keeping on doing what you are doing and getting the same results OR starting to CHANGE your life so that you can IMPROVE your life. As you've heard many times before the very definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things over and over again and to expect different results.

Part of this solution is to begin to discipline yourself... your temper, your tongue, your attitude, etc. Only you can do it but this type of infomation and other positive information can help you in this endeavor.

SECONDLY, if you are suffering through change due to a misinformed decision then, most importanlty, admit that mistake - no matter how hard it is to do so - and start moving toward correcting and/or limiting the damage that comes to the change connected to that decision.

Part of that may be apologizing to those that are being impacted due to that decision. Simply and honestly tell them that you blew it and that you are sorry and that if there was any way for you to go back and erase it all, you would.

Thing is, you can't. You can simply try to improve your current situation.

Can I also help you face some reality? It may be something that can be corrected fairly easily and quickly but prepare yourself for those situations that will NOT be corrected easily OR quickly. The main thing in a situation like that is to keep yourself focused on a SOLUTION and to NOT focus on the mistake and what happened in the past.

YES, pay attention to the mistake so that you can learn from it and not repeat it in the future but DO NOT LINGER ON IT!

I'd be happy to discuss this with your further if you'd like to contact me via the website and share with me your situation.

Remember this: WE ALL SCREW UP sooner or later. The key is what we do AFTER that realization.

Hopefully, as we mature and learn the changes in our life that are due to our own decisions will be more positive than negative and we'll learn to handle those that we can't control with a more positive attitude and mindset.

Until next time, be sure to ....

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

Mike

Changes: They Just Keep on Coming!

CHANGES: They Just Keep on Coming!

It's been a while since I posted my last blog article but my guess is that you have experienced several changes since that last posting, right?

As I said recently, the only constant thing about change is that it is constant! Things constantly change!

Hey, I have to brag for a moment... since my last article my wife and I (as well as our oldest son and his wife) have gone through a HUGE and WONDERFUL change! We welcomed our first little grandbaby girl into the world just a few short days ago. We told our son and his wife that their life is now changed forever - but it is a POSITIVE change that will be well worth anything and everything that comes about because of this change.

Now, you think for a few moments and try to think of how many changes have taken place in YOUR own life since my last article was posted back on November 11, 2011.

Well?

I can just about assure you that there has been more changes than you realized IF you really take the time to think about it.

Try to categorize those changes into the categories that I mentioned in my last article. In case you don't remember or don't want to go back and search, here they are:

TYPES OF CHANGES: (1)Those we voluntarily bring on ourselves... (2) those that we have no choice in but are not "against" us (change of seasons, life changes due to age, etc.)... (3)those that come at us DUE TO our actions and (4) those that come to us 100% involuntarily and at no fault of our own.

For today, let's discuss those in category 1: Those that we voluntarily bring on ourselves. A prime example would be the decision that my son and his wife made to have their first child. Voluntary for sure but a decision that will bring MAJOR CHANGE into their lives and, to be honest, not all of them will be changes that will always bring joy into their lives.

I talk to a lot of people that gripe and complain about situations in their life that, after talking to them for a bit and more information is revealed, are due to CHOICES that were made VOLUNTARILY by them! No one else FORCED them to make those decisions or choices.

I talked to a guy earlier today that wasn't complaining or griping but was telling me he was having to sell just about everything he had because he was out of work. Why was he out of work? Because he couldn't "take the crap" (his words) anymore so he quit.

It was his choice and I hope that he is happy with the choice that he made and I hope that he will be able to provide for he and his wife due to this voluntary change.

What changes have taken place in YOUR life due to YOU willingly, and voluntarily making a CHOICE that brought about this change?

Hey, bottom line: they don't always turn out the way we think, right?

Been there, done that!

So, key lesson with this: THINK AND THINK HARD BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE!

Sometimes - many times - it is the RIGHT choice that needs to be made and, at other times, it's not necessary and is due to our impatience.

Think about it, examine the changes in your life that fit this category and see if there is some way for you to make the most out of the changes that you brought into your life voluntarily.

Sometimes it takes us being HONEST with ourselves and ADMITTING that we actually are the ones responsible for those changes EVEN IF THEY DON'T TURN OUT THE WAY WE WANTED OR EXPECTED!

Fair enough?

I hope to get a few more of these articles out sooner than I have been able to do so recently so be watching and listening to the podcasts that I will be recording with them. As always you can access all of this information at my website www.FutureYouUniversity.com

Take care, friend and, as always, be sure to...

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

Mike

CHANGE (No Dimes or Nickels)

"CHANGE: No dimes or nickels"

One thing about life is certain...there will ALWAYS be CHANGE! (And, by the way, that will NEVER CHANGE!)

Here's the thing to think about: How will you let CHANGE impact YOUR life?

Will you allow the change that comes your way to control your life OR will YOU control the impact of the change?

This is something to keep in mind whether the change is good or bad! Some change is good and some not so good but we STILL must not allow that change to take over our lives.

Sometimes when change happens it takes over completely and changes a persons outlook on life and even their attitude towards life. Again, this can be with either "good" or 'bad" changes that come our way.

For example, if something horrible happens in a person's life they can allow that change to completely consume their life in a way that the cease to continue to LIVE life. Belive me, this is one of those "easier said than done" scenarios for sure! But, you've seen it, have you not?

I'm not overlooking or taking lightly tragedy that strikes in the lives of people. I cannot imagine the horror and grief that many go through in tragic times and I know that such events will have an impact on a persons life for most of- if not all of - the rest of their life.

However, I have seen those that go through a time of shock and grief and, even though that tragedy has left it's mark on their life forever, they have learned not to allow that tragedy to OWN their life.

Make sense?

Even when something "good" happens in our life that brings change we must still learn to not let that change "own" our life. Change our life? Sure. Impact our life? Of course. But we still must not allow that change - even if "good" - to OWN our life.

An example on this side may be someone that wins the lottery or comes into a lot of money for any reason. I'm sure you've seen the television shows or read the articles that tell of so many that end up worse off than they were BEFORE this "good change" came their way. They never learned to take control of that change before it took control of them.

Change. It will continue to be a part of our lives as long as we are alive.

What will YOU do with that change. Better yet, what ARE you doing?

For our next podcast/blog topic I want to continue this thought process and will begin to discuss the following ideas about change:

TYPES OF CHANGES: Those we voluntarily bring on ourselves...those that we have no choice in but are not "against" us (change of seasons, life changes due to age, etc.)...those that come at us DUE TO our actions and those that come to us 100% involuntarily and at no fault of our own.

So, as you can see we will have a lot to talk about in the next few weeks!

By the way, let me just mention that I am not able to be as "consistent" with my podcasts and blogs as I had been at one time due to a new job that my wife and I are involved with BUT I WILL continue to get these out as often as possible and I still cherish and welcome any and all feedback from you!

So, until that next time, I'd like to leave you with these two quotes I came across the other day and encourage you to think about the truth found within them both.

“The only change to be afraid of is the change that we are not prepared for.”

"If you want the future to be different, change what you are doing today! "

And, as always, be sure to...

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

Mike

"When the Going Gets Tough..." (Part 1)

"When the Going Gets Tough..." (Part 1)

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

Wow, wouldn't it be great IF that were always true in our own lives? But, let's be honest, it's NOT always true in our own lives, is it?

I was reading an article a few minutes ago and someone made the comment on "self-help" books, (and I quote loosely) "Most of these books work if you do the work. Of course, if you do the work, you don't need the books in the first place."

I think I understand what this person means and, on one level, I agree with them.

But, at the same time, I also find this idea that we can do it all on our own! And, that goes back to that idea of the quote being used for this series of podcasts and blogs (too, don't forget I'm also video taping my podcast - go to the main site to hook up to my YouTube channel - www.MichaelSpillman.com).

It would be GREAT if we could always just blast right through any and all obstacles that get in our way!

But, honestly, we're simply not made that way.

What do I mean? Simply put: WE NEED EACH OTHER!

Isn't that true? As hard as some people may try, it's like the old quote, "No man is an island." Even though people give us headaches and heartaches from time to time the fact remains: WE NEED EACH OTHER!

So, that's one reason I am so thankful that you are reading this. I hope that I'm able to help you with the mindset necessary to keep moving forward. And, let me say this - I NEED YOU and am ENCOURAGED by you when you leave comments and encourage me by letting me know that this helps you even in some small way.

So, bottom line, we don't always GET GOING when things get tough.

That being said, here's the first "end of the quote" I want to use for today:

"When the going gets tough...WE HAVE CHOICES TO MAKE!"

In my opinion we have only TWO choices when things get tough. We can either GIVE UP or we can choose to GET UP!

Oh, I know you've head me say that before - but it's still true and it applies to this situation.

When you get knocked to your knees it's easy to "just stay down" and to try to avoid any more hurt or struggle. It's easy to give up thinking that by doing so the struggle will either ease up or just go away.

FALSE!

You can be assured that it WON'T go away or ease up just because we have chosen to "throw in the towel". There's more to be said on this part and I will be sharing thoughts on this throughout this little series (as well as on the podcast - be sure to listen to them because I don't use a script to make sure that I say the EXACT same thing there and here both!).

But for now, let's all realize that GIVING UP is one decision that you could make when things get tough.

The other? GET UP and KEEP MOVING forward REGARDLESS of the tough situation that is invading your life for the moment.

Don't miss those last three words..."for the moment".

Here's one thing you can count on when it comes to tough times: Tough times come and tough times go.

And, yeah, then they come again. But, guess what? Then they also "go" again.

It's simply part of life and part of BEING ALIVE!

We'll be talking more about what this means for each of us but keep this in mind - YOU ARE CHOOSING A PATH EACH AND EVERY DAY.

Which path are YOU choosing? The path that is part of the "giving up" choice or the path that is part of the "getting up" choice?

Hey, let's get real and honest here. You already know which path you are choosing, don't you?

And, too, some days we choose one path and, on other days we choose the other one.

That being so, aren't you glad we have each other to help out along the way? I know I am!

And I am THANKFUL for you!

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

Mike

Updates and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

UPDATES and "Merry Christmas!!"

It's been a while since I last posted anything on the blog so I thought I'd spend a few moments and give an update while also wishing each of you a "Merry Christmas" with wishes for a "Happy New Year" as well!

As you know, I lost my job back in the middle of August (hard to believe it's been FOUR months since this has happened) and, due to the uncertainty of things, I felt I needed to cease doing my podcast and blog at that time. I didn't want to do a "hit and miss" podcast/blog...I wanted it to be consistent.

If you know anything about me at all then you also know that I am upfront and honest so I'm not going to change that now. The past four months have been very difficult! Without going into a lot of detail at this point I'll just say it has been very stressful financially, emotionally and spiritually. I've had to work VERY hard to keep a positive mindset and to practice the things that I have shared for you in past podcasts and blogs.

Truth? Some days I did alright in that area and some days I did not.

Surprised? You shouldn't be!

I have never said - and hopefully it was never implied - that EVERY day was going to be a GREAT and WONDERFUL day regardless of the circumstances. The whole focus on what I have done in the past was to help us all understand that, regardless of the circumstances, WE had CONTROL when it came to the positive or negative impact on our lives.

It is a DAILY struggle for us all - I don't care who you are or how you are doing in your life at the moment.

So, bottom line - in case you didn't know it already - I'm just like you! I struggle each and every day with my mindset and realize that I MUST continue to FIGHT to keep the negative out!

Sure, some days are easier than others and some days are just plain hard.

But the key is this: NEVER GIVE UP!

Remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope."

I'll be sharing some more news about my plans beginning in 2011. I will go ahead and tell you that I should be starting my podcast and blog once again along with some other exciting things planned.

STAY TUNED!

And, friend, I do want to wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And, as always, whatever you do...

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

Mike

What Will It Take?

What Will It Take?

How protective are you of your family and/or loved ones? What would it take - what would have to be done - to push you into action to DO SOMETHING to protect them?

Let's take a step back first and look at some things that we do (or have done) that fit this category every single day...

If you have children - as they began to understand things, did we not give them instructions on not walking away with people they don't know or getting in cars of people like this among many other instructions along this line? Sure we did! Why? TO PROTECT THEM!

Do you have locks on the doors of your home? Do you use them? Perhaps you even have an alarm system on your house. Why do all of this? TO PROTECT THEM!

Do you take your kids to the doctor when they are sick? Why? TO PROTECT THEM!

And, I could go on and on and on - right?

So, every day we do things in order to protect those that we love BUT there are those times that we may be driven to extreme actions in order to protect our loved ones.

What would it take for you to put yourself in harms way so that your family would be protected and kept from harm? Think about that and, likely, as you think about it you may find that you begin to get a little "worked up" just thinking about it!

Now, let's make the application.

What will it take for you to "step up" and do whatever it takes to protect your loved ones and their future? That "future" may simply mean as much happiness as you can give them with your time and attention and it may mean financial security and freedom.

How many more times will you have to be laid off of a job? How many more times will you have to be told that you cannot take a few days off to spend with loved ones over the holiday because you have to be at work the day after the holiday? How many more times will you allow someone else to tell you what to do, when to do it, how to do it when you KNOW that you have more knowledge of the "it" than the one that is telling you all of this? How many more days will it take for you to go to work with dread?

What will it take?

Only YOU can decide that and only YOU can decide if your family is at risk in this type of environment.

I want to encourage you to finally say, "ENOUGH!"

Now, understand, you need to plan accordingly - don't forget that!

But...have you been pushed enough? Have you been "bullied" enough? Have you and your family been threatened enough?

What will it take?

Wow. That hits me to my core. What about you?

I plan to continue this discussion in a "part 2" of this topic in the next podcast and my next blog entry - I hope you'll be back for this next part.

Until then...

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

Mike

Take Control of Your OWN Destiny! (Part 3)

Take Control of YOUR Destiny! (Part 3)

Hopefully, by now you realize how important it is for each of us to be working in order to take control of our own destiny.

Isn't that why you are here? Isn't that why you spend the time listening to this podcast as well as others? Isn't that why you are working to improve your mindset?

You see, taking control of our own destiny is NOT NORMAL!

Can you believe that?

It SHOULD be the most natural thing in the world - but, for most of us, it is very ABNORMAL and it goes against everything that we have been trained to think!

If the economic conditions of the past year or two hasn't awakened you to the necessity of taking control of your own destiny then, let me say it this way...

WAKE UP!

Again, it is a process and it takes planning, persistence and discipline - but it will be worth it to know that no one else holds your destiny in their hands...won't it?

SURE IT WILL! So, as long as you are taking the steps to improve your mindset, why not also be doing the things that will help ensure your ability to take control of your destiny - perhaps within the next five years, if not less?

BREAK IT DOWN

First of all, if you haven't done so, you need to KNOW what it is you really want to do! You cannot make adequate plans without knowing what it is you want to do and the financial plan necessary to make it happen.

So, let's just use this little scenario as an example so that you can see what it is you need to do in your own situation.

EXAMPLE:

This example will NOT take into consideration your spouse working and being able to add to the income needed to make this happen. By doing the example this way, you can take a good look at yourself as an individual to see what you need to do and what can be done.

Let's say that you really love working with kids and you have decided that you would really like to work with kids that have developmental problems. You'd really love to do this but you know that you cannot support yourself and/or your family on the $20,000/year salary that is offered with the job (and no benefits, either).

YOU WANT TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DESTINY and you are determined to be able to follow your PASSION with this job. In order to do so, you must break it down so that you can see EXACTLY what you must do in order to make this happen. (Please understand that I am not going to be able to cover every item that you, yourself, must consider in your own particular situation).

You do the math and figure out that, taking into consideration many things, you need a total of $50,000 a year in order to make this dream a reality. This means, obviously, that you are needing to come up with an additional $30,000 per year on top of the school salary to be able to follow this passion.

How long will this take? It depends upon a lot of variables. For example (depending on how important this dream is will determine what you are willing to do) you may be able to sell that beautiful boat to make it happen sooner. Perhaps, you already have a certain amount of money set back that can go towards this effort. However, for our purposes in this example, I am going to approach this as if you have nothing set back to help and you are basically planning this from scratch.

How soon can you put yourself in position to make this happen? Let's use the figures from yesterday's blog entry and apply the figures...

1. If you were able to bring in an additional $1,000/month you would have $60,000 at the end of 5 years (again, not taking into consideration interest, investment, etc.). This would allow you to work at this job and KNOW that you have what you need for 2 years. Of course, you will be adding to this in the process, right? IF you don't want to wait for 5 years, you would have accumulated $36,000 in 3 years which would enable you to take care of the first year of your passion. (By the way, $1,000/month comes out to about an extra $33 per day = DO-ABLE!)

2. If you were able to bring in an additional $2,000/month you would have $120,000 at the end of 5 years, allowing you to work at this job and KNOW that you would have what you need for 4 years - not too shabby, huh? Again, if you don't want to wait for 5 years, you would have accumulated $48,000 in just 2 years which would enable you to take care of the first year and a half plus a little more working your passion. (By the way, $2,000/month comes out to about an extra $66 per day = DO-ABLE with a little extra effort!)

3. If you were able to bring in an additional $3,000/month you would have $180,000 at the end of 5 years, allowing you to work at this job and KNOW that you would have what you need for 6 years while still adding to the total. Wow, pretty amazing, huh? Again, if you don't want to wait for 5 years you could begin this process at the end of 1 year with the $36,000 that would be brought in. If you wanted a little more "comfort" room as you pursue your passion you could wait for 2 years (which would bring in $72,000), 3 years ($108,000) or 4 years ($144,000). Pretty amazing when you really look at it this way, isn't it? (By the way, $3,000/month comes out to about an extra $98 per day = DO-ABLE but with concentrated effort!)

Here's the main thing to remember in all of this:

IF YOU NEVER START - THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN!

Now do you see why I have emphasized the fact that taking control of our destiny takes focus? There are not many of us that can "jump out of the plane" right now, BUT...most of us - if not all of us - can make that leap with the proper planning and determination.

What's it worth to you?

And yes, I will tell you this - the work-from-home opportunity that is on my links tab on the website CAN provide you with the chance to bring in the extra money to make it happen. There are many of them out there and it is important for you to find the one that fits you! But PLEASE stay away from the idea of "get-rich-quick".... this is a process!

For more detailed information on the opportunity that I am working with you can go to http://www.forever.buildlastingsuccess.com

Would I like for you to work with me? Sure I would! However, that is not what this is about. I am trying to show you very specifically how any of us/all of us CAN make the move to live a life of passion and to control our own destiny.

YES, WE CAN!

Start today "doing the math" to find out what you need to do in order to begin to take control of your own destiny. Hey, friend - by listening and reading you are already making that decision, now I have shown you a very specific way that you can put it down on paper and then follow that plan to your passion so that you may...

OWN YOUR DESTINY!

And, yes, as always - "Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Stop Procrastinating!

Stop Procrastinating!

Procrastination is the KILLER OF DREAMS! Think about that for a moment...my guess is that you already know it to be true but you (like many others) still have a problem ridding your life of this beast.

Procrastination is a nasty habit that we let "slip" into our lives mostly unnoticed and then it burrows itself deep into our daily habits thus making it harder and harder to extricate from our lives.

Think about it for a moment. Why do I say that we let procrastination "slip" into our lives mostly unnoticed? It likely begins at an early age when we are told to do our chores and we get lost in watching cartoons or playing outside or whatever it may be. We put it off until later. This slowly becomes a habit in our lives - we can just do it later.

How many of you do the same thing today? This is a "practical examination" of how much procrastination has a hold on our lives. How many of you, right now, have something at home that needs to be done that you intended to do yesterday? My guess is - most of us if not ALL of us!

Here's a simple step to take to begin to remove procrastination from your life - DO IT!

You see, many times we try to associate procrastination to those things that we really dislike, such as doing our taxes. BUT, in reality, it takes place with everyday activities and not just the biggies!

So, again, here's the simple step - DO IT! Just take action!

ACTION IS THE CURE FOR PROCRASTINATION!

Start doing this RIGHT NOW - regardless of where you are and see what happens. This is something that you will have to ACTIVELY pursue to make happen - is it worth it to you? (Remember, procrastination is the KILLER of dreams!)

When there is something that you need to do - DO IT! Don't wait, don't put it off until later in the day or evening - DO IT!

You see, this is how procrastination works...we keep putting it off until later and later and later and then - it's so late that all we want to do is go to bed. So then, we'll do it in the morning before we go to work (we know better) and then it begins all over again for another day.

"Oh, but when I get home from work I just want to kick back and relax first before I have to do anything else."

Why not try this new approach - DO IT ANYWAY before you kick back and relax! Go ahead and get done what needs to get done - COMPLETELY and THEN kick back and relax.

Think about this - if you are DONE with all of that, won't you actually be able to kick back and relax even more completely now? Sure you will! You won't keep thinking, "Oh, I need to get up and go do that" and you won't keep feeling bad for NOT doing it.

YOU WILL BE DONE and then you truly CAN enjoy the rest of your evening!

Start now. Start today. So, again, RIGHT NOW if there is something even at your work that you need to finish (that you KNOW you can finish if you'd just do it) - then DO IT and stop harming your focus, your confidence, your joy, your professionalism and your dreams.

True, it happens one step at a time and one day at a time...but it must begin and it MUST begin TODAY!

And, just think what an AWESOME day it will be as you make progress through those things that you have set back for so long! So, yes, in the process, you have the ability to...

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

Mike

"Open Your Eyes!"

Open Your Eyes!

I always have found it funny when anyone (kids OR adults) covers their ears because they don't want to hear what someone else is saying. It's funny when kids do it - but not that unusual since we expect children to do childish things. However, when I see an adult do this (and I have on more than one occasion) I really do get amazed and amused!

Once, when I was in either Jr. High or Sr. High (I can't remember which) one of my teachers began to really "chew" on me about something. Her voice was one of those types of voices that would give fingernails on a chalkboard a close run for the money on the "irritation" scale! So, what did I do? The only mature thing I knew to do - I put my hands over my ears to try to make it stop!

Uh...can you say, "Mistake!"?

Do me a favor and let's do a little experiment. Close your eyes or put your hands over your eyes - your choice. Wait, don't do it right now or you can't read the rest of this! But, tell you what -- go ahead and do that for about 10 seconds and then come back and read the rest of this. I'll wait.

O.k.....you back with me now?

Let me ask you a couple of questions about what just happened as you closed or covered your eyes. Was your vision blocked? Could you see anything? (The obvious answer to these would be "yes" and "no" - YOU COULDN'T SEE!)

Let me ask you another question. When you opened or uncovered your eyes, had anything disappeared? Now, I know, sometimes we wish we could do that and have certain people disappear! But, it doesn't work that way, does it?

So, since it is true that the same people are around us, the same "stuff" is around us (office, house, etc.) it is also true that we have some choices to make IF we'd like things to change!

CHOICE #1: MOVE!

This will work to some extent. We can have a change of scenery (city, house, work environment and some of the people). Notice I said "some" of the people! Now, if you're single, this might not apply to you but, if you have family (spouse and/or kids) with you then THAT part will still be there. So, this choice does not solve everything, does it?

CHOICE #2: STAY, BUT CHANGE EVERYTHING!

I'm not quite sure how you'd do this, but some people try to do it every single day. They try to change the people around them and get frustrated when they are unsuccessful in doing so. They even rearrange their furniture thinking that will make a difference - and it might give you a fresh feeling for a little while, but then what? Some divorce and find someone new. Some buy a shiny, red sports car. And on and on it goes. But, we all know that nothing really changes in this situation either, does it?

CHOICE #3: OPEN YOUR EYES and CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE THINGS!

I would suggest that this would be your best solution. Oh sure, sometimes we DO need a fresh start and NEED to move to a different environment - I understand that. Yet, might I suggest that, even in such a situation, it still would benefit you to change the way you see things?

I can answer that for you - YES!

We ALL need to "open our eyes" and see the beauty of those around us as well as the blessings of what else surrounds us every single day!

It is easy for us to take the familiar for granted. It is easy for a husband to take his wife for granted as well as for a wife to take her husband for granted. It is easy for parents to take their children for granted and it is sure easy for children (of ANY age) to take their parents for granted.

Think about it - everything that I have discussed all the way back to the beginning of my podcasts (March 2, 2009) and blog all focuses on the fact that we must work on ourselves and work on CHANGING our mindset. This is also the idea behind "open your eyes" --- when we change the way we think we also change the way we see/perceive that which is around us!

By the way, this blog entry is totally different (for the most part) than the podcast recorded for today on this same topic. So, in reality, you get 2 for the price of 1 today! And, that price is simply some of your time.

Take this thought to heart and apply it to your everyday life. Expand on it. Make it personal.

But, whatever you do..."OPEN YOUR EYES" and see things differently than you have ever seen them before.

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

Mike

"Give More Than You Have To!"

GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Many people go through life doing ONLY what is expected of them and nothing more. They do this with their jobs and their relationships and then wonder why they are miserable.

Living this way is not really living! When once chooses to live their life this way, they may survive but they will NEVER thrive!

Now, I'm not sure about you - but I don't want to simply survive - I CHOOSE TO THRIVE!

And, one of the best ways to make this happen is to follow this simple little rule: "Give More Than You Have To!"

As my boys grew up and began to apply for and get jobs during the summer I always told them, "Always do more than is expected of you. Whatever the boss expects you to do - do more." I think it was good advice then and I think it is good - and sound - advice for each and every one of us today.

Do you want a happier relationship with your spouse? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Do you want a happier relationship with your friends and family? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Do you want a better relationship with your co-workers? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Do you want a better chance at a promotion and raise? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Get the point?

Don't settle for the idea, "What do I HAVE to do?" That is a negative mindset, in my opinion and one that needs to be removed from our lives!

Do you want to start a revolution in your life and in the lives of those around you? You guessed it - GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Yes, people will be shocked at first and wonder what you are up to! But, if you continue to practice this little rule and do it consistently - those around you will see that you are, indeed, for real in your quest to change your life and the lives of those around you!

Revolution? ABSOLUTELY!

A revolt against the status quo of "Do I HAVE to?"!

Isn't it time?

If your children simply go through school doing only what is necessary to pass, what will their future be? Here's what I mean...another example that I will use concerning my children. My wife and I always told them, "If a 'C' is the best you can do and you are working your hardest - that is GREAT! However, if you are capable of an 'A' and you are satisfied with a 'C' because it was easier - that is unacceptable!"

But, you know what? We need to set the example ourselves in our own lives.

PUT IT TO THE TEST! Try this for a week and see what happens! Don't cheat and skip a day - do it every single day for a week with EVERYONE that you come into contact with and see what happens.

I bet you'll end up smiling a little more and enjoy each day a whole lot more along the way as you GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

And, in so doing, you will also...

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

Mike

Go Ahead, Make My Day!

I've always loved that line spoken by Clint Eastwood from the "Dirty Harry" movie - and so have many others.

And, yet, it actually goes against everything that I have been promoting and talking about for these past eight months or so. We CANNOT wait for someone else - or something else - to make our day! It is up to US - you and me - to make that happen in our own lives. Don't you agree?

I mentioned on today's podcast about a sign I saw one morning while watching a small segment of one of the national morning network news shows. I had just watched my local weather and the programming came back to the "crew" standing outside with people behind the barricades holding up signs. You've seen what I'm talking about, right?

One particular man held up a sign that asked people to go to his blog and to tell him what they wanted him to do for that day.

WHAT????? Are you kidding me?

Now, I do understand that he is trying to get attention for his blog, but what a miserable way to live your life - waiting for others to tell you what they want you to do. Waiting on someone else go "make your day" instead of YOU choosing to LIVE your day!

It's easy for us to point our fingers at a situation like that. It's easy for us to say, "Wow, how silly is that!" But, it's not always so easy for us to look inward and realize that many of us are doing the exact same thing in our lives.

Yes, I understand that you likely have a boss. Yes, I understand that there are certain things that you HAVE to do in order to keep your job. Yes, I understand that it is important for you to keep your job. I really do understand all of this, but may I remind you of a few things?

Even if your job is drudgery and you hate it - you can be having a "happy party" on the inside! No, really - I mean it! You see, we may be "controlled" concerning our physical activities during the day while on the job - but our soul, spirit and mind are FREE!

And, the more you fill those "pieces" of your being with POSITIVE thoughts - the easier it is to make it through even the toughest days!

"They" cannot control your thoughts - those positive thoughts - that can keep a smile on your face even during the toughest parts of your day! "They" cannot control your thoughts knowing that you are working on bettering your life to the point that, one day, you will be able to walk away from this situation! "They" cannot control what you do to fill your life full of peace and joy once you are away from the job.

Remember..."Never give up. Never give in. Never surrender!"

Do not be broken to the point that you are just a "machine" going through the motions waiting for the next thing that you are told/directed to do.

Step out of those dark shadows and allow the sun to shine on your face for, YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!

No, that's not just a bunch of hype! I believe it to be 100% true!

Let me quickly share something personal that happened to me within the last hour. I just got off of a very frustrating phone call that really discouraged me concerning a project in which I am involved. Now -I HAVE A CHOICE! I can allow this to "burn" in me all day long and "ruin" my day OR I can CHOOSE to move on with my day and filter our the frustration with my POSITIVE deposits! I could even allow this to impact me to the point that I "quit" on this project and play the "blame game" as to why I did so.

However, I choose to move forward, committed to this project and the powerful things that I know it will bring to my life and the lives of others. IT'S A CHOICE!

It's YOUR choice!

So....Go ahead, make YOUR day!

And, as always...

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

Teachers, Churches, Organizations - RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR GROUP!

First of all, this is also available and potentially POWERFUL for individuals as well - all of this information applies to an individual just as it does groups...so think of the potential even for yourself.

But my focus on this note is for TEACHERS and the potential to raise money for their school or even just their classroom needs, for CHURCHES and the ability to raise money for their missions, youth group or ANY other such need and also for ANY ORGANIZATION (Lions, Kiwanis, etc.) to raise money for their causes.

This is something that you can do - AND IT'S ALL FREE! (Yup, that's right - free!)

I will attempt to tell you about this in my own words, but the best thing to do is to also take a look at my own BLASTOFF page and see for yourself what it is and how it looks, etc.

http://ppl.blastoffnetwork.com/mikespillman

Here's the basic idea:
When the time comes (mid-October) you can get a FREE Blastoff page under me and customize it to suit you and your personality. If you notice on the "mall" section, there are numerous merchants available for your shopping pleasure and also indicators of the % of "cash back" that they will send you. So, each time you buy from these merchants you will receive cash back. Pretty cool, huh?

"But I don't do any shopping on-line!"

Not a problem! Other people do, don't they? So, even if you don't do any shopping on-line, you get others to get their page from YOUR page - that way they are connected to you. And, for each one of those people that do so you will receive a % of every dollar that is spent. Even "cooler", huh?

Here's the kicker - for each person that gets their page from you, you get $$ on that person plus the next 9 that come from them. In other words, you get paid on people "10 deep". WOW!

And, this is true for EACH person that gets a page from you! For each one, you get paid on people "10 deep". Are the wheels in your head starting to turn yet?

TEACHERS, CHURCHES, ORGANIZATIONS, etc.....
You can do this for ANY group or cause. Let everyone know what you are doing and send them to your page and ask them to get their own BLASTOFF page from you and watch what happens!

This is what is called "viral"!!!!

"Oh, but I'd rather spend my money locally." Think about this - when all of these people with you shop on-line and you (as well as they) either get paid for themselves OR use this as a way to raise $$ for their particular group - WHERE IS THIS MONEY GOING TO BE SPENT?

LOCALLY! This is a true example of the global market impacting your local market!

Now, let's do some numbers just to help you see how this spreads. If you were to have ONLY 3 people get a BLASTOFF page under you (from your page) and each one of those 3 people had ONLY 3 people get their BLASTOFF page under them and this "3 people" model is consistent all the way down through 10 degrees under you, take a look at the number of people you end up with ......59,049!!!!!

I have no way to know how much money would come from that and I wouldn't even dare to suggest such. But here's the thing - IT'S FREE TO YOU so wouldn't ANY money that comes from this to you or your group be a BIG PLUS?

This is NOT a "get rich quick" scheme. I wouldn't even suggest it's a "get rich" idea at all. But, couldn't we ALL use some extra money in our pockets? Couldn't every teacher use some extra $$ for their classroom? Couldn't every church use a little extra $$ for their missions or youth or any other group that they have? Couldn't every civic organization use another way to bring in funds for the things that they support?

YES!

So, here's what you need to do:
1. Take a look at my BLASTOFF page from the link above if you haven't done so already
2. Think about the possibility for you and/or some group that you would love to support
3. Send me a note and tell me that you want to do this when it "opens up" for you (mid-October)
4. Start thinking about who all YOU want to get "on board" with you to help in whatever way you want to do this.

Why the delay? Why can't you sign up until mid-October?

---------------------------------------------
Because there is an exclusiveness to this right now and this is how I am already able to have my page up. Also, because I took advantage of this opportunity, my BLASTOFF group does not just go out 10 degrees...it goes out to 20 degrees on each person. Yup, you read that right!
Now, this is NOT required for anyone to participate! Please make sure you understand that! This next part is not for everyone - but it MAY be something you want to look at. On my BLASTOFF page, notice the right side notation about saving $177.
Between NOW and Wednesday, Sept. 30th - THIS TIME FRAME IS ABOUT UP - those interested in this opportunity talked about on this "notation" I pointed out to you can take advantage of this savings, get their BLASTOFF page NOW as well as get their extra 10 degrees on each person.
After that date, the opportunity will still be available, and that person can still get their BLASTOFF page before mid-October AND still get their extra 10 degrees on each person --- but it will cost them a lot more to do so!

So, especially on that part - if it is something that interests you - GET IN TOUCH WITH ME IMMEDIATELY!
--------------------------------------------

Then, those that have their exclusive BLASTOFF page will have until mid-October to tell as many people as possible about this and get people thinking about it. Once it's opened up in mid-October (12th) then there will be about a 2 week period where even YOU have a certain level of "exlusiveness" in getting people to get their page through you. How? At the end of October, BLASTOFF becomes available world-wide and many companies are lined up to use this explosive idea in their marketing plans. This means that ANYONE can get their own page by simply going on-line and signing up.

WHY NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CHANCE NOW?

I know I covered a lot - PLEASE contact me with ANY question(s) that you may have!

My wish is that this will be something very positive for you, your family and/or your group or organization!



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

Mike

WORK the Opportunity!

O.k.... recap -

We've talked about the fact that "Opportunity IS Knocking".
Then, we discussed the need to "SEE the Opportunity".
And, in our last podcast and blog we emphasized the need to "SEIZE the Opportunity".

Now, finally, we also want to discuss another step that is absolutely necessary in this process:

"WORK the Opportunity!"

Remember what Thomas Edison said about opportunity being overlooked because it comes dressed in overalls and appears as work?

We live in a society that seems to live by the idea of not having to do ANY work for ANY reason! This goes back to that idea I expressed in some of the past few blog entries about people waiting for opportunity to just climb up in their lap and drop all of the benefits of that opportunity right there in their lap!

It just doesn't happen that way! It WILL take work!

My goodness - just think about this -- even just getting up out of that easy chair to go answer the door when opportunity knocks! GET UP OUT OF THAT CHAIR!

People whine and complain about wanting jobs but then turn down jobs that come their way. Again, OPEN YOUR MIND and SEE the opportunity and then SEIZE that opportunity.

Once seized - WORK it and make it work for you!

We all must get past the "lottery mindset". You know what I mean, right? The idea that we can go in and lay down a few bucks, scratch off a few numbers and walk away rich. That rarely happens! And, again - that's just not reality!

This goes back to some of my earliest podcasts when I asked, "What Are YOUR Dreams Worth?" with the idea of putting effort into and behind our dreams and goals.

I remember when I was in college that our school's business team had a phrase that they would use - T.A.N.S.T.A.A.F.L. - and it was pronounced something like, "tan staffel". What did this acrostic stand for? "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" - and that is true, is it not?

Only YOU can take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. No one else can do it for you. It's YOUR choice!

What will you do with it? Will you see it? Will you seize it? And once seized, will you work it?

The choice is yours.


And, as always...

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


Mike

Four Steps to Happiness

Yes, right off let me say this - these are not THE only steps to happiness. However, these ARE four steps that you can follow to happiness.

Too, just like anything else - you must APPLY them in your life in order for them to have any impact on your life and happiness.

We have been discussing the question, "Can I still be happy even if I'm not living the life that I had envisioned?"

I have stated that the answer to that is "YES!" and now, today, I want to give some practical ways to apply that truth to your life.

Again, please don't let the simplicity fool you. Sometimes the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the SIMPLE! So, it's up to you - but discard the tendency to look at this and blow them off because of how obvious they appear and/or how simple they appear.

Before we do that - try to come up with some sort of definition as to WHAT IS HAPPINESS? Can you come up with a definition? What would make you happy? What (if anything) are you waiting for or who (if anyone) are you waiting on in order for you to be happy?

Stop waiting and decide NOW - TODAY - to be happy! Yes, it IS possible!

So, here we go:

FOUR STEPS TO HAPPINESS

1. FIND HAPPINESS WHERE YOU ARE - It's not always on the "other side". Be happy where you are and with what you have. Yes, be thankful even if things aren't "perfect" right now. Don't miss today wishing for improvement!

2. IF YOU ARE NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE - WORK ON IMPROVING YOUR LIFE! You can do this and #1 at the same time! We CAN be working on improving our lives and STILL be happy today while we are doing so! But, are you willing to put in the extra effort necessary to start moving forward in this desire? Don't let your current situation make you miserable! Go back to #1 and realize that happiness is a CHOICE - even if our life is not all that we had envisioned.

3. SHARE YOUR HAPPINESS AND DREAMS - Do this with someone that you can trust, someone that will encourage you, lift you up but also someone that will talk straight to you when you need it. It is a wonderful thing to share your dreams with someone else, but be careful when selecting the person with whom you decide to share these things. As we all know, there are many out there (yes, even friends and family) that will "rain on our parade" if we let them know of our dreams and desires. So, choose wisely and also be sure to choose someone that will talk straight to you when you need it. Don't just choose a "cheerleader"!

4. TAKE CARE OF TODAY - Be happy with today. Be happy with what you have today. Do all that you can to improve what your dream is. Share it with someone that will lift you up and talk straight to you. But realize that you won't accomplish it all today - it takes time - but still be moving toward your dreams and desires. Don't worry away today! Don't become so frustrated that you fail to enjoy today - that you fail to be HAPPY today!

Again, don't let the simplicity of these steps fool you - they are harder than you may think!

Think about them...apply them and, as always...

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

Mike

Can I Be Happy?

"Is it possible for me to be happy even if I'm not living the life I had envisioned?"

This is the question that we are addressing in today's podcast and in today's blog. We talked yesterday about the fact that life doesn't always bring us happy endings - regardless of how badly we wish it to be so!

We also have recently discussed the fact that there are many things that happen during our day (and our lives) that are out of our control and yet, at the same time, there are many things that we CAN control. The example I gave on the podcast was that of your boss coming to you and telling you that he/she wanted you to focus all of your attention on a project for the rest of the day and turn in a report by the afternoon.

Wait a minute! This is not what you had planned but...he/she is the boss and it is out of your control! HOWEVER, how you react to that IS within your control!

You can mope and pout and fuss and gripe and, likely, not put very much effort into the task that has interrupted your "planned day". What's that going to get you?

On the other hand, you can attack this new challenge in a positive way determined to do your best and to leave your "imprint" on a job well done!

IT'S YOUR CHOICE!

Are you living the life that you had envisioned a few years ago?

Some of you are - God bless you! You are likely living a very fulfilling and happy life because you are living the life of your dreams!

There are also some of you living the life that you envisioned but you have found that it is not quite what you thought it would be. Is it still possible for you to be happy?

Then there are many more of you that are NOT living the life that you have envisioned - life has taken you on a completely different course. Is it still possible for you to be happy?

I don't know what the numbers are, but I came across some statistics a few years ago that showed that the majority of people were not using the degree earned through college. They were doing something else that had nothing to do with their planned path in life.

Perhaps that is you! Is it still possible for you to be happy?

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS:

There is a fine line that is walked by people like me that want to encourage and push you to be the best that you can be. If we're all not careful (and this includes you as you read and listen) we can create such a state of uneasiness and frustration in our lives (due to the fact that we are not living out our dreams) that we can become miserable and spend countless years in this state.

YES, you should always stretch and do the BEST that you can do and not be afraid to reach for your dreams! YES, you should do everything you can to not "settle for less" and "demand more" of yourself and your life. (This is so important because so many people have given up on their dreams and just settle for a life of mediocrity).

HOWEVER, we must do all that we can TODAY to make sure that we are not so focused on our future that we forget to LIVE TODAY TO THE FULL and to make the BEST out of what we have TODAY!

Do you see what I mean?

By the way - I mention this on the podcast and I want to do so here as well. THIS message (today's and possibly the last couple and for sure tomorrow's) is one that is badly needed by our teens! The idea of "I'm not doing it if I'm not having fun" is exciting to think and dream about - but for the majority - it's not their reality. What then?

For example, in any "work from home opportunity" that you may involve yourself in - it is important to notice that those people that are used in their advertisements that are doing so well are in the top 2 - 3% of those involved in that business. Is it still possible for you to achieve that level of success? YES! But is it likely? NO!

"But, Mike - that is negative thinking!" No, not really. Please pay close attention to the point that I am trying to make today.

In the example just used, is it still possible for you to be happy and successful even if you are not in that top 2-3%? I think it is!

HERE'S THE KEY - What are you doing TODAY?

Remember, although there are things out of our control - there are many things that ARE within our control.

In tomorrow's podcast and blog I will discuss this idea of HOW we can be happy and successful in our lives even if we are not living the life that we had envisioned.

Until then - make the most of your TODAY and, as always, remember...

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

Mike

The Importance of Self-Analysis

If you don't have the book, "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill - GET IT! If you don't want to order it (you can get it free - just pay s/h - on my site www.FutureYouUniversity.com) then go to the library and check it out OR find a free downloadable version on the internet...JUST GET IT!

This is especially important as we get to this part of the book and you are asked to answer the "self-analysis questions" found toward the end of chapter 15. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

You see, we must decide how serious we really are about this whole idea of improving our lives. You know this as well as I - there are many people that SAY they are but are not willing to put any effort into making that happen. Bottom line...they can talk and say what they want - their actions betray them!

Doesn't that just seem impossible? Yet it happens every single day. You see it in people that complain that they cannot find a job even though the newspaper in front of them may be full of job openings. If you point that out to them they may say, "Oh, but it's not what I want to do. And, besides, it's not the kind of money I need to be making." Or maybe you hear them say something like, "You expect me to work there? Doing that?"

I understand that the job available may not be the job you had envisioned at this point in your life, but did you envision you being jobless at this point in your life? Isn't SOME money better than NO money? Do you not realize that just getting out of the house and doing SOMETHING makes a HUGE impact on your attitude?

Anyway, the same thing can be said of those of us that say we want to improve our attitudes and mindset. We want to be "on board" at increasing the amount of POSITIVE thoughts in our lives and decreasing the amount of NEGATIVE thoughts at the same time.

But, we don't have time to read that article or listen to that podcast.

Oh sure, I get behind (I'm still a month behind on my Success magazine) but I continually work on making sure I am filling my mind with "good stuff" in this area!

But are you also willing to spend a day considering and answering the questions found in the pages of this classic book? Yes, I said a day!

Don't just skim through it and answer the questions without much thought. Take the time - IF you are serious about improving your life - to really consider your answers..and be honest with yourself in doing so!

For example, there are a cluster of questions that ask us to look at our friends and our relationships. Many people do not realize the impact that their friends have on their attitudes and outlook in life. Do you?

So, beyond just ANSWERING the questions we must also consider whether or not we are willing to TAKE ACTION on what we find.

That, my friend, is up to you. All along you have heard/seen me say that no one else can do this for you. I - along with others - can give you as much good, positive material and information as possible...but it is up to YOU as to what you choose to do with it (if anything).

So...if you don't have the book - GET THE BOOK (this is a good indicator of how serious you really are) and go through the self-analysis questions and see what you find out about yourself.

As always, I welcome any and all comments! Feel free to email me at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

And, until tomorrow...

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

Mike

Introduction to "Fighting Fear"

In today's podcast I continue on to the last part of the Napoleon Hill classic, "Think & Grow Rich" in which he discusses "How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear".

As I mention in the podcast, although this is still part of this book and these thoughts connect with everything else that Mr. Hill discussed in his book, I am approaching this as a separate discussion for us. Yes, as I said, these things tie in directly to the discussion of this book BUT they also are such a vital thing for us to discuss in every area of our lives.

I mentioned that I had been sent a new acrostic for the word FEAR which put a positive twist on this word. AWESOME! However, for a definition of the word I still cannot come up with anything better than. F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real).

Do you realize that the majority of the things that we fear - that we are afraid of - never come to be? A majority of these things never happen!

Too, do you realize that the very fact that we focus so much time and energy on something we fear may very well bring that thing we fear to reality - DUE TO THE ENERGY AND FOCUS WE HAVE GIVEN?

We fear the unknown! "What if?"
- WHAT IF I try to do this and I fail?
- WHAT IF I fail and I lose my house?
- WHAT IF I fail and I lose my job?
- WHAT IF I fail and I go broke?
- WHAT IF I open my heart up to this person and they don't reciprocate?
- WHAT IF I give my heart to this person and they break it?

You know enough about me by now to know that I LOVE the "What if?" question - but in a different way. Let me demonstrate:
- WHAT IF I try to do this and I succeed?
- WHAT IF I succeed and pay off my house early?
- WHAT IF I succeed and I can leave my job and pursue what I want to do?
- WHAT IF I succeed and I gain wealth beyond my wildest dreams?
- WHAT IF I open my heart up to this person and they DO reciprocate?
- WHAT IF I give my heart to this person and my heart if filled with joy beyond compare?

Napoleon Hill even gives a formula that I think is very powerful and a MUST for us to notice as we talk about the "ghosts of fear". Here it is:

INDECISION + DOUBT = FEAR

Wow! Take a close look at that one! Mr. Hill says that indecision is the seedling of doubt and that doubt will grow into fear. Please take a very close and personal look at that and realize how true it is in our own lives!

I make a bold statement in today's podcast. I state that, between Napoleon Hill and I, we will HELP YOU conquer the fear in your life! But here is the unsaid factor....IF you let us.

This is going to be a POWERFUL discussion and I hope you will plan to join me for each and every one as we begin the process of learning to "outwit the six ghosts of fear".

And, as always...

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

Mike

The Importance of PERSISTENCE!

This is the title of today's podcast as we begin our discussion on chapter 8 of Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich".

As we discussed "DECISION" from the last chapter, I stated that "decision" was likely the most important step of the whole process. We can make all of the plans in the world but, if we are unable to put those plans into ACTION through a DECISION, then it is all for nothing.

I'm not sure that this next step is "as important" as DECISION, but, even once we make a decision if we do not have the PERSISTENCE to stick with it and see it through, then even the decision to take action is all for nothing. Make sense?

Persistence is something we ALL need EVERY DAY, isn't it? We can look at all areas of our lives and see the need and the practice of PERSISTENCE!

Do you work? Do you get up and go to work? Sometimes, it takes PERSISTENCE to do so, doesn't it? What about those days when you don't WANT to get up? If you are determined/persistent in the thought and plan of keeping your job - you get up and go, don't you?

Are your children persistent? HELLO? Sure they are! And so were you and I when we were younger - we didn't give up on ideas or on asking our parents about or for something, did we? Or, at least we didn't give up easily!

WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT?

We ended the podcast with the discovery that PERSISTENCE is something that can be DEVELOPED! This gives us all hope!

So, think about the need for persistence in your life and then join in as I discuss this thought further on the podcast for Tuesday.

And, as always....

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

Mike