Growing Opportunities (Part 3)

Career Opportunities

 

I'm always amazed at how many young people get so selective when looking for a summer job. It "boggles my mind" when I hear a young person say, "But I don't WANT to work at a fast food restaurant!" or "I don't WANT to mow yards!".

Even worse? An adult that will say pretty much the same thing while whining and complaining about not having a job.

OPPORTUNITIES come across our path each and every day. Sometimes they are BIG opportunities but, often, they are smaller opportunities that many of us either ignore or never pay attention to in the first place.

This seems to be true in this area of job or career opportunities. Just like I mentioned in the last article concerning how too many are waiting for the lottery jackpot to fall into their lap, so it is with too many waiting for their "dream job" to suddenly appear.

Remember, small opportunities can grow into big opportunities over time. (If you haven't read the last couple of articles, you really need to do that in order to be "on the same page" with me as I continue those thoughts in today's article).

Do a little research and find out how many people at the TOP of some companies began their journey at the very BOTTOM of that same company. They started "small", stuck with it and worked hard as they worded their way UP into a "larger" and better opportunity.

You never know what can come out of an opportunity to work. So what if it's not your "dream" job? You never know WHO you may meet along the way of working a job and you never know where that particular job may take you. You may find your "dream" job WITHIN this company by starting off with a "smaller" job opportunity.

We want it all NOW!

It's very similar to young couples getting married and wanting to move into a big house with nice furniture, etc. just like their parents had when they grew up. They don't realize that their parents worked YEARS to gain those things.

We live in an "instant" society and it spills over into our idea of work and employment.

GROW those opportunities that come your way! Don't ignore them and don't let them pass you by!

20/20 hindsight kicks me often about such situations. But, I can't go back - YOU can't go back - and relive the past. I (and you) must learn from the mistake of letting opportunities pass us by and be DETERMINED to not let that happen again.

The only way that happens is to KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN for those opportunities. I think they cross our path more often than we realize.

See what happens when you allow yourself to do what it takes to GROW those opportunities. I think you may very well surprise yourself!

And, as you watch, apply and grow them, always be sure to...

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

Mike

*If you have ANY problems with ANY of these links, please let me know: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

 

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Growing Opportunities - Part 2

Financial Opportunity - Part 2

 

 

You know what the "snowball effect" is, right?

 

The idea that a snowball, rolling downhill, gets more and more snow attached to it so that, when it reaches the bottom of the hill, it has increased in size dramatically.

We'll apply that to jobs and careers in the next article but, for today, we're going to apply the SNOWBALL EFFECT to opportunities with MONEY.

We ended the last article talking about people complaining that they don't have enough money or that they have no way to pay off debt or save any money for the future.

In RARE instances, that may be true. But I'm talking RARE.

More than likely you do not fit into that category and you DO have ways to pay off debt AND save money for the future.

The #1 thing you must do with this is to TAKE AN HONEST ACCOUNT of what is going on with your money. Notice that I said, "honest". Hey, listen, you can lie to yourself if you want but, friend, it's not going to help you and it's not going to change your situation. As a matter of fact, your situation will likely worsen due to your lack of honesty in this area.

*Ouch!*

Hey, it's time to get real here! You MUST be honest when looking at your money and where it is going. "Disappearing" is probably more like what seems to be happening, right?

Again, first and foremost you MUST stop paying money to everyone else (along with the high interest rates) through credit card payments, car payments, furniture rental, etc. No, I don't mean just stop paying. Get this debt paid off as quickly as possible so that you don't HAVE to pay!

"But Mike, how do I do that? I'm broke!"

Sure, you can go get another job but, friend, that's not really going to change anything because you will spend or waste that money as well. THAT'S A FACT! Yes, I do understand that there are SOME exceptions and that SOME people would actually apply that extra money the way that needs to be done. But, honestly, that likely is not you!

What can you do - TODAY - to save money that will not require you to work extra time or at an extra job?

1. STOP SMOKING! The average price of a pack (1 pack!) of cigarettes in the United States is $5.51 per pack. In a week, at ONLY 1 pack/day (I emphasize only because most smoke MORE than 1 pack per day) that comes up to $38.75 and, in a month, it comes up to a little over $150.  Oh, and in a year, just by smoking 1 pack of cigarettes a day, you have watched a little over $2,000 go up in smoke!

2. STOP EATING OUT SO MUCH! Oh, I know, I know...you're rushed and you HAVE to do that. No, you don't! I'm not saying that you have to stop eating out completely but, c'mon, how serious are you about this whole money thing? OPPORTUNITY is right in front of your face when you consider how much $$ you spend eating out over the course of a week. YOU do the math!

3. JUNK FOOD! Add it up yourself and see how much of your overall grocery bill is junk (chips, cookies and other sweets, soda, etc). Do you have to cut them out completely? No, but, I can almost promise you that you can cut out at least 90% of it right now.

I could go on and on on things that you could cut out of your budget. I haven't even started on your entertainment costs and how much you're paying just to watch television. But, hey, you might want to take a look at that as well.

All of those "small" things SNOWBALL into BIG EXPENSE for your wallet and, a lot of those listed also create a BIG EXPENSE on your health!

If you would do even those 3 things listed (or, if you don't smoke....find something else to replace it, like alcohol or the entertainment I mentioned), you will see how much extra money you will have to start applying toward some of your debt! And, all without having to get another job.

Small opportunities GROWING (the "snowball effect") into BIGGER opportunities!

What if you could do something and bring in just an extra $10 per week. Believe it or not, most people won't even consider something like that because "it's ONLY $10 per week".  But, listen, that extra $10 per week (without any kind of interest added to it) turns into an extra $40 per month, $520 per year and, after 5 years, it will bring you an extra $2,600!!

 

Small things that, done consistently, can and WILL become BIG things due to the "snowball effect" with your finances.

 

As always, this is up to YOU to make happen. It's not easy but, friend, if you are always short of money and have a lot of debt, consider it a NECESSITY.

 

Next, we apply this "snowball effect" to job opportunities.

 

Until then, always be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

(Note: if at any time, ANY of the links below do not work, be sure to contact me at mike@futureyouuniversity.com )

 

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Can You Dig It?

Say what?

Now, hang with me on this, o.k.? Don't run off if you don't love your job! Give me a chance.

My guess is that MOST of you (if not all of you) are actually NOT doing what you love most - your dream job or the thing that you are most passionate about, right?

So, is it the end of the world? THAT'S UP TO YOU!

YES, you should be working toward the day when you can do what you LOVE most! Work for the day that you can live your PASSION instead of just "working your job".

But, until then, even if you are not doing what you love most is it possible for you to learn to love what you are doing?

Huh?

Stay with me here, it's not really that far of a leap.

You can either go through the whole day "hating your job" OR you can learn to adjust your mental attitude, your positive mindset/attitude in a way that enables you to actually learn to LOVE what you do. WHATEVER you do!

Think about it.

You can dread the start of the day because you HATE your job! You can go through the course of the day focused on the fact that you HATE your job! You can end your day with a big sigh of relief that you are finally done with another day at the job that you HATE! Then, not long before you go to bed you dread the fact that you have to get up and go back to work because you HATE your job!

Wow, doesn't THAT sound like fun? Some of you are saying, "You just described my life."

Sad.

I'm here to tell you that it IS possible to turn things around to where you can actually LOOK FORWARD TO your day and learn to LOVE what you are doing!

But, it is up to you and your desire to improve your life day by day.

This, my friend, is a MAJOR mind adjustment but it is one that you CAN accomplish IF you set your mind to it!

Choice A: hating your whole day OR Choice B: learning to find purpose and challenge which will cause you to actually look forward to your day.

Wow. Doesn't really look like much of a choice to me!

Think about it. Brainstorm on it and see what you can come up with.

C'mon - I CHALLENGE you to send me a message and tell me why you CAN'T learn to do this.

Come back tomorrow as we wrap this series up and, until then...

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

Mike

www.MichaelSpillman.com

What ARE You Doing?

Well?

Before we get to you trying to answer that question let's do a quick review from yesterday. First of all, if you haven't done so be sure to check out the video on my Facebook fan page about the janitor that is also a millionaire.

Now then...what were your answers from yesterday? The questions were: "If money were not an issue, what would you be doing?" and "If you're NOT doing that, why aren't you?"

NOW, you can go back to that one word question below the picture....well?

Once you watch the video you understand that the man in the story was ALREADY doing what he loved BEFORE he won the state lottery. Why is that so easy to understand?

BECAUSE HE KEPT WORKING AS THE JANITOR EVEN AFTER HE WON THE LOTTERY!

That's one sure way to tell! In the video he talks about how his wife tells him that he really doesn't have to work - and she's right! The man is a millionaire! However, he has a different "take" on his work and tells his wife, "Yes, I do."

WHY? Because he LOVES what he does and he has a GOAL and a PURPOSE in what he does.

Now, let's get back to us...you and me. What about it?

Do you LOVE what you do? Do you have a GOAL and a PURPOSE in what you are doing?

Honestly, I'd say that the majority of people would answer "no" to all three parts of the two questions in the above sentence.

Is it possible to have a goal and a purpose with what YOU are doing right now?

Only you can answer that for sure, but.... join me tomorrow as we take a closer look at this POWERFUL POSSIBILITY for your own life!

Until then...

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

Mike

www.MichaelSpillman.com

Life's LITERAL Pattern

Life's LITERAL Pattern

In yesterday's discussion we talked about different "patterns" that we all have in our lives. Hey, how many did YOU come up with in your own life?

I'm sure you have already figured the connection to this discussion by looking at the picture combined with the title of today's article. There are "general" patterns that we can observe all around us each and every day and then there is the very specific and LITERAL "pattern of life" shown on an EKG readout.

Notice the pattern has "ups" and it also has "downs". Should we be concerned because there are "downs" in this pattern? Should we get frustrated, discouraged and/or depressed because of these down "ticks" in this wave pattern?

Of course not! Hey, as long as it keeps moving up and down we're happy, right? Why?

BECAUSE AS LONG AS IT KEEPS MOVING IT IS EVIDENCE THAT WE ARE STILL ALIVE!

Now, please believe me when I say that I understand that all of this sounds a bit cliche, o.k.? But, whether it sounds that way or not really has nothing to do with the fact that it is TRUE!

The "ups and downs" that we all experience in our lives simply PROVES that we are ALIVE and participating in this "ride" that we call LIFE!

Life is not always FAIR and it is not always FUN. Somewhere along the way we bought into this myth and, for many, this false expectation about life has brought a lot of disappointment into their lives.

Even those that we might perceive of living a "dream life" deal with "ups and downs" in their lives. But, many times, there is a difference that we may not see.

What is it?

THEY HAVE LEARNED THIS SECRET ABOUT " UPS AND DOWNS" - they are a PART of LIFE itself and, like we have already discusses, they come AND go!

Many of these people view life just as they do the stock market. They do not "freak out" when the stock market takes a "dip" or even a "dive". Why? Because they prepared themselves for the long haul and they know that it will rebound.

Others are ready to jump out of a window while those that have prepared simply watch and wait for the pattern to continue.

Really think about that and let it sink in - it could make a major change in your approach to life.

Come back tomorrow and we'll continue this discussion of "Life's Patterns" and what it means to each of us.

And, until then...

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

Mike

www.MichaelSpillman.com

RELATIONSHIPS: In the Workplace II

"RELATIONSHIPS: In the Workplace II"

Before I get going on today's entry let me clarify that when I talk about your "boss" I am referring to that person that tells you what you need to do at your workplace each day. It may be a "manager" or "supervisor" but, regardless, they are YOUR boss.

How many of you LIKE your boss?

How many of you DISLIKE your boss?

Of those of you that DISLIKE your boss, how many of you would also say - honestly - that you don't put 100% into your efforts on the job BECAUSE OF your dislike for your boss? You know what I mean, right? It's the kind of attitude that says, "Why should I do that for you? I'm not going to do anything more than I absolutely have to!"

Now, an even more important question that you need to address: "How is that attitude helping you in ANY way whatsoever?"

Does it make you feel better? I can answer that for you - "NO!" Oh, you may THINK it makes you feel better but I can promise you that this "relationship" (as it stands) eats at you each and every day.

Is it IMPROVING your positive mindset? Again, an easy answer - "NO!"

So...what's the point?

What if I could tell you a way that will not only change the way you approach each work day BUT may very well lead to a promotion and/or better job for yourself?

Here it is: Do EVERYTHING you can to make your BOSS look as good as possible!

O.k. after you pick yourself up off of the floor I'll continue. Are you back with me now?

Doesn't that just go against everything that seems to make sense in the workplace?

But really take a close look at this idea. Again, how is the other approach working out for you?

When you decide that you are going to approach each day with the idea of doing the BEST job possible (hey, listen, don't roll your eyes - it really is an important step to take!) then you begin to LOOK FORWARD TO the day as opposed to DREADING the day.

When you begin to focus on making your boss look good, guess what? YOU will begin to be noticed and YOU will "look good" as well. Your boss (even if he/she IS a jerk) will begin to realize how invaluable you are to them and they will do all they can to keep you working for them.

THEN, other department managers will begin to notice what you are doing and then THEY will want to get you to work with/for them!

My wife is currently working a part time job that is nothing special. It's just a basic part time job that a lot of people fuss and gripe about. But, guess what? As she usually does, she has approached each day as a chance to make people smile and to just simply do the best she can. She has only been working at this job for two weeks and she has already had one manager tell her that "word" about her has already spread around the store and that all the managers are wanting her to work in their department.

IN JUST TWO WEEKS!

Now, you tell me, how can that be anything BUT good?

Now, even though YOUR immediate manager may want to keep you where you are so that you can continue to make them look good, THEIR manager will notice what you are doing and realize that it would be silly to keep you at that level and will likely want to promote you to a higher level in order to take better advantage of your work habit and attitude.

YES, THIS CAN BE REAL AND IT CAN HAPPEN FOR YOU!

But, first and foremost, you MUST change your attitude on all of this.

And then, quite honestly, the sky is the limit for you.

Hey, why not try it? Honestly, what do you have to lose?

BE YOUR BEST and see if THE BEST doesn't start happening to and for you!

Until next time...

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

Mike

http://www.michaelspillman.com/

RELLATIONSHIPS: In the Workplace

"RELATIONSHIPS: In the Workplace"

(access the audio/video version of this topic at: http://www.michaelspillman.com/)

First of all, just as I did on the podcast for today, let me clarify that I am NOT any type of "relationship expert". Quite honestly, I am not sure that there really IS such a thing and I challenge such a "title".

Anyway, I simply am sharing what I feel and think about these things based on my own personal experiences as well as my own observations. Again, we ALL have relationships so this is something that, hopefully, we can all relate to as we discuss these thoughts and ideas together.

Relationships... we all have them, they are "ours" and we put our "relational fingerprint" on each and every person that we come into contact with each and every day.

We have been talking about those "outer ridge" type of relationships that we all have (waiter, waitress, parking attendant, etc.) and how we are perceived by these people (perhaps the "real" us?) and how we treat those at this level of our relationships impacts ALL of our relationships.

Today, we move in one layer in our "relationship circle" and move into those relationships that we have at the workplace.

You may be saying, "WHAT relationships at my workplace? I try to do everything I can NOT to have relationships at my workplace!" That may be true but, whether you want them or not, they DO exist!

Think about this - the very fact that we spend so much time with these relationships (whether we want to or not) will DEFINITELY cause there to be an influence on our other relationships. What do I mean by that?

How many times have you either experienced this or you have heard other people talk about this experience - you come home from work (or someone else in your household comes home from work) in a rotten and stinky mood because of what has taken place WHILE AT work?

See what I mean?

We have had this basic discussion many times before but, the fact is simply this: YOU allow others to "push your buttons" and cause you to be in a bad mood. It's up to you whether or not you will turn this power over to those around you.

Easier said than done? YES! Will you be 100% successful in this each and every day? NOT LIKELY! But that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to improve in this area, wouldn't you agree?

Many times we fall into the trap of joining in with our coworkers when they begin to whine and complain about the job and/or the boss. Whine, whine, whine.

"Would you like some CHEESE with that whine?"

First and foremost - BE THANKFUL THAT YOU HAVE A JOB! Now, I understand that it may not be what you want to do for the rest of your life and I understand it may not be the BEST situation in the world. But, be THANKFUL!

CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE!

That's right. You have a CHOICE in how you approach each day and it is up to YOU to follow through with that choice. It's all up to YOU and no one else.

It's up to you how you relate with your coworkers and if you will allow them to "suck you down" with the negativity" or if you will take a different path and challenge them (by your actions) to rise above that poison and up to something better.

And, it's up to you as to how you relate to any of the bosses you have ahead of you. I mention this on the podcast for today and I want to leave it with you today so that you can run it through your brain a few times before our next discussion. (By the way, I mistakenly said we'd talk about this "tomorrow" on the podcast forgetting that "tomorrow" is FUN FRIDAY. So, it will be Monday before we get back to this.)

What would happen if you decided to do EVERYTHING YOU COULD to make your boss look as GOOD AS THEY COULD?

Think about that and join me again for part 2 of this discussion on our relationships in the workplace.

Until next time...

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

Mike

www.MichaelSpillman.com

"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

Purpose + Passion

Wow! What a POWERFUL equation!

We've already talked about our PURPOSE in life and that each of us needs to understand that, indeed, we were put here on PURPOSE and FOR a purpose - not by accident!

We also have talked about how, generally speaking, we are all here for the same purpose - helping each other along the way. Service - doing for others without expecting something in return.

Yesterday we talked about how EXCITING our lives can be when, understanding this purpose, we begin to live our lives ON purpose! I hope that hasn't confused you with the way I've worded that. I expounded on it quite a bit in the podcast and in yesterday's blog entry so that, hopefully, you would follow what I was saying about that.

Bottom line is this: REGARDLESS of your job, your pay scale, your educational level and any other factors that you may want to throw in there - YOU have the ability TODAY to approach your day/life with the intention (on PURPOSE) of putting your PURPOSE (service) into place NOW!

This breathes new breath into each day, doesn't it? It should!

This can also bring a sense of FUN into our lives as we seek out ways to serve others and especially when we can do so without their knowing who was responsible.

Now, for some of you, the words "excitement" and "fun" seem like foreign words when used in conjunction to your work. But that no longer needs to be true!

Start an epidemic! YOU can be responsible for impacting YOUR workplace in a powerful and positive way and, in so doing, impact YOUR LIFE in the same way.

On PURPOSE and FULL of purpose!

So, what does this mean as far as your "specific" purpose in life.

I can't answer that for you. That's not a "cop out" - it's a fact.

You've read it and heard it many times before, though - follow your PASSION and try to find a way to have that PASSION serve as your life's work and the way to support you and your family financially.

But, again, even RIGHT NOW, you can bring a new passion to your work! You don't have to wait until you discover the ultimate way to make this happen in your life. It can begin - to some extent - in your life RIGHT NOW!

Try it, you'll like it and you'll like it a LOT!

Now, if you're already doing what you love - your passion - then add this ingredient of PURPOSE to the mix and see what happens.

As I mentioned in my podcast, there is nothing wrong with having great wealth for that great wealth can allow you to SERVE in a much larger way and on a larger scale than you could do without that wealth. WILL YOU? ARE YOU?

Yes, there are some that have wealth that focus all of their thoughts on themselves - but there are many out there that understand this "purpose" and are doing great things.

PURPOSE + PASSION is an unstoppable force for good!

Are you getting excited yet? I'm about to jump out of my skin here! I really am!

This quote that I used earlier in the week still rings in my ears. Consider it one more time with me today:

"One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one's life has meaning, that one is needed in this world." - HANNAH SENESH

Friend, once we begin to live our lives KNOWING that our life has meaning and that we are, indeed, NEEDED in this world - we are living a life of our dreams.

Purpose + Passion = Life Worth Living

Think about it. Begin living it and sharing it (your purpose) TODAY and, as you do so...

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

Mike

Talk to OTHERS Affirmatively Every Day!

Twelve "Do's and Don'ts" For Living a Positive Life


1. Make Enthusiasm A Daily Habit!
2. Don't Allow Negative People to Determine Your Self-Worth!
3. Get Into The Habit of Talking to Yourself Affirmatively!

4. Get Into the Habit of Talking to Others With an Affirmative, Positive Vocabulary!

I want you to take a close look at today's topic combined with number 3 that we covered yesterday. By doing BOTH of these DAILY - "habit" - the we are conditioning ourselves to constantly be talking in a positive and "affirmative" way!

We are building up an "immunity" against the dangerous, negative influences that are all around us each and every day - THINK ABOUT THAT! In today's podcast I use the image of putting up a protective, invisible force field that will not allow this negativity to penetrate and get to us.

And, while doing this, we are helping to do what is talked about in the second point - not allowing negative people to determine our self-worth!

You see, by talking to ourselves AND others affirmatively (in the "yes!") on a daily basis, so that it becomes a habit, we are preventing the negative influences from having as much - if any - impact on our lives!

THIS IS POWERFUL so don't skip out on this - don't skip over it or discount it!

IF you are serious, IF you are determined to MOVE ON toward your goals and dreams then you must understand that this is an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY!

Too, by talking to others in this way it helps us to stop focusing on what MIGHT be "wrong" with others or what we may not "like" about others and it will help us to focus on what is RIGHT and GOOD with all of those around us.

I've shared stories with you about how my wife has been determined in some of her work environments not to allow the negative people to have ANY power over her. As a matter of fact, her plan of action - ATTACK? - was to do all she could to turn the tables on them and basically make it impossible for them not to smile! AWESOME!

Try it - see what happens.

Determine RIGHT NOW that you are NOT going to say ANYTHING negative about ANYONE today and DO NOT budge on this! This means you will likely have to separate yourself from negative conversations so that you won't follow the temptation to join in.

Try it and give it your best shot!

And then, try it again tomorrow.

Daily.

Until it becomes a habit and you don't even have to think about it.

You'll be glad you did!

And, as you do so...

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

Mike

Don't Allow Negative People to Determine Your Self-Worth!

Twelve "Do's and Don'ts" For Living a Positive Life

1. Make Enthusiasm A Daily Habit!

2. Don't Allow Negative People to Determine Your Self-Worth!

Yes, I know you've heard very similar things to this before if you've listened to me for very long. As a matter of fact, if you've listened to ANYONE in the area of personal development or read much of anything in this area, you've seen it/read it before.

But, the question is - how are you doing with that?

I'm not really sure what it is about us but we tend to pay attention - for whatever reason - to those negative people that feel that it is their duty to dump their negativity on us. I've shared with you before that I can have 100 people pat me on the back and tell me I've done a good job and have ONE say something negative and I'll linger on that one.

WHY?

Again, I'm not sure but I'm going to do all I can to encourage you to rid that from your life (as I do the same in mine)!

When you really think about it, why should we even listen to ANYTHING these negative people have to say? Seriously! Think about that!

When someone "feeds" on being negative then anything that they have to say is going to be fueled by their negative mindset. You really can't take what they say about anything and put any validity to it. If they give you their opinion about a doctor or a restaurant or even a movie...why would you take what they say as having any value?

If you haven't noticed this before - notice it now: Negative people will spew their negative poison on ANYONE that will allow them to do so!

Notice the word, "allow"!

(By the way, let me say again that, if you haven't listened to the podcast - you need to! So far the thoughts I'm sharing in the blog are similar but yet very different!)

We all need to understand that we OWN our space - our physical space as well as our emotional and spiritual space. And, since we own this space it is up to us - it is our RIGHT - to protect our space from these negative influences!

When we "allow" these negative people to dump their garbage into our space/life, then we are surrendering our ownership to them - think about that!

It's as if we are saying, "You need somewhere to dump your garbage? Yes, I know it's full of rotten food, trash and even raw sewage, but hey, it's no big deal - bring it right on over and dump it right here in my lap!"

None of us would allow that to actually happen, would we? So then why do we allow this to take place day after day in our emotional and spiritual lives?

Whether we realize it or not, we are allow these negative people to determine our self-worth even by allowing them to dump this in our lives. Again, we have surrendered our "ownership" and basically said that our lives aren't that important anyway so it's o.k. to dump that crap in our laps!

Am I getting to you yet? Are you starting to get a little angry? Are you seeing what I'm saying here?

THIS MUST STOP!

Well, it must IF you want to keep moving in a positive direction. This has to stop IF you plan to take positive steps on your journey. This must stop IF you value who you are and you realize that, indeed, you ARE someone special!

Again, in the podcast, I talk about other ways that we can prevent these negative people from determining our self-worth - so be sure to listen to it! BUT, as far as what you are reading here I want to encourage you to put THIS into action TODAY - RIGHT NOW!

"But they're my friends!"

Really? Perhaps it times to consider making some new friends! Perhaps this is one of the reasons you are struggling with making progress with your goals and dreams! Perhaps you have not yet accepted the first of my 7 daily affirmations that you are somebody SPECIAL and, because of that, YOU DESERVE BETTER!

Again, just like making enthusiasm a daily habit - it's a choice and the choice is YOURS!

You can either continue to have this negative garbage dumped on you day after day OR you can make a decision and not allow it any longer.

How? Listen to the podcast, but here is a quick run-down on my suggestions:

1. Remove yourself from the situation if at all possible - even if temporarily. Even if at work, if possible, get up and go do something else somewhere else.

2. Sooner or later you WILL have to do this - CHANGE THE CONVERSATION by talking in a positive way and refuse to give in! Refuse to allow the negative to come into your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual space. IT IS YOUR SPACE - remember?

Yes, sooner or later you may even have to sit down with this person (these people) and tell them straight out that you will not allow this in your life. If they would like to continue to be a part of your life then they need to respect that. If not- it's time for a change!

Yes, sometimes it IS that drastic IF you are THAT serious about the ownership of your life, hopes, dreams and goals.

It's up to you.

This, again, is but one of many ways to do what I say at the end of every article and podcast...

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

Mike

LIVING Your Best By GIVING Your Best!

LIVING Your Best By GIVING Your Best!

How have you done with the self-examination that has been a part of this short, 2-part discussion? If you're not sure what I'm talking about then be sure to go back and listen to the podcast from yesterday as well as today and also be sure to read the blog entry from yesterday on this topic.

Simply put, many of us get caught up in the negative influences that surround us and we end up giving anything BUT our best in many - if not all - areas of our life!

Now, remember that I have encouraged you to always listen to the podcast AND read the blog, right? Why? Because what I write here is many times similar - yet different - than what I discussed on the podcast. This will likely be the case today as my mind is running in a different direction this morning as I type this!

You see, here's the thing - when you really think about it, the reason many of us DON'T give our best - 100% - is due to the negative influences around us! Really think about it and see if you don't agree. At your job - what's the general attitude with those that you are around during the day? What kind of attitudes are exhibited about a good relationship with those that you spend time with? Do THEY have a good relationship or are they always griping and complaining about theirs?

I want to use the steps we just got through discussing in our recent series on making wise or stupid decisions and see if we can't apply these principles here as well.

First of all, let's consider the foundational principle of "mapping out our future" and determining what we want our lives to look like! This can ALSO apply in this situation!

Instead of griping and complaining and giving a sub-par performance (at work or in your relationships) why not look and consider what you'd LIKE it to look like? Picture it! Imagine it! Visualize it! And then, instead of listening and being influenced by the negative influences around you - LIVE IT! Decide NOW to go for what you WANT your life to be and not what you have SETTLED for your life to become! That's a BIG difference - wouldn't you say?

Step 1: WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO? - Wow, this plays a BIG role in this scenario as well! Just like we talked about in the discussion of making wise decisions the same is true for us in this situation - you WILL become like those that you spend your time with! If you are spending your time with people that whine, complain and put out "half-effort" at best then, guess what? That's what you will do as well!

Now, step back and look at this picture for a moment. Really, try to picture yourself actually stepping back from this environment and picture those people and the atmosphere that is prevalent - DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT? Do YOU want to become like one of THEM?

I hope not! But you WILL if you continue to allow this negative influence in your life!

Now, let's go to the same principle (who are you listening to?) in relation to those we spend time with in connection to our relationships. Is it the same group of people? If so, I can already tell you that all they do is gripe and complain about their spouses and/or their family. Am I right? I can tell you already that I am right about this!

How do I know? NEGATIVE PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BE NEGATIVE!

Do you spend time with other people after work before going home? Why and who is it with? What kind of attitude do THEY have about their own relationship? What kind of advice might they give you concerning YOUR relationship?

Do you REALLY want to be taking advice or allowing this person to influence you in YOUR relationship? Again, I hope not!

You MUST shake these people off! I'm serious!

You CAN NOT allow these influences in your life! Yes, I know that if you work with them that you cannot totally separate yourself from them BUT you CAN limit the amount of "chit chat" time that you spend with them.

THIS IS A MUST!

Why should you allow others to determine your mindset and attitude toward your job and your family and/or other relationships?

If you have set out your map and you know where you want to go and you know what you want your life to look like then you MUST take control of your mindset!

Do not allow this negative influence to continue! You may want to try to change the subject and talk positive for a change - see what happens!

Instead of spending that time at the bar with that negative person who knows NOTHING about how to have a positive and healthy relationship - GO HOME and work on giving your best in that relationship!

You can only LIVE your best when you GIVE your best!

How can you feel good about your life otherwise? I don't believe you can! I know I don't feel good about my day if I feel like I have wasted it in any way - do you?

Now, let me once again clarify something that I said on the podcast that I don't want anyone to misunderstand. I suggested - and suggest here as well - that if you want your relationship with your spouse to improve - GIVE MORE! See what happens when you decide to give! ---- Here's the deal. Again, I KNOW that in some relationships one gives and gives and gives while the other does nothing but take. I understand that and I'm not talking about that type of situation - PLEASE HEAR ME ON THAT!

Here is what I mean though - for many of us in our lives and in all areas of our lives (work and home) we have become TAKERS and not GIVERS!

Do you remember one of my 7 Daily Affirmations being, "I am a GIVER not a TAKER!" ?

We have become a society that seems to think that everyone OWES us. And, with that thought in mind, we will sit back and wait to be served and then, MAYBE, we'll do something in return.

We have gotten this way in our jobs and we have gotten this way in our relationships and we MUST turn this around and become GIVERS instead of TAKERS!

LIVE your best by GIVING your best and you WILL BECOME your best!

Isn't that what we all are striving for with our lives?

Think about it. Put it into practice and...

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

Mike

Living Your Best!

Living Your Best!

I really don't want to get into some sort of discussion and/or argument that is sports related when I share these thoughts with you today. I've heard them all debated over and over again and my mind has still not been changed. If you've already listened to the podcast then you already know what I'm talking about. If not...let me share as we begin today.

As this years NFL regular season began to wind down and teams already knew that they were going to the playoffs we saw some of them "rest their starters" so that they could be sure to have them healthy once they got to the playoffs. Sounds good on the surface right?

However, most of the time - if not all of the time - this ended up with these teams LOSING to their opponent. Here's the kicker - these teams could have rested their starters AND still won the game and, for one team in particular, ended with a perfect record for the season.

But, no. Instead of keeping their starters in the game until they got a lead that SHOULD NOT be able to be overcome and THEN taking their starters out, we saw teams take their starters our prematurely and lose the game.

The cameras were zoomed in on the face of the quarterback of the one team that could have gone undefeated and it looked like he had just eaten the most distasteful food possible - he looked absolutely sick!

I have watched for years as teams in the NBA seemed to have purposely lost games so that they might have a better chance at THE lottery pick for the best player available for the next year. As a matter of fact, a man that was an assistant coach a few years back said just recently that this was EXACTLY what had happened with the team for which he coached.

I'm sorry if you don't agree but, to me, that's just wrong.

What about the fans that pay the same amount of money for a ticket for a game when the teams play their best players and the players play their best as they do for one of the games like we're talking about in today's entry? They're not really getting their money's worth, are they?

Like I said, I really don't want to get into an argument or discussion about this - I've heard them all. What I usually here is how this makes sure the main players are healthy for the playoffs OR that the basketball team may increase their chances at the lottery pick.

Here's the deal - NEITHER of these are guaranteed!

I've seen NFL teams that have done this get knocked out in the first round of the playoffs - how did THAT work out for you? And, I've seen NBA teams NOT get the number one pick in the lottery. They were bad before and lost on purpose and they STILL were going to be bad and also lost a lot of respect of their fans.

Remember - TODAY is all we have!

NO ONE is guaranteed ANYTHING about tomorrow! It's just not there, my friend!

The problem is this (as I see it): This kind of approach and attitude is not just tied into these sports scenarios - it's widespread in our society!

I know this next example is meant for humor - really, I do understand that. But, it is an example of how many people think. We've all seen the t-shirts that read, "I'm #1!" right? I am also sure that most of us have seen the shirts that read, "I'm #3 - Why Try At All?".

The sad part is - many people live their whole lives this way.

Many in our society approach a job with the thought, "What's the least amount of work I have to do without getting fired?" instead of, "How can I do this job to the best of my ability?".

I was reading a true account in a book one day about a guy that went to work for a company and was doing his best each day. It didn't' take long before he was approached by someone that had been working there for a few years who said, "Hey, knock it off! Quit working so hard - if you keep this up then they're going to expect the rest of us to work like that! You need to just "act" busy, got it?".

Wow! My guess is that some of you have had this happen to you.

It seems that we have become a society of, "What do I have to do to get by?" instead of "What can I do to exceed expectations?".

My friend, this is not LIVING YOUR BEST. In my opinion, this is not living at all!

Do NOT fall into the trap of settling for less! Do not become "less" by adapting this attitude!

For example, many will say that a marriage is a 50/50 proposition, meaning that each gives 50%.

WRONG! Marriage is a 100/100 proposition and either person that gives less than 100% is not living up to their end of the deal!

IT IS UP TO YOU to make this happen in your life!

You can either be a thermometer OR a thermostat. Here's what I mean. A thermometer only registers the temperature around it. In other words, a thermometer only tells you "what is". However, a thermostat SETS the temperature that the thermometer registers. So, if you are a thermometer person - you basically just "go with the flow". But, if you are a thermostat person YOU set the pace!

It's so easy to slide into the thermometer lifestyle. Let me give you an example from my personal life. Back several years ago I was working for a company working a job just so that I could make ends meet. It wasn't the best job in the world but it helped put some food on the table. The good thing was that I was in the sales department so I had the opportunity to get out of the office - which was FULL of negativity - and mingle with the customers. The potential problem with this was the fact that most of these customers were very displeased with this company and the way that they had been doing business, so I usually got an ear full.

I was able to overcome that fairly easily - I was determined to giving them the best service possible! The problem was - those back at the office didn't seem to share my desire. It was a constant struggle to get the office to fulfill what needed to be done to give the customers the service that they were paying for!

I kept my positive attitude up for a while (I have to say that this was also before I was introduced to great men like Jim Rohn and other materials) but then began to hang around the office longer than I should. By doing so I began to hear and listen to the negativity that filled the air in that office. And, it wasn't long before I was joining right in and becoming a negative person myself. I had taken the path of least resistance and had become "one of them" instead of living the life of a thermostat!

Needless to say, it wasn't long before I quit this job to take on another one which was not a good one either.

Now, let me give you an example on the other side of the spectrum. This one is about my wife and her approach to situations like this. She lives the life of a thermostat and REFUSES to become a thermometer!

If you will actually notice, it just seems that most workplaces are full of negativity. People griping and complaining about what's not right and on and on. My guess is, your place of work is no different, right?

As my wife has begun a few of these jobs she would decide - from day one - that she was not going to give in to the negativity and that she was going to do her best to make everyone around her smile. Sounds kind of "wishful-thinking-like" doesn't it?

The best example is with one particular job at which everyone warned her about a particular assistant manager - a woman that was always in a terrible mood and was constantly griping at the other workers. My wife came home and told me about this and, with a gleam in her eye said, "I'm going to make sure that she smiles at least ONCE while I am working with her every day!" And, guess what? She did! Not only that, but the lady ended up smiling as soon as my wife would walk in the door and was pleasant with her - and the rest of the workers - the whole time!

Get this - the assistant manager even ended up knitting my wife a "throw" for the sofa!

My wife is a PRO at this and it's awesome to watch!

So, here's the thing for today: Are you LIVING your best by GIVING your best?

Think about it. Really be honest in your assessment of whether you are a THERMOMETER or a THERMOSTAT and understand that you CAN live a life of giving your best which, in turn, will cause you to LIVE your best!

And it begins today!

So, that being said, "Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Today is "Magical"! (Part 2)

In yesterday's podcast and blog entry we talked about "5 Things That Make Today MAGICAL!" and covered - in detail - the first three points. I wanted to spend a little more time on the last two of these points so that we can give the the attention and detail that they need in order to be of help in our daily journey.

As a way of quick review, the first 3 points were:

1.It's a NEW DAY - never before (same job, etc. - but a new day)
2. Although you cannot UNDO the past, you can DO today!
3. There will NEVER be ANOTHER today -- once gone, it's gone forever (so DO it today!)

And now, let's finish up with the last two points as to what makes TODAY "MAGICAL"!

4. Today has an impact on ALL of your TOMORROWS!

Although we cannot go back and "redo" or "undo" what we have done in the past, we can live today KNOWING that what we do today (remember, we can "do" today!) will have an impact on all of our tomorrows! We don't have to settle for the "same old thing" in our lives - regardless of what remains the same!

Tired of your job? Hopefully, you have been making strides in improving your attitude so that you can approach this differently or maybe you have been making strides to make a change in your life sometime in the "not-too-distant" future. For many people that are wanting and moving toward change, it becomes increasingly difficult to "put up" with what we have become dissatisfied with --- our everyday job and routine. (This can be true of so many things in our life that have not changed, including our relationships).

Here's the thing to remember: even if our surroundings do not chance - WE can change! We have the ability - through our changed and improved mindset - to change our approach and our outlook TODAY! Understanding that what we do today will - without a doubt - impact our tomorrow SHOULD help us approach today with a whole new - and improved - mindset!

When we understand - as has already been pointed out - that there has never been a TODAY and there will never be another TODAY (specifically by date!) then we come to realize how important and what a precious commodity today really is! IT IS TO BE VALUED and cherished!

Are you following me on this journey even since I began the podcast on this topic? When I recorded the podcast it was Sunday evening, December 13th. It was posted for airing for Monday, December 14th and I wrote the initial blog entry on Monday, December 14th. Those days are GONE FOREVER! And, now, I am finishing up my thoughts on another day - Tuesday, December 15, 2009.

One thing I had always heard and now, as I get older, find to be true is the idea that time seems to go by so much faster than before! I just turned 50 in early November - how did THAT happen?

What impact will you make on your TOMORROW, today? You WILL make an impact one way or another - know that to be true. It is up to YOU as to what kind of impact you make.

5. You have the ability to CHOOSE how you DO today!

Then last few thoughts of point 4 lead us to this one - we all have the ability to CHOOSE how we "DO" today! Think about how magical that really is!

For many of us, there are many things in our lives that we do not have control over. If you work then there are certain things that you have no control over at all - what time you have to be at work, what time you get to eat lunch, what time you get to go home, when you can be sick, when you can take vacation - just to name a few.

But again - and DO NOT miss this point! - we still have the ability to have control over our minds, our mindset and how we CHOOSE to "do" today! As was mentioned in points 3 and 4, we still have the ability - even in a world of "sameness" - to live each day differently than before. Why? Because today IS different than before!

Will you settle for just "going through the motions" through yet another day? Will you settle for having the same negative mindset as so many around you as you go through your day? OR will you apply what you know to be true and helpful in your life and allow your positive subconscious mind to kick in and help you LIVE LIFE in a NEW AND POWERFUL way?

Let me remind you again to take a quick glimpse at the clock. What time is it right now? For me, as I type this, it is 9:59 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. The only "today" there will ever be! And, as I look at the clock I see that ten hours of this day has already passed! GONE FOREVER! I have fourteen hours left in this precious time slot of my life and the lives of those around me - WHAT WILL I DO WITH WHAT IS LEFT?

It is up to me! No one else!

Yes, we "allow" others to have influence and impact on our lives - but notice the word, "allow"! NO ONE ELSE can actually control how you live your life! NO ONE ELSE can actually cause you to have a bad day or to live your day in a foul mood! NO ONE - but you!

What will YOU choose? What DO you choose?

Feel the magic! Be thrilled by the magic of the moment! Let it exhilarate you and let it spur you on to "DOING" today like no other -- because, in fact, there has been nor will there ever be another.

And, as you continue to do so....

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

Mike

5 Things That Make TODAY "Magical"!

5 Things That Make TODAY "Magical"!

1. It's a NEW DAY!

You can fill in the "date blank" for any day of the year - anytime that you want to apply this, but as for this specific day, there has NEVER been a Monday, December 14, 2009 in the history of time! This is the first EVER "today" - and it's all yours!

Think about that! It's kind of like the old phrase used on the original "Star Trek" show...."Boldly going where no man has gone before!" --- that's all of us with TODAY!

Here's the kicker - no one else CAN go through today like you - because they are NOT you! What you do with today...how you live today...the choices you make today are unique to you which means that NO ONE ELSE will take this journey of TODAY but you!

Yes, you may have the same job, the same spouse, the same family, live in the same house and the same city, drive the same car (and we could go on and on) BUT it is a NEW DAY! Just because so much of what surrounds you and fills your time is the same does not mean that you must go through the day the same as before!

Think about that and let it challenge you and excite you! Break out of the "hum-drums" by realizing that you have never gone through this day before and that you have never "worked your job" as today!

This, indeed, is truly "magical"!

2. Although you cannot UNDO the past, you can DO today!

Don't we all have things we wish we could "undo" and/or "relive" from our past? Wouldn't it be great if we could do what we see kids do in games so many times when they declare, "DO OVER!" after making a mistake? Well, sure, in golf they call it a "mulligan" - but it's a "do over", right? The truth is - we can't.

Yes, we can make amends for some of the mistakes we have made in the past - and sometimes we can't. Yes, we can "patch up" relationships that we have messed up in the past - and sometimes we can't. But, here's the thing we know for sure - we CANNOT go back and do it over again and try to make sure we do it right this time. That day/time is gone and it is gone forever.

So, let's focus on this wonderful time period that is TODAY and let's DO today! Hopefully, this little podcast and blog entry will heighten our awareness of the preciousness of what we have before us RIGHT NOW and maybe cause us to think a little more about what we say and do TODAY!

Go back to point number 1 and think about this again -- yes, the same life as before but we do not have to LIVE it in the same way! Did you have a major fight with your spouse over the weekend or yesterday? You don't have to continue those feelings TODAY! You cannot go back and relive or undo what happened - but you CAN DO something to correct it and improve it today!

Approach your "same job" TODAY with the idea and the attitude and the knowledge that you have the opportunity to DO TODAY the way that YOU choose to do it and in a way that does not have to follow the same old routine. (Oh sure, I know there are "routines" in every job - but the realization that today is new and that you get to DO today can help us even in these routines!).

Although we cannot UNDO - we can DO! And that, my friend, makes today "magical"!

3. There will NEVER be ANOTHER today!

This is the opposite side of point number 1 --- just as there has never been a "TODAY" before in the history of time, there will also NEVER be another Monday, December 14, 2009 in the history of time! What will YOU do with it?

You see, these things all work together, don't they? When we realize how special, precious and "magical" today is, it CAN make a difference in how we live our lives!

What will be the mark - YOUR MARK - that you leave on today? Will you even live a trace of yourself by just "going through the motions" or will you make a difference in YOUR life and the lives of those around you?

Some of you will recognize this phrase from a popular soap opera, "As sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives." IT'S TRUE!

What time is it as you read this blog entry? How much of "TODAY" has already passed into the pages of history never to be reclaimed? WOW - that kind of wakes me up a bit, what about you?

As I type this, it is 10:06 a.m. on Monday, December 14, 2009. Ten hours of this day have already passed by with only 14 hours left! And then...it will be gone forever.

Today. Use it wisely. The magic lies in the fact that, again, you can approach it and live it in a way that can also make it memorable!

4. Today has an impact on ALL of your TOMORROWS!

5. You have the ability to CHOOSE how you DO today!

I will discuss these last two points in tomorrows blog entry - IF that time period arrives! The reason I am doing this is because I had to somewhat rush through them in today's podcast due to my time frame for each podcast. However, why not be sure to listen to the podcast and catch a glimpse of the ideas behind these last two points. I'm sure you can figure them out anyway but still can benefit from hearing it/reading it from someone else's viewpoint!

Friend, today IS "magical". It is uniquely yours! Live it wisely and without regret!

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

Mike

Take Control of Your OWN Destiny!

Take Control of Your OWN Destiny!

Questions to consider:

1. If you were your own boss - would you ever worry about getting fired?

2. If you were your own boss - would you ever worry about being "laid off"?

3. If you were your own boss - would you take the day off for your birthday? spouses birthday? your child's birthday?

4. If you were your own boss - would you be happy?

Yes, I understand that, one thing that must be taken into consideration, is the self-discipline that must exist in order for one to function as their own boss. But, let's worry about THAT task when we get to it, o.k.?

Today, we're talking about the need each of us have to "Take Control of Your OWN Destiny!" - and this can take on many different forms in our lives.

But, here is the bottom line - you will never live the life of your dreams on YOUR terms until you take control of your own destiny!

Yes, I know that you may absolutely LOVE your job! But, let me ask you this - do you have to put in a request for vacation as soon as possible once the calendar turns over into the new year? Regardless of how much you love your job, is there a possibility that you could LOSE that job?

WHAT IF...

...you could still work at that job that you love so much and STILL put things into practice that you control your own destiny?

Here's what I mean - what if you could set yourself up to where even if you LOST that job you'd still be alright financially and emotionally?

What if you could control your destiny to the point that, although the job you would really enjoy working at doesn't pay as much as you really need it to, you could take it anyway? And not worry about the level of pay?

What if you could live wherever you want - not based on a job, but simply based on the fact that you LIKE the area?

Controlling your own destiny is about CHOICES! The more you control your own destiny, the more choices you have!

Too many of us have fallen into the trap of thinking "this is just the way it is" and we go through our lives like cattle being herded here and there with no direction of our own.

ENOUGH!

Wouldn't you agree?

So what?

So what are YOU going to do about it?

Be sure to listen to today's podcast for more thoughts on this and then be sure to listen again on Monday and read this blog on Monday as I delve deeper into this thought process in part 2 of this discussion, "Take Control of Your OWN Destiny!"

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

Mike