Success Factor #2: GET UP!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

NOPE! 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

CLICK HERE

 

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

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141 

 

 

SEEKING (Asking - Seeking - Knocking)

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

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

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

Remember, "Opportunity Does NOT Always Knock!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141 

 

Seeing With NEW Eyes - the CONCLUSION

 

 Well, here we are with the conclusion of this series but, friend, by no means is this the CONCLUSION of what God has been doing, IS doing and WILL CONTINUE to do in the lives of my wife and I. 

I've shared a LOT of details about "happenings" in our lives since the end of 2020 and, at the same time, I've left out a LOT more that I could have shared but simply felt that it would have been too time consuming. Hopefully I've shared enough with you that, for some, it will create a spark of curiosity or praise about these things. 

Thing is, I'm looking at the information that I had already written down (a record of these things, so to speak) and I realize that I'm going to have to even cut out a LOT of the things that I have left of these events in our life. (As a matter of fact, I had to re-record the podcast on this one because the first time through was just too long!). 

I love the fact that I have shared so much but that it is just a "sampling" of all of the things that I have recorded so that I will remember these things in the future. So, saying all of that, let me simply say that I HAVE to share with you this one last situation that we experienced just in the past few days.

As I type this article, it is Monday, September 13, 2021. On Friday evening, September 10, 2021 I came across a post on Facebook by a young, single mother that does foster care for several kids on top of raising her own child. She is an amazing young lady and we have sent $100 several times over the past several months. The intention has been to do that every month but, sadly, it had been a couple of months. When I read her post stating that she was asking for prayers because Satan was "attacking" them hard at that time I thought, "I need to send her that money like I've been talking about!".

Saturday morning, September 11, 2021, I was preparing to send the $100 to her via an online channel so that she could receive it quickly when the thought hit me that my wife and I had actually committed to doing more than that "if/when" something particular happened. What was that? We said that when we sold my motorcycle for a certain amount of money that we would send $500 to this precious young lady with plans to increase that in the future with God's help. Well, we didn't sell the motorcycle yet BUT we did sell one of our cars on Thursday (9.9.21) for - guess what - the EXACT amount of money that we had discussed about the motorcycle.

Now then, I called my wife in the room and we discussed the fact that we had said - out loud - that we were going to do this and that, even though it was not the motorcycle, it was the EXACT amount of money that we had discussed and that since we had said it "out loud" that we knew we had committed to doing this "as to the Lord". In other words, HE heard us say it so we felt that it was a commitment to Him. We both agreed that, indeed, we needed to send the $500 to her and prayed over that decision and for it to be a blessing in her life and in the life of those kids that she cares for -  and then I hit the "send" button. 

Within a few minutes I heard back from her and she basically said something like, "You will NOT believe this and THANK YOU!" She shared with me that they had to make an unexpected trip out of town and leave their dog at a kennel. Friday night (9.10.21) she got the bill and was floored. She was moved to tears because she did not know how she was going to pay this unexpected bill. The amount? You may have figured it out by now...$500! Hello???

Friends, my wife and I had NO IDEA that ANY of this was going on. We had NO IDEA that she had received this bill and we sure had NO IDEA what the amount of that bill was. On top of all of that, the TIMING in this (God's timing, by the way) is quite amazing. If we had not sold that car the day before she received that bill and the day before I was reminded that we needed to send her some money, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. Well, it would not have been the exact amount needed.

There's so much more that I could say about this whole situation but I hope that what I've shared is enough to get your attention.

Listen, I don't know who you are or what you believe. I don't know if you are a believer or if you are one that doesn't even know for sure if God even exists. Here's what I do know: 

1. Whether it's asking/seeking to even know if God is out there OR  

2. Whether you are asking/seeking His guidance in and for your life  ---- HE HEARS YOU!

I'm not going to get real deep into this right now because my next series is going to deal on this more (the idea of "Asking - Seeking - Knocking" and what it means for each of us) but let me ask you a quick question that I've asked before in this series: "If you are asking for guidance or if you are simply seeking...are you LISTENING, WATCHING and OPENING YOUR EYES for what may be sent your way as an answer?"

Opportunity doesn't always knock. Neither do "the answers" that you seek.

May you also begin to SEE with NEW EYES, friend!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141 

Life Happens!

I'm guessing that you - like me - can relate to the graphic above. Am I right? I would also guess that your answer to that question would be an emphatic, 'YES!"

We all have ideas and plans about how our life is going to go but, in reality, "life" has a different idea and, as the title for today's topic declares: "LIFE HAPPENS".

I really want to encourage you to watch the video (YouTube link below) for this topic so that you can see how I illustrate this next part that I'm going to discuss with you now...I think it would be beneficial for you.

In both pictures let's call the lower left hand corner, or the "starting point", point A. And, again, in both pictures let's call the arrow tip point B. Got it?

Obviously, in the first picture on the left, the graph indicates how everything would go IF everything went perfectly! There are no "hiccups" or detours, just a straight and upward climbing path of success.

HOWEVER, the picture on the right would likely more accurately depict the pattern in your life as well as mine. And, yeah I'm sure we have all even sat with a stunned look on faces saying, "What happened?" Here's your answer: "LIFE HAPPENED!"

In both pictures, notice that BOTH scenarios start off at the same spot - point A. The picture on the left shows a steady, uninterrupted and upward climb to point B. I'm not going to say that point B is where a person "ended up" but, rather, it is where they are, CURRENTLY, in their journey. 

Now I want you to focus on the graph on the right. Again, point A begins in the same spot and, although there are ups and downs and even circles at times, point B is still at a higher place on the graph than point A. Oh, I know, it's not as "high" on the graph as the first picture BUT, still, it definitely shows progress!

Keep this in mind and don't ever lose sight of that fact! Even though there have been obstacles and delays and even though you have even gone in circles at times, you are STILL making progress and moving closer to your goals and dreams! That is, as long as you don't allow yourself to give up. 

I've shared this thought with you many times before but it fits right in with this discussion: "Even if you take 2 steps forward and 1 step back, you are STILL ahead of where you started by 1 step!"

Seriously, watch the video. You'll be glad that you did and DO NOT EVER lose sight of your goal and DON'T YOU DARE EVER GIVE UP!

Keep pushing and keep moving my friend.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Be Thankful for Every New Day

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

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

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

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

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

What opportunity lies before you TODAY?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Be Thankful for the Choice

 

"When you are faced with a tough choice, be thankful because it is a part of life that reminds you that you have a CHOICE and a DECISION about that choice! 

(A great sign that you are not in a rut!) - Mike Spillman

If you haven't read, listened to or watched the information from the last topic, PLEASE be sure to take a moment and do so. Why? Because it is directly connected to today's quote and topic.

In that last article I discussed the fact that when a person is in a rut that they have NO CHOICE as far as their path or their direction. The rut, itself, will dictate that for those that are in that rut. It's the very nature of a rut!

But, even in difficult times that we may find ourselves in from time to time, there is GOOD NEWS! Look at my quote again...yes, even when we are faced with tough choices, we can and should be THANKFUL for the fact that we actually have the ability to MAKE A CHOICE! And, along with that, once we make a CHOICE, we also have the ability to make a DECISION as to whether or not we will follow through or not. 

If you have ever listened to my podcast or watched one of my video's you will likely hear me say, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" That's the very essence of what we are discussing at this point - your struggle is a sign that YOU ARE ALIVE! Do NOT miss that important point!

Don't miss this point either: The very fact that you have a CHOICE is also a good sign that you are NOT in a rut! Isn't that another thing for which to be thankful?

Thank you for making the choice to be with me today. Please take time to also listen to the podcast and watch the video. You can find the links below and, if you don't mind, also stop by my Facebook page (link below) and leave some feedback. Thanks, in advance!

Be thankful, even for the difficult choices that you face and, as you continue on, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #19: Life is Like...

"Life is a lot like females. Just when you think you have it figured out, 
it will throw you a curve ball." - Mike Spillman (8.26.11)

I believe that I should make sure that I don't have any ladies coming after me because of that quote! The way I see it, ladies, it should serve as a compliment to all of you. You are all unique and are so mysterious that we (the guys) are unable to get you figured out. That's a good thing, right? :)

Now that I have that "self-preservation" paragraph out of the way, let's talk about the point that is being made with that quote.

Bottom line: Life is like a roller coaster with all kinds of ups and downs as well as twists and turns.

Life is not fair nor is it easy. If anyone ever told you that it was either of these then, friend, they were just flat out lying to you!

But, it's not about what happens TO you that matters. It's about how you REACT and RESPOND to what happens to you. THAT'S what matters and THAT is what will determine the course of your future. 

I know of those that worked faithfully for the same company for many years only to have the rug jerked out from under them when that company either decided to start laying off workers or the company decided to move to another country. Either way, I've seen those that have devoted their life to said company get tossed aside because it was not "feasible" to keep them on due to their age. What then?

All of us can likely point out some in the area of sports that seemed to have it all in perfect fashion as far as their future. The money and the fame seemed to be a sure bet. And we can all likely remember those that, due to some injury or just their own stupidity, had it all taken away from them. Gone.

As I type this article I think of one college player that has been projected to be at the top of the NFL draft. However, a couple of games ago he was unexpectedly injured during a game and, who knows, may not ever play again. For sure it is known that he is out for the rest of the season and, as far as his future? That is still to be determined. 

I have a friend that went to his Mother's house on Thanksgiving Day last week only to find that she had passed away while preparing the family feast that many were to enjoy later that same day. 

Yes, life is absolutely unpredictable.

But friend, you have two choices and the decision is yours.  You can give up on life or you can decide that you MUST continue on to your future.

Easier said than done? Absolutely!

As one guy said once, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get!" Though true, I disagree to a point. At least with a box of chocolates, even though you don't know what you're going to get, IT'S ALL STILL SWEET!

The same cannot be said about life at all times. 

But, remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Sure, you can give up on life but you must understand that there are others out there that are depending on YOU to get up, dust off, and keep LIVING LIFE, regardless of the struggles that may come your way from time to time. 

And ladies, thanks for keeping us guys on our toes! You help keep our lives interesting and, for that, we are thankful. 

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

ACTION: The Only Way to Stay "FRESH"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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PASSION or BOREDOM?

Right off, I want to tell you to be sure to listen to the podcast HERE so that you can get even more thoughts and discussion on today's topic. Don't miss it!

I think most of you reading this would agree with what Vincent Van Gogh said in the graphic above: "I would rather die of passion than of boredom."

But what does that mean for you? What comes to mind when you think of living a life of "passion"? Does it mean to live a careless life or a carefree life? Does it mean to live a life without rules or a life where you make the rules? Does it mean that, if you don't "love" what you are doing then your life is not of value? Does it mean that your passion brings value to your life regardless of what you are doing?

Some are completely satisfied to live what I may consider to be a "boring life". I - and you - must be careful about judging someone in such a situation because they may be living the life that they have always wanted...even if it "looks" boring to you or me.

As I put this article together, I am 58 years old (YOUNG!) and I still believe that I am living a life of passion or, the way I like to look at it, a life of PURPOSE.

Simply put, for me that means that, regardless of what I'm doing (whether what I would prefer to be doing or not) I still have a passion - or a PURPOSE - in what I want and plan to achieve. I don't think I will ever be in a position to where I decide to be satisfied with less than I know I can be and do.

Make sense?

What about you? My biggest fear for myself - and for you - is to allow myself to get to a point where I "settle for less" because it is easier. THAT IS NOT PASSION!

Again, be sure to listen to the podcast and please, feel free to leave your comments on the fan page on Facebook (click the link below). I'd love to hear from you.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube

The End of Another Year...NOW WHAT?

Wow! It has now been over a year since my last blog...OUCH! I knew it had been a long time but didn't realize it had been THAT long!

So, to recap on that, when I wrote my last article on Christmas Day of 2016, we were getting ready to head into the year 2017. And, now, as I put this article together, we are just a few days away from 2018! If THAT doesn't point out the "passing of time", I'm not sure what does.

ANYWAY, on to this particular article that I want to leave with you today. Let me say that I DID do a podcast on this topic a few weeks ago (December 8th - click the podcast link at the end of this article) and I even did a Facebook live stream on it with a little extra a week or so ago. Be sure to check that out as well if you haven't done so. (You can also find the link to that Facebook page at the end of this article).

Bottom line is this: We've come to the end of another year - NOW WHAT?

You may be one of those people that have accomplished great things this year and feel that you "stayed on track" most - if not all - of the year. AWESOME and CONGRATULATIONS! Maybe you are one that would not necessarily label it as accomplishing "great things" but, at the same time, you have had some good things happen this year that puts a smile on your face. Or maybe you are one that feels that you have fallen far short of where you wanted to be at this point in time.

I guess I would put myself in the last two categories in that I have fallen far short of where I wanted to be at this point in time but there have still been some good things happen during this past year that definitely puts a smile on my face. What about you?

If you fit into category #1,  I would love for you to share your thoughts and simply tells us how you were able to stay focused and accomplish those things this year. Share and inspire!

But, for those that (maybe once again) have "fallen short" the questions comes, "Now what?" Do you (we) just give up? Do we just plod along the same old path and keep getting the same old results?

Here are a few thoughts and suggestions that may help you as you look back over this year...

 1. Don't beat yourself up!
    Listen, there are more than enough people out there that can do that for you, right? You don't need to beat yourself up and continue the negative impact of negative thoughts. "Beating yourself up" accomplishes NOTHING except to increase the power of the negativity that will hold you back for another year. 

2. Try to pinpoint where you got off track (even if before this year) 

   You will likely be able to "pin point" when it was that you got "off track". Yes, it may even go back before this past year - it does for me! But be determined in this part of the process. For most people, there is SOMETHING that took place that knocked you off course and I encourage you to keep digging until you find it. (Honestly, most people know right away what that is but they want to ignore it because it makes them look bad or "feel" bad.)
    These things or this particular thing that knocked you off track or off course will likely fall into one of two categories:
     a. Things that were out of your control (couldn't change/can't change)

         Hey listen, there are things that happen that we have no control over at all that greatly impact our lives. It could be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a health issue or health issues due to an accident, etc. There are but just a few examples of things that can cause our life to come to a "screeching halt" and make it very difficult to get back on track and moving back in the direction we were headed before that even took place.

    b. Things that WERE in your control and still are (could change/can change)

        This one may hurt a little bit because it takes us admitting that it was OUR own fault that caused this even to take place. It requires you to be brutally honest with yourself and it also requires you to be willing to admit your mistake(s) in this process. 

       I'm being honest in sharing this with you - THIS ONE describes me and my situation. Sure, there are some things that I can point to that definitely affected my mindset and attitude but it was still up to me and in my control what I did in response to those events. Know what I mean? For me, it goes back before this past year. I'm not anywhere near where I wanted to be at this point in time but I can either just give up or I can be determined to get back on track and keep moving forward. And, that brings us to point #3.

3. What Now? 

    In either situation it is imperative that we ask ourselves that important question, "What now?" Put all of the "reasons" or "excuses" to the side and realize that there is a decision that must be made. Do you want to stay where you are or do you want to MOVE FORWARD? 

    First, it's going to require you to GET OUT OF THAT "FUNK"! I am not making light of this - it may even be a depression that has set you back but you must still find a way out of that depression even if it means getting professional help to help you do so.
    Get that passion back! Did you lose your passion? You MUST get it back! I have to admit that, for me, I had lost my passion over the past 2 or 3 years and I know that I must do what is necessary for me to get it back. 

     If this describes you as well then what we must do (you and I) is to look back at when we WERE passionate and honestly determine what is different between then and now. For me I know I must get back to completely immersing myself with positive information via articles, podcasts and other recordings. No one else can do it for me..no one! So again, I have to make a decision and either settle for where I am (and it's not where I want to be) and whine and complain about how I wish things were different OR I can decide that I must do whatever is necessary for me to get that passion back and MOVE FORWARD with a positive mindset.

IT IS UP TO YOU! No one else can do it for you.

*Note on above graphic: There is no ".com" at the end of the FB address*

ASSIGNMENT! I would like to ask EACH ONE OF YOU to take a moment and go to the FB page and share just ONE good thing that happened to you during this past year! Let's not focus on what DIDN'T happen but one something good that DID happen. It won't take but a minute...please do that on the facebook page .

Until next time (and hopefully before another year has passed!)...

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

Mike

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

Live, Laugh, Love

Here we go, continuing down the "list" of great phrases that I found on a poster a couple of weeks ago. I hope that you have been enjoying them but, more importantly, I hope that you have benefited from them and have been able to use them to help in your positive journey in a "sometimes negative" world.

LIVE 

I've heard people say (and sing) this thought: "Live like you were dying". Friend, the truth is, you ARE dying - WE'RE all dying so, what's holding us back from truly "living"?

I would suggest that the main reason is due to FEAR. Some would say that, perhaps, we fail to truly "live" due to DOUBT. Think about it for a moment...don't most of our doubts come from fear? 

We are afraid to live life to the full - to truly "let go" and experience and explore all that life has to offer. Fear of failure, fear of acceptance and even fear of the unknown.

Hey now, living in fear is not living at all! Keep growing, keep learning, keep stretching and keep on LIVING - truly living!

LAUGH 
I don't know about you but I LOVE watching those videos of babies and/or kids laughing uncontrollably. It's almost impossible not to end up laughing myself! Have you ever gotten so tickled and, because you were in a place that you weren't supposed to be laughing (like at church), you tried to hold it in? And your whole body was shaking even without an audible laugh? Did you have to excuse yourself before you exploded?

 Just like everything else, life is too short to go through it being a grump! 

I'm guess I'm just a bit odd in that I find humor in things that a lot of people don't even think about. I have to really be careful at times because I'm tempted to laugh at something that, if I were to actually do so, it would offend someone. Usually it's just that they would misunderstand and think I was being disrespectful. 

Truth is - I just like to laugh!

Don't lose your ability (and desire) to laugh! Sometimes that cares and concerns of life can overwhelm you to where you fail to see all of the fun things that surround us every day. 

Oh, and by the way, do a little research and you'll find that it's been proven that LAUGHING is actually GOOD for your health! 

(And friend, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself!) 

LOVE 
 Yes, one of the sure ways to get your heart broke is to love. But, one of the surest and best ways to experience all that love brings with it (part of TRULY living) is to open yourself up to the emotions that go along with it and,yes, to take the chance - the risk - of "getting hurt". 

Don't be afraid to love. Don't be afraid to open up and "be you" with others. Life is too short to live it alone and, for sure, to die alone. 

No, I'm not going to quote that line about loving. You know the one I'm talking about, right? The one that says something like, "It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all." Now do you know which one I'm talking about? Yeah. Not going to quote that one, o.k.? 😋

I hope this short article will help you to "let loose" a little and that you will LIVE, LAUGH & LOVE a little more each day.

Do it...you'll be glad you did!

And, as you do so, you will see that this is, indeed, one way to...

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

Mike

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

What The World Needs Now...

Try and Fail?

One of the most sad things to see is someone that has given up.

I hate to see anyone - or any group of people - that have become so "beaten down" that they have decided that it's better for them if they just quit trying and give up.

I've been to that point before...have you?

Thankfully, I DIDN'T give up, but it's not a good place to be, friend. But let's get something straight right from the start: "FAILURE" or "DEFEAT" is a part of life. That, my friend, is a FACT!

Notice that I put those words in quotation marks. I wanted to indicate that, in reality, they may not actually REALLY be "failure" or "defeat". They may be what some people PERCEIVE to be such.

I've said it many times before and I'll say it again - In my opinion, the only TRUE failure is when you give up and stop trying. So, yeah, TRYING and "FAILING" are a part of life but, whatever you do, don't EVER fail to TRY!

Sure, there are those times that you just need to "pull over" and "lick your wounds" a bit before moving on. That's normal and that is often needed so that you CAN move on. Just make sure that you don't fall into a "pity party" and spend all of your "down time" licking those wounds (feeling sorry for yourself). Let that time of "licking your wounds" be a time of HEALING and PREPARATION to continue on in your quest! Fill your mind with POSITIVE reinforcement that will fortify your drive and will power so that you can continue on. 

THIS IS KEY!

That's why it is so important to surround yourself with other like-minded and positive people. You WILL need them to HELP YOU along the way when you are feeling defeated and are on the verge of giving up. Perhaps this message that you are reading is just EXACTLY what you "needed" to read today. Right? You know what I'm talking about. That's why it's also so important to SHARE this article as well as the podcast (links found below) with others - you can never know when THEY will need what is being shared here. And YOU can help in that area when you do share. 

Two main times that I can remember being to the point of giving up, OTHERS came into play. In one situation, it was my RESPONSIBILITY and LOVE for others close to me that kept me going. And, the other one? It was a specific reaction and encouragement from another individual that kept me going. 

Remember, "As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

And, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

Do NOT Let Life Escape You!

I ride a motorcycle. I LOVE riding my motorcycle and I often say that the time on my bike is my "therapy". No, I'm not making light of the intricacies of proper therapy but I'm simply stating that being on my bike is a way for me to "clear my head" and "let go" of the worries and/or frustrations of the day. 

I've even checked my blood pressure AFTER being on a ride and found that it was quite a bit lower than what my normal numbers read. Ahhhhhhhhh!

But, here's the thing, you can "fill in the blank" with that graphic above and put in whatever it is that you LOVE to do. You can also make it more personal by using the word "I" instead of "we". For example: "I _____________________ not to escape life, but for life not to escape me."

What would go in YOUR "blank"?

I often talk about the importance of TODAY and the fact that TODAY is all that we really have. There's no promise of tomorrow and you cannot relive or reclaim yesterday. LIFE is made up of individual days which means that each day - TODAY - makes up your life.

So, what is it that you CHOOSE to do today to make sure that LIFE doesn't "escape" you?

This doesn't mean that you have to jump out of an airplane in order to "experience" life. What it DOES mean is that you (just like me and everyone else) may just need to be reminded to make sure that you EXPERIENCE life as it unfolds around you!

If you have kids at home, don't miss out on them BEING at home. They grow way too fast and, before you know it, they will be gone and out of the house. Enjoy each day as it happens...one day at a time!

I'm sure you've heard the cautionary phrase,"Be careful what you wish for", right? Indeed, be careful, because it often comes true before you are actually ready for it to. 

This is not a long article but one that I hope will cause you think and take a look around you each and every day. Yes, sure, take advantage of those times that you get to do something out of the ordinary that you really love to do. But, at the same time, don't let the "ordinary life" pass you by without enjoying and living every moment of it before it vanishes.

You'll be glad you did!

One way to make that happen is to be sure to...

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

Mike

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

Wow, It's Been Longer Than I Thought

I knew I hadn't done a blog article in a bit but didn't realize that it's been almost a month! My apologies for being away longer than I had planned.

A lot of things have taken place during this period of time, which had SOME influence on the length of my absence. 

My youngest son had just gotten married a few days before that last article. Then, earlier this month my two oldest sons were both deployed to serve in a foreign land. So, yeah, a LOT of changes have taken place over the past few weeks.

And, on top of all of that, my wife and I have begun a new business venture. 

What about you?

How often do you find yourself realizing that, "Wow, it's been longer than I thought!" ?

All of you have likely heard the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun!" but, as I get older, I've come to realize that, whether you're having fun or not - TIME FLIES!

Are you kids growing up too fast? Are you having a hard time believing that they will be in ____ grade in school this year? Or that they have already been married for ____ years?  Or that they already have children of their own? 

Maybe you've realized that more time than you wanted has passed since you decided to do something different with your life. Know what I mean? Maybe it was back at the start of the year when you, along with millions of others, made one of those "New Year's Resolutions". 

And, now, the year is already MORE than half over. 

Really?

Here's the thing...time passes and things happen. Changes take place in our life, both good and bad or, at least, things we would prefer NOT to change. Or at least not as quickly. 

But they do anyway. And time still passes. Days come and go and, before we realize it, those days have turned into weeks, months and even years. 

If you've been with me long enough then you know that I have often talked about the fact that, all we really have is TODAY.  We can't go back...that 24 hour period that we call "yesterday" is gone and can never be reclaimed. The 24 hour period that we call "tomorrow" has not yet arrived and, just to be blunt, it may not ever arrive. So, when you really look at it, all we have is TODAY...right now!

So, friend, make the most of what you DO have. Make the most of TODAY. 

It's here right before you. Now. 

And yeah, what you do with it DOES matter.

So, until next time, whatever you do...

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

Mike

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