Decision Drives Direction

Right up front, let me give credit for the image above (as well as the article title and idea) to John C. Maxwell. I didn't read any article that went with this image so the ideas shared are my own, but I do want to acknowledge the origin of the image and title.

In my podcast, I end up saying, "Decision DETERMINES Direction", which is actually the same thing as the graphic and title above. Bottom line is this: Your decisions - on a DAILY basis - have a major impact on your life...for the rest of your life!

Everyday - every single day - we all have choices that require that a decision be made. Many we brush off as "not really important" but, at the same time, many of these "small decisions" that we make are bigger than we may think.

For example, getting into the habit of hitting the "snooze button" in the mornings may not seem like that big of a deal. By the way, it IS a choice and it reflects a DECISION that has been made! For one, those extra 10 - 30 minutes or so that we keep hitting that button are not "good sleep" minutes and that can affect you throughout your day. Too, this could result in you running late, being in a rush and throwing off the rhythm of your whole day. It may also be a reflection of your attitude toward your job (or whatever it is that you will be rushed to get to). 

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE - CHANGE DIRECTION!

Easier said than done? Of course, just like everything else I discuss through this blog and my podcast. However, you have a CHOICE that has to be made. You can keep whining and complaining and wonder why things aren't getting any better (doing the same thing you have always been doing) OR you can make the decision to CHANGE the direction of your life - and then DO it. 

It's just like when you map out your route for a journey that you plan to take. (Notice: You PLAN to take..as in, you make PLANS for the trip!) There are many different ways to get where you want to go. There are different routes - some that can actually take you in the opposite direction of where you want to go. Perhaps some are scenic routes, while another route may take you close to where a friend lives. It's up to you! What do you want to do and where do you want to go? Too, how quickly do you want to get there? Do you want/need to take the quickest route or are you more interested in taking your time and making several stops along the way?

So it is with life, friend! 

But here's the truth on this: keep going in the same direction that are going now and - guess what? - you will end up wherever it is that this particular "direction" is taking you. If you don't like where you're going - CHANGE DIRECTION!

I could spend a ton of time on this but I hope that I've done enough to spark some thoughts and ideas in your own mind. See how far you can take the application with this and, most importantly, apply them to YOUR own situation!

Too, I want to be sure and encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic. You can do so by CLICKING HERE for the iTunes access or by CLICKING HERE for the RSS feed. 

Be sure to join me for the next article in this "mini-series" as I examine how important it is to CHOOSE WISELY when needing to make those decisions. 

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

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

Mike

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The Path Taken Today

The Path Taken Today

The path taken today determines...

How would YOU complete that statement?

Would you, like many, end it by stating that the path taken today will determine your future?

If you were to state such, would you be talking about your "long-term" future or just your "immediate" future?

This is going to be short and to the point so stay focused and pay attention to what I'm actually saying here, o.k.?

I'll give a nod to the fact that the path taken today may determine your immediate future but there is no way in the world that I'd even give a hint of a nod to the idea that it determines your long-term future.

How discouraging and depressing it would be (and IS for many that fall into this "often promoted yet WRONG" thought process) to think that once you've made a mistake your future is doomed because of that mistake.

Should we be careful in our choices? Sure.

But, here's the deal according to the way I see it and according to the way I've been forced to live it at times... Your FUTURE is less determined by a path that you take than it is by how QUICKLY you are able to determine if you are on a WRONG path!

Think about that for a moment.

Simple analogy - if you take a wrong turn on a trip are you DESTINED to stay on that route and continue down a wrong direction? Uh, NO.

So, for one, you can turn around and correct this wrong decision by going back to where you made a wrong turn and correcting that mistake by then taking the RIGHT path. Right?

Here's another analogy that you may relate to... have you ever taken a wrong turn and had your GPS constantly remind you to turn around? But have you also had your GPS refigure directions based on the direction you are going (even if it IS wrong based on the original mapping) and allow you to get "back on the right path"? I have on several occasions.

So, secondly, once you realize you are on the wrong path you still have the ability to make a few adjustments and get back on track to reach your original destination even if it IS not the same path you meant or intended to take in the beginning. (By the way, this could also be called a "detour").

In closing, if you've made some wrong and even bad decisions or have gone down the wrong path then WAKE UP and do something about it. There is NO reason to keep heading down the wrong path ESPECIALLY once you realize you're going the wrong way.

THAT, my friends, would be idiotic.

Wouldn't it?

Stay on track, friend and, as you go along this journey always be sure to...

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

Mike

On the Right Track?

On the Right Track?

Today's quote comes off of a plaque my daughter-in-law found in a restaurant store the other day. Here it is:

"Even if you're on the right track you'll get run over if you just sit there!"

You see, it is a WONDERFUL thing to KNOW that you are on the right track! This indicates that you have been doing a lot of things in the RIGHT way to ensure your success!

You've stayed on course and kept focused on the path that will lead you to your goals and dreams!

However, sometimes (going back to what we talked about last week) the fear of making a mistake and maybe getting OFF course and OFF of the right track - even momentarily - can paralyze us to the point of not making any progress at all!

So, we may be on the right track but we're not making any movement ALONG the track toward our goals and dreams!

And, if we do that long enough, that train is going to come along and run us over and likely knock us OFF of that track!

So, being on the right track is not enough, is it?

We can "feel good" about being there, but "feeling good" ain't going to get it done (as we say down South)!

So, keep reading those positive books and articles, keep listening to those positive podcasts and CD's or MP3's and keep your eye on your goals and dreams so that you DO move toward them each and every day.

Exciting? YES! Scary at times? YES!

But, hey, it's YOUR life! Why not "go for it"?

And, as you do...

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

Mike

Desire Determines Direction (Part 4)

Desire Determines Direction (Part 4 - Conclusion)

Here's a question to consider as we begin today's discussion: Do you even KNOW what your real "desire" or "dream" is for your life?

That may sound like a silly question and you may even answer right away, "Well, of course I do!" But do you really?

You see, again, so many of us THINK we are following OUR desires when, in reality, we're not following our desires at all - we're following someone else's FOR us. And, if you take the time to really think about it and you discover that this is actually true in your life, you may not even remember or even know what YOUR desire/dream really is after all.

This is purely a "guesstimate", but I'd say that at least 80% of us are not really following OUR desires and dreams, but someone else's. If I'm even close to being right - and I think I am - isn't that something to consider?

And, again, the thing is, most of that 80% don't even realize that this is true in their lives! Many f that 80% think they are actually following THEIR desires and then wonder why they feel unfulfilled and unhappy!

So, today, as the conclusion to our week's discussion on, "Desire Determines Direction" (if you're following someone else's desire or dream, which direction are you headed?) I want to try to help you focus in and discover - or rediscover - YOUR desire and dream for YOUR life!

I want to challenge you to really take the time to sit down and give this some thought - have you forgotten what your desire and dream is for your life? Has it been so long - have you been "off track" for so long - that you have forgotten what it was that got you "excited" about your life? Try to remember, try to think again of what it was that you wanted for your life and get a piece of paper and a pencil or pen out and get ready to go through a very simple process that will help you in this endeavor.

Let me just say here first, that sometimes, "life" just gets in the way and we do have to postpone some things from time to time. That doesn't make you a failure or a "slackard" as we say in Arkansas, it just means that "life happens"! For example, if you have young children at home, many times these children and all the things that go with it take center stage - as it should!

So, sometimes things may have to be postponed, but it's also important for us to keep our desires and dreams at the forefront of our thoughts so that, when the opportunity arises, we are ready to make some moves in order to make them a reality in and for our lives. You may even be able to do some things "on the side" (in the evenings or whenever) that might be slowly moving you in that direction. By keeping this at the forefront of our thoughts - even though other things are taking center stage - our minds will be open and aware of opportunities that, otherwise, we might miss!

Alright, do you have your paper and writing instrument ready? Here we go and keep in mind, get as detailed as you possibly can in this process! This will help you remember and reignite vividly your true desires and dreams for your life!

1. Write It Down! As best as you can, write down what your desire/dream is and get as specific and as detailed as possible. Don't just say, "I want to be successful". What does that mean anyway? For some, "successful" means raising a happy and healthy family while, for others, it may mean that PLUS running their own business. It's different for everyone so get as detailed and specific as you can as to what it means for you! See what I mean? Hey, don't worry about it if you fill up a whole page! What you may find is this - once you start thinking and writing down your thoughts it may all just "flow" line after line after line! This is good for it shows that your mind if opening up and pouring out the treasure that you have, perhaps, kept under lock for too long!

2. "Visualize" Living that Desire and/or Dream! What does it look like? Again, get as specific and detailed as possible. Don't worry about what anyone else might think about what you write - no one else needs to even see this! This is for you! As you write describe where you are, what your surroundings look like - both geographically and physically (your home, office, car and other surroundings). See and describe what YOU look like - your hair, your body, your clothes, your smile. See and describe how you FEEL! What about the people around you? Who are they? What do they look like? Picture it in your mind and transfer those thoughts down on this paper.

3. Your Why. Why does that image you just wrote down excite you? DOES it excite you? Why is this so important to you? Why is it a desire or dream of yours? Again, get as detailed and specific as you can. By doing so, you will clarify whether this is really YOUR desire or not! Honestly, only YOU know the real "why" behind your dream or desire. Perhaps you've never even shared that with anyone else - do it now on this paper and remember, no one else ever has to see this but you! So, release any inhibitions that would keep you from being open and honest about your "why" and free yourself by writing this down now.

4. What Now? It's a wonderful thing to think, visualize and talk about your "why" concerning your desires and dreams. However, if that is all we ever do then it will always remain simply a dream. So, it's important for you to know take the time (it may even take several days to do this part) to figure out exactly what has to take place - what has to happen - in order for you to actually arrive at the image you visualized in step 2. Do you need to take some courses of some kind? Will you need to get a loan for a business? If so, how and where do you need to check this out? Will you need to move to a different place? You are the one that will have to take the time to make out this list. And then, for each of these you have to break it down to what will be involved in that process.

For example, let's say your desire is to teach at a nursing school. I heard on the news last night that there is a BIG shortage of those that are able to TEACH nurses and, because of that, there is a shortage of qualified nurses to feel the need! So, if that were your desire you would write that down and visualize it as well as get specific as to "why" this is a desire of yours. Now, you will have to get specific as to WHAT has to happen. For one, you will need to check to see what the requirements are and what requirements you lack. You will need to also find out where you can go to take the classes necessary as well as the cost involved. Will you need financial aide? Will you have to relocate? Can you do some of this online? Will you be able to do this part time while you keep your job or do you plan to dedicate yourself to this 100% so that you can move ahead as quickly as possible? If you decide to go for it 100%, what will be the financial strain or need while you do so?

Get the picture? There is a lot more to this example, but I think I've shown enough to give you the idea of what you really need to do here. Again, specific and detailed!

5. Date to be Completed? By going through the process described in #4, you should be able to come up with a reasonable time line as to when you should be able to be living the life that you envisioned when you "visualized" your desire and dream. Yes, there may be some things that come into play that set it back from time to time - but for now, come up with a realistic idea of when this process might be completed.

6. What Now? Again, it's easy - and fun! - to talk about and dream about our desires and dreams. And, again, it's easy to keep them there as a dream and never really make a move to help them become a reality in our lives. Is that what YOU want? Do YOU want to still be talking and dreaming about this five years from now? OF COURSE NOT!

So, the thing you MUST do now (and this may be the hardest thing to do) is to figure out what you must do NOW to "get the ball rolling" on this process. What step - what first step - do I make today?

Perhaps it is a phone call to begin the process described in #5. Whatever it is, the important thing is to do SOMETHING that will begin this journey to reality!

The easiest thing in the world to do at this point is to do nothing! To put it off until "tomorrow" and then put it off again until "tomorrow" and on and on it will go.

Isn't it time to stop talking about it and start moving - actually MOVING toward your desires and dreams? YES, IT IS!

And you can do it! Just make sure the desire and dream is yours and, as the title of this week's topic states: "Desire Determines Direction"!

Now, get up and get going and make that desire a reality! And, in advance, congratulations for doing so!

And, every day along the way, never forget to...

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

Mike

"Seek and..."

Seek and...

...you shall find.

Today I'd like to discuss the second of three "legs" behind the "Concept of A.S.K."

Yesterday we discussed the first, "Ask and it shall be given to you." We discussed the importance of asking some vital questions that we MUST be asking if we are serious about following the path of our purpose. And THEN taking action when the answers are revealed to us. And, be assured, they WILL be revealed if we do, indeed, want to know the answers!

Please notice that all three of these words - ask, seek, knock - are VERBS. That being so, they denote ACTION!

We discussed the idea that we must not ask and then wait for something to fall into our laps. No! When you look at it as a VERB then we understand that we must ASK with the intention of MOVING TOWARD the answers.... actively pursuing those answers. And then ACTING upon them once discovered.

Today is the same as we look at the idea of, "Seek and you will find".

Remember that, this too, is a VERB word and that it denotes ACTION! This is not a "passive search" but an "active search".

Why am I emphasizing this so much? Because it is IMPORTANT for us to understand! Too many times we may say we are asking the questions and seeking or searching for the right path for our life when - in all reality - we really aren't!

Many times we are "going through the motions" just to try to pacify either ourselves or someone else and we aren't really serious or we don't really have any intentions on changing ANYTHING in our lives.

Don't waste your time and don't try to do ANYTHING in this area to try to please or pacify someone else.

It is UP TO YOU and it has to be FOR YOU or it will never really work out for you.

YOU have to want it! YOU have to really want to know the answers to the questions we discussed yesterday. YOU have to really want to find the direction for your life so that you can life a life of purpose and passion. YOU!

Here's a fact of life: You will find what you are looking for - good or bad!

If you focus on the negative things in this world then, guess what? You will continue to see and see nothing BUT the negative things in this world. Your life and your world will seem to be nothing but a sea of negativity.

However, the opposite is also true and CAN be true even for those described in the previous paragraph IF they desire to make the needed changes to make it happen. If you focus on the positive things in this world then you will continue to SEE and EXPERIENCE the positive things that this world has to offer!

Oh, you will see the negativity from time to time but, because you are being ACTIVE, in your pursuit of the positive, you will easily overcome any impact the negative might have on your life and you will move on in a POSITIVE direction!

Again, it's YOUR choice!

Ask, and it WILL be given to you... Seek and you WILL find!

Whether this matters to you or not is up to you. For those that say that it DOES matter, answers and direction await!

And, as you travel this journey of life, always remember to...

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

Mike