Stay POSITIVE

"STAY POSITIVE" 

Staying positive in a negative world is not always easy, but it is ALWAYS important!

Listen, in a world that seems to be doing all it can to flood your life with the negative, it is up to YOU to make sure that you combat it and overcome that attack with POSITIVE information and a POSITIVE influence. 

Yes, it is up to YOU!

And, friend, reading this blog is a sign that you are doing something about this effort in your own life. I also want to encourage you to be sure to listen to the podcast by clicking on one of the links at the end of this article. And, too, part of the process of YOU staying positive is for you to SHARE this positive information with as many others as possible.  

That's one thing that I have noticed about this whole process. I've found that the more I share this positive information (for example, through this blog and through my podcast) the easier it is for me to BE positive, myself. It helps me to focus on the very things that I'm sharing with you and, at the same time, just knowing that I am sharing GOOD, positive information that will help others, puts a positive "vibe" in my own life.

That's the way it is with ANY thing that is good. Sure, you can keep it to yourself, but why would you? It's not like anyone is going to steal it from you so, why NOT share it with as many others as possible? From what I said in the previous paragraph you actually end up expanding the amount of "positivity" in your own life when you share. 

Even when things are difficult, work - make an effort - to discover a positive nugget in the midst of the muck. That's right! Even make a "game" out of it and see if you can't find that nugget no matter how negative it may seem. 

Hey friend, this is just something that helps you make the most of your days. Do all that you can each and every day to STAY POSITIVE and your days will be more fulfilling and your relationships will be better as well. 

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, right? 

Begin the process now - TODAY and, no matter what may come your way, STAY POSITIVE!

And, as you discover the joy that comes with this process, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

 

Where Is YOUR Focus?

In today's podcast (Podcast son iTune or  Podcast RSS feed), I share a little audio clip that I recorded on my phone on February 18, 2014, which simply states, "Stop focusing on what isn't and start focusing on what is."

It's really a very simple statement but, at the same time, a very POWERFUL one! If you haven't done so yet, take a moment and take a listen - you'll be glad you did.

____________________________________________________________

"Stop focusing on what isn't and start focusing on what is." - Mike Spillman

_____________________________________________________________

Too many times, too many people spend too much time focusing on what isn't.  Think about it.

Yes, while I encourage you to have goals and plans for your future - a BETTER future - we need to make sure that we don't do so to the expense of missing what is around us every day. It's easy to focus so much attention on what hasn't become reality yet that we fail to notice what we DO have right now. 

Hey, as a parent of three adult children, I especially want  to encourage not to be aware of and appreciative of those precious children that are around you each and every day while they are still at home.  Time goes by quickly!

I saw a graphic on a social media page the other day that read something along the lines of, "Focus on your BLESSINGS more than you do your BURDENS." 

You've also likely heard the old saying that "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." Again, it's the idea of wanting and/or focusing on what we DON'T have instead of being aware (and appreciative) of what we DO have. 

Don't focus on the bad - focus on the good.

Don't focus on the negative - focus on the positive.

Don't focus on what is wrong with your job - focus (and be thankful) for what is right about your job.

Don't focus on what is wrong with your family - focus on what is right.

Don't focus on what is wrong with your spouse - focus on what is right. 

Don't focus on what isn't - focus on what is.

And live life in the NOW, not the LATER. Truth is, you CAN'T live it in the "later" for TODAY is all that you have at your disposal.      

Again, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

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

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

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast son iTune   Podcast RSS feed

As Easy As Getting FAT

 

(I'll do a podcast on this soon, once my voice gets better following a cold that I have had).

 

 

This graphic came across my social media page earlier today. Yes, I know, it is meant to be light-hearted and funny. Believe me, I DO understand that. I'm not one that lacks a sense of humor!

 

But, I have to be honest with you and tell you that the first thing that went through my mind when I saw this was, "There are LOTS of things that are as 'easy' as getting fat!"

 

Now, first off, for all of you that want to get offended and start sending me all kinds of complaints - DON'T. Listen to me...I have battled the struggle with maintaining a healthy weight for my entire adult life. Been there, done that and STILL have to work on trying to keep things under control. So, due to that, I DO have the "right" to speak on this, o.k.? Secondly, I KNOW that there are certain conditions that cause a person to be overweight (or "fat") that are beyond that persons control. I get that, o.k.? Now, if you STILL decide to get all worked up and upset about this article then you are actually making one of my points for me - and I'll address that point in a bit.

 

There. I hope we have that all out of the way now. Let's move on to the points of this article...

 

PREMISE: Being "fat" is "easy" because, for the most part, is is the result of the habit of taking the path of least resistance. Again, if that upsets you, go back and read the highlighted AND bolded paragraph above, o.k.?

 

It takes DISCIPLINE to make wise food choices. The path of least resistance says, "Eat whatever you want, whenever you want and as much as you want!" It takes DISCIPLINE to actually get up and participate in some sort of exercise while, at the same time, the path of least resistance says, "Exercise? You already DO exercise! You get up out of bed and walk to your chair (or the couch) and then you get back up when it's time to go to bed!" It takes DISCIPLINE to make a decision to make those necessary changes and to actually stick to them and do them consistently. The path of least resistance says, "Don't worry about it. You're just 'big-boned' and there's no real rush with this anyway."

 

Now, with that premise in mind, let's consider that, in fact, there are MANY things that we can do that are as "easy as getting fat". Here's something that will "hurt" to admit with these as you go through them. It's the FACT that NONE of them are of any value! So, I guess, in reality, here's another PREMISE that needs to be set: Following the path of least resistance never leads to anything good or positive!

 

1. GETTING OFFENDED is easy! Too many people get offended too easily in our world today. People seem to get offended by just about every little thing that someone may say - or NOT say. Getting offended is EASY and is evidence of a person taking that path of least resistance! Easily getting offended often leads to arguments and hurt feelings and, sometimes, even worse results. If something DOES offend you, discipline yourself to NOT react and say or do anything at that point. Just because something offends you does not mean that everyone has to know about it. Practice the discipline of NOT responding or reacting and then do some self-examination (this requires discipline as well) as to WHY you get offended so easily by so many things. Yes, I agree that there are times that we MUST stand up and fight and make our voices heard. But, at the same time, I'm also convinced that it is not nearly as often as some people make happen.

 

2. BEING NEGATIVE is easy! Hey listen, I understand that there are things in this world and in our individual lives that we can become very negative about very easily. But, friend, it is a CHOICE that each of us must make and, allowing ourselves to take the path of least resistance (no discipline), will make it EASY to have a negative attitude. Don't you just love being around negative people? Of course you don't! Then, friend, what makes you think people enjoy being around you if you have allowed yourself to become negative? Many times a person doesn't even realize that they have become this way. Ironically, this type of person will often criticize and complain about their coworkers or "friends" being negative, rude and unfriendly because they don't seem to want to interact with them. Hello? It takes DISCIPLINE to fight a negative attitude and it takes DISCIPLINE to do it on a daily (that's right - DAILY) basis. It takes DISCIPLINE to truly pay attention to your attitude and actually allow yourself to admit the amount of negativity in your life and your mind. What's in/on your mind usually will come out of your mouth.

 

3. NOT SETTING OR REACHING GOALS is easy! A goal that is easy to reach is not much of a goal. Wouldn't you agree? The idea of a goal is to cause us to stretch and challenge ourselves to do more and to be more than we are right now. One easy way to avoid the fear of not reaching that goal is to simply NOT SET a goal. What has been said is true, "Aim at nothing and you'll be sure to reach your target every time!". Maybe you are one that has actually set some goals (New Year's Resolutions?) and are struggling. Here's a few things to consider (remember, it takes discipline to do this kind of self-examination) about such goals. Perhaps you set unrealistic goals in the first place. Perhaps you never intended to do anything to reach those goals, you just set them because you always do and everyone else does. Perhaps the "fear of failure" has you paralyzed to the point of making no move toward that goal. The path of least resistance says, "Everyone sets goals and everyone falls short so, why set out on a course of failure?" That's EASY. Discipline will challenge a person to push and grow as they go through their days and get closer to reaching their set goals.

 

4. BEING CRITICAL is easy! This is closely related to #'s 1 and 2 in this list but I still want to address it separately. Do you know anyone like this? Could YOU be that person? It is EASY - by following the path of least resistance - to criticize anything and everything and everyone around you. It is EASY to always find what is wrong about something or someone. It is EASY to always voice your critical opinion on these things. It takes DISCIPLINE to "hold your tongue" when tempted to be critical. It takes DISCIPLINE to work on a better idea - if one even exists. You may find that coming up with good ideas and solutions is not as easy as being critical. In that case, it takes DISCIPLINE to compliment and encourage those that must come up with these ideas and solutions. It takes DISCIPLINE to not allow yourself to take that path of least resistance by being critical instead. Here's another heads up for you: NO ONE LIKES BEING AROUND A CRITICAL PERSON.

 

CONCLUSION: Living an undisciplined life of least resistance leads to many problems in our lives and in our world. Crime, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual gratification - regardless of one's marital status, along with many other addictions and vices, can be brought back to taking the "easy" road or path of least resistance. I know that some of you would want to argue that point on some - or all - of these issues. But, I won't argue with you on this. Again, I'm not saying that this is 100% true in EVERY situation but, overall, I believe this to be true a majority of the time.

 

So, bottom line, perhaps the original phrase in the graphic should be, "I wish everything of value and worth was as easy as getting fat." Some still may not like the comparison, but it would be closer to the truth.

 

Please share with anyone and everyone that you feel would benefit from these thoughts as well as the many others that you find on this blog page. You can also find the links to my podcasts below. Again, once my throat gets better, I will be doing a podcast to go along with this blog.

 

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



The Need to Tame the Tongue

"We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.  And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire." (James 3: 3 - 5; NLT)

 

Have YOU ever lost control of YOUR tongue? I could be wrong but I think I can answer that question for you with a "Yes". Am I right?

 

Most all of us - if NOT all of us - have said things that, almost immediately, we wish we could take back. And, at other times, it may take a few days or even weeks before that regret sets in. But, the fact is, once said, words cannot be "unsaid".

 

I heard the following story several years ago and it points out just how hard it is to try to recapture words once they are spoken. It seems that a man, in a  moment of frustration, said some negative and even untrue things about a person who had been a friend. This man was so angry and frustrated that he told three or four other people. After about a day, he began to regret what he had said and decided to visit the village wise man to seek advice on what he should do. The wise man instructed the fellow to go to each door of those he told the falsehood to, knock on the door and ask who all they shared what he had said. The wise man instruced the gentleman to do this at all three or four people's homes that he had told and then he was to place a feather on the doorstep of each of those people along with the steps of those with whom the story had been shared. At each of these houses he was to also ask if they had shared the story with others and, do the same thing at each of those houses. He soon found that he had placed feathers on the doorsteps of houses all over the town.

As instructed, he returned to visit the wise man the very next day to find out what else he needed to do to try to make this mistake right. His heart fell as the wise man instruced him to now go back and collect all of the feathers that had been placed on the doorsteps. The man expressed his despair since this would be an impossible task due to light winds taking place overnight.

"So it is with your words once spoken." explained the wise man. "They spread beyond your ability to ever recapture what has been said."

 

We can use all kinds of excuses by saying things like, "I just speak before I think!" which, in reality, cannot be true. You cannot speak it unless you think it first.

 

The problem is CONTROL.

 

The way to control your speech is to control your thoughts. And, the way to control your thoughts is to constantly absorb as much positive information as possible. 

You control your thoughts which, in turn, can help control your words.

Yeah, I know...easier said than done. Still yet, the goal is to THINK before it's "said and done".

Until next time...

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

Mike

Future You University    "Like" FYU on Facebook!    Podcast on iTunes

Podcast RSS feed    4 "no cost or low cost" start ups!
 

Promote the POSITIVE!

In a world full of negativity, why would you EVER want to promote ANYTHING but positive influence? Whether it be thoughts, spoken or written words or even posts on your preferred social media outlet...why would you want to do anything else?

 

Many of us would like to think that we would never participate or promote anything of a negative nature yet, many of us do just that.

 

Would you like to do a little experiment? Check your posts on your preferred social media page over the past few months Seriously, take the time to take a look and see what you find.

 

I have been guilty as well...especially during the recent mid-term elections in the political arena. I like to think that I caught myself on this and backed off on such activity and I hope that, if you find that you have promoted negative thoughts and ideas, you'll do the same.

 

This really came to the forefront for me just yesterday. A "connection" of mine on my personal social media page posted a video that did nothing but promote continued hype that is so prevalent in our media at this time. Instead of promoting positive information (or even just refraining from ANY additional input on the topic), they chose to add to the negativity surrounding this hyped up topic.

 

I don't need or want to see or read this type of negativity and I sure don't want it on my social media page for others to see or read so I "got rid of them", which prohibited them from posting anything further on my page.

 

Extreme action? Some might think so but, for me, it demonstrates how serious I am about such negativity.

 

Here's the simple message for today, friend: PROMOTE THE POSITIVE and leave the rest alone.

 

This applies on your social media pages as well as your workplace, your relationship with your friends and, yes, even your family.

 

Try this approach this week and see what happens.

 

Determine - beginning today, for a week - that you will not promote, repeat or share ANYTHING that is negative in any way.

 

You will find that this is more difficult than you might first imagine but, it can be done. It's a challenge that you CAN face and achieve.

 

You will find other helpful aides as you go through the rest of this week reading the coming blog articles as well as listening to the podcasts. (I'm changing to a Monday, Wednesday and Friday format now).

 

Friend, the world needs you to do this and show others that it can be done.

 

Start NOW and check your progress at the end of the day.

 

Until next time, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

Future You University    "Like" FYU on Facebook!    Podcast on iTunes

Podcast RSS feed    4 "no cost or low cost" start ups!
 

3rd of 8 Things to Give Up

 

Sometimes one can be so afraid of making a mistake that they do nothing BUT make mistakes! My guess is that you already know that to be true from past experience, right?

 

Sometimes it was due to nervousness when doing something new and not wanting to "mess up", which usually didn't turn out well. Sometimes it was likely even comical.

 

Now then, on a more serious note, at some point, YOU must give up the fear of failure in your life. At some point in your life, you must become more afraid of "staying where you are" than you are of possible "failure". Remember, there has never been an inventor in history that ever achieved success before they first experienced failure.

 

"FAIL FORWARD!"

 

The things that we have talked about so far - these first 3 things - are all tied in together. Doubting yourself and your abilities, along with negative thinking will likely cause you to believe the lies associated with such thoughts. And, believing those lies, you will be afraid to take the chance for success - WHATEVER "success" is for you.

 

 

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FEAR is "seeded" in doubt. Again, if you are going to doubt anything, doubt your limits. Sure, take the time to do your "homework" before making a decision but, at the same time, be careful not to fall into "paralysis of analysis" and never take action. It's easy to hide behind the, "I'm just being careful!" excuse.

 

Learn from failure, make adjustments and move forward. If you fall down (fail?), get up, dust yourself off and do it again...and again...and again...and again!

 

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!

 

And, as you move forward in the face of fear, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

Future You University   "Like" FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes

Podcast RSS feed      4 "no cost or low cost" start ups! 





 

Watch Your THOUGHTS



Step 1: WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS

 

Look at the graphic and notice the progression. This week I will be taking a look at EACH of these steps in this progression.

 

Why?

 

Because if we don't want this progression to take place in a negative way and we DO want it to take place in a POSITIVE way then we may want to look at each step closely.

 

Part 1: Watch your THOUGHTS, they become WORDS!

 

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "Wow, I wished I hadn't said that!"? Guess what? If you don't want to SAY it then don't THINK it!

 

As much as we want to claim differently, it is a fact that what is said is at first THOUGHT. Your brain simply cannot act on it's on when it comes to talking. You have to THINK it in order to SPEAK it. Sorry, you can't get off that easy by saying, "I spoke before I thought!". Uh, no.

 

This simply speaks to the importance of taking the time to think a little longer BEFORE you speak!

 

This is also another reason why it is so important to add to your "library of positive thoughts" of your mind.

 

No matter how hard you try, if you keep thinking it, "it" will come out of your mouth!

 

Like everything else, it is YOUR choice. It is a choice as far as to what you think and what you say.

 

If you are not sure that this is important, look again at the graphic above and realize that THIS IS THE START OF THE PATH TO YOUR DESTINY.

 

You can speak death (negative) or life (positive) into existence beginning with your thoughts that will turn into your words.

 

Death or life. Hmmmmm....which would you CHOOSE?

 

Kind of important, would you agree?

 

Be careful what you think. Your thoughts become your words. Choose carefully, friend.

 

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

 

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

 

Mike

 

 

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Move Up to the Front Row!

 

I don't know about you but I cannot look at this picture and not smile!

 

I also don't know if I've ever seen a more clear illustration than what is shown here. I LOVE THIS PICTURE and the graphic attached to it. Don't you?

 

Look at the progression that takes place from the first row to the third row. There's even a change from the first to the second row though not as dramatic as is shown in the third row.

 

LIFE IS MEANT TO BE LIVED!

 

I love roller coasters and I love to ride on the front row! Now, understand this - I am afraid of heights and the slow trip up to the top terrifies me along with the pause at the very top before the "release" which sends the roller coaster plummet straight down.

 

But I LOVE the thrill that comes once that release takes place. At that point my fear of heights is gone and the thrill of the ride has taken over! (Be sure to LISTEN to the podcast so that you can hear the happiness in my voice as I talk about this).

 

Now, once in a while I have agreed to ride in the middle of the line of roller coaster cars because someone that was too afraid to ride in the front wanted to ride the roller coaster with me. BORING! I could have almost had a tray of food and drink set up in that car and not spilled anything.

 

It was safe and a person could walk away bragging that they rode that roller coaster!

 

Well, technically, they did but they did not experience all that the roller coaster had to offer. The experience that they had when they "rode" the roller coaster was NOTHING compared to what those on the FRONT ROW of the roller coaster experienced.

 

Apply that to life, friend. You may say that you are "living" life but are you experiencing all that life has to offer?

 

You see this even connects to what we've discussed in the previous two articles.

 

Are you - WILL YOU - allow yourself to truly live life and experience all the wonders that are offered by life when you do so?

 

It's up to you but, friend, look at that picture one more time and ask yourself, "Do I want to live and laugh like the ladies in the front row or do I want to sit and chat like the ladies in the third row?"

 

C'mon....let's get on the FRONT ROW and for the the ride of a lifetime!

 

And, as you enjoy that ride, always be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

Choice One: DEFINE

Kelly Clarkson currently has a song out that has the following line in it, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". We've all heard that saying before, right? And, by the way, I DO love that song! It's kind of hard to sit still when she kicks that chorus in!

I do understand the idea behind that saying but I'm not sure it's 100% accurate. If you are in a car accident and are paralyzed from the neck down are you STRONGER than before? No. However, you may become stronger mentally and attitudinally. But, that may not always be the case either. I'm sure you can add your own examples along that same thought line.

Yet, at the core of that saying lies this truth that I've been sharing for the past three years: "AS LONG AS THERE IS BREATH, THERE IS HOPE!"

Don't ever forget that and, along with yesterday's introductory article, "When Bad Things Happen" we need to remember that we have some choices. The first of these that I'll be addressing today is, "LET IT DEFINE YOU".

Who are you? Why are you "who" you are? What has made you who you are? Yes, I understand that all of our experiences have been a part of making us "who" we are but, again, don't miss this point - YOUR PAST DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE!

Currently, my wife and I are working with kids in foster care and there are some horrible and heart-wrenching stories behind the lives of some of these young people. However, it is so important for me to emphasize to them that their past DOES NOT determine their future! The mistakes of those that were supposed to love and care for them DOES NOT determine a continued future of hurt and distrust! Their own mistakes - OUR OWN MISTAKES - does NOT determine the same for their (our) future!

Too many people give up thinking that there is NOTHING that they can do to change this direction of their life and, my friend, there is NOTHING further from the TRUTH!

I talk on the podcast (iTunes -  http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739 and the RSS feed - http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml  ) about those that are dealing with or have dealt with tragic loss in their lives. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose a child or to lose my wife. I came close to losing my wife a couple of years ago due to a "one-in-a-million" occurrences with her heart. The thought of going on and living life without her was unbearable! So, I want to emphasize again that I AM NOT criticizing anyone that is struggling with moving on after such a tragic event.

However, please hear me as I say this with complete compassion and caring - this, as well, does not have to define the rest of your life. Will it always be there? YES! Will it forever impact every area of your life for the rest of your life? YES! But it does not have to define and control the rest of your life.

You've often heard it said that the person that has passed would want you to go on and LIVE your life! I'm guessing that this is true but hard for us to think about when we go through such things. Please hear this in the way it is intended...at some point in time we must CEASE living the life of a victim and begin to live the life of a VICTOR!

You can. You must.

I, along with many others, am here to help in any way that I can by doing all I can to encourage you with these positive podcasts and articles. It IS possible to survive and thrive in spite of any bad thing that may have happened in your life.

When bad things happen they DO NOT have to define your life.

Join me tomorrow as we continue on with the next part, "LET IT DESTROY YOU". Until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

Make Today AWESOME!

Today is "Magical Monday"...Take advantage of YOUR magic today!

If you've read my blog for very long and if you've listened to my podcast for very long then you already know my "catch phrase" which is, "Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)".

I've mentioned in the past that I was very specific in the wording of this catch phrase and the meaning behind it. Let me touch on that once again before I get into the discussion on the first half of this phrase.

Too many people "settle" for the idea of "HAVING" a nice day. Think about it. How many times do you hear people say - or YOU say to another - "have a nice day!". Now, don't get me wrong! It's polite and it's nice but, I began to look at it as something you just "settle" for - HAVING a nice day. I don't know really how to explain it, but it's like, "Here....have this" and us, on this end saying, "Well, o.k...I guess I'll HAVE a nice day if you're offering it to me." Now, again, don't get upset with me on this if you say, "have a nice day" - NO BIGGIE.

However, I wanted to rephrase it in such a way that it emphasized the part that WE all play in the direction of our days - EVERY DAY! So, a few years back I came up with my catch phrase. Now you know if you didn't already. Now, THAT ALONE made this worthwhile, right? (Yeah, I'm smiling when I say that).

Seriously though, STOP WAITING for someone to bring the "magic" (yeah, Magical Monday, remember?) to your life, to your day and MAKE IT HAPPEN yourself! You've heard me say it or read it when I've written it - it's ALL a CHOICE!

I've also said this before - don't let the fact that I'm making this so simple cause you to skip over this. "Sometimes the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple!"

Who are you waiting for? What are you waiting for? Who are you waiting on? What are you waiting on? While you keep standing around WAITING the world is passing you by! The WORLD that is full of WONDER and all kinds of things and people that can TRULY create a sense of AWE in your day.

Be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic (iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739 or the RSS feed - http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml ).

Hey friend, would you do me a favor? If you find value/benefit in this blog and/or my podcast, would you please share them with someone? I'd appreciate it and I say, "Thank you!" in advance.

Today IS "magical" and today IS full of all kinds of awe-inspiring things ... things that will truly make your day AWESOME.

Wait a minute, I thought you said NOTHING can make it awesome for me? Nothing did. YOU did when you decided to open your eyes and take it all in!

Keep looking and absorbing and enjoying and, as you do so, continue to...

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

YOU Determine the Size of Your Dreams

Today is "Thankful Thursday" - think of all for which you have to be thankful and EXPRESS that thanks today!

I hope that you've been able to follow along with this week's podcast and blog articles as I've shared and discussed my 7 Daily Affirmations that I came up with back in the summer of 2008. Again, it is important for all of us to understand that the very first affirmation serves as the "building block" or foundational principle for all of the others that follow.

YES, it IS important for you to do this each and every day and as one of the first things you DO in your day. I also strongly suggest that you do this in front of a mirror if at all possible. You will be astounded at the impact of doing this while looking yourself in the eyes will have on you. Try it, you'll see what I mean.

Today I want to remind you of the fact that YOUR dreams are YOUR dreams! The actual affirmation goes like this: "I will not allow ANYONE to determine the size of my dreams! THEY ARE MINE!"

Sounds simple enough, right? Yet, too many have let their dreams go due to the influence of others around them. Others who did not DARE dream the big dreams but were more than ready to destroy the dreams of others. It happens every day and, friend, it has likely either happened to you or you are aware of those that have tried to do that with YOUR dreams. Remember, they are YOUR dreams and, that being so, no on - NO ONE - has the right or ability to decide how big they should be or what they should be!

This gets really difficult when the "dream stealer" is a family member - especially a spouse. I've read and heard others ask the question, "What do I do if my husband/wife..." and they go on to describe how their spouse is not only unsupportive but actually actively tries to destroy that dream.

I'll be honest with you...I don't have an answer for you on how you handle that. Some would suggest that you simply leave that spouse and move on without them and maybe even try to find someone else that would share in your dreams. However, I am a firm believer in marriage for life so I would suggest that you try to find another solution if at all possible. Now then, they may NEVER jump on board with you and your dreams and that will be when you really find out how important your dreams are to you as well as how strong your passion is for those dreams.

Too, I've noticed that some times - not in all situations but in more than most want to admit - the problem sometimes lies within the dreamer and their failure to bring their spouse along with them from the beginning. Hey, listen - if you are in a marriage, it is IMPORTANT that you share your hopes and dreams and that you share your desire to go after them. Right? Too many people keep these things to themselves and then spring some investment or whatever on their spouse "out of the blue". Hey, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?

So, if you've already made the mistake of NOT bringing your spouse along with you or did not share with your spouse from the beginning then, friend, you have a problem on your hands to which you must find a solution.

But, bottom line, whatever you do, DO NOT allow others to destroy your dreams and convince you that you are dreaming too big and that you are not able to accomplish what you have set out to accomplish. (Go back and read and listen to the preceding affirmations on this).

DREAM BIG and make NO EXCUSES to those that lack the ability to dream. By all means, share with your spouse and make every effort to bring them along with you but know this: sometimes the life of a dreamer is a lonely life! But, again, this is when you discover how "real" and important your dreams are to you.

Just imagine what our world would be like if it weren't for the dreamers that never gave up.

Keep on dreaming and, until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Mike

YOU Can Do GREAT Things!

Today is "Turn-Around Tuesday"...stop waiting and TURN YOUR life AROUND TODAY!

Today I want to continue our discussion on my "7 Daily, Powerful, Life-Changing Affirmations" that I put together back in August of 2008. Yesterday we discussed my 1st of these 7, "I am somebody special!" and, today, I'd like to continue with the second one: "I am able to accomplish great things!".

Remember, the first of these seven that I covered yesterday is the FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE on which all of the other six are based upon. Everything else comes from - and because of - this first and most important daily affirmation, "I am somebody special" and the reasoning behind it which I discusses yesterday.

Once we can at least make a move toward accepting and believing that, indeed, we ARE somebody special, then we can move on to the second of these seven, "I am able to accomplish great things!"

WHY? HOW? We can because, first and foremost, of WHO we are! Remember, we are made in the image of God and, that alone, qualifies us for greatness REGARDLESS of what kind of lives we have lived in the past! DO NOT MISS THAT POINT....even if we were mistreated in our lives as children and raised in a very negative - and even abusive - environment, we STILL have the OPPORTUNITY to turn things around and begin to live a life with a focus on the POSITIVE.

What IS "greatness"? Obviously, for some people in our world, it means achieving the very best that their chosen field has to offer whether that be President of the United States or any other top level of achievement that is available to them. But, for some of us, it may not mean anything like that.

How much money does it take for you to be "great"? How many people have to know who you are in order for you to be "great"? How many times does your name have to appear in print in order for you to be "great"? Friend, these things have absolutely NOTHING to do with "greatness"!

You achieve GREATNESS by what you do with your life every day of your life. That's right...not quite as grandiose as some would have you believe, right?

You achieve GREATNESS by being the best husband and father that you can be or the best wife and mother you can be. You achieve GREATNESS by being the best friend, employee or employer that you can be. You achieve GREATNESS by being a person of HONOR in all of the above mentioned areas!

Now, this does not mean that you CANNOT or WILL NOT achieve "greatness" in your chosen field, but don't limit yourself to that line of thinking.

Here's the KEY POINT I want to make sure you get in all of this (be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic: http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml (RSS feed)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739 (iTunes) ...

...you are able to achieve GREATNESS because of WHO you are (one made in the image of God) and not because of the positive or negative that those around you have said to you in relation to who you are.

EXAMPLE: You are NOT doomed to failure just because someone may have told you that you are worthless and that you would NEVER amount to anything! But, on the other side of the spectrum, you are NOT guaranteed success just because someone told you that you were the greatest thing in the world! Now, true, it is much better and more conducive for success to have that positive feedback rather than the negative but, again, you have the ability to achieve great things in your life because of WHO YOU ARE from the start!

Do NOT sell yourself short! Do NOT listen to those that would tell you that you should settle for less! Do NOT listen to those that would tell you that you must make a choice between your chosen passion and your family in order to be a success!

God has blessed you with everything that you need in order to do and accomplish "great" things! Use that, develop that, use the good sense the Good Lord has given you to take advantage of this unbelievable age that we live in today that offers so many opportunities for success for those that are willing to step out and go for it.

Just remember, as you do so, you do so as a person of HONOR.

"I am able to accomplish great things!"

As you continue along this path, always be sure to...

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

Small Things BLOWING UP Big!

Today is "Turn-Around Tuesday" --- YOU have the opportunity to do that TODAY!

The story is told of an elderly couple sitting out on the front porch in their rocking chairs enjoying a lovely afternoon when the old man decides to express some loving thoughts to his wife of many years. Leaning over in her direction he say, "I love you!" to which the dear lady responded, "What's that you say?" Leaving over a little further and talking a little louder the gentleman repeats, "I said, I love you!". Still unable to hear what her husband was saying and a bit frustrated she said, "Tarnations old man! Speak up and say what you want to say!". The old man gave it all he had and yelled out at the top of his voice, "I SAID, I - LOVE - YOU!!" to which, with misunderstanding, the sweet woman replied at the top of her voice, "Well, good grief! I'M TIRED OF YOU TOO!"

Oops! MISunderstandings, MISinterpretations and just plain ol' "MISSES" that turn into MESSES!

"Just let it go." I have uttered those words numerous times in working with young people lately when they want to respond heatedly to what really is a very small offense. Hey, you know this to be true, right - people find out what "buttons" to push to get a reaction from you and they push it often and then they push it MORE often! What happens if we just learn to "let it go" and don't react? Many times, the "problem" will disappear.

I'm ticklish but I have learned to control that response so that when someone comes up to me and asks if I'm ticklish they don't get a response when they try to tickle me. By the way, isn't it odd that a person would ASK you a question and either not believe you OR (as usually is the case) start tickling you before you even answer? Anyway, I can resist the response and, guess what? They don't try it any more.

Simple illustration, I know. But it applies pretty much the same way to learning how to NOT let people "push our buttons". Remember, THEY DO NOT HAVE CONTROL over our emotions. We do!

Also consider the "chain of events" that takes place when you allow this to happen to you and then you drop that negative attitude on anyone and everyone around you. Many of these people are "innocent bystanders" and have absolutely nothing to do with the problem in the first place.

So, realize that what happens to you - positive or negative - doesn't stay with just you. Share the good, the positive and JUST LET GO of the negative and harmful.

Try it, you might like it! (And those around you will likely be pretty happy with it as well).

Until next time, be sure to...

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

Mike

Living Today in COLOR!

 

Today is "FUN FRIDAY"! Find a reason to SMILE and to SHARE that smile with others!

So, today is Friday...how long have you been waiting for today? How long have you been "hanging on" until FRIDAY? How many times do you find yourself on MONDAY already looking forward to FRIDAY? Songs have been written and sung emphasizing this type of mentality but I really want to ask you to consider this: DON'T YOU THINK YOU ARE WISHING YOUR DAYS AWAY WHEN YOU DO SO?

I once heard a young lady state at around 6:00 a.m., "I can't WAIT for this day to be over!" Are you kidding me? The day hadn't even really begun and she was already wishing it was over? She had apparently already decided for herself that it was going to be a TERRIBLE day and, according to her way of thinking, there was absolutely NOTHING she could do about it except wish for the end of that day.

Friend, that is truly sad in my opinion.

STOP living your life in the "grey" and "hum-drum" existence that so many find themselves in and START living your life in COLOR and experience each day FULL OF LIFE!

Do you remember in the movie, "The Wizard of Oz" how the first part of the movie was filmed in black and white but, upon Dorothy's arrival in the magical land of Oz, the movie was then shown in beautiful color? It was done that way for a reason! It was MAGICAL...it was NEW and VIBRANT and offered so much for this young lady that she had never experienced before. Isn't it time YOU stepped out of the world of "black and white" and started living YOUR life in VIBRANT COLOR?

In case you're having a hard time answering that question, let me be of assistance..."Uh, YEAH!"

Oh, by the way, there IS a reason I have a picture of a watch at the top of this blog. This is the watch that I found before Christmas that caught my eye. Very seldom is there anything that I really want for Christmas or my birthday or Father's Day and it is a bit frustrating to my wife... understandably so. But, when I saw this watch it "spoke" to me and I almost bought it on the spot since it was right there and available. However, I decided I'd wait, tell my wife about it, show her a picture of it on-line and then let her get it for me so it could actually be "from her". We stopped by a couple of stores in other towns before Christmas so she could pick it up and wrap it for me but we never could find THAT particular watch in the other stores! So, finally, we went ahead and ordered it on-line so that it could be shipped to the store in our hometown and we could pick it up when it arrived. Due to our crazy schedule right now it came in about 10 days before we could get to it and, FINALLY, we were able to pick it up the other day - this "Christmas present" near the end of January - at our local store.

We were both excited since we had been waiting so long and I actually had found something I wanted. Isn't that watch BEAUTIFUL? You see, blue is my color and that watch just caught my eye the moment I first saw it. I excitedly opened the box to only be disappointed. Why? Because the watch they sent was NOT the watch I ordered. The one I ordered looked like the one pictured above and the one they sent had the face color of what you see above if it was shown in black and white. In other words it was a dark grey trim with a light grey center. YUCK! When I took it back to the lady inside I told her about the problem and laughing I said, "That's like ordering a color t.v. and getting one in black and white!" (Oh, by the way, we did end up driving back to the ORIGINAL store where I first saw the watch and picked it up - YAY!)

Sure, I could have settled for the one I didn't order since it had taken so long - BUT I DIDN'T WANT THE UGLY, COLORLESS WATCH! I wanted the one that was beautiful, vibrant and colorful!

STOP settling for living a life of "drab existence" and begin to live and experience a life in LIVING COLOR!

So much is being offered to you today that we often pass up because we have settled for "drab" instead of "VIBRANCY" in our lives! Don't wish away the day or the week - take advantage of all that this day has to offer you! GRAB every ounce of LIFE out of this day, squeeze every ounce of life out of every second of this day! 

WHY? Because once this second, minute, hour and day is gone - IT IS GONE FOREVER and it CANNOT ever be recovered, relived or replaced. Gone. 

So, as is always the case - the choice is yours. What will YOU do with what you have...TODAY? As you go through your day, always remember to...  

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

Mike

Staying UP Even When You're DOWN

Get Out of the Back Seat!

Get Out of the Back Seat!

To be honest, I've never sat in the back seat of a "limo". Maybe one day I'll get the pleasure of doing so on a special occasion, but as of yet I've not done so.

Right now, as it is in my "normal" life I'd still rather drive than ride. Yes, I'm one of those "back seat drivers" that sits in the FRONT seat! But, even besides that, I'd rather drive and be focused on that than to sit idly in the passengers seat.

I can't even imagine what it'd be like to be driven around in the back seat of a limousine. I'm sure there's lots of work that could be done and caught up on during the ride, but I still can't even imagine that.

In today's podcast I tell the story of a guy that worked for one of our presidents and, as a perk of his position, he was driven wherever he wanted to go in the back of a limousine. When this president's term ended he was out of a job and back to "normal life" like the rest of us. He talks about how one of his first days at home when he was ready to go somewhere he went out to the car and automatically climbed into the back seat and waited for someone to drive him. Obviously that didn't happen and he was rudely welcomed back to the "real world".

So, here's the thought process for today...are YOU "sitting in the back seat" waiting for someone to drive you?

What do I mean? Well, let's do a short review of what we've talked about so far this week. On Monday I talked about YOU being in control of what "car" you drove each and every day in regards to either a positive or a negative attitude. Based on which one you chose you would likely notice lot of the same "automobiles" (positive or negative) all around you. You would tend to "see" the same thing that you were "driving". Yesterday I discussed the need for us to be "road ready" for the journey that each of us are on each and every day as we move on toward our goals and dreams. What are YOU doing to prepare?

So, here's the deal for today...when I talk about how important it is for YOU to "drive" your own "automobile" and how important it is to make sure that you are prepared for the journey and the roadblocks that may come along the way then I would hope that each of us would also realize the importance of US doing the actual driving!

GET OUT OF THE BACKSEAT and quit waiting for someone else to do the "driving" for you!

One of the dangers of buying and gathering great information in this area (Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, Mike Spillman - snuck that one in there!) is that many tend to gather all of this information and almost expect their lives to automatically take off just from HAVING this information in their possession. They are "sitting in the back seat" waiting for someone else to drive their future!

IT WON'T HAPPEN!

Is it good to gather this information? Of course it is! That's part of the preparation process that I talked about yesterday! But when will you move beyond the preparation and actually move on to the DOING or the DRIVING?

C'mon...haven't you sat back there long enough - going nowhere - waiting for someone to "drive" for you?

Get out of the back seat and get behind the wheel...it's YOUR future!

And, as you "drive" be sure to...

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

Mike