Mike's Quotes #42: Talking vs.Doing

 “Talking and planning is a whole different thing than planning and doing.”

Mike Spillman  - (12.1.19)

Take a look at the date the above quote came to be. The first day of the last month of 2019. Now, take a look at the date this article was published - the last day of the first month of 2020. 

When I said what I did in today's quote many were organizing their "New Year's Resolutions" that they were planning to put into place - again - at the start of the New Year. And now, here we are at the end of that very first month of that new year and...?

If you haven't read the last article, be sure to do so since it is so closely related to today's topic. I've talked about this type of idea many times over the years but it still remains true...talking and planning is one thing but planning and DOING is a whole different thing my friend.

As I mentioned in the last article, it really all begins with being honest with yourself and then you MUST TAKE ACTION. It's called "putting the POWER behind the PLAN".

That POWER? 

ACTION.

There's no other answer, no other solution. There's no other way to get things done but to DO those things. And, yes, I need this lesson as well!

So, here we are at the end of month 1 in 2020. Already gone. Completed. January 2020 cannot be relived or reclaimed. It is "in the books". 

Get the idea? 

What is it that one song says about TIME?

Until next time - at the start of another month - always be sure to...


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

Mike

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The Importance of EXECUTION

Have you ever participated in "cliff jumping or diving"?  Here's what I mean. I live in Arkansas and we have a lot of lakes around and I've had the pleasure of living in areas where I had quick access to getting on the lake in a boat and enjoying that time.

When my sons were younger and still at home, we would load up and go out on the lake and spend some time exploring different areas of the lake, swimming and - you guessed it - "cliff jumping" when we could find a safe area to do so. It simply means that you climb your way up to a specific point on a "cliff" or a "bluff" and then you jump off of it into the water.

Here's the thing though - that "specified area" never looks as high from the boat as it does once you climb up TO that point! And, for some (like me), it's hard to "pull the trigger" and take that leap off of that cliff or bluff into the water. I remember one such time with my boys where we would count, "1...2...3!!" for each one for them to jump. NONE of them ever went on "3" that first time. As a matter of fact, it usually took four or five times of that countdown before they would finally jump...and, yeah, I was the same way!

In today's podcast (see links at the bottom of this article) I share some thoughts that I got from John C. Maxwell from his "Minute With Maxwell" that I get delivered to my e-mail every day. (You can sign up and get this sent to your own e-mail as well - I don't get anything for this, I just want to share "good stuff" with you - by going HERE. )

I was listening and catching up on some of the past episodes of this yesterday and came across John addressing the word, "EXECUTE", in which he shared his initial thought and image of a guy being blindfolded, with a cigarette in his mouth, standing before a firing squad. Of course, the "call" that is made by one in charge is, "READY.....AIM...FIRE!" However, John shared that, too often, when we plan to "execute" or take action on some plans that we have laid out before us, we often make THIS call: "READY......AIM.....AIM.....AIM...."

Just like the example I used above about preparing to jump off of that cliff or bluff, sometimes it's hard to "pull the trigger" and take that leap! We may be ready (climbed up to the cliff/bluff) and have taken aim (looked over the bluff to decide where the best place to land would be) but, we didn't really make that climb with the idea of just standing around on that cliff/bluff, did we?

Execution or taking action is a MUST - a NECESSITY - if we plan to ever move forward or experience success in whatever area it is in which we are involved.

John also talks about the other end of the spectrum in this scenario. He says that others will make THIS call: "READY.....FIRE....AIM!".  Now, even though that sounds kind of funny, too many people do just that. Have you? I know I have! Sometimes we get in a hurry and we do make some preparation, BUT we fail to "take aim" or complete the preparation process before we "jump in" or "pull the trigger".

In the example that I used of jumping off of the cliff or bluff, this can be catastrophic! Failing to "aim" or plan where it is that you want to land could even lead to death. Climbing up to the specific area is part of the process but so is looking over that cliff/bluff and "taking aim" or planning where it is that you want to land in the water. Just going up and jumping, without taking that look, could cause one to jump right on top of a big rock just under the surface of the water.

At a shooting range, preparing your weapon to fire but not taking aim will cause one to miss their target and - again with possible catastrophic results - possibly strike another human instead of the target that was set.

So, it is important to follow the course in the correct order, wouldn't you agree?

But again, all of the preparation in the world carries no value if we fail to EXECUTE the plan of action.

How does that "speak" to you today? I'm sure it does in some way, friend. Don't hide from it but, rather, embrace it and address it so that you can take the needed actions in your life to move on toward your intended success.

Join me in the next article as we deal with another area that often prevents us from taking action and experiencing success in and for our lives.

As always, 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

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Where Will YOU Be When...

 

I remember an old song and seeing some posters back in the late 70's that asked the question, "Where will you be when you get where you're going?"

 

Pretty good question, wouldn't you agree?

 

But, perhaps, what we need to ask first is this: WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

 

We've been talking about the planning and preparation that goes into a trip and how that level of planning and preparation really depends on what kind of trip or journey it is that we are taking. We've used the analogy of looking at a map and planning a trip in connection with working toward achieving our goals and dreams.

 

Sure, as we have already talked about, you have to know where you ARE before you can plan on how to get THERE, where ever "there" is...make sense?

 

But, I often wonder this: How many of you don't even know where it is that you want to go? How many of you are approaching your goals and dreams as if you are just hopping in your car and just going with no idea of where you are going?

 

Now, sometimes it is fun to just get in a car or hop on a motorcycle with NO idea of where you are going and just let the road take you where you want to go!

 

But, friend, if you are planning a trip from Arizona to Florida, how will that work out for you?

 

Easy answer: IT WON'T!

 

There's a big difference in doing something for fun and doing something with purpose and ON purpose!

 

Don't you think you should approach something that is this important with PURPOSE? (But then again, how serious and how important is this to you anyway?)

 

"If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there? How will you know IF you get there?"

 

Hmmmmm....something to think about, wouldn't you say?

 

As you're thinking,  be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

 

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1 Magical Moment!

Update: I DO Plan To...

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Just a quick update: I DO still plan to do the video an audio addition to my current "series" that I am doing on PLANS and things that can HOLD US BACK.

 

Isn't that ironic?

 

I planned to do it right after I completed my last blog article (which was about 3 weeks ago). I also planned to get it done about a week ago while I had several days off.

 

But, as you can see, I've still yet to complete those. My plans? I still plan to get that accomplished THIS WEEK - hopefully over the next day or two.

 

So, here's something to think about when considering the thought brought up in the last article of "WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK?".... do we sometimes consider ourselves "busy" or "too busy" to do what it is we SAY we want to accomplish?

 

Hmmmm....interesting.

 

Stay with me? Thanks!

 

Until next time, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike



I Always Wanted To....

Be sure to "LIKE" Future You University on Facebook!

 

 

I'm typing this on Thursday, September 27, 2012 after the legendary Andy Williams passed away on Tuesday, September 25th. Why is this significant to me? Because I have said for years that I wanted to go see his show in Branson, Missouri before he died. Now, it's too late.

 

For me this goes back to my childhood. I can remember watching Mr. Williams on television (yes, black and white) putting on some of the best Christmas specials that I can remember. I always thought he had one of the smoothest voices ever - even at my young age. I can also remember the Osmond brothers being introduced and a part of these television specials. I loved those shows!

 

Then, a few years ago, Mr. Williams brought his act to Branson, Missouri which has only been a few hours from me all along. I've said to my wife (and even to my sons who are all now out of the house) that I wanted us to go see his Christmas show sometime. I said that year after year after year. And, as I've already said...now it's too late.

 

So, here's the question: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU HAVE SAID YOU WANT TO DO AND, AS OF YET, IS STILL UNDONE?

 

Here's what I continue to ask myself about situations like the one above and others that I find let slip past me - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

 

My goodness, the whole thing with going to see Andy Williams boiled down to two things: 1. sometimes I felt that it would cost too much money and 2. poor planning. And now, something that I've wanted to do for years has passed me by.

 

Another thing I find that is necessary to ask with such things is this: WAS IT AS IMPORTANT AS I KEPT SAYING IT WAS? IF SO, WHY DIDN'T I DO IT REGARDLESS OF ANY EXCUSES?

 

Sometimes the truth hurts but the truth is that if something really IS important to us we WILL find a way to make it happen. Won't you?

 

Ahhhh, but there's that factor of FEAR. False Evidence Appearing Real.

 

We're still working on that, aren't we? I know I am. Hey, I'm just being honest. I appreciate you reading my blog and listening to my podcast (yes, I am doing a podcast on this topic - be sure to check it out at www.FutureYouUniversity.com) but I will always be honest with you on such things. What good does it do me - or you - to make it appear that I have it all worked out? I DON'T but I continually strive to keep moving forward and I hope that I encourage you to do the same along the way.

 

So for now, address the questions brought up in this blog. Get out a piece of paper and spend some serious time digging at the TRUTH. Make that list of things that are still waiting for you to enjoy and complete (and no, we're not talking about things like "mowing the yard") and then dig deep as to WHY it's still on that "to do" list.

 

I plan to do another blog entry in a few days to continue these thoughts and I'd love to get your feedback either by leaving a comment here or on the FYU fan page on Facebook (preferred).

 

Keep pressing forward, friend and, until then, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike



 

 



Booking Now in 2011

Hey friends, if you'd like to have me come speak at some event in your area just let me know and we'll try to work something out together.

I look forward to spending time with you and sharing with whatever crowd would be gathered for this event! I can always use people in different areas to help set things up and to promote the event - those that help in that way would receive free admission to THAT event plus some other benefits in the future.

Sometimes You Have to Just "Go With the Flow"

GIVE UP OR KEEP MOVING FORWARD?

It's now always easy to keep pushing forward when it seems that the "ROADBLOCK DEMONS" are determined to keep you from moving in a forward direction.

I've talked about it many times in the past and - not for the first time - I am experiencing it as I continue to plan to actually present my first seminar.


Is it frustrating? OH YEAH!


But, I also know that I can either GIVE UP or continue to MOVE FORWARD with my plans - even if it does take some major reorganizing!


As always, the choice is MINE and it is up ME to decide what it is that I will do with these temporary roadblocks and setbacks.


Me? I choose to keep pushing forward!


And I encourage YOU to do the same in YOUR LIFE in whatever area of your life that it is with which you are attempting to move FORWARD into a better and brighter future.


Here's to your continued effort and coming success in your endeavors. And, as always...


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



Mike

Are You Happy Here?

Are You HAPPY Here?

We have been discussing the and exploring the idea of WHERE YOU ARE in your life. Right now. Today.

With the thought of "You are Here!" we began to ask the question, "Where IS here?" and you have been encouraged to do a little honest digging to figure out WHERE "here" really is.

As hard as that may have been for some of you, the REALLY difficult part comes with the realization that "you are where you have been going". I both love AND hate that statement! I love it because it "cuts to the chase" and really gets right down to it. I also HATE it for the exact same reason!

When we strip away all of the excuses (yeah, I know, you might try to call them "reasons") and stop playing the "blame game" as to why we are where we are - there 's no one else to look at but ourselves. Ouch!

You are where you are because of the steps that you have taken along the way.

Another way to think about these "steps" is to use a different word instead. Let's try this - you are where you are because of the CHOICES that you have made along the way.

Now we're getting somewhere!

One of the things I did in today's podcast to help us understand this a little easier by using a "real world" example was to have you go back through your day - up to this point - and list all of the choices that you have made thus far.

This is the EXACT same thing we can do - and NEED to do - in order to really see why we are where we are. So, for an example, I will go back through my day up to this point and talk about some of the CHOICES that were presented to me along the way.

1. Setting the alarm - Now, first of all, THIS decision (choice) was made before I even went to bed last night. So, THAT was a choice made.

2. Alarm - yes or no? I also had several choices to make even though I had SET the alarm. I could get up EARLIER than the set time, I could get up when the alarm went off OR I could hit the "snooze" button once, twice or however many times. I actually chose to get up BEFORE the alarm went off and enjoyed a peaceful 30 minutes or so sitting out on the front porch in the cool of the morning.

3. Order of Getting Ready - Should I eat breakfast first or shower and dress first?

4. What for Breakfast - What should I eat for breakfast (MANY choices can be made here. As a matter of fact, you may have seen a commercial on television that talks about how making the right choice for breakfast may lead to making wise choices along the way).

5. What to wear - Now, I probably don't spend as much time on this as a lot of people but it is still a choice that presents itself daily.

6. What time to leave - Again, the same choices exist as getting up in the morning or ANYTHING to do with time. I could leave early, leave at the time I had planned, or - due to a lack of proper planning - leave late and be rushed.

7. At the office - I have several choices available to me each day (as do you) once I arrive at my office. What should I do first? Check e-mail? Check for phone messages? Write this blog? Reorganize my "to do" list?

That is where I am currently - going through my decisions on #7...obviously, right now I have chosen to write this blog.

Again, the same thing is true of our lives in general!

Whether you are happy with your "here" or not - it is important to see how you got where you are AND to correct, change and/or "tweak" possible unwise choices that you made along the way.

You see, on ANY of the decisions that we make during the day we can always go back - after examining these choices - and see what needs to be changed! For example, if we find ourselves constantly running late in the morning and being rushed then we need to CHANGE what we are doing in relation to #1 on the list above. Why? Because what we are doing is not working and, likely, we don't like the end result!

Even if you are HAPPY with your "here" you still need to go back and constantly check that you are staying on course and not picking up any bad habits that could derail your progress.

I came up with the following saying a couple of years ago and, as a matter of fact, if you are on Facebook you can find it as a "flair" by searching "choices". I'm not sure if there is a way to narrow that down even more - let me know if you have problems finding it. Here is what it says:

"All choices require a decision. All decisions are a choice."

Pure and simple. Straight to the point.

That's what we all need, friend. Let's stop making excuses, let's stop whining and complaining. Let's start taking ownership for what we have or have not done and where we ARE. Thing is, whether you want to take ownership or not - it's all yours.

So, if you're happy with your "here" - AWESOME! Keep up the great work, stay focused as move closer to your goals and dreams.

And, if you're not - what are YOU (yes, YOU) going to do about it?

We'll have that discussion in tomorrow's podcast and blog entry so, until then...

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

Mike

" I CAN! I WILL! I MUST!

#7: "I CAN! I WILL! I MUST!"

Well, here we are on the last of my 7 Daily Affirmations....wait a minute, let me get that whole, wonderful title I have for these on here:

"7 Life-Changing, Life-Directing, Powerful, Daily Affirmations!"

There, that's better! I purposely created the "heading" for these daily affirmations to be full of life and vitality because I believe them to be exactly that!

Again, if you don't have the complete listing in front of you, go to the archives on the right column of this blog and click on the January link and go back to Monday, January 4th. I have listed all 7 of them there.

Remember, too, that I have strongly suggested that, even if you do "tweak" these and adapt them for your own life, you leave the first one as is and in the position of first. I feel that it is the very foundation of my own affirmations as well as any that you may work with for your life.

And, as you will see, it plays a significant part in this last of my 7 daily affirmations: "I CAN! I WILL! I MUST!"

I CAN!

As I mentioned on the podcast, this last affirmation is designed to send me out into the day with a burst of energy and belief! So, even after affirming all of the other things (#'s 1 - 6) I want to end on a powerful affirmation of what I intend to do with these affirmations.

First of all, I want to affirm that I CAN do the things that I have determined to do! Again, go back to the very first affirmation, "I AM Somebody Special!" and this is the very reason I CAN do what I have set out to do!

Because I AM somebody special, I CAN accomplish great things and I CAN touch and change many lives for the better! I CAN "stick to my guns" concerning the size of my dreams. I CAN brush off the negative remarks that may come my way when the "dream stealers" try to tell me that I can't! I CAN be a giver and not a taker even though it seems that most of the world would tell me to do and be otherwise!

You MUST have this belief - or at least be developing this belief in your life. If you don't believe you can (or if you are not working on instilling that belief in your life) you will have a hard time accomplishing your dreams and goals. NO ONE ELSE can do this for you.

I WILL!

We can say anything we want. We can make big plans and talk about them all day long. We can share them with others and tell them all of the great things we are going to do. We can tell ourselves that as well. However, unless we put ACTION behind the words and plans they will amount to absolutely nothing!

So, for me, this part of this last affirmation is just as important - if not more so - than just believing that I CAN! Not only is it important for me to acknowledge and affirm that I do have the ability to carry this out, I must now determine that I WILL do so!

Stop talking about what you PLAN to do and start doing it! To say that you WILL do this doesn't mean that you will "someday" but that you WILL "take steps on this journey TODAY!" (#6).

I MUST!

I'm not sure how you feel about your plans, dreams and goals and the NECESSITY of them in your life. (Might I suggest that if you don't find an urgency and a necessity to your dreams and goals that, perhaps, you have the wrong dreams and goals?).

For me, these daily affirmations are things that I CAN do, I WILL do and I MUST do! These are not just cute little sayings that I put together. These must be things that go beyond "feel good" words. These are things that I have determined are ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES in and for my life!

I MUST do these things! I MUST establish these truths ("I AM Somebody Special!) in my life and then I must also live out these truths in my life!

In order for me to move on toward my dreams and goals (#6) I must have the feeling and knowledge that, in order to do so, I MUST incorporate these truths into my life and I MUST actively purse them as well.

There is NO OTHER WAY for me.

What about YOU?

Again, only YOU can decide these things for your life. Only YOU can know the determination that you have or the determination that you must develop in order to take steps on this journey each and every day.

But, here's the great news. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Not only do I believe that my podcasts and blog will help you, but there are countless other quality materials available for you out there as well. You have all the help you need if you search for it.

So, again, bottom line: WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?

Let's all stop making excuses and start making progress in our lives....TOGETHER!

Agreed? AGREED!

And, never forget to...

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

Mike

"I Will Not Allow ANYONE to Determine the Size of My Dreams!

#4: "I Will Not Allow ANYONE to Determine the

Size of My Dreams - THEY ARE MINE!"

How big are YOUR dreams?

WHY are they as big (or little) as they are?

Have you ever had anyone say anything to you about your dreams that caused you to reconsider them? Did you become more determined or begin to doubt?

Our dreams, goals and plans for our lives are some of the most precious things that we own (get that? WE OWN THEM!) and yet they are some of the "least-protected" things that we own!

At least for most of us. Right?

Think about it and see if what I say is not true.

Many times, due to some negative remark, we will dump them in the trash pile without a moments hesitation. WHY? Are they not more valuable than that?

SURE THEY ARE! So, isn't it about time that we (you, me, EVERYONE) began to PROTECT them as the precious commodities that they are?

Our dreams are NOT a "one size fits all" either! Think about that for a moment.

Our dreams are VERY personal and personalized. They are OUR dreams and, that being said, they fit US and no one else!

Oh, I understand that we may have similar dreams as someone else - but there are little things that make them uniquely ours.

So, with all of this in mind, think about today's affirmation - "I Will Not Allow ANYONE to Determine the Size of My Dreams - THEY ARE MINE!" - and say it with confidence, determination and tenacity!

Only YOU can determine the size of your dreams. HOWEVER, let me add this - don't sell yourself short and dream "itty bitty" dreams! Don't be afraid to "reach for the stars" and dream BIG dreams!

As I have often read, why not shoot for the moon? If you miss, you'll still land on a star!

Protect your dreams! They are uniquely YOURS and they belong to no one else but you!

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

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

Mike

YOU Are UNIQUE!

"YOU Are UNIQUE!"

(Of all of God's creations - no one can replace YOU!)

Friend, this is a very POWERFUL thought to allow to soak into your mind! This is one of the MOST IMPORTANT things to understand and realize as you set out to achieve your goals and dreams - THERE IS NO ONE ELSE OUT THERE LIKE YOU! (And there are plenty of those out there that know us that say, "Whew! Am I glad!")

Even "identical twins" are not exactly identical - YOU are the ONLY YOU in all of creation and that makes you special!

Now, you can stand in front of the mirror, puff your chest out and admire yourself OR you can get up and go after your dreams and goals fueled by this magnificent truth!

One of the things I talked about in the podcast for today was how this really emphasizes the power of the "Mastermind Group" that we talked about last week in our discussion of the need to "Xcelerate Your Efforts". When you get together with a group of "all-unique" people just think about the energy and the OUTSTANDING ideas that can and will be formulated and shared!

Anytime you catch yourself saying, "Wow! Why didn't I think of that?" you are simply reinforcing the very idea that we are talking about today - that thought came from someone else because they are unique and their mind works differently than yours!

Don't try to be like someone else - don't try to BE anyone else!

Yes, it is a powerful thing to have a mentor. Yes, it is a powerful thing to learn important habits, etc. from others. Yes, it is commendable to want to emulate habits and characteristics of those successful people that you admire.

However, don't try to BE them and don't get discouraged and frustrated when you may not have the same success as them. Don't quit! Remember, we are all unique and you likely will have to "tweak" what they are doing to fit who you are!

Because you ARE unique and there is no one else like you - you have something UNIQUE and SPECIAL to offer those around you as well as the world! Isn't that exciting to think about?

Why not be the FIRST with something? Don't sell yourself short on this! There are people every single day that become huge successes because they followed through with an idea that those around them said, "No, it will never work!" Why do they say that? Among MANY other reasons it is because it doesn't make sense to them ---- they are not YOU!

Live with excitement due to the fact that you are unique!

May this thought help you soar today! Fly high! Live with a new zest and zeal today with the thought of knowing that this, indeed is true!

But not just TODAY! It is true each and every day that you bless this earth with your presence --- what another AMAZING thought!

YOU are YOU and YOU are UNIQUE!

When you begin to understand that and live that you will definitely have no problem doing the following...

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

Mike

Take Control of Your OWN Destiny! (Part 3)

Take Control of YOUR Destiny! (Part 3)

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

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

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

Can you believe that?

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

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

WAKE UP!

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

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

BREAK IT DOWN

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

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

EXAMPLE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU NEVER START - THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN!

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

What's it worth to you?

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

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

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

YES, WE CAN!

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

OWN YOUR DESTINY!

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

Mike

Life IS a Highway!

On my Facebook page I posted a video of that song - "Life Is A Highway" - very catchy tune and it gets you to tapping your toes and singing along!

But, you know, it's true! Life IS a Highway....and, that being so, there are curves and bends as well as detours and alternate routes all along the way.

You've experienced this in your own life, right? You have plans, goals and dreams and - well, look at the sign above - an UNPLANNED DETOUR comes along and changes those plans, goals and dreams.

But think about it - it really SHOULDN'T change the plans, goals and dreams. It shouldn't CHANGE them but it will take you along a different path, road or highway. If you stick to your original intentions of reaching your destination!

For example, I made some very SPECIFIC plans for 2009. We are now in the last quarter of the year and there are some of those plans that I know that I will not reach and goals that will not be accomplished. So, what do I do? Give up? Sit by the side of the road and hang my head?

NO!

The journey to that destination is just going to take a little longer, but I'm enjoying the ride! I am still focused on my destination - where I want/plan to go - but I've just had to take an alternate route along the way.

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about a motorcycle ride he went on with another guy for the first time. He didn't really know this other guy, but was invited to go on a ride with him, so he did. He told me that this guy's focus on riding was to go through the curves as fast as he could and getting to the destination as fast as possible. My friend asked him, "Did you see that flock of turkeys in that meadow back there?" Response, "No." Another question, "Did you see those deer on the side of the road a ways back?" Response, "No."

You see, they BOTH got to the same destination. They both arrived. However, one got their with his head down and the determination to get there as fast as possible while the other enjoyed the journey along the way!

Yes, there are people that set their goals and zoom toward them at break-neck speed and actually reach them. However, I have known some (not all) of these people to do so only to look around and realize that they had left their family and other people and/or things that were important to them "in their dust".

Hey, I'm taking a different route than I had planned, but I am enjoying the journey. I may even be traveling in a different "vehicle" than I was when I began the journey --- but I will still reach my destination.

See what I mean?

Whatever you do - don't allow the roadblocks and detours keep you from continuing your journey! Keep moving toward your destination and you WILL reach it, my friend!

Isn't that awesome? It's up to you! No one else can force you! Only YOU can make that move.

So, get in the car, buckle up and get ready for the ride because "life IS a highway"!

And, be sure to remember this:

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

Mike

"Wide Open Wednesday" -- Organized Planning

First of all, I refer to today as "WIDE-OPEN WEDNESDAY" (usually called, "Wonderful Wednesday" which, it still is). Why? Because the day - regardless of what day you listen to the podcast or which day you read this blog - is WIDE OPEN for you! It's YOUR choice! Yes, you DO have choices that will greatly influence the direction of your day as well as YOUR ATTITUDE in the course of this day.

What will YOU do?

Today's podcast focuses on the chapter entitled, "Organized Planning" in Napoleon Hill's classic book, "Think & Grow Rich".

You have heard and/or read the following many times - "To fail to plan is to plan to fail!"

How true that is!

In this chapter, Mr. Hill really emphasizes the need to make adequate plans as we pursue our"riches" (whatever they may be). If you suffer a "temporary defeat" - DON'T QUIT, DON'T GIVE UP! This "temporary defeat" simply means that your plan was flawed and that you need to revisit your plans and see what needs to be corrected.

However, what do we usually do? WE QUIT as the first sign of difficulty or perceived failure! How many times have YOU done that? How many times have you given up on an idea because you thought you put the adequate planning and effort into it and it failed anyway? Even the best laid out plans may fail!

That's why it is also so important to develop your "Mastermind Group" as is discussed briefly in this chapter (he devotes a complete chapter to this later on the book). Others may be able to help you look at your plan(s) differently from a different perspective and offer solid advice.

"Your achievement can be no greater than your plans are sound." What a great - and true - quote this is from this chapter!

Once again, what are you willing to do in order to achieve your goals? ("What Are Your Dreams Worth?" is the title of an early podcast that I did in March). As we look to successful people, we too often assume that they achieved what they have easily or we just simply focus on their triumphs. Do we understand and realize how many "temporary defeats" they have gone through to get where they are? Some of these people have gone through MAJOR setbacks, but got back up and went at it again, REFUSING TO GIVE UP AND/OR GIVE IN!

Will you? Will I? Will we?

This - in my opinion - is where many of us fail. Less than adequate plans and then giving up when those plans do not work the way we wanted them to.

I know that I am learning from this book - and specifically this chapter - in my quest toward my goals. In Thursday's podcast we will continue our discussion on this chapter.

As always, I welcome any and all comments about this blog, my podcasts or anything you'd like to share - just shoot me an e-mail at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

And, as always...

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

"Making the Move" (Part 3) - TERRIFIC TUESDAY!

(yes, this was posted before I went to bed on Monday night)

Today is "Terrific Tuesday"...why? "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Also, this is the first Tuesday podcast that I have done and I am so excited and pumped about this series I am doing right now. I think it can be invaluable to YOU either right now or for your future. Feel free to send me any feedback and thoughts that you may have on this topic. Is it hitting home? Striking a chord? Bringing up some other questions that you'd like to have discussed? Please send them to me at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

As part of the continued discussion on this topic of "Making the Move" I share a letter from a listener that talked about his struggle in this area as well as his FEAR of failure. This will be the basis of our discussion in Wednesday's podcast (part 4) - so be sure to join me.

However, I shared some very specific things that I thought this listener should be asking himself as he considered making his move (his words were, "It's TIME!") and I mentioned on the podcast that I'd put them here to make it easier for you to write down.

Either write these down on another piece of paper or copy this off on your computer but give yourself space to answer these as specifically as possible. This is a time to be honest with yourself - NO FLUFF! Be real! Don't kid yourself here - this is the time for honesty!!!

So, here they are - again, be as specific as you can in your answers and feel free to share any input or discoveries that you may have while going through this process.

1. What preparations - if any - have I made to make this move?
a. do I understand that there very likely will be some "slow time" financially and have I made proper preparations (both physically AND mentally) for that fact? (physically refers to financially, too)
2. Have I prepared myself (mostly mentally) for those close to me that will likely question and criticize this move?
3. What happens if I DON'T make this move? (the old "pros and cons" scenario)
4. What happens if I DO make this move?
5. What happens if I make this move but I WAIT a little longer?

Only you can answer those questions and you likely know the answers without much hesitation.

Don't forget to join me for tomorrow's continued discussion entitled: "Barriers to Making the Move".

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

Mike

Monday's Podcast: "Making the Move (Part 2)"

Greetings friends! Another "Magical Monday" is upon us and.....as I announced last week we begin a new phase with my "Future You University" podcasts by going to FIVE DAYS A WEEK!

Today I continue my discussion based on the interview that I had with Angie Strader during last Monday's podcast ("Making the Move") in which she shared information about the planning and preparation that went into Angie making her move. In this podcast I point out some specific things that Angie mentioned that are very important for ANYONE to consider in making their move!

This will be the "theme" for the week and I really invite you to do a few things this week:
1. Go back and listen to the interview in last Monday's podcast
2. Listen to today's podcast - TAKE NOTES ON ALL OF THE PODCASTS in this theme
3. Be sure to listen to the podcasts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and, again, take notes on what is discussed. (I believe these will be invaluable to you sometime in your future!)
4. SPREAD THE VIRUS! What do I mean? Like a virus, spread the power of these podcasts by sharing them with a friend and encouraging them to do the same and on and on and on allowing this information to spread!

I need your help in this! I know that and I appreciate you in this effort. HOWEVER, I also want to encourage you to stop sitting idly by and to start SHARING this information IF you feel it is important in the lives of those around you.

Thing is - I KNOW the answer to that already. I KNOW that it is important and needed today like never before.

Thanks in advance for your help and ENJOY today's podcast! As always you can leave comments right here or you can shoot me an e-mail (mike@futureyouuniversity.com).

Don't forget, you can now follow me on Twitter! (http://www.Twitter.com/mikespillman)

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

Mike

It's "Wonderful Wednesday" - WHY NOT NOW?

Yes, Monday was "Magical Monday" and today is "Wonderful Wednesday"! So, how is YOUR Wednesday? Rather, what will YOU make of your Wednesday?

In today's podcast we go a step further in our question of "Why?" As you remember, on Monday we discussed the question, "Why not me?" and today we discuss the question, "Why not now?"

This is will be the first of a two-part discussion because I feel that there is so much more that needs to be discussed about this topic. I do believe that it is SO important in these "difficult times" for us to focus on the POSSIBILITIES rather than the "perceived limitations".

Were you amazed at the well-known and powerful companies that were started during past recessions? Don't you know that there were those giving "advice" to these companies to NOT take that step forward?

What about you? Is that happening to you? Has it happened to you? My guess is that the answer to at least ONE of those questions would be, "yes". I know it is for me! I have - in the past - allowed others to talk me out of "making my move". Perhaps to be even more correct in my wording I would have to say that I (not others) have talked myself out of "making my move".

Likely this is true for you as well.

But what are you waiting on? What are you waiting for? There is no time like NOW!

I encourage you to - on the same sheet of paper that you wrote the words, "Why Not Me?" - also write below that question the words, "Why Not Now?"
I also encourage you to get out a piece of paper and make two columns. On the left side write down your answer to the question, "What am I waiting for? What do I think has to happen before I move forward?" Be honest. Be open. Be real. Force yourself to write those answers down.
On the right side of the paper and across from each of your "answers" (not reasons, you notice) write down when those things will happen. In other words, if - for example - in the left hand column you wrote down, "$25,000 in the bank" - then, in the right hand column write down WHEN that will happen. Put a date on it. I mean, hey, if THAT is something that you are waiting on before you make your move, don't you think you should have a "time stamp" on it?
Then, perhaps, also write down WHAT you are doing to make that happen. What are you doing (using our example above) to gain that level of $25,000 in your account?

WHATEVER IT IS - are they simply obstacles that you have put before your path to progress?

Why would we do that to ourselves?

We'll talk about that in Monday's part 2 podcast of "Why Not Now?"

Until then - be open, be honest, be real with yourself. Until you do, you'll never have the courage to move forward in your life.

Hey, why NOT you? And, why NOT now? Think about it and......

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

Mike Spillman