It's Coming!

 Sharing the potential numbers for "PROJECT 141" is still on it's way...it's just been delayed a little bit.

WHAT HAPPENED? Simply put, I got a little ahead of myself and put together some wrong projections that would have been very misleading...yeah, it happens with this old guy and I apologize. You may have even seen the video that I posted with those projections. As soon as I realized what I had done, I removed the video and all links to it as soon as I could.

I plan to put up the new video either tonight (Tuesday, 11.24.20) or tomorrow (Wednesday, 11.25.20) so be watching for it.

Once I get it posted I will add the link to the previous blog article that I have been using to direct those through every article and video up to this point.

Until then...

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

Mike

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

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As You Get Older

I don't remember how long ago I wrote the following words for today's blog article...I wish I had included the date at the bottom of the writing. But, I did not.

I would GUESS that it was five or six years ago which would put it around 2013 or 2014 and, I may be off on that as well.

In my own life, much has changed over those past five or six years and, if I live long enough to experience another five or six years, much more will change as well.

I hope you enjoy reading this but, more importantly, I pray that you will TAKE NOTICE of what is said and allow it to make an impact on your life now and "as you get older".

(You may need to click on the image to enlarge it if you can't read it as is)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please share them with me on my Facebook page (link found below). 

And, as you go through each passing day, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube

The Old Barn and Miss Jeannine

The barn that you see in the picture above is one that I had planned to stop and take a picture of for a long time. I literally would pass by this old barn every day on my way to work and, many times, on my way back from work, depending upon which route I would take.

It actually became a running joke with my wife when we would pass by the barn - on days that I wasn't on my way to work - and I would say, "One of these days I'm going to stop and take a picture of that old barn!". The reason it became a running joke is because I said that for about a year and a half.

And then, one day I finally did it! I finally pulled over on my way to work one morning and took a couple of pictures of this old barn. I love pictures of old barns and other buildings like this and I finally did it! THEN my next plan was to take a picture of it for each of the four seasons. As you can likely tell from the picture, this one was taken this past Spring.

About a month or so I passed by and noticed what you see in the picture below. That's right, the old barn had collapsed and, shortly after, was completely removed to where you could not even tell that the barn had ever been there at all.

I'm so glad that I did finally pull over and take that picture that I had talked about for so long because, little did I know at the time, I would not have many more chances to do so before it's collapse. 

Now for Miss Jeannine. I didn't post a picture of her but she has been a dear friend to my wife and I for about the past twelve years. We first met her when we moved to a new town back in late 2005 and got to know her very well over the course of the 5+ years that we lived in that town. Even after we moved from there we stayed in touch and even got to see her from time to time even after she moved from there as well.

She spent the last year or so in a nursing home and we would stop by and see her whenever we had the chance to do so and I would even stop by when I was by myself and on my way somewhere related to my work.

The last few times we got to visit with Miss Jeannine were a bit disconcerting to us because she was starting to struggle with maintaining a good mind and, once, when I stopped to see her by myself, I spent a bit of time helping to calm her down because she didn't know where she was and who all the people were that were there. They were the other residents of the nursing home.

My wife and I saw her towards the end of this past March...about four months ago and have talked about how we NEEDED to go see Miss Jeannine again. But, for whatever reason, "things" came up and we just never got it done.

Last week I received word that she had been placed in the hospital with pneumonia and, then, the day after that they were going to be placing her in hospice. My wife and I were trying to arrange our schedule to where we could go see her and hoped that she would be able to know that we were there. We received word that they actually had placed her in hospice on Monday and we finally figured out that we would go see her on the following Friday.

On Tuesday I received word that she had passed.

There were no longer any more chances to go visit with our dear friend. Ever.

We attended her funeral this past Saturday and we both talked about how much we wished we had gotten the chance to see her "one more time".

The old barn is one example and Miss Jeannine is another but, friend, there are situations and examples like that around you each and every day.

We tend to get complacent and we tend to take things for granted but I want to encourage you to make a sincere effort to "wake up" from that complacency and to take action TODAY and EVERY DAY!

Stop putting off whatever it is that you keep saying that you need to do and just do it.
Stop saying you need to call or go visit someone and just do it.

Stop forgetting to tell someone that you love them and how much they mean to you and just do it.

Stop talking about "one of these days" and do it TODAY while you still have the chance.

If you don't you will likely regret it and if you do, you will be glad that you did.

With that in mind, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube

Happy New Year? Happy New DAY!

As this blog article is being put together it is December 29, 2017, on a Friday. Monday will be the start of another year - January 1, 2018.  Let me be the first to wish you a "Happy New Year!"

Well, I may not be the first but it's still pretty early as far as that stuff goes, right? 

Before I get going let me mention that there is a podcast and "video-cast" (vlog?) that goes along with this article that is also available. Just check out and click on the links at the end of the article. 

We recently discussed the importance of "back-tracking" to find out where we got "off track" if we find that we have not reached our goals as we had planned. Hopefully, this will help as we get ready to head into the new year. 

Yet, millions of people will - once again - make their "New Year's Resolutions" without putting much thought into it and then "fall off the wagon" within about a month, maybe two, into the new year. Yes, January 1st marks the start of a new calendar year but, beyond that, it is just another day that basically begins and ends the same way as all other days. 

I'm not trying to downplay the significance of the passing of one year and the beginning of another but, at the same time, I do think that too much emphasis is put on that thought. 

How do you avoid the regret and disappointment at the end of one year and the unbridled (and often "void of reality") plans that people make at the start of another? 

Stop focusing on the year ahead and start focusing on what you actually know that you have before you - TODAY. And, honestly, we don't even know that we have that so, to get even more specific, the next HOUR. 

You remember this phrase, don't you? "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Do not despair with the burden of what has not been accomplished over the past year. Understand that, by taking it one day at a time, it is much more manageable to work with that smaller time frame rather than the foreboding YEAR-LONG time period.

Determine that, each day (TODAY), you will do all that you can to make improvement, to move forward in your goals and life and to do all that you can to encourage others. Today! One day at a time. And then, at the end of the day, check to see if you "stayed the course".

It's a lot easier to track your movements in the course of a day as compared to trying to look back over a year (or maybe even two) to try to figure out where you "got off track."

It's also a lot easier to make those corrections and adjustments with this smaller time period.

So, YES, make those goals and plans and start making your move TODAY toward the fulfillment of those goals and plans. Just be sure to do a daily check up along the way and make the necessary adjustments NOW instead of later. 

Make sense? Feel free to share your comments with me. You can do so here but I would prefer to hear from you on the Facebook fan page (link below). 

Happy New Year? Sure. 

Happy New DAY! Even better.

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

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

Mike

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

The End of Another Year...NOW WHAT?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. What Now? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike

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

Find the Good!

About a week before this article I did another one on the need to "Stay Positive". In that article I talked about how, at times, I almost have to make a "game" out of finding SOMETHING positive to focus on during some days because of the abundance of negativity that seems to surround me. And, I know that many of you can relate to what I'm saying on that.

In similar fashion, you may have to do the same when it comes to "finding the good" in some days. I love what the phrase that you see posted above states about that: "Every day may not be good, BUT, there is SOMETHING good in every day!"

One of the examples that I use in the podcast is that of a funeral. I think it would be easy to say that we'd all agree that such a day is NOT a good day! However, even in the midst of the sadness of such a day there is still something good that can achieved. Many times, in such a situation, family members get to visit with each other and catch up with each other. Often, some of these family members have not seen each other in years. Some even feel a little guilty when they find themselves laughing and smiling while sharing some fond (and often, funny) memories with those family members.

Hopefully you don't have to experience those situations very often but, chances are, you still do struggle with days that may not be considered "good" just because of some of the struggles and negativity that seems to fill that particular day. Hey, sometimes, at the end of the day, the GOOD thing that you find is that the day if is finally over! 😏

LIFE brings good days as well as what may be considered bad. One good thing about that fact is that, even when you are experiencing those "not-so-good" days it points out the fact that you are ALIVE and that you are experiencing life! That, my friend, is a GOOD thing!

One of the reasons that I spend time doing these podcasts and writing these blog articles is so that I can better equip myself (and you as well) to face and handle those times that are a bit of a struggle. There are times that I can "see" that I've improved in handling those situations better than before. That's a good thing.

Make sense?

This is all part of "improving your mindset". Yes, some times it is VERY difficult to do and sometimes you just sit and "scratch your head" trying to find something GOOD in every day but, friend, it's there. Open your eyes and your mind and discover the GOOD even in a day that is NOT so good. 

(Aren't you glad I didn't use that worn out saying about turning lemons into lemonade?)

Until next time, friend, 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

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

 

Laugh More, Worry Less

Always remember this truth: There is PLENTY of time and occasion for worry and sadness in one's life. That's why it's so important to take advantage of the opportunities to "Laugh More and Worry Less"!

I'm typing this article on the same day that I recorded the podcast for this topic and it's also the same day that I found out that a friend of mine that graduated High School with me passed away from a long battle with cancer. I talk about that a little on the podcast and how it relates to this very thing.

There are ALWAYS things that come our way that we will not laugh about or feel joyful about. That, my friend, is simply the way life is for those that walk this path. 

However, there are PLENTY of opportunities to find reasons to laugh and smile!

Tell me friend, what is accomplished by worry? Oh listen, I understand about worry. I've had many nights where I didn't sleep well due to worry. It seemed that, no matter how hard I tried, my mind would not let go of the worry. You've been there, too, I'm sure. 

But, again, what is accomplished? Many things that we worry about are things that we have absolutely no control over and there are also many things that we worry about that never come to be. 

I can tell you one thing that IS accomplished with worry. It affects our health in a NEGATIVE way! That's right. Worry can (and often does) bring about ulcers along with a variety of other digestive problems. It can also cause depression and, as already discussed, many sleepless nights.

So, take the challenge friend! Take the time to FIND those things - each and every day - that can make you smile more, laugh more and, as a result, worry less! Hey, sometimes you even have to laugh at the things that normally might cause you to worry.

Life goes by too quickly and many times we miss the good things in life by worrying about others. Don't become so overtaken by the pressures of life that you forget how to laugh - and how to laugh more often!

If you have children at home, you can teach them this lesson by SHOWING them how this is done. That's right, they are watching YOU and YOU can show them that, even in the midst of the everyday struggles of life, you can still find a way and a reason to smile and laugh.

Yeah, it's THAT important!

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

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

Mike

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

Change Your _______, Change Your Life!

I'm sure, like me, you've heard all kinds of ideas and thoughts on how to "change your life", right? 

So, who is right? Like the image above says, "I want to change my life - but HOW?"

I recently have come across a couple of more that, on the surface, seem a bit "funny" in what they claim will change your life. One says that "changing your WATER" will change your life while another says that "changing your BLENDER" will change your life. 

Again, on the surface, these both seem a bit odd but, at the same time, when I (you) understand that they both are basically stating that, by changing what you put IN YOUR BODY, you can change your life, they make a bit more sense. Don't they?

There are all kinds of ways that we can change our life in a physical way and, yes, what we put INTO our bodies is a big part of that as well as what we DO WITH our bodies (such as exercise). And, as a benefit of that, our attitudes will often improve and we have a "brighter" outlook on everything around us. 

But what about NOW? What about "where I am" right now, regardless of the amount of exercise I am (or am not) getting? Yes, I understand the need for being more careful about what I put INTO my body, but what about TODAY while I'm still trying to improve in that area?

Here we go, friend Once again, it's going to sound "too simple" but, like I've mentioned before, "Many times the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple!" - don't miss that point. So, here it is: "CHANGE YOUR MINDSET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE".

Here's a shot of the little card I have on my "focus board" that reminds me to FOCUS on what is important. It's one that I've shared with you before but I want to use it again, as a reminder of this fact...

Take a close look at this and I honestly believe that there is not any way that you won't see what I'm saying is TRUE. (Notice: I didn't say it was easy, I said it was TRUE.)

Part of this process is something that you are doing right this very moment - reading this blog article about having and maintaining a positive mindset and attitude.  Another easy step that you can add to that is to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article by clicking HERE for the iTunes access or by clicking HERE for the RSS feed. 

That's right, daily - DAILY - simple, small steps repeated (guess what? DAILY) consistently will lead to CHANGE. That is true in any area of your life, good or bad  It's never too late to break a bad habit and it's never too early to develop a good one. And, friend, THIS is a good one!

The only way that you can change your BEHAVIOR (what you DO) is by first changing the way that you THINK which will develop the foundation of your BELIEFS. 

Do you want different RESULTS and a different/better life? Then it is imperative that you change what you think and believe and then, as a result, change what you DO.

DO and LIVE what you BELIEVE or you will be miserable. 

Again, be sure to listen to the podcast to get additional input and thoughts on this topic and  NEVER, EVER give up on improving and changing your life. If you haven't done so, go back a couple of articles and read the one on "The 4th Quarter" as well as the last one on being SO positive that negative people won't even want to be near you. 

Get it? Got it? GOOD!

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 on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Be SO Positive That...

From time to time I'll have people say to me, "Mike, I understand the importance of being positive but I just don't know how to do that when I'm surrounded by so much negativity!"

Anyone else relate to that? I DO!

First of all, let me ask you this: WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS? Let me explain what I mean.

Have you ever bought a certain "brand" of automobile and then, all of a sudden (so it seems), you notice how many other cars of this same brand are on the road? All of a sudden (so it seems), they are EVERYWHERE! 

The fact is, there are no more of these particular brands of automobile than there were before, but your FOCUS has changed to the point that you now NOTICE them more than before.

Does that example make sense? Now let me explain how that connects to the negativity that surrounds us each and every day.

I don't deny the fact that there are many negative people around us. Seriously, they seem (at times) to be EVERYWHERE! This becomes increasingly difficult if you find that a lot of that negativity comes from others under your own roof (from those in your family). 

But, do you think it's possible to change our focus to where, even though that negativity still exists, we don't notice it as much as we once did but, instead, we begin to notice that - HEY - there are also a lot of POSITIVE attitudes around us?

Now, I can't tell you whether you think it's possible or not, but I CAN tell you that it IS possible to change your FOCUS to where you begin to notice the POSITIVE more than you do the negative.

(By the way, this article is really very different than the podcast that I have on this same topic. So, you need to be sure to listen to it by clicking HERE or by clicking HERE.)  

 And, friend, the way that it begins is by doing exactly what you are doing right this very moment. That's right! Continue to immerse yourself with as much positive information as possible and you will soon find that you are drawn to (and others are drawn to you) others with the same positive attitude as you. This will help you focus on the POSITIVE and pay less attention to the negative. 

Listen, there are many others out there JUST LIKE YOU! That's right, there are many others that are seeking to increase the positive influence in their own life and they are looking for YOU! And then, guess what? When there are two of you combining "forces" you will find that you will attract others as a result.

Will you rid your life of all negativity. NO.

But, you WILL begin to focus less on the negativity around you and it will have less and less effect on you and your life. 

I want you to pay close attention to this FACT: It is IMPOSSIBLE for a positive attitude and a negative attitude to co-exist. One will "win out" over the other, sooner or later. 

So, if you are in a situation where those close to you (spouse, family, close friend) have a negative attitude, DO NOT GIVE UP! Surround yourself with other positive people (like I describe above) and continue to immerse yourself with positive information (like you're doing now and like you will do when you listen to the podcast) and, if you stick with it, you will begin to see that YOUR positive influence will begin to "snuff out" the negative influences around you. 

Easier said than done? YOU BET!

But it CAN be done and YOU CAN DO IT, friend!

I'd love to connect with you and encourage you directly so please feel free to connect with me via my fan page on Facebook by CLICKING HERE. 

Again, whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP! There are many that are waiting for YOUR positive influence to impact their lives in a powerful way. And, you will likely never know how many people you touched and whose lives you helped change for the better!

Be sure to check back for my next article coming soon. Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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

Finding Your PURPOSE

"Find & Keep/Protect Our JOY & PURPOSE For Our Lives"

(Share & Teach Family and Others!) - PART 2 

 Back in August of 2010, my wife suffered a heart attack and had to be "shocked" back to life on two different occasions. This was not a normal event - my wife was not overweight and did not suffer from any type of high cholesterol or anything like that. It was literally a 1 in 1 million incident that happened. And, she survived and is doing well. 

However, after returning home from the hospital and still being in a very emotional state (which is normal following an event such as this) she would discuss with me how she felt that God had kept her here for a reason. The struggle she was having was that she could not figure out what the reason - or the PURPOSE - was for her life now. Through our discussions I found that she was searching for some BIG and tremendous "something" that she needed to do.

I shared with her that, perhaps, the "reason" that God kept her here was that I and the rest of her family NEEDED her to be here! I suggested that, perhaps, her "purpose" was to still be there for us because she was so important to "our world". 

You see, friend, I believe that THIS is the key to our search for our "purpose" for our lives. That key is the impact or importance that we have upon "our world". 

Think about it.

Yes, many desire to be known by people all over the world and, quite honestly, they are not truly "known" by those closest to them, including their own children. I'm not saying that this is always the case but we have seen it far too often in our world. And, YES, we NEED people to step out and lead and challenge and encourage us but, perhaps, at the same time, the TIMING needs to be adjusted.

Just a thought.

But, again, here's what I believe is the key for all of us as we contemplate our "purpose" in and for our lives...what is your impact and importance upon YOUR world?

Join me for a moment as we peel back the layers that make up "our world" beginning with those closest to us. Perhaps visualize this like the ripples on the water after tossing a pebble into the pond or creek.

First of all, it begins with your immediate family. This could be your spouse and your kids or, it may be your brothers, sisters and your parents. Sometimes these are some of the most difficult relationships we have simply because we ARE so close to them and, often, because we spend so much time with them. But they are important and you DO have an impact upon them. If you DO have children at home, please do NOT overlook the importance that you have in and for their lives. This gets especially difficult (at times) when they go through their teen years! But it still holds true.

Then continue on to the level that includes your closest friends. Then your other friends that maybe don't fit into that "closest" category but they are still good friends. Then continue on out to your co-workers, neighbors and all of the other acquaintances that you have in your life. That "circle of friends" expands rather quickly, doesn't it?

Now then, with each of these level of relationships, think about how YOUR impact upon them may influence THEIR relationships on each of those different levels in their lives! WOW!

Think for a moment about how the way you treat those around you - good or bad - can be passed on and on and on through these relationships. That, my friend, is quite powerful to think about and, hopefully, as you think about it, it will also challenge you to be a positive influence along the way. 

And, from experience, I can tell you that you may never know how powerful that influence has been in someones life. Or, you may find out years later about the power and level of that influence.

In my opinion, here's the answer to the question, "What is my PURPOSE in and for my life?" To be the best YOU that you can be in and for "your world". 

That, my friend, is more powerful than you may ever know.

Again, as a reminder, 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 on iTunes   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