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This will be FUN, ENERGETIC and A GREAT WAY TO CONNECT & BRAINSTORM WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE as we talk about my plans or this community and what my main focus is and will be for you or for others that you may know.

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(the link to my Skool community is listed down below) 

 

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

 

Mike

 

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www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

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Postive Mindset 101 (Part 4): The MIND Field of RELATIONSHIPS

 

Have you read the previous articles in this series? If not, you won't be successful in your desire (IF you have the desire) to actually develop a positive mindset.

Have you listened to the podcast and/or watched the videos that go along with each of these articles in this series? If not, why not? I don't follow a script so, EACH ONE OF THESE avenues for each episode will always have some additional/different information that you won't find in the other avenues. TRUE FACT!

ARE YOU DOING THE HOMEWORK that is discussed? Again, if not - WHY NOT? Are you SERIOUS about learning how to DEVELOP (and MAINTAIN) a positive mindset or is this just a "half-hearted" approach that likely is reflective of your yearly shortcomings with "New Year's Resolutions"?

In this part of this series, I'm first talking about those relationships that you have that are, for the most part, by choice. Your friends (your closest friends to other friends that aren't as close) and anyone else that you have "connections" with NOT INCLUDING those that you have through work or that are what I refer to as "FORCED Relationships". 

Now then, you may even include the relationships that you have with family in this first application. Oh, I know that you might argue that your relationship with family is not by choice. I get that and, honestly, the category of "family" will be applied in THIS part as well as in the next when I discuss those "Forced Relationships". 

O.k.? Got it? (Again, be sure to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video - links below - which may help you "grasp" this even better).

Here's your "homework"...

1. For now, just brainstorm and write down anyone that you can think of when you consider those relationships that you have that are by YOUR choice. Again, those closest to you and even those that aren't as close but with which you still choose to connect. Yes, go ahead and enter any family members that, as best as you can, you would say that you "choose" to spend time around.  Go ahead...write them all down and get specific by actually writing down their name.

2. As you look at the list that you just put together (obviously, don't move to this step until you have completed step #1...yes, you can add others later as you think of them and adjust each of these things as necessary) I want you to rate them from 1 - 10. This means that "1" would be the low end of helping you have a positive mindset. "10" would be on the high end. So, for example, someone that you would rate as a "1" would be someone that has an absolute NEGATIVE influence on your life...the WORST! And, on the other end, a "10" would be someone that "lifts you up" and makes you just "feel good/better" just by being around them. Rate each person on this part of this list based on the scale that I just defined.

3. Once you have completed step #2, now take the time to write down WHY you gave each person the ranking that you did. If you ranked someone at a "6", write WHY you did so. Be specific as possible. 

4. Pay close attention to these last two steps! NEXT, besides each name and ranking, try to estimate how much TIME you spend with them on a weekly basis (estimate how much each day you spend and then add them up for seven days).

5. Finally, it's time to "sort them out" and I want you to do this TWO DIFFERENT WAYS:                      

    a.) Group them by "ranking". In other words, group all of your 7's together and, put all of your 4's, etc. in a different grouping together. Got it?                                                                                                           

     b.) NOW make another LIST based on the amount of time that you spend with each person in a week. The first on your list should be the one that you spend the MOST time with and on down to where the last one on your list should be the one that you spend the LEAST amount of time with. (Yes, be sure to include time that you spend on the phone, chatting via text or social media, etc.) ALSO, beside each name and the amount of time that you sped with them, be sure to also list their "ranking number" that you gave them. 

 Here's a couple of examples:

 That's it for now. You SHOULD be able to start seeing what I'm doing here and that YOU are going to have to make some DECISIONS on who you are allowing into your life based on their impact on your mindset - positive OR negative!

Based on how much TIME you spend with the people on your list, how healthy is it  - based on their "ranking" - for you to spend that much time with them?

Based on their "ranking", how healthy is it for you to spend any more time than absolutely necessary with them?

Don't stress yourself out over this right now. But, again, if you are SERIOUS about your desire (DECISION) to develop a POSITIVE MINDSET, then you can see for yourself - clearly - that there may be some changes that are going to need to take place.

For now...just take a look at the list and be honest with yourself at what you actually see. Yes, this WILL test your "resolve" (root word of "resolution", remember?) on this decision. 

In our next article, we'll take a look at those "forced relationships" that we must all deal with, perhaps on a daily basis.

Until then, whatever you do...

 

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books) $10/mo REAL Opportunity!

#FutureYouUniversity  #MikeSpillman #Success  #PsitiveMdset  #PersonalDevelopment

Positive Mindset (Part 3): MISS THIS and FAIL 100% of the Time!

 As always, if you haven't had the chance to read the previous article (contains Part 1 & 2), be sure to do so before you read today's article. Go ahead...I'll wait. Go on...really...I'll still be here. 

Now, before we move on with the need to seek out other "MIND Fields" in our life experience, we need to understand something that is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE! I'm 100% serious about this fact: If you miss this or ignore this, you WILL FAIL in your desire to improve your mindset. 

THAT - IS - A - FACT! 

 

 Do I have your attention? Yes, it IS that serious and important.

 

 

 

What is this "all-important" thing that must be done? I call it "R & R" (and, no, I'm not talking about Rest & Relaxation) which stands for REMOVE and REPLACE. 

 

You must REMOVE those things that bring a negative influence into your life and REPLACE them with things that bring a POSITIVE influence into your life.

Let's use an example of someone that has decided that they want to lose weight and develop healthier eating habits. What is one thing - besides CHANGING THEIR DIET - that they must do? 

Well, as part of the process of changing their diet is the process of REMOVING those things that would be tempting to their old way of eating. They must not only REMOVE those things (colas, sweets, chips, etc.) but they must also REPLACE them with healthier choices! (Be sure to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video on this - I get into much more detail than I will go into in this blog article).

 

In the same way, what we are talking about is another type of "diet". It's the diet (what you "consume") that you allow into your mind and thus, your mindset.

 

If you did your "homework" that was talked about in the last article/podcast/video, then you have identified SEVERAL things in your "home surroundings" that are definitely "hidden mines" in your "MIND Field" that can cause severe injury and/or death to your pursuit of developing a positive mindset.

 

Your next step is to now thing about things that you can do to REMOVE the negative mines with POSITIVE life-giving items. What can you do to REMOVE the negative influence on social media and REPLACE it with some sort of POSITIVE influence? 

 

For one, don't spend as much time there...that's a fact that you must understand. Why? Because, especially at the beginning, it is TOO TEMPTING to spend much time there. Like someone that is trying to lose that weight and still allowing that bag of cookies to be setting out on the counter for them to see on a constant basis. You need to REMOVE that temptation! There are a LOT of people/pages that you can follow on social media that will have a much more positive impact on your mindset and life.

 

YES, I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE! If you've not done so, you need to go to my FaceBook page by going to www.FutureYouUniversity.com and you need to plan to be there every day! I post something every day that is positive and helpful for ANYONE that is trying to improve their mindset in a positive way.  Make it a habit to listen to each and every podcast that I put out and see if it doesn't help with your mindset.

Go through your list of those "Mind Fields" and take the time to go through them and figure out a "healthier" alternative for your "mindset diet".  If you need some help, reach out and let me know...I'll be happy to give you some good suggestions.

 

Main question: How important is this for you? How serious are you about actually making this CHANGE for a better life and future? It's like the example of someone saying that they want to lose weight...if they still keep doing the same thing that they've done in the past, nothing will change and their health will NOT improve. 

 

Do you want to improve your "odds" for success with this process? ENGAGE with me by leaving a comment here, below the video and/or on my FB page that I shared earlier.  It helps to be connected to someone that will help you and encourage you along the way...I'm here for you!

Join me next time as we DO begin to discuss the "Mind Field" that comes in the area of our RELATIONSHIPS. 

And, until then, whatever you do...

 

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books) $10/mo REAL Opportunity!

#FutureYouUniversity  #MikeSpillman #Success  #PsitiveMdset  #PersonalDevelopment

Success Factor #4: KEEP Going!

As a quick review (all can be found in the previous articles), here are the "Success Factor" steps previously covered:

1. Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!
2. Success Factor #2: GET UP!
3. Success Factor #3: GET GOING!

Be sure to take a few minutes to read the previous articles as well as listening to the podcasts (see link at bottom of article) IN ORDER. They all "feed" off of the previous "Success Factor" step.

That being said, "Success Factor #3" discussed how important it was to "GET GOING!" and, in this article, we will stress how important it is to "KEEP GOING" once you start taking action.

In the podcast I discuss the difference between "falling short" and "failing". Pay attention to this: FALLING SHORT is NOT failure! Changing course or direction, is NOT failure! Failure occurs when you have decided to "wave the white flag" and "give up". You CEASE to make any effort to continue progressing FORWARD. 

Here's something else to consider in this thought process. You can even decide to stop pursuing something that you thought was very important to you at one time and STILL not be a "failure".

Our lives change and, with that, our perspectives and priorities change as well. Wouldn't you agree? There are things that I once pursued that, at the time, I felt were VERY important to me and I was determined to reach "success" in those areas.

 

 CLICK HERE

Things (my goals, perspective AND priorities) have changed quite a bit over the past 13 years when I first began "Future You University". I am proud of the number and the quality of the articles and podcasts that I have done over this period of time. They will "live on" long after I am gone from this earth. That has now become a major feeling of accomplishment to me and for me in my desire to share positive information with as many people as possible.

My goals that I once had to be a major "player" in the public speaking arena is no longer of major importance to me. I have worked and pushed hard in different areas in the field of "home-based business" over the years and now, to be honest, I have no real desire to pursue that any longer. 

Does that make me a "failure". NOT AT ALL! I am still dedicated to making sure that I am doing all that I can do in order to "take in" as much positive and encouraging information that I can for my own personal benefit. And, as I continue to share information with you from time to time, I can also try to provide the same for you. 

So, yes, I have definitely "changed course" but I have not "given up" or "surrendered" in my desire to improve my life on a daily basis as well as being dedicated to sharing what I can to help others in that same journey.

Do you happen to remember when you first learned how to ride a bicycle? Or, perhaps, you may remember the time that you taught your children to do the same. I use this example in the podcast for this topic and talk about how hard it is to grasp the idea that you must peddle faster in order to get momentum which, in turn, makes it easier to ride. At that stage of the learning process, being told that does NOT make sense but, it is still a true fact, right? 

I also use the example of having to push a car that is completely stationary and of how much force and effort it takes to get that car rolling/moving even just a little bit. But, once it begins to roll, momentum kicks in and it takes less and less effort to keep it moving.

Newton’s first law of motion – sometimes referred to as the law of inertia states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Listen, ANY relationship takes effort. ANY endeavor to improve your life in ANY way will take effort. The earlier it is in the process, the "harder" it is to gain that "momentum". Too many give up TOO SOON before they begin to experience the momentum in whatever endeavor it is that they are pursuing.

(By the way, in the podcast, I give some much-needed advice to those that are involved in any type of "home-based business" beginning at the 9:52 mark. If you are involved in such or are considering such, make sure you take a listen!)

As always, I encourage you to listen to the podcast that accompanies this article...I believe that you will gain even more out of this particular topic by doing so.

So, "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" , "Success Factor #2: GET UP!" and "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!", "Success Factor #4: KEEP GOING!". This will be followed in my next podcast and article with the last of the "5 Success Factors" with,  "Success Factor #5: DON'T YOU DARE, EVER, GIVE UP!". 

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube    

 

Project 141: HEALTH

Don't worry, I'm not going to give you a routine of exercise and a diet to follow in this blog article. Hopefully, you have already discovered that in my approach to expanding "Project 141" to these areas of your life. It's not about HOW MUCH you are doing but, simply, getting into the habit of doing SOMETHING in these areas each and every day for the course of a year. 

Some may feel that I need to put "health" at the top of the list but, again, I put them in the order that I have for a reason. It really doesn't matter how physically fit you are or how good of health you are in if you are missing out on your connection in your spiritual life and if you are not working on your personal development. Oh, I know it makes a difference as far as how long you MIGHT live. But you still won't be living the life that you COULD live, friend.

I'm not a dietician and I struggle with my weight. I've had success in the past, even losing 100 pounds over a 13 month period but, like many, about half of that slowly came back on me. Hey folks, I LIKE TO EAT! And, on top of that, the kind of stuff I like to eat tends to be your "southern-type" foods...fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried catfish, fried, fried fried. 

I also have diabetes and high blood pressure as a result of eating this way for most of my life. I am doing better than I have done in the past but I still have to really focus on improving what I'm doing with and for my health each and every day. 

The #1 "New Year's Resolution" has to do with weight loss and maybe you are one of those people that have hopped on that same bandwagon year after year after year with little to no success. Truth be told, most of the time you never really put a lot of effort and/or determination into the process, right?

I do know this for a fact: What you put into your body and how much you "work" your body (exercise) makes a BIG impact on how you think and feel. Again, that is a fact!

I suggest you make a decision to do ONE thing in the area of exercise per day and ONE thing in the area of "making a better choice" when it comes to your diet. Nothing major, nothing difficult....just one thing.

Let me prepare you with this right up front...CHANGE IS NOT EASY!

Here are a few suggestions and I'd love to hear YOUR suggestions as well...

     In the area of exercise: If you are able to park your car further away from the door at work, do it. If you can, park further away from the main entrance at any store, the post office and basically, anywhere and everywhere that you must park. It's really a simple task but, friend, let me tell you, the "old you" is going to keep telling you that you don't really want to make that extra effort. But, come on...you gotta' get started with something!                                                                                                                            Also, if you do have some exercise equipment that you've turned into a place to drape your clothes, clean that sucker off and start using it! You don't have to "go crazy" on it but just start doing a little bit of time on it...do SOMETHING! For example, I have a "Total Gym" that I bought several years ago and was really doing good using until I hurt my back one day and had to stay off of it for a while. But, I didn't need to stay off of it for as long as I did. It was hard for me to convince myself that I needed to actually DO something instead of just telling myself that I "needed to". When I was working out on it before, I would spend about 30 minutes on it and, to be honest, now with a different job, I really didn't want to get up 30 minutes early to do that and I sure didn't want to come home after a day of work to do my workout. So I decided to reduce the amount that I had done before and simply get up 15 minutes earlier for my workout. The main thing is that I am forcing myself into getting into the habit of doing the exercise and, on top of just getting into the habit, I know it is doing me some good physically.  There are all kinds of things that you can do just to get into the habit (that's the key, do not let this be a 1 or 2 week effort) of doing something once a day over the next year. Just get up and walk around your office during the day. Yes, take the stairs instead of the escalator even though your "old you" will tell you not to do so. Hey, you CAN do this and it WILL make a difference!

   In the area of making smarter food choices: Again, remember, I struggle with this BIG time! Like I've already said, this does not have to be something dramatic that causes you to get stressed out but it does need to be something. For example, popcorn is not that big of a deal but I was eating at least one bag - and sometimes two - every night. I stopped that a long time ago. Interestingly, I did have a bag a couple of weeks ago and, guess what? After I finished it, I really wished I hadn't eaten it. It didn't taste that good to me and I actually felt "blah" when I was done.                                                                        I like sweets! I haven't restricted myself completely from that but I am trying to do better with that (remember, I am a diabetic) than I have in the past. A few years ago I had my wife cut her cake recipes in half so that I wouldn't be tempted to eat so much cake when I asked her fix me something sweet. And now, I've even gotten to where when I ask her to do that, I will eat some on the first night and end up asking her to take it to her mom and dad. I don't want it any more.  

Things that you may consider small are really what I'm talking about here. Just like the exercise, it's all about getting in the habit and THINKING about what you are doing. Are you in the habit of going through that coffee shop drive-through in the morning and getting one of those "milkshakes-disguised-as-coffee" drinks? Maybe start off not doing that for even one day and then two and...eventually you will break the habit of that expensive (money and physical) habit. 

Here's another for you that may be hard for you at first because of how "addicted" you may be to it...cut out colas of any kind. Sure, you may need to do the gradual reduction thing like I mentioned in the previous paragraph but, at the same time, you may want to just drop it "cold turkey" and see how quickly you begin to feel better.  Again, you CAN do this and it WILL make a difference!

This expanded use of "Project 141" is designed to help all of us operate at the "best us" level that we can and doing better in this area is a vital part of that process.

I want to hear from you. What things can you help add to the list of "doing something once a day" that would help and maybe even inspire others? If you would, you can leave a comment here but I would prefer for you to go to my Facebook page and leave your comments there. 

Next, I will be discussing this approach with our relationships. I hope you will join me.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube  Project141

Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 3: REFILL)

 

 Again, if you've not done so, be sure to go back and read parts 1 and 2 of this article. Part 1 can be found HERE and Part 2 can be found HERE.

In the last article I discussed the "RELEASE" part of the "Release and Refill"  concept found in the following scripture. Be sure to go back and read it so that you can make the "connection" on these two parts.

 Philippians 4: 6-8. Here is that passage again:

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

 

So, understanding (or at least acknowledging) the idea that we must RELEASE the worry from our lives in order to help improve our mind, mindset and attitude we must also understand/acknowledge the idea that we must then REPLACE that "void" that has been left by removing that habit of worry from our lives. And, verse 8, tells us EXACTLY what we need to be using to REPLACE that "void".

In order to develop ourselves, personally, we must improve and, usually, CHANGE our mind/mindset. Before we can change our life we must first change us - ourselves. And it all begins with this change of mindset and attitude.

Instead of focusing our thoughts on those things that we tend to worry about, we now need to begin to focus on things that are TRUE. Obviously, we want to avoid focusing on things that are untrue (lies) in our world. We are SURROUNDED by these lies from all angles and in regards to just about every area that we encounter each and every day. But, as we think about changing our mind and mindset and, as a result, our attitude, we must understand that we must reject the lies that we may believe about ourselves and our abilities.

Again, you don't have to agree with me friend but, in my opinion, there is no better way to do that than to spend time in the Word and to allow God - your Creator - to tell you what He thinks about you. The TRUTH and not the lies that we may want to believe instead. One of my daily affirmations that I created several years ago states this fact: "I AM ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH AND DO GREAT THINGS!" while one that I added later also states, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD, THEREFORE I AM AMAZING!"

It is important to focus on this TRUTH in and for your life!

 

Paul then encourages us to think or focus on that which is NOBLE. Simply put, think of it this way - choose to think and focus on what is BETTER and ABOVE the "normal" activity and thoughts that surround us each day. We must "rise above" the negativity that surrounds all of us and begin to focus on BETTER thoughts and ideas. Don't allow yourself to "think and act" like everyone else. Friend, you are NOT "everyone else" and, to be blunt, you are BETTER than everyone else because "everyone else" tends to just "go with the flow" and THAT AIN'T YOU!

Now then, it is also important that we fill that void with what is "JUST" or, maybe better understood as what is "RIGHT". Wow, just typing those words may even stir up a hornets nest with some people because many in our world today do not like ANYONE pointing out the fact that, indeed, there IS right and wrong in our world. Yes, all of these things are very closely related and, again, the main point of this is the fact that, in order to improve your mind, mindset and attitude (which means you are improving YOU overall) we must discipline ourselves to THINK DIFFERENTLY than others. And, most likely, differently than you have focused your thought before. Don't be thinking of ways that you can take advantage of people in your work (this applies in a LOT of ways, friend) but, rather, by thinking about what is true, noble and just (right) you begin to think about how you can help others and be of service to others. WOW! What a change in mindset, wouldn't you agree?

And, finally, think on things that are PURE, LOVELY and of "GOOD REPORT". It's a mind shift! Get rid of all of the "garbage" that you have allowed into your mind (this is a DAILY process, by the way) and allow your mind to begin to think and focus on what is PURE and LOVELY! Also, again being closely related is the encouragement to think/focus on things that are of "GOOD REPORT" or things that are positive, uplifting and encouraging. The other side of this? You already know.

I know I've already said it but let me say it again. You may not believe in God or the Bible, but I do and I believe that it is my calling to share with you how this can help you in every area of your life. 

When I started this section on PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT I did not plan to have 3 parts on this but I felt that I needed to share with you as much as I could in this area. As I discussed in part 1, "personal development" is closely connected with the Spiritual aspect that we talked about in part 1.

Bottom line, as I discuss my "expanded" use of Project 141, I encourage you to do SOMETHING (at least 1 thing) in the area of "personal development" every day for the next year and see what happens in and for your life.

I'd love to get some feedback from you about what you've read so far in this new series talking about this "expansion". I always love to connect with my readers and I'd love to do that with you.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube  Project141

Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 2: RELEASE)

 

 If you've not done so, be sure and read part 1 in the last article that I posted. I didn't want to make that article too long and decided to break it up in a couple of posts. You're welcome! :)

What I want to do today is break down some phrases and words that I highlighted in yesterday's article from Philippians 4: 6-8. Here is that passage again:

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I want to break down a couple of things from these verses that may help us all understand the importance of what we allow into our mind and, as a result, our mindset and attitude.

1. Stop Worrying!  Do you find that you worry a lot? If so, take a moment and write down the things that you tend to worry about most often. Is it your job? Is it finances? Your kids? Your marriage? Whatever it is that you seem to spend a lot of time worrying about, write it down and then take a good hard look at that list. The next question on this is simply, "WHY do you worry so much about these things?" Is there anything that your worrying is going to do to help the situation? Likely not! And, truth be told, the majority of the things you worry about never come to be anyway.

So, I like to look at and label verses 6 and 7 as: "Release and Refill"  It's not enough for us to simply remove the things from our mind that worry us. You know what that does? It leave a big ol' hole in our mind that WILL be filled by SOME thought and, more often than not, they will be other negative thoughts. So, first and foremost, RELEASE your worry and, verse 6 tells us all exactly how to do that! "...but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God..." So, go to God in prayer (that's simply spending time talking with him about your life and your needs). "Supplication" simply means to "humbly ask". But here's the kicker - with THANKSGIVING! In other words, take a few moments and take your eyes off of your list of worries and make another list of things that are in your life for which you can be THANKFUL! Take note, this is of GREAT IMPORTANCE in the area of personal development...you MUST develop an attitude of gratitude.

So, RELEASE the worry from your mind. Pay attention and be THANKFUL for the things in your life that are good (friend, no matter what is going on in your life there are more things than you think in this area) and just talk with God and "release" your cares and concerns as you do so. Just do it friend and see what begins to happen with your mind, mindset and attitude. Read a little further and you find a promise from God about the level of PEACE that will enter your life and power that you now have to help GUARD your mind.That's part 1...RELEASE.

Again, remember, it's important to make sure we now fill that VOID that has been left by those things that we have released with something powerful and positive. First of all, get in the habit of being aware of what you have that brings about THANKS in your life. I cannot stress that enough!

Again, so as to be sure that this article does not become too long, I'm going to save the second part of this ("REFILL") for the next article. 

Friend, take some time and really consider the things that I have discussed here today. These are things that can literally change the direction of your life and, yes, it IS a part of personal development. I would say that this is actually the FOUNDATION of what we now refer to as "personal development".

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As an added bonus today, here is a great article by Jim Rohn on the importance of personal development...

The Miracle of Personal Development by Jim Rohn

One day my mentor Mr. Shoaff said, “Jim, if you want to be wealthy and happy, learn this lesson well: Learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job.”

Since that time I’ve been working on my own personal development. And I must admit that this has been the most challenging assignment of all. This business of personal development lasts a lifetime.

You see, what you become is far more important than what you get. The important question to ask on the job is not, “What am I getting?” Instead, you should ask, “What am I becoming?” Getting and becoming are like Siamese twins: What you become directly influences what you get. Think of it this way: Most of what you have today you have attracted by becoming the person you are today.

I’ve also found that income rarely exceeds personal development. Sometimes income takes a lucky jump, but unless you learn to handle the responsibilities that come with it, it will usually shrink back to the amount you can handle.

If someone hands you a million dollars, you’d better hurry up and become a millionaire. A very rich man once said, “If you took all the money in the world and divided it equally among everybody, it would soon be back in the same pockets it was before.”

It is hard to keep that which has not been obtained through personal development.

So here’s the great axiom of life:

To have more than you’ve got, become more than you are.

This is where you should focus most of your attention. Otherwise, you just might have to contend with the axiom of not changing, which is:

Unless you change how you are, you’ll always have what you’ve got.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube  Project141

Flat Balls Don't Bounce!

It's been a while, friend! As a matter of fact, I looked back on my podcasts and saw that the last podcast that I published was back in April of 2018!

I took a break and had planned not to start again until I had been certified in the John Maxwell program and, to a large extent, I have completed that task. I did become a member of this prestigious group before the end of 2018 and I continue forward growing and learning. The original plans were for me to attend the Certification event this August (next month) in Florida but I have some scheduling conflicts that will not allow that at that time. So, it's being rescheduled for a different time and I'll keep you updated on that as well. 

But, even at that, I felt it was time to get started (again) with my blog and podcast and, a little later, with my "vlog" or "video podcast". 

Here's one thing that I have noticed over the years since I began this (March 2009): I do much better with my positive mindset when I am doing the blog, podcast and videos. In other words, doing so helps keep the "air" in my positive mindset. 

Have you noticed? A flat ball doesn't bounce! Have you tried? It just doesn't work and, to be honest, it's not much fun to have a ball that you CONTINUALLY have to air up in order to use it for whatever sport. 

I'm guessing that many of you are already "getting the point", right?  If we allow ourselves to "go flat" it is literally impossible to "bounce"!

Have you "gone flat"? Have you allowed the "air" of positivity to slowly seep out of your life? Hey friend, it's easy to let happen! Many times it is hard to really notice a slow leak when it first begins and the same is true in your life and mine. 

So, selfishly, I am beginning this blog and podcast for my own good but, at the same time, I want to do all that I can to provide you with at least ONE outlet to help you maintain your "bounce". 

Do a little check on yourself to see if you have developed a "slow leak". as far as your positive outlook and development. Have you "lost your bounce"? Have you "gone flat"?

I'd love to hear from you on this. Please feel free to share with me what you are doing to help combat this in your own life and, of course, feel free to reach out to me for any input that I may be able to give.

Hey, "I'm BAAAAAACCCCKKK!". Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. The podcast on the same topic (different thoughts since I don't use a script) is also available, just click the link below. 

So friend, 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

 

"Santa"

Hey, what would Christmas be without SANTA? 

Oh, I know there are some that try that. But, go with me on this - the pure JOY that comes from a child seeing Santa and thinking they may have even heard Santa as he came to deliver gifts during the night is simply magical!

I think back - with fond memories - of all of the different things that my wife and I used to do to give our boys that "special magical" feeling on Christmas Eve after they had gone to bed. 

There is even the report of one young child that had Santa as a part of one of his final wishes. You can read about it HERE.

Generally speaking, Santa is a symbol of joy, peace and love extended to all children - EVERYWHERE - regardless of race or location in the world.

I have always said that I believe in Santa. Yes, even as an adult. How? Why? Because I AM Santa! You know what I mean, right? I have always been Santa to my own children and I have also been Santa to others over the years. 

When I think and hear the word, "Santa", I can't help but think of the scene in "Elf" when Buddy declares that he KNOWS him! Yeah, here's an image from that moment...

Like some of the other words we have been discussing lately, the only "problem" is that Santa is "confined" to just a certain time of the year. Wow, wouldn't you agree that, often, we could use the magic of Santa all year long?

I'm sure you've figured it out by now. That's right, I'm going to encourage YOU to "be Santa" but to do it all year long!

I simply want to encourage you to be a person that spreads joy, peace and hope to those around you anywhere and everywhere you go. No, you don't have to dress up in a red and white suit. No, you don't have to grow out a white beard and, no, you don't even have to be a male....or an adult!

We ALL have that unique ability to bring some "special magic" to our world, the world around us. 

Here's the real kicker: We don't have to actually visit everyone in the whole world in order for our influence and "reach" to extend far greater (and into more of the world) than we could ever imagine. It's called "the ripple effect" or, you may want to look at it as the "pay it forward" mentality.

Don't allow the negativity around you to turn you into a Scrooge. Allow all of the positive information that you have added to your "mental library" to overcome that negativity and share what, indeed, the world needs now, more than ever - HOPE!

It can come in the form of encouragement to your children as well as your co-workers. A pat on the back, a positive word, a "vote of confidence" shown in your words and actions.

You, my friend, are a unique gift in and of itself. There is no other like you. Share "you" to those around you and make the world a better place.

Hey, the rewards will be far better than a plate of cookies and a glass of milk...you can count on that!

Until next time, Merry Christmas! And, 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

Believe in Yourself

I've shared the story with you already about how, several years back while on a motorcycle ride I came across three signs that all said the same thing - the EXACT same thing. What was the message on the signs? The same message that you see in the graphic above. 

Now, listen, when I see the SAME message on three different - and unrelated - signs, all on the same day, it kind of gets my attention!

And, it's the "next-to-last" phrase that is found on the poster that I have gotten the topics from for the last several articles (and podcasts). 

We live in a world where it is easy to begin to doubt yourself. Right? We have all likely experienced someone else (or SEVERAL "someone else's") that felt it was their right to tell us that we were worthless or less than what they thought they deserved. This could be true in personal relationships as well as the workplace. Many times children are abused by the constant negative and demeaning comments made to them by someone in their life.

And, it's also easy to "beat ourselves up" by repeating those same, negative remarks to ourselves. I've had people tell me, "I've been told that all of my life so, it must be true!"

Too, sometimes, we just begin to doubt ourselves because we have not been the "success" that we had envisioned for ourselves.

But, friend, listen...wherever you find yourself in all of this and whatever the reason for your self-doubt, hear me and hear me loud and clear. YOU ARE SOMEONE SPECIAL! (Be sure to read the next article and also be sure to listen to the podcast on that topic). 

You MUST begin the process of believing in yourself! I understand that it is very difficult for some people and, to be honest, it may actually require the help of a professional to get you past some of the verbal abuse that you may have endured. If so, seek it out and take advantage of this help. 

Hey listen, you may find this hard to believe but, even people like myself struggle with self-doubt. Yes. Me. 

However, I understand that I MUST believe in myself if I am going to keep moving forward in a positive mindset and positive lifestyle. I know that I MUST believe in myself if I am going to continue on toward my goals and dreams.

Will there be others that will try to deter me from this goal? OF COURSE! That will ALWAYS be true! Will my own mindset, at times, try to sabotage this process? Absolutely! That is why it is so important to do all that I can to continually absorb as much positive information as possible.

Take a few moments and listen to the podcast (see the two links below!) and BE ENCOURAGED!

Stop doubting yourself and take heart. You ARE someone in whom you can believe in and trust! Yes, YOU!

Until next time, friend, 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

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