POSITIVE MINDSET 101 (The Importance of a POSITIVE Mindset)

 

Be sure to listen to the podcast/watch the video on each one of these topics in this series. You can find the links to them down below.

Some people wonder WHY having a positive mindset matters. As a matter of fact, while doing a recent search on questions that people are asking in this area, that very question came up just about more than any other. WHY does it matter and WHAT DIFFERENCE can it make in a person's life?

Although there's not a "Webster-type" definition of POSITIVE MINDSET since it's two words, I did find some suggested "definitions/descriptions" for it. 

Here's one: "The practice of focusing on the GOOD in ANY given situation." And another: "You are OPTIMISTIC about the world around you, and you EXPECT that good things will happen to you." 

You may even remember the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale using the acrostic, "PMA" which stands for Positive Mental Attitude. That's what we are talking about.

For example, you may have seen or been around someone that just seems to ALWAYS be happy and, that being the case, they spread "joy and happiness" wherever they go! And, at the same time, you've seen people that are just the opposite. Oh, they spread joy and happiness alright, but it's usually when they LEAVE a room!

Which do you want to be? Which do you think describes YOU at this point in your life?

I will do all I can to help you understand the absolute NECESSITY in developing (and MAINTAINING) and positive mindset, but you have to DECIDE - first and foremost - that you actually seek/want that for your life.

Let me just go ahead and tell you: Your life will IMPROVE for the better in EVERY area of your life by dong so...developing and learning to maintain a positive mindset. That's not an over-statement, friend. It is an absolute FACT!

 Let's break that down and look at some definitions. First of all, the word DECIDE: "come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration". Let's break it down even more and look at the word, RESOLUTION: "a firm decision to do or not do something". And then the word, CONSIDERATION: "careful thought, typically over a period of time".

Do you want to know why most people fall short on their "New Year's Resolutions"? It's because they don't fully understand the meaning of the word, "RESOLUTION". Look at it. It's a FIRM decision to either do something (start walking and cutting back on fast food, for example) or NOT do something (stop sitting on the couch eating a bag of chips).  And, it is something that involves CAREFUL THOUGHT, typically over a period of time. In other words, it is not a "half-way" and "off the cuff" thought...it is a FIRM decision!

Even if you don't complete understand this whole thing of "personal development" and "positive mindset", you CAN (and MUST) make a decision to improve your life (and attitude) if, indeed, you desire to actually IMPROVE your life - in ALL areas of your life.  

This is the FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT step! (Let's continue with the next part of this series)...

Part 2: Beware the Mine (MIND) Field

You are likely aware of "land mines" that are hidden in/on the ground with the idea of someone stepping on one and it blowing up causing great injury or death. They are usually connected to those involved in a war but, even at that, there are many times that innocent people (those that have nothing to do with the war) are injured or even killed.

In our discussion of developing and maintaining a POSITIVE MINDSET, I would rename this as a "MIND Field". Think of it as "hidden dangers" that can cause serious injury or even "death" to a person's positive mindset and desire to maintain such a mindset. These are things that can "cause" or "add to" a NEGATIVE mindset and, friend, they are EVERY where (as you will begin to discover in today's episode).

A few weeks ago I did a podcast/video on the topic, "You CAN NOT Change!" (for some reason, I did not do a blog article but you can go to the podcast link and the YouTube link and find it easily). The point of that episode was that you truly CAN NOT change if you approach life with the same old mindset! 

Now, don't miss this point: Your mindset - even if negative - DEFINITELY has an impact on your life (EVERY area of your life). It is simply not a mindset that will bring about positive change and a better future. Get the point yet?

Take a look at this quote by Claude Diamond:

 CHANGE takes time and, usually, it is not easy. That's just the way it is and you need to be aware of that.

Now, let's get to some SPECIFICS and take a look at some things IN YOUR OWN LIVING SPACE that may be "MIND FIELDS" in your own home. Are you ready? Take notes and add your own thoughts to this list.

1. Television: It doesn't matter if you are watching something "live" or if you are watching/steaming movies, etc. A couple of things that you need to do with this...First, actually "log" your time of how much time you spend watching t.v in all forms. I suggest doing this over a period of at least 3 days. Perhaps a day or two during the week (after you get home from your job, for example) AND also over the weekend when you likely spend more time doing so. Don't just log in how much TIME but WHAT the content is of what you allow into your mind/mindset through this avenue. What kind of shows are you watching...what kind of content are you allowing into your mindset? Be HONEST and be SPECIFIC.

2. Music: Yes, we must also log the same information in connection to the music that we listen to on a daily basis. After all, THIS ALSO "feeds" our mind - either positive or negative. Sure, I get it. There is some music that the beat just lifts you up but, what about the message? Again, be HONEST and be SPECIFIC on this one as well. It's kind of like someone trying to lose weight that are having a hard time giving up that ice cream that they are used to having as a "treat" every night. Remember, you must make a FIRM DECISION in what you want. And then...you must ACT UPON that decision.

3. Social Media: (Play ominous music here!) Here's where it may get really tough for you. But, again, follow the same formula for logging your time/content as mentioned above and - once again - you MUST be HONEST and SPECIFIC in order for you to actually understand the impact of these "Mind Fields" in your own home. Who do you "follow" and what kind of content do they share that you "consume"? Is it positive or negative? What about your own posts? Are they full of negative content (griping, complaining, etc.) or are they posts that actually can "lift" or "encourage" those that read?

4. Texting: Most of you probably don't talk on the phone as much as you text. Well, you know the drill by now, right? This one is easy to track unless you delete your texts right away. Go back and take a look (remember, HONEST and SPECIFIC) when you log this information. 

5. What You READ: I don't know how much you read or what avenue you use for your reading. Perhaps you read an actual, physical book or you do so on your phone via an app or even listen to an "audio book".  Just like all of the rest listed above, LOG THE INFORMATION to determine how MUCH information you allow into your mind in this way as well as WHAT TYPE OF CONTENT you allow into your mind. Do I need to say it again? Be HONEST and SPECIFIC if you truly want to make improvement.  

My guess is that you will be SURPRISED at how much TIME you spend consuming this information into you mind/mindset as well as "what kind" of information you are allowing into your mind.

So, PART 1 of your homework is to go through each one of these that I listed and take the time to "log" the time and content as I suggested. Total each category up (perhaps even get an "average" after logging it over a period of several days) and then take a long look at your information that you've gathered.

PART 2 of your homework is to take a look around YOUR surroundings and ADD anything to the list that I may not have covered. Just as you would not want anyone who has the responsibility of discovering and removing actual mines in a mine field to do a "half-way" job and then tell you to walk on through, neither should you desire to approach this task in the same way. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE in this process!

I would LOVE to hear some of your findings. You can either leave a comment here OR go to my website/Facebook page: www.FutureYouUniversity.com  and leave your comment until the information about this blog article or one of the ones featuring the podcasts and/or video. 

What's next?

In our next article/episode we will look at what we must do once we begin REMOVING these "mines" from our "MIND Field" and what comes next in that process.

We will also begin to look at another area full of those dangerous "MIND Fields" and begin to talk about our RELATIONSHIPS.

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

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Seeing With NEW Eyes: The TRANSFORMATION (Part 2)

 

 If you have not done so, be sure to go back and read the blog article that preceded this one as well as listening to the two podcasts that I have posted so far in this new series entitled, "Seeing With NEW Eyes" (see link at bottom of article). 

I will tell you that I did not get as far in that second podcast as I had planned...but that's o.k. because I want to say what God wants me to say and share as I go along the path of this story of TRANSFORMATION that has been taking place in my life as well as in the life of my wife. 

We have been married for a little over 39 years now and we are more focused and happy than ever before. It is because of what we are experiencing TOGETHER along this path. 

Now, some of you may already be getting "scared off" due to the language that I am using and you may be thinking this is going to be some strange, mystical, cultic-religious article but you can just relax, friend. I will say this though: If you listen to my podcasts, I now pray during each one and I will say what you will hear me say on those podcasts...I don't know who is reading this but if you are, you are reading this for a reason. You likely don't even know what that reason is but I firmly believe that there is a PURPOSE for you being here, right now, reading this. 

And, whether you want to believe that or not I want you to consider the fact that acknowledging the possibility of that being true does you no damage at all. None.

As I said, in this series I am sharing with you information and events that have taken place that has taken my wife and I down a path of TRANSFORMATION. What does that mean, exactly?

Perhaps it is best to begin with a "dictionary" definition of the root word - transform. Here is what is recorded in the Merriam-Webster dictionary for the word, transform (transformation) - 

a : to change in composition or structure

b : to change the outward form or appearance of

c : to change in character or condition

 

Simply put, it is the process of CHANGE taking place ("change in character or condition") and, yes, even - at times - a resulting change in the "outward form or appearance of" an individual, in this case. 

If, for some reason, you think that sounds a bit odd, consider how often you hear someone tell a lady that is pregnant with child that she is "glowing". Have you ever told someone or heard it said about someone that "It is easy to know that you are happy...it is written all over your face!"? It could be as simple as turning a frown into a smile or a life of desperation into a life of hope and promise.

I also want to call out a scripture that is found in Romans 12:2 which reads... "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJV)

Two sides of the spectrum discussed here: being CONFORMED or being TRANSFORMED.

Being "conformed" is just the opposite of what was defined by the word, "transform". Whereas the word, "transform" indicates CHANGE, the very idea of "conform" indicates more of "molding to" (which, yes, is a change) and not "changing from". 

Let me go further with this comparison...ANYTHING that is poured into any type of a mold is being CONFORMED to the shape and limitations of that particular mold. That which is being poured into that mold has no ability to be anything different or shaped any differently than that particular mold. Yes, even people can be "molded" into a certain way of dressing, talking, behaving and, overall, living. 

However, a TRANSFORMATION is taking place when a caterpillar enters into it's cocoon and comes out as a butterfly! Completely changed! And, once again, it is possible for people to undergo such a transformation. No, I'm not talking about a person becoming an animal or anything like that but, instead, a person becoming something that they (or others) never thought that they could or ever would. 

THIS IS POWERFUL! 

The Bible verse listed above states that one way that this transformation can take place is by the "renewing of your mind" (and some versions indicate that this is to be a DAILY process). In other words, "making" your mind "new" on a daily basis. Allowing your mind (mindset) to "grow" and "expand" in it's knowledge and thought process. Never allowing it to be the same. To never, ever stop thinking and growing in this way. 

THIS IS POWERFUL!

When you listen to the podcast you will hear a song playing in the background that is titled, "Rattle", that is sung by Zach Williams. In case you don't know the story of what this song is talking about, you should go look up what is found in the Old Testament in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37. Ever hear the song that goes something like, "...ankle bone connected to the - leg bone, leg bone connected to the - knee bone..." ? That song is also referring to this occurrence found in Ezekiel 37.

Are YOU, perhaps,  going through a DRY season? Do you feel that you are just a bunch of "dry bones" that are lying out in the middle of the desert? Take heart, friend, because TRANSFORMATION is possible!

Perhaps you are one that is going through a POWERFUL and TRANSFORMATIVE change? LET ME HEAR FROM YOU - I'd love to hear your story just as I am sharing mine with you!

  Listen, I'm not trying to be "preachy" or anything like that. I am, however, trying to be encouraging by sharing this amazing story that my wife and I are experiencing right now as I write this blog article. 

The other day, the image you see above is a thought that "came to me" so I wrote it down...just as you see in that image. I knew it was something that I needed to see and hear and, I honestly always feel that, at the same time, it is something that others probably need to see and hear as well. (Remember when I said that I don't know why you are here but that there is a REASON for you reading this article? Maybe THIS is the reason.)

No matter what is going on in your life and no matter how LONG this has been going on...I want you to "feel" those dry bones begin to move and I want you to listen closely to see if, maybe, you don't begin to hear those dry bones begin to "rattle" in preparation for the TRANSFORMATION that might be coming your way!

So, right now - today - I want to encourage you to, first and foremost, LOOK UP! Stop looking down in defeat and begin to look UP to what lies ahead and then make that next step and GET UP! That's right, GET UP and get ready to put some life back into those legs that were intended to move you forward and then, do just that - GET GOING and, friend, don't you dare stop...KEEP GOING!

Easier said than done? Maybe. But you won't get anywhere lying out in the middle of that desert now, will you? YES, YOU CAN do this!

In my next podcast and blog article I plan to start getting into SPECIFIC details about people and situations that have come into our lives over the past 7 months or so and how they  - all different - have come together to aide in this TRANSFORMATION that is taking place in our lives. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and, like I mentioned above, I'd love to hear any stories of transformation that you have to share. The best place to do that is on my FaceBook page (see the link below). 

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

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It's Not Rocket Science - CHANGE Requires CHANGE!

What you read in the graphic above is about as simple as it gets. Yet, at the same time, it is one of the most difficult things that most people have to accept. 

Actually, I guess they DON'T have to accept what is stated above but, at the same time, their refusal to accept what is said means that they have accepted a different, sad fact. "I choose to remain where I am and settle for less than what may be possible for my life and the lives of my loved ones."

That, my friend, is what is called a HARSH TRUTH. And far too many people settle for that harsh truth - a DECISION that they have made themselves, FOR themselves - while whining and complaining about why things don't change for them. 

Ironic, isn't it?

 Jimmy Dean said, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

Yes, there are things that you and I CANNOT change but we CAN change or control how we react to those things in our lives.

Pay close attention to what William Pollard is quoted as saying: "Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable."

Did you notice the last word in his quote? INEVITABLE! Change is a fact of life! Those individuals or companies that refuse to prepare for that inevitable change will lose in life and in business. How many video stores do you see around? Remember "Blockbuster Video"? That's just one example and, the older you are, the more examples you can come up with as far as companies that have gone out of business due to change.

Around where I live one can go through one small town after another and see what once was a thriving center of town around the courtyard square or even what was just referred to as "downtown".  And now? Empty storefronts. There may be a few that have thrift stores in them now but, by far, change has caused these stores to close their doors for good.

Sad? To some extent, yes. But, again, change is a fact of life both for individuals and for business as well.

Let's direct this to you...personally. Whether you want to admit it or not, YOU have had to change more than you likely realize. I'm not going to take the time to try to cover those changes here but I do encourage you to stop and think about what things have changed around you since you were a child. You may be surprised.

The bottom line is this: What are YOU doing to prepare for the changes that are yet to come? The great thing is the fact that you possess the power to change - IN ADVANCE - to prepare for your future and to also prepare for the future of your family and loved ones.

I will leave you with this great quote from Harriet Tubman: "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_pollard_163245?src=t_change

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_pollard_163245?src=t_change

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_pollard_163245?src=t_change

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

A Few Positive Thoughts and Images for You

Since this week's blog articles have been a bit different in their daily consistency, I thought I'd share a final blog of the week for you. I simply want to share some positive graphics that I've come across over the past few days. Some have been featured on the FB fan page and some have not.

I hope that one or more will encourage and uplift you as you look over them.

 



 

 

 

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

- Mike -

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Bruise or Tattoo?

 

 

So, I've never had a tattoo but, from what I understand (from those that are honest, anyway) it hurts like crazy. And, even though there are techniques for the removal of tattoos, they are meant to be permanent. Usually when someone wants a tattoo removed it is because they were not thinking clearly when they chose that permanent tattoo that was placed somewhere on their body.

 

Tattoo = Permanent.

 

On the other hand, I've had several bruises in my lifetime. My wife bruises VERY easily and I've had to be careful with her due to that fact. I've had to be careful not so much because it hurt her but because it could make it look like I abused her! Honestly, when we first got married, I could play around with her and come up behind her, grasp her arms with my hands and leave a bruise from every single finger on each of my hands. Yeah, like I said, she bruises VERY easily. I'll see a bruise on her and ask her what happened and she won't even know. I don't think it's quite as bad as it used to be but she still can get a bruise and not even know where it came from.

 

THANK GOODNESS bruises are not permanent like tattoos are! Are they seen? Yes. Does it hurt when you cause one? Usually (I would just say "yes" but since my wife doesn't even know sometimes I will just choose the word, "usually"). Are they permanent? NO!

 

Bruise = Temporary

 

You can read the graphic above and see the point that is being made here. Bruises and tattoos are both painful but there is one BIG difference between the two. One is temporary and the other is permanent.

 

Aren't you glad that failure is temporary like a bruise? Remember what we have discussed before: Failure is an event, it is not a description of who you are!

 

Yes, I know that I discuss this fact quite often.

 

Why?

 

Because past failures often impact our current situation. In other words, our past failures make us fearful of current or future failures! Fear of failure is one of the top - if not THE top- reason that many people never step forward and move forward in their lives.

 

"What if it doesn't work out?" (Fear of, and expectation of, failure.)

 

What about the opposite view on this? What if it DOES work out? What if it works out beyond your wildest dreams?

 

The event that I'm mentioning in every blog and on every podcast is something that WILL change your life if you let it. How do you let it? Well, first and foremost, YOU ATTEND THE EVENT!

 

"But it cost money and what if it's not very good?" (Use your best "whiner voice" when you read that last sentence).

 

Guess what? There's a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE in place so that you cannot use that as an excuse. Yup, now what's your excuse?

 

Your fear of failure (remember, fear is not permanent!) is what very likely will keep you from making such a positive decision for your life.

 

It's up to you but, please, read the next paragraph again and, as you do so, ask yourself, "What if it DOES change my life for the better?".

 



 

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! It doesn't matter who you are or what you do for a living, you don't want to miss this life-changing event. You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before right? My wife and I will be attending one of her live events in San Antonio, Texas on July 12th - 13th and we'd love to meet YOU there! Go here to check it out for yourself and get ready to take your life to the next level!

 

STOP allowing past failures to impact your decisions even today and start living out of the shadows of those past failures.

 

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

 

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

 

Mike

 

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Your Daily Routine

Have you ever seen the 1993 movie, "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray? Long story short, it's a movie about a man who keeps living the same day over and over and over again. He begins to realize that, if he pays attention, he'll learn things that he is doing wrong and, actually change the outcome of this "day".

 

Friend, if you are living the same day over and over and over again and never changing anything to improve the outcome of your days to come then you're not learning much. Are you?

 

Someone was once asked how they were so successful. The reply was simple: "Learn what works and learn what doesn't work. Do the things that work and stop doing what doesn't work!"

 

I actually couldn't think of the right word on the podcast (see links below) for this but I still was able to make the point. What point is that? It's the saying that you have likely heard before that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.

 

In other words, "ARE YOU NUTS?"

 

Too many people think that they can't be better or do better than what they are currently experiencing while, at the same time, they change NOTHING about their daily routine!

 

Success or failure, the "secret" is found in your daily routine!

 

You will never change your life until you change something. We could have stopped right there in the graphic above. If nothing changes then, guess what? NOTHING CHANGES!

 

For the most part, change comes one day at a time but, do NOT miss this point: CHANGE COMES AS A PART OF EVERY DAY.

 

So, what's YOUR daily routine?

 

Do you want to learn better how to take control of your life? Then friend...

 

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! It doesn't matter who you are or what you do for a living, you don't want to miss this life-changing event. You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before right? My wife and I will be attending one of her live events in San Antonio, Texas on July 12th - 13th and we'd love to meet YOU there! Go here to check it out for yourself and get ready to take your life to the next level!

Let me know if you plan to attend so that we can plan to meet up and grow TOGETHER from this great weekend! And, as you go about your daily - CHANGING - routine, be sure to...

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

Mike

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                                         Start your home based business HERE

Achieving Inner Peace

Those that find themselves in circumstances that leave them feeling lost, those that have accepted the value - or lack of value - that others have placed upon them and those that have accepted "left overs" from those around them rarely know inner peace. As a matter of fact, they know very little of ANY peace in their lives.

 

Hopefully this week's articles and podcasts have been helpful for those that have struggled with allowing others to determine and control their self-worth. Again, YOU ARE OF GREAT VALUE AND WORTH no matter what anyone else has told you.

 

Yes, you have to start where you are but you have HOPE today - TODAY - of taking a  new path in and for your life! You must know that and believe that and begin to move in a new direction for your life.

 

Notice the graphic: Inner peace begins THE MOMENT you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. In other words, it begins INSTANTLY.

 

Just the DECISION to not allow this anymore in your life will bring a sense of peace into your life. Just the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT that you have allowed others to control how you feel about yourself and how you "look" at yourself will bring a sense of peace into your life.

 

Oh yes, it will likely bring a sense of disappointment in yourself and maybe even a sense of disgust and shame.....but move past that quickly. You have felt that too many times before and for too long.

 

TODAY IS A NEW DAY!

 

Please know again that I know and understand that I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist and that I also know that making such a move and decision could even be dangerous for you in certain situations.

 

Get the help you need to even make that first move away from such a situation and protect yourself but, for yourself and even for your children if you have them with you, you MUST make that move and understand that you DO have so much to offer so many.

 

Inner peace does not mean that all problems disappear. It does not mean that you will not struggle with guilt or question yourself from time to time.

 

It DOES mean that, in spite of those times of negative feelings, you can still find peace KNOWING that you are moving in a different direction with choices made by YOU with a strong belief in your ability to do so and of your WORTH.

 

I'd love to hear from you. And, yes, MEN, this could even be you that is too often overlooked in these type of situations. Yes, even you can struggle with these very things we have been discussing this week.

 

"As long as there is breath, there is hope." - Mike Spillman

 

Yeah, I wrote that and I believe it fully. There is hope as long as you are alive and breathing. Take that hope and let it begin to burn inside to a full flame.

 

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

 

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

 

Mike

 

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TIME: Where Did THAT Come From?

(be sure to check out the podcast on iTunes or on the RSS feed)

As you are discovering, it's no magic trick to start finding time that you thought didn't exist. We're NOT pulling something "magically" out of a hat even though it may seem to "magically" appear.

Hopefully, by following through with the lists I have asked you to put together this week you have been able to see that, although you are not gaining any EXTRA time, you are finding that there is time available to you that can be "re-purposed" and used for something better than it's current use.

Magic? No. Smart and productive? Yes and yes!

So, now let's go back to that first list I had you put together at the start of the week that had you list what you would do IF only you had the time. Get it out - go on - and now take a look at it along with the schedule of your daily activities. (I'll wait.)

Now then, when you look over your daily activities, did you find that you had some time that you could "re-purpose"? (Go back and read yesterday's article on this). How MUCH time did you find that you could actually re-purpose for something that would be more productive for you?

Add up how much time you found that could be re-purposed...go ahead, add it up. Did you find one extra hour? Two? Three? Maybe even more? Again, some of you may say that you are busy from the time you get up until the time you go to bed. I'm not doubting that some of you are very busy but - let's be honest - very rarely does anyone actually have NO time during their day.

But, if you are one of those that believe that to be true about your day then consider the idea of getting up an hour earlier or staying up an hour later. Hey, it's just a thought for those that feel that there is absolutely NO time in their daily schedule to be "re-purposed".

Now, go back to that first list of the things you would do if you had the time. BINGO. You have found the time (that was there all along), now what can/will you do with it? Listen, I realize that you aren't going to be able to take an extra vacation by finding one or two hours available during your day. I mean, it's not like you can accumulate them and use them like vacation days at work, right?

But, WHAT IF you used that "extra" time to research and get involved in some sort of home-based business that would bring in the extra income you'd need to take that vacation? (Be very careful - DO THE RESEARCH - before deciding on such an opportunity). Maybe there is even something you can do "in person" as opposed to being on line that could bring you some extra income.

Perhaps you put on your list the desire to get a college degree. Again, do the research and see what is available for you - even on-line.

HERE'S THE POINT: Now that you realize - and actually SEE it for yourself - that you have the time available, it is now up to you to DO something with that time. It is now time for YOU to decide what PURPOSE you will now dedicate this time for during your day. It does no good at all to "find" this time and not re-purpose it for something useful and valuable.

GET SERIOUS about this and DO SOMETHING that will make a difference in your life. Hey, if nothing else, you have realized that time DOES exist in your day. Now it's up to you as to what you plan to do with it.

Well? Stop talking about it and start DOING it and LIVING it. I know this is going to sound corny but...THE TIME IS NOW.

Be sure to join me tomorrow as I look at another purpose for which we all can use this "re-purposed" time in our day. But, until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

Think on THESE Things

 

It's FUN FRIDAY! What can YOU do today to bring smiles to those around you?

Before I start let me make sure you know you can follow the daily podcast on the same topics here:

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739

RSS feed: http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml

Have you ever heard the saying, "God moves in mysterious ways."? I'm sure most of us have and, honestly, many times when I've heard it used, it was used out of context and in a poor manner trying to explain some tragedy when, quite honestly, the person speaking should have just remained silent.

Here's the thing: I recorded the podcast for today over a week ago. With the job that I'm working right now I try to do at least one week's worth of podcast ahead of time so that I can make sure I don't get behind. Honestly, that's a little hard to do because I like to TRY to talk about things that are relevant and, many times, this happens due to global happenings or just things that I observe from day to day. And, honestly, after I had recorded this week's worth of podcasts I decided not to do the second weeks worth like I did last time because I wanted to wait and see if anything NEW popped up that got my attention. It did and now let me explain.

I recorded this podcast over a week ago. I'm writing this article on Thursday so that it is ready for publication on Friday. (Now maybe you can see how easy it is for me to get confused!). This article speaks more from scripture than I usually have in my podcasts/articles but I felt it was one worth using and exploring in the realm of having a positive mindset. Now, I'll talk more about this in Monday's podcast/article but since the beginning of my podcasts and articles back in March of 2009 I have purposely tried to stay away from using the Bible very much even though I have been a minister for years.

Why? I wanted to try to reach a "bigger audience" without coming across too "churchy" while still using spiritual principles. Again, I'll talk more about this on Monday but something powerful struck me last night while at a mid-week worship assembly. And it was right up the alley of the topic of today's subject matter that was prepared over a week ago.

Listen to the podcast which was recorded before this event on Wednesday night because I think there is a LOT of valuable information there but BE SURE TO PAY ATTENTION to what I'm saying here.

Friend, bottom line... you can't expect good stuff in your life and from your life as long as we continue to allow so much "garbage/junk" in it as was discussed in yesterday's information. So, not only is it important to GET RID OF THE JUNK in our lives and in our minds, but it is likely MORE IMPORTANT to pay close attention to what we use to REPLACE THE JUNK with GOOD, POSITIVE influences.

I encourage you to read the scripture that I refer to in today's podcast (Philippians 4:8) and really consider the things listed there that we are encouraged to meditate upon or think on. IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE and this point was driven home to me once again during last night's event.

And I honestly believe that there is no way around it. Whether you believe in God or the Bible or not -- you cannot discount the VALUE of what is discussed in this part of Holy Scripture. Check it out for yourself, put it in to practice on a daily basis and see what happens!

And, as you begin to experience the POSITIVE change that will take place in your life, whatever you do and AS YOU DO IT, be sure to...

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

Mike

CHANGE: Some You CAN'T Change!

"CHANGE: Some You CAN'T Change!"

In my last two blog articles and podcasts I've shared some thoughts concerning CHANGES. Wow, even though the word, "change" has six letters it sure can come across as a FOUR-LETTER WORD, can't it?

Before I go any further, let me list once again four different categories of the types of changes that we encounter in our lives:

TYPES OF CHANGES: (1)Those we voluntarily bring on ourselves... (2) those that we have no choice in but are not "against" us (change of seasons, life changes due to age, etc.)... (3)those that come at us DUE TO our actions and (4) those that come to us 100% involuntarily and at no fault of our own.

In my last discussion we covered the first one listed - changes that we voluntarily bring on ourselves. If you haven't done so, you might want to go back and read that blog article as well as listen to the podcast that goes with it. You can access that podcast via my website: http://www.futureyouuniversity.com/ .... just click on video podcast and then click on the iTunes icon or the RSS feed icon.

Today I'd like to talk about that second category - changes that come regardless of what we do or don't want but that are not "against" us...or at least not purposely so.

Hey, let's face it, there are some changes that come in our life that is just a part of LIVING life, right?

You can move around the country all you want to avoid the changing seasons but, whether we like it or not or whether we want it or not, the seasons DO change! I do enjoy the change from one to the other but I don't like the extreme heat and I don't enjoy the winter months for very long. Thankfully, since I live in Arkansas the winter months are not too severe and do not last long compared to other parts of the country. But, for me, once it snows one time I'm ready for Spring to arrive!

But you know what? I can complain and whine all I want and it's not going to CHANGE a thing concerning these changes. I can gripe and complain about the change in the fall and spring with the time (spring forward, fall back...or is it, uh....) but it won't do me any good if I choose to stay living in this part of the country.

But, you know what? For some, these changes DO have an adverse affect on them and there IS something that those people CAN do to change this impact upon them. MOVE!

Seriously, these things CAN be changed to your favor to some extent if you really need them to. For example, we have some older friends that now live in Arizona due to the wife having terrible arthritis. When they lived here in Arkansas her arthritis was TERRIBLE due to the humidity here but, when they would go out to Arizona for the winter her arthritis would improve greatly. So, although she couldn't get rid of her arthritis (another change that we cannot do much about or get rid of) she COULD improve her situation by living in Arizona. And that is exactly what they did - they moved to Arizona.

The same is true concerning the changing of the time. It has been proven that many suffer from greater bouts of depression during the winter months due to the extended darkness and the effects of "cabin fever" from having to stay indoors too much. These people can also improve their situation by moving to a different area of the country or world that either does not follow the time change patterns or that is in a warmer climate with extended day light hours.

So, you see, even with those changes that come our way without our choosing them, we can STILL do SOMETHING to help out IF we need to do so.

Or we can continue to whine and complain.

Shall we talk about the changes that come with getting older? Aches and pains WILL come along with fading eyesight and other problems.

It's a fact of life but there are SOME things we can do to improve our health instead of just giving up. Will we STOP these things from happening in our life? NO. But we can delay them or reduce the impact of them in and on our lives.

So, as you would think I would say about this, even if we don't have a choice in this area of CHANGE we DO have a choice concerning the IMPACT of this change.

Just give it some thought when you find yourself getting discouraged and/or complaining about such things and ask yourself if there is ANYTHING you can do to improve the situation.

I bet there is and I bet you can come up with some things if you really want to do so.

Should we even BEGIN to talk about gas prices?

That will have to wait until some other time, friend but, until then, whatever you do, wherever you are, be sure to...

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

Mike

Changes: They Just Keep on Coming!

CHANGES: They Just Keep on Coming!

It's been a while since I posted my last blog article but my guess is that you have experienced several changes since that last posting, right?

As I said recently, the only constant thing about change is that it is constant! Things constantly change!

Hey, I have to brag for a moment... since my last article my wife and I (as well as our oldest son and his wife) have gone through a HUGE and WONDERFUL change! We welcomed our first little grandbaby girl into the world just a few short days ago. We told our son and his wife that their life is now changed forever - but it is a POSITIVE change that will be well worth anything and everything that comes about because of this change.

Now, you think for a few moments and try to think of how many changes have taken place in YOUR own life since my last article was posted back on November 11, 2011.

Well?

I can just about assure you that there has been more changes than you realized IF you really take the time to think about it.

Try to categorize those changes into the categories that I mentioned in my last article. In case you don't remember or don't want to go back and search, here they are:

TYPES OF CHANGES: (1)Those we voluntarily bring on ourselves... (2) those that we have no choice in but are not "against" us (change of seasons, life changes due to age, etc.)... (3)those that come at us DUE TO our actions and (4) those that come to us 100% involuntarily and at no fault of our own.

For today, let's discuss those in category 1: Those that we voluntarily bring on ourselves. A prime example would be the decision that my son and his wife made to have their first child. Voluntary for sure but a decision that will bring MAJOR CHANGE into their lives and, to be honest, not all of them will be changes that will always bring joy into their lives.

I talk to a lot of people that gripe and complain about situations in their life that, after talking to them for a bit and more information is revealed, are due to CHOICES that were made VOLUNTARILY by them! No one else FORCED them to make those decisions or choices.

I talked to a guy earlier today that wasn't complaining or griping but was telling me he was having to sell just about everything he had because he was out of work. Why was he out of work? Because he couldn't "take the crap" (his words) anymore so he quit.

It was his choice and I hope that he is happy with the choice that he made and I hope that he will be able to provide for he and his wife due to this voluntary change.

What changes have taken place in YOUR life due to YOU willingly, and voluntarily making a CHOICE that brought about this change?

Hey, bottom line: they don't always turn out the way we think, right?

Been there, done that!

So, key lesson with this: THINK AND THINK HARD BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE!

Sometimes - many times - it is the RIGHT choice that needs to be made and, at other times, it's not necessary and is due to our impatience.

Think about it, examine the changes in your life that fit this category and see if there is some way for you to make the most out of the changes that you brought into your life voluntarily.

Sometimes it takes us being HONEST with ourselves and ADMITTING that we actually are the ones responsible for those changes EVEN IF THEY DON'T TURN OUT THE WAY WE WANTED OR EXPECTED!

Fair enough?

I hope to get a few more of these articles out sooner than I have been able to do so recently so be watching and listening to the podcasts that I will be recording with them. As always you can access all of this information at my website www.FutureYouUniversity.com

Take care, friend and, as always, be sure to...

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

Mike