Project 141 SUMMATION: VISION (Track It and Stack It!)

 "Where there is no VISION the people PERISH"  (Proverbs 29:18)

I've completed my articles on the expansion of "Project 141". If you've not done so, be sure to check it all out by going HERE and reading all of the previous articles as well as the podcasts and even some videos. The top half of what you find there is all about the initial information about my dream behind "Project 141" and the bottom half of that page/article is where you find all of the articles and podcasts on my expanded vision for "Project 141".

In a nutshell, the idea behind it is that you do ONE (1) thing every day to improve your life FOR (4) ONE (1) full year. BAM! 

This is DIFFERENT than your typical New Year's Resolution in more ways than one but, for one, it requires an absolute COMMITMENT from you to do this for ONE FULL YEAR!

And, friend, the only way for that to happen is to have a VISION and to MAKE A PLAN so that you CAN follow your path to your vision. In other words, "Where there is no vision, the people perish". Put yet another way, IF YOU DON'T HAVE VISION YOU WILL FAIL. No ifs, ands or buts about it. 

You also need to listen to the podcast on this topic by going HERE.

"Track it and Stack It!" What does THAT mean??? Follow me on this...

First of all, you must have a VISION of where it is that you are going. In this situation, we are talking about you dedicating yourself to do SOMETHING every day in these different areas (spiritual, personal development, health, relationships, community and wealth) for one full year.  If you don't know where you are going how will you know when/if you get there? 

If you are taking a trip and going somewhere that you've never gone before, how can you know if you are on the right road or not if you don't have a plan (map/gps) to follow? How will you know that you are on the right "track" any other way?

Here's your answer: YOU CAN'T!

So it is imperative for you to TRACK your actions and your progress so that you CAN reach your goal and your vision and STACK your results in these areas. So, yeah, go ahead and visualize it as a big stack of money that represents your success in these areas. "TRACK IT AND STACK IT!" 

So, talking about doing all of these things (Project 141) and deciding that, indeed, you WILL commit to do these things over the next full year is great, BUT, how will you go about developing the HABIT that is necessary to actually carry it through to the end?  

As I've basically already said, you must TRACK your activity in order to make sure you are moving toward your VISION. Then, you get the joy of "stacking" your gained results that have taken place over that time period!

It takes DISCIPLINE to follow through with these things for the next year...every single day.

 SUGGESTED ACTION PLAN:

If you can develop a plan of action that "fits" you better, go for it! However, consider at least the concept/idea behind this suggested action plan and go from there. Remember - EVERY day!

I have listed 6 different areas of focus with this expanded use of Project 141 but you have come up with more for your situation. But I will be using 6 in this example.  

You must get very SPECIFIC about your actions. This may be "difficult" (if you are not a very structured person) at first but, over time, you WILL develop the habit of doing these things without even having to think much about it. I will become something that you just simply "do" and that you "have" to do!

For example, take the first 3 areas (spiritual, personal development, health) and make a commitment that you will do SOMETHING in these areas before noon (for example). SET A TIME to make it specific and easier to measure. Then, decide that you will complete the last 3 areas (relationships, community and wealth) by 1 p.m.

Again, the order of events and the "time of completion" are flexible but, do pay attention to the fact that the later in the day that you put as "time of completion" the less likely you are to complete that task.

I suggest that you even break these time frames down even further. For example,  on the first 3 that you plan to accomplish no later than noon, set a specif "no later than" time for each of these. "I will do something to strengthen my spiritual life by 8 a.m." or "I'm going to do something (read something/listen to something) in the area of personal development by 10 a.m." and then, "I'm going to do something to improve my health no later than noon". 

YES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET THAT SPECIFIC in order for you to develop a habit and to succeed!

Now, follow up at the end of the day - BE TRUTHFUL and HONEST - and check off as to whether you did or didn't accomplish that action. If you didn't complete your task, don't make excuses but maybe write down WHY you didn't. Again, BE HONEST and you likely will see how "weak" your "reason" for not accomplishing this task really was. On the other end, if you DID complete your task, check it off as such and also make a little note about how THAT makes you feel. "I feel really good that I disciplined myself to follow through and DO what I had planned!" 

That's it! Be sure to record the date that you began taking this on so that you can gauge your improvement one year from this starting date. 

I'd love to hear of your journey with "Project 141". I'd love to hear of your ups and downs and how YOU have made this your own...especially in the area of "COMMUNITY".

YOU GOT THIS!

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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CONCLUSI0N: "Taking the Journey: Detours, Delays and Delusions"

Right off I want to encourage you to be sure and listen to the podcast (RSS feed  - iTunes) and/or watch the video on this important conclusion of this series.

There will be MORE information shared in those avenues than will be shared in this short blog article (be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel).

We have really already talked about the DETOURS. I actually thought about concluding this series by talking about how we can actually AVOID IN ADVANCE some of the detours.

Is it possible to avoid some of these in advance? Yes, it is! For example, before heading out to work one might turn on a local news channel to see if they have any traffic reports so that they can plan their route accordingly. Even after they have gotten in their automobile, one might turn to a radio station that has regular traffic updates so that they can continue to be aware of potential detours in advance.

In our personal journey to a better and brighter future it is also possible to know - in advance - of possible situations or people that might cause a detour in that journey. People, places and "things" may cause a detour. People: There may be some people (or groups of people) that you know in advance that you need to AVOID so that their negativity does not slow you down or take you off of your course. Places: Perhaps there are even some places that you need to avoid knowing, in advance, that they may cause a detour. One may even be sitting in front of the television set. Things: Sometimes we can cause our own detours by getting distracted with "things" or "stuff" that we THINK is part of our progress that, in reality, may be nothing more than busy work.

DELAYS 

For this discussion, I consider "detours" as something that we are not necessarily responsible for...something that is pretty much out of our control. However, when I think about DELAYS, I consider these more as something that WE DO have control over. In other words, in this discussion, when it comes to DELAYS, we have no one to "blame" but ourselves. 

These type of delays may come due to over planning or finding all kinds of reasons NOT to get started on this journey... at least not yet. Many times these delays (even the ones I just mentioned) are due to FEAR. This has to do with our mindset in this area. We can literally "scare ourselves into inactivity" and cause unending delays. Yes, it is true, the best way to get rid of this type of fear is to face it and attack it head on.

DILUSIONS 

Example: If you think that you are going to get in your car and drive from Los Angeles to New York City on one tank of gas...you are delusional. If you think that you are going to make the same trip without ANY detours and/or delays, you are also delusional. 

In like manner, if you think that, on your journey to a better and brighter future you will no longer need to "study" and absorb information to keep your positive energy tank filled and fueled, you are being delusional.  

Maybe you are still "early on" in this journey and you haven't really had any delays and/or detours as of yet. BEWARE! To think that you will NOT have any delays and/or detours along your path is a DELUSION! You are kidding yourself and, to be more blunt, you are lying to yourself! Don't listen to and don't believe such a lie.

And, finally, if you think, after listening to a bunch of hype, that (for example) you are going to make a million dollars in six months...you got it, you are delusional! I'm not sure where I first read or heard this but I have always tried to remember it and, yes, I do have to remind myself of this fact from time to time: We often OVER estimate what we can accomplish over the short term and UNDER estimate what we can accomplish over the long term.  

You are in control! Be aware of the possible detours, delays and delusions that may be before you that could cause you to get "off track".

Thanks for joining me and, until next time, whatever you do... 

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

Mike

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Growth Pains

The opposite of being in and staying in a rut is GROWTH!

As opposed to being in a rut (as we discussed in our last series), GROWTH is not always easy. And, as a matter of fact, GROWTH is sometimes - if not always - PAINFUL!

Take a look at the picture above and, as if you can't do this without me pointing it out to you, notice the guy wearing jersey number 21. See him? Can you pick out which one I'm talking about?

Of course you can...he's kind of hard not to miss, isn't he?

I love seeing the different shapes and sizes of kids around 5th - 9th grade. They come in all shapes and sizes and it doesn't matter if they are boys or girls. There are some (boys OR girls) that are "behind" on the growth and maturity scale, there are some that are about where they should be and then there are others - and they stand out - that are way ahead on the growth and maturity scale.

Like number 21.

I have a picture somewhere of me in the 6th grade after our team won a basketball tournament. Now, I wasn't as tall as the guy in the picture above but I was still "head and shoulders" above the rest of my team mates. I remember, specifically, while in Jr. High School being in my bed at night, after a basketball game, "kicking" my legs in my bed at night because my legs hurt so bad. I was experiencing "growing pains".

It's a fact of life.

Anytime you choose to GROW (or growth takes place as a natural part of life) it's a challenge and, again, it's often - if not always - painful.

Growth requires CHANGE which, again, is not always easy!

Here's another way to think about it: Though painful, those very pains let you know or reminds you that you are, indeed, GROWING and that you are NOT "stuck in a rut".

So, again, you can choose to stay in that rut and never be challenged with having to make a decision or face a choice. But also remember that you have no "say so" in your life for the rut will make all decisions for you.

Never cease to grow. NEVER give in to the "pain" or "uncomfortableness" of necessary growth.

Giving up is the "easy" way out.

Be sure to join me for the next article in the series entitled, "Grow or Die".

Until then, 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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Refuse to Give Up!

I got this graphic from a post by Brian Tracy and wanted to share it with you and make a few comments on it as well.

If you've not had a chance to read the last article, take a moment and do so...it sets up the thoughts for this weeks series of articles. The main focus - as stated in the last article - of these articles this week is ENCOURAGEMENT.

Why do I feel such a need to encourage you? Well, with this being the last month of 2014, I know that many of you are feeling a huge amount of pressure to "finish strong".

Sometimes we - or others - can put so much pressure on ourselves to "finish strong" that we can "crumble" and just give up. Again, read the last article and get caught up on this thought.

Notice what the graphic above states: "...as long as you do not stop."

"Going slow" is still "going", right? There is still movement and action. There is still progress. Sure, it's slow but, do you remember the tale of the Turtle and the Hare?

You've read it from me and you've heard it from me as well...Don't give up, don't you EVER give up!

Listen, I understand the whole idea behind "pushing" to get the best out of ourselves and/or others but, I also understand that this can actually have an adverse effect as well.

Honestly take a look at the whole process that you have taken toward your goals - whatever they are. Whether it is weight loss, job promotion, better relationships, financial improvement or, again, whatever it is. Be honest with yourself and try to pinpoint some things such as:
     * Did I "bite off more than I can chew" for the time period? (Example: Did I set a goal to lose 200 pounds over the 12 months of 2014? How realistic is that goal?)
     * Now that I've gone through most of this year working toward my goal, is the goal what I really want? No, I'm not talking about quitting but I am talking about being honest with yourself in determining the strength of your "why". Your "why" (as you may discover) may be based on what someone else wants FOR you and not yours at all.
     * If you decide to keep working toward that goal, are you going to set more realistic - yet, steady - expectations for your progression?

Again, just relax. Don't stress out...that doesn't help this situation in any way. Take a breath, honestly review the past year and, as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Whatever it Takes - Just Get There!

How important is "it" to you?

 

What is "it" ?  I don't know, I cannot answer that for you but I can say this: "IT" is whatever drives you, pushes you, pulls you and keeps you going every day. "IT" is whatever area of your life in which you are seeking improvement.

 

So, YOU determine what "it" is for you and, again, ask yourself, "How important is it to you?"

 

We've already established the fact that it is usually DIFFICULT before it gets EASY and that most people QUIT because it is too difficult.

 

Is that true for you?

 

We've also established the fact many times over the past few years that there WILL be "roadblocks" and "detours" along the way of your pursuit of "it". And, again, most people QUIT because there are these "roadblocks" and "detours".

 

Is that true for you?

 

If "it" is important enough to you then you will do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get there! And, friend, the only way to do that is to "keep moving forward" as it says in the quote above!

 

Don't compare yourself to others - some can fly but maybe YOU need to run....others may be able to run but maybe YOU need to walk....others may be able to walk and maybe YOU need to crawl in order to get there.

 

But, the main thing is this: YOU MUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

 

Whatever it takes.

 

This should also help reinforce the importance of "fueling up" with as much positive information as you can each and every day. We ALL need a little "help" along the way and this is one sure way to get that much needed help.

 

Don't give up, don't you EVER give up! And, as you keep doing whatever it takes to get "there", be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

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Facing and Alleviating Your Fears

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In case you haven't done so, you can listen to the podcasts and watch the video that goes with this topic by going directly to www.FutureYouUniversity.com or by going here to watch the video and here to listen to the podcast (which is also available on iTunes).



I would suggest that you try to hit all 3 sources. Why? Because I did each one of these separately which means that each one will have a little bit different information shared. So, to get all that I have to offer with this topic, go and get it from all 3 sources. I think you'll be glad you did!

 

Here's the thing, friend - it's time to stop MAKING EXCUSES (we often try to "pretty them up" by calling them "reasons") and get on with the business of moving FORWARD with our plans - WHATEVER THEY MAY BE - that have yet to be completed.

 

Wouldn't you agree?

 

And, why wait until January 1st like everyone else? Why not get a start TODAY and get a "jump" by doing what you know you need to do NOW...not later?

 

 Oh, but you see, "later" is always "easier" for most people, right? "Later" means we don't really have to do anything NOW because - as you can see - we can always do it "later".

If that is how you have been living your life, let me ask you a very simple question: HOW'S THAT WORKING OUT FOR YOU?

As always, it always boils down to a CHOICE...you can either keep on doing what you have been doing (refer back to the question in the previous paragraph) OR, we can see that we need to do something different. Take that one step further - not only must we "see" that we need to do something different but - get ready for something simple here - we NEED TO DO something different.

"Many times the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple!" (yeah, that's one of my quotes).

So, listen, hopefully you've already written down the things that you are still "waiting" to do and, hopefully, you've been open and honest and have written down WHY you have still not done them. I'm guessing that it comes down to some form of FEAR. Most of the time we are AFRAID to reach out for success (or even a special trip at times) due to our fear of something. It may be that we are afraid that we don't have enough money to go on that trip or that we can't get off to go on that trip, OR it may be related to some sort of success that always seems to be out of reach.

FEAR.

Oh, it's real and it can keep you paralyzed and staying where you are for the rest of your life. Most of us are not comfortable staying there because we KNOW that there is something better. Oh sure, there are many people that are absolutely comfortable staying where they are - BUT THAT IS NOT YOU!

We're not comfortable staying there but, at the same time, we're not comfortable with stepping up/out and making a major change in our lives. Why? Because of fear. And, sad to say, many times the uncomfortable feeling that we have in staying where we don't want to be is MORE comfortable than what we feel when we think of moving forward.

The fear of the future can cause us to settle for the "comfort zone" of where we are -- even when we don't like where we are.

When you think about it, isn't that interesting? Dreams without ACTION pretty much amount to wishful thinking! Are you ready to stop with the EMPTY DREAMS? Are you ready - once and for all - to take ACTION?

Then here it is...FACE YOUR FEARS!

Simple. Yes, I know. But it IS simple. The hard part is deciding to STEP OUT and take ACTION!

The best way to face our fears is to move toward or even INTO our fears. The example I used in the podcast and the video on this is that of learning how to ride a bike. Think about it for a moment. Why did you even want to learn how to ride a bike in the first place?

BECAUSE YOU SAW OTHER PEOPLE DOING IT SUCCESSFULLY AND THEY WERE HAVING FUN!

And, you likely thought that it was going to be easy based on how easy the others made it look. Didn't you? Of course you did. But was it easy?

NO! It was hard and it was scary! Especially after you crashed and crashed again. Every time you crashed (and even before you crashed) you had to FACE THE FEAR based on your perception that it was worth it! You, too, wanted to have FUN riding that bike!

You actually stepped INTO that fear so that you could be successful at learning to ride that bike!

O.k. now, let that sink in for a minute. Doesn't that make sense? Doesn't that describe what you MUST do even now in order to achieve success at whatever it is that you are wanting to do?

That answer would be "YES!".

Then understand that, in order to ALLEVIATE your fears you must FACE and ATTACK THEM! You know that's true and you KNOW that it is something that you MUST do if you ever really and truly plan to move FORWARD with your plans and with your life!

Simple question: WILL YOU?

As always, it is up to you and only you.

It's your move.

And, as you contemplate that move, be sure to...

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

Mike


 

Are We There Yet?

Today is "Thankful Thursday"! I know you can come up with a few things in your life to be thankful for today, right? Do it and express it!

A car full of kids with their parents heading out on vacation with the car packed to the top with kids, suitcases, toys and even perhaps, a pet or two. Hey, if you have kids and have done this for ANY distance then you know and can relate to some of the phrases that I'm about to share.
"I need to go to the bathroom!" "He's touching me!" "I'm hot!" "Can we turn around and see what that dead thing was in the road?" (That's a personal one from one my own kids). And, here we go...
"Are we there yet?"

Put all of those phrases on "repeat often" and you have fun-filled, family-packed adventure!

Yet, for us as adults, it is imperative for us to be asking that same question and to be asking it often..."Are we there yet?" or better yet,"Am I there yet?"

One variation of this phrase that you often would here/will here from the backseat of the car would also be, "How much further?" And, yes, that is also extremely important for us to be asking ourselves as we move toward our goals and dreams.

Hey, listen - if you were going on a trip with no set destination in mind, how would you answer the questions, "Are we there yet?" or "How much further?" ? I do understand that some people take out on a trip with no real destination in mind but to just "go" and "end up where you end up". My guess is that they don't usually do this with kids on board!

In the same way, if you don't have any set goals or dreams and a way to determine and know when you have reached or achieved them then, how will you know how much further you have to go or even if you have already arrived?

Just as a family on a trip will likely have places along the way to use as "gauge points" (we'll spend the night in this town on the first night and then we should arrive by 4:00 p.m. the next day) we should also have such "gauge points" along the way to our goals and dreams.

Again, a simple and easy example to use is that of weight loss. Sometimes it's hard to stay focused on losing fifty pounds and it's easy to get discouraged. However, if we use five pounds at a time as our "gauge points" then it makes it a little easier to deal with "how much further" we have to go before we reach our goal.

Why? Because we can actually "see" that we are making progress!

What are YOUR "gauge points" that you are using to mark your progress or to even make you aware of the fact that you AREN'T making progress?

One of mine, for example, is getting back to doing a DAILY podcast and, now, a DAILY blog article. This is important for me to do so that I can get back to a DAILY ROUTINE of "getting back on track" with formulating and sharing my thoughts and ideas.

What about you? ARE YOU THERE YET? Will you know?

Keep moving forward and keep marking and measuring your progress and, as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

How Did You Get Here?

Have you ever gone into a room and then forgot why you went into that room in the first place?

Oh, believe me - if it hasn't happened to you yet, it will! I have found that, the older I get, this seems to happen more often. And I don't like it!

Once, when I was in college, I took some sort of physical education class that involved a game played on a football field (I don't remember the name of the "sport") and combined elements of football, basketball (you could "dribble" the ball) and soccer. Really, it did! At one point in the game as I dove to make a spectacular catch in the end zone I struck my head on a telephone pole that was in one corner of the field.

The next thing I was aware of was my teacher leaning over me asking how many fingers she was holding up (yes, people really DO that) and my classmates all crowded around and looking at me as well. I knew how many fingers she had up but that was about ALL I knew! Class was dismissed and as I sat on the bleachers with my girlfriend I kept asking her why everyone was leaving and what had happened. I know I had to have gotten pretty annoying because I kept asking the same thing over and over again - "Why is everyone leaving? Why is class over? What happened? Where did I get this knot on the back of my head?"

I had no idea why I was no sitting on the bleachers instead of still participating in the game.

Now, that's excusable, right? I mean, I did receive a concussion and had a legitimate reason not to have any idea how I got where I was.

So, now let's get to the point of today's discussion...how did you get where you are today?

Again, when you look at the timeline of where you were when you began your journey to improve your mindset and your life and the desired destination on the other end...when you honestly determine WHERE you are you have to determine a few things about this discovery.

One of them - the point of today's discussion - is, how did you get here? How did you arrive where you are?

You may discover that you have not moved very much at all - WHY? What is it (the "how") that has caused you to move so little?

Let's hope that you have not found that you are actually in a "negative" situation. What I mean is a situation where you find that you have actually gone backwards in your journey. Even if that is so, you really should be asking yourself, "WHY did that happen and HOW did that happen?"

I saw a sign a couple of weeks ago that really hit it on the head. It read:

"You Are Where You Have Been Going"

Straight and to the point, wouldn't you agree? You see, when we get rid of all the excuses and quit playing the "blame game" we are left sitting alone with ourselves in this situation.

We are where we are because of the steps that we have - or have not - taken.

Often, when we lose or misplace an item we will go back and retrace our steps in an attempt to find that item, right? We will think about where all we have been and we will go back to each place - perhaps in the house - with the intention of finding that item somewhere along the way.

This is exactly what we need to understand in this situation. It is IMPORTANT to figure out WHY and HOW we got to where we are and the way to do that is to retrace our steps along the way.

Confucius said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." You are where you are because of the steps you have taken - or, again, NOT taken - along the path of this journey.

This is not always easy to accept! We don't like to admit our failures or that we have just been "lazy" in the process!

Hey, remember...the EASIEST thing to do is to give up and just slip back in to the "same ol', same ol' " - know what I mean?

Making a change in our lives (beginning with our minds) is a HARD process! It ain't easy!

The easiest thing to do is to follow the path of least resistance - DO NOTHING and go back to what you were doing before.

But think again about WHY you decided to make a change in the first place. REMIND yourself of that "why" - hopefully you wrote it down somewhere. If so, go back and read it again and get motivated to get back on your journey!

Tomorrow we will discuss the question, "Are you HAPPY with where you are?".

Be sure to join me on my NEW "High Five" podcast and then follow along in the blog.

Hey, all along your journey, be sure to...

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

Mike

You Are Here!

You Are Here!

Have you ever been at a theme park and, needing to know how to get to a particular ride, found one of those "you are here" maps? You know, the ones that show you where you are so that you can figure out how to get where you want to go. Make sense?

The same thing - same concept - applies to any journey you want to take using a map or a GPS device. In order to figure out how to GET SOMEWHERE you have to first determine WHERE YOU ARE!

Look around you and "see" where you are. I don't necessarily mean physically even though where you are physically is tied into this idea.

YOU ARE HERE!

Just picture yourself sitting right in the middle of that big star indicating where "here" is - there you are!

Here are some of the things we will be discussing this week: Where IS here? How did you GET here? WHY are you here and are you HAPPY with where you are?

Another visual image to consider is to think about your journey that you are on (you ARE on a journey whether you realize it or not, but it DOES help if you realize it!). I especially am talking to those of you that are attempting to take definite steps to improve your mindset and, thus, improve your life.

On a piece of paper (or on your computer) draw a straight line from left to right. On the left end put a small "x" and above that write, "where I was" and on the right end place another "x" and write "where I want to be". Now then, place a larger, red "x" where you think you are on this journey. Be honest with yourself - there's no one else to try to impress, this is for your benefit.

So...are you happy and/or satisfied with where you are?

Again, we will be talking more about WHY you are where you are and HOW you got there but, for now, really be trying to determine WHERE you are and how you feel about that.

Also, I mentioned in today's podcast that you might want to be working on filling in the blank on the following: "I am where I am because...................................."

(Be sure to read the extra note after I "sign off" from today's blog entry)

You may or may not have heard the phrase, "Where will you be when you get where you're going?" It's a good phrase and full of things to think about. HOWEVER, in this discussion we are not talking about where you are GOING...we're focusing on where you ARE. Right now. Today.

Think about that and be sure to join me again tomorrow as we continue this discussion. As always, I welcome feedback and your thoughts via e-mail: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

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

Mike

------------------------------------ EXTRA NOTE ---------------------------------------

Today I introduced "Mike's HIGH FIVE" podcast.

What is it? It is simply a shortened version of my podcast - instead of 11 minutes I have now "power-packed" it into a 5 minute podcast!

Be sure to listen and send me some feedback on what you think!

You can either search iTunes for either Mike Spillman or Future You University OR just go to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the podcast tab.

Lies Prevent Progress

Lies Prevent Progress

We began the weeks' thoughts yesterday by talking about the tendency we have to lie to ourselves about all kinds of things.

Sometimes we do so in order to make others think a certain way about us and, many times, we do so in order to try to make us feel better about ourselves.

Here's the bottom line TRUTH of the matter: As long as you continue to lie to yourself about your progress (or lack of it), you will NEVER make progress!

We can convince ourselves that we really are doing all we can when, in TRUTH, we know that we really aren't! We can line up a whole list of "reasons" (cover up for EXCUSES) as to why we "can't" do this or that when, in TRUTH we know that it just isn't so.

So - how's that working for you?

I ended the podcast for this topic by observing that we usually lie to ourselves to try to make us feel better when, in reality - IF we are really serious about making progress - we feel anything BUT better about ourselves when we do this.

Are you sick of it yet?

Until you DO get sick of the lies you will continue to wallow around in the lies and stay right where you are - in that mud pit.

It's up to you!

Tomorrow we'll continue this discussion a little further --- please be thinking and getting REAL with yourself in this area!

And, as you do so...yes, you CAN still...

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

Mike

The Time is NOW!

The Time is NOW!

Isn't it? We've all talked about it, right? This week's podcasts and blog entries have all centered around this need that we all have IF we plan to move forward with our goals and dreams. So, isn't the time to "jump", NOW?

Here is a fact to consider: IF you choose to try to achieve your goals and dreams (and, by the way, if you don't choose to try to achieve them, why are you setting them in the first place?) you WILL face moments of FEAR and, along with those moments of FEAR, moments of DECISION.

That DECISION will be about ACTION. Will you "jump" or won't you?

I'm going to share a couple of things from the Bible just to make a point and because it also relates directly to what we are talking about today -

The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight." I don't know about you but my initial reaction is, "Whoa! Hold up there, buddy! I HAVE to see where I'm going!"

And that is our initial and "natural" way of doing things. But, tell me, friend - can you see the future? Can you KNOW with 100% certainty how something is going to turn out? OF COURSE NOT!

And, this is the very FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) that keeps us where we say we don't want to be! We often want someone to make a GUARANTEE about our future and/or our plans - but that is impossible! YES we should make adequate plans and chart out our journey to the best of our ability, but there are NO guarantees!

The other day on one of the podcasts I talked about the fact that there is risk involved every time we get into our cars and drive down the street! There are risks involved every time you get on an airplane or every time I get on my motorcycle.

So, in order to avoid the risks, do you just stay put and never go anywhere? SOME PEOPLE DO!

Did you know that there is actually a word to describe those that have a fear of FAILURE? Here it is: Atychiphobia.

So, back to what the apostle Paul said - sometimes you just have to "step out" and walk by FAITH and NOT by what you can or can not see!

YES this is 100% easier said than done BUT it MUST be DONE in order to move toward success in our goals and dreams!

The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible says this in chapter 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." You see, this is NOT a "blind" faith!

When we understand that "walking by FAITH and not by SIGHT" still means we have "substance" and "evidence" then it becomes a little easier to digest!

By planning and carefully working on our "planned route" for our journey (just like planning a trip), yes, there will ALWAYS be unknowns, BUT there is evidence - either from our past experiences OR the experiences of others that have done the same - that we CAN be successful in this action. We have FAITH in that believe. Why? Because there is SUBSTANCE to that faith and also EVIDENCE to back it up!

So, again, we are NOT walking "blindly" when we talk about it being time to "jump"!

Scary? Sure. Worrisome? At times. Butterfly-producing? Most likely!

But just think about the "rush of the ride" that you are about to experience when you are feeling these emotions!

So, what would you rather do? Stay where you are and beat yourself up because, once again, you have failed to make progress in your journey? OR would you rather step out by FAITH which is backed up by SUBSTANCE and EVIDENCE and "jump"?

I ask one more time...

Isn't it time to jump? Isn't the time NOW?

Enjoy the ride and, as you do so...

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

Mike

Don't Brag - Let Your Actions Speak For You

Twelve "Do's and Don'ts" For Living a Positive Life

1. Make Enthusiasm A Daily Habit!
2. Don't Allow Negative People to Determine Your Self-Worth!
3. Get Into The Habit of Talking to Yourself Affirmatively!
4. Get Into the Habit of Talking to Others With an Affirmative, Positive Vocabulary!
5. Don't Be a Grudge Collector!
6. Think Positive & Pleasing Thoughts!

7. Don't Brag - Let Your Actions Speak For You!

In today's podcast I mention a show that aired from 1967 - 1969 called, "The Guns of Will Sonnett", starring Walter Brennan. How many of you remember that show? There is a line in that show that Mr. Brennan's character would say quite often: "No brag, just fact."

In other words, whatever it was that he was describing or talking about - although it might SOUND like bragging, it wasn't. It was fact and, apparently, there was proof to back it up!

I don't know about you, but when I am around someone that is bragging about this and that that they have done I tend to believe that they really HAVEN'T done very much and they are simply blowing a lot of hot air into the room.

It's kind of like another saying I've heard people use from time to time - "Hey, ______'s good - if you don't think so, just ask him. He'll tell you!"

As the song says, "That don't impress me much!" What about you?

The way I look at it, if someone is having to continually brag on themselves and they have to tell others how good they are at this or that - then somethings wrong. When someone has to try to convince everyone - through bragging - something about themselves then, to me, it is a sign of weakness.

Hey, do YOU enjoy being around people like that?

Now again, just as I did in the podcast, let me take a moment for a bit of clarification, o.k.?

When you are applying for a job or even a new position (promotion) in your company the, yes, it is important for you to highlight what you have done and/or what you CAN DO for the company. No one wants to hire someone that doesn't sound confident in their abilities!

However, even with this, it is very helpful to have several people that can serve as references - don't they usually ask for these? - and serve as OTHERS that can "brag" on you. What a great help!

Sometimes there is a fine line between confidence and bragging and we should all be aware of any tendency we might have to cross over into the bragging area.

It seems that many times we get caught up in this when we are around others that feel the need to brag - especially if it has to do with job performance in the same area in which we may be working.

Here's the key - in WHATEVER you do... DO YOUR BEST and let your actions speak for you. Nothing speaks louder than RESULTS!

Yes, this IS part of living a happy and positive life because we "let go" of the need to brag on ourselves KNOWING that we have given it our best and that OUR BEST will bring about POSITIVE and POWERFUL RESULTS!

So, be honest with yourself - are you giving it your all?

If not, you likely will find yourself needing to brag a bit.

Remember, YOU ARE SOMEBODY SPECIAL and, because of that fact, you are NOT like everyone else and you do NOT need to brag like everyone else - do you?

No, you don't.

You are on the journey to success. You are on the journey to your goals and dreams. You are on the journey to living your best by giving your best. And, when you give your best - bragging is never necessary!

Wow - pretty cool, huh?

Resist the temptation when those around you involved themselves in this detrimental activity and you WILL make progress on your journey each and every day.

And, as you do so, always remember to...

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

Mike

Xcelerate Your Efforts!

Xcelerate Your Efforts!

Yes, I know that the actual word is, "accelerate". But, how many words do you know - that can be used in our "positive alphabet" start with the letter "X"? Xactly!

Dictionary.com defines the word "accelerate" in the following ways:

verb (used with object) 1. to cause faster or greater activity, development, progress, advancement, etc., 2. to hasten the occurrence of 3. Mechanics. to change the velocity of (a body) or the rate of (motion); cause to undergo acceleration.
4. to reduce the time required for (a course of study) by intensifying the work, eliminating detail, etc.

verb (used without object) 5. to move or go faster; increase in speed.
6. to progress or develop faster.

Now...let's clarify something with this definition - "to cause greater or faster activity" may be part of the definition of the word, "accelerate" but it is NOT what we are talking about in today's podcast and blog entry -- UNLESS that greater/faster activity is leading to results! You see, many times we can busy ourselves with activity and be making no progress at all. You know what I'm talking about. I've done it and you've done it. No one needs to explain that to you - you knew what was going on while you were doing it, right?

So, instead, let's look at definition 6 - "to progress or develop faster" - as a better definition of what I'm talking about today.

You know the problem, right? We talk, we plan, we talk, we plan some more, we plan and then we talk....get the picture? But, what's missing in this picture? DOING! ACTION!

Again, I'm NOT talking about moving without proper planning and preparation - but, sooner or later you have to MOVE into action!

Those of you that have kids, let me ask you this question: If you had waited until you could have AFFORDED to have kids - would you even have them today? Probably not!

You see, we cannot wait for everything to be in perfect alignment before we begin to make our move and take action toward the realization of our dreams, goals and desires.

The one main thing I talked about in today's podcast (and, by the way, there WILL be a Part 2 to this topic) was the idea of "leverage". Now, to understand leverage you can consider many different examples.

Example 1: the use of a lever to gain leverage - A lever is designed so that you can get more out of less. Less exertion on your part (due to the lever) is able to exert a greater amount of energy on the object. So, you are able to produce more with less.

Example 2: This is the example I used on the podcast - the idea of using leverage in working. A teenage boy mows lawns for the summer. He does quite well and realizes that he has made good money doing this job. However, he realizes that he can only do 4 yards a day (if he is able to maintain his energy enough to do that and if the weather permits) X $30 per yard for a potential total of $120 per day. Not bad. IF the weather works in his favor and IF he can keep his energy up and IF he doesn't get sick. And, there are many more "ifs" to consider. He realizes that by getting other teens to work with him that he can get more business, more yards mowed and more money coming in. Yes, he knows that he must pay the largest percentage to the guy doing the mowing, yet HE can also get a part of each yard mowed for himself. MORE opportunity for MORE money with LESS work from himself - the very idea behind leverage. He still decides to mow 2 yards a day ($60) but he also has 8 other teens mowing yards and he is getting $5 per yard from each of those for an additional $40, which adds up to $100 per day. You may say, "Wait a minute, he's making $20 per day less!" Yes, he is, but he can also take the afternoon off and go swimming if he'd like OR he can mow one more yard OR he can involve a few more guys -- the leverage gives him CHOICE.

What can YOU do to leverage your efforts and, in so doing, "Xcelerate" your efforts?

Be thinking about that and be sure to listen to tomorrows podcast and come back to tomorrows blog entry as we continue to discuss this thought. But, until then - BRAINSTORM for yourself and see what ideas YOU can come up with for yourself! After all, that's what this is about --- YOU and YOUR goals and dreams, right?

Keep working, keep moving, keep taking those steps and, never forget to...

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

Mike

Putting SKIN on Theory!

So, we've studied the book, "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

We've looked at and shared some POWERFUL thoughts and ideas on how to improve our lives and move on toward our goals and riches (again, whatever that may be for YOUR life).

Now what?

In Tuesday's podcast I began to "put the skin on theory" or, in other words, to make "practical application" of the things we have studied over the past several months.

But, here's the kicker - it's still up to YOU!

There is no way around that fact and that is what you will hear me say today. So, if you don't want to hear that truth - don't listen to the podcast and don't read another word of this blog.

Too many people still want to rely on "old man IF" that we talked about very recently. They like to think that it is out of their control and that there are "reasons (actually "excuses") as to why they have not been able to make positive progress in their lives when - in all actuality - it all comes back to THEM and THEIR DECISIONS (or LACK of decision). And, yes, failure to make a decision is a decision within itself!

So are you ready to look in the mirror and take a long, hard look at yourself? If not - again, there is no need to proceed. However, if you are serious about this positive progression, you may not LIKE the idea of taking a long, hard look at yourself but you will do it ANYWAY - because you must!

Once again, don't let the simplicity turn you away. Many times the profound can be discovered in the simple.

Go back and watch the video of my moustache (yeah, you read that right! *LOL*) -- what are YOU willing to sacrifice for your success?

Or, to put it another way (this is the title of my 3rd podcast that I did back in the early part of March) - "What Are YOUR Dreams Worth?"

Think about it.

And, while you do -

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

Mike

The "Little, Big Word" - IF

Two letters.

Small word.

Two letters...but one of the biggest words in our vocabulary!

If.

"If I had only..."

How many of us say things like this in our lives from time to time? At the end of chapter 15 of Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich" he covers 57 "ifs" that many use as "alibis" (I'd say excuses) as to why they have failed to accomplish one thing or another with and in their lives.

Again, I strongly urge you to get a copy of this book one way or another and go over this list yourself - one at a time - and consider their impact in YOUR life! (I do mention each one of them in today's podcast, but too quickly for you to give each the thought needed).

I was watching the video segment that comes with the audio/DVD in each copy of SUCCESS magazine from last month and, in it, Les Brown uses a very powerful phrase..."Live full and die empty!" (I think he has a whole program based on that phrase - you can check it out yourself).

Think about that - "Live full and die empty". Yet, Mr. Brown points out the fact that most people do the opposite. They "die full and live empty". Ouch!

I have to admit that I have done this most of my life - and I regret it! I will be turning 50 years old this coming November and I feel that I have yet to fully LIVE my life!

Here's the kicker - it's never to late to make a change! I made a decision within the past year that I was going to live my life so that, if at all possible, I would not get to the END of my life saying, "I wish I had done this and that...".

All of us need to stop allowing the word "if" to become a roadblock to our forward progress! YOU do have the ability to do just that! YOU, and no one else.

What will YOU do?

Instead of, "If I had done..." what about taking a different look and start saying, "What if I DID step up and out and move forward?"

We will begin to look at this thought in next weeks podcast as we bring to a conclusion our discussions on this classic book.

Until then....remember to...

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

Mike

Terrific Tuesday podcast: AUTOSUGGESTION

Now, this is not a word we use very often or hear very often (if at all) in our society today. I would guess the easiest way to "explain" it or define it would simply be our ability to FILTER OUT what goes into our subconscious mind.

Napoleon Hill suggests in this fourth chapter (the 3rd step on this journey) that we all have this ability though we don't all exercise it at all times.

Let's just look at the word, itself, and break it down for a better understanding: AUTOSUGGESTION - AUTO and SUGGESTION.
1. auto - short for automatic
2. suggestion - the art of suggesting...so, let's look at the root word, "suggest" - to mention or introduce (an idea, proposition, plan, etc.) for consideration or possible action

So, when you combine those two words what you have is this:
- to AUTOMATICALLY mention or introduce for consideration or possible action

Now then, to me - that helps clear things up a lot as I read this chapter. Mr. Hill discusses the importance of continually reminding ourselves (from the last chapter on FAITH) of our BELIEFS (faith) about things so that we begin to KNOW that they are, indeed true.

So, in other words, repeating our positive beliefs to ourselves to the point that our CONSCIOUS mind allows this access to the SUBCONSCIOUS mind and then - once it is there - it can kick in on "auto-pilot" - it becomes AUTOMATIC and we don't have to continually try to convince ourselves of it's truth and/or value.

Does this make sense? Go back to - chapter 2 it was, I believe - where a list is given of what to do EVERYDAY (2 times a day), step by step in order to achieve what it is you want to achieve. One of those steps was to repeat - out loud - these things again and again and again WITH EMOTION and FEELING and, guess what happens, you will begin to KNOW - beyond a shadow of a doubt - that, they, indeed are true!

It is really amazing how the mind works - if we will let it and if we also will acknowledge it!

We will continue this discussion in tomorrow's podcast as well.

Hey, as always, thanks for being here and being a part of FUTURE YOU UNIVERSITY!

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

Mike