My Current Read = RECOMMENDED!

I wanted to share a book that I am currently reading that is helping to prepare my mindset for a MAJOR MOVE FORWARD in this new year.

I'm not going to write a review because you can actually go to the link listed below and listen to a part of this book for FREE without even signing up. 

But, at the same time, why would you NOT go ahead and sign up for a FREE TRIAL so that you can actually listen to the WHOLE BOOK?

We all have OPPORTUNITIES that come our way and, for whatever reason, we often let those opportunities turn into MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.

You have absolutely NOTHING to lose and EVERYTHING to gain by taking the time to listen to this incredibly challenging book.

You can get a FREE trial and listen to this book at audible.com by clicking on this link:

 https://www.audible.com/pd/10x-Is-Easier-than-2x-Audiobook/B0C2J8VZZ3?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

 

I'd love to read your comments about the book once you've listened to it...I hope you are challenged and PUSHED FORWARD as I am.

 

Until next time...

Whatever you do, always be sure to make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

Live FULL and Die EMPTY

Oops!

You've likely seen the above picture before. GOOD IDEA with POOR EXECUTION! Can you imagine how the person that got this tattoo felt once they realized the mistake that was made with a PERMANENT tattoo? 

Now listen, I could do a whole article on the thoughts of making sure you don't mix "poor execution" with a "good idea" but that's not what this particular article is about.

Don't take this too literal with the tattoo example above, o.k.? But, here's the thing about living live with NO REGRETS (what the tattoo was SUPPOSED to have spelled out)... sometimes YOU SCREW UP or someone else does something that screws things up for you!

 The following is not an exact quote but it's something that I see from time to time on a commercial trying to get people to take action and buy this particular product. Whether I like the product or not has nothing to do with the TRUTH that is found in this part of the ad:

Don't Regret What You Didn't Do
YESTERDAY
Take Action and Feel Great About Saying
YES TODAY

Don't live your life in regret. That's something that most of us probably have said or believe yet, for whatever reason, most - if not all - of us do, indeed, have many regrets.

As I write this article, I'm 62 years old (closer to 63) and, as I look back over my life, I regret the opportunities that crossed my path that I didn't "jump on" for whatever reason. 

What are YOUR reasons?  

I really encourage you to go back and listen to the "People of Passion" podcasts that I've put out so far. You can read my last article for the links to each of these first three. EACH of these ladies talk about some sort of hesitation in making a move in their life based on their PASSION. Each discuss things that could have held them back and that COULD hold them back even now.

Is it FEAR? "What if I screw things up?" "What if my (friends, family, spouse, etc) think I'm crazy for doing this and what if they continually tell me I shouldn't do it?" 

Here's another one that is based on FEAR but in a way that most of us won't admit: "What if it DOES work well and I don't know what to do or how to do it? What if I screw it up then?"

What is it for you?

Again, I do believe that you must have "good execution" to some extent but, at the same time, you could also end up continually trying to make sure that you have that "good execution" covered in every possible way to the point that you never take action. It's called "paralysis by analysis". 

Very simple example that you can take and apply to your own situation. You may decide you want to try to bungee jumping and get so excited that you go and jump off of a cliff...without making proper preparations of actually HAVING A BUNGEE CORD attached to your body. Yeah, that won't work.

You could also decide that you like the idea of sky diving and, just like the example above, jump out of an airplane only to realize (too late!) that you should have made sure you actually had a parachute!

There is a delicate balance between "good execution" (preparation) and boldly taking a step out in the direction of your goals and dreams.

 

  "LIVE FULL AND DIE EMPTY" is a phrase that is often attributed to Les Brown but I've seen many others say it and even at least one other person write a book by the same title. It doesn't really matter WHO said it but, rather, what matters is whether or not you are able to step up and out and live the idea.

Hey listen, I've made a LOT of mistakes in my life and, to be honest, many of them have been financially costly. HOWEVER, I do my best to NOT allow regret to be a part of those moves. Why? Because I stepped out and took a chance.

Do I wish that these mistakes had turned out for the better? Of course I do! But they didn't and I survived. And, most of the time (if not ALL of the time), I learned some valuable lessons in the process. I'm not just saying that...it is a fact, friend. 

I'm going to be doing a couple of more articles/podcasts that tie into to this concept but, until then, I want to leave you with one other POWERFUL thought to keep in mind on all of this:

"You can face everything and RISE or you can fear everything and FALL."

Until next time, remember...

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   

People of Passion Series (1 - 3)

I recently began a new podcast series entitled, "People of Passion" and, as of this article, I've had 3 special guests for this series.

In this article I will simply be directing you to the podcasts that I have put together for this series to this point and I do hope you will take the time to listen in. Unless you know these people personally, you likely have never heard of them and that's exactly what I wanted.

These are "real", every day people that have impressed me with what they are doing in their lives to make an impact in their world.

You can GO HERE to listen to the "Series Introduction". This will give you more information about the purpose of this series.

 

My first guest for this series is Kim Tatum. She discusses her desire to "do something more" once she came to the point of retirement. Do YOU often feel that you are being "called" to do more than just sit by the wayside? GO HERE for this interview.

 

 My second guest for this series was BJ White. What interesting things she shared with me during this interview! Be sure to listen in with a very entertaining story about her and the number 7. Be inspired by her decision to walk away from her career to follow her dream. Listen in by CLICKING HERE. 

My third guest for this special series was Jean Peterson. This interview was so much fun and also very inspiring. Listen in by CLICKING HERE and be inspired as well.

I do still have a couple of people lined up that are working with me around their schedule and I hope to have them available in the month of September. One is a single mom that is involved in foster care in a very "real" way and the other is a gentleman that has experienced MASSIVE success in the online business world. You won't want to miss either of these!

I plan to do some other podcasts before I get a chance to have these last two interviews so be sure to be watching out for those.

Until then remember...

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   

 

Question: Is it IMPORTANT and/or NECESSARY to Have a "Plan B"?

 "Plan A" would be your #1 plan for whatever area in your life is being planned an/or discussed. This could be your career path that you plan to choose, for example. 

"Plan B" would be your "backup" plan that comes to be if your "Plan A" or #1 plan doesn't work out. Again, this could be applied to your career path that you have chosen.

Before I get deep into this discussion let me address something that I strongly believe. There are SOME situations that should NOT have a "Plan B" in place. Sometimes we may need to "burn our bridges" or any way of retreat or escape in order to avoid not giving "Plan A" all that we have. In my opinion, a marriage is one of those things that should not have "Plan B" in place. I believe that too many people approach marriage with that "Plan B" approach in place all along. I actually heard a young lady tell me once about her desire to marry a certain young man, "Oh well, if it doesn't work out, we can just get a divorce." How sad

I could do a whole different article on that but, for now, I need to stick to the main focus of this blog article: Having a "Plan B" in place when it comes to your career or source of income.

So, "Plan B"...do you have one? Do you NEED one? It would be great to be involved with a panel discussion on this or even a Q and A session with you in the audience. I'd love to hear your thoughts/answers on those two questions.

If you would, share those thoughts/answers on my Facebook page...I'd love to see what you have to say.

I will be doing a podcast on this topic very soon. In my next article I will share with you my most recent experience in this area. Be watching for it and, until then remember...

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 4)

As always, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the last couple of articles leading up to this one. I feel that the last one was particularly good.

And, by the way, it was completely different than what I had recorded earlier for the podcast on the same topic (part 3). That's why I strongly suggest that you also be sure to listen to the podcast (links below) to get a "full picture" of my thoughts as I continue to share on this topic.

You'll need to catch up to know what it is that I am discussing as far as this "TRANSFORMATION" that has been talking place in the lives of my wife and I over the past 7 - 8 months...and I'm not done yet!

This time, I begin by mentioning, again, that I had worked on a program that I felt very proud of and very strongly about concerning focusing on some main areas of our lives over the course of one year to see what kind of MAJOR impact/change it could have on our lives. "Project 141" means to focus on "1" thing once a day "4" - "1" full year. AWESOME! This was in November and December of 2020.

Now, fast forward to June of 2021 and, through a course of connections and other actions, I was introduced to a program (a "movement") that had been around for a number of years. Yet, I had never heard of it before and I was BLOWN AWAY when I discovered the main premise of this program. The idea is to focus on 7 main areas of our lives over the course of one year to see what kind of MAJOR impact/change it could have on our lives. Sound familiar? Oh, this program is called, "Oola". 

Take a look at the side by side comparison I put together to see how closely these two "programs" mirror each other and, yet, one had existed for years and the other (Project 141), 7 months before I ever had even HEARD of "Oola". 

 Coincidence? Some might think and/or say so but, what I have learned (and have said even before this that I believed) is that, in my opinion, THERE ARE NO SUCH THINGS AS COINCIDENCES. 

**Want to hear something REALLY "coincidental"??? My wife is sitting in another chair reading a book while I am typing this article. She is actually reading, "The Attractor Factor" by Joe Vitale (which I will discuss further in this article) and I interrupted her reading and shared with her the "side by side" listings that you see above and then the paragraph right below that. She went back to her reading and started laughing and she told me that, the VERY NEXT SENTENCE that she read in this book mentioned something that caused Joe Vitale to ask, "Coincidence?" (In case you don't get it, read the first word in that sentence right below the graphic. 

THIS IS WHAT I'M TELLING YOU HAS BEEN GOING ON IN OUR LIVES OVER THE PAST 7-8 MONTHS! 

 During this past 7 - 8 month period this type of thing was happening literally every day and, sometimes, several times a day! The same scripture was being repeated to us over and over again from all different sources. I may have read a scripture in my Bible in the morning, heard the SAME scripture in a "randomly" scheduled podcast, heard it on an inspirational video that I watched and, then, the "preacher" focused on that exact same thing "at church" on Sunday! (This was especially true on the topic of "FEAR" that we especially noticed). 

 When I got done reading a book that I had gotten on the "Oola" program I began to search in my personal library for the next book that I was going to read. (I had committed to reading from a book - along with the Bible - EVERY day at the start of the year). I looked over my library 2 - 3 times not seeing anything that really caught my eye and then I decided to pull out the book I mentioned above by Joe Vitale, "The Attractor Factor". Now listen, some of you may already be "shutting the doors" to this because you may have a preconceived notion about what this book is - or isn't - about. I have to admit that I have had reservations on some of the things that I've been listening to (talked about in an earlier podcast and article) and, yes, even reading. 

QUESTION: If you ask for guidance and direction from God, are YOU shutting doors to things that He may be bringing across your path in order help do just that - guide and direct you???

Anyway, as I looked through the book I did notice that when I read it through the first time (back in 2007) when I first received the book that I had not underlined or highlighted one paragraph, sentence or even a single word! All I can say is, you should see that book now! "Underline City"!!

I know, without a doubt, that I was "supposed" to read THAT book at THAT time! There were just too many things that were "going along" with all of the other happenings in our life and it was continuing to impact me - and my wife - as we continued down this path. Accident? Coincidence? Again, I don't think so!

I'll close with one more example for this article but, know this, there are several more that I will be sharing over the next couple of articles. Here's the kicker: THEY STILL KEEP HAPPENING EVEN TO THIS DAY (remember my wife's reading that I mentioned earlier?). 

With this Oola program (by the way, let me know if you'd like to find out more...I've added a link to my website for more information on that program), I've been involved in what has been called an "Inner Circle Call" on Saturday mornings. On this particular Saturday morning I shared some thoughts that I had on the power that is found in Ephesians 3: 20-21 (look it up) and how it had impacted me that week when, one of the ladies on the call - B.J. - held up a mug that she had sitting on her desk with the EXACT same scripture on it! Again...you believe what YOU want to believe but, friend, I KNOW that it is NOT "just a coincidence". 

So, again, I'm going to ask the same question that I asked earlier... If you ask for guidance and direction from God, are YOU shutting doors to things that He may be bringing across your path in order help do just that - guide and direct you???

 Something to think about, isn't it? I'd love to hear from you and, if you would, please leave a note below the posting of this blog article link on my Facebook page (link below). I'd love to hear from you.

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141  Oola Program

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 3)

 

I just finished recording and posting the podcast that goes along with today's article. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of today's article to listen in. It's always good to LISTEN as well as READ since I don't have a script that I follow. That being the case, the two will not be exactly the same and you may pick up some extra "nuggets" from one or the other!

Let me begin by asking you this question: If you seek and ask God for direction...or ask him to "lead you" in your life and decisions, what does that mean for you and what is it you are "looking for" to where you would know?

That is a HARD questions to answer - at least for me it has been!

Let me ask you another question: How many of these "things" have to walk right in front of you and even "slap you upside your head" before you pay attention and see them for what they are? 

Follow me?

In this "transformation" series that I am currently sharing, I let you in on my wife and I's journey over the past 7-8 months of "seeking" God's guidance in and for our lives. Here's the deal: I've been "in church" literally all of my life and was even in ministry for around 20-25 years or so.

Yet, at the same time, I have known that I have not fully given myself up to fully surrender to God and allow Him to take me and use me in the way that was designed before I was even born.

Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW he has used me for His good and glory along the way. I honestly believe your reading of this blog article is a part of that process and I hope that you are always encouraged in the process even though I may challenge you on a few things in and for your own life. 

(Here's what I mean by getting an extra little "nugget" from either the podcast or the article. I didn't discuss this part in this podcast!)

I'm trying to share as much detail as I can in the podcast and, that being the case, I'm not covering very much material or covering a very large "time-frame" in this journey that has taken place over these past few months. But I want to make sure that I "point out" things that have made a HUGE difference even if I didn't fully understand that along the way.

But, I tell you this, friend...even up to yesterday, for example, God is still doing things that make me literally start laughing out loud in how it connected to something else that he "brought across my path" earlier the same day! What's He up to? I don't know for sure but I can sure tell you that He is up to SOMETHING in and for my life!

So, be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article and simply ask yourself this question: "If I ask God to lead me and to guide me...will I do what He says? Will I open my eyes to SEE who and what He may be bringing across my path?" Hey easier said than done, my friend, that is for sure!

One thing I did share in this podcast that I want to be sure and share with you here: Opportunity doesn't always knock! Stop waiting for that to happen! Sometimes it may walk down the sidewalk in front of your house and you may have to run out there and tackle that sucker!

Stop sitting around and waiting. Start watching. Start paying attention - expectantly - for what may be passing before you every single day.

I'd love to hear from you. You can leave a comment here but I'd prefer you to do so on my Facebook page (link below). Either way is good as long as I hear from YOU!

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141

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

YouTube    Project141

Seeing With "New" Eyes

Yes indeed, it HAS been a while since my last blog article! That was what one calls, "stating the OBVIOUS", right? 

I had been talking about doing another podcast and blog article for several weeks (months?) now and, the other day, I got a "nudge" from someone that shared their new podcast with me and I told her that she had inspired me to, once again, do something that I have always loved doing...sharing my thoughts and encouragement with you.

So, let's do a little "catch up" about where we left off and what has taken place over the last 6 months or so.

For the most part, I last shared information with you about my program that I called - and still call - Project 141. As a matter of fact, if you don't know what I'm referring to, click the link below this article and it will take you to all of the information about that program. (By the way, I went through all of the videos that I put together on that program recently and, I have to say that I was impressed with the amount of information as well as the QUALITY of the information that I shared about that program!) 

Now then, to be honest, I've not really done anything with the FINANCIAL aspect of that particular program...the "vehicle" that I had picked out for that particular section of the program, and that's o.k. I have actually followed along with the principles that I set out and have seen MASSIVE improvement in all areas of my life!

One last note (at least in this article) about Project 141...I'm not done with it yet! 

Now, let's fast forward 6 or 7 months AFTER the development of that program. This is when I was introduced to a program that I had never heard of but that been around for several years. What got my attention was the fact that there were 7 major "life areas" that they promoted as areas that we all need to focus on, work on and move forward on over the course of a year. WHAT????

I do not believe that this (or pretty much anything else) was a coincidence and I have been a part of that movement for the past month or so and it's been a real blessing in and for my life. 

In the podcast I use the analogy of what happens when you buy a "new to you" car (new or used). Now that you are driving this particular make and model of vehicle you now notice that there are a LOT of people driving that same make and model car. I mean, it's like they are EVERY WHERE!

Question: Are they "all of a sudden" all getting out on the road at the same time? Nope, they were there all along. Your focus was just not where it is now that you drive that particular similar vehicle! (What you focus on is what you will see!).

And it's not been just that happening that has gotten my attention (you REALLY need to listen to that podcast!). I will get into this with more detail in the next podcast and blog article but, needless to say, my wife and I have been experiencing the "there's another car like ours" syndrome for the past several weeks now and it's been very interesting!

Things that we hear said on a podcast that we listen to every morning. Something a minister says in a sermon or something that a friend posts on social media. Something that I read in a book and even the book that I chose to read in the first place! ALL OF THESE THINGS have been pointing to / calling my attention to the same "message" again and again and again.

I feel that we (my wife and I) are beginning to "see" with "new eyes". Again, go listen to the podcast to catch the full impact of what I am saying here. I will also try to clarify and expand on that very thing in the next podcast and blog article but, I will close with the following thought.

I think this may have been the same morning that I recorded my podcast the other day but it was just another of "those things" that literally "jumped up and down" and was asking me, "ARE YOU LOOKING? DO YOU SEE?"

I had come across a guy online that I had never heard of before and I clicked on a link and thought, "Well, let's see what this guy is peddling" and I was pleasantly surprised (and encouraged) with his main message. And, here's the kicker...the morning after I had "discovered" him is when I opened up an "auto-generated" email from him that listed - almost exactly - the same key areas that I had put together in Project 141 and also in this other program that I discussed. WHAT???? AGAIN???

When my wife came home from the gym, I called her over, showed it to her alongside a listing I had of those things in the other two programs and just sat back and watched as her eyes widened and she said, "That's crazy!" to which I replied, "You know, when you keep seeing this over and over again, it would be completely FOOLISH to ignore it and walk away."

Simple question: Are you foolishly ignoring what is being made clearly obvious to you at this time? Think about it and, until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141

Be Thankful for Every New Day

"Every new day is a day of new opportunity. Be thankful for every new day."
 - Mike Spillman

If you didn't see the dates on the articles or if you had no idea what time of the year it was when these articles were published, you MIGHT think it was November and we were about to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday as much as we have talked about "being thankful". 

 But listen, as I talked about in an earlier article this week, we MUST beware the "poison" of being ungrateful! Again, it is EASY to slip into that negative habit and we must all understand that we ALL have SO much for which to be thankful!

Once again I go back to one of my original quotes that I spoke in my very first podcast back on March 2, 2009..."As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

Every new day is a day of NEW OPPORTUNITY! As long as you are ALIVE and breathing friend, you have the OPPORTUNITY to change the direction of your life - that is a FACT!

What opportunity lies before you TODAY?

How exciting is it for you to consider that question? You are ALIVE, you have CHOICES that YOU can make! Breathe in the air that gives you life and look for that opportunity TODAY!

One other thing...it's also important to EXPRESS that thanks. That's right, say it out loud! You don't have to say it out loud to someone else but, even if you are alone, vocally expressing that thanks tends to "cement" that believe in your life.

I want to THANK YOU for taking the OPPORTUNITY to read today's message. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the podcast and the video that goes along with today's topic. 

Would you do me a favor? Would you stop by my Facebook page and leave some feedback? I'd really love to hear from you. The link for that page as well as the links for the podcast and video can be found below.

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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How Can I Help You?

I'm 100% serious when I ask the question, "How can I help you?" Sometimes we are afraid to ask such a question because we may be afraid that someone will take us up on that offer. In connection with this, if you haven't read the last article by now, be sure to do so because it "ties in" to what we are discussing in today's article.

As I've stated before, I don't know what you do or don't believe, but I'm going to share a verse from the Bible with you and, honestly, this verse applies regardless of what you do or don't believe. Hebrews 10:24 reads, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works..."

Let's take a closer look at the wording in this verse and see how it applies to us today again, regardless of what you do or don't believe. "And let us consider one another..." Bottom line - GET YOUR FOCUS OFF OF YOURSELF AND CONSIDER OTHERS.  This, alone, would greatly improve every relationship that exists in our world today! But, there's more in that this verse gives a REASON to do so: "...in order to stir up love and good works..."

Usually when we hear the phrase "stir up" we may have a different thought than what is expressed here. I know for myself, when I think of someone "stirring things up" it is usually with a negative connotation. You know what I mean, right? There are some people that just like to "stir up" trouble. But this is different! In this verse, we are encouraged and challenged to think about others and how we might be able to "stir up love and good works". WOW!

Does our world not need to hear this message today?

In a marriage relationship, if BOTH were focused on trying to figure out ways to "stir up" love and good works, or good things for them, what would that relationship be like? What about the workplace?

I'm sure you have heard this quote from John F. Kennedy many times before. If not, take a moment and notice what he said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

This is quite a different attitude than the one we see many people feel about our country today, is it not?

When we begin to ask (and mean it) the question, "How can I help you?" we will begin to see all of our relationships improve. Our marriages, our families, our work relationships, our communities, our nation and our world. 

Yes, it really IS that simple but, at the same time, it really IS that difficult. Why so difficult? We tend to be focused on ourselves and what WE want and what is good for ME!

Break the mold and step out considering others and see what begins to happen. 

And, again, I do mean it when I ask, "How can I help YOU?" Connect with me and let me know. 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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Work From Home Series #4: YOUR Purpose and Passion

I firmly believe that, if you are considering "joining up" with a work from home "opportunity", THIS is the MOST IMPORTANT "piece of the puzzle" that you MUST consider.

Yes, I do actually believe that it is that important!

You see, even when you consider the six "warning signs" that I've mentioned in Lessons 2 and 3, your decision of how YOU feel about them will be determined by YOUR purpose and passion. 

In other words, IF you are a person of character and you are determined to remain "true" to who you are and to your PURPOSE then, friend, these things will take care of themselves. Make sense?

If you have not done so, it is IMPERATIVE that you go back and catch up on the previous lessons and, if at all possible, WATCH the videos for this series. I believe that you will benefit greatly by doing so. 

Does the "purpose" or "value" of whatever product the company promotes match up with YOUR purpose? If not, why be a part of something like that?

What IS your purpose? What IS your passion? Obviously, I cannot answer that question for you but I do believe that God has placed you here for a reason and that He has given you your purpose!

Take a look at my "mission statement" that I put together back in 2013. By the way, I had tried to put together a mission statement before but never could come up with anything. Why? I now believe that this is something that you cannot force or "make happen". I believe that is something that must "naturally" come from you, your life and beliefs.

I have to be reminded of my mission statement from time to time. I need to be reminded of my purpose and I must also be reminded that this purpose is to apply to ALL areas of my life - "all endeavors that I undertake".  Is it possible for me to find some sort of "work from home opportunity" that will match up with my mission statement? YES and, here's the thing to consider: If I strongly believe that this is my purpose (mission statement) then I should not settle for anything less in my search! And, friend, YOU don't need to settle for less! Don't allow any type of desperation cause you to "cut corners" on what you believe to be your purpose and passion in this area.  I believe that is what you will find in the message in the image below...

It is important that you "get clear" on your purpose so that you have a "compass" for your life! This will be your guide to help direct you along your way and in every way or area of your life. YES, IT IS THAT IMPORTANT!

Notice what Tony Evans said in the above graphic about how your purpose will "not allow circumstances to dictate your decisions." Again, for example, being desperate - needing money - will NOT dictate your decision if it is not in alignment with your purpose. 

 

John C. Maxwell also expresses this truth very plainly, does he not? Now listen, I don't know you or what you do or don't believe and, friend, that's o.k. If you don't agree or don't like this thought, that's up to you. But it is what I believe to be true and I will promote such things in my blog, my podcasts and my videos. I do ask you to consider it anyway.

I can certainly relate to being "unhappy and confused" during times in my life and I know that, often, it was due to the fact that I was ignoring or trying to "go against" my purpose in and for my life. Given to me by God. And, yes, this unhappiness and confusion often was connected to work from home opportunities that I would try to make work.

Are you unclear about your purpose and your passion or maybe even unsure about "how" to discover your purpose and passion in life? If this describes you then, friend, you MUST watch the video that I show below. You can find it by going HERE.

Again, be sure to watch my videos on this series by going to the "YouTube" link below. I believe that you will gain a LOT of extra insight into my thoughts on this topic.

I will conclude this series in the next lesson - Lesson 5: My Suggested Solution - and invite you to check it out. If you want to get a "sneak peek" at the business that I will share with you (no, this will NOT be a sales presentation!) then click on the link below that is listed as "LiveDebtFree!"

I'd love to get your feedback about this series. If you would, please do so by going to my Facebook page (link also below) and do it there. If you have any questions on any of this, just post them there and I will answer them as soon as possible.

Until next time, stay true to YOUR PURPOSE and PASSION and, while you are at it...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #23: Destiny On Purpose

 
"A powerful, positive and great DESTINY is something that is done on PURPOSE!" 

- Mike Spillman (05.27.14)

It seems that a lot of people have the same idea about "destiny" as they do about "opportunity". It's as if they think that "destiny" is going to show up on their front porch, right alongside "opportunity" and, although you're just kicking back in your easy chair doing nothing, they will knock and wait gleefully for you to answer the door.

WRONG!

Go back and read my blog article about this approach to OPPORTUNITY by clicking here.

I guess a lot of people get this idea from the very definition of the word, "destiny".  All of the definitions I looked over all had the word "predetermined" found in the definition which I believe is very misleading. The very idea of something that is "predetermined" suggests that, regardless of what you do or don't do, it's going to happen anyway.

Once again, WRONG! 

 Do you REALLY believe that you can just sit on your couch and never pursue anything and reach any "destiny" other than that of becoming obese and one that has accomplished absolutely nothing? Oh, believe me, I hear someone saying, "But maybe that's my destiny!"

Seriously, I can't help you if that is the way that you think!

Here is what is "predetermined" in and for your life: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

That's right. The fact that YOU have OPPORTUNITY available to you each and every day is what is "predetermined" in and for your life. Period. Regardless of who you are or where you live. Period.

Again, you cannot wait for opportunity to "knock" on your door but, rather, you must "go after" opportunity and "chase it down".

"A powerful, positive and great DESTINY is something that is done on PURPOSE!"

Daily, purposeful activity will help you achieve a powerful and positive destiny. Yeah, in other words, you will have to WORK or "make effort" to bring that desire of destiny to reality.

In my next article I will discuss the idea of those that expect something DIFFERENT to happen in their life while they fail and/or refuse to make any CHANGES in their life.

It's just not going to happen.

If you want a POWERFUL and POSITIVE destiny then, friend, you need to take some PURPOSEFUL action in and for your life and you need to do that TODAY.

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

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

Mike

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

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Mike's Quotes #21: Just A Little Closer

"Move a little closer to your goals today....even a little move is a move in the right direction!" - Mike Spillman (4.4.11)

It is easy to become discouraged if we feel that we are not progressing as quickly as we would like in regards to reaching goals that we have set for ourselves.

This is one reason we must be very careful with the whole "New Year's Resolution" idea that is about to take center stage once again as we near the middle of the last month of the year. Too many people set goals that are unrealistic and that, often, they never plan to really attempt to achieve, but it sure SOUNDS impressive!

Don't be that person.

Hey listen, I began my blogs and Future You University back on March 2, 2009 and now, 10.9 years later, there are still some goals that I set even way back then that I have yet to achieve. I have achieved some of the goals that I have set along the way but, at the same time, there are some that I have still yet to check off of my list.

Discouraging? At times, for sure but, at the same time, I have to remember the quote for today's topic. Even though I have had to make many detours and have faced several delays and roadblocks along the way (many of my own doing), I have made significant improvement and movement along the way during that time period.

Just like most things, as I have been going through this time period it has not always seemed as if I was making progress.

That's the way it is with time, isn't it? 

The key point is this: Make sure that you move closer to your goal TODAY and EVERY day, regardless of how "small" you may feel that the move may be. Remember, "...even a little move is a move in the right direction."

 I'd love to hear from you about YOUR journey and YOUR struggles and victories along the way. The best way to do so is to leave a comment on my Facebook page (link below).

One of the things you can do to keep moving in the right direction is to be sure to join me as I continue to share more quotes with you this week. As I look ahead, they all seem to deal with ways to HELP you in this process. Don't miss out! 

Keep moving 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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Get Off the Fence!

If you are going to make the decision to start taking ACTION in order to turn your dreams into REALITY and not just "talk", then it will be imperative for you to "get off the fence".

I love the way that Gloria Mayfield Banks described going from the "want to lane" to the "GOT TO lane". The strength of your purpose or your "why" will determine if you actually make that move from one "lane" to the other.

"Sitting on a fence" indicates a person that cannot decide which way that they want to go. They are not on one side or the other but, rather, they are in the middle - on the fence - making no decision either way.

WHAT A MISERABLE WAY TO LIVE! 

Yes, stepping off of that "fence" into a future of some unknowns can be scary! Yes, there are a lot of "what if's" that can - and will - come to mind as you consider doing so. Yes, there will be challenges and there WILL be roadblocks and obstacles.

But, listen, if you're not going to move forward then go ahead and get off of the fence and go back and retreat into the comfort zone. How has that worked out for you?

If your "why" and your purpose is big enough and strong enough, you will NEVER find happiness going back. You will only find and feel fulfillment by moving FORWARD! 

For you, there is only ONE WAY and that way is forward, into your positive future. 

Will there be changes in and for your life? ABSOLUTELY! 

Join me in the next article as we discuss the fact that CHANGE is an opportunity to grow and, 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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