Success Factor #4: KEEP Going!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 CLICK HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube    

 

What Makes YOU Happy?

 "In the midst of "doing more of what makes you happy", perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others."

Mike Spillman 

What makes you happy?

Hopefully, your answer to that question would be different at age 5 compared to age 35 or 55. But, for some in our society that, although the "object" of their answer may change, their "mindset" remains very similar. In other words, what makes them happy still revolves around THEM.

The "pursuit of happiness" is actually one of three "unalienable rights" listed in the Declaration of Independence so, obviously, there is nothing wrong or immoral about doing just that.

You and I have both heard of (or know of, personally) those who sought or pursued happiness in all kinds of ways only to come back "empty" in more ways than one. Many that have done so express the lack of fulfillment in their pursuit. 

What about you? What - in your experience along your pursuit of happiness - have you found to TRULY bring happiness into reality? Are you still searching?

As my quote suggests, "...perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others." 

My guess is that you and I have also both heard of or seen others that have expressed this very thought. They have found true happiness by bringing happiness to others, by SERVING others. By taking their eyes - their FOCUS - off of themselves. 

Check that idea out for yourself and let me know what you find. I'd love to hear from you about your journey in this way.

And, as you do so, 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   Live Debt Free!

The Key to Happiness Is...

The following is from the opening  of the United States Declaration of Independence:

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."

 

Although this is from a document for the United States, the following statement applies to EVERYONE, regardless of where they live: "Happiness is NOT a guarantee, nor is it a right of life!"

 

One can PURSUE happiness (and, in the U.S.A., that pursuit IS a right) but that does not mean that one is guaranteed to find and possess happiness.

 

This "pursuit of happiness" is something that seems to occupy a lot of time in people's lives as well as occupying a lot of space in written material.

 

Dictionary.com defines "happiness" as:

     1. the quality or state of being happy;  2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

 

This definition would cause us to have to look at the definition give for the word, "happy:

     1. delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing: to be happy to see a person.

     2. characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: a happy mood; a happy frame of

         mind.

So, when considering your "pursuit of happiness", WHAT IS IT that you seek?  Is it "good fortune"? Pleasure? Contentment? Joy?

What does "happiness" mean to/for you?

There are many answers to that question but, for the most part, there is but ONE answer for YOU! Now, there may be more than one "answer" that comes to mind when you consider what this means for you but, I'm convinced, that even these other "answers" will still revolve around one central thought for you.

Why do I bring that part up? Simple. What others define as "happiness" may not be YOUR definition and it may not be what would make YOU happy.

------------------------------------ADVERTISEMENT FROM MIKE------------------------------

Would you be happy with the idea of a "one-time" start up payment of only $18?

And, I do mean "one-time"...no further payments and no monthly charges out of your pocket!

And, what if the POTENTIAL with that small, start up cost was incredible?

CLICK HERE to watch the video - NO OBLIGATION

and find out for yourself!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

You see, too often, we find ourselves trying to "live up to" other people's ideas of happiness. Make sense? We observe others and we usually make an assumption about what it is that seems to make them happy.

 

Sometimes, those that we observe may not be as happy as we think they are! Or, if they ARE, indeed, happy, we may be completely wrong in our assumption of what it is that makes them happy.

 

HERE'S WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO AS WE START THIS SERIES:

 

* I want to ask that you take the time to consider what all of this means for your life. Get out a piece of paper and jot down your thoughts so that you can come back to them later on.

 

* Specifically, would you consider yourself "happy"? Maybe even use a scale of 1 (miserable) - 10 (you couldn't be any happier!) and place yourself along that scale. I do understand that this may even change from day to the next but, overall, where would you place yourself on that scale?

 

* What do you think would make you even happier than you are now? Write it down.

 

* Do you think that most others that you know (in your circle of friends) are happier than you are?

 

* If so, what is it that you think makes them happy?

 

* Go to the FYU Fanpage on Facebook and share your thoughts and comments as we go through this series - but go ahead and start now!

 

Thanks and I look forward to sharing out thoughts together as we continue with this series on "Happiness".

 

Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

Future You University  "Like" FYU on Facebook!  Podcast on iTunes 

Podcast RSS feed    * Get Paid to Advertise! * 

 



A State of Mind

A State of Mind

"When I fill out a form that requires me to put what state I live in, I don't know what else to put down but - 'The State of Confusion' ."

Yeah, you know what I'm talking about, right? (insert "smiley face" here)

Last week I discussed the topic of ways to become "happier" - things we can DO that should bring a sense of happiness and well-being into our lives. Then on Friday, for the "Fun Friday" podcast I poked fun at the bottom 10 states that were listed for the 50 United States in order of "happiness" rankings.

I've joked about the fact that Arkansas was number 48 on the list of 50. Wow! I guess I just THOUGHT I was happy!

As silly as this sounds, there are MANY people that would look at the list I mentioned (find the link in the last entry before this one) and reason that if they would move to one of the states that are higher on the list than their own state - then they'd be happier!

Uh.... simply put: WRONG!

Yes, sure, there are some things that can make life easier and some places that can have a better job market and access to things that other places do not. However, from what I've learned, each place has their own pros and cons. Wouldn't you agree?

So, when you really consider this - it doesn't matter where you live! The "happiest state" would be your "state of mind"!

We've talked about this over and over and over again - it's all about your mindset and what you do to either have a POSITIVE or a NEGATIVE mindset.

So, friend... look around you and stop wishing that you were somewhere else. You are HERE and you are here NOW.

What you do about that fact is up to YOU and no one else.

Yes, you got it - it's all about CHOICE and it is YOUR CHOICE.

Isn't it interesting how it all comes down to this?

Listen to today's podcast for more thoughts on this topic and...as the old saying goes, "Bloom were you're planted!"

And, as you do so...

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

Mike

What Makes YOU Happy?

What Makes YOU Happy?

If 100 people were asked this question, I'd likely get 100 different answers. Oh, some of them might be similar (my family, my kids) but, upon my requesting for them to get more specific we'd find different and specific names, personalities and reasons for even this.

Now, right off there is one thing I want to make sure you understand with this question - it's not, "What WOULD make you happy?" The question is is in the present tense which suggests the additional word "now" - "What Makes You Happy NOW?"

You see, too many times we spent so much time - wasted time - pursuing what MIGHT make us happy IF this were to happen or if that were to happen. And, while doing so, we let our lives (and lots of the happiness tied in with it) pass us by.

The phrase, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is, perhaps, one of the most famous phrased that comes from the United States' Declaration of Independence. It reads:

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Our founding fathers recognized our right - endowed (given) by our Creator - to own and cherish these in our own lives...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

However, here lies the problem - many are constantly in pursuit of something that they THINK might make them happy and never achieve that which they pursue.

A friend of mine, Gerry Nesbitt, said this once: "We are possessed by what we pursue."

How true! And, the "grass is greener on the other side of the fence" mentality will have us constantly possessed with an endless pursuit.

Why? Because there is ALWAYS "the other side" of the fence!

Look around you right now - today!

What makes you happy NOW?

What makes you happy TODAY?

What brings joy into your life?

Who brings joy into your life?

Here's a word of caution - if your happiness it totally dependent upon a person or a thing then you must also consider the question of what will happen if/when that person or thing dissappoints you or is gone?

See what I mean? Too many people rely on someone else to make them happy and then, due to a breakup or whatever, they find themselves without that person in their life and they are miserable.

Oh, I understand that happiness many times IS connected to those around us. But, just make sure you are not allowing that control totally in the hands of others.

Think about it. Make a list as you think about today's question, "What makes YOU happy?" and we'll continue this discussion tomorrow.

Until then...

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

Mike

Think Positive & Pleasing Thoughts!

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!

Some of you may think that this is beginning to sound redundant - and, to the "untrained eye" it might appear that way. However, look closely at what is being constructed here and notice the progression and how these are all working together to aid us in our desire to live a positive life!

We're told right off to make enthusiasm a daily habit and then we are shown ways that will help make that happen. HOWEVER, first and foremost we must have the DESIRE to live an enthusiastic life. We must have our eyes "open" with that in mind and be looking for the positive in our lives each and every day!

One of the most effective ways to do so is to not allow negative people to have ANY influence in our lives - NONE! We must, through this process, break free from the chains of bondage that have held us back and down due to such people. YES, IT IS THAT DRASTIC AND DRAMATIC.

One way we combat this is to make sure that we are speaking to OURSELVES in an affirmative way - again, go back to my discussions and sharing of my 7 daily affirmations. Then, we also notice that we should be talking to OTHERS in a positive and affirmative way --- this helps us be "whole" in our approach to developing a positive mindset!

By doing so, we should become less and less concerned with holding grudges. We begin to realize - because our focus and direction is changing - that hanging on to such negative feelings will do nothing but bring us down and "kill" our dreams.

So, we're talking to ourselves, we're talking to others and now we are encouraged to THINK positive and pleasing thoughts. Again, this may sound oversimplified, but DO NOT let the simple fool you! "Many times the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple!"

This step encourages us to keep our mind focused throughout each and every day. You see, by continuously THINKING in this way then it becomes easier to SPEAK this way - to ourselves as well as to others.

By continuously THINKING this way it also becomes easier to let go of any grudges that we may have been clinging to because now our mindset is focused on something else - something better!

Listen, as I have said many times before, the negative forces in our world are active and busy and are willing to dump negative trash in your lap and in your life ANYTIME you will let them do so!

This is a process. Please do not forget that fact! It does not happen over night, but it DOES happen IF you continue to stay focused. When you fail (notice I didn't say "if" you fail) and allow the negative influences to get the best of you - DO NOT GIVE UP! Realize that you are human and that you just need to get refocused and regain control of your thoughts and, thus, your life.

And, hey, this is one reason I do what I do - to help give you POSITIVE things on which to think! So, use it, apply it and see what happens.

Together we WILL stay on track to our goals and dreams and, while doing so we will always do our best to remember this little quote...

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

Mike

Get Your PRIORITIES Straight!

"Four Ways to Make Sure Your New Year Is, Indeed, Happy!"

1. CHOOSE To Be Happy

2. Get Your PRIORITIES Straight!

In yesterday's podcast and blog we discussed the idea that "Happiness is a CHOICE!" and that each one of us has the ability to be happy - regardless of our circumstances or the situation. It is something that we CHOOSE for our lives so make HAPPINESS your choice!

Now, let's turn to the second of the four points on how we can make sure we actually DO have a "Happy New Year" - Get Your Priorities Straight!

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is one of the most famous phrases in the United States Declaration of Independence, and considered by some as one of the most well crafted, influential sentences in the history of the English language. These three aspects are listed among the "unalienable rights" of man.

What are YOU pursuing in the realm of "happiness"? Remember the lists that you made yesterday? What was on your list of "things that will make me happy"? How are you going to pursue all of those different "things"?

Have you ever tried to catch a chicken? That's hard enough but, have you ever tried (or watched someone try) to catch a chicken in a GROUP of chickens? Inevitably, here's what happens: the person sets out to catch one particular chicken but gets distracted when there is another chicken closer and then they start chasing THAT chicken! They keep switching from one chicken to another and usually have no success at catching ANY chicken!

Does that describe you in your "pursuit of happiness"? Are you "following/chasing/pursuing" one thing and then you get distracted by something else and go after it? Some people pursue some sort of narcotic (drug) seeking happiness and they can't find it there. Some others may pursue happiness by getting involved in many different sexual relationships (wow, has this been in the news a lot lately?) and they can't find it there. Some drown themselves in a bottle of alcohol thinking they'll discover happiness there only to find an empty bottle and, often, a destroyed life.

Sometimes, we see this exemplified by those that chase one "new and improved idea" on the Internet after another. The latest fad, the latest "greatest thing", the most recent "get rich quick scheme" - whatever it is, we see some constantly chasing and pursuing something that they HOPE will bring them happiness.

How does one think that will happen? What is it in ALL of these examples that is supposed to bring about happiness? Is it money? Is it simply the "high" from the drugs, sex and/or alcohol? Is it the idea that there is something better than what we have?

GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT!

Maybe today you should make a list of "All the Reasons I Have To Be Happy Today!" and see what you write down.

My thought is that, likely, this will be a list of your priorities.

Regardless of what you accomplish - if you do it at the expense of what/who is important to you, you will find emptiness. We all know the stories of men and women that said they were sacrificing time with their families FOR the family only to find their family torn apart. Really think about this - how much sense does it really make to someone to be told, "I never spend any time with you because I love you and I'm doing this for you!" ????

Sure, there are times that there are small sacrifices to our families that come along and that can be "made up" later --- but pay careful attention to how often this starts to creep in to your life and be very, very careful with your priorities.

Need help with this? Compare the list from yesterday of "Things That Would Make Me Happy" to the list from today "All the Reasons I Have to Be Happy Today!" and see if they are different. Are there any similar or duplicate items on both lists? Here's the bottom line "gut-check" on this question: On EITHER list --- what if you could only have 5 total items from both list COMBINED? Not five from each list - five total. Everything else was to be taken away and you would be left with ONLY those five.

What would they be?

This will give you a pretty good idea of what your priorities are. Now...are you happy and/or satisfied with this list of five? If not - change your list and your way of thinking. If you are satisfied with that list - GREAT! Now gauge whatever you pursue with this list.

Make sure these are "aligned" or "in tune" with whatever you do and this will, indeed, help your new year to be "happy". Why? Because you have made CHOICES on what you have to have in your life! Everything else? It's "frosting" on top of the "cake"!

Think about it - DO THE LISTS to help you really see what is going on in your life and in your thoughts - be HONEST with yourself (there's no one else that you need to share your list with which means there is no one that you need to try to impress) and be HONEST with the results.

Hey, friend - it IS possible for each day, week, month and year to be HAPPY if we so choose!

And, along the way...

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

Mike