Your "Circle" Matters

As always, be sure to go back and read the previous 2 articles that go along with this one. Why? Because they form a "mini-series" and today's blog article is the last of this 3-part series. You need to be caught up/up to date on the thoughts that have preceded this article to get the most out of the series.

 

I want to start this one off sharing something that I saw on another commercial. As part of the commercial script, the lady says something along the lines of:   "It's important to surround yourself with the right people."

Now, I already knew this but it was a good "memory jogger" that made me decide to do a blog article/podcast on that truth.

You've probably heard it said many times that we are most like the 5 people with which we spend the most time. When you think about that idea it might SCARE YOU or it may ENCOURAGE YOU. Which is it for you? Do you WANT to be like those people in your "circle"?  

By the way, this is often referred to as your "circle of influence". That's a great description because that's exactly what it is!

When it's stated that you are most "like" those people it means that you are influenced by those people in EVERY area of your life to the point that you "mimic" their thoughts and attitudes and, yes, even their ACTIONS in your own life. Give that some SERIOUS thought, friend!

You tend to adapt the same mindset and attitude with your...Finances, Physical Fitness, How you Present Yourself Physically (and every other way) and even your mindset and attitude with your relationships (spouse, friends, co-workers, etc.). 

 

This "circle" also shapes your thoughts on living a FULL life without regrets (the previous two articles).

So, yeah, YOUR "CIRCLE" MATTERS!

 What influence do YOU have on YOUR "circle"? If you take a look at your circle and decide it's not what you need in your life, you can do one of two things: change your circle or, through your influence you can try to CHANGE the mindset and attitude of those in that circle. 

Maybe YOU are the CHANGE that your circle needs. Perhaps YOU are the one that, through your own mindset and focus, can help change the way your "circle" talks, acts and even thinks. Notice this list of things that Paul encourages the Christians in the city of Philippi to think about and focus on as a way to encourage each other (their "circle").

 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  (Philippians 4:8)

In the last article I also referred to what the writer of the book (letter) of Hebrews encourage the group there to do as a way to help strengthen each other while going through a lot of struggles... "but exhort (we, today, would use the word "encourage") one another daily, while it is called “Today,” (Hebrews 3:13)

Here's another section where the same writer passes this advice on to the same group of people on how to continue with this daily encouragement..."And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and  good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting (encouraging) one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25) 

The phrase, "stir up" is often used in a negative way. Usually it's something that is bad (and often intentional) and may be used in phrases such as, "Wow, you sure stirred up a hornet's nest!" If you know anything about hornets then you KNOW that that is NOT a good thing! Yikes!

However, in this section of scripture from the Bible, that phrase is used in the opposite way. The advice given is to "stir up" GOOD things such as love, good works (good activity, activity that brings about good/positive results), not "skipping out" on spending time together as a way of encouraging each other.

Now listen, sometimes you have to just understand that your actions may not impact those in your current "circle" the way you need. Take a look at what is said in this graphic...

So, yeah, sometimes you will need to actually CHANGE the people with which you spend your time. Oh, believe me, I understand that this might be very difficult and, at times, may be even seemingly impossible, depending on who that person(s) may be.

But, keep this in mind. If YOU start living your life the way that the above Scriptures suggest then, guess what? YOUR mindset and attitude will improve in such away that you will begin to ATTRACT the "right  kind" of people that will also have the same approach. What will you have then? A "circle of friends" that will encourage you and spur you on just as you will be doing for them. 

So, just in case you haven't quite caught on to this truth, let me leave you with one more graphic using the thoughts found in 1 Corinthians 15:33..."Do not be deceived (don't fool yourself!), bad company corrupts good morals."

You may want to listen in on the podcast to catch some of my "Southern Expressions" that express this same thought. You might get a kick out of it! 

To sum this "mini-series" up: In order to live your life FULL and to die EMPTY (with NO regrets) then you must understand the importance of living TODAY to the best of your ability. One major way to do that is to surround yourself with people that will strengthen and encourage you each and every day. Carefully choose and develop your "circle" to be challenged to live in a way to get the MOST out of your life. 

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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Grow Or Die!

 

You do know, don't you, that the oppositie of GROWTH is DEATH?

 

Simply put, you either GROW or you DIE...pretty simple deduction. Easy to "see" but hard to "understand" and "live".

 

Wouldn't you agree?

 

And, so that we not fool ourselves, there must be "measured" growth...growth that can actually be measured in a way that indicates that, indeed, growth has taken place.

 

GROWTH - as opposed to just being in a rut - is not easy. As a matter of fact, GROWTH is a struggle that builds strength and stamina while that particular "thing" is growing.

 

Look at the plant in the picture above. Do you really think that even getting to that stage of growth has been easy for that plant? Do you realize the "work" that has been done in order for that plant to push up through the soil to get to the sunlight? It really is an amazing feat that demonstrates, perfectly, how important it is to "push through" obstacles and difficulties if you want to grow and flourish.

 

Whether it's a plant, a puppy dog or a human being - if food and nourishment is not gained, it will DIE.

 

And, as you already know, it's not a "one-time thing"!

 

There must be CONTINUED FEEDING in order for continued growth to take place.

 

Now then, let's stop talking about plants and puppies and apply this to us...make it personal in this process.

 

"If I want to continue to grow, get stronger, and live, then I must continue to feed!"

 

You are doing just that by reading this blog. Be sure to listen to the podcast as well (see the links below) and then share both with as many "seedlings" as you can. Think about that...there are many people out there (you may not even be aware of who they are) that are struggling to "grow" and struggling to gain much-needed nourishment in order to grow. You may be "the one" to help in the "watering and nourishing" for that person by sharing this material.

 

Again, the choice is yours.

 

Stay in a rut and have all decisions made for you and just go wherever the rut may take you, OR, instead, make a decision - an actual decision (which is not allowed in a rut) - to actively pursue growth, even when it is uncomfortable. Remember the growing pains I talked about in the last article?

 

The choice is yours... GROW or DIE.

 

Choose wisely...your very life (yes, I'm serious) depends on it.

 

Until next time...

 

"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

Choice Three: STRENGTHEN

I know that what I'm about to say is an over-simplification but consider it anyway: "Life is a series of choices."

Now, again, I didn't say you had to AGREE with my statement, I just asked that you consider it which, in and of itself is a choice, is it not? Your consideration is a choice and your agreeing or disagreeing is a choice. You made a choice to read this article right now instead of doing something different. You have a choice to either keep on reading this article or to go on and do that "something else". You made a choice to get out of bed this morning or, if you are still in bed for whatever reason, you still made a choice to do something besides just lay in bed sleeping or watching television at this moment.

Yeah, I really COULD go on and on with this pointing out how many choices we make each and every day several times a day - but I won't. It was a choice that I had and I chose NOT to follow through with that. (There I go again!).

And, yes, when bad things happen in our lives we have choices that we must make. Among those are how we will allow this "bad thing" to impact us. We can either let it DEFINE us, DESTROY us or STRENGTHEN us. We've already talked about the first two and, today, I'll discuss the last one as I conclude my thoughts on this topic.

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I've said it many times in the discussions on this topic but I feel the need to say this again - please do not take it that I am "making light" of any tragedy that may have taken place in your life or the life of someone you know. Perhaps you are going through that that tragedy right now and NONE of this will make any sense to you at all and, likely, may even make you angry. BOTTOM LINE - I understand that what I am saying is over-simplified. But, even in the midst of crazy events in our lives it still all boils down to the simplicity of choices.

Oh, believe me, I understand that the fact there are choices to be made is a simple fact but the CHOICES TO BE MADE is what makes it all so difficult.

Don't let bad things define you or destroy you - we've covered that already and, as always, if you haven't had the chance to read those, you might want to read them BEFORE you read this installation. So, WHY NOT let even the bad things in life STRENGTHEN you or make you stronger?

Anyone that has done ANY type of strength training can tell you that it is NOT easy! Hey, anytime I (you, them, whoever, right?) have tried to do ANYTHING that was some sort of change to my habits (diet, exercise) it was NOT easy to do! And, when you start talking about trying to become stronger (which usually incorporates diet AND exercise) you have to stay with it and fight the pain knowing that the strain and resistance against your muscles will make them stronger.

The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 4:13 said the following, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Now, again, I realize that all of you reading this may not be believers but I feel the need to share this anyway because, for many people in our world, their FAITH is a HUGE FACTOR in their ability to keep going and to gain strength even in the midst of these "storms".

But, beyond the powerful thing that Paul said in that verse is what is found in the preceding verses describing some ups and downs that Paul, himself had experienced. Notice this in the same chapter, but in verse 12..."I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

FAITH - FRIENDS - FAMILY...the cornerstone for many people and especially when bad things happen in their lives. Have you utilized these resources in YOUR life recently? If not, maybe you need to do so BEFORE the "storms" hit (we talked about the need for preparation in one of the earlier articles in this series).

You CAN do this! You CAN make it through and you CAN survive another day and then another and then another. YOU CAN! YOU MUST!

"As long as there is breath, there is hope!"  Don't ever forget that!

Again, always feel free to contact me at any time (mike@futureyouuniversity.com) - I'd love to hear from you. And, whatever you do, where you go, be sure to...

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

Mike

R U Running on Empty?

R U Running on Empty?

During my podcasts you will hear me talk about "Magical Monday", "Turn-around Tuesday" and "Wide-Open Wednesday" and about the fact that, what happens in your life and to your life is up to you. This makes it magical and wide-open because YOU can turn it around!

Now, see, if you have a hard time believing those things then, trying to incorporate them into your life is kind of like getting behind the wheel of a car that has an empty gas tank. You won't get anywhere.

Yes, I know (based on yesterday's podcast and blog) that I emphasize that only YOU can make this happen. In other words, even with a FULL gas tank YOU still have to put the key in the ignition, turn it on, put it in gear and steer it down the road.

But, again, if the tank is empty - you're going no where.

The truth is, as I recorded the podcast for today last night - and still even today - I feel as if my tank is empty! Yeah, it happens to me, too.

Here are a couple of reasons - and things you can check out for yourself as well:

1. My tank is empty because I've not been putting the "fuel" in the tank! Well, duh! But it happens very easily when I (or you) don't "feed ourselves" by reading, etc. those positive materials that keep our mindset where it needs to be. I realized that lately I have not been reading the materials that I usually read that keep me going. So, again, it is up to ME in this area to do what is needed and to make sure I am putting "fuel" in my tank!

2. My tank is empty because I need feedback, input, etc. from YOU! Now, although it is up to ME, I still need others - just as you do. This is the idea behind the "Mastermind Group" that Napoleon Hill talks about in his classic, "Think & Grow Rich" (get it for free - just pay S/H @ http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com ). The strength and charge we get from sharing thoughts and ideas with like-minded individuals. On this part, I also can compare this to dipping water out of a well to share with others without ever making sure that I take some of the water for myself. Sooner or later, I've got to be refreshed as well.

So, bottom line - part of this "empty" feeling is due to what I have failed to do in my own life and part of it is because I need feedback from YOU! And, that, for the most part, I have failed to receive from you, friend.

Please know that I'm not "whining", I'm simply talking and sharing from my heart and also trying to help you understand how important it is to not only RECEIVE but to also GIVE BACK.

Yes, I need it too!

If you would, if you are "out there" and reading this and/or listening to my blog - please leave a comment here on this blog. I'd appreciate it and it may also spur someone else on to do the same.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'll survive. I'll thrive. But, right now....I need to refuel.

Thanks, friend.

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

Mike

YOU Hold the POWER of LOVE

Hey friends...in today's podcast I do a "part 2" on the discussion of Chapter 11 in Napoleon Hill's classic book, "Think & Grow Rich". The chapter title? "The Mystery of Sex Transmutation" --- odd name, huh?

I really don't go with the book at all in today's discussion - but I feed off of what we have discussed about "the POWER of LOVE" in part 1 of this chapter's discussion. To be honest, this chapter is a bit hard to "explain" and I encourage you to dig into it and get out of it what you can. I suppose that, for the most part, I feel that I hit the main focus of it in the first discussion and wanted to go off on a little different direction with this part.

Simply put - as the title says - YOU hold the POWER of LOVE...what will you do with it?

A couple of things:
1. You hold the power of love when considering whether to participate or not in the "Make-A-Wish" special challenge that I am putting up for all of you. There are all kinds of reasons that we can all come up with as to why we "can't"....but there is one HUGE reason as to why we all CAN.....and it's simply this - the POWER of LOVE!
2. You hold the power of love each and everyday and have the choice to either encourage and build up or discourage and tear down. It's your choice - what will you do?

I don't know that those that would fit this category would be listening to my podcast or be reading this blog - unless it would be to mock you for doing so - BUT I want to speak to those discouragers out there.

STOP IT!

Isn't it amazing how people can claim to love someone and yet continually try to tear them down and discourage them from making any powerful progress in their lives? We might - MIGHT - can understand that from strangers - but our own family and/or friends? If you are one that is participating in this negative activity, let me ask you a question - WHY?

WHY would you try to defeat one that you love?
WHY would you try to crush one that you love?
WHY would you try to extinguish the dream of one that you love?
WHY would you try to destroy the future of one that you love?

Notice that in each of these I have used the word, "try" - because that is all that you can do. You see, YOU cannot make these things happen. Oh, you can certainly be a contribution force - but if that one you love (whether it be a spouse or some other family member or even a friend) is determined to succeed, even YOU cannot stop them!

WHY NOT, instead, support and encourage them and then also look at yourself and try to figure out why YOU'RE not moving forward with YOUR life?

Now, for the rest of us. If you understand how harmful that this negative talk can be in your own life - then do ALL that you can to uplift and encourage anyone and everyone around you each and every day!

You - YES, YOU - hold the POWER of LOVE in your hands and, the cool thing is this - you don't run out! You can give and give and encourage all day long today and, guess what? You can do it all over again tomorrow and the day after that and so on and so on.

AWESOME, isn't it?

When one realizes that they hold POWER...they can do one of two things:
1. Use that power in a negative way to crush and control OR
2. Use that power in a POSITIVE way to empower and encourage

I choose to empower and encourage - what about you?

Remember...YOU hold the POWER of LOVE!

And...as part of that...always remember...

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

Mike

The Driving Force

Hi guys...I've been swamped today but want to encourage you to listen to the "WIDE-OPEN WEDNESDAY" podcast with the same above-mentioned title.

What is "The Driving Force" in this process that we are currently discussing from Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich"?

THE MASTERMIND GROUP!

Listen to it - if you have the book, read this chapter and follow along with it and take advantage of the POWER that comes when like-minded people work together for a common PURPOSE!

And, as always....

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

Mike

Magical Monday - What's Up With His Voice??

Good "Magical Monday" to all of you! I meant to expand on this thought a bit more in today's podcast but ran out of time doing my tour of the "new and improved" website at: http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com
If you haven't had the chance to take a look yet - GO AHEAD AND DO SO NOW! I like it!

Now for the "What's Up With His Voice" part of the title - if you've listened to the podcast already, you know. If you haven't - you'll know as soon as you hear me start out with..."Awwwwwwright!"

I woke up Sunday morning with a sore throat, an extremely low voice and the inability to talk much (now, for me that's HUGE!). However, I did speak Sunday morning and Sunday evening and, by the time I got to my podcast it was in pretty sad shape!

This morning, it's even worse so I'm hoping that, by tonight, when I record my podcast for Tuesday it will be improved. If not, I'll do it anyway, but it will lack the energy and enthusiasm that I like to "bring to the table" so to speak.

But, you know what? It's MAGICAL MONDAY and we press on - REGARDLESS! Isn't that right? No matter what obstacles may come my way - I WILL press on and move on in a forward direction. I am DETERMINED! I am FOCUSED! I am MOTIVATED! I AM MOVING FORWARD! And you can too!

You MUST!
You WILL!

What's so "magical" about Monday? It's the beginning of a new work week and TODAY will help set the tone for the rest of your week. THINK ABOUT THAT! Today will set the tone for the rest of your week. What do YOU want your week to be like? SET THE TONE today with a POSITIVE and POWERFUL mindset and attitude!

It's "magical" because YOU have the POWER in your hands! Believe it or not - it's still true!

So, CLAIM it and OWN it and SET THE TONE for the rest of your "MAGICAL WEEK"!

And, as always...

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

Mike