How Do YOU "Start Your Engine" For the Day?

 

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When race car drivers hear the command, "Gentlemen/Drivers....START YOUR ENGINES!" they don't have to worry about whether or not their car is ready to race. They KNOW that their team has already put in many hours in preparation for this moment and that they have done whatever it was that needed to be done in order to BE PREPARED for this car to run at it's best for this race.

 

It's really easy to make the connection here, right? The title already makes that "jump" for you but I'll say it again: What do YOU do to prepare for YOUR "race"? What do YOU do to make sure that your "car runs at it's best for this race"? How do YOU "start your engine" for the day? 

Can you imagine a race team approaching this with the attitude of..."Well, the car ran fine for the last race so it should be o.k."??? Or how about, "Surely somebody checked to make sure there was gas in the car, right?" NO OWNER of a race car or "team" would allow such because this would mean FINANCIAL DISASTER for that owner!

The time to prepare for the race is NOT at the start of the race. In the same way, the time to prepare for your day is NOT at the start - or AS you start - your day.

 

 

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Yes, you may START your day doing certain things to "set the tone" and direction for your day BUT, I can promise you that, if you do this, you have PREVIOUSLY decided what you were going to do once you began that day. Am I right? 

You control your day (as much as possible) OR your day controls you. Too many go through their day(s) without any control or plan and wonder why things feel so "out of control" 

I won't try to tell you that I accomplish what I'm going to share with you EVERY day BUT I can tell you that this is my PLAN on how I want and need to begin each day so that I can begin my day with a positive mindset. And, yes, I've thought it out ahead of time and actually have an "activity tracker" set up to help me "stay on track" and follow my plan. (By the way, be sure to listen to the podcast on this topic...there's always additional information to be found there).

1. Get out of bed and go for a walk. (I walk 1.1 miles...that's just how my route turned out)

2. AS I WALK, I pray. (This is my time of PRAISE and THANKSGIVING to GOD for all that He has done for me and IS doing for me in my life. This is also my time to bring my desires before Him).

3. AS I WALK, I also say my "8 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS" for my life and I also say (all of this I do OUT LOUD) my "Relationship Declaration" that I put together a few years back for my relationship with my wife.

4. AS I WALK I also verbally state some scriptures that I have in my head as well as a few other "declarations" that I've made a habit to verbally state each day.

5. After my walk and once I return to the house, I work out on my "Total Gym" for about 20 minutes and then take a shower.

6. I then read - OUT LOUD - one page (there are 6 pages total) of my "scripture declarations" that I have typed out. POWERFUL!

7. I then fix my cup of coffee and sit and listen to at least one and often, two, spiritually encouraging podcasts. (I crank up the playback speed to where I can still hear and understand what is being said but, at the same time, to make the most of my time).

8. After this, I read my Bible. (For me, I read from my "physical Bible" one day and then read in a different section on line the next).

9. I also, at some point during the day, read from a book that I have picked out to read. (Once I finish the one I am currently reading, I have 3 more picked out. Two that I have not ever read and one that I will re-read).

10. I also have listed on my "to-do" activity sheet other things that I want to be sure and do my best to accomplish during each day if at all possible. 

(#'s 1-8 take a total of about 1.5 hours of my morning)

It's also important to notice what I DON'T do...I DON'T start my day reading emails, checking my social media or turning on the T.V. or listening to the "news".  

 

 When you listen to the podcast you will hear what 16 other people shared with me about how THEY start THEIR morning. The MAJORITY of them will be very consistent in their answers while a few start theirs off with a little less focus and intention. 

What about YOU? Do you have any sort of "plan" for your day BEFORE your day begins? If not, I would suggest you consider starting one but to NOT wait for January 1st to do so! 

Just like anything else, it will be hard to do at first BUT if you are determined to improve your life one day at a time, you WILL take the actions needed to DO THIS CONSISTENTLY! That's why it is important to have some sort of "activity tracking" program set up (mine is a simple spread sheet that I'd be happy to share with you). 

Listen to the podcast, go to my Facebook page (link below) and leave a comment with your thoughts and - oh, by the way - be sure to fill out the form at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and get your copy of my FREE e-book on how to avoid being "Paralyzed by Fear".

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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Be Thankful

I originally planned on this article (and the accompanying podcast) to be published the day BEFORE Thanksgiving, but here we are, ON Thanksgiving Day in the United States. My guess is that most people in the U.S. that follow along will not likely do so today due to being with family. 

But, whenever it is that you get a chance to read this, the message remains the same - regardless of the day - BE THANKFUL!

Many follow a trend on social media where they post something for which they are thankful on each day of the month of November. The idea behind it being to expand our expressing of thanks beyond the one day on the calendar, Thanksgiving Day. 

Now, that being said, wouldn't also make sense to try to expand this beyond the one month if we TRULY wish to expand our awareness and expression of all for which we have to be thankful.

Do your best NOT to focus on what is "wrong" in your life and do all that you can to focus on what IS "right", instead. As the graphic above states, there is ALWAYS something that we can find, focus on, and express thanks for! It may take a while to discover it and it may not be as "big" as we thought it might be but, friend, it's there if you'll take the time to seriously look for it. 

Two of my three adult sons are deployed right now and will be away from their families for Thanksgiving AND Christmas. The oldest son is married and has three young children. The youngest little girl has been born since his departure - he has never met her in person. It's going to be very difficult for all of them over this Holiday Season. The same is true for my "middle" son who is also deployed. Although he doesn't have children at home, he does have a wife at home and they will be unable to spend the Holiday's together. 

It would be easy to become very discouraged and for them to all become very discouraged during this time. And, hey, let's be real here...it IS going to be very hard for them (and my wife and I as well). However, one thing that they DO have to be thankful for is our modern technology that allows them to "see" each other when they get to talk. That is such a HUGE blessing for all of them. Also, even though the Holiday's are here, it also marks the fact that the scheduled time for their return is even closer. 

You see, sometimes you have to really search to find that "something" in order to express thanks!

My youngest son, who got married about four months ago, hasn't spoken to my wife and I for several months now. We have no idea why and it is really painful. Put that on top of what I have already told you and you can see that, if I allowed it, this could be a pretty miserable time. But, even with this situation concerning my youngest son, I choose to be thankful for the fact that, as far as I know, he and his wife are safe and healthy and, the good Lord willing, there is still time and opportunity for things to be resolved. 

You want to hear more?? The date that Thanksgiving falls on this year is the same date that my Dad passed away three years ago. This time of the year is especially difficult for a LOT of people that deal with the loss of loved ones. We often overlook these people but the pain is real and many people suffer that pain in silence. The blessing (or "thing" to be thankful for) in this is that I will spend the day after Thanksgiving with my Mom as well as most of my brothers and sisters, their spouses and their children and grandchildren. 

I don't mean to "bring you down" in all of this. I guess I just want you to understand that I understand that it's not always easy to be thankful. But, friend, I want to encourage you to search and search and then search some more if necessary to find SOMETHING for which to be thankful. 

If nothing else, remember this: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Whoever you are, wherever you are and whether or not Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in your part of the world, I wish you a blessed day in which you find a reason (or reasons) for which to express thanks. 

One final note: If you find that there are people attached to your reasons to be thankful, don't keep it to yourself. TELL THEM. Let them know and let them know why. Life is too short NOT to do so. Wouldn't you agree?

Now, to follow my own advice that I just gave, let me tell you that I am thankful for YOU. I thank you for making Future You University a part of your life. If you would, stop by the fan page on Facebook and say "hello". I'd love to hear from you. Either way, I'm thankful for you!

Until next time, friend, 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

Happy Thanksgiving!

Listen here for a special, short Thanksgiving message just for  you!

 

 

And, as always,

 

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

Mike

Be Thankful and Say So

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Today I am thankful! It’s a beautiful day, I’m alive and I have so much HOPE and PROMISE for my future. So, yeah, why WOULDN’T I be thankful?

Here’s one important thing about being thankful…express it and express it out loud.
There is just something about EXPRESSING  your thankfulness that impacts you at a whole different level than just thinking it. Think about this as well, if you express your thanks out loud around someone else it also serves as a reminder to them that they, too, have something for which to be thankful and it also may very well lift them up in encouragement.

So, what are YOU thankful for today? Express it and share it in the comment section below. It will encourage you, me and everyone else that reads this and leaves comments.

Thanks!

Oh, and by the way, whatever you do, be sure to…

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

Mike

This entry was posted in Empower Network

A Thankful Thanksgiving by Jim Rohn

(the following article is copied/reprinted from the Jim Rohn Newsletter)

 

 

Editor’s Note: In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November as a day for its citizens to give thanks for all that they have in their lives.

 

You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren't all Thanksgivings thankful? Unfortunately, no. Since I had experienced more than 75 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.

If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving Day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn't lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled weekend in America. Airports are full, and don’t always provide much room for contemplation of your good fortune.
 
This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.

 

Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply; something you can use right away in your quest to become more thankful:

     Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest-paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

     Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it." But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things you have that you may typically take for granted, and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I'm thankful for.

     Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, "I sure wish I had what he does." That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank, and not just during the holidays—everybody works there then—but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.

     Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.

     Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note, or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.

 

Of course, we should do what we can to make the most of the day we call Thanksgiving, but wouldn't it be a shame if the only time we reflected on our blessings was that one Thursday in November? And the answer is, of course! So let's do our best to be aware of the many great gifts that we have each and every day of the year. As we do so we will see our hearts soar and our minds more and more at peace as we regularly remember and remain aware of our good fortune.

A Salute To Our Veterans

A Salute To Our Veterans

Today's message is simply this:

THANK YOU!

A special "thank you" for all that have served and sacrificed to make our country great!

We have our freedoms because of you and your sacrifice and my hope and prayer is that we - as a nation - may always be thankful.

I am an American and, that being so, I believe that I live in the greatest country in the world. That greatness is built upon the sacrifice of many.

Thank a Veteran today!

While Eating Out the Other Day...

Hello friends! How is your MONDAY? Remember, it's "MAGICAL" and YOU have the opportunity to make it whatever you want it to be!

It's also "MAKE-A-WISH" Monday as I continue to urge (yes, even BEG) you to take action and DONATE to the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" fund drive that I have set up at www.FutureYouUniversity.com - YOUR HELP IS DESPERATELY NEEDED NOW!

So, let me share with you a story that I mentioned on today's podcast about a visit to a fast food restaurant. And, I'll also include something that I forgot to mention on the podcast. (See? Wow! What a great value you get by listening to the podcast AND reading my blog! :) )

This past Thursday my wife and I were on our way to Little Rock when we stopped by a Wendy's restaurant in Cabot, AR. (right off of hwy. 67/167). While standing in line I had already noticed the young lady behind the counter and that she seemed to have a "twinkle" in her eye as she waited on customers. Now listen, you have experienced the same thing as I have, haven't you? Lots of times (if not MOST of the time) the workers are NOT excited and are just there because they have to be and, even if they are not rude, they are not usually very outgoing. So, indeed, when I notice one that seems to have that "spark", it gets my attention!

I actually mentioned it to my wife as we stood in line and then we stepped up to be served. She greeted us with a genuine smile and asked us how we were doing. I don't remember my exact response, but it was something along the lines of, "I'M GREAT!" The young lady (I'm thinking she is still a teenager) responded with something along the lines of, "Alright! An ENTHUSIASTIC customer! That's AWESOME!"

As we got our food and left the counter I mentioned to my wife that I was going to mention that in today's podcast because little did the young lady know that AWESOME is a key word each and every day when I close my podcast and my blog ("Make it an AWESOME Day!").

As we ate I sat and observed what was taking place at the counter with this young lady as well as several other members of the crew working that night. A little old lady came in and ordered for several people. I could hear bits and pieces of the conversation as the workers helped her figure out what was the least expensive way to go. (Hey, a lot of people would not have even tried or would have gone for the way to make the MOST money!). They also named off, one by one, what types of colas were available and then helped her fill up the cups, put them in a carrier and one of the workers walked out to the car with her and helped carry the food items.

I kept mentioning to my wife what was taking place (she had her back to the counter) and how impressed I was! Another customer came in and the young lady behind the counter greeted him and asked how he was doing. He answered, "Good, and how are you?" to which she replied, "I'm ALWAYS good!" Again, I thought - "Wow! What an awesome approach!"

It was then that I decided that I was going to give this girl one of my cards and let her know that I was going to mention her on my podcast because of her positive approach to her job and to her customers. I also wanted to be sure to mention this to the manager as well.

As we waited behind another family in line so that we could share our impressions, I noticed that the teen-aged boy in this family had some sort of mental disability and that this young lady behind the counter did not let it interrupt her "positive approach" in any way. As a matter of fact, she had a smile on her face and, after taking their order, began to carry on a conversation with the boy by asking him where they were from and what they had been doing. You could tell that this just made this young man's day - a chance for him to tell someone that they had been to St. Louis and that they had seen the arch!

Friends, I have to tell you - on an "impression scale" of 1 - 10 (10 being super impressed) I was looking at about a 15!

Finally, we stepped up to the counter and I did see the manager in the cooking area. She looked my way and I asked, "Excuse me, are you the manager?" (Now, you know that usually when someone asks that question, there is a problem!). The manager came to where we were and I told her how impressed we had been with the whole crew and the way that they treated their customers and that it was a pleasure to watch. I also handed one of my cards to the young lady that had waited on us and told her I would be talking about her - and the rest of the crew - on today's podcast. Honestly, you would have thought this young lady had just won a bunch of money as she began to jump up and down excitedly. The manager asked if I knew her name and - in between the jumping up and down - I said, "Yes, I can see her name tag and her name is Laura." To which Laura exclaimed, "Laura Bryant! My last name is Bryant! It's Laura Bryant!!"

I was smiling and laughing and so glad that I had the chance to bring such joy to this young lady. I told the manager that I would contact Wendy's and let them know of our impressions (which, by the way, I have done) and that I'd be sharing this information with you, my readers and listeners!

As we left, my wife and I were grinning from ear to ear and we talked about this for several miles down the road as we both talked about that image in our minds of Laura jumping up and down and squealing with delight!

HERE'S THE KICKER THAT I FORGOT TO MENTION ON THE PODCAST -

Last Thursday was "Thankful Thursday" and in that podcast I specifically encouraged everyone to say "thank you" to as many people as possible and to be aware of those "good deeds" that happen that we usually overlook. To be honest with you, I had forgotten completely about that until we were several miles down the road past the restaurant.

I told my wife how amazing it was that:
1. There was the coincidence with Laura using the word, "Awesome!" not knowing that it is used by me each and every day in my podcast, blog and ANY article that I write anywhere.
2. All of this happened on "Thankful Thursday" and what joy it brought my wife and I to see the reaction to taking the time to say, "Thank you!" to Laura, the manager and the rest of the crew that night.

So, to the NIGHT CREW at the WENDY'S in CABOT, ARKANSAS - I thank you and salute you for the outstanding way in which you serve your customers! Keep up the great work!

Oh...and to the manager --- Give LAURA a RAISE! I can promise you that she is bringing money into that restaurant by her personality and service to your customers!

Try saying "Thanks" to someone today and see what happens! You don't have to wait until "Thankful Thursday" to do so, do you?

And, as always....

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

Mike

More on FAITH or BELIEF

It's another THANKFUL THURSDAY!

I hope that as you listen to my podcasts for this week (starting back on Magical Monday) that you will pick up the fact that it is vitally important for each of us to take control of our feelings, emotions, thoughts. When I ask, "What do YOU have to be thankful for?" I want to help you realize that, yes, friends, etc. CAN be a part of the things for which we are thankful. However, IF we rely on people, places and/or things to give us things for which to be thankful - we will be disappointed again and again and again.

Might I make a suggestion?

Since you are reading this, I can say this with complete confidence - You can be thankful for the fact that you are taking the time to fill your mind/heart/soul with POSITIVE influences!

This is a KEY point that must be realized and it is also a key point that Napoleon Hill makes in the 3rd chapter of his book, "Think & Grow Rich".

I focus the majority of today's podcast on his discussion of how important it is to saturate our minds with POSITIVE influences and to rid our lives of the NEGATIVE influences.

We must repeat again and again the positive thoughts that we know to be true. The mind will come to believe something to be true if repeated enough - regardless of whether it is actually true or not!

So, indeed, it is VERY important to repeat to ourselves those things that will lift us up and not tear us down.

Enjoy the podcast - it's a good one!

And, as always....

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

Mike

"Terrific Tuesday" - LIVE Where You Are!

I don't know if there is any more important a topic than this one discussed in today's podcast. We must all learn the art of living "where we are".

What do I mean by that? Well, consider this - how many times do you find yourself wishing you were somewhere else? Doing something else, someplace else with someone else? Ever? Often?

My guess is that it depends on how "happy" you think you are with "where you are". This ties in with yesterday's discussion of "Stop Waiting" and the thought of how much time is we waste by waiting for everything to be the way we want them to be before we do something. Each day that passes by is gone forever, never to be reclaimed! Let that sink in for a moment. Really think about that and let it cause you to STOP WAITING and START LIVING where you are!

Now! Today! I understand that your situation may not be what you hope for, dream for and even plan to achieve in your lifetime. HOWEVER, you are where you are RIGHT NOW and it's your choice what you do with it, isn't it?

If you believe that everything happens for a reason, then consider that you are where you are for a reason, a PURPOSE! (Now, you may really think I'm crazy and you may be yelling at your computer, "What? Do you KNOW my situation??" - By the way, do you know how silly you look yelling at a computer screen?) ;)

Perhaps there is someone that you have contact with on a daily basis that needs you! Perhaps they need YOUR positive energy! Perhaps they NEED your help in making it through a rough time. Maybe - just maybe - you work with a group of people that you can count on to help you network with others that may be able to propel you along your way in whatever it is that you would like to do.

I could go on and on with that thought, but why don't YOU continue that thought? Look around you today. Opportunity surrounds you - TODAY! People surround you today and, yes, believe me, I know that people can literally drive you nuts if you let them...but, maybe - just maybe - there is someone there that has been placed in your life for a reason.

Think about it.

Look at today in ways that you have never looked at a day before and realize that, indeed, it is not only POSSIBLE but it is a NECESSITY to begin to "live where you are."

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

Mike Spillman