Your Mind Is Like a Garden

I found this little saying that you see in the graphic several times when considering what graphic to use for this article. Whoever "unknown" is or was definitely had a handle on the importance of our thoughts.

 

I plan for this article and the accompanying podcast to be the last of the discussion that I've been sharing with you based on thoughts from James Allen's book, "As A Man Thinketh".

 

Just as I did in the last article I want to share a short excerpt from one of the chapters in the book entitled, "Effects of Thoughts on Circumstances":

     "A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intellectually cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind."

 

When you read the above paragraph you see that Mr. Allen points out that you can either cultivate, which requires action, or allow it (your mind/garden) to "run wild", which requires NO action at all. Weeding ANY garden (physically or mentally) requires diligence and consistency!

 

If you read my blog articles a few weeks back talking about planting seed and growing a plant of any kind then you know that this is one thing that I discussed in depth. Just because you got the plant to grow doesn't mean that your work is done! You must continue to work just as, in this case, you must continue to "cultivate" or "weed" the negative thoughts out of your mind.

 

You even find a similar discussion about the importance of our thoughts in the Bible in the verse listed below written by the Apostle Paul:

     "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4: 7-9)

Think on THESE things!

Remember the shortened version of last week's message: Your THOUGHTS are your DESTINY!

No longer believe the lie that you cannot control your thoughts and/or what you say. Again, that is a LIE and it is one that too many people believe and use as an excuse to allow their "garden" (their mind) to "run wild".

You are better than that and you have more determination and discipline for this to be true of you, right?

OF COURSE I'M RIGHT!

Now YOU must believe this for yourself and take ACTION today, tomorrow and each and every day that you breathe!

And as you take on this noble and necessary task, always be sure to...

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

Mike

 

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You Are the Director of Your Thoughts

Let me start off by sharing with you the very first paragraph from James Allen's, "As A Man Thinketh"...

"The aphorism, 'As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he', not only embraces the whole of a man's being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance of his life. A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."

 



Take time to read that paragraph once, twice, three times or however many it takes for the message to sink in. Notice the emphasis by use of the phrases, "the whole of a man's being", "every condition and circumstance of his life" and "the complete sum of all his thoughts".

 

Hmmm, I wonder what Mr. Allen was trying to say?

 

I don't think there is any doubt that Mr. Allen felt very strongly about the significance that our thoughts play in our whole being.

 

Some of you may wonder why I am spending so much time on this topic concerning our thoughts. Let me see if I can answer that for you - IT'S BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE JUST DON'T GET IT!

 

I guess I have been drawn to re-reading "As A Man Thinketh" due to the thoughts that I put together last week in my articles about reaching our destiny starting with our thoughts. It's a basic in the Law of Attraction that you draw to you the things that you focus on and think about. It was bound to happen!

 

And I find that James Allen didn't "beat around the bush" when it came to expressing what he believed about the importance of "directing" our thoughts.

 

As I wrote in the graphic above, "Direct your thoughts for your thoughts will direct you."

 

Again, it's not like you have no control over your thoughts. Many would argue because, in my opinion, they are too lazy to involve themselves in the discipline that it takes to THINK about their thoughts!

 

Did you just catch what I said? Our thoughts are what we think and here's the kicker: It takes DISCIPLINE to THINK about our THOUGHTS!

 

Why? Going back to the first part of last week's discussion is simply this: "Watch your thoughts for they become words."

 

Think it over (no pun intended) and allow it to sink in and then decide that you will discipline yourself to THINK about your THOUGHTS and make sure they are "in line" with who it is that you wish to become.

By the way, the last article has a link in it where you can download your own free copy of this awesome book.

Join me for our continued discussion from this classic book and, until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

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This Becomes Your DESTINY

Before I start in on my thoughts for today's article, let me take a moment and encourage you to be sure to also listen to the podcast! There are two ways to access it and both links are located at the bottom of this article. I tell people that listen to the podcast to be sure to also read the blog and now I'm telling you to be sure to listen to the podcast.
 

Why? Because they are done at two different times and there is not a script. That means that you will get additional material besides what you find here.
 

Too, let me just say that when you read this blog you can't "hear" the passion in my voice and the inflection found there as well. So, be sure to read AND listen, o.k.?
 

Oh, and one more thing - SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!

 

Now on to the show (as they say).

 

Today I'm going to discuss the last two "verses" of this graphic since we have come to the end of the week. Again, let me emphasize that, what you have before you, is a PATH, a ROAD MAP to your destiny!

 

Your destiny is not something that has been predetermined even if you or others think that it has been done. NO!

 

Do NOT settle for that way of thinking or do NOT listen to anyone that would tell you such garbage! YOU have control over the direction of your destiny and - negative or positive - it is laid out for you in the graphic above.

 

Your thoughts, words, actions, habits and your character....THIS becomes your destiny!

 

Yes, you can change your habits from bad to good by simply going back to taking control over your thoughts. Remember? Your thoughts become words, your words become actions and your actions become habits!

 

These habits become your character - WHO YOU ARE!

 

We live in a world (at least in my opinion) that is short on solid and trustworthy character. It's a shame but I see it pretty much every day.

 

We live in a world where lying is accepted and laughed at as if it really doesn't matter. We live in a world where our young people are not being taught how to be mannerly, respectful and honorable and it's sad to see.

 

When you live in such a way as to direct your path to your destiny, you provide a way - a road map - for your children and your grandchildren that can be passed down from one generation to another.

 

You may think that I have too easily interchanged the ideas of destiny with that of your legacy or dynasty. Don't let that distract you but think of this: Creating and directing your DESTINY will, indeed become your legacy and your dynasty. That, my friend, is a fact!

 

I was reading James Allen's "As a Man Thinketh" last night and there was part of one sentence that jumped out at me due to what we have been discussing the past few days. Here it is: "Thought and character are one..."

 

Your habits (which derive from your thoughts) become your CHARACTER and, yes, your character becomes your DESTINY!

 

Wow, does that impress you as it does me?

 

No more "floating around" with no control when it comes to your destiny. YOU set the sail, my friend, YOU plot the course and YOU blaze the trail.

 

It is YOUR destiny and YOU are in control.

 

And, never forget, that it begins with what you think.

 

Feed your mind and build a destiny that you can be proud of and one that you know will withstand the test of time long after you are gone.

 

And, as you go about building this powerful and positive destiny, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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Watch Your ACTIONS

 

Step 3: Watch Your Actions

 



Thoughts to words, words to actions and actions to...

HABITS.

There are both kinds of habits - good and bad. Where do they come from? How do we develop them?

Follow the progression in the graphic above. Short trip - our habits come from our thoughts! Yes, follow it on through just as in the first sentence of this article and you may find yourself wincing just a bit...OUCH!

Who knew, right? I mean, how many of us really considered how our THOUGHTS made such a difference? Let's jump a little ahead here and understand that our THOUGHTS lead to our DESTINY and that should really give us all a bit of a jolt.

Here's the thing to think about: You WILL have a destiny even if you do nothing!

That's right. Do nothing and you will have a destiny of nothing. Get by doing as little as possible and shirk as much responsibility as possible and you will have a destiny of little.

Pay attention to your thoughts for they WILL lead to your actions - good or bad, positive or negative. Take control and add as much positive input to your mindset as you possibly can.

I had someone ask me just yesterday about this idea of replacing so many negative thoughts with positive thoughts. "How do I do that?" was basically what was asked. The answer? READ AND LISTEN TO AS MUCH POSITIVE "STUFF" AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

Remember "remove and replace"?

Remove the negative and replace it with the positive.

Do you want to leave a powerful and positive destiny to be passed down for generations? It all begins with your thoughts that turn into words and then turn into actions which become your habits!

Destiny. I love this part of the definition I found for this word: "the power or agency that determines the course of events"

The "power or agency" that will actually determine your course of events begins with your thoughts which, in the long run, becomes your destiny.

It is not set. It is not something that you cannot control or even change. If you don't like the destiny that you are forming now - CHANGE THE PATH!

Yeah, think about it for a moment before asking how you do that. Change your thoughts, your words, your actions and  CHANGE YOUR HABITS.

It IS possible and it IS necessary if your habits are not ones that you wish to have.

"As long as there is breath there is hope." That points out that you can begin that process TODAY.

Get after it, friend and, as you do so be sure to...

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

Mike

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Watch Your WORDS!

Part 2: Watch Your WORDS!

 

 

Today we continue our discussion of the progression to our DESTINY - pretty powerful to consider, wouldn't you agree?

 

"How do I create a destiny? How do I leave behind a great destiny?"

 

Both of these questions are answered the same way. IT BEGINS WITH YOUR THOUGHTS!

 

Again, follow the progression that you find in the graphic above and you will clearly see the "path to your destiny" right before your very eyes! Easier said than done? ABSOLUTELY!

 

C'mon, what did you think? A DESTINY is not something that is done haphazardly or without thought and planned actions. No friend, too many people have thought that and tried that only to fail and leave a destiny of failure and despair.

 

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

 

Go back and read that last sentence again. It was pretty good if I do say so myself! You WILL leave "a" destiny - one way or the other. However, what kind of destiny you leave is totally up to you and your PLANNED or UNPLANNED approach.

 

For those who are just not "getting it", what you see in the graphic above is a PLAN - a road map - to a positive and powerful destiny! It's right there in front of you as I have already pointed out.

 

Your THOUGHTS become WORDS and your WORDS become ACTIONS.

 

Don't believe it? Just take a look around you and observe. Now, since you likely wouldn't believe it if someone told you that you spoke and active in a negative way, then take a look at others around you. See those that talk and act negatively? If you think and speak that way then, friend, you also ACT just like them!

 

Have you ever heard that phrase, "You are what you eat" ?

 

It's true here as well. You are what you consume mentally. You ARE what you allow into your mind and mindset - positive or negative. And, if you allow BOTH in then, guess which one will come out on top? Whichever you allow in most. That's right!

 

Last night while in a different room than where the television was, I heard a game show host "interviewing" one of the contestants at the start of the show. I listened with interest as this lady responded to questions about her work, her husband and her family with such positive words! She CHOSE carefully the words that she used as she talked about the company that she worked for being "the best (of this type) company in the whole world". She continued by referring to her husband as "the best husband that a woman could ask for" and her kids as "each of them are awesome and amazing young people". Now, these aren't exact quotes but they are very close to what she said.

 

Let me ask you a question. How do you think this lady performed at her workplace? How do you think she generally interacted with her husband and her children?

 

Without knowing anything about her (other than what I heard her speak) I would suggest that she was a GREAT and VALUED employee and one that had a very special relationship with her husband as well as her children.

 

Her THOUGHTS became her WORDS and her WORDS became her ACTIONS!

 

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7). And yes, this verse is the premise on which James Allen wrote his famous book, "As a Man Thinketh".

 

Want to change your behavior? Change your words.

 

Want to change your words? Change your thoughts.

 

The path to your great and powerful DESTINY awaits!

 

And, as you move along this great path, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 



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                                              Start your home based business HERE

 

Watch Your THOUGHTS



Step 1: WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS

 

Look at the graphic and notice the progression. This week I will be taking a look at EACH of these steps in this progression.

 

Why?

 

Because if we don't want this progression to take place in a negative way and we DO want it to take place in a POSITIVE way then we may want to look at each step closely.

 

Part 1: Watch your THOUGHTS, they become WORDS!

 

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "Wow, I wished I hadn't said that!"? Guess what? If you don't want to SAY it then don't THINK it!

 

As much as we want to claim differently, it is a fact that what is said is at first THOUGHT. Your brain simply cannot act on it's on when it comes to talking. You have to THINK it in order to SPEAK it. Sorry, you can't get off that easy by saying, "I spoke before I thought!". Uh, no.

 

This simply speaks to the importance of taking the time to think a little longer BEFORE you speak!

 

This is also another reason why it is so important to add to your "library of positive thoughts" of your mind.

 

No matter how hard you try, if you keep thinking it, "it" will come out of your mouth!

 

Like everything else, it is YOUR choice. It is a choice as far as to what you think and what you say.

 

If you are not sure that this is important, look again at the graphic above and realize that THIS IS THE START OF THE PATH TO YOUR DESTINY.

 

You can speak death (negative) or life (positive) into existence beginning with your thoughts that will turn into your words.

 

Death or life. Hmmmmm....which would you CHOOSE?

 

Kind of important, would you agree?

 

Be careful what you think. Your thoughts become your words. Choose carefully, friend.

 

And, as you do so, 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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

 



Think on THESE Things

 

It's FUN FRIDAY! What can YOU do today to bring smiles to those around you?

Before I start let me make sure you know you can follow the daily podcast on the same topics here:

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739

RSS feed: http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml

Have you ever heard the saying, "God moves in mysterious ways."? I'm sure most of us have and, honestly, many times when I've heard it used, it was used out of context and in a poor manner trying to explain some tragedy when, quite honestly, the person speaking should have just remained silent.

Here's the thing: I recorded the podcast for today over a week ago. With the job that I'm working right now I try to do at least one week's worth of podcast ahead of time so that I can make sure I don't get behind. Honestly, that's a little hard to do because I like to TRY to talk about things that are relevant and, many times, this happens due to global happenings or just things that I observe from day to day. And, honestly, after I had recorded this week's worth of podcasts I decided not to do the second weeks worth like I did last time because I wanted to wait and see if anything NEW popped up that got my attention. It did and now let me explain.

I recorded this podcast over a week ago. I'm writing this article on Thursday so that it is ready for publication on Friday. (Now maybe you can see how easy it is for me to get confused!). This article speaks more from scripture than I usually have in my podcasts/articles but I felt it was one worth using and exploring in the realm of having a positive mindset. Now, I'll talk more about this in Monday's podcast/article but since the beginning of my podcasts and articles back in March of 2009 I have purposely tried to stay away from using the Bible very much even though I have been a minister for years.

Why? I wanted to try to reach a "bigger audience" without coming across too "churchy" while still using spiritual principles. Again, I'll talk more about this on Monday but something powerful struck me last night while at a mid-week worship assembly. And it was right up the alley of the topic of today's subject matter that was prepared over a week ago.

Listen to the podcast which was recorded before this event on Wednesday night because I think there is a LOT of valuable information there but BE SURE TO PAY ATTENTION to what I'm saying here.

Friend, bottom line... you can't expect good stuff in your life and from your life as long as we continue to allow so much "garbage/junk" in it as was discussed in yesterday's information. So, not only is it important to GET RID OF THE JUNK in our lives and in our minds, but it is likely MORE IMPORTANT to pay close attention to what we use to REPLACE THE JUNK with GOOD, POSITIVE influences.

I encourage you to read the scripture that I refer to in today's podcast (Philippians 4:8) and really consider the things listed there that we are encouraged to meditate upon or think on. IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE and this point was driven home to me once again during last night's event.

And I honestly believe that there is no way around it. Whether you believe in God or the Bible or not -- you cannot discount the VALUE of what is discussed in this part of Holy Scripture. Check it out for yourself, put it in to practice on a daily basis and see what happens!

And, as you begin to experience the POSITIVE change that will take place in your life, whatever you do and AS YOU DO IT, be sure to...

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

Mike