Run THROUGH Roadblocks!

 Any time you desire to move forward and PUT ACTION behind that desire...you WILL face "roadblocks" along the way. 

#TRUTH

In this video/podcast I simply share some "obstacles/roadblocks" that I'm facing with some tech that I need to either learn or get someone to do for me. Twenty or thirty years ago I was willing to take the time - regardless of how long it took - to "dig in" and figure it out!

I'm past that stage now. I don't have the desire to spend that much time at this point and, honestly, as I've aged, it seems to be a little harder for a lot of this information to "stick with me". 

  *Click HERE for the video*

But listen, it doesn't matter WHAT it is that you desire to do in your life as a way to improve your life or simply achieve something in your life...ROADBLOCKS WILL APPEAR! 

You want to lose some weight and improve your overall health?  GREAT! Get ready for the roadblocks and setbacks!

You want to improve your relationship with your spouse or a friend? GREAT! Get ready for the roadblocks and setbacks!

*Click HERE for the podcast* 

Do you want to learn something new (even if it means taking some special courses) in order to bring in some extra income?  GREAT! Get ready for the roadblocks and setbacks!

Do you desire to become more intentional in developing and maintaining a positive mindset?  GREAT! Get ready for the roadblocks and setbacks!

No one - and I mean NO one - has ever achieved "success" in an area that desired success without encountering ROADBLOCKS and setbacks. And, friend, it won't be any different for you.

The answer?  Strengthen your resolve...your determination. 

The word, "resolve" is the root word for "resolution" which many of you likely have tied in with the words, "New Year". One of the definitions given for "resolution" is to "make a FIRM DECISION to either do or NOT do something".

So, first and foremost, you must make a DECISION and it must be "firm" in order to "run THROUGH the roadblocks" as the title says. 

Let me direct you to a set of videos I did on this topic of "How to Develop and Maintain a Positive Mindset" (Positive Mindset 101). You can access that series by going HERE. 

Another way to put it that may help you along the way (you may want to post this somewhere that you will see it everyday and several times a day): COMMIT and CONTINUE 

 Until next time...

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

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Positive Mindset (Part 3): MISS THIS and FAIL 100% of the Time!

 As always, if you haven't had the chance to read the previous article (contains Part 1 & 2), be sure to do so before you read today's article. Go ahead...I'll wait. Go on...really...I'll still be here. 

Now, before we move on with the need to seek out other "MIND Fields" in our life experience, we need to understand something that is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE! I'm 100% serious about this fact: If you miss this or ignore this, you WILL FAIL in your desire to improve your mindset. 

THAT - IS - A - FACT! 

 

 Do I have your attention? Yes, it IS that serious and important.

 

 

 

What is this "all-important" thing that must be done? I call it "R & R" (and, no, I'm not talking about Rest & Relaxation) which stands for REMOVE and REPLACE. 

 

You must REMOVE those things that bring a negative influence into your life and REPLACE them with things that bring a POSITIVE influence into your life.

Let's use an example of someone that has decided that they want to lose weight and develop healthier eating habits. What is one thing - besides CHANGING THEIR DIET - that they must do? 

Well, as part of the process of changing their diet is the process of REMOVING those things that would be tempting to their old way of eating. They must not only REMOVE those things (colas, sweets, chips, etc.) but they must also REPLACE them with healthier choices! (Be sure to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video on this - I get into much more detail than I will go into in this blog article).

 

In the same way, what we are talking about is another type of "diet". It's the diet (what you "consume") that you allow into your mind and thus, your mindset.

 

If you did your "homework" that was talked about in the last article/podcast/video, then you have identified SEVERAL things in your "home surroundings" that are definitely "hidden mines" in your "MIND Field" that can cause severe injury and/or death to your pursuit of developing a positive mindset.

 

Your next step is to now thing about things that you can do to REMOVE the negative mines with POSITIVE life-giving items. What can you do to REMOVE the negative influence on social media and REPLACE it with some sort of POSITIVE influence? 

 

For one, don't spend as much time there...that's a fact that you must understand. Why? Because, especially at the beginning, it is TOO TEMPTING to spend much time there. Like someone that is trying to lose that weight and still allowing that bag of cookies to be setting out on the counter for them to see on a constant basis. You need to REMOVE that temptation! There are a LOT of people/pages that you can follow on social media that will have a much more positive impact on your mindset and life.

 

YES, I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE! If you've not done so, you need to go to my FaceBook page by going to www.FutureYouUniversity.com and you need to plan to be there every day! I post something every day that is positive and helpful for ANYONE that is trying to improve their mindset in a positive way.  Make it a habit to listen to each and every podcast that I put out and see if it doesn't help with your mindset.

Go through your list of those "Mind Fields" and take the time to go through them and figure out a "healthier" alternative for your "mindset diet".  If you need some help, reach out and let me know...I'll be happy to give you some good suggestions.

 

Main question: How important is this for you? How serious are you about actually making this CHANGE for a better life and future? It's like the example of someone saying that they want to lose weight...if they still keep doing the same thing that they've done in the past, nothing will change and their health will NOT improve. 

 

Do you want to improve your "odds" for success with this process? ENGAGE with me by leaving a comment here, below the video and/or on my FB page that I shared earlier.  It helps to be connected to someone that will help you and encourage you along the way...I'm here for you!

Join me next time as we DO begin to discuss the "Mind Field" that comes in the area of our RELATIONSHIPS. 

And, until then, whatever you do...

 

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

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Every Area Every Day

Relationships (spouse/kids/family) - Spiritual - Physical - Financial

 

On December 15, 2020, I wrote out my plans for the next 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. Notice the date that I listed. The above graphic (from Dave Ramsey) came across my social media feed just a few days ago and, as I type this article it is January 6, 2021 - a time difference of about three weeks. 

Why do I bother mentioning that information? Because I always find it interesting the way things like this work. The heading line that you see below the "wheel" above are the areas that I listed on my paper on the 15th of December that I focused on in my plans over the next three years and the items in the "wheel" from Dave Ramsey listed items to focus on for the New Year just a couple of days ago. 

Coincidence? I don't think so.

For years as I have done my podcast, blog articles and videos and shared my thoughts and ideas I have always been amazed when I would read something from people like Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor or others that said basically the exact same thing. 

WOW!

But I've discovered that when you focus on powerful and positive things as others do (like those that I listed along with many more) you will find a similar mindset...a cohesiveness of thought, so to speak. 

For me, it is an acknowledgement that I am on "the right track" in my thinking about such things. 

So, as a continued discussion about my Project 141 and also as a way of introduction of how I am "expanding" Project 141, I want to encourage you to take into consideration HOW you can make improvements in the areas mentioned above every single day of your life. 

Yes, the items listed in Dave Ramsey's "wheel" expand on my thoughts a little more, but specifically, I will be sharing this approach for the following areas in your life, as well as mine: Relationships (spouse/kids/family) - Spiritual - Physical - Financial.

 

Why not start brainstorming these things ahead of time? Why not start NOW thinking about how YOU can implement something on a DAILY basis to improve these areas of your life TODAY...right now!?

Until next time, when I begin to discuss how we can use Project 141 in our relationships, be sure to...

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

Mike

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YouTube 

 

Results INSPIRE

Over the years, as I have checked into several different "home based business opportunities", I have always asked ONE question right from the start - "What are YOUR results?" Oh, listen, I know for a fact that anyone that is "recruiting" someone new to their business HATES that question and it's a question that THEY bring up to the person that recruited them: "What do I say if I don't have any results yet?"

Now, please understand that this is MY view on this and you sure don't have to agree with me. I know, for a fact, that those involved in "recruiting" don't agree with me on this and, again, that's o.k. I know that, when a "new recruit" is asked that question and they don't yet have any results, they are told to talk about someone else's results. I get it. I really do. But, for me, I want to know what results THAT person has had and - again, just my take on this - if they don't have any results to share then they shouldn't be trying to recruit anyone else. I hear you but, let me say again, that's MY view about it, o.k.?

RESULTS INSPIRE. But, in my opinion, they need to be PERSONAL results for it to really matter.

 I've shared my story with you on several occasions about losing 100 pounds over the course of thirteen months way back in 2003. Guess what? I didn't have to talk about someone else's results when mine were right there in front of them to see for themselves. On the other hand, if I had been trying to get people to buy into this weight loss plan and I, personally, had not had ANY results to share then, who would have thought it was a good program?

RESULTS INSPIRE.

Hey friend, it's the same way with the idea of PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. Your journey to develop a "better" version of yourself can, indeed, inspire others. If those that have consistent contact with you see a change in your attitude and mindset then, guess what? They would be more open to listening to you if you encourage them to try to develop a positive mindset in and for their own lives.

Yet, at the same time, you need to understand this fact: THEY ARE WATCHING YOU! And, if they hear you "promoting" personal development and a positive mindset and they have seen NO change in your attitude and mindset then, guess what? They will treat you like the hypocrite that you are. That doesn't mean that you will ALWAYS be "on" and never have a bad day or moment but it DOES mean that, overall, there has been a change in your life. 

What are YOUR results? Don't forget, RESULTS INSPIRE.

Hey, if you would, be sure to also listen to the podcast and watch the video that goes along with today's topic. The links can be found below.

And, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...


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

Mike

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C.S.P.I. - What Is THAT?

Simply put "Common Sense Positive Information" is what I have done my best to provide through Future You University for the past 11 years. 

Oh, I know that I haven't actually called it that over that time period but, when I recently thought about it I realized that it was a perfect "name" for what I have done and continue to do. 

Hey listen, I'm not one that is going to talk about psychological patterns or studies or whatever that will help you understand who you are and why you do what you do. That's just not me.

I'm not knocking those that do...it's just not me. 

I've always tried to communicate in a way that ANYONE can understand and apply whatever it was that I was discussing.

Years ago, when I was in ministry, I always tried to do the same thing. When I was still in youth ministry, I would have the opportunity to speak to the church about once a month. Just like now, I always did my best to present information in a way that I would like it to be presented to me. I wanted to do so in a way that ANYONE could understand and apply in and for their lives. 

The "preacher" at one of the churches I worked with was what you would call an "orator". In other words, he was good at crafting words and making a "speech" but, at the same time, he really rarely - if ever - actually connected with his audience. At this particular church, I would always have one of the leaders come to me after I would speak and tell me how much he enjoyed  my presentation because it was done in such a way that he could actually understand it! My thought was, "Well, why do you guys allow this other guy to "preach" every Sunday?"

I hope that you have enjoyed my approach to the material that I have shared with you over the past 11 years. Please take a moment and stop by my Facebook page and let me know (link below). I'd love to hear from you!

Be sure to join me next time and, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...


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

Mike

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

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So You're Saying There's A Chance?

Earlier this month I came across this sign in the office of a "weight loss center" and I knew I had to take a picture of that sign. I did post it on my FYU Facebook page (link below) either the same day or the day after but I did not make any comments about it at that time.

But, today, in this article, I want to spend a few minutes discussing what you see in the graphic above. I absolutely LOVE what it has to say to and for each of us.

It doesn't really make a lot of difference if you are talking about weight loss, career choices, relationships or making a shift in mindset, all of these things contain a CHOICE if there is a CHANGE that is desired to take place.

Now, to be honest, deciding that you want to lose some weight and get in better shape is not as risky as someone considering making a completely different change in their career path. But, at the same time, there is a CHOICE that has to be made before the CHANGE can take place, right?

Once you have made the CHOICE - or decision - to make a CHANGE in your life, in any area of your life, then you also have another choice - or decision - that must be made. What will you do with your CHOICE or your DESIRE to make the change?

If you truly desire (how strong is your "why"?) for the change to take place then, friend, you MUST take the CHANCE and take action. 

How important is this desired CHANGE for your life? How important is it for you to reach or obtain that CHANGE for your life? That (your "why") will determine, to a great extent, how determined you will be to reach that goal of CHANGE.

Many are afraid of taking that CHANCE in and for their lives due to their fear of failure. They, themselves are afraid of possible failure and they are often also afraid of what others will think or say if they do fail in this effort. 

Sure, you might temporarily fail or have a set back but, again, how determined are you to achieve this CHANGE in and for your life? Is that temporary failure and set back worth the CHANCE?

ANY change...ANY change first and foremost requires that you CHOOSE to finally do something about whatever it is that you are dissatisfied with in your life and then you MUST determine if you are willing to take the CHANCE required for that CHANGE to actually take place in and for your life.

 The CHOICE is yours and yours alone. And, as you consider the CHANGE that you wish for your life, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Failure to Adjust

 'Adjustment does not mean failure.

 Failing to adjust will, many times, bring about failure."

- Mike Spillman 

Sometimes - and I'm not even really sure HOW this happens - we can really get some "strange" ideas, can't we? Especially when it comes to the topic of "failing" or being a "failure".

Here, for example, is one of those "strange ideas" that I've heard others state when it comes to failing or being a failure: The idea that, if you have had to "redirect" your focus or your approach on reaching a particular goal then, you have failed and, thus, you are a failure.

REALLY?

To some extent, it's similar to the idea of someone being an "overnight" sensation in any field. Just because YOU or a large group of people have just now heard of this person does NOT mean that their success has been "overnight". Not by a long shot! The following graphic should help illustrate this point:

In much the same way that people mistakenly believe that someone IS an "overnight sensation" they also often are mistaken in their idea that a person sets out on a "journey" to reach their goal and - BAM! - without any struggles, roadblocks, adjustments or delays, they reach their goal triumphantly and successfully, right on target!

It simply DOES NOT happen that way! 

And, if you are thinking that it is how it will be or should be with and for you then, friend, you WILL be frustrated, disappointed and you likely WILL give up along the way.

Determination and persistence means that you WILL make the necessary adjustments so that you CAN continue toward your goals and/or dreams. ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT MEAN FAILURE!

However, as my quote points out, "FAILURE TO ADJUST will, many times, BRING ABOUT FAILURE." 

Keep that in mind as you continue to move forward and, by all means, make whatever adjustments you need to make that will allow you to continue to get closer to your goals and dreams.

Thanks for joining me today. Please be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video that goes along with today's topic. The links are found below.

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


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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #47: No Vision, No Success

As the above quote states, yes, this is a Biblical truth but it is also a very important FACT that we MUST apply to our individual and personal lives IF we plan to move ahead toward our goals and dreams. 

We have talked quite a bit about vision this week and about what you "envision" for your future life. You MUST have a "goal" or a "vision" that pushes and pulls you - at the same time - through any difficult situation with determination to reach that "goal" or to make that "vision" a reality. 

If you don't have such a plan (a goal or vision) for your life then, friend, you're just spinning your wheels and wasting your time.  Going back to my earlier article from this week, your "dreams" are just "fantasy dreams" that might as well be about jumping over a marshmallow rainbow while riding a unicorn!

NO VISION - NO SUCCESS!

I know that you have heard about putting together a "vision board" as a way to "visualize" what it is that you desire in and for your life. This is simply posting pictures of THAT house, car, location, cruise or whatever it is that you desire, on a "board" or wall or wherever, so that you can SEE this every single day. The idea is that, by seeing this every day, you will become to see this desire as a reality until it does, actually, become just that - a reality.

Here is something that you MUST understand about this: A "vision board" is nothing but a bunch of pictures unless you actually TAKE ACTION in order to begin the process of making these things become a reality in your life. It's simply a "day dream" or "wishful thinking" without action.

NO VISION - NO SUCCESS!

So, one more time - what's YOUR vision? 

SEE it...MOVE forward toward it...LIVE it and then BECOME it!

And as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #45: A Level Roller Coaster?

"A level roller coaster would not be much fun." - Mike Spillman (1.8.2019)

Why do you ride a roller coaster? Isn't it for the thrills? Isn't it for the speed, the ups and downs and, even on some, those "upside down" loops that you go through? YEAH!

And, at the same time, if I were to ask some why they DON'T ride a roller coaster, the answer would likely be very similar.

Either way, what makes a roller coaster a roller coaster is what makes it a "must do" for some and a "no way" for others. Point being, "a level roller coaster would not be much fun!"

Can you imagine being on a level roller coaster? No thanks!

But friend, it's the same with life. It's kind of like what I shared via my blog a few months ago when I asked, "If there were no frustrations, would I recognize elation when it arrived?"

Oh, I'm not saying that difficult times are fun but, at the same time, they help me realize that I AM ALIVE and I am a part of this roller coaster ride that we call "life"!

I like to compare it to that long, slow, hard, "up hill" part of a roller coaster ride right at the start. It's not an exciting part of the ride, right? Although, for me, I hate that part because I am afraid of heights. Anyway, this is a part of the process...getting you "high enough" to turn loose and "fly" down the track and to propel you for the rest of the ride. 

When things become difficult and it seems as if everything is "up hill", I try to think about the roller coaster and how I'm about to experience the THRILL of the ride, but only AFTER the up hill struggle. 

"A level roller coaster would not be much fun." In the same way, a life without "ups and downs" might seem attractive but, friend, it would not be a life to experienced by anyone.

Be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video by checking out the links below. And, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

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Mike's Quotes #43: Live the TRUTH of Your Dreams!

truth troo͞th 

n. Conformity to fact or actuality.

n. Reality; actuality.

 For the purpose of this article, I want to draw attention to the second definition given above: "reality; actuality"

Yet, in my quote, I talk about living the TRUTH of your DREAMS. Dreams? Dreams aren't real, right? And, if that is so, how can I  connect something that is "not real" to the very definition of the word "truth" when the words "reality" and "actuality" are used?

For me I believe that you must ask yourself what YOU mean by the word, "dreams".  

Are your dreams something that resides in the fantasy world? I mean, do your dreams involve you jumping over marshmallow rainbows while riding on the back of a unicorn? That would definitely fit into the category of "fantasy", would it not? 

But, at the same time, if your "dreams" consist of things that are so far out of your realm of possibility that you don't actually take any action to bring these dreams to "reality" and "actuality" then, friend, they also remain in the category of "fantasy". 

Make sense?

Yet, if your "dreams" are an expectation and vision of what is yet to become reality then, friend, we are talking about something completely different! Even if your dreams stretch you and even push your limits of "is it possible?", they can still be something that you can envision as REALITY in your future. 

If your desire to turn that vision into reality is strong enough, you will not only simply DREAM of those things but you will TAKE ACTION to bring those dreams into reality and/or actuality in and for your life!

In the same way, great men and women in history brought their DREAMS into REALITY and that reality became so for not only them, but for you and me as well. THINK ABOUT THAT FACT!

And now you discover how one can begin to "live the TRUTH" of their dreams. You see or envision your dreams and you decide that it is something that you MUST achieve in and for your life. Then - and this part is HUGE - you begin to walk in or "go confidently in the direction of your dreams". You begin to TAKE ACTION by taking those steps and, as a result, you begin to "live the TRUTH of your dreams".

Here's another kicker - when you begin to do this, you find that you begin to "walk" and conduct yourself as if the dream has already become a reality. You begin to walk IN your belief and your dream and this will actually bring that dream into reality even quicker than you ever imagined.  

Be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic - THIS IS KEY! You will hear some additional thoughts and you will hear me talk about this with passion. The links can be found below.

One other thing...if you believe this to be POWERFUL and BENEFICIAL, please take on the responsibility of SHARING this important message to anyone and everyone that you can. Help me help others begin to "live in the TRUTH of their dreams".

Be sure to join me for my next topic as we discuss what it is that you actually seek. Thanks in advance for all that you do to help spread this message and, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #41: Be Honest With Yourself

“Be HONEST with yourself! 
If you’re not going to be honest with yourself, you’re not going to be honest with anyone else.” - Mike Spillman (11/25/2019)

This article is being published on January 30, 2020...one day before the end of the first month of this new year. How are you doing with whatever goals that you set for yourself at the start of this month?

Even if we're not talking about "New Year's Resolutions", I'm sure you DID make some sort of goals and plans for your life for 2020, right? Again, the first month of this year is all but gone and the question remains: "How are you doing and how have you done so far?"

What kind of "self-talk" will you have with yourself about those two questions? What will you tell yourself? Will you be HONEST with yourself in the process? I can hear you now, "Mike! How DARE you suggest that I would not be honest with myself!"

I hope you ARE honest with yourself and that you WILL BE honest with yourself when considering the two questions I proposed a couple of paragraphs ago. Here's the thing: the easiest person in the world to be dishonest with is yourself!

That's right. It's actually very EASY to be DISHONEST with yourself and, at the same time, YOU are the HARDEST person to be honest with when it comes to that "heart to heart" talk with yourself.

However, if you truly plan to move forward in your life toward whatever goals and dreams you have for yourself, you first and foremost MUST be honest with yourself at all times. Stop making excuses and, as part of that process, lying to yourself.

Be honest with yourself. Be real. Stop hiding. Stop making excuses and be brutally honest.

That's the only way.

And it begins NOW.

The next article will tie into this one and I also encourage you to access the podcast and video that goes along with today's topic. All of the links can be found below.

Until next time, look yourself in the mirror and have that BRUTALLY HONEST conversation with yourself and, whatever you do, always be sure to...


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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #36: Do You STINK?

 "You can't keep hanging around stink and smell like roses!" - Mike Spillman (08.17.14)

It is amazing to me (not sure why it still is) that people think that they can continue to do the same things, hang around the same people and change absolutely NOTHING in their lives and expect things to change IN and FOR their lives. 

What's that definition of "insanity" that we've all heard before? "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." IT AIN'T GONNA' HAPPEN!

There was a time when people were allowed to smoke just about anywhere. That may seem very odd to some of you but I, like many others, lived in - and through - those times. During that time I remember working for one particular company that had a small break room and it was in that room that I would hang my jacket once I arrived at work.  This same break room was where people smoked while on their break - they didn't have to go outside to do so.

Although I didn't smoke, my jacket would smell HORRIBLE by the end of the day and I would have to put my windows down on the ride home to just keep from being overwhelmed by the smell. And, no, I actually did NOT eat my lunch in the break room...I sat out in my car because I could not stand the smell. Once I got home I had to hang my jacket outside to try to air it out and not bring that smell into the house with my wife and small children.

Even though I didn't actually smoke, my jacket WREAKED of cigarette smoke due to my jacket being where those that smoked congregated during their break. How silly would it have been if my wife asked me, after my first day on the job, "Why does your jacket smell so much like cigarette smoke? Have YOU been smoking?" and I replied, "No, I have not and I have NO IDEA why it smells that way!" REALLY?  "You can't keep hanging around stink and smell like roses!"

Years ago, when I was working in ministry, I would have people come to me and say that they wanted to change their lives and that they were not happy with how they were living nor the direction that their life seemed to be headed. One of the first things I would ask was, "WHAT do you plan to actually change in your life to make this happen?" I would also ask, "Do you plan to keep hanging around the same people and keep going to the same places that you do now?" And, again, it was amazing to me how many people did not plan to change ANYTHING in their life while, at the same time, stating that they wanted to change the direction of their lives. It just doesn't work that way!

Here are two main questions that you must ask yourself if you wish to rid your life of the "stink" that you say you want to get rid of in your life: WHAT do you allow into your life and WHO do you allow into your life?

WHAT do you allow into your life? What do you do with your "spare time"? Do you watch television? If so, WHAT do you watch and allow into your life and your mindset? What do you read? What do you listen to? What information are you soaking up on social media?

WHO do you allow into your life? Who do you spend your time with and what do you do while with them? What do they have to say? What kind of attitude do they have? What messages and influence are they continuously "pouring into" your life?

 Have you ever walked into someone's house and almost get "knocked over" by the smell of their pet(s)? I have and I thought, "How in the world do these people live with this smell?" Here's the answer - they have gotten used to the stink! Yes, people CAN get used to STINK no matter how strong that STINK is!

YOU may have gotten used to the STINK in your own life and don't even realize the influence that it has on your life and your mindset. Since that is true, you need to pay close attention to what those that actually care about you may have to say to you about your life and where it is headed. Remember, you can GET USED TO THE STINK and not even realize what you are allowing into your life while, at the same time, saying that you want to CHANGE the stink in your life!

Here's the good news - once you have removed yourself from the stink, you then become sensitive to even the slightest hint of that stink. That's right! The same "stink" that you were so used to being around that you didn't even notice it any longer can now become something that you notice IMMEDIATELY and even with just a "hint" THAT, my friend, should be your goal in this area. 

Develop your life in such a way that you literally become REPULSED at even getting a "whiff" of the stink that you allowed into your past life and be determined to rid your life of that stink forever!

Hey, be sure to also listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic. All three of these were put together at different times so there will be additional thoughts and comments found in each one. The links for all of this can be found below. 

Thanks for joining me for today's topic and, if you find it beneficial, please be sure to share it with someone that you know could benefit as well. 

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mikes Quotes #33: Do I Hear a Train?

 "I hear a train coming, I’m either on it or in front of it." 

(Potential client after losing her job and talking to me about working from home. Feb. 2014)

I have to tell you that, the first thing I think about when I read the above quote is that Johnny Cash song where  he sings, "I hear that train a' comin', a' comin' 'round the bend..." Secondly I think of the image that I posted above. It's a scene from the movie, "Stand By Me", where "the boys" get caught crossing a long - and high - train bridge when, low and behold, a train begins to approach their group. 

In that situation, would it better for those boys to be ON that train or remain in front of the train? Obvious answer, right? 

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation as the lady that I talked to back in 2014 when she said, "I hear a train coming, I'm either on it or in front of it!". Can you relate? She had lost her job and, as always happens, the bills kept coming and she was finding herself in a "quickly approaching" desperate situation. 

To be honest, I have no idea what she ever did about her situation. I do know that she did not "join up" with the work from home opportunity that she was discussing with me at the time. Regardless, she knew that she had to do something so that she was no longer IN FRONT OF that "train".

Hey, even if you're life is all good and there are no issues or problems for you right now, maybe you know someone else that could benefit from this message. Thing is, YOU may need it at some point in the future as well so be sure to subscribe to this blog so that you can benefit to the messages that I share here AND be sure and share it with others.

As I stated earlier, obviously it is better to be ON the train rather than IN FRONT OF the train but, friend, that decision is yours. It's obvious and even a bit silly to make such a statement BUT, at the same time, there are many that KNOW they need to get ON that train but they still are running around in front of that train. 

I can't give you the answers that you may need to make that decision but, hopefully, the things that I share with you through this blog as well as my podcasts and videos can help guide you to developing the needed mindset to make that decision to GET ON THAT TRAIN.

And, once you get on that train, be sure to help others get on that train along the way. Deal?

Be sure to join me for my next quote that I will be sharing and, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

The Consequences of Debt: LIMITS

This week, as the content of this series on "The Consequences of Debt", we have looked at STRESS, DIVORCE and HOPELESSNESS. Today, we will look at the "LIMITS" that we have put on our own lives when we allow ourselves to be burdened by debt.

Sometimes, if we have been living under the burden of debt over the course of several years, we may not even realize how limited our life has become! It's really a sad commentary to realize that we have actually become "numb" to the negative limitations that debt has put on our lives.

Here is a short list that I put together the other day when preparing for this episode. I'm sure you can come up with more ways that people can be limited by debt and I've love to hear some of your ideas on my Facebook page (link below).

    1. Buying a house or a car

    2. Christmas/birthday gifts
    3. Celebration events (anniversary, etc.)
    4. Vacations
    5. School Programs for your kids
    6. Better Living Situation (even rent!)
    7. Donating to Good Causes (Your Church / Other organizations)
    8. Helping OTHERS in need

Going back to some things I've discussed in previous articles in this series, too often there are those that have come to accept debt as a way of life...as something that cannot be prevented or resolved. HOW SAD!

Think about it - when we become so accustomed to the pain of being crushed under the burden of debt we go through life as if we are only "half alive". 

I've been in a situation before where we had to rely on other people to provide Christmas for our kids. I vowed at that time to NEVER allow that situation to ever be a part of my life again. It is painful to not be able to provide your kids Christmas gifts as well as birthday gifts or to not be able to allow them to participate in some programs at school because you don't have the money that is needed for the program. THAT HURTS! It's also very painful to not be able to do the same for your wife due to the same reason. Vacations become almost non-existent due to the lack of funds.

Maybe you have a heart to help others but you are LIMITED in what you are able to do because of the lack of funds. The lack of funds is often due to the money that is paid out monthly to pay your DEBT bills. 

Aren't you tired of living that way yet?

“Oh, I'm O.K...Yes, I have debt that I will be paying on for years into the future but, hey, I make enough $$ to cover the bills so, WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?"

Really? Are you a FORTUNE TELLER or a PSYCHIC? Do you KNOW what your future holds? Do you KNOW that your job will be in place for you over the next five, ten or twenty years, if not more? Do you KNOW that there will not be any sort of medical situation in you or your family's life that will bring about some large medical bills? 

WHY PAY MORE MONEY than necessary in interest and continued payments? WHY in the world would ANYONE want to spend money that they do not need to spend? Why spend money on interest that you don't have to pay? Why continue to pay monthly payments that you don't need to pay? Oh, I'm not saying that you shouldn't pay back the debt that you owe BUT, why make monthly payments longer than necessary?

Why not get your DEBT paid off as quickly as possible, save tons of money in interest and reduce the amount of time that you are making monthly payments? THEN, why not invest that same money into something that will EARN interest (instead of you PAYING interest) and begin to create wealth for you and your family?

Yes, this IS possible! You CAN begin to actually LIVE LIFE instead of living a LIMITED LIFE but it does take planning and it definitely takes ACTION.

We'll discuss that in the next article, the conclusion of this series, entitled, "GET OUT NOW! (Make a Plan - Get Out of Debt)". Be sure to check out the link below that is labeled, "Live Debt Free" for my suggested solution. In the next article we will discuss other ways that may help you begin this journey OUT OF DEBT. 

Be sure to join me then and, until next time, whatever you do, 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 Consequences of Debt: STRESS

In my last series ("Working From Home Series") I concluded with a lesson on "My Suggested Solution". In that lesson I shared the following numbers as it concerns debt in America:

In an article written by Bill Fay entitled, "The Emotional Effects of Debt" he states the following: "...72% of Americans said they felt stressed about money, according to an American Psychological Association study. And 22% said they felt “extreme” stress over their finances."

In another article, written by Jennifer Soong and entitled, "The Debt-Stress Connection", she states, "An AP-AOL study reveals that debt-related stress is 14% higher in 2008 than in 2004. Those who report high levels of debt stress suffer from a range of stress-related illnesses including ulcers, migraines, back pain, anxiety, depression and heart attacks."  

I read other articles that talked about other physical problems from which those under stress might suffer. Things like lack of sleep, loss of appetite and even hair loss. From my own experience and what I have seen with others, they may also include acne breakout on a persons body and even panic attacks. 

When you consider these things then you can also see why stress due to financial problems (debt) is one of the top reasons for a couple to get a divorce. Think about the impact on each of the two in the marriage as well as any children that may be a part of the marriage. All of this due to the stress with DEBT. 

The thing is, it's NOT NECESSARY! Too many people - maybe you? - have settled for the lie that debt is just a part of life and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it or to resolve the problem. BOTH OF THESE ASSUMPTIONS ARE FALSE. 

For the rest of this series we will be taking a look at other "consequences of debt" as follows: DIVORCE,  HOPELESSNESS, SUICIDE and LIMITS.  Think about how stress has a role in each one of these produced issues that come from the burden of debt. 

Debt is NOT just a "numbers" problem. It is a problem with our mindset and attitude. Debt often occurs when we decide to BUY THINGS THAT WE DO NOT NEED so that we can IMPRESS OTHERS THAT WE DON'T EVEN KNOW with MONEY THAT WE DO NOT HAVE.

Folks, that's a problem and the consequences are real but, again, they are unnecessary. Click on the link below ("Live Debt Free") for a REAL solution to help you remove ALL debt from your life in a fraction of the time than you can following "traditional" pay-off plans. 

In closing, think for a moment about the change in YOUR life as well as the life of your family and those close to you once you remove debt - and the consequences - from your life. Yes, you can!

Join me in the next part of this series as we continue to discuss "The Consequences of Debt".

"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!

Work From Home Series #1: Is It Possible?

It's the start of another calendar year - 2020 - and many people have geared themselves up to achieve something new and/or better in and for their lives. Among the top 2 categories for these "New Year's Resolutions" are health and wealth.

A lot of people will start this new year off with a stated desire to get in better shape. I do want you to notice, though, that a "stated" desire is actually a lot different than an "intentional" desire. And, the same is true as applied to the other category - wealth. Many people have a stated desire to improve their financial situation.

Due to this fact, as I mentioned on the podcast and/or the video that goes along with today's topic (see links below), both of these "desires" will lead many to take a look at "work from home opportunities". 

If you have looked at these very often then you know that there is a WIDE array of things that are offered in this area. And, if you have actually tried some of these then you also know that it is quite difficult to find something that actually works or that you feel is actually legitimate.  

I strongly encourage you to be sure to watch the video presentation for this series (YouTube link below). As always, there is also a podcast that has been recorded for each lesson in this series but I believe the video will be of a great benefit to and for you. 

So, again, the question that we will discuss today is, "IS IT POSSIBLE?"

The good news is that, YES, it IS possible but understand that "possible" does not mean "easy".

 

It is possible but you must CHOOSE WISELY and, friend, that will take some effort on your part. I believe that your reading, listening and/or watching this series is a part of that effort and I'm glad that I can be of assistance in this area.

I compare this effort to someone that desires to find a good relationship or marriage even after they have experienced several failed attempts in this area in the past. The same question will be asked about finding such a relationship: "Is it possible for me?" SURE IT IS! Hopefully a person has learned from their past mistakes and failed relationships and, HOPEFULLY, this has caused them to be more careful and more aware of what TO DO as well as what NOT TO DO (or look for) in their next relationship.

So it is with finding a legitimate work from home opportunity which you can feel good about being involved as well as representing.

You can see the schedule of upcoming "lessons" for this series and I hope you will be a part of all of these - they are ALL important for you to consider. Let me also mention that, although I am in no way any kind of "expert" in this area, everything I will share with you comes from my own experience in this area over the past 17 years.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, please do not leave them here but, instead, go to my Facebook page (see link below) and leave them there and, if I get them in time, I will try to answer them on some of the videos. If I don't have time to answer them as I record and, if there are enough questions, I may do another video simply for the purpose of answering questions. If there are not enough to do that and I do have some questions, I will likely just answer them on the Facebook page.

Be sure to share this information with anyone that you know that may also be looking at starting a new venture with a "work from home opportunity". Thank you, in advance, for doing so. 

Be sure to join me for our next lesson as we take a look at my first 3 "Warning Signs" that I will cover in this series. 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   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!