Your Attitude MATTERS!

 This article comes from thoughts I shared on my most recent podcast (access it HERE) on the #TRUTH that, "Your Attitude MATTERS!"

Listen, it doesn't matter WHO you are or WHAT you are doing (job, school, parenting, etc.) the fact remains that the ATTITUDE that YOU CHOOSE (that's right, it's a choice!) will have a HUGE impact on you day, week, month and year. And, if you keep adding that time up it will turn out to be YEARS and you will wonder why your life did not turn out the way you had wished. 

This past week I came across a post on my social media that brought about my decision to do a podcast/blog article on this topic. Without revealing more than the content, here's a picture of the post with some notes that I've made that I'll discuss with you here.

First of all, let me say that, whoever came up with this was someone that had a horrible, negative attitude about work and - my guess would be - pretty much every area of their life. That's just my opinion but it is an opinion based on what I've observed and learned over the years.

 

Now then, on to the information in this graphic. Right off the start - at the top - marked as #1 in my comment box we find someone that feels the need to share what THEY HAVE LEARNED about employment. Key point here: Be CAREFUL who you listen to and take "advice" from. Listen, there is actually SOME good advice found in this graphic such as found in numbers 8 and 12.  Your family IS more important than any job BUT you still have to understand the BALANCE that must come with both. (I could do a whole article just on this point and maybe I will in the future). And, for sure, as is mentioned in #12, it is important to keep your personal life private. But, here's the kicker...this also applies to social media and, my guess is, since this was posted on social media that the author of these thoughts does not apply this advice consistently. 

Notice my notes in my second comment about #4 in the posted list... "Do the bare minimum, or you'll get rewarded  MORE work." Again, this "advice" alone should cause everyone to run in the opposite direction! Oh, I know that this is a common opinion held by many but IT IS POISON to your mind and to ANY POSSIBILITY of you actually improving your situation/position at your work. That's a guarantee!

Again, the attitude exhibited by this point alone, should be enough to see that this person's mind has been poisoned by a negative mindset. However, many times, those who ALSO have their minds "poisoned" by negative attitudes will see this as something that makes sense. And it does...to them. Why? Because this is all they see, hear, taste, touch, smell and consume. 

Side note on #9: "Some of your coworkers secretly hate you." Really? Is this a surprise? It shouldn't be because it's called LIFE! Moving on...

Now in my "3rd comment box"...  The attitude expressed in #4 on the list will GUARANTEE that there will NEVER be any substantial pay increase (#10) AND that there will NEVER be promotions in compensation (#11). 

Here's the thing that so many people (like the one that posted this list) don't seem to understand: Your negative attitude and negative approach to your work will KEEP YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE. That is how it works, friend!

This type of negative attitude will keep you on the "hamster wheel" of frustration and disappointment while you continue to blame anybody and everybody else for your lack of forward progress in your position. Go take a good long look in the mirror at where the problem actually lies...YOU! 

But, here's the GOOD NEWS about all of this: It doesn't have to STAY that way. That's right! YOU have the ability to start making CHANGES in your own attitude and life. It won't be easy because you have likely grown so accustomed to this negative attitude and lifestyle that you may feel that it is even impossible. Always remember this quote that I came up with back in 2009, "As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

If you REALLY wish to rid your life of this negative attitude then I have some good news for you! I actually did a series of articles addressing that very thing. It's called "Positive Mindset 101" and it is designed to help you learn how to DEVELOP and MAINTAIN a positive mindset. If you've not done so before, you can begin with the first article in the series by going HERE. 

One last thing to leave you with. I'VE BEEN THERE! Yep! There have been times in my past where I allowed myself to be influenced by others around me that had a stinking attitude (negative attitude) about work and I became miserable! Yes, I turned it around but I just want to make sure you understand that I, too, have struggled with the influence of negative attitudes.

IT'S A CHOICE and it is YOUR choice. My advice: Choose wisely!

Until next time...

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

Mike

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Are YOU in CONTROL Without a "Plan B"?

At the end of my last article I asked the question (or similar): "What CONTROL do you have over your current situation/job?"

Sure, consider the obvious things such as being told when you can or cannot go to the restroom or take your lunch break. Depending on the schedule, do you even GET a lunch break? Wow, how about trying to schedule your vacation only to be told that you can't because of some "reason" that those "in charge" decide that they want to do first?

Are you able to participate in your child's school activities? Even if it's just trying to get off a little early to do so? How many days can you take off to take care of a child that is sick and has to stay home from school? 

But let's go a little deeper on this thought...

What control do you have over actually KEEPING your job?

Yes, I understand that there is a LOT that you can do to make sure that you not only keep your job but get promoted with your job. A lot of people want to do the minimum and expect the maximum in benefits by doing so. It just doesn't work that way.

I'm referring more to situations like what I discussed in the last article and podcast about my own personal recent situation. 

The bottom line - the TRUTH - is that you DON'T have control when it comes to the actions of those above you that could greatly impact your ability to keep your job. You DON'T have control over whether or not your company decides to shut down and move the company to a foreign country. You DON'T (and DIDN'T) have control over the government forcing your company to completely shut down which put you and everyone else out of work. For how long? Again, out of your control. 

So, yes...you DO have some control over your own actions and abilities. Your habits and your work ethic. But, beyond that...how much control do you actually have?

The only real way to GET 

(and maintain) control is 

to TAKE control!

This may surprise you but, in this article, I have no solutions for you on this problem. I have no suggestions for you. 

Why? I honestly have yet to find something that has worked for me. Now, I know others that have done GREAT things with a "Plan B" and, yes, have also developed a "Plan C, D, E, F", etc.  I'm working on some things right now and...if they work out for me, I'll let you know. 

Here's the thing: There is PLENTY of information out there about "side gigs" and putting together a "Plan B". Again, COVID really brought the need for such to the fore-front. 

BOTTOM LINE: Don't wait to begin your search when you are under pressure to MAKE something happen! That generally will cause you to make poor decisions and it will also remove your ability to be patient with the process.

I do have something planned that might be of assistance to you in this area. I am currently working on a series entitled, "People of Passion" in which I will be interviewing a few people that I have connected with either personally or via online sources that have exhibited a sense of happiness and passion in their lives. Some of these are also involved in some "Plan B/Side Gig" opportunities and some are not. Be watching for that!

I'll leave you with this: "If you are not in control of (fill in the blank), chances are, someone else is."

Until then 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

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How To Get "Good Luck"

I guess I've heard it for most of my life. People that look at others that are more successful than they and the less-successful person states that the other has acquired their success by luck.

Many times, the less-successful use this as a way to try to make themselves feel better ABOUT themselves for their lack of success. So, it is easier to try to "tear down" someone else's success than it is for them to actually do the work necessary to achieve similar success.

Thomas Edison said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

Some time ago I did an episode on the idea that OPPORTUNITY does not always knock and that, at times, you must go out and find it. At times it will definitely involve WORK along the way.

Here's a quick bit of advice on this thought: Seek success in the area of something that you enjoy  - something that "cries out" YOU and that "work" will not seem like work at all.

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 #40: Bootstraps or Flip Flops?

 
"It's hard to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps if you're wearing flip flops."

 - Mike Spillman

How does one "pull themselves up by their own bootstraps"? The phrase comes from the act of someone using the "strap" that is located on the top of boots to help pull the boots on. Many times, when a person does this, they end up standing up as they complete the process thus, "pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps". 

Of course we know that this is not what really happened. The pulling on the bootstraps is not what made the person stand up. This is part of the original idea when considering that this would be a near impossible task. The phrase then indicates that when one works and fights through tough circumstances and still is able to "stand up", they have accomplished something that is nearly impossible. 

For me, it also indicates that there is work to be done and that it's time to get ready to "get after it". You don't put on flip flops to do some serious work!

So, short and to the point: Don't put on flip flops when you should be wearing boots!

Yes, there is a time and a place for flip flops and you should enjoy those times when they become available but, at the same time, if/when there is work that needs to be done, it's time to put on your boots.

Oh, and by the way, there are no "boot straps" on flip flops. 

What's on YOUR feet?

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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What Gets YOU Pumped? (Come Alive and GO DO IT!)

So, friend, what gets YOU "pumped"? What makes YOU "come alive"? Again, if you're not sure, take a few minutes - maybe even a few hours - and write it out. Brainstorm any and all ideas that really tend to get you "excited" and see what you come up with - WITHOUT the doubt and questioning on whether or not you can actually do that thing.

Here's a key question to ask that you likely have heard before: If money were no object, what is it that you would want to be doing? 

You see, we - the world - need to have more people doing just that and not just "going through life" out of habit. We need a world full of people that have COME ALIVE to their passion and their purpose and that are using their passion and purpose to impact the lives of those around them in a POWERFUL and POSITIVE way.

Whatever it is may not turn into some global activity BUT, at the same time, understand the fact that IF YOU BEGIN TO LIVE YOUR LIFE IN THIS WAY, you WILL have an impact on the people around you and it WILL spread and touch the lives of others.

BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE! Don't wait until it looks as if you will have a huge following or a huge program that you are ready to launch. START TODAY and BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE! 

Begin with YOUR mindset and YOUR attitude. Begin with how YOU will do all that you can to maintain a positive mindset and, in turn, a positive influence on those around you. Perhaps beginning with your family or room mate and then on to to your co-workers.

KNOW THIS: You WILL come into contact with resistance and rejection. Yes, even when you are simply trying to be POSITIVE, there will be those that will do all that they can to stop you in your tracks. That's just the way it is, friend. But, do NOT let that stop you from your mission - your passion and your purpose - to have a POSITIVE impact on YOUR world, beginning where you are TODAY, right now.

So, yeah, what gets you pumped? GO DO IT!  Be sure to listen to the podcast and also to watch the video on this same topic (links found below) and also join me tomorrow as we discuss the importance to "You Be You - Everyone Else is Taken".

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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Be Humble!

(from the song, "It's Hard to Be Humble" by Mac Davis)

 Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better lookin' each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble
But I'm doin' the best that I can!

You may not be old enough to remember that song, but I have enjoyed singing that chorus from time to time over the years - just out of fun. 

But, let me ask you this: How many of you know someone that really IS that way? Yeah, I thought so - we ALL likely know someone like that. And my guess is that NONE OF YOU like to hang around a person like that, right?

It can be said (and has been said) of some people, "If you want to know how good they are at something, just ask them - they'll tell you...and tell you...and tell you."

I was in the car one day with a relative and, for the hour that we were in the car, all that person talked about was themselves and how they were good at this and that and the other thing. The thing is, knowing them like I did, I knew that it mostly was NOT true. 

So, what if you really ARE "that good"? Then let your work or your results do the talking for you. Simple as that! Going back to the last article, when you WORK HARD you won't have to tell others how good you are or what a success that you are. Oh sure, there will be some that won't see it and others that will even refuse to see it or acknowledge it, but friend, the results will speak for themselves. 

Bottom line, no one likes to be around someone that talks about themselves like that and they also don't like to listen to someone talk about themselves. 

So, work hard, be your best, do your best and stay humble. 

You'll be glad you did. And so will everyone around you! ;)

Thanks for joining me today - 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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What Goes Up...

 

We've all heard the saying, "What Goes Up, Must Come Down", right? I even have some "Blood, Sweat and Tears" featured on the podcast, singing the song, "Spinning Wheel", which starts off with this phrase.

 

The idea behind the phrase is, basically, your actions are like a boomerang...what you "throw" out there WILL come back!

 

Are you o.k. with that?

 

Yes, this is a continuation of what we discussed in the last article and podcast. Yet, I feel the need to continue this discussion because I see the lack of understanding of this concept literally, every single day.

 

My supervisor is completely stressed out every time I see her. As a matter of fact, before I was officially hired at this company, she told me that it was a stressful job...VERY stressful. Yet, what I have found to be true is this: SHE is stressed...VERY stressed and MY part of the job is not really stressful at all.

 

Sure, my job is completely different than hers but, this makes a very important point in how all of this works. Because she "speaks" stress in her work environment, she assumes it's that way for those that do what I do as well. She SPEAKS stress, she SEES stress, she FEELS stress and, in my opinion, stress will END her position with this company within a few more months, if that long.

 

Here's another thing that I have noticed about this situation: my supervisor CREATES stress in this work environment and it's not producing positive results for her. I have observed that my co-workers do not respect her nor do they respond well to her. I'm not trying to over-simplify this but, one main reason this happens is because "what goes up, must come down" or, in other words, she is getting back what she is putting out.

 

What about you?

 

Take a moment and write down some descriptions of your life. Break it down to descriptions of your typical day if you prefer. Use "descriptive" words (adjectives) on this list and see what you come up with as you do so. Don't think too much about it...just "brainstorm" and write down what honestly comes to mind.

 

How do you feel about what you discovered with this list?

 

This can become a vicious cycle in which YOUR stress can cause stress to others around you which, in turn, can cause YOU stress and on and on it can go.

 

You may not agree with me and that's o.k. But, can I get you to at least consider what I'm saying to be true? Try this - and I mean REALLY give it your best shot - and see what begins to happen. CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS which, in turn will CHANGE YOUR WORDS and your ACTIONS.

 

Yeah, again, I acknowledge that this is easier said than done but, listen, stop trying to fit everything into our "microwave-mentality" culture. THIS MAY TAKE SOME TIME but, if you really put the effort into this, I believe that you will see positive results pretty quickly.

 

CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS: Make an even stronger effort to immerse yourself with positive information. Stop watching the news and start listening to positive recordings as well as begin reading more positive articles. Hey, just turn the television OFF and see what happens. Consciously "chase out" any negative thoughts that begin to try to find a home in your mind. DO NOT allow it to do that...chase it off!

 

CHANGE YOUR WORDS: Changing your thoughts will begin to change your speech! You will begin to THINK more before spewing out some negative poison and your words will follow your thoughts and become more positive. And, by changing your thoughts and words, you will also begin to...

 

CHANGE YOUR ACTIONS:  You haven't forgotten the message from the last article already, have you? "Your feet will follow your mouth!" Once you begin to think differently (more positive) and you begin to talk differently (more positive and encouraging) then, it will not be long before your ACTIONS themselves begin to change. What you "put out" will become more positive and productive and, YES, you will begin to see this having a positive impact on those around you. If you are in any kind of management or supervisory position you will actually see more positive actions and, believe it or not, more positive production from your team.

 

Hey, you can choose to give this a try and see what happens or you can keep getting what you are getting from what you are doing. What's that definition of "insanity" again? "Doing the same things over and  over again and expecting different results."

 

So, as always, it's up to YOU.

 

Choose wisely, friend. Your "life" really does depend on it.

 

Until next time...

 

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

 

Mike 

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Got Passion?

 



If you're like me, when you read this quote from Dave Ramsey (he is an AWESOME guy!) you want to agree with it but, at the same time, you can't figure out how to make an income from your "passion". Anyone else out there with me?

 

It's absolutely true! As it's been said before, "Find something that you LOVE to do and get paid for it and you'll never 'work' a day of your life!"

 

I can hear someone say, "I love ice cream but I don't think I can make a living due to my love of ice cream!"  Well, that may be stretching it a bit BUT, at the same time, I think it CAN be used on your path to success!

 

Huh?

 

Stay with me here...

 

What I'd like to suggest is that you bring your "passion" to your work REGARDLESS of what you do for work and whether or not you love what you do or not.

 

Perhaps your passion is making people smile and feel better about their day - take that passion to work with you and watch what happens. Make it a habit of using that passion at your place of work and see what changes take place in your life and the life of those that are around you while at work.

 

Perhaps your passion is working with children in your town or city. Maybe you can bring that passion to your workplace, get your co-workers on board because you ARE so passionate about it and get them involved - along with your boss - in getting your company to help raise money in some fun and involved way!

Do you think that, MAYBE, those in management might notice your ability to sell an idea and get others involved?

 

Now, about that ice cream... What if you took that passion to work by picking out one person per week to reward with some ice cream? Come up with some fun "award" or "achievement" and go with it. I wonder what will happen to your workplace environment by sharing your passion for ice cream?

 

I'm telling you, friend....BRING YOUR PASSION TO WORK (and take it with you everywhere you go) and see if it will, indeed, become a part of your "path to success".

 

As an added note, I found it very interesting that, after I recorded the podcast version of this topic earlier today (DO go listen to the podcast via one of the two links below) I ran across an article about a 12 year old "kidpreneur" (he started when he was 9 years old) that has a passion of his own about bow ties. That's right, bow ties!

Here's a quote from the article that you can read here: "...His advice for other young entrepreneurs? 'Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.' "

 

Love and live your passion. Make it a part of your everyday life and incorporate it into everything that you do both at work and away from work and I believe that your path to success WILL become clear!

 

And, as you do that, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

His advice for other young entrepreneurs? “Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.” - See more at: http://www.success.com/article/mos-bringing-back-bows#sthash.ElD8wubw.vtA0bSzJ.dpuf

His advice for other young entrepreneurs? “Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.” - See more at: http://www.success.com/article/mos-bringing-back-bows#sthash.ElD8wubw.vtA0bSzJ.dpuf

His advice for other young entrepreneurs? “Figure out what you like doing and then figure out how to make money doing it.” - See more at: http://www.success.com/article/mos-bringing-back-bows#sthash.ElD8wubw.vtA0bSzJ.dpuf

 

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Whatever it Takes - Just Get There!

How important is "it" to you?

 

What is "it" ?  I don't know, I cannot answer that for you but I can say this: "IT" is whatever drives you, pushes you, pulls you and keeps you going every day. "IT" is whatever area of your life in which you are seeking improvement.

 

So, YOU determine what "it" is for you and, again, ask yourself, "How important is it to you?"

 

We've already established the fact that it is usually DIFFICULT before it gets EASY and that most people QUIT because it is too difficult.

 

Is that true for you?

 

We've also established the fact many times over the past few years that there WILL be "roadblocks" and "detours" along the way of your pursuit of "it". And, again, most people QUIT because there are these "roadblocks" and "detours".

 

Is that true for you?

 

If "it" is important enough to you then you will do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get there! And, friend, the only way to do that is to "keep moving forward" as it says in the quote above!

 

Don't compare yourself to others - some can fly but maybe YOU need to run....others may be able to run but maybe YOU need to walk....others may be able to walk and maybe YOU need to crawl in order to get there.

 

But, the main thing is this: YOU MUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

 

Whatever it takes.

 

This should also help reinforce the importance of "fueling up" with as much positive information as you can each and every day. We ALL need a little "help" along the way and this is one sure way to get that much needed help.

 

Don't give up, don't you EVER give up! And, as you keep doing whatever it takes to get "there", be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

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Challenge Brings Growth

Wouldn't it be great if that big, red "easy" button actually existed?

 

Wouldn't it be great if everything always turned out the way that we wanted them to turn out?

 

Wouldn't it be great if we found "that perfect job" for our lives the very first time and that it was easy to move up in that business without any stress or hard work?

 

Wouldn't it be great if.....by now you're likely saying something like, "Uh, yeah Mike, that WOULD be great but we all know that's not going to happen the way that you are describing!"

 

BINGO. But let me continue...

 

Wouldn't it be great if getting into shape and staying in shape was easy and required no hard work or discipline at all? Watch the advertising and you'll see more and more that a lot of companies are trying to pretty much promise that very thing in their advertisements. But, bottom line is that it just won't work!

 

GROWTH IS NOT EASY!

 

You can put that into any category of growth that you'd like and it still comes out the same - IT'S NOT EASY!

 

"Easy" is staying where you are and accomplishing nothing.

 

Easy is allowing others to do everything for you and literally take care of you in every area of your life even to the point of physically clothing you, bathing you, grooming you, etc.

 

Come on...you KNOW that's not what you desire for your life!

 

"Oh Mike, you're getting a bit extreme with your examples."

 

NOT AT ALL!

 

GROWTH IS NOT EASY! It requires learning new things, doing new things, stretching and challenging yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually.

 

But do not ever forget this point: GROWTH BRINGS LIFE!

 

Simple illustration: Ask your mother (if she's still alive - if not, ask any woman that has experienced this) if going through pregnancy and the delivery of YOU was easy? Though not easy, GROWTH BRINGS LIFE!

 

So, friend, take that "easy" button and throw it in the trash! Because in this situation "easy" = LAZY and DEAD!

 

Stay focused, stay strong and KEEP ON GROWING!

 

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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Major Setback?

I've never played the game of "Chess" and, honestly, I've never had a desire to do so. I have, however, played "checkers" many times (yes, I do know that they are not anywhere near the same) and have never gotten very good at that game.

 

I do know this about checkers: those that win and win often know how to think several moves ahead and, from what I understand about the game of chess, the same is true there as well.

 

I also know this about checkers: What you do NEXT is vitally important!

 

Friend, this is true in so many areas of our life whether it be games, relationships, education or work related. But it is especially true IF you've experienced a MAJOR setback.

 

My goodness, as I typed that last sentence it occurred to me that ANY major setback in ANY area of life sets up the importance of your next move.

 

Wise choices in the midst of adversity. That's much easier said than done.

 

Even though it is true that planning ahead for such situations and plotting out what your next move might be IF such a thing were to happen is a wise thing to do,  it still does not mean that you will actually follow through with your preplanned thoughts, and here's why: No matter how much you plan, you simply can NOT plan it out as if it were actually happening.

 

What does that mean?

 

You cannot make plans like this and include the EMOTIONS that will go along with that event if and when it happens.

 

Many times the best laid plans get sidetracked by our emotions. You see, when we make plans we are thinking RATIONALLY but when we include emotions and if those emotions take "center stage" then we begin to think IRRATIONALLY.

 

So, in ANY area, what you do next is of utmost importance.

 

Mistakes happen BUT that does not mean that your next move need be another mistake!

 

Final bit of advice: In ANY area of major setback, we must allow ourselves the chance to step back for a moment, catch our breath and think. Friend, that may not happen within the next hour or even day.

 

This is when it comes in handy for you to have planned out ahead of time. Because NOW when you are thinking irrationally due to your overwhelming emotions, you can sit down and read things through that were planned when you had a clearer head. What you wrote down before may not seem possible to you while you are still high on emotion but give it a little time and allow the "pre-planned rational mind" to have time to take root.

 

Then boldly move on knowing that you are not acting in haste or by emotion.

 

It's a big step. It's a necessary step and it's a step that you CAN make boldly if you've taken the time to plan.

 

Do it 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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Love Your Job!?



So, I'm guessing that, like me, you have often heard that to be able to find a job doing what you LOVE keeps it from feeling like a job, right? "It's not work!", when you find this type of situation. To GET PAID doing something that, likely, we'd do for free? Heck yeah, sign me up!

 

My guess is that there are some of you reading this right now that DO work at a job that you love. I have known of several people over my lifetime that absolutely LOVED what they did. Friend, if that is you, you are truly blessed!

 

I've had one job like that. Now, when I say "one job", I guess a better description would be that I had a career that I loved and I did the "job" that went with it to several different towns and states. I would work 80 - 100 hours a week and I loved it! Why? Because no one was telling me that I HAD to do it but, rather, I was doing it because I WANTED to!

 

Is that possible for you? Maybe yes, maybe no.

 

However, I believe that Bob Proctor addresses how each one of us can help IMPROVE how we approach our current situation. In other words, here are some thoughts on how to not just survive your place of work, but how to learn to THRIVE.

 

And, who knows, you may even begin to find a way to enjoy - dare I even say "love" - that job.

 

So, once again, the parts that are highlighted below are the thoughts that come from Bob Proctor and the rest are thoughts of my own about this.

 

  

Don't allow others to control your life by REACTING to whatever they say or do.   

 

This is easier said (or "read" in this case) than done! But here's the deal - you will never find ANY place to work that will not involve others. Hey, even if you "work-from-home" you will STILL have to deal with people! And, that being said, we all have to deal with our reactions to the issues that come from working with other people.

 

You also know that there are SOME people out there that actually LOVE to "push your button" so that they CAN get a reaction out of you.

 

And we let them and say something like, "They make me so mad!".

 

No, friend. They cannot "make" you do anything. They cannot control your emotions. Only YOU can do that! The fact is - and you already know this - that we ALLOW them to have this control by continuing to react to whatever they say or do.

 

Controlling this and making this type of change is one reason (if not one of the BEST reasons) that is it so important to continuously "arm yourself" with positive information like this blog and my podcasts!

 

It IS possible to develop the kind of mindset that will allow you to still be around people like this with it not having ANY negative effect on you. It is likely that, by developing such a mindset, you will begin to have a HUGE impact on those that work with you and your influence will grow and spread.

 

Promotion anyone?

 

Reacting to people and/or circumstances have put them or the situation in control of your life! 
IT'S YOUR LIFE!

 

Need I say anymore? It IS your life and it is time to stop allowing others to have "control" over what is yours! Don't think that you can't, because, friend, YOU CAN!

 

It is a process and it does take time. But it CAN be done and you are in the right place to begin that journey. Feel free to contact me with suggestions on who are some others to read and listen to as well as where you may be able to find such information.

 

Who knows, a little bit further down the road you may find that you - yes YOU - actually end up LOVING your job!

 

Now, pay attention to how all of this goes along with how I always close out my articles as well as my podcasts...

 

"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

The "Law of Compensation"

Hey friends, welcome back to the continuation of my series based on Bob Proctor's "The Science of Getting Rich". Again, you can likely find a free e-book version of this with a little searching and I'd recommend that you do so.

 

Too, if you haven't done so yet, go back and read last week's articles on this series - they all work together and, even though you can read these and gain something from them individually, it's better when you put them together.

 

So, let's get started with a definition of what, exactly, this "Law of Compensation" actually is.

 

The Law of Compensation clearly states that the

amount of money you earn will be in exact ratio to:

  1. The need for what you do 
  2. Your ability to do it 
  3. The difficulty there would be in replacing you

 

 

It's really a pretty simple concept, is it not? So, let's break it down and talk about "compensation" as MONEY, o.k.?  Now that we have set that down as what we are talking about let's ask the question: "HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?"

 



The interesting thing is how many people don't understand this simple "law" and plan to make millions of dollars with no skill set or work ethic. Is this a major problem with a lot of our younger generation? Yes, it is. Let me clarify that I know it's not ALL of the younger generation but, you would have to admit that many young people have unrealistic expectations about money.

 

But, there are many older adults that are the exact same way. Bottom line is this: TOO many people expect to get rich doing nothing, knowing nothing and having nothing to offer.

 

Many people are out of work but yet refuse to go to work flipping hamburgers because "it's not enough". I understand that you cannot do what you need to do to support a family like that BUT it's a start! It's a chance and an opportunity to get into a position and show your work ethic and what you DO have to offer for that company. TOO MANY expect to get hired at a management position when, again, they do not have the qualifications to do so!

 

So, yes, going back to the "formula" for this "law" the first step is "the need for what you do". Right now a company may have a need for someone to flip burgers and cook fries. HOWEVER, they also have a HUGE need for someone that can come in, be responsible and add to the TEAM as a worker. THIS need will likely outweigh the need to have someone to flip burgers. Truth is, most anyone can flip burgers but not many people can be responsible and add to the team as a worker.

 

As simple as it sounds - even flipping burgers - again the "Law of Compensation" says that, not only is the first part a NEED for what you do but you also must have the ability to do it! So, yes, anyone can flip burgers but there is so much more that a company is looking for in the people that they hire.

 

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE MORE THEN YOU MUST HAVE MORE TO OFFER!

 

What skills do you have? What can YOU offer that not many others can?

 

Here's the deal...if you focus on these first two parts of this "formula" then the third part (difficulty in replacing you) will take care of itself!

 

So, here's the main question to tie all of this together....what can YOU do to make yourself irreplaceable?

 

You may not have the skills to go in at a management position right now. But here's the deal: while ANYONE can flip burgers and it is easily to replace the person that can only do that - YOU CAN OFFER SO MUCH MORE!

 

I've already discussed that but you MUST understand that even at a "burger joint" YOU CAN BECOME IRREPLACEABLE depending on what you bring to the company as a whole!

 

But will you?

 

Or will YOU - like so many others - pass up an opportunity because it's not "good enough" for you?

 

A lot more discussion can be had, I know. Be sure to listen to the podcast on this for other thoughts on this but let it sink in and cause you to give some SERIOUS thought to what it is that you have to offer and what you may need to do to INCREASE what you have to offer.

 

Join me again in the next part of the series and, until then, 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

Life is about...

There are many thoughts and sayings about "the meaning of life" that have been around for centuries and are still discussed and debated even today.

 

I don't think anyone could argue the words found in the graphic attached to this blog, do you?

 

"Life is about moving on, accepting changes & looking forward to what makes you stronger and more complete."

 

Life is a "forward-moving adventure" in my opinion. Life continuously moves FORWARD whether you want it to or not. The clock keeps ticking, the calendar keeps getting marked off one day at a time and the page flips over one month at a time.

 

That being true, we must find ways to KEEP MOVING ON! We cannot live in the past. It's gone. Forever.

 

We must move on.                                "Like" us on Facebook!

 

Sometimes we don't want to ESPECIALLY when we are facing FORCED movement due to changes that take place.

 

Here's the deal, people that are successful in life (relationships, jobs, goals, etc.) have learned to ADAPT to change because they KNOW that one thing is certain - CHANGE WILL ALWAYS COME.

 

Change CAN be exciting! Read the graphic and notice that, along with accepting changes, we can actually LOOK FORWARD TO what lies ahead. Don't be afraid! Don't get paralyzed by what you can't control or don't know about what's to come. Let that feeling awaken you to the fact that you are ALIVE and that you CAN accept and adapt to the changes that come and go during your lifetime.

 

Doing so WILL make you stronger. It will also make you COMPLETE.

 

You are stronger than you think you are and you are not the same person that you were a few years ago. YOU ARE STRONGER AND BETTER!

 

And, friend, that's just awesome!

 

Think about it, embrace all that comes your way because you can handle whatever comes you're way. And, as you live your life with such confidence be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

Magical Monday

Magical Monday...


That's the term I came up with several years ago when I first began doing my podcasts for Monday.


Why? Because so many people DREAD Monday's and even express near HATE for that day of the week.

"Like" us on Facebook!

Simply because it's the end of the weekend and time to start back to work at their job. So, I wanted to come up with a different twist as a way to look at Monday as something different than something to be looked at with dread.


MAGICAL.


Monday is MAGICAL because it IS the first day of the work week and, that being so, it is THE DAY to set the tone for the rest of your work week!


It is MAGICAL because you have the POWER and ABILITY to decide an determine how the rest of your week will go REGARDLESS of what comes your way.


Wanna' know a secret?


You have that POWER and ABILITY each and every day. You have that POWER and ABILITY each and every hour of every day. Yes, you DO have that power.


Think about it and approach MONDAY as MAGICAL and see what happens.


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


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

Mike

What Would YOU Do If...

It's "Wide-Open Wednesday"...what will YOU do with this special gift?

What would YOU do if today - yes, today - you could do ANYTHING that you wanted to do and/or go anywhere you wanted to go? What if, what if, what if!

Many of us have had such thoughts and, too often, "fantasies" of such a happening for our lives and, many times it is associated with the thought of, "If you only had 2 weeks to live, what would you do?"

Isn't it kind of sad that we have to associate our pending DOOM in order to think that way? Queen Latifah stars in a movie that came out in 2005 entitled, "Last Holiday" in which she is mistakenly told she only has a short time to live. And, friend, live she did! Money was no object because, after all, you can't take it with you and she was no longer afraid to live the live she had only dreamed of before. She DID have a bit of a money issue once she realized that the diagnosis was a mistake - but she learned to truly "live" her life!

Bottom line, here's the truth: Today (any day) you CAN do anything you want to do! Sure, there may be obligations, responsibilities and our moral compass that keeps us from acting upon some things without thought or regard to others or these responsibilities but...the truth is that you CAN if you want.

Many do so every day REGARDLESS of these responsibilities leaving destruction in their wake. Families have been destroyed by one or both parents deciding to do what they wanted to do without any thought (or little thought) to those hurt by such decisions.

However, I'd like you to consider a more positive approach to this topic. Sure, you may not be able to leave all the stress and responsibilities of your life behind (although some try by faking their disappearance) but there ARE things you can do today that, for whatever reason, you have thought were out of your reach.

Have you decided that you are stuck at your job and there is nothing you can do about it? NOT TRUE! Sure, think wisely and make a wise decision but, at the same time, it may take a sudden and decisive action in order for you to stop TALKING about it and start TAKING ACTION with it.

Many people feel that they must wait until they can "afford it" before they have children. I understand the thought and I also agree to a certain extent but, my friend, you'll NEVER be able to 'afford" the expense of raising a child. If you wait until you think you can afford the financial AND emotional cost and investment then you will NEVER have that child. You will continue to TALK about that child but you will never HOLD that child in your arms!

Hey, listen to the podcast (on iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739 or via the RSS feed - http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml ) to get some more insight on this topic and think on this yourself.

Don't come to the end of your life saying, "What if..." or "If I only had done..."

Remember, TODAY is all we have and, as you go through this day be sure to...

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

Taking Care of Business NOW!

NOW!

Some of you may think of Elvis when you hear the phrase, "Taking Care of Business" while others (like myself) think of the song by Bachman Turner Overdrive (yeah, BTO sings TCB...I just love all of these abbreviations).

And, you may be wondering what this has to do with our current discussion on LOVING WHAT YOU DO. Hang with me here...it's an easy leap on this one.

First of all, remember, we have been talking about a video featuring a man that worked as a janitor when he won the state lottery. What did he do? He kept right on working his janitor job because of his love for the track program and his desire to donate money to help build a new track for the school. He had a PURPOSE and a PASSION for what he was doing so it didn't matter to him that he didn't HAVE to keep working as the janitor. He WANTED to!

That is when you know you are at your "dream job". When you don't HAVE to do it but you do it anyway.

Now tell me, would being a JANITOR ever have been on your list of answers as being anyone's "dream job"? Likely not. But it brings on the main point of this whole discussion.

Here it is: it doesn't matter what ANYONE else thinks about what you are doing or what they think you SHOULD be doing. It's up to YOU to live your dream, whatever it may be.

Now then, most of us think of something far more elegant when we think of our dream job, don't we? But, again, let me refer to a question I asked early on in this series that SHOULD give you a clear view of your "dream job" - If money were not an issue, what would you be doing?

Well? Surely by now you have come up with an answer to this question if you have been following this series.

But the curve ball comes when we look at where we WANT TO BE and then at where WE ARE and we don't like what we see. The "wanna' be" is a long ways away from our "what is".

What then?

Yesterday I suggested that it might be possible to learn to love what you are doing even if you are not doing what you love (your "dream job"). I hope you have thought about that.

On yesterday's podcast I encouraged you to really try to brainstorm and think of HOW you can approach your current job with excitement rather than dread. WHAT CAN YOU DO to approach your day and your job with a challenge so that you get out of the rut of whining and complaining?

One thing that may be absolutely necessary is to change who you hang around with at the office!

BREAK FREE from those that do nothing but whine and complain but also never lift a finger to try to improve their position or make any attempt to actually do their best for the company.

How many times have you heard someone say something like this (and YOU may have been one of the ones to say it!): "Well, I'm not doing one thing more than I have to! If I don't HAVE to do it then I'm not going to do it!"

May I be blunt? What a loser mentality!

What if you decide to TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS RIGHT NOW where you are TODAY?

What if you decided to put 100% of your effort into doing the very BEST job that you can RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW?

What if you did this today, tomorrow and EVERY day from now on?

What do you think would happen?

I can tell what would happen - THINGS WOULD CHANGE!

You don't need me to tell you what might change for you, do you? Take a moment and write down everything you can think of that would change for you if you adopted this approach.

Why not STOP dreading the day at work and why not TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS when you go to work today and start learning to love what you do (which is simply loving the fact that you are living up to your potential!) until you get to the point that you can finally have the "job of your dreams" and do what you love.

Thing is, you just might find out that this "dream job" was right under your nose all along.

Think about it.

And, until next time, be sure to...

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

Mike

www.MichaelSpillman.com