Greetings, friends!
What are YOU thankful for today? Well, besides the fact that the sun is out again today I am so thankful for YOU - the many friends that I have made through this process. Several of you I have talked to in one way or another. Most of you I have not - except through the podcast or through this blog - but, nevertheless, I am THANKFUL FOR YOU!
In today's podcast I break away from the actual book ("Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill) in order to discuss a basic topic that needs to be considered as we discuss this classic.
Just the idea of "growing rich" gives some people a strange and uncomfortable feeling. Why? Well, I obviously cannot answer that question for everyone BUT I do know of two "reasons" with which many struggle and it is those two that I discuss in the podcast for today.
"Is it WRONG to Desire Wealth?"
First of all, again, you can use anything you want in this journey. It does not have to be money - whatever your goal is. You can apply it here.
HOWEVER, many - if not all - of our goals DO involve money and, perhaps (likely?) more money than we have at this moment. So, why the struggle?
1. Religious Teaching/Thought - A verse in the Bible that has been misquoted so many times is found in 1 Timothy 6:10. What we often here is, "MONEY is the root of all evil." Please note, that is NOT what this verse says! The actual quote from this verse says the following, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil..." There is a big difference there, my friend. The thought behind this is the danger of allowing the LOVE OF MONEY to become so great that money - and the pursuit/love of money - becomes your MASTER! Bob Proctor (http://www.bobproctor.com) puts it this way - "Money makes either a TERRIBLE MASTER or a WONDERFUL SERVANT." This may not be an EXACT quote, but it's pretty close! Bottom line - whatever "good work" that you are able to do now can be multiplied many times over with greater financial resources. What are doing now? Think about how wonderful it will be to be able to multiply those efforts many times over!
2. Societal Teaching/Thought - We also struggle with the idea of feeling GUILTY if we desire wealth. Look around you. So many people are struggling and suffering. There are so many needs in the world. And I desire wealth? Shame on me! And, there are plenty of people readily available to shake their fingers as well! However, just like in point #1 - we can actually DO more good in this area IF we allow money to be our SERVANT and not allow it to become our MASTER! Have you seen the commercial on television where the guy talks about his company GIVES AWAY one pair of shoes for every pair they sell? That blows me away! Think about it though - what allows them to do such a thing? Honestly, they have to be able to "afford" to do such a thing or that company would sink. And, if that company were to sink and fail then many children that are currently benefiting from this "free shoe" outreach would go without.
See what I mean?
Who are you now? Wealth will only AMPLIFY and MAGNIFY who you are at this moment. If you are a greedy person - money will not magically transform you into a generous person. It just won't happen. If you are not already reaching out to those that have need - you will not do so just because you have money. HOWEVER, if you ARE a generous and caring person now - you will have the opportunity to MULTIPLY your efforts beyond your wildest dreams!
So, honestly - as for me - I DESIRE wealth so that I may MAGNIFY my plans and my efforts even now.
May I share one of my "dreams" in this area? One thing I plan to do when I start my seminars is to donate 10% of the money taken in for each seminar admission ticket. No, not AFTER all of the expenses - but right off of the top. So, for example - if the seminar brings in $10,000 in admission, then I want to donate $1,000. My goal? On a regular basis I want to be able to donate $5,000 just from the ticket sales to my seminars and, I'd love to donate this to the "Make a Wish Foundation". That $5,000 is actually what it takes - on average - to fulfill one dream for one of these special young people.
Thank you for allowing me to share that with you!
So...if you struggle with those thoughts and ideas I'd love to hear from you and, perhaps help you move on past that struggle if possible.
As always, I encourage you to send any feedback - good or bad - considering the podcast and/or my blog information.
So....as always...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike Spillman
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
"Starting Point: DESIRE" (Wonderful Wednesday!)
Greetings, friends! I hope that you are having a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY indeed and that today will be a wonderful day because you used the ability that you have within you to make it so!
In today's podcast I begin the discussion of chapter 2, which is the first point that Napoleon Hill gives in his book, "Think & Grow Rich", as "the starting point of all achievement". And, that point is DESIRE.
We already talked about the idea of translating DESIRE into REALITY - the need for ACTION for that to take place. An idea (or desire) is just an idea/desire UNTIL we put ACTION behind it to move it "down the road" toward it's completion or reality.
In this chapter, Mr. Hill discusses the importance of the "intensity" of this DESIRE. Again, we can put a "value" on our dreams (which can also be interchanged with the word, "desire") by how quickly we may give up on pursing those dreams and/or desires.
So many times we look at those that have achieved great things and think something along the lines of, "Wow, they must have caught a lucky break somewhere along the way" not realizing that their DESIRE was a deep, BURNING DESIRE that drove them past and through any perceived failures or set backs.
Here is a quote I used from this chapter in the story of the leader of a particular army that told his troops to burn their ships in which they had arrived on foreign soil to do battle. Why? If their way of retreat was gone, they would be forced to stay and fight. They did and they won. Here's the quote:
"Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat."
One thing great about this book is that you will find very specific LISTS of things to do in order to follow the "plan" that Mr. Hill puts before us. One such list that I discussed in today's podcast was the list of SIX SPECIFIC THINGS one may do in order to translate that DESIRE into it's financial success. Again, you can put whatever "goal" or "dream" into this equation that you wish - it does not have to be money and/or riches. But remember, the title of this book is, "Think and Grow Rich". "Rich" can mean many different things to many different people.
(A little side note here - in Thursday's podcast I'm going to make a little detour and talk briefly about the struggle that many have with this whole idea of "rich" and the pursuit of riches. Is it wrong? Should we desire such? So be sure and join me for that discussion on THANKFUL THURSDAY!)
1. Fix in your mind the EXACT amount of money you desire.
Again, this can be ANY dream or goal that you have. The idea behind this is - BE SPECIFIC. Does this sound familiar? If you have read ANYONE that talked about the importance of goals, you hear this talked about. THIS is where they got it from. Napoleon Hill - to some extent is the "godfather" of personal development and many that teach these things have gotten their ideas from this man.
2. Determine EXACTLY what you intend to give in return for the money you desire.
He adds to that, "There is no such reality as 'something for nothing'. " In other words - what do you plan to DO in order to reach/achieve your dream and/or goal? Again, you must get specific!
3. Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.
Is this not also something we have become familiar with in this area of thinking? Set a date. Make sure it is far enough out to give you time to put these things into practice BUT don't set it so far out that it becomes a "forgotten dream".
4. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin AT ONCE, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into ACTION.
Be specific with your DESIRE, be specific with WHAT you intend to do in order to achieve that desire, be specific as to WHEN you plan to achieve that desire and then create a plan on HOW you plan to get there. I love the significance of what is said here - "...begin at once, whether you are ready or not..." Do you remember the discussions we had on "Making Your Move"? In those I emphasized the importance of not waiting and waiting and waiting. This was also emphasized in the points we covered in the FREE REPORT available at my website (http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com) in the podcasts from a little over a week ago. Don't wait until everything is lined up perfectly - if you do, you will NEVER begin! Again, ACTION is the key here and this is something that too many people misquote about Napoleon Hill. Those that, in my opinion very obviously have not read what Mr. Hill has written will claim that he does not call his readers into action. This is but one place where it is obvious that he does, indeed, call us to ACTION!
5. Put it all together.
Now, I paraphrased this point. What Mr. Hill says in the book is a listing of points 1 - 4. In other words - don't do these things separately - PUT THEM TOGETHER AND ACT UPON THEM!
6. Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning.
He also adds, "As you read - see and feel and believe yourself already in possession of the money." We call that "visualization" don't we? Don't just read it - see it and believe it!
Wow, again, can you see how our modern day positive thinkers and promoters of personal development have used materials such as these from the past in their teachings? Why? Because they, too, (like Mr. Hill) have put them to the test and have found that they do, indeed, work!
So, again, apply ANY goal, desire and/or idea to this formula. But the key here is - DO IT!
I can almost "hear" some of you as you have listened to the podcast and as you have read this say something like, "Well, it's not all about getting rich!". You're right - it's not. And, if you stick with me on this and read along for yourself, you will see that Mr. Hill also points this out in his writings.
And, join me tomorrow as we do take a little detour from the book to discuss this very idea about riches.
As always, I'd love to hear any input you have about these ideas. Please either leave a comment here under this article or feel free to e-mail me at anytime at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com
As always, remember...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike Spillman
In today's podcast I begin the discussion of chapter 2, which is the first point that Napoleon Hill gives in his book, "Think & Grow Rich", as "the starting point of all achievement". And, that point is DESIRE.
We already talked about the idea of translating DESIRE into REALITY - the need for ACTION for that to take place. An idea (or desire) is just an idea/desire UNTIL we put ACTION behind it to move it "down the road" toward it's completion or reality.
In this chapter, Mr. Hill discusses the importance of the "intensity" of this DESIRE. Again, we can put a "value" on our dreams (which can also be interchanged with the word, "desire") by how quickly we may give up on pursing those dreams and/or desires.
So many times we look at those that have achieved great things and think something along the lines of, "Wow, they must have caught a lucky break somewhere along the way" not realizing that their DESIRE was a deep, BURNING DESIRE that drove them past and through any perceived failures or set backs.
Here is a quote I used from this chapter in the story of the leader of a particular army that told his troops to burn their ships in which they had arrived on foreign soil to do battle. Why? If their way of retreat was gone, they would be forced to stay and fight. They did and they won. Here's the quote:
"Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat."
One thing great about this book is that you will find very specific LISTS of things to do in order to follow the "plan" that Mr. Hill puts before us. One such list that I discussed in today's podcast was the list of SIX SPECIFIC THINGS one may do in order to translate that DESIRE into it's financial success. Again, you can put whatever "goal" or "dream" into this equation that you wish - it does not have to be money and/or riches. But remember, the title of this book is, "Think and Grow Rich". "Rich" can mean many different things to many different people.
(A little side note here - in Thursday's podcast I'm going to make a little detour and talk briefly about the struggle that many have with this whole idea of "rich" and the pursuit of riches. Is it wrong? Should we desire such? So be sure and join me for that discussion on THANKFUL THURSDAY!)
1. Fix in your mind the EXACT amount of money you desire.
Again, this can be ANY dream or goal that you have. The idea behind this is - BE SPECIFIC. Does this sound familiar? If you have read ANYONE that talked about the importance of goals, you hear this talked about. THIS is where they got it from. Napoleon Hill - to some extent is the "godfather" of personal development and many that teach these things have gotten their ideas from this man.
2. Determine EXACTLY what you intend to give in return for the money you desire.
He adds to that, "There is no such reality as 'something for nothing'. " In other words - what do you plan to DO in order to reach/achieve your dream and/or goal? Again, you must get specific!
3. Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.
Is this not also something we have become familiar with in this area of thinking? Set a date. Make sure it is far enough out to give you time to put these things into practice BUT don't set it so far out that it becomes a "forgotten dream".
4. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin AT ONCE, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into ACTION.
Be specific with your DESIRE, be specific with WHAT you intend to do in order to achieve that desire, be specific as to WHEN you plan to achieve that desire and then create a plan on HOW you plan to get there. I love the significance of what is said here - "...begin at once, whether you are ready or not..." Do you remember the discussions we had on "Making Your Move"? In those I emphasized the importance of not waiting and waiting and waiting. This was also emphasized in the points we covered in the FREE REPORT available at my website (http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com) in the podcasts from a little over a week ago. Don't wait until everything is lined up perfectly - if you do, you will NEVER begin! Again, ACTION is the key here and this is something that too many people misquote about Napoleon Hill. Those that, in my opinion very obviously have not read what Mr. Hill has written will claim that he does not call his readers into action. This is but one place where it is obvious that he does, indeed, call us to ACTION!
5. Put it all together.
Now, I paraphrased this point. What Mr. Hill says in the book is a listing of points 1 - 4. In other words - don't do these things separately - PUT THEM TOGETHER AND ACT UPON THEM!
6. Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning.
He also adds, "As you read - see and feel and believe yourself already in possession of the money." We call that "visualization" don't we? Don't just read it - see it and believe it!
Wow, again, can you see how our modern day positive thinkers and promoters of personal development have used materials such as these from the past in their teachings? Why? Because they, too, (like Mr. Hill) have put them to the test and have found that they do, indeed, work!
So, again, apply ANY goal, desire and/or idea to this formula. But the key here is - DO IT!
I can almost "hear" some of you as you have listened to the podcast and as you have read this say something like, "Well, it's not all about getting rich!". You're right - it's not. And, if you stick with me on this and read along for yourself, you will see that Mr. Hill also points this out in his writings.
And, join me tomorrow as we do take a little detour from the book to discuss this very idea about riches.
As always, I'd love to hear any input you have about these ideas. Please either leave a comment here under this article or feel free to e-mail me at anytime at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com
As always, remember...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike Spillman
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
"Translating DESIRE into REALITY" (part 2) - TERRIFIC TUESDAY!!
One thing I can tell already as I begin these discussions from Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich" is that I am going to have to pinpoint fewer points that I want to cover with each podcast! THERE IS JUST SO MUCH GOOD STUFF in this book that it makes it hard to do.
I know there's no hurry - but, at the same time, I'd like to TRY to keep it to two episodes per chapter...but I'm not sure that will be possible.
I apologize if it "sounds" like I was a little "hectic" on the first two episodes covering the first chapter. I think I am still trying to determine the "main focus points" I want to cover in each chapter. I appreciate your patience and welcome any and all insight YOU have as YOU read (or have read) this outstanding book.
The main point I want to go a little deeper with here than on the podcast is the idea of:
SUCCESS Consciousness vs. FAILURE Consciousness
Mr. Hill points out how important our MIND is in this whole process of "thinking (get the point?) and growing rich" - and "rich" can be whatever you want your definition to be! Successful in whatever way defines success for you.
This is also stressed in my "tag line" for Future You University..."Where we believe that your greatest education takes place on the campus of your mind." Simply put - as has been said before - whether you think you CAN or CAN'T - you're right!
Many of us live with a FAILURE CONSCIOUSNESS - we have suffered "failure" and, that being the case, have given up vowing to never ever try to "stick our necks out" again. Never. Yet, as is pointed out in this first chapter with the Mr. Darby that stopped three feet from a fortune in gold - it is possible to allow those "failures" to teach us important lessons - namely, DO NOT QUIT just because of a perceived "failure"!
Someway, somehow we MUST learn to switch that FAILURE consciousness over to a SUCCESS CONSCIOUSNESS. One way - in my opinion - is to realize that failure IS a part of success! It's true! All you have to do is do a little research on ANY successful person and take a look at their life and you will see "failures" in their life. The difference is - THEY KEPT GOING and DID NOT GIVE UP!
That, in a nutshell is the SUCCESS consciousness that we must all develop. One of the first 3 or 4 podcasts I did was entitled, "What Are Your Dreams Worth?" which focused on this very idea: how far will you go, how long will you go in the pursuit of your dream? If it's not "worth" much - you'll quit at the first sign of defeat or difficulty. You can SAY it's worth this or that - but you will prove by your ability - or inability - to stick to the pursuit of this dream how valuable this dream truly is.
Well, that's enough for now - share your thoughts with me here or via my email at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com
I'd love to hear from you and, always remember -
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, May 4, 2009
Marvin Miles interviews Mike Spillman
Hey friends! I wanted to tell you about an interview that I participated in last week and is now posted on the following website:
http://www.ExtraordinarySpeakersNetwork.com
I really enjoyed the time I spent with Marvin Miles answering questions about how public speaking has been a powerful tool that I have been able to use in my life. I also share how important the ability to communicate effectively is a tool that each and every one of us needs in our every day lives.
The interview lasts about 40 minutes, but I'd love to have you listen in - this is just another way to learn a little more about me and what I'm all about.
Thanks again, Marvin!
http://www.ExtraordinarySpeakersNetwork.com
I really enjoyed the time I spent with Marvin Miles answering questions about how public speaking has been a powerful tool that I have been able to use in my life. I also share how important the ability to communicate effectively is a tool that each and every one of us needs in our every day lives.
The interview lasts about 40 minutes, but I'd love to have you listen in - this is just another way to learn a little more about me and what I'm all about.
Thanks again, Marvin!
Turning DESIRE Into REALITY (part 1)
Today's podcast begins a discussion on Napoleon Hill's classic book: "Think and Grow Rich". Again, you can get a free copy by going to the link over in the right hand column of this blog.
I basically cover some information in the preface and the first part of chapter 1. Here's one of the main things I talk about as far as Napoleon Hill himself - this book was the effort of 20 years! Do you get that? 20 years!! Over that time period he spent time interviewing over 47 people (I'm not sure of the exact number, but he lists 47 in the book and says there were more) and also applying and testing their principles shared. He discovered that all of them shared some of the same traits and ideas shared! When you look at the list you discover great men of business (Henry Ford, Thomas Edison for example) as well as President's of the United States of America. Twenty years of discussion, thought, testing, questioning and applying these principles -- all with the intent of sharing this information through a book.
That fact alone tells me that this was a great man! To be this disciplined on a task. To be this focused on continuing this all the way to it's completion. To be this dedicated to learning and sharing these principles. Wow!
I share the very beginnings of a story that Mr. Hill tells in the first chapter - and will tell more of the story in tomorrow's podcast - about a man that stopped three feet short of a fortune in gold. THREE FEET SHORT!
What about us? How dedicated are we to turning a DESIRE (or idea) into REALITY? How committed are we to "seeing it through" without giving up and quitting at the first sign of difficulty? Are we willing to do what it takes and stick it out? Are we willing to keep going in the midst of possible perceived failure?
Please feel free to join in this discussion here or by sending me an email at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com
I'd love to hear your input on these important topics!
And, as always....
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
I basically cover some information in the preface and the first part of chapter 1. Here's one of the main things I talk about as far as Napoleon Hill himself - this book was the effort of 20 years! Do you get that? 20 years!! Over that time period he spent time interviewing over 47 people (I'm not sure of the exact number, but he lists 47 in the book and says there were more) and also applying and testing their principles shared. He discovered that all of them shared some of the same traits and ideas shared! When you look at the list you discover great men of business (Henry Ford, Thomas Edison for example) as well as President's of the United States of America. Twenty years of discussion, thought, testing, questioning and applying these principles -- all with the intent of sharing this information through a book.
That fact alone tells me that this was a great man! To be this disciplined on a task. To be this focused on continuing this all the way to it's completion. To be this dedicated to learning and sharing these principles. Wow!
I share the very beginnings of a story that Mr. Hill tells in the first chapter - and will tell more of the story in tomorrow's podcast - about a man that stopped three feet short of a fortune in gold. THREE FEET SHORT!
What about us? How dedicated are we to turning a DESIRE (or idea) into REALITY? How committed are we to "seeing it through" without giving up and quitting at the first sign of difficulty? Are we willing to do what it takes and stick it out? Are we willing to keep going in the midst of possible perceived failure?
Please feel free to join in this discussion here or by sending me an email at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com
I'd love to hear your input on these important topics!
And, as always....
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
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