What Happens When You DECIDE?

 

(This is NOT from an older article but it continues our discussion on DECISIONS)

 

First and foremost, we must understand what the word, DECIDE, actually means. 

At it's core, the word "DECIDE" means to "make a final choice or judgment". Interestingly, the word study of this word indicates that it comes from the Latin word, "decidere", which literally means, "to cut off". Every time you make a decision, you are literally cutting away other possibilities and committing to a single path.

That should clear up the misconception about what so many people do at the start of each new year. We call them "New Year's Resolutions" which, in fact, rarely is there any "resolution" that has actually taken place. Do a word study on the word, "resolve" and you will find that it means to "make a firm commitment".  

I'm not sure who it was that actually did what was described in this story but, I've often heard it attributed to George Washington but I've also heard it connected to others. Either way, it's a powerful story that I believe helps us understand this concept. George Washington and some of his group were paddling in boats to a shore where their enemy was located. The story says that, upon arrival on the shore, he told his men to push the boats away from the shore so that they would understand that there was NO RETREAT and that this was a FULL COMMITMENT with no turning back.  

In the podcast for this episode I share a story from my first job in youth ministry back in 1982. An eight grade girl was in my office by requests of her parents because she was dating a much older boy and they wanted me to try to talk to her about that situation. During her visit she mentioned that they were thinking about getting married and then said, "Oh well, if it doesn't work, we can just get a divorce!"             

WOW! That is/was NOT a true "decision" (used in the right way) or a "commitment", which marriage is supposed to be. 

Friend, this "whatever happens, happen" approach will NEVER get you moving forward in and for your life! It will keep you where you are and, likely, will actually drop you even further back. That kind of thinking is POISON to and for your future! 

So, friend...what is it that you want for your future? Now listen, many times if we allow ourselves to think that way the first "defense mechanism" thought that comes up is, "Oh I can't do that. It's impossible!" There is a blog article coming soon (the podcast and videos for it are already published - see links below) titled, "When I say 'I CAN'T', I MUST!' " which helps us understand what we MUST do when faced with those negative "defense mechanism" statements.  

Try starting the process of thinking that way even now as we continue on with this process. Start "dreaming" again of what it is you want for your life. Anytime you come up with the thought, "I can't" hen get out a piece of paper or put it on your phone, tablet or computer and ask, "How CAN I make that happen?" and then brainstorm about what changes you must make in order to clear a path. Don't just say, "Yeah, Mike, that's a good idea!". START TAKING ACTION WITH IT EVEN TODAY. 

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

 

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

WHO or WHAT Sways Your "Vote"?

 

(This article first appeared in June of 2016. It has been edited and updated)

 

Although this series is NOT about politics I do want to start today's discussion by asking a political question: Why do you vote the way that you do in an election?

Many times, a person votes due to "family history" and influence. As a matter of fact, some people won't even tell their parents (or other family members) how they vote (or they lie about it) because they don't want to have a big "political argument" about their choice. Sometimes it's due to religious values. 

There are may different reasons that a person votes the way that they do in a political election. What about you? Why do you vote the way that you do?

In much the same way, there are many reasons as to why we "vote" the way that we do about the direction of our lives. (If you haven't done so, go back and read the last two articles that leads up to this one...they all "build" on each other). 

Some people choose the direction of their life because of the way that they were raised or due to other family expectations. Some don't put much thought or value on the direction of their own lives and future because that is what they have seen in the lives of their own parents. On the other side of the spectrum are those that are pressured into following a particular path of study or career choice because that is what their parents want or expect from them. 

Just as there are many different reasons for why people vote the way that they do in an election, so are there many different reasons for why people "vote" the way that they do concerning the direction of their life. 

What about you?

You've likely heard the idea that you are the "average" of the 5 - 10 people with whom you spend the most time. When I say that you are the "average", I'm talking about in every area of your life. That's right. You tend to fit into the average, financially, of those that you hang around with as well as spiritually, career-wise, family guidelines (discipline, etc.) and anything else you can think of. This even goes down to what kind of vehicle that you drive!

What's that old saying? "Birds of a feather flock together." 

Wow, when you actually look at this closely, you may be surprised by these things. You may decide that you need to change who it is that you hang out with or, you may discover that you LIKE the influence that these people have on and for your life.

The key thing in this is the fact that YOU HAVE A CHOICE or a VOTE!

One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, "WHY?". In any area of our life and in EVERY area of our life we should stop and ask ourselves this question from time to time. "WHY am I doing what I'm doing in this particular area?" This, in essence, is how you will find out WHY you "vote" the way that you do concerning your life and the direction of your life. 

This is actually the very basis or foundation of this process. Every area of your life and the decisions that you make in those areas are "votes" that you cast about your life and your future as well as the future of your family. With that being said, don't you think it might be important to really know WHY you make those decisions? 

They are ALL important decisions because they ALL play a role in the direction of your life.  Do you think I'm being a bit over-dramatic with that last statement? I can hear some of you saying, "Oh come on, Mike. Me choosing where we eat supper tonight is not that big of a decision in the overall picture." I hear you, but it may be a bigger deal than you realize. Especially when you really examine WHY you made the choice that you made. And, especially when you really examine what thought you have put into that decision as far as how it impacts other areas of your life...such as financial. That's just an example but, friend, most people have no idea how much money they actually spend on eating out and other "extras" while they complain about never having enough money. 

Yes, it is your life. Absolutely. That's the whole point, friend. It is YOUR life and your life will go where YOU lead it and direct it to go. And, all of that happens with the votes that you cast on a daily basis. 

Let me end with this. There's no reason to drive yourself crazy for the rest of your life thinking about every little thing in your life. You may need to examine it all closely for a period of time. However, once you discover your focus and purpose for your life, you will then act "automatically" based on that focus and purpose. Yes, you will still need to do a "check up" from time to time to make sure you haven't wandered off course too far, but it will become a natural part of your life.

Either way, your daily "vote" counts and the impact of those votes are likely greater than you and I realize, friend!

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

 

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

WILL You "Vote"? (Indecision IS a Vote!)

 

(This article first appeared in June of 2016. It has been edited and updated) 

 

Let me throw this disclaimer out there again before I even get started on this article - this is NOT about politics. I'm using this whole political  theme due to the fact that our nation (the U.S.A.) was in an election year for President and it was something that was the center of just about every discussion that was being had at that time.

That being said, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the previous blog article and also listen in to the podcast and the videos on my YouTube channel (links at the bottom of this article). 

Your "vote" is your choice that you make every day on how you want to live your life. And, don't be fooled friend, these choices made day by day DO determine the life that you will live!

Politically, there are always HUGE numbers of people that don't vote - for whatever reason. And, as the graphic above states, if you don't vote then you really don't have any right to complain. Oh, but people do anyway and, it's always interesting to hear their excuses (they call them "reasons") as to why they didn't vote. The decision - or choice - NOT to vote is a vote in and of itself. 

Oh sure, you still have a "right" to whine and complain if you don't vote but, friend, your whining and complaining is absolutely worthless and no one wants to hear it...except you!

So it is with how you "vote" on your life.

Some people actually approach life by not "voting".  Have you ever caught yourself saying something like this or have you heard someone say something like this: "Oh, I just take life as it comes. Whatever will be, will be."

I understand the basic idea behind such a thought but I've also seen people actually live their life this way. No plans, no direction, just "whatever will be, will be and whatever happens, happens".  In my opinion that is a "vote" that demonstrates that you don't really value your life and that you have decided to not make any effort to control, or contribute to, the direction of your life.

Friend, if that's how you choose to live your life then, yes, I acknowledge that it is your "right". But, stop your whining and complaining! Seriously.

To really get down to it, your "vote" for your life is far more powerful and has more direct impact than your vote in most political elections. Is it important to vote in a political election? YES! But please, hear what I'm saying. 

YOU have a DIRECT IMPACT on your life whether you choose TO "vote" or NOT to "vote". Either way, your life is greatly impacted! That's right, either way is a "vote" and a reflection of the true value that you put on your life and, likely, the lives of those loved ones around you.

The fact that you are reading this article is evidence that you have decided to "vote" in favor of doing something GOOD and POSITIVE for your life. It's just like how going for a walk or participating in any type of exercise is evidence that you have decided to "vote" in favor of doing something positive for your life in a physical way. 

And, friend, THIS "election" (what you have "elected" to do) comes about a lot more often than every four years - it happens every single day and, often, several times during the course of a day. 

So, WILL you vote? Sure you will. One way or the other, you WILL place your vote. The real question is, "HOW Will You Vote?" and that is the question that I will address in the next article. In it,  I will address the topic, "What or Who Decides or Sways Your Vote?". Why do YOU "vote" the way that you do for your life? Why do others "vote" the way that they do for their own lives?

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

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

 

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

Your "VOTE" (Decision) MATTERS!

 

(This blog article first appeared in June of 2016. It has been edited/updated) 

Right off the start let me make sure that you understand - THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS! However, since, at the time of this original posting, our country would be electing a new President in the United States in November of 2016, it was the central topic of conversation just about everywhere that you turned. This entry begins a 3 or 4 part mini-series on the topic.

As we go through this discussion today, when I talk about your "VOTE", what I'm talking about are your CHOICES that you make each day.  When you place a vote of any kind, you are making a DECISION about whatever the situation is...make sense?

If you are part of a group that is voting about a fund-raiser for that group, your vote is your way of stating what YOU think would be the best solution. It represents what YOU feel is the best route to take for the success of that effort.  

If you vote in a political election (for ANY office at ANY level), your vote (again) is your way of stating who YOU think would be the best person for that position. Your vote represents who YOU feel is the best person to successfully carry out the duties of that office.  

Now then, when it comes to you and your life, the choice - for the most part - is yours. 

When you place your "vote" for your day and your life, you are stating what YOU think would be the course for you to take to get the best results and your "vote" represents what route YOU feel is the best route to take to successfully live your life.

Once you get to the point that you are no longer under your parent's care, its up to you. And, for some, that is a bit overwhelming when that takes place. At this point, your parents are no longer there to correct your mistakes - it's all yours, baby!

And, hopefully, as you grow and mature and as you learn to suffer through the consequences of bad choices, you begin to make better choices...better "votes". 

"THE Vote" that we will be talking about this week is about YOUR decision that you make about the direction of your life, one day at a time, each and every day.  

A lot of people like to cry out, "But I don't have a choice!" when, in reality, you ALWAYS have a choice, and what you are doing, who you are with, etc. is evidence of those choices.  One of the examples that I use in today's podcast (see links below) is that of someone that absolutely HATES their job but says, "I have no choice! I HAVE to keep this job so that I can pay my bills."

You DO have a choice and you are making a choice every day that you work that job...even if you really do hate it. You have decided (a choice or decision that has been made) that, even though you hate that job, it is more important for you to have the money that comes from that job than to NOT have that job.  No matter how much you complain, you have made a decision - you have cast your "vote" - that, for whatever reason, you can't or won't look at the possibility of getting another and different job. You have decided or "voted" to stay with the job that you hate. 

Hey listen, I understand that. I really do. I'm just simply wanting to help you understand that it is still a choice and it is evidence of your "vote".  

In reality, it's easier to say, "I don't have a choice" because a person thinks that this removes the responsibility from themselves. That's what they think, but it is simply not true. You ALWAYS have a choice and you ALWAYS have a "vote" about the direction of your life. 

And, yes, I can hear some of you trying to argue with me even now. That's o.k....you're wanting to argue doesn't change the facts. (I'm smiling as I type that last sentence, so relax).

I'm going to stop there for today because this will be a nice flow into the next part of our discussion entitled, "WILL You Vote? (Indecision IS a Vote!)" 

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

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

 

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

What If Your Next Choice Changes Everything?

Hey, it's Mike...I'm baaaaaack! It's been a while and I wanted to share this update with you along with my plans to get back started keeping up with this blog once again. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU so please, leave a comment below and SHARE this (along with the other connection avenues listed below) with anyone that you feel would benefit.

The following is an AI produced transcript for the podcast on this topic that I still edited some to make it "fit" and "flow" as a blog article. 

Again, you can find the link to the podcast as well as other avenues at the end. Thanks!

     

 If you have ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure how to start again, this short Future You University comeback message lands with a simple truth: as long as there is breath, there is hope. 

That idea is more than a motivational quote. It is a practical mindset for personal development because it reframes your current moment as usable. When you believe there is still time, you stop treating today like a verdict and start treating it like a doorway. Hope does not deny that life can feel dark or impossible. It simply insists that the next step still counts, and that you can begin turning things around right now with one choice.

I also wanted to sharewhy I am returning to the original focus of my self improvement podcast: short, common sense guidance on positive mindset, resilience, and daily growth. After years of interviews and more than a thousand episodes, I am getting back to “the campus of your mind” and the habits that shape your inner life. For readers/listeners, the value is clarity. Shorter podcast episodes make it easier to revisit a key lesson, reflect, and apply it. A consistent encouragement practice is a proven way to build mental fitness, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen confidence, especially when you have tried to change before and stalled out.

A central theme teased here is decision making. I am introducing the concept of your “vote” each day, not politics, but the choices you cast with your time, attention, and actions. This connects directly to why New Year’s resolutions fail so often: many people make a wish, not a decision. A real decision includes resolve, a boundary, and a plan for follow through. When you decide, you stop negotiating with yourself every morning. You also reduce decision fatigue because the important choice has already been made. For goal setting, habit change, and motivation, the difference between “I want to” and “I decided to” is the difference between drifting and direction.

Finally, this "re-entry" article/episode sets up a simple path for ongoing growth: follow along through the podcast, videos, blog articles, and social channels, then speak up about what you need. That invitation matters because personal development works best when it is applied to real life pressure points: stress at work, relationships, health habits, confidence, or staying consistent. If you are rebuilding momentum, start small: pick one decision you can honor for the next 24 hours, write it down, and remove one easy obstacle. Then repeat. Hope becomes real when it turns into action, and action becomes easier when your decision is clear. 

Alright, that's it for now. Let me hear from you and be sure to check the links below. And, as always,  

"Have a BLESSED day by BEING a blessing in someone's day!" 

Mike 

 www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com