Friday, July 3, 2026

Follow Those Who Do!

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

Those are some pretty powerful statements/challenges shown in the above graphic, right? We'll get to it in a few moments but, first, let me continue on with today's story that is continued from the story in the LAST blog. Got all of that?

If you haven't done so yet, be sure to go back and read the last blog article because today's article is DIRECTLY tied in to what took place with the situation that I discussed there. 

Picking up where I left off in the last article, Asher (my 3 year old grandson) had enjoyed an afternoon of being in a friend's pool last weekend when he and his sister, Em (4.5 years old) came for a visit to our house. He had done the same thing that his sister had done for much of the afternoon - he stayed really close to my wife, hanging on and not wanting to take a chance being away from the "safety" of hanging on. This was despite the fact that he was wearing a life jacket. 

I was busy with Em, helping her finally trust me to the point that she stopped clinging to me and started enjoying being able to splash around the pool and even move around a bit with her life jacket on and a "swim noodle" wrapped around her. And, she finally got rid of the swim noodle and enjoyed getting around with just her life jacket on. 

Asher had watched all of this and, once he saw his sister taking that step and seeing her enjoy the "freedom" that came with taking action based on her trust, he decided to do the same thing. 

He watched someone who was DOING (his sister) and decided that he, too, could do the same thing!

Hey, don't miss this important point: SOMEONE IS WATCHING YOU! That's a bit of a "side track note" from the main thing we'll be discussing today, but it is IMPORTANT for us to realize this fact in ANY area and EVERY area of our lives. 

Now I'll get back to the main focus of this article - in any area of your life in which you seek improvement, FOLLOW THOSE THAT ARE SUCCESSFUL. And, by the way, the only ones that are successful are those that "do" as opposed to those that "talk". 

I've discussed before about the decision that you will have to make in this process when you do this, which is: Are you willing to DO what they have DONE for the success that you seek?

In my example, Asher watched his sister Em SUCCESSFULLY let go of her fears, trust her "Poppa" and actively enjoy her time in the pool even more than she had been doing. She acted, he watched and then he, too, took action.

That's how it works, friend!

It's also important to be careful of who it is that you watch, observe, "copy" and follow! Again, only copy and follow those that DO and that DO so SUCCESSFULLY. 

Whether it is concerning parenting, your marriage or other relationships, your job and/or career as well as your goals and dreams - seek out those that have done it successfully and perhaps are STILL doing so. If possible, take advantage of the opportunity to visit those that are still around and "pick their brain" as to the "secret of their success". 

In the past (will probably revisit this again soon), I talked about learning from "Other People's Mistakes" and I called it "O.P.M Wisdom". In the same - but opposite - way, we can also learn from "Other People's Successes", which we would call "O.P.S Wisdom". 

So, who are YOU watching? Are you paying attention and even taking notice of those that are successful in whatever area it is that you seek success as well? 

Watch. Observe. And then copy those that DO. 
 
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

 

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Monday, June 29, 2026

Are YOU Paralyzed By FEAR?

 

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

  

Back when this article was originally written,  my wife and I were blessed to have our two grandbabies come for a visit and spend the night. We always loved it when they got to come for a visit like that and we usually got to enjoy those visits about once a month.
 
One of the things that made this visit even more special was that we got to take them swimming in a friend's pool. They came all prepared with their little life jackets and enjoyed getting into the water with "Poppa and MiMi" but, I noticed right away, they both were clinging to us and weren't about to let go! I had little Em, who was about 4.5 years old and, as much as I tried, I could not get her to let go a little bit and float around by just holding my hand. 

I would try to tell her that she had her life jacket on and that nothing would happen to her. She would say, "But Poppa, it's DEEP!" I would tell her, "Baby, it doesn't matter how deep it is, you have your life jacket on and you're safe!". 

I would try to pull her away from me to hold on to her hands and let her float out in front of me. She wasn't having ANY of that! She would grab hold of me and wrap her legs as much around my leg as she could and just stiffen up - paralyzed by fear. 

Now, don't get the wrong idea, I wasn't forcing her to take action when she was so clearly afraid. However, I did keep talking to her about how Poppa wasn't going to let anything happen to her and that I would keep her safe. 

Do you know what a "swim noodle" is? Maybe this picture will help...
Now do you know what I'm talking about? These are amazingly simple products that you can bend and shape and use in all kinds of ways to float in the water.  I grabbed one of these off of the side of the pool and wrapped it around her (while I was holding on to her) and had her actually let go of me and hang on to the "noodle". I was able to do so while still making her feel completely safe and, before long, she began to loosen up a little bit and, not too long after that, she was floating around, kicking, moving and having the time of her life!

She excitedly said to me, "Poppa! I TRUSTED you and now look at what I'm doing!" And, before we were done with our swimming time, she even got rid of the noodle and was floating around with just her life jacket - something that she wasn't ABOUT to do at the beginning. 

Have you already been "seeing" the important message in all of this? 

Fear can absolutely paralyze us to the point that we are afraid to do ANYTHING and, that being true, we also fail to make any progress or enjoy life.  The "What If's" can take over to the point that we are afraid to do ANYTHING for fear of doing something wrong. 

We don't trust our instincts or the work that we have put into this effort in preparation. We don't trust the wise words of our mentors or those that have helped us prepare. The only "voice" that we can hear is the VOICE OF FEAR. 

Yet, if we can allow ourselves to begin to hear and listen to our instincts, our preparation, our mentors and other helpers we may actually began to take actions that will lead to a life unimagined!

The opposite of FEAR is FAITH! And, out of necessity, they cannot exist together at the same time or place. 

Simple, yet powerful, wouldn't you agree? 

What might we enjoy and experience once we get past the paralyzing force of fear? Is it worth it to you to find out? If so, you will find ways to begin to take those "baby steps" that will allow you to slowly begin to realize that you can, indeed, take action. 

"Baby steps" or "jumping in head first"...different people may decide to take action in different ways but, the key thing is this: TAKE ACTION! 

Oh, and one more thing that happened in the pool the other day. Em's little brother, Asher (who was 3 years old) had been doing pretty much the same thing by hanging on to my wife. But, he was watching what was taking place with Em and, after a while, on his own, he let go and was floating around with a noodle - just like his big sister.

That's another "lesson" that we'll discuss in the next article. Start thinking about that in advance and see what thoughts come to mind for your own life. 

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
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Saturday, June 27, 2026

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
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Thursday, June 25, 2026

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



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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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
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