Hangin' Around Like a Lost Pup?

What you see in the picture above is a shirt that my wife got for me a couple of years ago (maybe even three?) for Father's Day. Actually, it's one of two.

 

Why do I have a picture of the front of a shirt that my wife got for me a few years ago posted here? Because it is almost EXACTLY the same picture that I have used for our new travel business as a "cover photo" on our Facebook page!

 

"Oh, o.k.", you say but, let me tell you more. This whole "beach" scene that you see on the shirt and, if you go to the FB page that I talked about, is something that has been "hangin' around like a lost pup" for probably 10 years or so.

 

That's right, this type of picture has been my "dream image" for a very long time. It keeps popping up all over the place reminding me of this fact. On my other computer (where I do the mixing for my podcast) is a similar scene that I see nearly every day yet, it just "popped out" at me the other day. I can even go back and find images from, like I said, 10 years or so ago, and find the same type of picture.

 

The picture that I posted in yesterday's article from one of our vacations back in 2002 is one of my favorite all-time pictures. BEACH PICTURE!

 

Little did I or my wife know that, when she bought me this shirt (I actually picked it out and told her that would be a good gift) that we would now be promoting this type of picture as a REALITY!

 

Why do I bring all of this up? Because, friend, I want to ask you: WHAT IS YOUR DREAM IMAGE and WHERE HAS IT GONE?

 

Maybe you are right on track with it and getting closer to achieving it every day. Maybe you HAVE already achieved it and you are celebrating life due to that fact. But maybe, just maybe, you have lost your focus and allowed the weight of the world to cause you to put that "dream image" aside and pile a bunch of other stuff on top of it to where you don't even know it's there anymore.

 

Have YOU been getting little "pop up" reminders that it's still there? Have you ignored those reminders with the thought of, "Nah, it's just not going to happen"?

 

Have you ever actually had a lost pup hang around your house before? THEY DON'T GO AWAY SO EASILY! Maybe your "dream image" is not giving up so easily either, friend.

 

Perhaps you should allow yourself the privilege of opening your eyes, ears and mind to how many times this "lost pup" DOES actually "pop up" to remind you of what you once longed for and decided to strive for.

 

Allow that for yourself and, friend, you will then find yourself beginning to dream again and even beginning to believe that it IS possible after all.

 

Please be sure to check out our Facebook travel page and, while you're at it, "LIKE" it and leave a comment. You may even be entered into a contest to actually WIN a vacation on us. Shoot, you can even go there and post YOUR "dream image" if you'd like. Or, if you prefer, you can post it on my Future You University Facebook page.

Either way, stop ignoring that lost pup, would ya', and begin to dream and live once again.

Until next time, 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

  *MJ Spillman Travel on Facebook*    *TRAVEL FOR LESS and ENJOY LIFE MORE!*

Make Memories Now

 

The picture above was taken on a vacation that my family and I took to South Padre Island, Texas back in 2002. That is actually a picture of my family with my wife sitting in the chair and my three sons standing side by side on the right.

 

Up until that time we had not really been on a "real" vacation, know what I mean? Yes, we had made some trips to places like St. Louis, MO. to watch a Cardinals baseball game and to go to Six Flags and to let the boys spend a lot of time in the hotel pool. If you have kids or your kids are grown, then you know how just being in a pool all day makes a vacation for them!

 

Sure, we all had fun on those other trips but, do you know which one is still talked about to this day? You got it, the one from the picture.

 

It was different from what we had ever done before and it offered us new experiences with our sons. It was also the first time that we had actually taken a full 2 weeks for a vacation. Usually I would take 1 week out of my "allowed" 2 weeks at one time. But (I'm sure you've experienced this as well) taking only a week makes it hard to travel very far without feeling like you need another vacation to recover FROM your vacation once you return home.

 

On this trip, my wife and I also decided that we were going to let each son pick out something that they wanted to do that was not dependent on anyone else's likes or dislikes. Our oldest son, Jacob, decided he wanted to learn how to wind surf so we allowed him to take lessons for that while we were there. He loved it. Our middle son, Jeremy, decided he wanted to go parasailing with his mom and, though he wanted to back out for a brief moment as he was being lifted into the sky (they were doing this tandem) he - and my wife - absolutely loved it. Our youngest son, Jordan, decided that he wanted to ride go carts all by himself WITHOUT his brothers on the course with him. It ended up that, when we took him to the track, he was the only person on the whole track. He loved it!

 

Here's the thing, though...I didn't have the money to take that vacation. Bottom line is that I didn't handle my money well and, due to that, I always seem to be coming up short. (That is a whole different story for a whole different blog article). Like most people (or a lot of them) I had to borrow the money to take this trip.

 

Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.  I have never regretted taking that trip nor have I ever regretted borrowing the money to do so. This vacation has brought about life-long memories that my family and I STILL talk about to this very day, twelve years later.

 

Oh, and those boys in the photo above? Our oldest son, Jacob is now 30, married with 2 young children of his own. As a matter of fact, he and his wife, Beth, celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary yesterday. And, our "middle" son, Jeremy, is now 27. He and his wife, Cassidy, celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary just a couple of weeks ago. And Jordan, our youngest, is now 23.

 

It's hard to believe that my sons are this age and at these various stages of their lives! But, friend, it happens quicker than we realize and, again, I urge those of you that have children at home to take in and soak up every minute of it. As a song sung by Trace Adkins says, "You're Going to Miss This" one of these days. "This" being things that we take for granted and sometimes grumble about.

 

What's my point?

 

For one, it is important for you to do all that you can to create MEMORIES - good ones - TODAY! Sure, it doesn't have to be some trip as I have described (who can do that every day?) but they can be created every day just by being there for your kids. Little, silly traditions that you create with your family. Special nicknames that you may have for them. Today is here and then it is gone.

 

Secondly, as I've shared with you the past couple of articles, you don't always have to go into debt or save for such a long time in order to take special trips that will create life long memories. My wife and I have started a travel business that offers special travel packages that allows you to travel for, literally, pennies on the dollar. Check out our travel Facebook page  for MJ Spillman Travel.

 

And, hey, if you've never listened to that song by Trace Adkins that I mentioned, look it up, take notice of the lyrics and let it sink in.

 

Thanks for allowing me to share some special memories with you, friend. Memories that I am so glad that I was determined to make happen.

 

Until next time, 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

  *MJ Spillman Travel on Facebook*    *TRAVEL FOR LESS and ENJOY LIFE MORE!*

Wish You Were...Where?

 

Do you still make a wish and blow out the candles on your birthday cake?

 

What? You don't celebrate your birthday with a cake?

 

What's that again? You don't even CELEBRATE your birthday?

 

How does that happen? I don't know but it happens with a lot of people from what I've seen.

 

"Cake? Candles? Wishes? Bah-Humbug!" (Does 'Bah-Humbug' still apply even though it's not the Christmas season?)

 

Friend, even though I'm sharing information about the new travel business that my wife and I have started, THIS IS ALSO ABOUT LIVING AND CELEBRATING LIFE!

 

We talked about it yesterday so, yeah, if you haven't read that article yet, you DO need to go back and do that...as well as listen to the podcast (links to both iTunes and RSS feed at the bottom).

 

Too many people have just given up on enjoying life and seeing their dreams become a reality. You know it and I know it. Hopefully that does not describe you but, hey, let's get real here - even people like "us" have allowed some things to just pass us by, right?

 

I'm too old, I'm too young, I don't have enough money, I don't have enough time.

 

Excuses.

 

Excuses that will lead you down a road of regret and disappointment. You don't believe me? Friend, if you have children, take a good long look at them and ask yourself where the time has gone.

 

ESPECIALLY if they are already "out of the house" but even if they are still at home with you and growing every day right before your very eyes.

 

The longer you wait to get back to enjoying your life and making those memories the sooner the time will come that you will wish that you had.

 

That's just the way it works.

 

Take the time to check out our page on Facebook (link at the bottom) and consider how you - yes YOU - can actually afford to make some of those life-long memories NOW instead of living a life void of those memories.

 

Hey, even if you don't do that, WAKE UP and realize that time is passing us all by and it is up to each and every one of us to make the most of it.

 

Even if it's NOT your birthday, don't wait for your next one to make a cake or even buy a cake and put at LEAST one candle on top of it and make a wish.

 

WHY NOT? I can just about promise that you'll smile and that you'll be glad that you did.

 

And if someone asks you for the occasion? Tell them that the occasion is LIFE!

 

Enjoy every moment, friend, enjoy every moment. And, as you do so, always 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

  *MJ Spillman Travel on Facebook*    *TRAVEL FOR LESS and ENJOY LIFE MORE!*

Learning To Live OR Waiting to Die?

Read the graphic and then read (or re-read) the title and ask yourself about BOTH of them, "Is that such an odd question?"

 

The fact is, friend, that it is NOT an odd question at all because many people are just "existing" and not truly living and loving life.

 

I don't know about you but I think that is just sad. And unnecessary.

 

Too many people have given up on their dreams long ago and have just "accepted" a life that is far less than what they had envisioned.

 

Did you know that TRAVEL is one of the most remembered and most enjoyed activities that individuals and families participate in? Special trips and vacations create LIFE-LONG memories that can bring smiles on faces for years and years into the future.

 

Yet, most people never travel or they have to save for years in order to do so. Oh, they may "travel" but it's usually to visit a relative somewhere. Know what I mean?

 

Let me ask you a question: In today's blog, would you rather me talk about DEATH or LIVING LIFE? Would you rather talk about FUNERALS or FUN?

 

Now those ARE odd questions!

 

A couple of years ago I was working in the life insurance industry. Don't anyone get all worked up with what I'm going to talk about because - right up front let me say that life insurance is INDEED a needed and valuable product that should be taken advantage of by ANYONE and EVERYONE that can do so! Get it? Got it? GOOD!

 

However, I struggled with it and didn't do very well. It just wasn't me, know what I mean? Information will tell you that, even though are many successful agents that sell life insurance, most people (even though they realize and understand that they DO need it) don't want to talk about it. Think about it, they will talking about DEATH and, more specifically, their OWN death and what will happen after they are gone. Necessary? ABSOLUTELY! But not much fun to talk about.

 

So, I will leave that to others to do that part of life - or the end of it!

 

Me? I'd rather talk about "living life" and "fun"!

 

My wife, Janan, and I have recently started a travel business selling travel packages that offer incredible deals. We are determined to help get people traveling and making those life-long memories NOW while they still can. We are determined to help get people out of the house and LIVING LIFE before they can no longer do so.

 

So let me direct you to the information for YOU to consider taking advantage of this. I thank you in advance for taking a look and sharing the information with others.

 

GO HERE to access our travel Facebook page. We have a special promotion going on for all those who "LIKE" this page between now and midnight CST on Thursday, July 31, 2014. For every 100 "likes" we will be giving away one trip. That's right, 1 trip for every 100 likes! NOTICE: You must ALSO leave a comment in order to be entered into the drawing. (You can also find a couple of videos that show just how big the savings can be!).

 

GO HERE to read up on our current special promotions. Besides the promotion that I just mentioned in the above paragraph, we also have a SPECIAL PROMOTION going on for anyone that becomes a customer between now and 9:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, July 31, 2014. Check out the even BIGGER BONUS for those that are in my FIRST FIVE customers during that time period! **You can also find out about our special "referral" promotions for those who purchase a package as well as those that don't purchase a package.

 

GO HERE to check out all of our products, read some testimonials as well as see how many businesses use these trips as incentives for their employees and also as appreciation for their customers.

 

Bottom line is this: IF you feel that you are not really "living life" then ask yourself what is it going to take to change that? Get real and get serious with yourself on this and remember, "As long as there is breath, there's hope!". Every day that you are alive is a day to be LIVED. Every day that you are alive is a day to LOVE and to BE LOVED.

 

Don't forget that and, contact me if you'd like to talk about it...I'll do what I can to help!

 

And, as always, as you go about each and every day "LIVING LIFE", 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

  *MJ Spillman Travel on Facebook*    *TRAVEL FOR LESS and ENJOY LIFE MORE!*

4th of 4 Agreements: DO YOUR BEST!

 

- Your Best is Going to Change From Moment to Moment; It Will be Different When You are Healthy as Opposed to Sick -  Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid

self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.-

 

 

You know, so many of the things that we've discussed over this discussion of "The Four Agreements" really boils down to us being more patient and caring with those around us.

 

Think about that for a minute and apply that thought to what has been discussed: Making sure our word is "impeccable" and being careful how we use our words; not taking everything personally; taking the time to listen to what people are saying as well as taking the time to clearly communicate what it is you are trying to say.

 

We're in too much of a rush with too many things...including our relationships.

 

Our being more patient and caring with one another will also help us understand that people are not ALWAYS at their "best" 100% of the time. People get tired, stressed and sick. Those that try to always put forward that "Sure, I just got hit by a car but I'm AWESOME!" attitude are usually headed for some sort of mental crash in the near future.

 

We don't need to expect "our best" at all times nor should we expect that from those around us. Relax a little and be a little more patient.

 

Simply do your best.

 

I actually had a "boss" (that's all he was for he surely was NOT a leader of people) tell me that doing my best was not good enough.

 

My team manager was working with us to help us set some goals for the day when "Mr. Boss" (that's about the nicest name I can come up with *grin*) came by to try to get us to boost them up even higher. Like I said, he was not a leader but, rather, he was a bully to those that would allow it.

 

Each of us had to go up to the white board and write down a number to indicate our goal for the day while he stood right next to the board and watched us. The first young lady went up and timidly put up what was likely a realistic goal for herself and he looked at her, shook his head and said, "Nooooooo." Which caused her to make up a number that meant nothing.

 

This basically caused him to go on a 15 minute rant about goals in a very negative and over-bearing manner. I simply could not look at him which, of course, drew his attention. He picked me out of the group and said, "Hey, what's YOUR goal for the day?" I replied that my goal was to do the best that I could to which he replied, "That's not good enough!" Now, mind you, this guy was not used to anyone standing up to him so it didn't really go over real well when I said, "My best is not good enough for you?" When he emphasized, "NO" I did actually say, "I think you are the first person that I've ever met that wouldn't kill to have a work force that was dedicated to doing their best."

 

He went on and on to the group about how doing your best may not be good enough, basically said that my thought was idiotic,  and then left. Honestly, people like this are not used to being stood up to and he didn't quite know what to do with me, so he called my manager in instead. With a smile on her face she had to have a "talk" with me and reprimand me for "showing him up" in front of the others.

 

So, let's just sum up that whole point here: DO YOUR BEST AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE REST!

 

Do all that you can do, give it your all - do your best - and stop beating yourself up because someone else (or even yourself) feels that it isn't good enough.

 

If you do your best, what more is there?

 

Hey friend, there's enough negativity out there that is working to tear us down, right? So how about we all decide to take care of each other a little more by being more patient, caring and understanding?

 

Your world will be a much more peaceful place as will those connected to your world, which then means that their world will also be a much more peaceful place. And on and on it goes.

 

Thanks for your time. Until next time, 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

                                        TRAVEL FOR LESS and ENJOY LIFE MORE!

 

3rd of 4 Agreements (Don't Make Assumptions)

You know what they say about what happens when you ASSUME something, right? Well, I'll go ahead and tell you in case you don't. It is said that when you choose to ASSUME something that you end up making an ASS out of U and ME.

 

That's not good. I know of no one that wakes up in the morning and says, "Hey! I think I want to make an "ass" out of myself!"

 

So, friend, don't make assumptions.

 

Good communication is a skill that many - if not most - lack and I don't think it's getting any better. With the advent of texting and "walking computers" there seems to be less and less human, face-to-face interaction and this leads to a weakening of communication skills.

 

One way to help combat this problem is to STOP MAKING ASSUMPTIONS!

 

Stop acting and/or reacting to what you THINK someone said and take the time to communicate clearly and remove as many misunderstandings as you can.

 

A. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. So, how does it generally work out for you when you EXPECT others to know what you are thinking? We put undue pressure on relationships when we EXPECT others to know. It doesn't matter if it's a spouse or a friend...why do that to them?

 

B. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. Who DOESN'T want to rid their life of as much drama as possible? Assumptions bring on misunderstandings which, in turn, often bring emotions that have to be dealt with. Whether it's sadness, disappointment or any other kind of drama, it CAN be prevented most of the time with better, and clearer, communication.

 

C. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. Pretty bold statement, right? But, if you really think about what we're saying here, it actually is a real transformation that can take place in your life. Following these steps can TRANSFORM your life from one that is filled with drama that stems from miscommunication and into one of clarity and peace.

 

Communication can be very frustrating but, friend, it doesn't have to be. Care enough to take the time to LISTEN and not make assumptions on what someone else is saying or MIGHT say. Care enough to take the time to SPEAK CLEARLY and not assume that others know what you mean.

 

Ahhhhhhhhhh. Hear that? It's the sounds of a more peaceful life. Nice, isn't it?

 

Enjoy! And, as you do so, 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

                                        TRAVEL FOR LESS and ENJOY LIFE MORE!

2nd of 4 Agreements (Don't Take it Personal)

 

- Nothing Others Do is Because of You -

- What Others Say and Do is a Projection of Their Own Reality, Their Own Dream -

- When You Are Immune to the Opinions and Actions of Others, You Won't Be

the Victim of Needless Suffering -

 

* * *

 

 

How easily do your "feathers get ruffled"?

 

When you see a group of people talking and you are not part of that group, do you think they are talking about YOU?

 

Are you easily offended?

 

Perhaps you take too many things personally. What do you say?

 

I really don't know what causes us to be that way sometimes and, obviously, some people struggle with this problem more than others but, bottom line is that it comes from a sense of insecurity that developed somewhere along the way.

 

Sometimes it may also be a part of growing up being told to behave in front of company or when at someone else's home or even (if caught doing something "wrong") being asked, "What would the neighbors think?"

 

I was a minister for years and, friend, when you are a minister you DO feel like you live in a "glass house"! When you literally watch over your shoulder and wonder what someone else will think on even the smallest of things it becomes easy to take things personally. It becomes EASY to always be concerned about what everyone else thinks.

 

I could spend a LOOOONG time on that but I choose to move on instead of focus on that part of my life. But, here is the question for you to consider: Have you put yourself - or allowed yourself - to be put "under the microscope" and, if so, WHY?

 

*NOTE: "Not caring about what anyone else thinks" can also take the role of being rude and inconsiderate. Be careful with that and help your children understand the difference. We do live in a society that seems to be losing a level of respect and consideration of others and developing more of a focus on ME, ME, ME.

 

Know this: There are some people that live simply to make those around them miserable. Why? Because they are miserable and can't stand to see anyone else happy. TRUE FACT!

 

Do not allow "the miserables" to drag you down with them and do NOT allow their opinions and lack of respect for themselves to bring you down to try to live according to their "rules".

 

I do know this...it seems that the older I get the easier it gets to not care so much about everyone else's opinion. I do my best to live an honorable, trustworthy and respectful life and I'm still working on that at times. But, friend, at some point, we must all learn to block out any negativity in any form that comes our way.

 

One way to do that is by doing exactly what you're doing right now....reading something POSITIVE that will help you in this battle.

 

Good job! Keep it up and, as you do so, always 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

                                        Begin Your Better Life Here!

First of FOUR AGREEMENTS

Speak With Integrity - Say Only What You Mean

Avoid Using the Word to Speak Against Yourself or to Gossip About Others

Use the Power of Your Word in the Direction of Truth and Love

 

* * * * * *

 

An old High School friend of mine recently posted "The Four Agreements" on her Facebook page and I instantly knew that I wanted to use it for my blog and podcast as soon as I could.

 

Before I go any further let me go ahead and share with you the rest of the list so that you can know what we will be talking about over the next few days:



     2. Don't Take Anything Personally

     3. Don't Make Assumptions

     4. Always Do Your Best

 

Would you already agree with me that following these "Four Agreements" can and will make a major impact on you and those around you? Can you see how putting these into practice on a daily basis will improve and heal relationships and that families can be healed and changed and that, yes, even whole communities could be nudged for such change as well?

 

Yes, our world has had liars in it since the beginning. The old devil himself showed himself to be a liar and is later described as "the father" of all lies (John 8:44).

 

Even though that is true I would still say that this (lying) is something that has become more prevelant today than in the past and that the idea of taking someone at their word - their TRUE word - is pretty much a thing of the past.

 

What is your take on that?

 

Lies HURT people and DESTROY relationships! Yet, it seems that, for many, it is a way of life when, in reality, it is nothing but a way of death (death to any and all relationships sooner or later).

 

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD!

 

Whoever came up with the oft-quoted saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me!" may have had good intentions but, friend, we all know that this is absolutely UNTRUE. I'm not sure that the originator of that phrase meant to lie, but that is exactly what it is.

 

We must be so careful with how we use our words

 

Words can heal as well as destroy. They can build up or they can tear down. They can put a smile on another's face or they can cause one to break down in tears. Both for the good and the bad, words can leave an impact that can last years and years.

 

You can look at the specifics in the graphic and right underneath the graphic in case you can't make out the words and consider each point for yourself.

 

Bottom line: All of this mentioned simply causes each of us to THINK before - BEFORE - we speak! If your hurtful words were bullets, would you be a little more careful?

 

I'd hope so. Just remember that hurtful words definitely can leave invisible scars that can last a lifetime.

 

Thank you for your time and for sharing this article with anyone and everyone that you think would benefit from it's content. I appreciate that, friend.

 

Until next time, 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

                                        Begin Your Better Life Here!

Break FREE From Debt!

 

You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before, right?

 

Her programs WORK - end of story and, friends, THIS is just one of the programs that are completly CHANGING PEOPLE'S LIVES!

 

I own the program myself and it is INDEED making a difference in reducing debt and how we now look at money in every way.

 

Check it out for yourself and make a decision to GET OUT OF DEBT and then to STAY OUT OF DEBT!

 

You'll be glad you did!

 

And, yes, I stand behind this fully because any thing that Dani Johnson does WORKS. Simple as that.

 

- Mike

Celebrate People!

What if everyone was just like you?

 

Oh, for some, at first thought they would say, "That's the way it SHOULD be! If everyone were like me then the world would be a better place!"

 

Then, after the laughter of everyone around them began to die down they would likely come to their senses and realize how boring our world would be if that were to happen.

 

The differences in people is what makes life interesting!

 

Think about how wonderful these differences really are: the way people dress; the way people talk (both accents and completely different languages); the naturally different colors of people's hair; the UNnatural different colors of people's hair; the different ways that people express happiness and joy as well as sorrow and all of the other emotions and on and on we could go.

 

What things would YOU add to the list that you appreciate about the way people are different?

 

Now, let me be upfront and honest here for a moment. I, personally, am not talking about celebrating people that are VULGAR in the way that they talk and even dress, specifically in public. Vulgarity is a CHOICE as well as someone that goes into a public store (uh, like Wal-Mart!) with half of everything that should be "hidden" hanging out all over the place. Dressing inappropriately is a choice as well.  I hope that makes sense and doesn't seem contradictory.

 

Let me give you a few examples that have caught my attention within the last couple of weeks and even over the past few years.

 

Just the other day I walked into Wal-Mart and the first thing that caught my eye was a gentleman (probably in his 60's) wearing a dingy "white" t-shirt, BRIGHT yellow shorts  (down to his knees), suspenders and big ol' boots with the tips of his white socks showing out of the top. My first reaction? Honestly? I GOT A BIG OL' GRIN ON MY FACE and thought, "Now, that's just awesome!"

 

Really, I did. He had, what I assume was his grandson with him, and the two of them were having an enjoyable time at Wal-Mart. The little boy had a big smile on his face the whole time. Now then, would I wear that to Wal-Mart? Uh, I WANT to say that I wouldn't but, at the same time, with my grandkids, there is no limit to what I may do to put a smile on their face (before they get to the age that they get embarrassed too easily).

 

Another situation was when I was at the Dani Johnson event in San Antonio and I was parking my car in a paid parking lot to walk to the event location. I had parked there the day before (on a Sunday) and had paid $7 for all day up until 7:00 p.m. This was a Monday and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the cost was only $5 for parking!

 

As I pulled in and prepared to pay the little old lady that was there with a man that I assumed to be her husband, she asked me if I would be back by 6:00 p.m. I told her "no" because I knew the event was scheduled to go until that time. She informed me that I would need to pay $10 then because the ticket was only good until 6:00 p.m.

 

Now, you can go back and read the last article and listen to the last podcast to see that sometimes I have a problem being impatient with situations such as this. I wish I could tell you that I was pleasant when she told me that but, I really wasn't. I wasn't "nasty" but I snipped, "well, I'll just make sure that I'll be back by 6:00. That's ridiculous! It was good until 7:00 yesterday!" To which the lady told me that was because it was the weekend.

 

Her husband began talking to her in Spanish and, even thought I didn't understand what he said, I'm sure it was something about me and the way I was behaving. As I put my window up and preceded to park I thought, "Mike, what in the world are you doing? Why are you behaving this way? That's NOT how you should treat people and that is NOT how you need to begin this day or theirs!" So, when I got out of my car I asked them what I needed to do to make sure I was not going to get towed after 6:00 and I got the ticket that I needed and put in on the dashboard of my car.

 

As I got to this couple on my way out of the lot I stopped and began to talk to them. I said something expressing my hope that they did not have to sit out in the sun all day long and, immediately, big smiles can upon both of their faces! They assured me that they could go inside the little shack on the lot that had an air conditioner. I asked them how long they had been doing this work and they told me that they had been doing this for 45 years! He then excitedly started asking me to guess his wife's age (I'm terrible with that and wouldn't touch that with a 10-ft. pole anyway!) and told me she was in her mid-70's as was he. I talked to them for a couple of more minutes and the three of us parted with smiles on our faces and happy hearts.

 

What a difference from where I allowed it to begin just a few short minutes before.

 

CELEBRATE PEOPLE!

 

One last example and then I'll let you absorb and allow this to "simmer" in the "pot" of your mind...

 

A few years ago my wife and I were out on my motorcycle on the way to some event when we stopped at a gas station to refuel and to stretch a little. When I walked in I noticed a "biker" with a long pony-tail and patches all over his vest. I saw his wife as well and didn't even glance at her because I knew that, with some bikers - the "hard core" kind - that act, alone, could get you into some serious trouble.

 

As luck would have it, I ended up right behind him in line to check out. I wasn't going to look at him or attempt to speak to him when he turned around (after completing his transaction) and asked me how I was doing. Stunned, I stammered, "I'm fine and you?". His answer? "I'M BLESSED, THANK YOU."

 

It was if my eyes were opened and I noticed that all of the patches on his vest were "religious" patches and that he actually had a very kind face.

 

Wow, Mike, you blew that one BIG TIME!

 

I had judged this man on how he looked and the fact that he rode a motorcycle (uh, I was on one, too). What a lesson I RE-learned that day.

 

CELEBRATE PEOPLE!

 

When you find that your first reaction is to condemn, criticize and judge, TAKE ANOTHER LOOK and see if you can't SMILE and be thankful that we are not all the same.

 

Think about those in your life that are close to you (family and friends) and smile as you think about how different each one is and what differences make them so special in your life.

 

THANK YOU, GOD, FOR MAKING EACH ONE OF US AS DIFFERENT AS EACH SNOWFLAKE IS FROM ANOTHER!

 

Enjoy your day and, as you do so, 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

                                        Begin Your Better Life Here!

What Are YOU Creating?

 

How do you feel?

 

Really, how do you feel? Do you feel stressed out all of the time? Are you uptight? Anxious?

 

Is there a feeling of frustration and/or fear prevalent in your life? Are you overwhelmed with the feeling that our world is doomed for destruction?

 

Do you feel peaceful? Relaxed? Do you rest easily and do you rest well?

 

Now then, are you ready?

WHAT TYPE OF THINGS DO YOU POST ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA?

 

Are you one that constantly posts or reposts "news" reports of horrible things that happen all around the world? Are you one that constantly posts or reposts videos or articles that lambaste "the other side" from your political viewpoint?

 

Are you one that posts/reposts good, happy, thoughtful graphics and/or videos? Are you one that posts/reposts thoughts and phrases that will encourage and uplift those that read what you post?

 

What are YOU creating?

 

That's right...either way, YOU are "creating" the feelings, emotions and reactions in your life!

 

"What you sow, you will reap" or "You reap what you sow" fits this perfectly and so does "the Law of Attraction".

 

What is referred to as "the Law of Attraction" shares the exact same principle as "sowing and reaping" in that it states the following: That which you send out is what will come back to you. If you send out negativity then, guess what? Negativity will come back to you and fill your life. If you send out positivity then yup, you got it, you life will receive and be filled with that which is positive.

 

This was talked about quite a bit at the training that I attended with Dani Johnson (www.DaniJohnson.com) last weekend. I didn't do a blog or podcast while I was gone and I really wanted to put some thought into what my first article would be once I got back on track.

 

The answer basically "slapped me in the face" when I opened up my Facebook yesterday and noticed - it just jumped out at me - how many "negative" posts filled my page. WOW!

 

Hey, let me be the first to admit that I've joined in on some of this in the past. I've really tried to curtail that and control my participation in that type of activity lately and I think I've done fairly well.

 

THINK ABOUT THIS: Not only does it send a negative feeling/emotion to those that read it/watch it/absorb it but it also puts that same negativity into your own mind and soul.

 

Is that what you really want for you life and is it really what you want to dump on someone else?

 

We can try to justify it all we want but, friend, let's get real - NO ONE NEEDS THAT!

 

All that you have is TODAY ("As long as there is breath, there is hope!").  Why not use today and all of the avenues you have to reach out and touch the lives of others for GOOD? Why not share as much POSITIVE information and as many POSITIVE words to those that you may touch instead of negative sludge?

I've dedicated myself to getting rid of this in my own life. Will you join me? Will YOU determine to stop poisoning YOUR life as well as the life of those with which you come into contact?

What you SOW is what you will REAP and what you SEND OUT is what will COME BACK to you.

I hope that you will share this with as many people as you can and that you'll also listen to the podcast (link below) and also share it with as many as you can.

I also hope that you'll take the time to go to my Future You University page on FB (link below) and leave a comment about this there.

It's time for a change, wouldn't you agree? Then let's start NOW, TODAY.

And as you do so, 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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

Impossible?

The progression of the message in the past few articles has really been by accident. Really, it has. But, even though by accident, they all "connect" in the message and even with what I'm sharing with you today.

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Even though I didn't PLAN it this way, is it really an "accident"? I am one that tends to think that things don't happen by "accident" but for a reason. Perhaps - and I believe it is - this is one of those situations that appear to be accidental but are not an accident at all.

 

Here's what I want to be sure that you understand right from the start...YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your struggles to stay focused with a positive mindset and to move on IN SPITE OF failures that want to drag us down along the way.

 

That's why it is so important for us to STICK TOGETHER and share this POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT along the way! We NEED each other if we are to progress steadily and positively forward in this journey.

 

If you've not read the past 4 or 5 articles you might want to pause here for a few minutes and do that so that you can see how they all have come together and attach themselves to today's article. Go on, we'll wait for you.

 

If you want to take that "first step" and if you want to push yourself to determine how far you can go then you must start by doing what is necessary.

 

You must TAKE ACTION even if that "action" is doing what you already KNOW you can do. You may or may not be surprised at how many people struggle to even do what they KNOW they can do. Many times it's that fear of failure that has us paralyzed to where we cannot even do what we KNOW is necessary but, indeed, that is something that we MUST do in order to gain that forward momentum.

 

You "do what you gotta' do"!

 

Once you start gaining control and you find yourself doing what is NECESSARY without the pitfalls of fear and/or doubt then you must move on and push yourself just a little to discover what actually IS possible in your life.

 

It's just a little nudge but, at the same time, it is HUGE in our progression. You see, once we get to where we start doing - without the worry, fear and doubt - what is NECESSARY for us to do  then we have the confidence and courage to step out just a bit.

 

This is NOT a huge jump from, let's say, walking a mile to running 10 miles. That's TOO BIG of an adjustment to make for one that has just accomplished the task of walking a mile!

 

Let's just stick with this example and see what would go from "necessary" to "possible".  The WALKING a mile (and you might have to even work up to that mile) would be "necessary" to get you moving and to get your blood pumping and you mind CLEARING UP. The next step, something that is "possible" might be to jog for 30 seconds and then walk for 30 seconds and to keep doing that through that mile.

 

YES, THAT'S POSSIBLE!

 

You can apply this to whatever it is that you need to in order to make this personal but the "possible" has to go beyond the "necessary" in order to advance your progress. Make sense?

 

And, you know what? From my experience I have found that once you start doing the "possible" you will, without much help or motivation from anyone else, start to challenge yourself to do just a little more and a little more until, before you know it, you are doing what you would have previously considered to be IMPOSSIBLE.

 

Don't worry about what is "impossible" at this point. Just start with what is necessary and move on from there.

 

See? YOU CAN DO THAT, can't you?  (Sure you can).

 

I'm not sure when my next blog will be published since I will be away at Dani Johnson's "First Steps to Success" in San Antonio for the next few days. But, let me give you this WARNING: I'll be sharing things that I learned while there. So, the warning is to buckle in and hang on!

 

Until then, friend, 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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

Failure IS an Option!

What we USUALLY here is, "Failure is NOT an option!"

 

I understand and appreciate the determination that comes from such a statement. I like to know that this would be the attitude that my surgeon had before doing something major to my body. Know what I mean?

 

That determination is NEEDED when trying to achieve what you set out to achieve.

 

However, it can also be the attitude that CRUSHES you when you fall short......when you "fail".

 

When you have told yourself - or you've been told by others around you - that "failure is NOT an option" then, how do you feel when you DO fail (or fall short)?

 

Believe me, I have not forgotten that I have said many times that failure is NOT a definition of who you are...it is simply an EVENT as long as you pick yourself up and keep moving.

 

FAILURE DOES EXIST and it is that FAILURE that has spurred many great people to create and/or invent many of our greatest inventions and thoughts!

Do some research on people like Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln and even jump forward several decades and take a look at Michael Jordan and Donald Trump. These are but a FEW of a long list of "famous" and successful people that encountered MANY struggles that would be considered as failures.

Their "secret to success"?

THEY REFUSED TO GIVE UP and they also REFUSED TO LISTEN TO WHAT OTHERS SAID ABOUT THEM.

I wonder how many "failed attempts" at flying the Wright brothers experienced before that ONE well-known and short flight took place? Or, what about Alexander Graham Bell? Do you think he successfully got someone to say "hello" on the other end of his contraption that we now call the telephone? I can answer that for you: OF COURSE NOT!

History is not full of stories of those that quit and gave up.

History IS full of stories of those that took FAILURE and used it as FUEL for their journey to SUCCESS.

And, by the way - DO NOT MISS THIS POINT - this also applies to those that REFUSE to give up when a marriage gets tough or when being a parent gets tough! History may not record your name but, more importantly, your FAMILY and those that LOOK TO YOU will remember!



So, yeah, failure IS an option but it's what you do with it that matters in the end.

 

Keep that in mind and, as always, 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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

How Far Can YOU Go?

How far can you go?

There's only one way to know, right?

The only way to find out how far you can go is to go further than you ever have before. If you only go as far as you have before then you really don't know how far you CAN go.

I use other examples in the podcast (you can find the links below) but just think about the guys that do the motorcycle (and yes, even bicycle) stunt contests. A few years back, no one had ever done a back flip and then it was no one had ever done two in a row. Then, it was the first ever FRONT flip and on and on we go.

Someone is always pushing the bar past where no one thought it could go. But GO it does!

How is that possible? Someone sees/dreams/envisions it and then they take the risk and fail and fail and fail until they succeed.

Doing these tricks into a foam pit is one thing but, when it comes time to try it out "for real" where you land - or crash - on the hard ground, is a whole different matter!

To complete something that you've never completed before brings it's own reward.

There's only one way to find out how far YOU can actually go. You must dream it, see it, envision it and then be prepared to FAIL until you SUCCEED.

You DO have what it takes but only YOU can make the decision - in belief - to go for it.

Here's to pushing the limits in order to push ourselves further and further.....

"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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

If You Want Something...

 

I wish I had more income coming in. I wish I had the ability to not worry about so many bills. I wish I had more money in the bank. I wish I got along better with my kids. I wish my spouse and I didn't fight so much. I wish I got along better with my co-workers....

 

You can keep adding onto that list any way that you can (and there are MANY more things that most of us could add) and end up feeling pretty bad about life.

 

Are you ALIVE today? Let me help you out with that one....if you are reading this, then the answer is YES!

 

As you look back at that "list" of things that you wish were different there are TWO choices that you have:

    1. Keep doing what you're doing and know that NOTHING will change

    2. Do something that you've never done - MAKE A CHANGE in what you do

 

Continue to do what you're doing and, even as you approach your departure from this life on earth, you will still be whining about what you wish was different.

 

I don't know about you, but I want to come to the end of my life with as FEW regrets as I possibly can!

 

Are there things I wish I had done differently in my past? ABSOLUTELY!

 

However, I cannot go back and change those things. I might be able to do something about the IMPACT of some of those actions but, quite honestly, there are many that I simply cannot do anything about. I can also do all that I can to try to share with my own sons so that THEY don't repeat the same mistakes.

 

Here's the key thing that I CAN do: I can (and will) do all that I can TODAY in a different way so that my FUTURE will not be full of those type of regrets! In other words, what I do TODAY will impact all of my "TOMORROWS".

 

Attending an event like the one that I've been telling you about for some time now MIGHT be something that is totally DIFFERENT than what you have ever done before.

 

THAT'S THE POINT!

 

(Go to www.DaniJohnson.com and click on the "events" tab for the First Steps to Success event next weekend).

 

Hey friend, you DO NOT have to keep making the same mistake over and over again. You can, if you don't change what you're doing, but you do NOT have to!

 

It's up to you....as it always is.

 

As you prepare to CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOR THE BETTER, 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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

 

The FIRST Step...

Comfortable?

 

Satisfied?

 

Happy?

 

Restless?

 

Sometimes we THINK that we like where we are in our life and, yet, at the same time we feel a tinge of restlessness and dissatisfaction.

 

Could it be that you have allowed yourself to feel comfortable because you just, simply, gave up? Have you perhaps convinced yourself that you are "satisfied" when, deep down, you know that your feeling of restlessness comes from actual DISsatisfaction? And could it be that you have allowed yourself to "settle" for a level of happiness that, in reality, is NOT happiness after all?

 

Now, let me say up front that, indeed, you may actually be completely happy and satisfied with your life. THAT'S GREAT! You may be fulfilled with what you have accomplished and where you are in your life. Be sure to THANK GOD for that feeling of happiness and satisfaction.

 

But, for many, there is a real desire for "something better".

 

WHY?

 

Because, for many, they KNOW that they have the ability to do MORE than what they have done and/or accomplished in their life and they WANT to achieve more. But, for whatever reason, they have gotten "sidetracked" and have settled for, "Oh well, it is what it is."

 

Again, not EVERYONE has this restlessness in their lives, but many do!

 

If you are one that finds you want to change the direction of your life for the better then please, pay close attention.

 

1. First and foremost you MUST decide that you do not want to stay where you are.

2. You MUST take action.

     "Staying where you are will never get you where you want to be." - Yeah, that's one of my quotes.

     "Change Nothing - Nothing Changes" - And, yeah, another one of mine.

I want you to notice something in that graphic at the top of this article. I want you to notice that one, little word, YOU.

 

YOU have to want it. YOU have to make that decision. YOU are the one that has to take action to make it happen.

 

Others can encourage you (as I do) but YOU are the only one that can make it happen by taking the necessary action.

This event that I've been telling you about is an EXCELLENT way to get the needed mindset to make positive progress in your life. Hey, listen friend, even you if you can't get to this event, are you AT LEAST taking advantage of the many needed articles, videos and MP3's available on Dani Johnson's site? IF NOT, WHY NOT?

 

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! - MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! It doesn't matter who you are or what you do for a living, you don't want to miss this life-changing event. You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before right? I will be attending her live event in San Antonio, Texas on July 12th - 13th and and also for the Business Workshop on the 14th and I'd love to meet YOU there! Go here to check it out for yourself and get ready to take your life to the next level!

Every day, a decision is made and it's made by YOU.

 

Decide wisely and, as you do so, 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

                                         Start your home based business HERE