Sometimes, The Truth HURTS!

Well now, believe it or not but, some people will have already gotten offended just by the graphic that I've posted.  We live in a world today - at least in the United States - that is over-run with people and the idea that all should be done to keep from hurting anyone's feelings.

Isn't that special?

Whatever you do, be SURE to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article - I really "went off" on this whole idea. WARNING: If you are of this "sensitive type", you may be offended when you listen!

In our country - the United States of America - our current administration has gone overboard with this whole "politically correct" idea to the point that, in my opinion, they have put us - the American people - at risk. I believe that to be true, 100%. 

We have college students who demand to have a "safe place" that they can go without having a chance of being offended or having their feelings hurt while they are in that area. Are you kidding me?

Lawsuits - silly and frivolous -  are the norm in our society and it is a part of this whole "they hurt my feelings" atmosphere and philosophy. 

It has really exploded over the past few years but, friend, it has been coming for a long time and, to some extent, you and I are to blame. 

For years now, parents have increasingly become "over protective" of their children in just about every way. It has been proven that many childhood illnesses can be attributed to the fact that many have tried to make their child's environment "germ free" which, in effect, lowers that child's body from building immunity to such illnesses. Parents have rushed to the aid of their child(ren) at every fall, bump or bruise to the point that the child begins to whine and cry at any little thing that is the least bit uncomfortable. What happens when these children get to pre-school? Ask a teacher.

Parents, increasingly over the years, rush to the school to scold teachers and administrators when they feel their child has been mistreated. If you doubt that - ask a teacher. Kids pick on other kids and parents rush in almost demanding a full-scale investigation into the matter. Again...ask a teacher.

I understand the need to teach children how to treat others with kindness and respect. However, "bullying" or one kid picking on another, has been around since the beginning of time. I went through it and, likely, so did you. And, though I'm not proud to say it, I also was - at times - on the end of the one that was picking on others. And, likely, you may have done so as well. 

Can I "get real" here for a moment? THAT'S LIFE! When we run to our child's rescue anytime there is a perceived injustice or anytime they have had their feelings hurt WE are actually the ones doing them the injustice!

Why? Because we are not teaching them how to HANDLE those types of situations. Instead of teaching them how to handle those types of things and how to "brush it off" and develop the positive mindset needed to do so, we want to change the world instead so that "my child" can be "protected". 

Well friends, we are seeing the "fruits" of that run rampant in our society today. 

There will ALWAYS be "injustice" in our society. Why? Because our society consists of all different kinds of people. There will ALWAYS be those that "bully" us. Always. There will ALWAYS be others that enjoy trying to make themselves feel better about themselves by degrading others. Why? Again, it's called, "other people exist". 

The real question is, "What will YOU do?".

We MUST teach our kids and our grandkids how to handle these situations. We must teach them how to "toughen up" a bit and to learn how to "brush off" these types of things and move on. However, in order for this to take place, WE - as adults - must learn and practice this, ourselves!

I honestly believe that this is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY if our society in America is to survive. I really do believe it's that serious.

It all starts with YOU and me. And, it must start NOW!

Let me say this - I must. If you are a teacher and you had one of my kids in your class, let me apologize for the times that I did just what I discussed above Yes, I "ran to their rescue" on way too many occasions and I apologize for doing so. I can't go back and undo it but, maybe, I can help others from repeating the same mistake.

Again, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Excuses Prevent Action!

 I'm sure you've heard the saying about "Opinions", right? Well, I'm going to "clean it up" just a little bit and go with it like this: "Opinions are like ARM PITS...everybody has them and they all stink!"

Now, for today's article, I'm going to change that up just a little bit more and apply it to EXCUSES:
"EXCUSES are like ARM PITS...everybody has them and they all stink!" 

Just like in the last article, this one comes as a result of me catching up with some "Minute With Maxwell" e-mails that I receive from John C. Maxwell every day. And, in case you didn't get the link in yesterday's article, you can sign up for free and get this sent to you own e-mail address by going HERE.

I'm sure you've guessed it by now but, the word being addressed in this particular episode was, "Excuses". As I listened, John said something that really jumped out at me and I wanted to share it with you today. Here's what he said: "It's easier to go from FAILURE to SUCCESS than it is to go from EXCUSES to SUCCESS!" 

 It seems that he pointed out, as well, that it is literally impossible to go from EXCUSES  to success because EXCUSES will prevent us from ever taking ACTION (see yesterday's article).

Excuses are the language of FEAR. You can debate that if you wish but, friend, it is a fact. You make excuses because you are AFRAID of SOMETHING in whatever area of your life it is that you are needing to take action. 

Here's the thing, though. Many people have become so accustomed to making excuses that they don't even realize that they do it so much. I know someone who automatically starts making excuses about as soon as they open their mouth when asked about ANYTHING. And, I do mean just about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! It's a self-defense mechanism that many people set up because they don't want to have to face the fact that they are not following through by taking action. 

Now listen, I understand that it just flat out HURTS to have to face the truth like that, doesn't it? But listen, friend, EXCUSES WILL KEEP YOU WHERE YOU ARE and PREVENT YOU FROM MOVING FORWARD TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!

So, yeah, maybe it's something we all need to get serious about.

Just like anything else that requires change and a completely different approach, moving away from EXCUSES will be a PROCESS that you approach and attack on a DAILY basis...one day at a time.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear some of you making excuses as to why you can't approach and attack this every day. C'mon...just stop it. :)

So, take a look at where you are and then take a look at where it is that you want to be and realize that it is your EXCUSES that are keeping you where you are. Period.

Hey, I hope we're still friends after this article! I know we are and I know that, even if this was a little painful, you will be fine once you get past the initial shock of the truth. But, friend, you can do this and you CAN get past the excuses and on toward your planned goals and dreams!

As always, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

The Importance of EXECUTION

Have you ever participated in "cliff jumping or diving"?  Here's what I mean. I live in Arkansas and we have a lot of lakes around and I've had the pleasure of living in areas where I had quick access to getting on the lake in a boat and enjoying that time.

When my sons were younger and still at home, we would load up and go out on the lake and spend some time exploring different areas of the lake, swimming and - you guessed it - "cliff jumping" when we could find a safe area to do so. It simply means that you climb your way up to a specific point on a "cliff" or a "bluff" and then you jump off of it into the water.

Here's the thing though - that "specified area" never looks as high from the boat as it does once you climb up TO that point! And, for some (like me), it's hard to "pull the trigger" and take that leap off of that cliff or bluff into the water. I remember one such time with my boys where we would count, "1...2...3!!" for each one for them to jump. NONE of them ever went on "3" that first time. As a matter of fact, it usually took four or five times of that countdown before they would finally jump...and, yeah, I was the same way!

In today's podcast (see links at the bottom of this article) I share some thoughts that I got from John C. Maxwell from his "Minute With Maxwell" that I get delivered to my e-mail every day. (You can sign up and get this sent to your own e-mail as well - I don't get anything for this, I just want to share "good stuff" with you - by going HERE. )

I was listening and catching up on some of the past episodes of this yesterday and came across John addressing the word, "EXECUTE", in which he shared his initial thought and image of a guy being blindfolded, with a cigarette in his mouth, standing before a firing squad. Of course, the "call" that is made by one in charge is, "READY.....AIM...FIRE!" However, John shared that, too often, when we plan to "execute" or take action on some plans that we have laid out before us, we often make THIS call: "READY......AIM.....AIM.....AIM...."

Just like the example I used above about preparing to jump off of that cliff or bluff, sometimes it's hard to "pull the trigger" and take that leap! We may be ready (climbed up to the cliff/bluff) and have taken aim (looked over the bluff to decide where the best place to land would be) but, we didn't really make that climb with the idea of just standing around on that cliff/bluff, did we?

Execution or taking action is a MUST - a NECESSITY - if we plan to ever move forward or experience success in whatever area it is in which we are involved.

John also talks about the other end of the spectrum in this scenario. He says that others will make THIS call: "READY.....FIRE....AIM!".  Now, even though that sounds kind of funny, too many people do just that. Have you? I know I have! Sometimes we get in a hurry and we do make some preparation, BUT we fail to "take aim" or complete the preparation process before we "jump in" or "pull the trigger".

In the example that I used of jumping off of the cliff or bluff, this can be catastrophic! Failing to "aim" or plan where it is that you want to land could even lead to death. Climbing up to the specific area is part of the process but so is looking over that cliff/bluff and "taking aim" or planning where it is that you want to land in the water. Just going up and jumping, without taking that look, could cause one to jump right on top of a big rock just under the surface of the water.

At a shooting range, preparing your weapon to fire but not taking aim will cause one to miss their target and - again with possible catastrophic results - possibly strike another human instead of the target that was set.

So, it is important to follow the course in the correct order, wouldn't you agree?

But again, all of the preparation in the world carries no value if we fail to EXECUTE the plan of action.

How does that "speak" to you today? I'm sure it does in some way, friend. Don't hide from it but, rather, embrace it and address it so that you can take the needed actions in your life to move on toward your intended success.

Join me in the next article as we deal with another area that often prevents us from taking action and experiencing success in and for our lives.

As always, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Copy Those That DO!

That's a pretty powerful quote shown in the above graphic, isn't it? 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". 

Several weeks back 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, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Are YOU Paralyzed By FEAR?

"Are YOU Paralyzed By FEAR?"

Last weekend my wife and I were blessed to have our two grandbabies come for a visit and spend the night. We always love it when they get to come for a visit like that and we usually get 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 is 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 is 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. 

Until then, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

HOW Will You Vote?

What Will Your Vote Be?

Perhaps the better - or more accurate - question would be, "How ARE you voting?".  Even though the title of this article is worded as "future tense", in all actuality, you VOTE every single day and, several times throughout the day.

I point this following fact out in the podcast that goes along with this article (be sure to read it - the links are at the bottom of this article)...

Your seconds turn into minutes - Your minutes turn into hours

Your hours turn into days - Your days turn into weeks

Your weeks turn into months - Your months turn into years

And your years turn into your lifetime

Hey, listen, I'm 56 years old and I find that, at times, it's hard to believe that to be true! At times it seems impossible that I have been married for 34 years and to have 3 adult sons who are all married (well, the youngest will be getting married in a couple of weeks) and that I have 2 grandchildren. 

If you have children or if you have adult children then you know exactly what I'm talking about. And, once again, I simply want to remind you that, once gone, time cannot be reclaimed or relived. No matter how badly you want to go back in time - you simply cannot do so. 

So, yeah, - TODAY MATTERS!

What is your vote or, what will your vote be as to what you will do with today? Your choice, once again, will reflect the VALUE that you have placed upon this precious time and the VALUE of this time in and for your life and the life of your loved ones. 

Now, here's the really good news about all of this: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" That is as true today as it was when I first used it for my first podcast back on March 2, 2009. 

Even though ALL decisions that we make have some consequences (some good, some bad), they don't have to have a LASTING impact if they are poor choices. They will have a lasting impact if they are left "unchecked" and allowed to continue.  And, oh yes, there are some decisions that we make that, even though they are made in haste and controlled by emotions, can have a life-long impact even if never repeated. But there is the possibility that those relationships can be improved upon and maybe even mended.

So, yeah, it's important to THINK about all of this ahead of time. Wouldn't you agree?

Saying "I'm sorry" about such a decision may be a great response and a heart-felt response. Those words may do wonders for the healing process. However, friend, make no mistake about this - if your "vote" has been to continue that type of action to where you are saying the words, "I'm sorry" over and over again for the same decision or mistake, it begins to mean nothing.

Why? Because you have begun to demonstrate that your relationships really aren't valuable enough for you to decide to VOTE to CHANGE instead of continually apologizing.  

  

I saw a graphic earlier today that read like this: "Repentance isn't crying...its CHANGING." 

If you are truly "sorry" and you regret your past actions, then put ACTION behind the words! This, my friend, is the REAL "vote" for change!

How do you vote NOW and how will you CONTINUE to vote?

On my podcasts I always encourage my listeners to also be sure to read the blog and I want to do the same with you. Please take the time to click on one of the links below to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article. This is one of those times that what you will hear is a lot different than what you have just read. No, it doesn't contradict itself - not at all. There are just additional thoughts that I had as I recorded that podcast two days ago, than I did as I sat and typed this out. 

So, you get the benefit of BOTH and I encourage you to take advantage of both. The podcasts usually run around 10 minutes or a little less. 

Thanks, in advance, for doing that and I also ask that you do a couple of other things for me, if you don't mind. If you listen to the podcast on iTunes (see link below), please take a moment to leave a review for my podcast. Also, please stop by the fan page on Facebook (again, see link below) and say "hi" and introduce yourself - let me know where you're from and how long you've been reading and/or listening to Future You University.

Hope to hear from you soon! Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to... 

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

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

What (or Who) Decides or Sways Your Vote?

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!

This article is one of those situations that I talk about on the podcast where I encourage you to listen to the podcast as well as read the article because they are not exactly the same. They are not done at the same time and I don't follow a script. THIS ARTICLE is a lot different than the podcast that I recorded for this topic. So, please, read the following couple of paragraphs carefully and take the time to listen to the podcast as well. 

So, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Will You Vote? (You Vote Either Way)

Will You Vote?

You Vote Either Way - Indecision IS a Vote!

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.) is in an election year for President and it is something that is the center of just about every discussion that is being had at this time.

That being said, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the blog article from yesterday (as well as listen to the podcast) that served as the launch of this series for the week. 

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 on Thursday. Tomorrow I will address the topic, "What 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?

Until then, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

THE Vote

Right off the start let me make sure that you understand - THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS! However, since we will be electing a new President in the United States in November of this year, it IS the central topic of conversation just about everywhere that you turn. 

So, since that is so, I thought I would use that prevailing thought as the foundation for our week of discussions for the blog and podcast. So, here's the plan for this week's topics:

TODAY: "THE Vote" 

Tuesday: "WILL You Vote?" (you vote either way...indecision IS a vote)
Wednesday - "What Decides/Sways Your Vote?"
Thursday - "How Will You Vote?" (What Will Your Vote Be?)
Friday - FUN FRIDAY (political humor or voting humor) 

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, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

 

What WERE "The Good Old Days"?

Does this woman LOOK LIKE she's enjoying "The Good Old Days"????

Hey, listen, I'm not going to really write much on this for today's article - it's going to be mostly images to share with you with a few comments. HOWEVER, I really want to encourage you to LISTEN to the "FUN FRIDAY" podcast by going here for iTunes or here for the RSS feed. 

Yeah, THIS looks like a great way to end a long, hard day, right?

 EVERYONE has their own ideas about "the good old days"!

Who remembers these? Anyone want to REALLY go back to using them?

'Nuff said!

They really look like THEY are living it up, don't they?

And some are asking, "What's 'Snap, Crackle and Pop'?"

Here's how you know - YOU'RE LIVING THEM NOW!

That's right! The life you are living right now will be a time that you will look back on later in life and remember it as "the good old days".

Believe it or not!

 So, friends, ENJOY your days, weeks, months and years - time moves quickly and it can NEVER be reclaimed or relived. No matter how much you wish you could go back.

So, until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Looking Back Can Be DECEPTIVE! (Part 2)

"Looking Back Can Be DECEPTIVE! (Part 2)"

 In my last article I began discussing the basic premise behind the title of this "mini-series" that will continue into the next article. If you haven't done so, go back and read the last article as well as listen to the podcast that goes along with it. The links for both iTunes and the RSS feed can be found at the bottom of this article. Take a moment and do that first so that you can be properly "set" for what we will continue with today.

The basic idea is this: Many times we can "look back" at a time period in our past and do so with fond memories when, actually, at the time, there was nothing going on that we would ever want to remember fondly. Get the point?

I want to share with you a PERFECT illustration of this that comes from the Bible and it is found in the Old Testament book of Exodus, chapter 14. Have you ever seen the old movie, "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston in the leading role as Moses? A good part of the movie deals with the time period of when Moses was sent to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. They were enduring horrible conditions as slaves and God sent Moses to lead His people out of slavery and into freedom. In Exodus 14, we find that this large group had left their slavery and were on their way to freedom when Pharaoh changed his mind about letting them go and began to chase them down. As his army got closer to the group of Israelites, they thought they were trapped when they came upon the Red Sea. They saw no way out and began to moan and complain to Moses that he should have left them alone for (verse 12), "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness!" They were saying that, as horrible as it was, they would have rather STAYED in Egypt and live as slaves, in horrible conditions, that to die in freedom.

Of course, if you know the story (if you don't, just continue reading from verse 12) then you know that God delivered His people from that situation. But, the point is this: Even though they had been free for only a very short time, they were already "looking back", desiring to go back.

Why? Because they were AFRAID OF WHAT WAS BEFORE THEM! 

Is it possible that the same is true for you and me today? I mentioned in my last podcast that, many times, we find ourselves longing for the "good old days" during times of difficulty. Often, when we run into obstacles and experience "failure" we want to run back to those times that we remember fondly when, again, at the time, they may not have been so pleasant after all. 

Why? Because, in our own minds, it is easier (and we THINK it's "safer") to go back to what we knew (even if it wasn't so good - like the Israelites in slavery) than it is to face difficulty and the unknown of the future.  

May I share another verse from the Bible that addresses this point? I promise, I'm not going to get all "preachy" on you. Notice these words that you can find in the New Testament book of Luke 9:62 - "But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The idea presented here is exactly the same one that we discussed about the Israelites back in the book of Exodus. For Christians, Jesus Christ has "set us free" from the "slavery and bondage" of sin! We're free! So, why would anyone "look back" and desire the former life of slavery and bondage? Those that do so are not "fit" for the "kingdom of God" for they do not trust Jesus and the promise of a better future, just as the Israelites did not trust God and His promise to them of a better future. 

By the way, did you know that you can't plow a straight row if you are looking back? That's true whether you are plowing behind a horse or sitting behind the wheel of a tractor! 

In the same way, you cannot focus on your future and "take care of business" if you are always looking back. It just won't work and friend, remember, your past - whatever it is that keeps drawing your attention there - is likely not as "shiny" as it now appears! 

Hey listen, there are people that are set free from prison only to find that they feel "lost" now that they are "out on their own". And, because they find this new life difficult to adjust to, they will - at times - commit a crime just so they can go back to what they know. Yes, even though it is PRISON!

Whether you realize (or understand) this next point or not, it's still true. Most of the time, when you try to better yourself and make a move toward a better life, things get worse (or so it seems) before they get better. That's the truth, friend! We usually want things to be better overnight, instantly, at the snap of a finger but, truth be told, it doesn't quite work that way the majority of the time!

The question is this: Do you have what it takes to persevere and hang on through the tough times? I'll answer that for you, in case you aren't too sure - YES, YOU DO have what it takes! 

Stop looking back and longing for what is in the past! Your FUTURE is in FRONT of you - not behind you!

Always remember this, and I mean ALWAYS: Even if you take two steps forward and one step back, you are still making progress because you are still ONE STEP AHEAD of where you were before! That's right! Even if you get "slapped back, knocked back and/or kicked back" a step after you've moved forward - you are STILL ahead of where you were before you decided to TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE by moving FORWARD with and in your life!

And, by the way, this is also for those of you that have suffered through an abusive relationship in the past. STOP looking back thinking it wasn't as bad as you thought it was. Never! You keep moving forward with your life and DO NOT look back - you have been set FREE! I know I hit a nerve with some of you with that last part. That's o.k. and feel free to connect with me to share your thoughts, stories and comments. I will NEVER share anything with my audience unless you give me expressed consent to do so. If you need, I have a friend that went through an abusive relationship and she has her own blog that talks about some of these issues. Here's the link to that blog: https://reflectionsfrommykitchenwindow.wordpress.com/ - Her name is Donna and she is a life-long friend of me and my family and she has graciously agreed to let me share this link with you. Thanks, Donna!

Once again, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed