The Week Between Christmas and New Year's Day

Well, here we are.

As I type this article it is December 26th...the day after Christmas. To be honest, I absolutely dislike the day after Christmas. Why? Because, for weeks now, there has been Christmas music, Christmas commercials, Christmas specials, Christmas movies, Christmas decorations and then - overnight - it's all gone. Disappeared!

I think there is one local radio station that actually does still play Christmas music for a few more days which helps "ease in" to the transition to this post-Christmas time of the year. 

Now, just around the corner, we await the arrival of the start of another New Year!

This week between Christmas and New Year's Day is always a bit odd. If you have kids that are school age, they are still home for the holiday break but, if you work out of the home, you go back to work and it's "everything back to usual". 

It's just a strange time of transition. 

Are you still going to "feed your face" with all of the junk food this week in preparation for yet another "New Year's Resolution" about getting into better shape? Do you already have planned what it is that you are going to state as your "New Year's Resolution"?

If so, on either of these, WHY WAIT?

Today is another day and there is no real reason to wait for another week before making changes that may be needed in your life. 

But, at the same time, I get it. It's HARD to make that switch and transition that I've already discussed in this article. 

Here are a few suggestions  I have about this "odd week" in which we find ourselves:

   1. Relax and enjoy this special time of the year. Just because the calendar says that Christmas has now passed does not mean that you cannot still enjoy the holidays! Keep playing that Christmas music if you want and cherish this time with your children if they are still at home. Oh, I know, they can make you want to pull your hair out at times but listen, once they are out of the house you will miss these times. Believe me, I know this to be true.

   2. Ween yourself off of all of that candy and other junk food that you have enjoyed during all of the parties and other special occasions over the past several weeks. There is absolutely no need to wait until January 1st to do so. You really need to start working on the needed mindset NOW instead of waiting.

   3. If you have followed me at all over the past month or two then you know how I feel about these so-called "New Year's Resolutions". Bottom line, for the most part they are just a joke and something that most people never plan to really put much effort into achieving in the first place. So, DON'T WAIT for another week before you start working on the things in your life that you truly want to change and improve. Just like #2, you need to start NOW on the mindset that you will need to make these changes. 

   4. Go easy on yourself. Let me clarify for those of you that want to read this differently than what I intended...I did NOT say "Be lazy" with all of this. Perhaps I should have more correctly stated it as, "Be forgiving of yourself" along the way. You WILL fall short from time to time in this journey. But the most important thing is that you don't quit and that you keep moving forward!

   5. Make Future You University a part of your daily diet!

It doesn't really matter what the date is on a calendar. Today is another day and it's another day for you to LIVE TO THE FULLEST! It's another day in your life that, once passed, you will never be able to relive or get back. 

With that being said, 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

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Merry Christmas, Friends!

This will be my last blog article before Christmas so I wanted to take a few minutes to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

I hope that, in some way, that I have been a blessing in your life over the past year and that you are able to enjoy this Holiday Season with purpose in your life.

Would you like to give a gift to me in exchange? It's really very simple and I don't believe that it's too much to ask. Would you take a moment and stop by my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE and leave me a message?

I'd just love to hear that I am connecting with you in some way. Would you mind letting me know where you are from and how long you have been following me with Future You University?

This would mean a lot to me as I begin another year with my blog articles, podcasts and videos.

Thanks...I appreciate it more than you know.

And, finally, I want to wish you, your family and loved ones a very Merry Christmas! I hope and pray that you will feel the Peace that was the purpose of the "original gift", the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus.

Enjoy yourself and, until the next time, 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

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Mike's Quotes #30 :" Never Half-Way!"

"Doing something 'half-way' never brings reward or satisfaction." 

- Mike Spillman (02.28.14)

Are you frustrated? Are you discouraged? Are you tired of experiencing the same "life of lack" that you have experienced for the past ____ years? (You fill in the blank). 

As we begin this article, take a moment and answer those questions as to how they relate to different areas of your life. Health/weight? Financially? Attitude/mindset?

If you find that you answer "yes" to any or all of the questions in that first paragraph then you must also take a moment to consider the question, "WHY is this true?"

As we approach the beginning of another New Year, you may find that you are frustrated and discouraged as you look over your failure to achieve what you stated in your latest (of many?) "New Year's Resolutions". 

If this is so - and it likely is - then, again, you MUST take a close look and ask yourself WHY this is true. And, more than likely, the answer will boil down to the fact that you have not made the changes necessary to change the direction of your life. 

Remember, in order for things to change, things must change. If nothing changes, nothing changes! And, friend, "Doing something 'half-way' never brings reward or satisfaction."

As I did in the podcast and video, let me clarify something on this thought. When I say, "half-way", I'm not talking about you falling short on a goal. For example, let's say reaching your goal would be a "10" and you only got to a "5" during the course of the year. You got "half-way" to your goal. Friend, if you put in your best effort and only got "half-way" to where you intended to be, that's not a bad thing! You are way ahead of where you were when you began! Don't miss that important part.

HOWEVER, if you only put a "half-hearted" or "half-way" attempt into this process then, friend, you should not be surprised when you realize that you likely didn't even reach "5" on this scale. 

Go back and read, listen and watch the previous entries for this week's series and understand that, if you put out a "positive expectation" about what you seek and desire, you WILL attract what is needed in your life in order to achieve that which you seek and desire!

As I type this article, it is a Wednesday and this article will be published on a Friday. I point that out because I experienced yet ANOTHER "connection" that shows me clearly, once again, about how all of this works together. As a brief review, I organized and prepared the quotes that I would be using in this weeks series around the end of last week. This past Sunday afternoon I watched some videos that featured some thoughts from Bob Proctor about how this process works and how we are able to "attract" powerful and positive "things" into our life that we need to succeed. The article Monday, which was selected BEFORE I listened/watched these videos, went "hand in hand" with these thoughts and then, on Tuesday morning I was on a call where the speaker talked about this exact same thing! WOW! And then, last night, I listened to yet another speaker, on a webinar for a completely different company, nail down these exact same thoughts during his presentation. DOUBLE WOW!

But you can NOT do this by approaching things half-way! If you approach whatever it is with an attitude of, "Eh, if I do, great and if I don't succeed, that's o.k., too." then you are doomed to failure and more frustration and misery in and for your life. Indeed, "Go Big or Go Home!"

I love this quote but, at the same time, I want to point out that you have to know what direction you need to take in order to reach your dreams. You will NEVER do so by approaching this with a half-hearted and half-way attempt. 

Are you ready to FINALLY leave that miserable life and attitude behind? If so, I'm here to help in any way that I can and I'd love to hear from you. Go to my Facebook page (link below) and leave a comment and let's connect.

And, until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #29: "Lighten Your Load"

“When you rid your...automobile, airplane, boat, covered wagon or even YOURSELF...of excess weight you can go faster, fly higher, have your fuel or even your horse last longer!” 
- Mike Spillman (04.08.14)

Yeah, there's a little humor thrown into that quote that, perhaps, comes from my love of watching old Westerns. I'm doubting that any of you are driving covered wagons but the point is still the same, right?

This concept is true even if you are talking about physically losing weight! My goodness, you can surely go faster, jump (probably not fly) higher and have more energy to where it lasts longer.  This also applies to the "weight" of being buried with debt. Financially, you are "weighed down" by this trap and you cannot do much of anything! However, when you free yourself from that debt and make that load lighter, your future becomes much brighter! (Please check out the information in the image below about ridding your life of debt in a fraction of the time. You can also get this information by clicking on the link below that is labeled, Live Debt Free!)

But, what I'd like to focus on for the purpose of this article is getting rid of the excess "weight" that comes with negativity. If you've not done so, go back and read, listen and watch the blog, podcast and videos from earlier this week. They all tie in together and will give you a good "foundation" for this particular article.

When you focus all of your attention on what is wrong with everything in your life you will, indeed, be living a life "weighed down" with negativity. I've discussed this idea earlier this week about how you will attract into your life what it is that you focus and "send out" in and through your life. It's a vicious cycle that you actually CAN get free from and change in a positive way!

Will it be easy? Probably not if this has been a main ingredient of the life you have been living. It is HARD to make such a change but it IS possible. However, it will not happen by chance or by itself. 

It's a lot like losing weight and getting in shape! If you decide to make a change in this area it will take some MAJOR changes in your lifestyle and, friend, it's definitely NOT easy. You will have to make changes in what you eat, when you eat and even how you THINK about eating. The same will be true with exercise. You will have to make a complete change in this area as well. 

So it is with changing your mindset and your negative lifestyle. Again, take the time to go back and read the articles and listen to the podcasts and videos from this week. You CAN make the necessary changes and I'll do all that I can to help. Bottom line: You have to TRULY want to make the change and, friend, YOU have to do YOUR part and you must do so with DAILY, PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY.

Would you do me a favor? Would you mind clicking on the link below for "FYU on Facebook!" ? It would mean a lot to me to hear from you and to know that you are following along. Leave a comment about any thoughts you may have about today's topic or any other topic that has been discussed here. Let me know where you are from and how long you have been following Future You University. Again, it would mean a lot to me and I thank you in advance for doing so.

Until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #28: Don't Let SIMPLE Fool You!

“Sometimes the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple. Don't miss that!” - Mike Spillman

I hope you are not one of "those people" that will dismiss ideas, thoughts, suggestions, lessons and/or messages just because it may seem to be "too simple". 

What a huge mistake many make!

Do NOT miss this important truth: "Sometimes the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the simple." 

If you haven't been following along this week, please go back and start with the first article for this week entitled, "Direct Your Thoughts" by clicking HERE. It is important to do so because these previous articles will "set the table" for my point about the NECESSITY of "watching for" those things that will be coming into your life through this process.

Again, you MUST BE READY for those "things" that are "accepting your invitation" and have been "attracted" by your thoughts and intentions. See what I mean? If you haven't read the previous articles, you may very well be "lost" with what I am saying. If you are familiar with Bob Proctor you will recognize this type of thinking and process.

Too many times we are waiting for and watching for something really "BIG" and "IMPRESSIVE" to attract us to our future. Sure, that MIGHT happen but, more often than not, it will be the unassuming that will pass before you. WILL YOU PAY ATTENTION AND NOTICE?

I've shared before about a ride I took on my motorcycle several years ago. It was just a nice, leisurely ride that I was taking and, along the way, I noticed the EXACT same message (EXACT same words) on three different signs in three different communities/towns. They were all signs in front of church buildings and I even thought, "Maybe there is some sort of organized message that they are all doing for some special purpose." I found that this was not true which helped me understand even more strongly that this was NOT just a coincidence but a special message that I was SUPPOSED to see on this day. The message? "Believe in Yourself". What a powerful message! And then, as I was riding through my home town on the way back to my house, I glanced at a sign in front of an insurance office that had one of those "scrolling" messages going across and I saw the words, "...and others".

There was my message that I could have overlooked very easily: "Believe in Yourself and Others".

IF - and that may be an important word and qualifier in all of this for you - you are seriously wanting to change the direction of your life in a more positive and powerful way and IF you are determined to involve yourself in daily, purposeful activity then you will have messages, lessons and other needed tools come your way in various forms. And, that being true (and it IS), you may miss some along the way. This does NOT mean that you are doomed because of that happening.

HOWEVER, it only takes some common sense to understand that there is a limit - a very SMALL limit - to how much of this can slip by you and you still be able to have success in whatever it is you seek.

Hey friend, here's something exciting I want to share with you: You will be AMAZED and EXCITED when you see this coming your way and when you start noticing all of these types of things, even - or maybe ESPECIALLY - by way of that which we may tend to label as "simple".

Do NOT miss that! And, until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #27: "Thoughts PLUS Purpose"

"Although THINKING something is a wonderful thing to do, it serves no real purpose unless PURPOSE is attached to the thought!" - Mike Spillman (06.02.14)

It is an absolute NECESSITY that you go back and read the previous article so that you can connect the two. The two together add up to one POWERFUL TRUTH!

YES, our thoughts WILL and DO "direct our path" in and for our life, but we MUST put "purposeful action" behind those thoughts. I'll share the example I used in the podcast and the video for this topic. Again, it's simple, but I think you will easily see the point that I wish to make about this thought. 

Let's say that you have decided to have a Christmas party. You call some friends, post on social media for other friends and even send out an actual invitation to still other friends. You hear from several that they plan to attend at the set date and time. Wow! The day arrives and, about 30 minutes before the party is to begin you hear a knock at the door but you do not answer. After a few minutes, the door bell rings as well as some knocks on the door and you can tell, by listening, that there are several people gathered at the door, waiting to come in for the party. BUT YOU NEVER ANSWER THE DOOR TO LET ANYONE IN! What? How silly is that? As a matter of fact, although you sent out invitations that indicated that you were planning to have a party, you haven't even done ANYTHING to have a party...no food, no decorations, absolutely nothing!

Would you ever actually do such a thing? I'm not talking about you getting sick or some emergency coming up that caused you to cancel the party. Nope, just a situation described exactly as I did in the last paragraph. You would NEVER do something like that, would you? Of course not!

Here's the deal...it's the same thing if you understand the importance, necessity and "connection" between your thoughts - what you THINK - and what you attract or "invite" into your life and you don't do anything to prepare or take action when your "invited guests" arrive. Make sense?

In the same way that I discussed the fact that "opportunity doesn't always knock" so it is with what you have attracted or invited into and for your life. You MUST have your eyes open and you MUST pay attention so that you don't miss those "guests". 

So, if you've followed along for the past couple of month, we get right back to DAILY, PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY. There is no way around the need for this purposeful activity. 

BE SURE to listen to the podcast and watch the video that goes along with today's topic. You will gain some additional thoughts and material that you will find to be valuable in this area. Also, be sure to leave a comment on my Facebook page (link below)...I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, friend, 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

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Mike's Quotes #26: "Direct Your Thoughts"

“Direct your thoughts for your thoughts will direct you.” - Mike Spillman (06.02.14)

There are things that still continuously amaze me that, honestly, should no longer do so. I could get into a LOT of "things" to which this thought would apply but I'll stick to my main focus for this article. 

For one, I am amazed at how TRUE my quote from 2014 really is and how POWERFUL that truth is now as it was at that time. Your thoughts WILL, INDEED direct your path! 

This is not "magic" or "mystical". It is a natural FACT and, you actually know that it is true. Even though I do not know you personally, I can say with certainty that, at some point in your life (if you paid any attention at all) you have found yourself being "stuck" in a negative environment. Every thought, every word, every thing around you all was negative. 

That's not a "fun" place to be and, hopefully, you made the necessary changes to replace those negative thoughts and actions with positive ones. 

I was listening to some videos that featured Bob Proctor yesterday afternoon. I had already picked out today's topic, as well as the topics for each day this week. This is another thing that continues to amaze me, even though it should no longer do so! In those videos that I was watching yesterday, Mr. Proctor was discussing this very thing...how our THOUGHTS determine our PATH and our ACTIONS. 

The thoughts that occupy your mind on a regular basis will be shown in and through your life and your actions. These same thoughts will "attract" the type of thing about which you think!

WOW! POWERFUL!

Absolutely! It has been commonly referred to as "The Law of Attraction" but, friend, it's been around and evident long before that phrase became so popular. As a matter of fact, the Bible also states the following: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7). 

This is not "magical" or "mystical" as I said earlier, it is a NATURAL fact of the world in which we live.  

Though I am still amazed when I see this type of thing happen in my own life, just as it did with my quotes for this week - particularly this article - lined right up with what I absorbed via the videos yesterday, I should not be! I've seen and experienced this type of thing before, many times in my life. 

THIS FACT DOES NOT CHANGE! So, if it was true in my life before then, friend, it is STILL true in my life and YOUR life as well.   

STOP allowing yourself to think those negative, self-doubting thoughts about what you can or cannot do in your life and for your future! KNOW that you can, BELIEVE that you can and SEE yourself actually living that life! Visualize it and attract what is necessary for this to come true in and for your own life.  

Listen to me now - this is important.  Be sure to watch the video that goes along with this topic. I recorded it earlier today and it will have some additional thoughts that go along with today's topic. But, friend, BE SURE to listen to the podcast, which I have yet to record. I can tell you right now that I will be focusing on the thoughts, particularly, shared in the previous paragraph. I will "drill down" on that thought and the importance of that thought in your life. 

DO NOT MISS IT!

Let me hear from you via my Facebook page (link below) about how you have seen this and/or experienced this truth in your own life. If you doubt it, just keep reading and listening and allow yourself to start BELIEVING, friend!

And, until next time, 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

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FRI: Mike's Quotes #25: What's YOUR Pattern?

“Keep doin' the same, Keep gettin' the same. Change Nothing, Nothing Changes!”

 - Mike Spillman (06.19.14)

Somewhere, I have a graphic with the above quote on it with the additional words at the very beginning, "IT AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE!"

This is about as simple as it gets yet, at the same time, this seems to be a lesson that many either refuse to learn or they simply fail to learn during their lifetime. 

Why? I'm not completely sure but I have an idea that it has a couple of possibilities:

   1. People do NOT like change!

   2. People DO like to complain!

I've talked about this before but, for some people, "change" is a "4-letter word". Again, they don't like change and will resist change - in ANY form - at all costs. Even at the cost of living a life that is less that what it could be for them.  

Honestly, people like this won't even listen to what someone like me has to say about what might be possible for them IF they would only open up the possibility of making some positive changes in their lives. Nope. No way. 

And, usually, these are also the people that LOVE to complain about what all is wrong with and in their lives! They prefer to "wallow" in their own self-pity rather than make the necessary effort to actually DO something that could improve their situation. 

My guess is that you know someone that I just described perfectly. HOPEFULLY that person is NOT you! I really don't think it would be because this type of person would not waste their time reading a blog article like this that would encourage them to actually make a change for the better. 

Let's talk a moment about the upcoming flurry of "New Year's Resolutions" that will be coming in just a couple of weeks as we head into the start of a new year. I've talked about this quite a bit lately on the podcast and videos that I've produced but, most people will simply pull out and dust off the same old "resolutions" that they've made over the past five, ten or fifteen years and make the same halfhearted effort once again. This type of activity accomplishes absolutely NOTHING, my friend!

If you have not done well with whatever "resolutions" that you made at the start of this current year then here are a few things that I suggest you need to do:

   1. First of all, see if you even remember WHAT it was that you supposedly "resolved" to do!

   2. How close did you come or how far did you fall short with this "resolution"?

   3. Try to figure out WHY you did not reach the completion of this "resolution".

What I'm about to say doesn't apply to everyone but, at the same time, I would suggest that it does apply to most people. Here it is: It is likely that the reason that you did not achieve what you set out to do during this year is because you simply did not make the necessary changes to do so.   

Even if you do like I do and make ONE decision of what you would like to accomplish during the coming year, you STILL MUST do a DAILY "resolution" to make sure that you are "on track" and not "off track" on this journey. DAILY. 

And, by doing so, you will discover things that are working and things that are NOT working. What will you do with that? Those that will move on closer to their goals WILL MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES along the way. Those that don't, won't! Won't what? They won't - will NOT - achieve what they have "resolved" to do. That is a simple fact, friend! 

As I said on the video that I recorded earlier today, I can just hear some of you now saying, "Oh wait, but you don't understand..." and then start spouting off "reasons" as to why you were not able to accomplish what you said you wanted to accomplish. BY THE WAY, many times "reasons" are simply EXCUSES IN DISGUISE.  

"Mike, why are so you "rough" and direct about this stuff?" Here's my answer: Do you want me to lie to you and make you "feel good" or would you rather me be honest - even BRUTALLY honest - so that you can finally be honest with yourself about what is really going on?

If you would prefer for me to lie to you so that you can "feel good" about yourself then, friend, you are in the wrong place!

Here's the kicker - as anyone that has followed me for any length of time can tell you, even though I can be very direct and, sometimes, "brutally honest" with you, most STILL end up feeling good about themselves because I have helped them cut through the "crap" (pardon my expression) and get on with actually accomplishing what is possible for them. Which, by the way, is whatever they set their minds to!

So, what's YOUR "pattern"?  Do you continue to do the same thing and expect different results? Remember, change nothing and NOTHING changes.

TRUTH!

I'd love to hear from you on this topic by you going to my Facebook page (link below) and sharing with me your thoughts.  Oh, and by the way, don't wait until January 1st to start making your move toward your goals and dreams. Start TODAY by working on your mindset and be determined that you WILL make necessary changes along the way so that you CAN finally achieve something during the coming year!

And, as you do so, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #24: "Follow the Crowd?"

"If you're doing what EVERYBODY ELSE is doing then don't you think you should stop for a moment and consider what RESULTS everybody else is getting from what they're doing?"

 - Mike Spillman (06.23.14)

"If everybody jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?"

This has probably been said by just about every Mother over the past 100 years! Of course, her response would come from an answer to the question, "WHY did you do ....whatever it was" and someone chose to answer with the ill-advised response, "Everybody else was doing it!"

Apparently, many never quite learned the lesson that Mom was trying to teach them when they were kids because many still seem to be following the "everybody else is doing it" mentality. 

It doesn't matter how many people are attracted to something, one should always take a moment and ask a few questions such as, "What are the results of those that are following this crowd?"

I suggest you also keep this in mind: Even if there are several - or many - that are getting "results", whatever those results may be they may NOT be the results that YOU need to live according to your PURPOSE and your DESTINY. (If you haven't read and/or listened to the very last topic on "Destiny on Purpose", be sure to do so).

 Many wise people over the years have made the observation that, if you notice that "everybody" is doing a certain thing or going in a certain direction then it is a SURE SIGN that you MUST go the OPPOSITE direction or do the OPPOSITE thing!

It is of utmost importance that YOU "blaze your own trail" and follow YOUR purpose that will lead you to your own powerful destiny! Yes, it can be lonely at times but, friend, stay true to your passion and purpose. Never deviate from that path!

Bottom line: The only results that should truly matter to you are YOUR results and how they impact you and those around you. Don't be fooled by "the crowd".

Be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic (links for both, below) to get the "full impact" of today's topic. Also, stop by my FaceBook page (link below) and leave a comment and/or just say "hello" to let me know that you are reading and/or listening to Future You University.

Thanks, and until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #23: Destiny On Purpose

 
"A powerful, positive and great DESTINY is something that is done on PURPOSE!" 

- Mike Spillman (05.27.14)

It seems that a lot of people have the same idea about "destiny" as they do about "opportunity". It's as if they think that "destiny" is going to show up on their front porch, right alongside "opportunity" and, although you're just kicking back in your easy chair doing nothing, they will knock and wait gleefully for you to answer the door.

WRONG!

Go back and read my blog article about this approach to OPPORTUNITY by clicking here.

I guess a lot of people get this idea from the very definition of the word, "destiny".  All of the definitions I looked over all had the word "predetermined" found in the definition which I believe is very misleading. The very idea of something that is "predetermined" suggests that, regardless of what you do or don't do, it's going to happen anyway.

Once again, WRONG! 

 Do you REALLY believe that you can just sit on your couch and never pursue anything and reach any "destiny" other than that of becoming obese and one that has accomplished absolutely nothing? Oh, believe me, I hear someone saying, "But maybe that's my destiny!"

Seriously, I can't help you if that is the way that you think!

Here is what is "predetermined" in and for your life: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

That's right. The fact that YOU have OPPORTUNITY available to you each and every day is what is "predetermined" in and for your life. Period. Regardless of who you are or where you live. Period.

Again, you cannot wait for opportunity to "knock" on your door but, rather, you must "go after" opportunity and "chase it down".

"A powerful, positive and great DESTINY is something that is done on PURPOSE!"

Daily, purposeful activity will help you achieve a powerful and positive destiny. Yeah, in other words, you will have to WORK or "make effort" to bring that desire of destiny to reality.

In my next article I will discuss the idea of those that expect something DIFFERENT to happen in their life while they fail and/or refuse to make any CHANGES in their life.

It's just not going to happen.

If you want a POWERFUL and POSITIVE destiny then, friend, you need to take some PURPOSEFUL action in and for your life and you need to do that TODAY.

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #22: Mind Control

“Mind control...how will YOU control what goes into YOUR mind today?” 

- Mike Spillman (4.7.11)

When I talk about "mind control", DON'T FREAK OUT! 

When discussed as we will in this article, it is not weird or something to be afraid of. Friend, it is an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY if you wish to remain positive and if you wish to prevent yourself from being overrun by the negativity that surrounds us all every day!

Simply put, YOU can control what you allow into your mind - your mindset - today and EVERY day. That's all "mind control" is...controlling your mind.

What makes that phrase "weird" or something to be "afraid of" is when you allow someone else to control your mind!

DO NOT MISS THIS IMPORTANT PART: The battle for control of your mind is just that...a BATTLE!

That's why I do what I do. That's why I have the "tag line" at the start of every podcast, "You're greatest education takes place on the campus of your mind." 

It is SO important that you make an effort to infuse your mind with POSITIVE information. There used to be an old computer programmer's acrostic that was, "G.I.G.O" which stood for, "Garbage In, Garbage Out".  I recently heard a similar phrase, "Junk In, Junk Out". The idea was/is that, the program is only as good as the information that is put into the program. If you put in "garbage" then, guess what? "Garbage" is what you will get out of the program.  How much more important to make sure that we "program" our minds with something GOOD and not "garbage"?

Sure, there will be some situations that we will encounter during the course of a day or week that we have no control over BUT we DO have control as far as the "impact" of that negative activity or thought. 

When I consider the importance of making sure I take my daily dose of "positivity vitamins", I feel that it begins to build up a "resistance" or "immunity" to such things. And, friend, it actually does!

It's up to you. You can take the "lazy" approach and make no attempt to protect your mindset. You can just let "whatever" take control of your mind and your mindset OR you can be proactive and do something EVERY SINGLE DAY to make sure your mind is being fed a steady "diet" of positive information.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this "diet" in this part of your life.  I'll continue to do all that I can to be of help in this area and I encourage you to do your part as well. 

And, as you do so, always be sure to... 

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #21: Just A Little Closer

"Move a little closer to your goals today....even a little move is a move in the right direction!" - Mike Spillman (4.4.11)

It is easy to become discouraged if we feel that we are not progressing as quickly as we would like in regards to reaching goals that we have set for ourselves.

This is one reason we must be very careful with the whole "New Year's Resolution" idea that is about to take center stage once again as we near the middle of the last month of the year. Too many people set goals that are unrealistic and that, often, they never plan to really attempt to achieve, but it sure SOUNDS impressive!

Don't be that person.

Hey listen, I began my blogs and Future You University back on March 2, 2009 and now, 10.9 years later, there are still some goals that I set even way back then that I have yet to achieve. I have achieved some of the goals that I have set along the way but, at the same time, there are some that I have still yet to check off of my list.

Discouraging? At times, for sure but, at the same time, I have to remember the quote for today's topic. Even though I have had to make many detours and have faced several delays and roadblocks along the way (many of my own doing), I have made significant improvement and movement along the way during that time period.

Just like most things, as I have been going through this time period it has not always seemed as if I was making progress.

That's the way it is with time, isn't it? 

The key point is this: Make sure that you move closer to your goal TODAY and EVERY day, regardless of how "small" you may feel that the move may be. Remember, "...even a little move is a move in the right direction."

 I'd love to hear from you about YOUR journey and YOUR struggles and victories along the way. The best way to do so is to leave a comment on my Facebook page (link below).

One of the things you can do to keep moving in the right direction is to be sure to join me as I continue to share more quotes with you this week. As I look ahead, they all seem to deal with ways to HELP you in this process. Don't miss out! 

Keep moving and, as you do so, always be sure to... 

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #20: Who Will You Touch TODAY?

"You can touch someone's life wherever you are....where will you be and who will you touch TODAY?" - Mike Spillman (11.2011)

One way or the other, you WILL "touch" or impact someone today...and every day. You will either "touch" or impact those around you in a POSITIVE way or in a NEGATIVE way. There is no middle, or neutral, ground in this area. 

Too many times we may feel that there just isn't much that we can do that matters in today's world. We often think that way because we are thinking about something BIG and NOTICEABLE to those that may be watching. 

Sure, there are some in our world that will make sure that all the cameras that can be gathered together will be around when they do something "nice" for someone or for a group of people. Yes, it's still good that something good is being done but, friend, I believe what you do on a daily basis may very well have a far greater impact.

When you choose to treat those around you with respect and as a fellow human being you really have no idea the "weight" or impact of such action. Really, you may never know what impact this type of action may have on their lives and the lives that they, in turn, may also touch in a positive way. 

I remember hearing Colin Powell, retired four-star general in the United States Army, talk about how he would make sure that he stopped and actually talked to the guy at the garage ticket booth on his way out. He had noticed how pretty much everyone just gave the attendant their ticket and kept right on going without even acknowledging the guy in the booth. Mr Powell felt it was important to make contact with this person on a regular basis and to actually get to know them to some extent to where he could actually ask them how his kids were doing. 

This is what I'm talking about. Whoever you are, wherever you are, YOU have the ability to touch those around you in a powerful and positive way. And, just like when you touch a pool of water with your finger and ripples go out from the point of contact, so it is with your personal touch in the lives of others. 

You will likely never know how many people are touched in a positive way because of YOUR decision to "touch" as you go through life. 

Pretty amazing, isn't it? YES, IT IS!

So, not only should you be sure to do what I say in my closing "tag line" but also be sure to help impact the lives of those around you in an AWESOME way!

So yeah, get after it and, as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #19: Life is Like...

"Life is a lot like females. Just when you think you have it figured out, 
it will throw you a curve ball." - Mike Spillman (8.26.11)

I believe that I should make sure that I don't have any ladies coming after me because of that quote! The way I see it, ladies, it should serve as a compliment to all of you. You are all unique and are so mysterious that we (the guys) are unable to get you figured out. That's a good thing, right? :)

Now that I have that "self-preservation" paragraph out of the way, let's talk about the point that is being made with that quote.

Bottom line: Life is like a roller coaster with all kinds of ups and downs as well as twists and turns.

Life is not fair nor is it easy. If anyone ever told you that it was either of these then, friend, they were just flat out lying to you!

But, it's not about what happens TO you that matters. It's about how you REACT and RESPOND to what happens to you. THAT'S what matters and THAT is what will determine the course of your future. 

I know of those that worked faithfully for the same company for many years only to have the rug jerked out from under them when that company either decided to start laying off workers or the company decided to move to another country. Either way, I've seen those that have devoted their life to said company get tossed aside because it was not "feasible" to keep them on due to their age. What then?

All of us can likely point out some in the area of sports that seemed to have it all in perfect fashion as far as their future. The money and the fame seemed to be a sure bet. And we can all likely remember those that, due to some injury or just their own stupidity, had it all taken away from them. Gone.

As I type this article I think of one college player that has been projected to be at the top of the NFL draft. However, a couple of games ago he was unexpectedly injured during a game and, who knows, may not ever play again. For sure it is known that he is out for the rest of the season and, as far as his future? That is still to be determined. 

I have a friend that went to his Mother's house on Thanksgiving Day last week only to find that she had passed away while preparing the family feast that many were to enjoy later that same day. 

Yes, life is absolutely unpredictable.

But friend, you have two choices and the decision is yours.  You can give up on life or you can decide that you MUST continue on to your future.

Easier said than done? Absolutely!

As one guy said once, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get!" Though true, I disagree to a point. At least with a box of chocolates, even though you don't know what you're going to get, IT'S ALL STILL SWEET!

The same cannot be said about life at all times. 

But, remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Sure, you can give up on life but you must understand that there are others out there that are depending on YOU to get up, dust off, and keep LIVING LIFE, regardless of the struggles that may come your way from time to time. 

And ladies, thanks for keeping us guys on our toes! You help keep our lives interesting and, for that, we are thankful. 

Until next time, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #18: More Than Talk?

 "A lot of people like the idea of 'doing something' but not many people actually like DOING something!" - Mike Spillman (8.24.11)

You know the type. The person that always is talking about what they are going to do...ALWAYS.

They may be talking about the fact that they just aren't going to take "it" anymore and that they are going to tell the boss off and quit! How long has THAT conversation been going on? They may be talking about some great trip that they are going to take or some big financial move that they are going to make or...you fill in the blank. 

The sad thing is that, sometimes, "that person" is you and me. OUCH!

We are really getting ready to see this played out once again - like clockwork - as we get ready to enter another new year. You know what I'm talking about, right? Those things called, "New Year's Resolutions". 

As the quote says, "A lot of people like the idea of 'doing something' but not many people actually like DOING something!" 

The easiest thing in the world to do is to TALK about DOING something. I won't quote it but, what's that saying about "good intentions"? Talking and planning is a whole different thing than planning and doing. There's truth in that sentence, friend!

It is also often referred to as "paralysis of analysis". This simply describes the temptation to wait and to try to get everything "just right" or "perfect" before taking action. Many people spend a lot of time getting all of their supplies gathered up and getting their desk all set up and organized and, yet, fail to ever actually get started DOING something.  

What will it take to finally step out of the "talk zone" and get into the "doing zone"? Well, friend, that honestly depends on the strength of your purpose or your "why".  We've talked about that detail many times in the past and it is still THE deciding factor in this area. Remember, talk is cheap! 

Don't wait until January 1st. Start putting your words into action TODAY and, as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #17: Opportunity Knocks?

"Did you know that OPPORTUNITY doesn't always 'knock'?" - Mike Spillman (3.6.11)

I'm sure we've all heard the different discussions about how we must all be ready when opportunity "knocks". Though it is true, I still have a question about that - How do you know when opportunity "knocks"?

Here are a few things I have noticed about opportunity by observation...

   1. OPPORTUNITY IS TRICKY! Sometimes, "opportunity" will send a lot of "pretty stuff" before it comes your way. What am I talking about? Go back and read my last article that talks about, "PRETTY stuff doesn't always mean GOOD stuff!" Sometimes "opportunity" will sit back and watch how you handle the distractions before it decides to reveal itself to you!

   2. OPPORTUNITY MAY DISGUISE ITSELF! Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."  

    3. OPPORTUNITY MAY NOT KNOCK! You see, too many people sit around and wait for opportunity to walk up to THEIR door, KNOCK on their door and then WAIT for them to answer the door. To be blunt, what makes YOU so special as to think that opportunity is going to go to that much effort or that opportunity is going to actually choose to knock on YOUR door as opposed to your neighbor's door?

   4. OPPORTUNITY MAY HAVE TO BE "HUNTED DOWN" AND "CAPTURED"! Hey, it's the truth! Sometimes you have to go out there, hunt opportunity down and wrestle that sucker to the ground and capture and claim it for your own! If you pay attention you will find "clues" as to where this opportunity may be found but, again, you must pay attention! You can't always - if ever - sit back and wait for it to knock on your door. If you want it bad enough then you must be willing to take ACTION and go after opportunity!

Are you WAITING or are you PURSUING opportunity?

You can continue to wait if you choose but, remember, "Opportunity doesn't always KNOCK!"

Take action TODAY and, as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #16: Pretty Good?

  “PRETTY stuff doesn't always mean GOOD stuff!” - Mike Spillman (3.2.11)

Basically, since the beginning of mankind, "pretty" has been used to lure people away from what was actually "good". 

Yes, something/someone CAN be "pretty" AND "good" at the same time but, as the quote says, "PRETTY stuff doesn't always mean GOOD stuff!" 

That's something that we must all learn in and for our own lives and, at the same time, it's also something that we must teach our children.

This also follows along the same thought of, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence", or so people think! 

Many a marriage has been ruined because one has believed that line and thought that "someone else" was better for them and would make them happier than their spouse. Blinded by this illusion (and that's EXACTLY what it is!) they fail to see the reality that this little "world" is not reality at all.  This "better" person is not the one that is going through the ups and downs and stress of a real relationship. It's a fantasy. It's "pretty" or attractive but, friend, it is definitely not "good". 

There is a LOT of "junk" out there that tries to get our attention and have us think that the "pretty/bling/flash" means that it is something "better". Whether it involves people, jobs, opportunities, financial possibilities or time management, many times the saying, "All that glitters is not gold" applies.  

Most - if not all - of us fall for this false premise at some time in our life...at least once. Hopefully we learned our lesson after the one experience but many do not. Many always follow the "shiny object" and don't take the time to truly look at the "value" of whatever it is that has their attention. 

Here's one more quote that I heard once: "Good stuff is not cheap and cheap stuff is not good!"

So, friend, whatever you do, take the time to look beyond "the pretty" to truly see the value of what is before you. Choose wisely.

And, as you do so, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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