Taking the Journey - Why Do I Need a Journey?

A little explanation before we get into today's blog article. As you can see from the above graphic, this topic is from a LIVE EVENT that I did on January 21, 2018 (the night before this article was published). There will, again, be a lot of graphics that I'm going to be sharing with you that I also used during this LIVE event. Be sure to check out the links at the end of this article so that you can also access the recording of this event as it took place on the fan page on Facebook as well as the recording on my YouTube channel. You will also find the link to listen to the podcast on this same topic.

BE A PART OF THIS SERIES OF LIVE EVENTS! For now these LIVE events are open to anyone that would like to join but, at some point, it will become a closed group for a select small number of people. This will be taking place each Sunday evening @ 6 pm CST on the fan page on Facebook.

Although this is starting a new "titled" series, this is still a continuation of what was started with the last topic of, "What Do YOU Want?" as we discussed the importance of knowing WHAT we want in order to pursue our goals and dreams.

Here's the thing: "Setting" a goal is not all that impressive. People do it every year at the start of every year, right? They call them "New Year's Resolutions" and, yet, very few people stick with them beyond a few weeks or maybe even a month or two. 

Instead, we should be determined to do MORE than just "setting" goals. Again, ANYONE can do that and just about anyone and everyone does! But, as the graphic above points out, let's pay more attention to goal "getting" - or achieving. Going back to the last article, it goes beyond just DREAMING and turns into DOING. 

So, once you decide what you actually want to achieve in your life, once you have not only SET those goals but you have also STEPPED OUT in order to achieve those goals, you are - of necessity - on a JOURNEY. That journey is going from where you are right now to where you will be a year from now (or ANY time period).

However, in order to take such a journey, in order to make any significant change in your life in ANY area, there are some things (pointed out in the graphic below by Jack Canfield) that tend to hold people back as they SET the goal. The question is, will they move PAST these 4 things listed to GET those goals?

For some people, one of those "limiting beliefs" is that they don't believe that they actually have the potential to reach those goals that they have set. They don't think that they "have what it takes" and, guess what? If they don't shed those limiting beliefs, they will NEVER reach their potential!

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to hear Jim Rohn speak in person before he passed from this life. Of the many quotes that he is known for, this may be one that I see quoted more often than others: "For things to change, you have to change."

Think about that - doesn't that just make sense? You would think so but, yet, too many people think that they can achieve results (that REQUIRE something to change) without making any changes! Sounds a bit crazy, doesn't it? A very simple example can be found with the many people that set a "resolution" that they are going to lose weight. The main problem with this? Too many people want the RESULT of having lost weight but are unwilling to CHANGE their eating habits. And, guess what? They never reach their "goal". I wonder, is it really a goal when no real and serious effort is put into it's achievement? The truth is, not only do they not reach their goal, they usually end up GAINING weight. Why? Because NOTHING changed!

So, for me, as I have prepared for this journey - a very SERIOUS, thought out and DETERMINED journey - I have made a "Statement of Fact" concerning the necessary change in my life that MUST take place. You can read it in the graphic found below. 

Hey, if you're willing and if you want to be a part of taking your journey along with me, I invite you to help hold me accountable to these words. And I'm serious about that invitation.

mike@FutureYouUniversity.com

Yes, to be honest, it IS a little "scary" because I will be stepping out into new territory. I am going to allow myself to be CHALLENGED and pushed OUT of my comfort zone in a way unlike I have ever done before. But, as John Maxwell points out, "Everything worthwhile is uphill."

It all begins with a DECISION and a COMMITMENT.  Doing so can actually change your DIRECTION overnight.

I don't have the graphic up with the quote but, Jim Rohn also would talk about how it's just as easy to NOT do something as it is to actually DO it and reach success. What's YOUR excuse? Don't tell me "reasons" because, quite honestly, most excuses are disguised (by us) as "reasons".  So, let's get real and get past that thought. 

The fact is - you see it referred to as "The Law of Diminishing Intent" in the below graphic - the longer you put it off and the longer you wait to "get started" the more likely it is that you NEVER will even begin the actual process. And then nothing changes.

DON'T MISS THIS POINT! James Allen said it in such a way that SHOULD get our attention - but will it? Does it? He says that we will "remain bound". BOUND! Chained. Tied down. Frozen. Paralyzed. 

Friend, if THAT doesn't get your attention then I don't that there is anything that I can say that will. Bottom line is simply this: What WILL it take for you to "wake up" and get "laser-focused" on beginning this journey?

Notice what John Mayer said in the graphic below about time. Even a SHORT period of time. STOP TALKING and START TRAVELING!

Again, I really want to encourage to take the time to watch one of the videos - either the recording of the LIVE event on my Facebook page OR by going straight to my YouTube channel. It would be particularly helpful on this next part that I will share with you in this article. I do think that you would benefit more by watching me talk about "My Journey Map" that I have posted below. I think hearing me talk about it would help make it come more "alive" for you as you, hopefully, prepare for your own journey.

This "map" is a very "easy" layout. At first glance you might even think that there is not much to it. It actually depends on YOU and what YOU put into it!

For those that approach this with the importance that it deserves, it is a very DEEP and THOUGHT PROVOKING exercise. You can start either with where you are going in order to "get what you want" OR you can start with where you are now and work your way up.

For me, I clearly came to a knowledge of what I REALLY want and set my goals accordingly. Honestly, for me, this goes way beyond past attempts at so-called "New Year's Resolutions" that have come and gone without any fulfillment. I spent the time to formulate in my mind - and on paper - what I truly, ultimately want in and for my life (and for my wife and I as a couple). 

Yes, I had to do a little research to find out how much time and money that this might "cost" me and then I had to figure out "how" I was going to do that and what was needed in order for me to accomplish this part of the "map". This "how" is what I call my "vehicle" in this illustration. (By the way, our next LIVE EVENT next week will focus completely on this topic: "What Is Your Vehicle?").

Before you can adequately figure out what your "vehicle" will be for this journey you will need to actually take a look at WHERE YOU ARE right now. This part might hurt a little but it is imperative that you be 100% totally honest on this part. No one else has to see this but you must be honest as far as where you actually are. This is your "starting point" for your journey.

On this part, make it personal for YOU. The things that I listed were things that I used on my own "map" so that I could see "where I was" compared to "where I am going to be" at the end of this year. I got personal and wrote down the amount of my current debt and how much money I had in my bank account. Again, you do what you need to do to make it personal for you!

But, for me, I knew that I needed to address something more than just the financial factor. I knew I needed to address my attitude and my past excuses! Again, make it personal for you. I'd love to hear some of the things that YOU decided to put on your "map".

Hey listen, when I took a long look at where I was currently I KNEW, beyond a shadow of any doubt, that I MUST leave where I was and get moving on this journey to where I KNOW I will be a year from now.

A lot of stuff to look over, I know. But I hope that you will get out a piece of paper and draw out your own personal "map" for YOUR journey. There is just something about physically writing down on paper things such as this, so please, take the time and spend the time to jot these things down. YES, you can go back and add to what you start with - that's great! That means that you have continued to think about where you are going on your journey and, maybe what more may be possible when you get where it is that you really want to go.

Feel free to connect with me on this with any questions or some of your own thoughts and experiences in this area. I'd love to hear from you.

Once again, next week, I will be focusing my thoughts for the LIVE EVENT as well as the next podcast and blog article on "What Is Your 'Vehicle'?"

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

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Your Mind Is Like a Garden

I found this little saying that you see in the graphic several times when considering what graphic to use for this article. Whoever "unknown" is or was definitely had a handle on the importance of our thoughts.

 

I plan for this article and the accompanying podcast to be the last of the discussion that I've been sharing with you based on thoughts from James Allen's book, "As A Man Thinketh".

 

Just as I did in the last article I want to share a short excerpt from one of the chapters in the book entitled, "Effects of Thoughts on Circumstances":

     "A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intellectually cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind."

 

When you read the above paragraph you see that Mr. Allen points out that you can either cultivate, which requires action, or allow it (your mind/garden) to "run wild", which requires NO action at all. Weeding ANY garden (physically or mentally) requires diligence and consistency!

 

If you read my blog articles a few weeks back talking about planting seed and growing a plant of any kind then you know that this is one thing that I discussed in depth. Just because you got the plant to grow doesn't mean that your work is done! You must continue to work just as, in this case, you must continue to "cultivate" or "weed" the negative thoughts out of your mind.

 

You even find a similar discussion about the importance of our thoughts in the Bible in the verse listed below written by the Apostle Paul:

     "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4: 7-9)

Think on THESE things!

Remember the shortened version of last week's message: Your THOUGHTS are your DESTINY!

No longer believe the lie that you cannot control your thoughts and/or what you say. Again, that is a LIE and it is one that too many people believe and use as an excuse to allow their "garden" (their mind) to "run wild".

You are better than that and you have more determination and discipline for this to be true of you, right?

OF COURSE I'M RIGHT!

Now YOU must believe this for yourself and take ACTION today, tomorrow and each and every day that you breathe!

And as you take on this noble and necessary task, always be sure to...

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

Mike

 

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You Are the Director of Your Thoughts

Let me start off by sharing with you the very first paragraph from James Allen's, "As A Man Thinketh"...

"The aphorism, 'As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he', not only embraces the whole of a man's being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance of his life. A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."

 



Take time to read that paragraph once, twice, three times or however many it takes for the message to sink in. Notice the emphasis by use of the phrases, "the whole of a man's being", "every condition and circumstance of his life" and "the complete sum of all his thoughts".

 

Hmmm, I wonder what Mr. Allen was trying to say?

 

I don't think there is any doubt that Mr. Allen felt very strongly about the significance that our thoughts play in our whole being.

 

Some of you may wonder why I am spending so much time on this topic concerning our thoughts. Let me see if I can answer that for you - IT'S BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE JUST DON'T GET IT!

 

I guess I have been drawn to re-reading "As A Man Thinketh" due to the thoughts that I put together last week in my articles about reaching our destiny starting with our thoughts. It's a basic in the Law of Attraction that you draw to you the things that you focus on and think about. It was bound to happen!

 

And I find that James Allen didn't "beat around the bush" when it came to expressing what he believed about the importance of "directing" our thoughts.

 

As I wrote in the graphic above, "Direct your thoughts for your thoughts will direct you."

 

Again, it's not like you have no control over your thoughts. Many would argue because, in my opinion, they are too lazy to involve themselves in the discipline that it takes to THINK about their thoughts!

 

Did you just catch what I said? Our thoughts are what we think and here's the kicker: It takes DISCIPLINE to THINK about our THOUGHTS!

 

Why? Going back to the first part of last week's discussion is simply this: "Watch your thoughts for they become words."

 

Think it over (no pun intended) and allow it to sink in and then decide that you will discipline yourself to THINK about your THOUGHTS and make sure they are "in line" with who it is that you wish to become.

By the way, the last article has a link in it where you can download your own free copy of this awesome book.

Join me for our continued discussion from this classic book and, until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

Think on Purpose!

Today I'm going to start a discussion on some things that I've been reading in the James Allen classic, "As A Man Thinketh". I eluded to the fact in one of last week's blogs that I was reading this book again and even shared part of one line from the book. Before I get started, I want to share the link to where you can get your own free, downloadable copy of this great book. Vick Johnson is the creator of this page and is a trustworthy source. I have attended a program organized by Vick and, as you'll see, he can also direct you to many great resources on his page. Get your free download of this book by clicking HERE.

 

Now then, let's get to the discussion for today. By the way, be sure to listen to the podcast as well and get extra information and thoughts on today's topic. Just click either the iTunes link or the RSS feed link at the bottom of the article.

 

If you haven't had the chance to read and/or listen to last week's series on the path to your DESTINY then please be sure to do so as soon as you can. Many of the thoughts that I shared in them led me to re-reading this book and finding many similarities to what is said there with the thoughts that I shared last week. Things found in this book BACK UP what I shared with you in last week's series.

 

Here are two lines, in particular, that I pulled out of the chapter entitled, "Thought and Purpose", that I was reading just this morning. The first states this: "Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment." And the second, in part reads: "They who have no central purpose in their life fall an easy prey to...failure, unhappiness, and loss."

 

Although THINKING something is a wonderful thing to do, it serves no real purpose unless PURPOSE is attached to the thought! I guess one could even say that, without PURPOSE, this type of THINKING could be described as "day dreaming".

 

Do you remember the progression to your destiny that we discussed last week? Your thoughts become words, your words become actions, your actions become habits, your habits become your character and your character is your destiny.

 

We all have thoughts, words and actions! All of us. Without PURPOSE they will not take us on a planned journey. Oh, they will take us on a journey but it will be an "uncharted" journey with no direction or planned destiny.

 

We must attach PURPOSE to our thoughts, words and actions in order to ACHIEVE that which we have set out to accomplish.

 

Without PURPOSE we have no plan to defend against the negative forces that may come our way and we will - as James Allen states - "fall an easy prey to failure, unhappiness, and loss."

 

THINK on PURPOSE!

 

PLAN on PURPOSE!

 

LIVE on PURPOSE!

 

Otherwise your life and your destiny will be that of an unplanned, haphazard, unguided drift steered by the waves of life. I think you would say with me, "NO THANKS! THAT'S NOT FOR ME!"

 

There IS a "purpose" for your life. Why, then, should you ever approach your life without purpose? As you take that into consideration, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

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This Becomes Your DESTINY

Before I start in on my thoughts for today's article, let me take a moment and encourage you to be sure to also listen to the podcast! There are two ways to access it and both links are located at the bottom of this article. I tell people that listen to the podcast to be sure to also read the blog and now I'm telling you to be sure to listen to the podcast.
 

Why? Because they are done at two different times and there is not a script. That means that you will get additional material besides what you find here.
 

Too, let me just say that when you read this blog you can't "hear" the passion in my voice and the inflection found there as well. So, be sure to read AND listen, o.k.?
 

Oh, and one more thing - SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!

 

Now on to the show (as they say).

 

Today I'm going to discuss the last two "verses" of this graphic since we have come to the end of the week. Again, let me emphasize that, what you have before you, is a PATH, a ROAD MAP to your destiny!

 

Your destiny is not something that has been predetermined even if you or others think that it has been done. NO!

 

Do NOT settle for that way of thinking or do NOT listen to anyone that would tell you such garbage! YOU have control over the direction of your destiny and - negative or positive - it is laid out for you in the graphic above.

 

Your thoughts, words, actions, habits and your character....THIS becomes your destiny!

 

Yes, you can change your habits from bad to good by simply going back to taking control over your thoughts. Remember? Your thoughts become words, your words become actions and your actions become habits!

 

These habits become your character - WHO YOU ARE!

 

We live in a world (at least in my opinion) that is short on solid and trustworthy character. It's a shame but I see it pretty much every day.

 

We live in a world where lying is accepted and laughed at as if it really doesn't matter. We live in a world where our young people are not being taught how to be mannerly, respectful and honorable and it's sad to see.

 

When you live in such a way as to direct your path to your destiny, you provide a way - a road map - for your children and your grandchildren that can be passed down from one generation to another.

 

You may think that I have too easily interchanged the ideas of destiny with that of your legacy or dynasty. Don't let that distract you but think of this: Creating and directing your DESTINY will, indeed become your legacy and your dynasty. That, my friend, is a fact!

 

I was reading James Allen's "As a Man Thinketh" last night and there was part of one sentence that jumped out at me due to what we have been discussing the past few days. Here it is: "Thought and character are one..."

 

Your habits (which derive from your thoughts) become your CHARACTER and, yes, your character becomes your DESTINY!

 

Wow, does that impress you as it does me?

 

No more "floating around" with no control when it comes to your destiny. YOU set the sail, my friend, YOU plot the course and YOU blaze the trail.

 

It is YOUR destiny and YOU are in control.

 

And, never forget, that it begins with what you think.

 

Feed your mind and build a destiny that you can be proud of and one that you know will withstand the test of time long after you are gone.

 

And, as you go about building this powerful and positive destiny, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 

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Watch Your WORDS!

Part 2: Watch Your WORDS!

 

 

Today we continue our discussion of the progression to our DESTINY - pretty powerful to consider, wouldn't you agree?

 

"How do I create a destiny? How do I leave behind a great destiny?"

 

Both of these questions are answered the same way. IT BEGINS WITH YOUR THOUGHTS!

 

Again, follow the progression that you find in the graphic above and you will clearly see the "path to your destiny" right before your very eyes! Easier said than done? ABSOLUTELY!

 

C'mon, what did you think? A DESTINY is not something that is done haphazardly or without thought and planned actions. No friend, too many people have thought that and tried that only to fail and leave a destiny of failure and despair.

 

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

 

Go back and read that last sentence again. It was pretty good if I do say so myself! You WILL leave "a" destiny - one way or the other. However, what kind of destiny you leave is totally up to you and your PLANNED or UNPLANNED approach.

 

For those who are just not "getting it", what you see in the graphic above is a PLAN - a road map - to a positive and powerful destiny! It's right there in front of you as I have already pointed out.

 

Your THOUGHTS become WORDS and your WORDS become ACTIONS.

 

Don't believe it? Just take a look around you and observe. Now, since you likely wouldn't believe it if someone told you that you spoke and active in a negative way, then take a look at others around you. See those that talk and act negatively? If you think and speak that way then, friend, you also ACT just like them!

 

Have you ever heard that phrase, "You are what you eat" ?

 

It's true here as well. You are what you consume mentally. You ARE what you allow into your mind and mindset - positive or negative. And, if you allow BOTH in then, guess which one will come out on top? Whichever you allow in most. That's right!

 

Last night while in a different room than where the television was, I heard a game show host "interviewing" one of the contestants at the start of the show. I listened with interest as this lady responded to questions about her work, her husband and her family with such positive words! She CHOSE carefully the words that she used as she talked about the company that she worked for being "the best (of this type) company in the whole world". She continued by referring to her husband as "the best husband that a woman could ask for" and her kids as "each of them are awesome and amazing young people". Now, these aren't exact quotes but they are very close to what she said.

 

Let me ask you a question. How do you think this lady performed at her workplace? How do you think she generally interacted with her husband and her children?

 

Without knowing anything about her (other than what I heard her speak) I would suggest that she was a GREAT and VALUED employee and one that had a very special relationship with her husband as well as her children.

 

Her THOUGHTS became her WORDS and her WORDS became her ACTIONS!

 

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7). And yes, this verse is the premise on which James Allen wrote his famous book, "As a Man Thinketh".

 

Want to change your behavior? Change your words.

 

Want to change your words? Change your thoughts.

 

The path to your great and powerful DESTINY awaits!

 

And, as you move along this great path, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

 



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Starting Point - DESIRE (part 3)

Hey friends!

It's another TERRIFIC TUESDAY and I really got off for a few minutes on this point on today's podcast. Hey, if you haven't listened yet - be sure and do so ( http://tinyurl.com/d4n2fx ) .....I really got FIRED UP on this one and, as you can see in the last post that I put up right after I recorded it last night, I referred to it as HIGH OCTANE!!!

How can you NOT get pumped and excited when reading and discussing this great book, "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill?

I don't have it in front of me as I type up this article at my office, so I won't attempt to share the specific quotes with you - HOWEVER, the point is made that this book was written right after the Great Depression and Mr. Hill emphasizes over and again the fact that OPPORTUNITY was ABUNDANT!

Does this message apply today? ABSOLUTELY! We have too many negative people in our world proclaiming that there is NO opportunity to be had. However, it's like this little thing I saw once before.....how do you read the following:

OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE

You can read it one of two ways:
1. Opportunity is nowhere - this is how the majority of people read this. That's a fact. I believe it is due to the fact that most people actually believe this to be true.

OR

2. Opportunity is now here - the exact same letters are used to form this thought. Can you see it? Can you believe it? Can you act upon it?

We MUST NOT accept defeat as a reality! I shared a quote about this on today's podcast. As a matter of fact, it's the same quote that my son, Jordan, picked out to put on the front of the t-shirt he designed. You can see this at: www.PrepareTheFutureYou.com and you can actually purchase one of these. At this point - just let me know how to do so.

Anyway - listen to the podcast today and allow yourself to develop that STRONG, BURNING DESIRE that will see you through the ups AND downs along the way!

And, as always...

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

Mike