I Always Wanted To....

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I'm typing this on Thursday, September 27, 2012 after the legendary Andy Williams passed away on Tuesday, September 25th. Why is this significant to me? Because I have said for years that I wanted to go see his show in Branson, Missouri before he died. Now, it's too late.

 

For me this goes back to my childhood. I can remember watching Mr. Williams on television (yes, black and white) putting on some of the best Christmas specials that I can remember. I always thought he had one of the smoothest voices ever - even at my young age. I can also remember the Osmond brothers being introduced and a part of these television specials. I loved those shows!

 

Then, a few years ago, Mr. Williams brought his act to Branson, Missouri which has only been a few hours from me all along. I've said to my wife (and even to my sons who are all now out of the house) that I wanted us to go see his Christmas show sometime. I said that year after year after year. And, as I've already said...now it's too late.

 

So, here's the question: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU HAVE SAID YOU WANT TO DO AND, AS OF YET, IS STILL UNDONE?

 

Here's what I continue to ask myself about situations like the one above and others that I find let slip past me - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

 

My goodness, the whole thing with going to see Andy Williams boiled down to two things: 1. sometimes I felt that it would cost too much money and 2. poor planning. And now, something that I've wanted to do for years has passed me by.

 

Another thing I find that is necessary to ask with such things is this: WAS IT AS IMPORTANT AS I KEPT SAYING IT WAS? IF SO, WHY DIDN'T I DO IT REGARDLESS OF ANY EXCUSES?

 

Sometimes the truth hurts but the truth is that if something really IS important to us we WILL find a way to make it happen. Won't you?

 

Ahhhh, but there's that factor of FEAR. False Evidence Appearing Real.

 

We're still working on that, aren't we? I know I am. Hey, I'm just being honest. I appreciate you reading my blog and listening to my podcast (yes, I am doing a podcast on this topic - be sure to check it out at www.FutureYouUniversity.com) but I will always be honest with you on such things. What good does it do me - or you - to make it appear that I have it all worked out? I DON'T but I continually strive to keep moving forward and I hope that I encourage you to do the same along the way.

 

So for now, address the questions brought up in this blog. Get out a piece of paper and spend some serious time digging at the TRUTH. Make that list of things that are still waiting for you to enjoy and complete (and no, we're not talking about things like "mowing the yard") and then dig deep as to WHY it's still on that "to do" list.

 

I plan to do another blog entry in a few days to continue these thoughts and I'd love to get your feedback either by leaving a comment here or on the FYU fan page on Facebook (preferred).

 

Keep pressing forward, friend and, until then, be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike



 

 



What Adventure Are YOU Ready For?

What Adventure Are YOU Ready For?

In the March issue of Success magazine, Jeff Probst (host of "Survivor") makes the following quote that I used for the "spring board" for today's discussion: "The adventure you're ready for is the one you'll get!".

Are YOU approaching life as an adventure? Are you LIVING life or are you merely "existing"? These are some things I'd like you to seriously consider as we go through this discussion. I do encourage you to read the article that I've mentioned. I have posted it on the FYU fan page on Facebook but, for your convenience, here is the link:

http://www.successmagazine.com/jeff-probst-a-survivors-perspective/PARAMS/article/987

This article will challenge you and, I believe at the same time, inspire you to approach each and every day with a little bit different outlook - AN ADVENTURE!

Another quote that I used from the article was this - "I'm here for an uncertain amount of time and I want to get the most out of it."

Hey friend, what Mr. Probst says is true for us all! We ALL have an uncertain amount of time here - so what are YOU doing with YOURS?

I've shared thoughts before on the movie, "The Bucket List" in which two men make a list of things that they wish to do before they die. We should ALL create such a list! MTV also ran a show with a similar theme ("The Buried Life") featuring a group of young men that were setting out to check off items on their list while helping people along the way complete something on their own list. Likely, we all get inspired by such things but, does it change us or inspire us enough to actually DO something?

Tell me, friend, what do YOU do to keep your days from becoming a monotonous routine if you do the exact same thing every day for years at a time? What do YOU do to keep from taking your days from granted? What do YOU do to squeeze the adventure available out of each and every day?

You don't have to become a contestant on a show like "Survivor" or "The Amazing Race" to enjoy and experience the joy of life right where you are! It's not always easy to do, but isn't that part of what makes it such an adventure?

You see, just like everything else I talk about - this is a choice and it is YOUR choice!

How you approach your day is YOUR choice. You either choose to dread the day and go through it merely "existing" OR you can choose to anticipate the day with excitement and attack the day (yes, along with it's problems) as the adventure that it is and retire at the end of the evening feeling that you have, indeed, lived an adventure!

It's up to YOU!

Now, this takes a little "advanced training" in the area of "adventure - living" but it's something to strive for... each and every problem that comes your way is an adventure waiting for you! If you will allow yourself to develop a mindset that will help you approach even your problems and your struggles in this way then you will also begin to live a life of "adventure" while others simply go through each day griping and complaining about the problems in their lives.

This DOESN'T mean that it is always fun! Most adventures involve some hardship and some times that just aren't fun...BUT that is part of the adventure!

To be able to push yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually beyond your perceived abilities is what makes life such an adventure!

"Wow, I didn't know I could do that!" is a much better way to live than to always wonder IF you could have or what MIGHT you could have done "IF ONLY".

So, friend, what adventure are YOU ready for today?

I'd love to hear from you on this one. I'd love to be inspired by YOUR story and YOUR adventure of life. Please share with me anytime by dropping me an e-mail at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

And, as we live this life of adventure, be sure to...

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

I don't usually answer this, but I will today....NO ONE!

Mike