Your Attitude MATTERS!

 This article comes from thoughts I shared on my most recent podcast (access it HERE) on the #TRUTH that, "Your Attitude MATTERS!"

Listen, it doesn't matter WHO you are or WHAT you are doing (job, school, parenting, etc.) the fact remains that the ATTITUDE that YOU CHOOSE (that's right, it's a choice!) will have a HUGE impact on you day, week, month and year. And, if you keep adding that time up it will turn out to be YEARS and you will wonder why your life did not turn out the way you had wished. 

This past week I came across a post on my social media that brought about my decision to do a podcast/blog article on this topic. Without revealing more than the content, here's a picture of the post with some notes that I've made that I'll discuss with you here.

First of all, let me say that, whoever came up with this was someone that had a horrible, negative attitude about work and - my guess would be - pretty much every area of their life. That's just my opinion but it is an opinion based on what I've observed and learned over the years.

 

Now then, on to the information in this graphic. Right off the start - at the top - marked as #1 in my comment box we find someone that feels the need to share what THEY HAVE LEARNED about employment. Key point here: Be CAREFUL who you listen to and take "advice" from. Listen, there is actually SOME good advice found in this graphic such as found in numbers 8 and 12.  Your family IS more important than any job BUT you still have to understand the BALANCE that must come with both. (I could do a whole article just on this point and maybe I will in the future). And, for sure, as is mentioned in #12, it is important to keep your personal life private. But, here's the kicker...this also applies to social media and, my guess is, since this was posted on social media that the author of these thoughts does not apply this advice consistently. 

Notice my notes in my second comment about #4 in the posted list... "Do the bare minimum, or you'll get rewarded  MORE work." Again, this "advice" alone should cause everyone to run in the opposite direction! Oh, I know that this is a common opinion held by many but IT IS POISON to your mind and to ANY POSSIBILITY of you actually improving your situation/position at your work. That's a guarantee!

Again, the attitude exhibited by this point alone, should be enough to see that this person's mind has been poisoned by a negative mindset. However, many times, those who ALSO have their minds "poisoned" by negative attitudes will see this as something that makes sense. And it does...to them. Why? Because this is all they see, hear, taste, touch, smell and consume. 

Side note on #9: "Some of your coworkers secretly hate you." Really? Is this a surprise? It shouldn't be because it's called LIFE! Moving on...

Now in my "3rd comment box"...  The attitude expressed in #4 on the list will GUARANTEE that there will NEVER be any substantial pay increase (#10) AND that there will NEVER be promotions in compensation (#11). 

Here's the thing that so many people (like the one that posted this list) don't seem to understand: Your negative attitude and negative approach to your work will KEEP YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE. That is how it works, friend!

This type of negative attitude will keep you on the "hamster wheel" of frustration and disappointment while you continue to blame anybody and everybody else for your lack of forward progress in your position. Go take a good long look in the mirror at where the problem actually lies...YOU! 

But, here's the GOOD NEWS about all of this: It doesn't have to STAY that way. That's right! YOU have the ability to start making CHANGES in your own attitude and life. It won't be easy because you have likely grown so accustomed to this negative attitude and lifestyle that you may feel that it is even impossible. Always remember this quote that I came up with back in 2009, "As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

If you REALLY wish to rid your life of this negative attitude then I have some good news for you! I actually did a series of articles addressing that very thing. It's called "Positive Mindset 101" and it is designed to help you learn how to DEVELOP and MAINTAIN a positive mindset. If you've not done so before, you can begin with the first article in the series by going HERE. 

One last thing to leave you with. I'VE BEEN THERE! Yep! There have been times in my past where I allowed myself to be influenced by others around me that had a stinking attitude (negative attitude) about work and I became miserable! Yes, I turned it around but I just want to make sure you understand that I, too, have struggled with the influence of negative attitudes.

IT'S A CHOICE and it is YOUR choice. My advice: Choose wisely!

Until next time...

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

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Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 3: REFILL)

 

 Again, if you've not done so, be sure to go back and read parts 1 and 2 of this article. Part 1 can be found HERE and Part 2 can be found HERE.

In the last article I discussed the "RELEASE" part of the "Release and Refill"  concept found in the following scripture. Be sure to go back and read it so that you can make the "connection" on these two parts.

 Philippians 4: 6-8. Here is that passage again:

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

 

So, understanding (or at least acknowledging) the idea that we must RELEASE the worry from our lives in order to help improve our mind, mindset and attitude we must also understand/acknowledge the idea that we must then REPLACE that "void" that has been left by removing that habit of worry from our lives. And, verse 8, tells us EXACTLY what we need to be using to REPLACE that "void".

In order to develop ourselves, personally, we must improve and, usually, CHANGE our mind/mindset. Before we can change our life we must first change us - ourselves. And it all begins with this change of mindset and attitude.

Instead of focusing our thoughts on those things that we tend to worry about, we now need to begin to focus on things that are TRUE. Obviously, we want to avoid focusing on things that are untrue (lies) in our world. We are SURROUNDED by these lies from all angles and in regards to just about every area that we encounter each and every day. But, as we think about changing our mind and mindset and, as a result, our attitude, we must understand that we must reject the lies that we may believe about ourselves and our abilities.

Again, you don't have to agree with me friend but, in my opinion, there is no better way to do that than to spend time in the Word and to allow God - your Creator - to tell you what He thinks about you. The TRUTH and not the lies that we may want to believe instead. One of my daily affirmations that I created several years ago states this fact: "I AM ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH AND DO GREAT THINGS!" while one that I added later also states, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD, THEREFORE I AM AMAZING!"

It is important to focus on this TRUTH in and for your life!

 

Paul then encourages us to think or focus on that which is NOBLE. Simply put, think of it this way - choose to think and focus on what is BETTER and ABOVE the "normal" activity and thoughts that surround us each day. We must "rise above" the negativity that surrounds all of us and begin to focus on BETTER thoughts and ideas. Don't allow yourself to "think and act" like everyone else. Friend, you are NOT "everyone else" and, to be blunt, you are BETTER than everyone else because "everyone else" tends to just "go with the flow" and THAT AIN'T YOU!

Now then, it is also important that we fill that void with what is "JUST" or, maybe better understood as what is "RIGHT". Wow, just typing those words may even stir up a hornets nest with some people because many in our world today do not like ANYONE pointing out the fact that, indeed, there IS right and wrong in our world. Yes, all of these things are very closely related and, again, the main point of this is the fact that, in order to improve your mind, mindset and attitude (which means you are improving YOU overall) we must discipline ourselves to THINK DIFFERENTLY than others. And, most likely, differently than you have focused your thought before. Don't be thinking of ways that you can take advantage of people in your work (this applies in a LOT of ways, friend) but, rather, by thinking about what is true, noble and just (right) you begin to think about how you can help others and be of service to others. WOW! What a change in mindset, wouldn't you agree?

And, finally, think on things that are PURE, LOVELY and of "GOOD REPORT". It's a mind shift! Get rid of all of the "garbage" that you have allowed into your mind (this is a DAILY process, by the way) and allow your mind to begin to think and focus on what is PURE and LOVELY! Also, again being closely related is the encouragement to think/focus on things that are of "GOOD REPORT" or things that are positive, uplifting and encouraging. The other side of this? You already know.

I know I've already said it but let me say it again. You may not believe in God or the Bible, but I do and I believe that it is my calling to share with you how this can help you in every area of your life. 

When I started this section on PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT I did not plan to have 3 parts on this but I felt that I needed to share with you as much as I could in this area. As I discussed in part 1, "personal development" is closely connected with the Spiritual aspect that we talked about in part 1.

Bottom line, as I discuss my "expanded" use of Project 141, I encourage you to do SOMETHING (at least 1 thing) in the area of "personal development" every day for the next year and see what happens in and for your life.

I'd love to get some feedback from you about what you've read so far in this new series talking about this "expansion". I always love to connect with my readers and I'd love to do that with you.

Always remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, 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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3 of 6: ATTITUDE!

ATTITUDE. Good or bad, it's something that we all have. And, on any given day, we may have both...several times throughout the day!

Your ATTITUDE can and will either be a CURSE and poisonous OR it will be a BLESSING to those with whom you come into contact.  You literally hold the keys to LIFE or DEATH of a person's mindset in YOUR ATTITUDE. 

And, you hold that same key for your OWN life through your attitude. 

Am I over-stating the importance of ATTITUDE? You decide for yourself as you look over the following quotes...

"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." - John C. Maxwell

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. Wade Boggs
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_attitude.html

"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." -  Wade Boggs 

"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." -  Zig Ziglar 

 "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." -  Winston Churchill

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." -  Thomas Jefferson

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. Wade Boggs
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_attitude.html

The things that I have stated so far in this article as well as the profound words found in the above quotes, just emphasize even more, how important it is to PROTECT YOUR MINDSET and, thus, your ATTITUDE.

I was reading an article just yesterday about a lady (she was the author of the article) who, over time and due to different things that she was not happy with, allowed her attitude to become more and more negative as that time passed by. And, as a direct result, she was "let go". In other words, she was fired and told to move on. 

Again, a bad attitude can POISON one's life...EVERY area of that life.

Now, let's end this on a "high" note and talk about the POWER of a POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

Your positive attitude can (and will) make all the difference in the direction of your life and ALL relationships in your life. That, my friend, is a FACT and one that you need to consider very seriously. Go back and read again what Thomas Jefferson said about the man with "the right mental attitude"...HE CANNOT BE STOPPED!

That's right, friend. What you allow INTO your mind and what you allow to STAY in your mind will have a direct impact upon the direction of your life!! (Yeah, that was worth TWO exclamation points). And, as a direct result, it will also have a PROFOUND and POSITIVE impact upon the lives of many people around you in any area of your life.

Now 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. 

Join me in the next article as I continue to discuss these 6 important "tasks" for our life from my "POWER Board". 

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

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As Easy As Getting FAT

 

(I'll do a podcast on this soon, once my voice gets better following a cold that I have had).

 

 

This graphic came across my social media page earlier today. Yes, I know, it is meant to be light-hearted and funny. Believe me, I DO understand that. I'm not one that lacks a sense of humor!

 

But, I have to be honest with you and tell you that the first thing that went through my mind when I saw this was, "There are LOTS of things that are as 'easy' as getting fat!"

 

Now, first off, for all of you that want to get offended and start sending me all kinds of complaints - DON'T. Listen to me...I have battled the struggle with maintaining a healthy weight for my entire adult life. Been there, done that and STILL have to work on trying to keep things under control. So, due to that, I DO have the "right" to speak on this, o.k.? Secondly, I KNOW that there are certain conditions that cause a person to be overweight (or "fat") that are beyond that persons control. I get that, o.k.? Now, if you STILL decide to get all worked up and upset about this article then you are actually making one of my points for me - and I'll address that point in a bit.

 

There. I hope we have that all out of the way now. Let's move on to the points of this article...

 

PREMISE: Being "fat" is "easy" because, for the most part, is is the result of the habit of taking the path of least resistance. Again, if that upsets you, go back and read the highlighted AND bolded paragraph above, o.k.?

 

It takes DISCIPLINE to make wise food choices. The path of least resistance says, "Eat whatever you want, whenever you want and as much as you want!" It takes DISCIPLINE to actually get up and participate in some sort of exercise while, at the same time, the path of least resistance says, "Exercise? You already DO exercise! You get up out of bed and walk to your chair (or the couch) and then you get back up when it's time to go to bed!" It takes DISCIPLINE to make a decision to make those necessary changes and to actually stick to them and do them consistently. The path of least resistance says, "Don't worry about it. You're just 'big-boned' and there's no real rush with this anyway."

 

Now, with that premise in mind, let's consider that, in fact, there are MANY things that we can do that are as "easy as getting fat". Here's something that will "hurt" to admit with these as you go through them. It's the FACT that NONE of them are of any value! So, I guess, in reality, here's another PREMISE that needs to be set: Following the path of least resistance never leads to anything good or positive!

 

1. GETTING OFFENDED is easy! Too many people get offended too easily in our world today. People seem to get offended by just about every little thing that someone may say - or NOT say. Getting offended is EASY and is evidence of a person taking that path of least resistance! Easily getting offended often leads to arguments and hurt feelings and, sometimes, even worse results. If something DOES offend you, discipline yourself to NOT react and say or do anything at that point. Just because something offends you does not mean that everyone has to know about it. Practice the discipline of NOT responding or reacting and then do some self-examination (this requires discipline as well) as to WHY you get offended so easily by so many things. Yes, I agree that there are times that we MUST stand up and fight and make our voices heard. But, at the same time, I'm also convinced that it is not nearly as often as some people make happen.

 

2. BEING NEGATIVE is easy! Hey listen, I understand that there are things in this world and in our individual lives that we can become very negative about very easily. But, friend, it is a CHOICE that each of us must make and, allowing ourselves to take the path of least resistance (no discipline), will make it EASY to have a negative attitude. Don't you just love being around negative people? Of course you don't! Then, friend, what makes you think people enjoy being around you if you have allowed yourself to become negative? Many times a person doesn't even realize that they have become this way. Ironically, this type of person will often criticize and complain about their coworkers or "friends" being negative, rude and unfriendly because they don't seem to want to interact with them. Hello? It takes DISCIPLINE to fight a negative attitude and it takes DISCIPLINE to do it on a daily (that's right - DAILY) basis. It takes DISCIPLINE to truly pay attention to your attitude and actually allow yourself to admit the amount of negativity in your life and your mind. What's in/on your mind usually will come out of your mouth.

 

3. NOT SETTING OR REACHING GOALS is easy! A goal that is easy to reach is not much of a goal. Wouldn't you agree? The idea of a goal is to cause us to stretch and challenge ourselves to do more and to be more than we are right now. One easy way to avoid the fear of not reaching that goal is to simply NOT SET a goal. What has been said is true, "Aim at nothing and you'll be sure to reach your target every time!". Maybe you are one that has actually set some goals (New Year's Resolutions?) and are struggling. Here's a few things to consider (remember, it takes discipline to do this kind of self-examination) about such goals. Perhaps you set unrealistic goals in the first place. Perhaps you never intended to do anything to reach those goals, you just set them because you always do and everyone else does. Perhaps the "fear of failure" has you paralyzed to the point of making no move toward that goal. The path of least resistance says, "Everyone sets goals and everyone falls short so, why set out on a course of failure?" That's EASY. Discipline will challenge a person to push and grow as they go through their days and get closer to reaching their set goals.

 

4. BEING CRITICAL is easy! This is closely related to #'s 1 and 2 in this list but I still want to address it separately. Do you know anyone like this? Could YOU be that person? It is EASY - by following the path of least resistance - to criticize anything and everything and everyone around you. It is EASY to always find what is wrong about something or someone. It is EASY to always voice your critical opinion on these things. It takes DISCIPLINE to "hold your tongue" when tempted to be critical. It takes DISCIPLINE to work on a better idea - if one even exists. You may find that coming up with good ideas and solutions is not as easy as being critical. In that case, it takes DISCIPLINE to compliment and encourage those that must come up with these ideas and solutions. It takes DISCIPLINE to not allow yourself to take that path of least resistance by being critical instead. Here's another heads up for you: NO ONE LIKES BEING AROUND A CRITICAL PERSON.

 

CONCLUSION: Living an undisciplined life of least resistance leads to many problems in our lives and in our world. Crime, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual gratification - regardless of one's marital status, along with many other addictions and vices, can be brought back to taking the "easy" road or path of least resistance. I know that some of you would want to argue that point on some - or all - of these issues. But, I won't argue with you on this. Again, I'm not saying that this is 100% true in EVERY situation but, overall, I believe this to be true a majority of the time.

 

So, bottom line, perhaps the original phrase in the graphic should be, "I wish everything of value and worth was as easy as getting fat." Some still may not like the comparison, but it would be closer to the truth.

 

Please share with anyone and everyone that you feel would benefit from these thoughts as well as the many others that you find on this blog page. You can also find the links to my podcasts below. Again, once my throat gets better, I will be doing a podcast to go along with this blog.

 

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



Protect Your JOY

Oh, they're out there. No matter how "safe" you think you are, they are still out there and they are waiting to steal from you.

 

I'm talking about the people and the thoughts around you every single day that are out to steal your JOY.

 

Sometimes the thoughts are there because we have allowed them to be there. And, there are times that the thoughts are there because of people (joy robbers) that have been a part of putting them there.

 

Just as you lock your doors at night and maybe even set an alarm, so you should be as dedicated to protecting your mind and mindset from the negativity that would steal away your JOY.

 

The series that I just completed in the last podcast speaks to this very thing. There are things that we MUST be doing in order to keep focused on what CAN BE rather than what IS. Many times we allow our current circumstances (even if it's only an hour or two out of our day) to keep us from looking BEYOND what is, to what CAN be.

 

And, in the process, when we get "bogged down" in the struggles, we may lose our joy.

 

And, friend, let's just be real here for a moment, o.k.? There are also people that seem to get THEIR joy from stealing YOUR joy, right?

 

Some are acquaintances that cross your path most every day and then there are those that are supposed to be closest to you. The ones closest to you are the ones that seem to hurt the most because you feel (rightly so) that THEY are the ones that should be your strongest advocates instead of being some of the ones that try to steal your joy.

 

But friend, you can stop it and you can prevent it from happening. Yes, you can PROTECT your joy!

 

Unlike the graphic above, we cannot allow others to cause us to just "lock up tight" and "shut down". Too many simply stop living as a way to keep from getting hurt. In reality, that is a direct way that you are being hurt and allowing others to hurt you more than they should.

 

Protect your mind and your joy? Absolutely! But what is required is for you to guard your mind by what you allow INTO your mind. THIS is what determines your mindset.

 

Do you want to really stop "joy robbers" in their tracks? Be DETERMINED that you will not allow any one or anything to stop you from being joyful today! That's right. I know it may sound too simple or impossible but, friend, it is not!

 

I've shared with you before how my wife has faced such issues in the workplace but was determined to not allow this as part of her experience. She REFUSED to give in to that mindset and made a decision that SHE would have an impact on THEM instead.

 

And it has worked every time.

 

It's YOUR mind, YOUR mindset and YOUR joy. Protect it, preserve it and promote it and see what begins to happen in your life.

 

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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Check Your "A Game"

"A" game.

 

What does that mean for you and/or to you? For most "A Game" usually means, "bring your best!".

 

I changed it to "CHECK Your 'A' Game" for a reason.

 

For today, "A" = ATTITUDE...so, "Check your Attitude".

 

Yeah, I know I talk about this a lot but, hey, don't we all need it? I'll go first...I DO! And, friend, whether you want to admit it or not, YOU do as well.

 

Quick story as to where this all came from, o.k.?

 

I worked pretty much all day long on putting together some graphics, etc. for a landing page that I'm going to be using for some network marketing. I'm familiar with landing pages and opt-in pages, etc. but I've never put much time into putting them together myself.

 

I figure that, if it is a way to learn something new, then I should spend a little time doing just that. And that, I did.

 

I was having some problems at the end of the night putting one final piece together and was "chatting" with some online support when, one final click, and it was all gone. No, I didn't delete anything. No, I didn't push any wrong "buttons". Just *BAM* and it was all gone. They (the support team at this site) are checking on it but, that didn't make me any happier about the whole thing.

 

"Frustrated" doesn't really describe how I felt but, it will do for now.

 

Then, after a bite to eat, I checked a couple of things out on Facebook when I came across a video that was shared by a friend of mine. It helped me "CHECK MY ATTITUDE" really quick.

 

I posted it on my Facebook fan page...check it out HERE and leave a comment. Seriously, check it out and listen to this young man. POWERFUL!

 

Keep your eyes and ears open for such reminders of the importance of mindset and attitude...we all need it from time to time.

 

Check your "A Game" and, as you do so...

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

Mike

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Knowlege, Hard Work or Attitude?

I've seen this "floating around" Facebook for the past week or so and finally decided to take a look at it and, well, you can see for yourself that it IS actually very interesting!

 

What's more important? Knowledge or hard work?

 

What about attitude?

 

Sure, this is very interesting and, indeed, it may be a coincidence but, it is also VERY thought-provoking and right on track to what is actually TRUTH!

 

While knowledge and hard work are BOTH very important and necessary for success, they are NOTHING without a good, positive attitude!

 

Just look around you and you'll find evidence for yourself, friend.

 

Oh, I know. There are some higher up than you are that know far less than you do. That's sad but it is a reality that we face in the workplace. Sometimes - many times - it's because of "who they know" that got them there but, be patient, they often won't - and CAN'T - stay there for long.

 

Too, I know that you can look around and find those that are higher up than you that likely don't work nearly as hard as you do. Pretty much the same scenario as I've already discussed and, be patient, many times the same results will eventually occur.

 

However, I bet that if you pay much attention to any of those people, you will also find that they are greatly lacking in the ATTITUDE area. Oh, they may have an "attitude" alright, but it's not a positive and helpful attitude, right?

 

When you combine knowledge, hard work AND a good, positive attitude together then, friend, you have a WINNING COMBINATION! And, if you have a winning combination then you just need to "stay the course" and things will be good for you and your future!

 

Many people get "let go" and are replaced because of the simple fact that they ARE replaceable!

 

With the winning combination that I just talked about, you will make yourself IRreplaceable and in high demand, not only at your current workplace but at other places as well.

 

Coincidence? I'm still not sure how that worked out with those numbers on that sheet of paper but, friend, it will NOT be a coincidence if things go well for you when you put together that "winning combination" as a part of your life.

 

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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A Great Attitude Becomes...

 

How does one become an adult?

 

Yes, I understand that there are certain rare diseases that a baby can be born with that causes them to grow old very quickly. But, in an "ordinary" situation, how does one develop into an adult?

 

Does a child grow into an adult in a week? A month? A year? Five years? Ten years?

 

I also understand that, in different cultures, children are considered "adults" at different ages. But, even with that being true, it doesn't happen overnight.

 

One day at a time, right? And, for most parents, those days seem to speed up as time goes by and, before they know it, their child is an adult with a child of their own.

 

Oh, believe me, I know. I have three sons that are all adults and two of them are married and, on top of that, our oldest has two children of his own.

 

We understand the concept of how things happen gradually just as is true in a child's education. Yes, again I understand  that there are some situations where a child "genius" moves ahead in his schooling. However, a child is never born and then receives his High School diploma the next week.

 

So, again, we all understand the idea of a process that involves time and progression.

 

So it is with the wording found on the graphic above. Every life is made up of years, which are made up of months, which are made up of days, which are made up of hours, minutes and seconds.

 

So, getting down to it, our life is made up of TODAY - one day at a time. And, what we do with TODAY (the seconds, minutes and hours that make today what it is) matters.

 

And, what we do TODAY is greatly dependent upon our ATTITUDE. That's right, our attitude.

 

Do you want to have a better day? Develop a better attitude.

 

Do you want to have a better month? Year? Life? Same answer...develop a better attitude.

 

Allow that "great attitude" to transform your seconds, minutes, hours and days which, in turn, will transform your weeks, months, years and - yes - THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

 

Attitude. How's yours?

 

Believe it or not (it's your choice, right?) our attitude really IS that important and impactful.

 

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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Something to Think About...

Don't Be a TAKER

Today is "Magical Monday"...isn't it time YOU created a little 'magic' in YOUR day?

Today I will continue going through my "7 Life-Changing, Life-Directing, Powerful Daily Affirmations" by discussing #5: "I AM A GIVER - not a taker!"

Now, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back to last week's blog articles and podcast to catch up with the first four and - specifically - the very first, foundational principle/building block affirmation. THIS IS A MUST in order for the others to really have any validity, purpose or focus.

We have grown so accustomed to the idea that "the customer is always right" and "Have it YOUR way" that we have begun to think that WE are the MOST IMPORTANT person in the universe and that the whole universe revolves around us as a result. Uh...here's your wake up call = NOT TRUE!

I honestly get really tired of watching people - kids, teens and even adults - that seem to live their lives really believing that they ARE actually the center of the universe. Seriously, it's quite sickening!

Sometimes it begins when parents - as parents do - just "ooh and ahhh" over their precious little ones. Hey, there is nothing wrong with that! I have a precious little granddaughter that is the apple of my eye and I will proudly tell anyone that will listen -- sometimes even if they AREN'T listening! But, the problem starts when this never stops. Make sense?

When our children continue to be told that they are so special to the point that we give them the idea that they are better than everyone else and when we keep giving them stuff and stuff and stuff then, guess what? They begin to BELIEVE it and EXPECT it! And, some people NEVER grow past that and end up STILL believing and expecting that even as adults.

I said the following to a group of teens not too long ago: "You can tell how focused on self a person is by listening to how many times they say 'I' or 'me' in a conversation." to which one young lady (who is absolutely focused on self) answered, "I don't think I really talk about me that much!" Notice the use of the words "I' and "me" used in that short little sentence?

Now do you see why I think it is important for not only YOU to get in the habit of saying these affirmations out loud to yourself, but also for your KIDS to do so (if you have them)? We need to plant this seed DEEP and EARLY so that it can take root and be TRUE in the lives of our young people as they grow and develop!

You will find that every great leader (the "non-blood thirsty ones" anyway) has always promoted the idea of serving others and putting the interest of others ahead of ourselves. I'm sure that some of you almost cringed just reading that -- it is so foreign to what we are told and taught by so many forces around us every day (have you WATCHED commercials lately?).  The next time you sit and watch commercials notice the WHY they want you to believe in order to get you to buy their product. Why? Because YOU deserve nothing but the best and, by the way, their product IS the best!

This is getting a little longer than I had planned and I haven't even gotten started yet so I will continue these thoughts tomorrow. So far in this article we have noticed and focused on the PROBLEM of being nothing but a "GETTER". Tomorrow we will focus on the other end of this spectrum...being a GIVER!

Be thinking about this and, yes, make that painful self-examination that we all need to make from time to time to see how much "ME" is a part of our daily activity.

Begin now directing your focus to being a GIVER and not a GETTER 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

Are YOU "Road Ready"?

Are YOU "Road Ready"?

No, I didn't ask if you were "road WEARY"...some of you may be if you are driving long distances this summer with your kids on vacation!

Continuing with the "theme" that I began yesterday in talking about us "driving" our vehicle of choice (either a positive or negative attitude), I want us to consider what we are (or aren't) doing to prepare ourselves for our daily journey.

My guess is that, if you HAVE gone on that family vacation, you probably had your automobile checked out to make sure everything was in good working order before you began the trip, right?

You wanted to make sure your tires were in good shape and that they had the right amount of air in them. You also wanted to make sure you had enough oil, antifreeze and even windshield wiper fluid for the trip. And, since it is summertime, you also wanted to make sure your air conditioner was in good working order.

You PREPARED yourself for the journey to come.

So, why should we do anything less when it comes to the journey we take each and every day? Why should we do any less when it comes to the journey we have chosen that will take us to our goals and dreams?

Too many people take off on this most important journey (yes, even our DAILY journey is of great importance - our days add up to weeks, months and years!) without proper - if any - preparation!

And we wonder why so many people - including ourselves - fail?

So, what do YOU need to do to prepare for the journey? What do YOU need to do to prepare for your journey TODAY?

You see, it's different for each one of us (to some extent) because each of us are in our own unique situation! Just like you would never take a luxury automobile on a cross-country "all terrain" road race, so will you not prepare yourself inadequately if you know you are going to be facing a LARGE load of negativity in your day.

Make sense?

If you tend to work in an environment full of negativity then you must REALLY make sure you have prepared yourself for this onslaught. It's kind of like putting on snow chains when you KNOW you are going to encounter those types of conditions -- you want to get as much "grip" as you can so that you don't slip and slide out of control.

You knew that I would say this to you sooner or later....it's up to YOU to prepare for YOUR journey!

No one else can do that for you and no one else WILL do that for you.

So, are you ready? Are you "ROAD READY" for the journey ahead today, this week, this month?

Are you "road ready" for the journey that is leading you toward your goals and dreams?

If not, how do you expect to make it to your destination?

Think about it and PREPARE for the journey! I'm here to help in any way that I can (part of the preparation process) but, again, it is totally up to YOU to get it done for yourself.

And, as you do so....

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

Mike

What Are YOU Driving?

What Are YOU Driving?

If you were driving the car you see pictured here, do you think you'd get noticed? Sure you would! Most people would be wanting to know how in the world you squeezed your body into that little bitty cartoon car!

In today's podcast I talk about how it seems that, when you purchase a certain type of automobile, you begin to notice how many of that same type of automobile you pass every day! Did they all of a sudden magically appear now that you own one of those types of automobile?

Of course not! They existed all along, didn't they? But YOUR focused changed because of what YOU were driving. Change your car and you will see the same thing happen again. At least that's the way it has been in my life and I don't think you and I are that much different from one another.

It's the same way with how we approach each and every day! It all depends on what you "drive" as to what you "see" and/or encounter during your day.

You've heard the phrase, "...got up on the wrong side of the bed", right? What does that mean? I never knew there was a "right" side and a "wrong" side, did you?

The idea behind that phrase is that the day did not start out very well for that person from the moment they rolled out of bed....must have been on the "wrong" side because if it had been on the "right" side then everything would be great! (Hey, if that's the way it worked I think once I discovered the "wrong" side, I'd make SURE I got up and out on the OTHER side every day!).

Whatever attitude you start off the day with will be the same attitude that you encounter from everyone and everything throughout your day. Haven't you noticed this already?

When you get up "on the wrong side of the bed" haven't you noticed how cranky your spouse and kids are? Shoot, even the cat and dog are kind of crabby! Then, as you go to work it seems that if EVERYONE got up on the wrong side of the bed! Hey, how did I miss that memo that today was "GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED DAY"?

But then, one morning you strike it lucky and actually get up on the RIGHT side of the bed! (Have you noticed that you never hear that phrase though?). All is good, the birds are singing, the sun is shining and your whole family is happy! The people at work are happy - your whole world is happy!

What changed?

YOU DID!

That's right. The people around you - your family, your co-workers, etc. - are the SAME people that are around you each and every day. They were there yesterday, they are here today and they will STILL be there tomorrow!

But, it's what you're "driving" that has made the difference! Just like the cars that you "suddenly" notice because of what you are driving, your focus for your day - what you will SEE and encounter in those around you - will be determined by what you "drive" for the day.

Actually, to be more accurate, instead of saying what YOU drive, it should be what drives you!

And, yes, as always, this IS a choice!

It's as if you can walk into your garage and choose whether you want to drive an old clunker OR the car of your dreams! YOU decide what you will "drive" each day (or what "drives" you) by your attitude that you begin with each and every day.

You know it's true, don't you? You've experienced it too many times for you NOT to know it's true.

So, what will it be for you today?

Though it's not always easy, I KNOW you'd much rather drive the car of your dreams today...the positive attitude that will direct your focus on the positive people and things all around you as you go through the day.

Right?

And as you do so be sure to...

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

Mike

Beware Mediocrity!

"Beware Mediocrity!"

How many of us would line up to go to the restaurant that would advertise a "mediocre sandwich"? Perhaps they believe in the "truth in advertising" rule! (Don't you wish more restaurants were as open and honest as the "mocked up" sign above?)

Here is the definition of "mediocre" as given by dictionary.com . . .

MEDIOCRE: adjective
1. of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate.
2. rather poor or inferior.

Now, YOU tell ME - would you seek out a restaurant, a business, a car dealership, a doctor, a dentist, a school, a realtor (and on and on we could go) that promoted themselves using EITHER of these definitions?

Can you even imagine an advertisement coming across your television screen or the radio airwaves with the voice saying, "Our customers say we're neither good or bad! Heck no! As a matter of fact, they say we're 'barely adequate'!"

Now, let's get down to the point - how many of us have settled for these to be definitions of our own lives? OUCH!

Yes, we are continuing our discussion of the choice we have to either FOLLOW our dreams or SETTLE for less!

This is one of my greatest concerns about our young people. Yes, there are examples of young people that are doing some incredible things with their lives. But, my guess - and that's all it is - would be that for every one of THOSE teens there are likely ten others that have already settled into a lifestyle of accepting mediocrity for their lives.

The struggle for us all in trying to correct this problem (with our young people - we'll get to you and me next) is in trying to help our young people understand that, indeed, the WORLD lies open and waiting for them! That, at their young age, they can accomplish SO much! That, at their age, they have the time to mess up several times and still recover! That, IN this age that we live in there is likely more opportunity available for them than ever before in the history of our world.

But, what kind of example are WE (yeah, this is the "me and you" part I just talked about) setting for them in this area? Let's look at the things I just mentioned that our young people need to understand and notice that WE, too, need to understand the same things:

1. The WORLD lies open and waiting for YOU! Regardless of your age, this fact is true. Remember, stop making excuses (disguised as "reasons") and look around.

2. At YOUR age, you can accomplish SO much! This is NOT true only for young people. Age really doesn't have a lot to do with it IF you understand and realize point 1: The world lies open and waiting for YOU.

3. At YOUR age, you have the time to mess up several times and still recover! Now, granted, the younger you are the better this is for you. But let me ask you this question: How old are you now and how many times have you really messed up already? Oh, and let me ask you this one, too: Are you still here? Remember, "As long as there is breath there is hope!"

4. IN this age that we live in there is likely more opportunity available for YOU than ever before in the history of our world. You see, this one fact removes the age barrier for the most part. This one fact removes the geographical barrier BIG TIME! As I have mentioned lately on my podcast, if you have the ability to listen to my podcast and/or to be reading this blog, then you have access to some of the greatest tools that can open up GREAT AREAS OF SUCCESS in your life. Regardless of who you are, where you are and how old or young you are.

One of the quotes I use in today's podcast is from Ayn Rand and it is the following: "The quickest way to kill the human spirit is to ask someone to do mediocre work."

Now, along with that, I'd like to include another quote because I think they go "hand-in-hand" with one another. This one is from Scott Alexander which says, "All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy."

Too many of us have sought out the EASY in our lives and, because of this, have allowed and settled for mediocrity in our lives! WAKE UP!

Chances are that if you feel empty, lifeless and in a dead-end situation that you have allowed and settled for mediocrity in your life.

Yes, some people actually seek out the easiest, least demanding job that they can find. It doesn't matter to them that it is also the least PAYING job and that they can be replaced by just about ANY "Joe Mamma" on the street - it's easy and that is exactly what they seek.

Many companies use these mind-numbing (and often "butt-numbing"!) tasks to weed people out. Yes, these tasks are likely necessary and must be done. But, again, ANYONE can do them and many times companies will start workers off to see who will rise above and who will settle. Kind of like the example given last week about a glass of water with impurities. And it's like the proverbial example of the "cream rising to the top"...SEPARATION!

We are going to be continuing this discussion for the rest of this week and I encourage you to take an inventory - an HONEST one - of your mindset and your attitude as you consider these thoughts. Could it be that YOU have settled for less and, by doing so, settled for mediocrity?

YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT and don't you ever forget it!

Desire to "rise above" and, as you do so...

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

Mike

Frustrating Challenges!! (We ALL Have Them)

Wow. What a frustrating past few days I've had. Yes, even people like me that try to focus on the positive and tries to share that with people like you, have frustrating days!

It seems like one thing after another has not gone the way I would have preferred and, due to that, I've not slept well in about five nights which has tended to keep me "on edge".

One of the things I discuss on today's podcast is the fact that I was trying to update and improve my web page (http://www.futureyouuniversity.com/) and something happened to where it's not even up right now. SO DON'T GO THERE expecting to find anything at this point. I will update the status of that page on here so you will know when it's available again.

You want to hear "the kicker"? Now this is really kind of funny if you allow yourself to look at it this way - and it's the only way I know to look at it at this point. After recording this podcast and talking about "Frustrating Challenges" I went on to the next step in order to upload the audio so that this podcast would be available for you to listen to. Guess what happened? My internet connection went down during this process and was still not working by the time I finally decided that I needed to go to bed. So.....the podcast has been "made public" a little later than I had planned. My apologies for anyone that tried to check on today's episode only to find it not available.

I share a few quotes on today's podcast that can help us think about those "situations" as well as those "people" that bring frustration into our lives - I think you will enjoy these and benefit from them as well.

Oh yeah, one positive thing that happened during all of this.... after recording this podcast and before my internet connection went down I received a message from one of my listeners that was very complimentary on what I'm doing with this podcast. Do you know how helpful that was? Do you know how much I NEEDED that message at that moment? I have thanked the person that sent that message and I just want to encourage you in a couple of areas:
1. Don't allow the frustrating challenges cause you to miss the positive that still surrounds you
2. Don't pass on an opportunity to encourage someone - you never know what may be going on in their life and how much they may need that encouragement.

Well, that's it for today - enjoy the podcast, share the joy even during those "frustrating challenges".

And always remember to.....
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike