ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

 Once you decide to "get real" with yourself and actually admit that things actually are NOT "fine", you MUST come to the point that you decide that "ENOUGH is ENOUGH!"

Are you there yet?

If not, as was asked in a previous article/podcast/video...what will it take to get to that point?

Listen, you have to understand (and realize) that, unless you follow through with these thoughts one step at a time, you will NOT be able to "move forward" with your desires for a better future! It will only be "talk" like it has been so many times before...perhaps even years. 

Truth?

Listen, you don't have to STAY where you ARE in your dissatisfaction. YOU have the ability to actually MAKE A DECISION and MAKE A CHANGE!

“If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree.”

Jim Rohn

Be sure to listen to the podcast and/or watch the video. I don't use a script and, even though I cover the same topic, there will be additional thoughts shared between the two. Just click on the appropriate links below. 

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   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

Success Factor #3: GET GOING!

I will begin this blog article the same way I begin any blog article that is a part of a series...if you haven't listened to the podcasts or read the previous articles in this series that have come before today's article, please be sure and do that FIRST. (Links for the podcast are below).

As is indicated by the title of this article, today we continue on with "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!" and, if you've noticed, these "Success Factors" are following a natural progression of steps that will lead to success in ANY area that you pursue. Yes, I do mean ANY area!

We've discussed that fact that, first of all, you must have your eyes open to the opportunity that may cross your path on a daily basis and you must LOOK UP in order to see that opportunity when it appears. 

Then, in order to take ACTION when opportunity presents itself, you must then be ready to GET UP to take action!

In the podcast (I strongly suggest you listen to all of the podcast articles that go along with this series) I present a very simple illustration to help drive this point home. Simple, yes but remember that often, the profound can be found in the simple!

In a nutshell, I discuss an example where you finally decide to take "THAT" trip that you have planned for and talked about for years. You know, the one that everyone around knows about because you haven't stopped talking about it? Yeah, that one!

You get your car all loaded up, ready to go and you get in your car that is in your driveway. Your neighbor notices you sitting in your car and stops by and asks where you are going and you tell them that you are finally taking THAT trip that you've talked about for so long. "Congratulations!" says your neighbor and they wish you a safe trip as they walk away.

 

 CLICK HERE

The next day, that same neighbor notices that you are STILL sitting in your car which is STILL sitting in your driveway. The neighbor comes over to make sure everything is o.k. and says, "Hey, do you need any mechanical help with your car? Is everything o.k.? to which you reply, "Oh yeah, sure! Everything is fine! I'm going on THAT trip, you know and I'm ready to go!"

Your neighbor replies that, yes, they do know that you said you were going on THAT trip but asks why you are still just sitting there. You reply in such a way that would indicate that you are a little offended that your neighbor would ask such a thing, "You don't think I'm ready to go? I mean, just take a look! I'm all packed and ready to go...are you trying to say that I'm not??"

You neighbor tells you that they can, indeed, see that you are all ready to go but then asks this very straight-forward question: "But, when are you actually going to leave?"

Again, a very simple story that, sadly, is lived out by many year after year after year. Does this describe you?

As I've said before, talk is cheap and you must do more than just "talk the talk"...you must put ACTION behind those words and actually "walk the walk"!

Talking and planning are great things to do and, as a matter of fact, planning and dreaming are FUN things to do but, friend, if you wish to have success in your life you must finally take some ACTION by getting up and getting going!

Isn't it time?

 

So, "Success Factor #1: LOOK UP!" , "Success Factor #2: GET UP!" and "Success Factor #3: GET GOING!", will be followed in my next podcast and article with "Success Factor #4: KEEP GOING!". 

Until next time, 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

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

YouTube    Project141 

ASKING (parts 1 and 2)

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

Go HERE to listen to the podcasts on parts 1 and 2 on the RSS feed or go HERE to listen to it on iTunes.

In these two podcasts I begin with a discussion of the first "step" of the three (Ask, Seek, Knock) and, specifically, in part 1, of how it is a sequence or a progression that naturally takes place. Also, although this IS a "biblical principle" it is something that applies to "every day life" regardless of what you do - or don't - believe.

When you consider, and understand, that this "process" is a very definite SEQUENCE, then you will also understand that there are many (maybe even you?) that BEGIN the process/sequence by ASKING but never go any further than that. It is as if they believe that all they have to do is ASK for something and it is going to magically appear and, literally, fall into their laps!

Friend, it just doesn't happen that way. #TRUTH

Much of your determination to proceed with the sequence that will cause you to move past the ASKING part of this sequence will greatly depend upon what it is that you seek. Your "WHY" for asking. What are you going to do? Are you going to just sit back and whine and complain because "nothing is happening"?

Remember, it's a sequence...you ASK and then you SEEK.

 Again, you cannot "ask" and expect the answer or solution to simply fall into your lap! You must keep your eyes open (go back to my last series, "Seeing with NEW Eyes") and be WATCHING and paying attention so that you can SEE that answer (or potential answer) when it appears and/or crosses before you. 

Now then, in the part 2 podcast, I address the question of, "What happens when you get, not just a 'no' but a 'slap in the face, RESOUNDING 'NO'?" Do you just give up? Do you stop asking? Do you stop seeking for an answer or THE answer if/when that happens?

 This is a book that I am currently reading and I HIGHLY recommend that you do the same. It is an EXCELLENT book that is very interesting in it's approach and, at the same time, very POWERFUL in what it has to say and teach us about "drifting" along without any focus or purpose and the dangers of doing so. 

In the part 2 podcast on "ASKING" I point out a couple of things from this book that want to share with you here. 

On page 38 of this book, Napoleon Hill states the following (word emphasis is mine): "...there comes with every experience of temporary defeat, and every failure and every form of adversity, the seed of an equivalent benefit. Mind you, I did not say the full-blown flower of success, but the seed from which that flower may be made to germinate and grow. I know of no exception to this rule. The seed of which I speak may not always be observed, but you may be sure it is there, in one form or another."

Notice that I emphasized the word "temporary" in reference to defeat. This, too, is a CHOICE that you make each and every time you face a difficulty or a set back. Will you allow this to be temporary or, like a child, will you throw a tantrum and allow it to take root in your day, week, month, year and perhaps, even your whole life? 

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN to the "seed of an equivalent benefit". If you have allowed yourself to get so upset and "down" over this temporary failure, you very likely will not "see" or "observe" this "seed" that - in one form or another - is, indeed, there. 

I also share (in part 2 of the podcasts) Napoleon Hill's sharing of Ralph Waldo Emerson's "law of compensation" that can be found on page 41 of this book. It is stated as follows:

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else." Also, in his journal dated January 8, 1826, he also wrote, "The whole of what we know is a system of compensations. Every defect in one manner is made up in another. Every suffering is rewarded; every sacrifice is made up; every debt is paid."

 As encouraging as these words are, I have to ask you this question: Do you hang around long enough - after your "temporary defeat" to discover this "compensation"? Do you allow yourself to have your head up to where you may be able to "see" this compensation when it comes your way? 

It's like that old saying that my wife reminded me of the other day during our discussion of these podcasts..."When one door shuts, another one opens". However, if you are not looking, that door could open - and also shut - without you ever even noticing!

In the part 2 podcast, I share information about a real estate deal that, the day I recorded the podcast, looked as if it was going to fall through. Hey friend, that was NOT the end result that I wanted or had planned! But, you know what? I decided that I was NOT going to allow this to "ruin my day" or even my next minute. I chose, instead, to believe that if this deal DID fall through then it simply meant that God had something better planned for me. 

My mind immediately went to a new business venture that I was involved in that I would be able to focus on even more if, indeed, this real estate deal did fall through and...guess what?...I was not only o.k. with it but I was also excited about the extra time that I would now be able to focus on in this new venture!

UPDATE: Since the recording of part 2 in the podcasts it looks as if that real estate venture may be "back on track". The main thing is, whether it is or isn't - I'm good either way! Now friend, let me tell you, that is a POWERFUL and much BETTER way to live life!

So, again, you have a choice to make when you ask and the answer appears to be a LOUD and RESOUNDING "NO!". But remember, "Every choice requires a decision and every decision requires a choice."

You have a CHOICE on what you do when you have that "temporary defeat". And, honestly, regardless of what you choose to do, either way, a DECISION has been made.

Will you decide to pull back and give up on what it is that you asked about OR will you decide to keep seeking.

CONSIDER THIS: Honestly, this thought just came to me when I typed that last sentence. Maybe, before continuing to seek an answer to that for which you asked, you should go back and ask again and make sure you are pursuing what you actually need in and for your life. In other words, in my mind and approach, it would be something like, "O.k. God...help me out here. What's my next move? Help me to open my eyes and keep them open to see what it is that YOU want me to see and choose."

Be sure to join me on the next podcast when I dive deeper into the next part of the sequence: SEEKING. 

If you would, please be sure to go to the NEW and IMPROVED website at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and let me know what you think. While you are there, be sure to sign up for your FREE e-book that I have put together for you there AND THEN go to my fan page on Facebook to give me your feedback on the new website as well as my podcasts and blog articles.

Until next time, 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

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

YouTube    Project141 

If Not Now...WHEN?

 For the past several weeks I have been sharing information with you about "Project 141: The One Year Social Media Work From Home Experiment".

Have you been following along? Have you been considering the things that I have shared and presented to you? Have you considered what this COULD possibly do and mean for your future?

Or, perhaps, you HAVE actually seen all of this information but you are thinking that this is like so many other things that you have seen or heard of and you are just going to pass it on by without even asking me any questions.

If enduring the pandemic and all of the hardships that have come from it has taught us anything in 2020, it SHOULD be that we MUST do something FOR OURSELVES to help provide income for ourselves and our families.  

Many business owners have had to shut down their business that they have had for several years - even decades - due to their business effectively being shut down due to the restrictions put into place with this pandemic. And, as a result, many that worked at such businesses have also found themselves out of work due to the business shutting down. And, still others have been "laid off" or have very limited work due to a great reduction in customers.

See what I mean?

If you are thinking that this is a "once in a lifetime" situation that will never happen again then friend, even though I wish that you were right, I'm here to tell you that it will now be easier than ever before to place such restrictions upon businesses and individuals. 

No, this is not a political post. It is pretty much a guarantee.

So, if not now...when?

What is it that you are waiting for? Have you been "burned" by past experiences trying to "work from home"?

So have I . More than once. And that, my friend, is what makes this so promising. I have been able to put something together that avoids many of the pitfalls that continue to be out there with most all types of home-based businesses that are being offered.

Check this out and see if it is not exactly what I'm saying it is...DIFFERENT in a GOOD WAY.

If you've not been following along, start HERE with the blog article that I have used to post each and every update of information that I have provided up to this point.

Then pray about it. Seriously. Ask God's guidance in this situation about your decision for your future. Then, if you feel PEACE about making this move - MOVE! TAKE ACTION! Ask questions if needed but MAKE A DECISION to finally DO SOMETHING that will not cost you "an arm and a leg". However, it WILL cost you COMMITMENT. That's right, I ask you to commit to this program for one full year - nothing less. 

Though I do not know you or what your current situation is, I am praying for you. I am praying that God will help "open your eyes" to this opportunity that lies before you and I also pray that He will give you a sense of PEACE and CALM in this decision and then, finally, I pray that you will decide to TAKE ACTION with your decision.

If not now...when?

I'm here with you and for you. As you prepare to impact your future in a powerful way, 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  

Mike's Quotes #6: DECISIONS and CHOICES

"Every Decision is a CHOICE. Every CHOICE Makes a STATEMENT." (11/02/19) 

As you can tell by the date, this is one of my most recent quotes that I wanted to share with you. Believe it or not, as is often the case, I had not planned anything out nor had I sat down to brainstorm with the purpose of "coming up" with some new quotes.

Nope! Many times my quotes will come from an article I've written or just from a thought that comes to mind. Sometimes that thought is spurred by something that I see or hear like a sign or something that someone else says that makes me think. And then, like the quote above, they just come to me as a response during an conversational exchange with someone.

After I said this to the person that I was talking with I thought, "Wow! That was pretty good! I need to be sure to write that one down!" And, I did. 

Think about what is stated in this quote and, I do believe that you will agree with the statement and also be challenged by this quote. 

Too often we don't consider the impact of our choices and our decisions. As a matter of fact, we seldom put much thought into the fact that EVERY DECISION IS A CHOICE.  

Yes! Every single decision is a choice. 

Now, I'm not going to try to give an example of every single thing that I can think of to illustrate this fact, but I will try to share a few. YOU think further on this and apply this thought in your own life and see how many decisions that you make (or have made) that, indeed, indicated a choice that was to be made.  

Let's start at the beginning of your day and talk about setting your alarm. You have a decision to make - what time do you want to set your alarm - and, you have a choice as to what time you want that alarm to be set. As a matter of fact, you first have a decision (and choice) as to whether you even want to set that alarm in the first place!

Do you want to set the alarm at a time that will allow you plenty of time to get ready for work (or whatever it is you have planned for your day) and even sit and enjoy a cup of coffee without feeling rushed OR do you want to set that alarm in a way that will allow you "just enough" time to get things done so that you can hop in your car and rush off to work? 

It's a decision and that decision involves a choice and, friend, that choice - and EVERY choice - makes a STATEMENT! 

Think about this: Let's say that you have made a commitment (decision) to get up earlier and work out before you head out to the office. You have decided (another decision) that you need to get up 45 minutes earlier than usual in order to get this done and still get to work on time. 

Got it?

What you actually DECIDE to do indicates that you have made a CHOICE about how important that decision to work out really is to you, wouldn't you agree? WHAT YOU  HAVE CHOSEN TO DO makes a STATEMENT about your true commitment to working out. 

Got it? 

My goodness, as we approach the end of 2019 and as people get ready to dust off their continuously recycled "New Year's Resolutions" we will see a LOT of this taking place. 

WORDS are not decisions and they don't even truly indicate that a choice has been made. ACTION demonstrates a decision and a choice that has been made. What you actually DO makes a STATEMENT about what you truly believe and how important something truly is to you. 

Go back and look at last week's topic of "Price Vs. Value" and see if this does not apply...IT DOES! 

You see, if you say that you love your spouse or your children and that they are very important to you then, you show by your decisions and choices what you truly believe. Your ACTIONS will make a STATEMENT about what really is true. You can say whatever you want and try to justify it any way you want but, friend, the truth is the truth and EVERY DECISION involves a CHOICE and EVERY CHOICE makes a STATEMENT.

There is no way around that truth. 

Hey, be sure to listen to the podcast and to also watch the video on this topic. I know that I will be recording those separately, which means that there will be three "versions" of today's topic and I encourage you to access all three so that you can get the full scope of my thoughts on today's topic.

Thanks again for taking time to join me today 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   

It's a GOOD DAY To...

Yeah, this image is WAY bigger than the size that I usually use for my blog article, but I wanted to make sure that you could read all that was on it so that it could "soak in" and give you a little extra boost for your day!

Now, right up front, I had nothing to do with coming up with the thoughts shared on this image. I actually came across it on THIS WEBSITE - check it out for yourself.  

Take the time to look over ALL of the phrases found in this image and APPLY THEM to your life TODAY! As is said right at the top, "Today is a good day to have a good day!"

Hey, you've heard me talk about how important TODAY really is so, why not go ahead and make it a GOOD DAY?

It's like we've discussed a lot recently - it's a CHOICE and it's one that you make each and every day. Sure, there are things that happen (read the last article, "Some Days Just SUCK!") that can make it harder to keep a positive attitude but, friend, it's still a choice and you CAN make ANY day a GOOD day! (Sure, you can "read ahead" on the graphic above and get some other pointers/ideas on this whole thing).

Take it as a personal challenge! Hey, make a game out of it if that's what you need to do to get the right "frame of mind" to attack the potential negativity that may come with a day that is "not so good".  Say to the negativity, "Bring it on!" and then SPIT IN THE FACE of that same negativity and be determined to make it a GOOD day, at the very least.

Believe it or not, this is EXACTLY what I do on some of those days that seem to be headed the wrong way. There are times that I have actually laughed (really) and said, "I don't think so!" and then set out - determined - that things were going to get better! And, guess what? THEY ALWAYS DO! 

 Sure, there are always exceptions but, friend, we are talking about the day in and day out mindset that is necessary for you to WIN at life!

I will be taking each part of this graphic and using them as the topics for upcoming articles and podcasts but, again, you have the opportunity to "look ahead" and start the process of thinking and applying these thoughts and ideas in your own life NOW...TODAY.

So, until next time, it's up to YOU what you do with the time between now and "the next time". And, remember, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

Some Days Just Suck!

Yes, it's true. Some days JUST SUCK!  No matter how positive you try to be or how careful you try to be to "make it an awesome day"...some days JUST SUCK!

I had one of those days last week, which caused me to find this graphic above. Just the "top part" of the graphic was what I found and it expressed exactly how I was feeling. Then I added the wording below the image, "But I have to keep moving on anyway", because, friend, that is what we all have to do even on those "sucky" days!

You see, it's just like what we talked about in that last "mini-series" of blog articles and podcasts...it boils down to being a matter of CHOICE and DECISION. 

 I have to tell you that, on THAT day - that "sucky" day - things happened that literally sucked the life right out of me. I was dazed and confused and things looked dark. It was tough! But, even though I found that graphic that described exactly what I was feeling ("Some days just SUCK!"), I also knew that I had to apply a positive spin on the whole situation ("But I have to keep moving on anyway"). 

When you have one of "those days" (and you will!), you have a CHOICE to make. Don't ever forget that fact! You may not be able to go back and change whatever happened that may or may not have contributed to the situation, but you CAN and you DO have the ability to CHOOSE how you will respond to the situation. WHAT WILL YOU DO?

You can "take it out" on anyone and everyone around you and make them just as miserable as you are. Misery doesn't always like company! That's one choice but, friend, that is not a very good choice and those around you don't deserve to be your "punching bag" just because YOUR day "sucked". 

You may decide that it's best that you spend some time alone until you have a chance to "get it together" or "cool off". That may not be a bad choice! In my situation, it just so happened that I was not going to be around other people for the rest of the day and, honestly, I would say that it was a good thing. It allowed me to fuss and gripe and complain with myself and there was no one else that would have to hear that or "feel" that. It allowed me to go through the process of hurt and frustration and then it allowed me to develop RESOLVE! I was RESOLVED that (just like the bottom part of the image states) I was going to "get up" and "keep going" in spite of what had happened. 

You may also choose (and be careful with this one) to get around others that you feel may help you get yourself "back on track". The reason I say "be careful" is that you want to be sure that this doesn't turn into the first scenario that I mentioned. You must be careful to not allow any negative energy to "spill over" to those around you. If you really feel that this other person - or group of people - will have a good, positive influence on you then, by all means, surround yourself with such people!

The main thing is that you have two basic choices: 

     1. Have a "pity party" and allow the circumstance to dictate how you think and behave OR

     2. Decide that YOU will dictate how you think and behave and you "move on anyway".

It's up to you. It's your choice. CHOOSE WISELY.

Even when you have one of those days that just sucks! :)

Stay strong and stay positive and, until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

Decision Drives Direction

Right up front, let me give credit for the image above (as well as the article title and idea) to John C. Maxwell. I didn't read any article that went with this image so the ideas shared are my own, but I do want to acknowledge the origin of the image and title.

In my podcast, I end up saying, "Decision DETERMINES Direction", which is actually the same thing as the graphic and title above. Bottom line is this: Your decisions - on a DAILY basis - have a major impact on your life...for the rest of your life!

Everyday - every single day - we all have choices that require that a decision be made. Many we brush off as "not really important" but, at the same time, many of these "small decisions" that we make are bigger than we may think.

For example, getting into the habit of hitting the "snooze button" in the mornings may not seem like that big of a deal. By the way, it IS a choice and it reflects a DECISION that has been made! For one, those extra 10 - 30 minutes or so that we keep hitting that button are not "good sleep" minutes and that can affect you throughout your day. Too, this could result in you running late, being in a rush and throwing off the rhythm of your whole day. It may also be a reflection of your attitude toward your job (or whatever it is that you will be rushed to get to). 

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE - CHANGE DIRECTION!

Easier said than done? Of course, just like everything else I discuss through this blog and my podcast. However, you have a CHOICE that has to be made. You can keep whining and complaining and wonder why things aren't getting any better (doing the same thing you have always been doing) OR you can make the decision to CHANGE the direction of your life - and then DO it. 

It's just like when you map out your route for a journey that you plan to take. (Notice: You PLAN to take..as in, you make PLANS for the trip!) There are many different ways to get where you want to go. There are different routes - some that can actually take you in the opposite direction of where you want to go. Perhaps some are scenic routes, while another route may take you close to where a friend lives. It's up to you! What do you want to do and where do you want to go? Too, how quickly do you want to get there? Do you want/need to take the quickest route or are you more interested in taking your time and making several stops along the way?

So it is with life, friend! 

But here's the truth on this: keep going in the same direction that are going now and - guess what? - you will end up wherever it is that this particular "direction" is taking you. If you don't like where you're going - CHANGE DIRECTION!

I could spend a ton of time on this but I hope that I've done enough to spark some thoughts and ideas in your own mind. See how far you can take the application with this and, most importantly, apply them to YOUR own situation!

Too, I want to be sure and encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the podcast that goes along with this topic. You can do so by CLICKING HERE for the iTunes access or by CLICKING HERE for the RSS feed. 

Be sure to join me for the next article in this "mini-series" as I examine how important it is to CHOOSE WISELY when needing to make those decisions. 

Until then, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Mike

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

Will You Vote? (You Vote Either Way)

Will You Vote?

You Vote Either Way - Indecision IS a Vote!

Let me throw this disclaimer out there again before I even get started on this article - this is NOT about politics. I'm using this whole political  theme due to the fact that our nation (the U.S.A.) is in an election year for President and it is something that is the center of just about every discussion that is being had at this time.

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

Your "vote" is your choice that you make every day on how you want to live your life. And, don't be fooled friend, these choices made day by day DO determine the life that you will live!

Politically, there are always HUGE numbers of people that don't vote - for whatever reason. And, as the graphic above states, if you don't vote then you really don't have any right to complain. Oh, but people do anyway and, it's always interesting to hear their excuses (they call them "reasons") as to why they didn't vote. The decision - or choice - NOT to vote is a vote in and of itself. 

Oh sure, you still have a "right" to whine and complain if you don't vote but, friend, your whining and complaining is absolutely worthless and no one wants to hear it...except you!

So it is with how you "vote" on your life.

Some people actually approach life by not "voting".  Have you ever caught yourself saying something like this or have you heard someone say something like this: "Oh, I just take life as it comes. Whatever will be, will be."

I understand the basic idea behind such a thought but I've also seen people actually live their life this way. No plans, no direction, just "whatever will be, will be and whatever happens, happens".  In my opinion that is a "vote" that demonstrates that you don't really value your life and that you have decided to not make any effort to control, or contribute to, the direction of your life.

Friend, if that's how you choose to live your life then, yes, I acknowledge that it is your "right". But, stop your whining and complaining! Seriously.

To really get down to it, your "vote" for your life is far more powerful and has more direct impact than your vote in most political elections. Is it important to vote in a political election? YES! But please, hear what I'm saying. 

YOU have a DIRECT IMPACT on your life whether you choose TO "vote" or NOT to "vote". Either way, your life is greatly impacted! That's right, either way is a "vote" and a reflection of the true value that you put on your life and, likely, the lives of those loved ones around you.

The fact that you are reading this article is evidence that you have decided to "vote" in favor of doing something GOOD and POSITIVE for your life. It's just like how going for a walk or participating in any type of exercise is evidence that you have decided to "vote" in favor of doing something positive for your life in a physical way. 

And, friend, THIS "election" (what you have "elected" to do) comes about a lot more often than every four years - it happens every single day and, often, several times during the course of a day. 

So, WILL you vote? Sure you will. One way or the other, you WILL place your vote. The real question is, "HOW Will You Vote?" and that is the question that I will address on Thursday. Tomorrow I will address the topic, "What Decides or Sways Your Vote?". Why do YOU "vote" the way that you do for your life? Why do others "vote" the way that they do for their own lives?

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

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

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

And, until next time, whatever you do,  be sure to...

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

Mike

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

THE Vote

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

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

TODAY: "THE Vote" 

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

As we go through this discussion today, when I talk about your "VOTE", what I'm talking about are your CHOICES that you make each day.  When you place a vote of any kind, you are making a DECISION about whatever the situation is...make sense?

If you are part of a group that is voting about a fund-raiser for that group, your vote is your way of stating what YOU think would be the best solution. It represents what YOU feel is the best route to take for the success of that effort.  

If you vote in a political election (for ANY office at ANY level), your vote (again) is your way of stating who YOU think would be the best person for that position. Your vote represents who YOU feel is the best person to successfully carry out the duties of that office.  

Now then, when it comes to you and your life, the choice - for the most part - is yours. 

When you place your "vote" for your day and your life, you are stating what YOU think would be the course for you to take to get the best results and your "vote" represents what route YOU feel is the best route to take to successfully live your life.

Once you get to the point that you are no longer under your parent's care, its up to you. And, for some, that is a bit overwhelming when that takes place. At this point, your parents are no longer there to correct your mistakes - it's all yours, baby!

And, hopefully, as you grow and mature and as you learn to suffer through the consequences of bad choices, you begin to make better choices...better "votes". 

"THE Vote" that we will be talking about this week is about YOUR decision that you make about the direction of your life, one day at a time, each and every day.  

A lot of people like to cry out, "But I don't have a choice!" when, in reality, you ALWAYS have a choice, and what you are doing, who you are with, etc. is evidence of those choices.  One of the examples that I use in today's podcast (see links below) is that of someone that absolutely HATES their job but says, "I have no choice! I HAVE to keep this job so that I can pay my bills."

You DO have a choice and you are making a choice every day that you work that job...even if you really do hate it. You have decided (a choice or decision that has been made) that, even though you hate that job, it is more important for you to have the money that comes from that job than to NOT have that job.  No matter how much you complain, you have made a decision - you have cast your "vote" - that, for whatever reason, you can't or won't look at the possibility of getting another and different job. You have decided or "voted" to stay with the job that you hate. 

Hey listen, I understand that. I really do. I'm just simply wanting to help you understand that it is still a choice and it is evidence of your "vote".  

In reality, it's easier to say, "I don't have a choice" because a person thinks that this removes the responsibility from themselves. That's what they think, but it is simply not true. You ALWAYS have a choice and you ALWAYS have a "vote" about the direction of your life. 

And, yes, I can hear some of you trying to argue with me even now. That's o.k....you're wanting to argue doesn't change the facts. (I'm smiling as I type that last sentence, so relax).

I'm going to stop there for today because this will be a nice flow into the next part of our discussion entitled, "WILL You Vote? (Indecision IS a Vote!)" 

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

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

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

And, until next time, whatever you do,  be sure to...

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

Mike

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

 

The FIRST Step...

Comfortable?

 

Satisfied?

 

Happy?

 

Restless?

 

Sometimes we THINK that we like where we are in our life and, yet, at the same time we feel a tinge of restlessness and dissatisfaction.

 

Could it be that you have allowed yourself to feel comfortable because you just, simply, gave up? Have you perhaps convinced yourself that you are "satisfied" when, deep down, you know that your feeling of restlessness comes from actual DISsatisfaction? And could it be that you have allowed yourself to "settle" for a level of happiness that, in reality, is NOT happiness after all?

 

Now, let me say up front that, indeed, you may actually be completely happy and satisfied with your life. THAT'S GREAT! You may be fulfilled with what you have accomplished and where you are in your life. Be sure to THANK GOD for that feeling of happiness and satisfaction.

 

But, for many, there is a real desire for "something better".

 

WHY?

 

Because, for many, they KNOW that they have the ability to do MORE than what they have done and/or accomplished in their life and they WANT to achieve more. But, for whatever reason, they have gotten "sidetracked" and have settled for, "Oh well, it is what it is."

 

Again, not EVERYONE has this restlessness in their lives, but many do!

 

If you are one that finds you want to change the direction of your life for the better then please, pay close attention.

 

1. First and foremost you MUST decide that you do not want to stay where you are.

2. You MUST take action.

     "Staying where you are will never get you where you want to be." - Yeah, that's one of my quotes.

     "Change Nothing - Nothing Changes" - And, yeah, another one of mine.

I want you to notice something in that graphic at the top of this article. I want you to notice that one, little word, YOU.

 

YOU have to want it. YOU have to make that decision. YOU are the one that has to take action to make it happen.

 

Others can encourage you (as I do) but YOU are the only one that can make it happen by taking the necessary action.

This event that I've been telling you about is an EXCELLENT way to get the needed mindset to make positive progress in your life. Hey, listen friend, even you if you can't get to this event, are you AT LEAST taking advantage of the many needed articles, videos and MP3's available on Dani Johnson's site? IF NOT, WHY NOT?

 

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! - MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! It doesn't matter who you are or what you do for a living, you don't want to miss this life-changing event. You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before right? I will be attending her live event in San Antonio, Texas on July 12th - 13th and and also for the Business Workshop on the 14th and I'd love to meet YOU there! Go here to check it out for yourself and get ready to take your life to the next level!

Every day, a decision is made and it's made by YOU.

 

Decide wisely and, as you do so, 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

No More Waiting To...

 

Read the quote above and then let's get right to it, o.k.?

 

Changing your world begins with changing YOU! There are a lot of ways to improve your life (the fact that you are reading this blog is one way) and there are many about which we say, "Maybe next time."

 

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! It doesn't matter who you are or what you do for a living, you don't want to miss this life-changing event. You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before right? My wife and I will be attending one of her live events in San Antonio, Texas on July 12th - 13th and we'd love to meet YOU there! Go here to check it out for yourself and get ready to take your life to the next level!

 

You bet I'm pushing this event! You bet I'm doing everything I can to help you understand how valuable this event can be to your career and your life!

 

I, myself, have said, "I'd like to attend one of those one day" and I've said that for years. Well, THIS TIME I've stopped saying "one day" and my wife and I decided that NOW was the time.

 

If not now, when?

 

As the quote above by Anne Frank points out, THERE'S NO REASON TO WAIT TO IMPROVE THE WORLD! And, again, that begins by changing YOUR world which must begin with YOU.

 

We become a better world by becoming better people. We become a more positive world by becoming a more positive person. We become a more caring world by becoming a more caring person.

 

The world begins with ME!

 

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

 

"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

Kickin' Some Rut-Butt!

Kickin' Some Rut-Butt!

"Rut-Butt", you ask?

Yes, "Rut-Butt" - that which needs to be KICKED in order for you to get your butt out of that rut! Catchy, right?

Yesterday I shared two different articles with you that gave some advice on what to do in order to get out of a rut. Both of them are very good and give a lot of wonderful advice! I really love the line (the bottom of page 2) in the article from askmen.com that says, "Stop training for the 100-meter dash and start training to be a long-distance runner if you want to get out of a rut."

Sometimes the fact that someone tells us that it's not going to be easy and/or (like the above quote) that it's not going to be an easy and/or quick fix might cause us to decide to stay where we are - in our "rut room". Hey, it's COMFORTABLE in our little "rut room".

WAKE UP!

Do you REALLY want to stay there? Do you REALLY feel that this is what your life is meant to be? Do you REALLY find peace, happiness and fulfillment there?

If you've got a pulse and the desire to LIVE and not just EXIST then your answer to those questions should be "NO!"

So, bottom line (this blog is going to be short - listen to the podcast) is this: isn't it time for you to get serious about this rut thing and get busy and KICK SOME RUT BUTT!

Only YOU can do it! Only YOU can decide that it's time to quit talking about it and that it's time to start "kickin' some rut butt" and taking names. (You didn't know that ruts have names? Sure they do - we give them all kinds of names - think about that and see if you can figure that one out).

So, begin by understanding and realizing that you are in a rut or have come up against a roadblock, figure out how/why you ended up here and then DO something to change it!

Go ahead. Stop waiting. Stop allowing yourself to be so "comfortable" in your "rut room" and begin the process of taking action TODAY!

Oh, and as you do that...

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

Mike

Desire Determines Direction (Part 3)

Desire Determines Direction (Part 3)

Where are you headed? It depends on your desire, does it not?

Think about it...if one person desires to go to New York and another desires to go to California they will NOT be headed in the same direction, right? Pretty simple concept when we think of it like that - but not so easy to grasp when we apply it to our own lives.

Along that same thought, if your desire is to go to New York and you stay at home - will you make progress on your journey? You may say, "Well, DUH! Of course not!"

Seems pretty obvious when we use an example like that, right?

Yet, how many of us "say" that we have the desire to change the direction of our lives or state that we have a desire to achieve this or that and our lives and remain "sitting in our chair" never making a move in that direction? And, the sad thing is, many people in that situation whine about why nothing ever improves in their life!

As is true with everything that I share with you through the podcast and through this blog - THE CHOICE IS YOURS! It really and truly IS up to you!

"Oh, but I'll start tomorrow" you say. Wouldn't you agree that this is an indicator of what your desire REALLY is? Your TRUE desire would appear to be staying right where you are and not making any changes or progress in your life REGARDLESS of what you SAY!

What's that old saying? "Actions speak louder than words."

Jim Rohn put it this way: "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure."

Notice the words, "our disciplines" and "our judgments" and understand that it IS up to you! No one else can do it for you. Sure, others can encourage you but only YOU can make the decision to put words into action!

Don't settle for the "instant gratification" of spending one more hour glued in that chair in front of the television watching mind-numbing junk....ACT UPON YOUR TRUE DESIRE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE!

(Yeah, I was "yelling" that -- sometimes that's needed, wouldn't you agree?)

Tomorrow we will conclude this series of thoughts with some encouraging words to help us ALL live up to our words and by examining what our TRUE desires really are.

I hope you'll join me and, until then and as you go through you day, be sure to...

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

Mike