Become MORE! (Yes, You CAN!)

 

I had the opportunity to hear the late, great, Jim Rohn speak a couple of times before his passing. A couple of quick and important lessons in that alone...#1. If you have the opportunity to hear one of our current "top minds" in whatever area you are pursuing - DO IT and DO IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I was actually at an event at which he was scheduled to speak and which would have been my 3rd time to hear him but he was ill and unable to do so. He passed shortly after that.    #2: I was able to do so because I was part of a MLM organization that had hired him to speak at their conventions. This was something NEW for me to do but, if nothing else, I had the opportunity to learn from someone like Jim Rohn! 

Why do I mention those things? Because they are EXACTLY what I'm discussing in today's article...stretch and push yourself so that YOU can become MORE!

Notice what he said in this quote and APPLY IT TO YOURSELF. This should cause you to ask yourself a couple (at least) of questions such as:  1. Do I feel (and maybe even complain) that I'm not making enough money? 2. What am I doing about it as far as improving myself in the area of personal growth? 

Listen, you can earn all of the certificates, etc. that you can or want and still not do well because of your personal skills and mindset. That, my friend, is a fact.

Here's another graphic from one of my white boards in my office...

 

 

 Maybe you've heard the idea of "Be - Do - Have" with the explanation behind it being that, if you want to change and improve your life you must first BEcome the person you need to become in order to DO the things necessary for you to HAVE those things that you desire. I've heard that discussed and explained very well and I understand the point behind that line of thinking. 

 

However (and this is another point to consider as well), I don't completely agree with that order or process. As indicated on that image from my whiteboard, I think you must first DO something before anything else takes place. What is it that we must DO? We must FIRST make a firm DECISION about what it is that we want to accomplish in and for our future! Once that is done, THEN (in my opinion) and ONLY then can we figure out and know what it is we need to DO in order to achieve that result.

 

(Hey Mike, what's the other "point to consider" that you mentioned?) Don't just settle for what someone says...no matter who it is! Now then, let me differentiate that a little. Just because you don't understand something or it's not clear to you at the time does NOT mean that it is wrong! If you are listening to someone that has "been there, done that" and you haven't, you likely don't understand because your mindset hasn't developed to the same point that theirs has. Right?

Write that thing down so that you can go back and examine it again and again and again and, if possible, listen and/or read more from that same person which may also help you begin to understand what was being said.

But, that STILL doesn't mean that you have to agree with everything that was said. So it was with what I shared with you by using the graphic above. I heard what they said and I understood the reasoning behind what they said and, for a while, I agree with what they said. But, as I grew and developed I began to believe the thought that I shared with you that you must first DO something and that "something" was to MAKE A DECISION! 

 

Bottom line is simply this: You must WANT something so badly for yourself and your future that you DO WHAT IS NECESSARY for you to BECOME MORE so that you CAN have what you desire.

 

Follow me for more! Please visit all of the sources listed below and subscribe, like, follow and SHARE with others because, friend, I'm just getting started even though I've been doing this since 2009!

 

 

And, as always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

 

 

 

 

Try Something NEW??

So, earlier today I was going to record a video to put on my new Skool Community ("Finish What You Start!") that is linked down below and found that, once I got ready to do so, I could actually do a "LIVE" version. 

I thought that was great and, even though I'd done live steam videos on other platforms but never on Skool, I figured that I could figure it out. But, guess what? I couldn't! At least NOT YET!

And I will.

Now, this is just a very small example of what, for many, is a much bigger problem that often keeps us stuck where we are and afraid to step out and move forward. 

Ready or not, we live in a very fast-paced evolution of technology that can (if learned to be used correctly) make things so much easier for us (you and me) than was possible just a very short time ago.

But, will you step out and "try something new"?

Or, will you simply say, "I can't" or "I don't know how" and allow this new technology to pass you by?

It all goes back to what we have been talking about for the past couple of months talking about the decisions (aka, "VOTES") that we make each and every day and facing the fears that hold us back.

So, it all depends on your DECISION as to what it is you truly want for your future. Yep! It's up to you but I am here to help along the way, if you'd like. (THE great reason to join me in my new Skool Community listed below).

And, as always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

FINISH WHAT YOU START (Join My Skool Community!)

BE SURE TO JUMP IN AND JOIN MY NEW COMMUNITY ON SKOOL!

 My guess is that anyone that reads this article has gone through the whole "New Year's Resolution" fiasco more than once. Am I right? You know what I mean...making BIG plans and maybe even declaring them OUT LOUD to a friend or even a group of people only to give up and never see those plans through.

As a matter of fact, data has been gathered that indicates THE date that marks when most people have done just that and, guess what? It's called, "Quitters Day" and, believe it or not, it is on January 19th.

Nineteen days??!!?? Wow! 

Many times we "laugh it off" and think nothing about it but...can I talk to you as a person? Can you (and WILL you) allow yourself to be totally honest with yourself on this? Here we go: Even though you may have "laughed it off" in the past, is there a part of you that realizes that you've allowed this to become bigger of a problem along the way and you understand that it is actually holding you back from a better future?

Often, in the past, I've stated that DAILY RESOLUTIONS are much more valuable than "New Year's Resolutions, and I still believe that 100%. It's a whole lot easier to make needed corrections on a daily basis than it is at the end of a calendar year.

So, bottom line, that's what my new community on Skool is all about. If you've been reading and/or listening to my recent episodes then you know that I've discussed the importance of taking a good look at the people that we spend most of our time with and really considering the impact of those relationships.

You've likely heard, many times, the idea of "You are most like the 5 people with which you spend most of your time".  I've mentioned that, you don't necessarily have to completely separate yourself from these people BUT you need to start connecting with those that will actually encourage you and cheer you on and NOT criticize you or make fun of you because you want to improve your life. 

Don't misunderstand the purpose of this community. It is NOT a place for a bunch of people to come together and whine. Nope! Not at all. But, it IS a place that will challenge you to step up and step out in making decisions for your future and then following through. YES, you WILL stumble and YES you will "fall" from time to time and that is where this group will be so helpful and encouraging.  

Step up and join and introduce yourself. Once you do, I will personally welcome you into the group and connect with you. I will continue to share positive information like this with you but will also be offering different ways to "zone in" and "focus" on some specific "next steps" that WILL HELP YOU MOVE FORWARD TO SUCCESS in the area that you pursue.  

Are you ready? If not, why not? Isn't it time to put away the excuses (usually disguised with what we like to call "reasons") and finally decide that it's time to actually FOLLOW THROUGH and "Finish What You Start"? 

Click on the link below and I look forward to meeting you there! 

And, as always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

One Decision Away

As I've mentioned in the podcast and the recent videos, I really want to encourage you to have your "eyes and ears open" to things like this that likely cross your path on a daily basis. Two articles ago I shared a picture that I took of a sign that I came across in an office and, in the last article, an image that I cam across during a recent study. This one? It came across my social media feed from a connection that I have through the John Maxwell program.

Why do I say this? Because again, friend, we all need to absorb as much positive information into our mindset as we can, each and every day. What you put into your mind will determine your mindset and your mindset will determine your direction in and for your life. And, if you're not paying attention, many of these opportunities will pass you by undiscovered and unnoticed.

That is one decision that you can make that, indeed, can and will take your life in a different (and better) direction. 

We all face choices and decisions every day of our lives. Some carry greater "weight" than others but, at the same time, even those "small" choices or decisions may have a greater impact than we might first consider. For example, though you may not think of it this way for now, a simple decision about what you will have for lunch may have such an impact over time. 

How so? Choices, and the decisions that follow, easily turn into habits and habits dictate a lot of things in our lives. In the above example, what you choose to eat for lunch ONE day may not be that big of a deal but, at the same time, if you have made a poor choice health-wise and that choice turns into a habit then...well, I think you can come to that conclusion for yourself.

Going back to a previous article this week, you have a choice to make between mediocrity or excellence. Getting into the habit with either of these will take you down two different directions for your life. ONE decision begins that process.

That doesn't mean that you cannot CHANGE that direction but, the longer that decision goes and the longer it has become a habit, the harder it will be to change the direction of that course. But it can be done!

"As long as there is breath, there is hope!" is a quote that I put together back on March 2, 2009 during my very first podcast. It's a quote that I say in my podcasts nearly every time I record a new episode and it is so important to understand. Every day that you are alive and breathing gives you the OPPORTUNITY to change the direction of your life - no matter how impossible it may seem.

I often use the example of a "jet ski" compared to a tanker ship. They BOTH can be turned around but, obviously, the "jet ski" will be able to do so much quicker, taking up less space and time to do so than the tanker. The tanker CAN still turn around and go in the opposite direction, but it will require much more space, time and energy. 

Think about that and determine - CHOOSE - to pay close attention to the choices that you make on a daily basis!

Often I urge you to be sure to also listen to the podcast and watch the video on the day's topic. LET ME POINT OUT that the reason for me doing so is very evident with this article. I recorded the video two days ago and recorded the podcast a few hours ago. I can promise you that this article takes a different path with totally different ideas and examples than either one of the others.

Why not  - while you are "consuming" this information - make a decision to take advantage of ALL that today's topic has to offer. Why not CHOOSE to access all three "avenues" available to you each and every day?

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

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Get Your THINK On!

"The only difference between those who fail and those who succeed is the way  they THINK!"

Mike Spillman

"C'mon, Mike, don't you think you are over-simplifying things a bit with that quote?"

Absolutely not! It really IS that simple, friend! Please be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic to get some additional material as I discuss this very important topic. 

I really DO mean to say that the ONLY difference between those who fail and those who succeed is the way that they think. It's their mindset! And, yes, there IS a difference in how "these people" think as compared to the "ordinary person" which, many times, describes you and me. 

I've heard SEVERAL wealthy and successful people say that, if for some misfortune, they were to lose all of their wealth that it would not be that big of a setback. Why? Because they KNOW that they can recover that wealth and, likely, even more. Compare that to most of us if we were to get "wiped out" by some unfortunate event. "WOE IS ME! I'M RUINED AND DOOMED TO DESTITUTION!"

However - and this is important - it IS possible for you and me to CHANGE the way that we think and to IMPROVE our mindset and how we think about things. We DO have the ability to learn how to think about and approach roadblocks, set backs and obstacles that get in our way as we try to achieve our goals and/or dreams. We DO have the ability to develop a "never-give-up" mentality as opposed to a mentality that says, "Give Up" at the very first sign of resistance.

How do you develop such a mindset?

Let me answer that question with a few questions: What do YOU do EACH DAY to make sure that you are absorbing as much POSITIVE information as possible? What and who do you read about so that you can study what that person has done to achieve the success that they may have? What do YOU do on a DAILY basis to "fortify" your mindset and to protect it from the negative influences that we all face every day?

It's like someone saying that they want to get in the best shape of their life and, as part of that, they really want to develop a muscular physique but, at the same time, they are unwilling to do ANY exercise or lean anything about weight training. 

How is YOUR thinking? Do you need to refocus your mindset back to the "what IS" side of the equation and away from the "what ISN'T" side? 

As the graphic states, maybe it's time to "Get Your THINK On!" and, friend, spending time here is just one of the ways to help you in that process. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that process for you.

Drop by my Facebook page (link below) and let me hear from you. Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Can YOU Still "Do It"?

 "Never lose the ability to GET EXCITED about something!" - Mike Spillman

I had a little fun with the title for today's topic. I don't know that I really would want to get into all of the different answers that some of you might come up with as an answer to the title's question. It could be interesting, though!

But, as the quote reveals, I'm asking do you still have the ability to GET EXCITED about something in your life? 

My goodness, after the week's discussion that we have had, how can you NOT get excited? By the way, that's your cue if you have not yet read, listened and/or watched the topics for the week, that you need to do so.

When you consider the fact that adjustment does NOT mean failure and that you DO have the choice about changing the direction that you need to take to reach your goals and dreams - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider the fact that it IS possible to change your outlook from that of one that is ungrateful to being one that is THANKFUL then, friend - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider the fact that, even if you ARE in a rut, you don't have to STAY in that rut - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider the fact that even when you face difficult choices, the very fact that you HAVE choices and decisions to make shows that you are ALIVE and that you are not in a rut - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider that fact that EVERY NEW DAY is a day of OPPORTUNITY - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

And, finally, when you consider the fact that, regardless of your age or your situation in life, you CAN find something to get excited about - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

Get the point?

Do not allow yourself to be so poisoned by ungratefulness that you fail to see all that is before you for which you have to be THANKFUL. 

Do not EVER lose your ability to get excited about LIFE!

By the way, it's CONTAGIOUS, so be sure to spread that around as much as you can and, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Be Thankful for the Choice

 

"When you are faced with a tough choice, be thankful because it is a part of life that reminds you that you have a CHOICE and a DECISION about that choice! 

(A great sign that you are not in a rut!) - Mike Spillman

If you haven't read, listened to or watched the information from the last topic, PLEASE be sure to take a moment and do so. Why? Because it is directly connected to today's quote and topic.

In that last article I discussed the fact that when a person is in a rut that they have NO CHOICE as far as their path or their direction. The rut, itself, will dictate that for those that are in that rut. It's the very nature of a rut!

But, even in difficult times that we may find ourselves in from time to time, there is GOOD NEWS! Look at my quote again...yes, even when we are faced with tough choices, we can and should be THANKFUL for the fact that we actually have the ability to MAKE A CHOICE! And, along with that, once we make a CHOICE, we also have the ability to make a DECISION as to whether or not we will follow through or not. 

If you have ever listened to my podcast or watched one of my video's you will likely hear me say, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" That's the very essence of what we are discussing at this point - your struggle is a sign that YOU ARE ALIVE! Do NOT miss that important point!

Don't miss this point either: The very fact that you have a CHOICE is also a good sign that you are NOT in a rut! Isn't that another thing for which to be thankful?

Thank you for making the choice to be with me today. Please take time to also listen to the podcast and watch the video. You can find the links below and, if you don't mind, also stop by my Facebook page (link below) and leave some feedback. Thanks, in advance!

Be thankful, even for the difficult choices that you face and, as you continue on, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

A roommate says to another roommate (that has been in the shower for a long time!), "Hey, what's taking you so long in there? I need to get in there and take a shower, too!" The response from the roommate in the shower? "Sorry but, this shampoo bottle says to 'wash, rinse, repeat' and I DON'T KNOW WHEN TO STOP!"

Oops.

So, you may still be thinking, "What in the world does this title and that joke have to do with today's article and podcast?"

First of all, let me ask you this: Have you read and/or listened to the two previous articles/podcasts? If not, GO DO THAT FIRST, come back and then see if a light bulb doesn't go off in your head. Aha!

By the way, you can follow the podcast by CLICKING HERE to go to the iTunes page or by CLICKING HERE to listen to it on the RSS feed.

As we close out this "mini-series" on the importance of making wise decisions because they will impact us (and others) for the rest of our lives, I want to talk about how we can be successful in choosing wisely.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

What???

Live life ONE DAY AT A TIME. Do what you can EVERY DAY to improve your mindset, just like you are doing right now by reading this blog article. Add to the library in your mind with as much positive information as you can and then do it again and again and again (Wash, Rinse, Repeat). 

Learn how to make WISE decisions on even the "small things" and then apply that same discipline to the "larger things" that you deal with on a daily basis. 

Don't worry about "tomorrow"...it doesn't even exist. Think about that! Tomorrow is something that is still in the future. We have no promise, no guarantee that it will arrive yet we spend time worrying about or planning for that time period that has yet to arrive.

What we DO have is TODAY! That's it! That's all we have...TODAY! You can't go back and relive or reclaim yesterday - it's GONE forever. I've already talked about that time period that we call "tomorrow" and you should now understand exactly what I mean when I say that all we have is "TODAY". 

This applies to any area of your life, whether it be in relationships or whether it be financial matters. The choices that you make TODAY will impact your FUTURE. So, choose wisely TODAY!

In your relationships, do all that you can do TODAY to improve the relationship. Don't wait on someone else, YOU do all that YOU can do TODAY. Do all that you can do to let the other person (or people) in your relationship(s) know how important that they are to you and do it TODAY. Let that other person (or people) know that you are thankful that they are a part of your life, but do it TODAY. Get the point?

By the way, that's how you "set the table" for a long-term relationship. You don't think, "I don't know if I can do this for the next 20, 30 or 50 years!" You just do all that you can do, one day at a time, beginning TODAY and then you "wash, rinse, repeat" over and over again.

"Oh, but Mike, when it comes to financial situations, you MUST be planning for your future!" Absolutely. I agree. Here's how you do that - "You plan for your FUTURE by what you do TODAY."

Over simplified? I don't think so.

You can read or listen to any successful person that you can and you will find them all basically say the same thing concerning success. Find what works and then do it over and over again.

So, even financially, your decisions - wise or unwise - done on a DAILY basis will determine your financial future.

Remember, "Many times the PROFOUND can be FOUND in the SIMPLE." Don't miss that point.

Be sure to listen to the podcast so that you can get in on some additional thoughts and input on this topic - you'll be glad you did 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

Choose Wisely

If you haven't done so yet, go back and read the last blog article. It "sets up" the thoughts behind today's podcast (as well as the next one to come). Also, be sure to listen to the PODCAST that goes along with this topic by CLICKING HERE for the iTunes page or by CLICKING HERE for the RSS feed. 

When it comes to making a DECISION about the DIRECTION of our life, we must CHOOSE WISELY, wouldn't you agree? 

Think about it, we're talking about the DIRECTION FOR YOUR LIFE - FOR LIFE! Yes, you can still correct that direction at a later time if you need to but, here's the thing to remember even with that: You will be further away from where you want to be and it will be more difficult and time consuming to get where you want to be and where you planned to be to start with!

There is a saying that carpenters use when cutting boards... "Measure twice, cut once." The idea behind that is to CHOOSE WISELY but do so BEFORE you make that cut! If you don't, you will have to do it again. If you cut it too long, you will waste time having to cut it again. But, if you cut it too short, you will not only waste time but you will also waste material because you will have to use another board to try to get it right. 

The same quote could be applied to our lives and the decisions that we must make... "Think about it more than once before you act!" There is wisdom in the idea of needing to "sleep on it" before making a decision. 

There are so many important decisions that we need to make over the course of our lives. Hey, there are many important decisions that we need to make even over the course of a year, month, week and even - at times - a day! 

What career path will you choose? If you decide that you need to CHANGE the path that you are on for your career, what path will you decide to take next?  Is it really the career path that needs to be changed or is it something within you that needs to be changed?  Are you going to get married? Who will you marry? Believe me, this is a HUGE decision that will be made and it will have an impact on you and your life for years to come as well as an impact on another generation if you have children. 

Listen, even though these choices can be changed later, THERE WILL STILL BE AN IMPACT THAT WAS MADE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE on your live and/or the lives of others.

So, yeah, do you get now how important it is to CHOOSE WISELY? 

Take a moment and just jot down all of the decisions that you have to make over the course of a single day. From the time that you get up (that, by the way, is a decision that you had to make) to the time that you go to bed (yes, another choice!). No matter how small you may think that decision is, if you had a choice, write it down. When you have done so, take a minute or two and look over each of those choices and see if even these "insignificant" choices and the decisions that you made with them could have a much bigger impact on your day if you had chosen differently (good and/or bad).

WHAT YOU DO, MATTERS!  

Hey listen, your decision to take the time to read this blog article was a good choice. No, not just because I'm the one that wrote it, but because you made a decision to spend some time "feeding your brain and your mindset" some good, positive information that will help you in this process.

Choosing TO do something like this and choosing NOT to do something like this WILL have an impact on your day and, in the long run, continuing with that choice on a daily basis will have a further-reaching impact on your life (and the lives of those around you).

In the next blog article I will discuss the need to do this on a DAILY basis - don't miss it! 

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

HOW Will You Vote?

What Will Your Vote Be?

Perhaps the better - or more accurate - question would be, "How ARE you voting?".  Even though the title of this article is worded as "future tense", in all actuality, you VOTE every single day and, several times throughout the day.

I point this following fact out in the podcast that goes along with this article (be sure to read it - the links are at the bottom of this article)...

Your seconds turn into minutes - Your minutes turn into hours

Your hours turn into days - Your days turn into weeks

Your weeks turn into months - Your months turn into years

And your years turn into your lifetime

Hey, listen, I'm 56 years old and I find that, at times, it's hard to believe that to be true! At times it seems impossible that I have been married for 34 years and to have 3 adult sons who are all married (well, the youngest will be getting married in a couple of weeks) and that I have 2 grandchildren. 

If you have children or if you have adult children then you know exactly what I'm talking about. And, once again, I simply want to remind you that, once gone, time cannot be reclaimed or relived. No matter how badly you want to go back in time - you simply cannot do so. 

So, yeah, - TODAY MATTERS!

What is your vote or, what will your vote be as to what you will do with today? Your choice, once again, will reflect the VALUE that you have placed upon this precious time and the VALUE of this time in and for your life and the life of your loved ones. 

Now, here's the really good news about all of this: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" That is as true today as it was when I first used it for my first podcast back on March 2, 2009. 

Even though ALL decisions that we make have some consequences (some good, some bad), they don't have to have a LASTING impact if they are poor choices. They will have a lasting impact if they are left "unchecked" and allowed to continue.  And, oh yes, there are some decisions that we make that, even though they are made in haste and controlled by emotions, can have a life-long impact even if never repeated. But there is the possibility that those relationships can be improved upon and maybe even mended.

So, yeah, it's important to THINK about all of this ahead of time. Wouldn't you agree?

Saying "I'm sorry" about such a decision may be a great response and a heart-felt response. Those words may do wonders for the healing process. However, friend, make no mistake about this - if your "vote" has been to continue that type of action to where you are saying the words, "I'm sorry" over and over again for the same decision or mistake, it begins to mean nothing.

Why? Because you have begun to demonstrate that your relationships really aren't valuable enough for you to decide to VOTE to CHANGE instead of continually apologizing.  

  

I saw a graphic earlier today that read like this: "Repentance isn't crying...its CHANGING." 

If you are truly "sorry" and you regret your past actions, then put ACTION behind the words! This, my friend, is the REAL "vote" for change!

How do you vote NOW and how will you CONTINUE to vote?

On my podcasts I always encourage my listeners to also be sure to read the blog and I want to do the same with you. Please take the time to click on one of the links below to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article. This is one of those times that what you will hear is a lot different than what you have just read. No, it doesn't contradict itself - not at all. There are just additional thoughts that I had as I recorded that podcast two days ago, than I did as I sat and typed this out. 

So, you get the benefit of BOTH and I encourage you to take advantage of both. The podcasts usually run around 10 minutes or a little less. 

Thanks, in advance, for doing that and I also ask that you do a couple of other things for me, if you don't mind. If you listen to the podcast on iTunes (see link below), please take a moment to leave a review for my podcast. Also, please stop by the fan page on Facebook (again, see link below) and say "hi" and introduce yourself - let me know where you're from and how long you've been reading and/or listening to Future You University.

Hope to hear from you soon! Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to... 

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

Mike

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

What (or Who) Decides or Sways Your Vote?

Although this series is NOT about politics I do want to start today's discussion by asking a political question: Why do you vote the way that you do in an election?

Many times, a person votes due to "family history" and influence. As a matter of fact, some people won't even tell their parents (or other family members) how they vote (or they lie about it) because they don't want to have a big "political argument" about their choice. Sometimes it's due to religious values. 

There are may different reasons that a person votes the way that they do in a political election. What about you? Why do you vote the way that you do?

In much the same way, there are many reasons as to why we "vote" the way that we do about the direction of our lives. (If you haven't done so, go back and read the last two articles that leads up to this one...they all "build" on each other). 

Some people choose the direction of their life because of the way that they were raised or due to other family expectations. Some don't put much thought or value on the direction of their own lives and future because that is what they have seen in the lives of their own parents. On the other side of the spectrum are those that are pressured into following a particular path of study or career choice because that is what their parents want or expect from them. 

Just as there are many different reasons for why people vote the way that they do in an election, so are there many different reasons for why people "vote" the way that they do concerning the direction of their life. 

What about you?

You've likely heard the idea that you are the "average" of the 5 - 10 people with whom you spend the most time. When I say that you are the "average", I'm talking about in every area of your life. That's right. You tend to fit into the average, financially, of those that you hang around with as well as spiritually, career-wise, family guidelines (discipline, etc.) and anything else you can think of. This even goes down to what kind of vehicle that you drive!

What's that old saying? "Birds of a feather flock together." 

Wow, when you actually look at this closely, you may be surprised by these things. You may decide that you need to change who it is that you hang out with or, you may discover that you LIKE the influence that these people have on and for your life.

The key thing in this is the fact that YOU HAVE A CHOICE or a VOTE!

One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, "WHY?". In any area of our life and in EVERY area of our life we should stop and ask ourselves this question from time to time. "WHY am I doing what I'm doing in this particular area?" This, in essence, is how you will find out WHY you "vote" the way that you do concerning your life and the direction of your life. 

This is actually the very basis or foundation of this process. Every area of your life and the decisions that you make in those areas are "votes" that you cast about your life and your future as well as the future of your family. With that being said, don't you think it might be important to really know WHY you make those decisions? 

They are ALL important decisions because they ALL play a role in the direction of your life.  Do you think I'm being a bit over-dramatic with that last statement? I can hear some of you saying, "Oh come on, Mike. Me choosing where we eat supper tonight is not that big of a decision in the overall picture." I hear you, but it may be a bigger deal than you realize. Especially when you really examine WHY you made the choice that you made. And, especially when you really examine what thought you have put into that decision as far as how it impacts other areas of your life...such as financial. That's just an example but, friend, most people have no idea how much money they actually spend on eating out and other "extras" while they complain about never having enough money. 

Yes, it is your life. Absolutely. That's the whole point, friend. It is YOUR life and your life will go where YOU lead it and direct it to go. And, all of that happens with the votes that you cast on a daily basis. 

Let me end with this. There's no reason to drive yourself crazy for the rest of your life thinking about every little thing in your life. You may need to examine it all closely for a period of time. However, once you discover your focus and purpose for your life, you will then act "automatically" based on that focus and purpose. Yes, you will still need to do a "check up" from time to time to make sure you haven't wandered off course too far, but it will become a natural part of your life.

Either way, your daily "vote" counts and the impact of those votes are likely greater than you and I realize, friend!

This article is one of those situations that I talk about on the podcast where I encourage you to listen to the podcast as well as read the article because they are not exactly the same. They are not done at the same time and I don't follow a script. THIS ARTICLE is a lot different than the podcast that I recorded for this topic. So, please, read the following couple of paragraphs carefully and take the time to listen to the podcast as well. 

So, 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

"O.P.M. Wisdom" - This Sets Us Apart

"O.P.M. WISDOM - THIS SETS US APART"

 Since this article is connected to the last one, please take the time to go back and read part 1, if you haven't done so already.  If you don't, you'll have no idea what I'm talking about in this one, o.k.?

In this article I'm going to specifically address those that STILL refuse to accept the FACT that we can learn from "Other Peoples Mistakes" and insist that they HAVE to make the mistake in order to learn. That is about as far from the truth as you can get - and I'll prove it to you.

Do you wear a shock collar?

In case you're not sure what I'm talking about, let me explain. A shock collar is a device - a collar - that is placed on an animal (a dog, in my experience) to help train them. A wire is placed around whatever perimeter that the human decides upon which interacts with the shock collar. If the animal gets within a certain distance of the wire, the collar will begin to beep, which will serve as a warning to the animal as it becomes trained. If the animal continues along it's path even closer to the wire it will receive a shock which should cause the animal to stop and retreat.  The idea is that, after enough times of this shock, the animal will begin to "learn" where the boundaries are as they relate to the perimeter that has been set by the human.

And, you know what? IT WORKS! The dogs that I had in one particular situation did learn the boundaries and they stayed away from the perimeter that had been set. (And, yes, of course my three sons had to hold the collars in their hands to see what it was like for themselves. OUCH!).

So, an animal can be trained. An animal can develop a learned behavior. Some may argue that the animal has been able to "reason" and make a decision. But, an animal can NOT "reason" and make a decision. Let me tell you what I mean.

Yes, an animal can learn what to do or not do based on their own experience - the "SHOCK" that they get (or the treat that they receive) based on their behavior. However, that same animal does NOT have the ability to learn that behavior by setting back and observing other animals go through the process first. See what I mean?

As humans, we have been blessed with the unique ability to OBSERVE and REASON which then can lead to a decision without having to experience the action ourselves.

We have the ability to have "O.P.M. Wisdom"! We have the ability to OBSERVE, TAKE NOTES and MAKE A DECISION based on what other people do. We may observe an adverse result to what a person does and then decide that we do not to experience that same, adverse result. We may also observe a very positive and rewarding result that we desire. We watch, observe, take notes and decide that we want to follow that same path so that we, too, can experience the same positive results.

To insist that you can only learn by making YOUR OWN MISTAKES over and over again is to say that you are not any smarter than animals. There is truth in that statement.

To refuse the idea of "O.P.M. Wisdom" is to reject the unique ability that you have been given by your Creator! Friend, you DO have this ability and you CAN learn from others without having to make the same mistake yourself.

On the positive side, observe someone that you want to be like and do what they do.  Maybe it's someone that has a very good family life...learn how that happens from that person and then do what they do! Maybe they are successful in business - do what they do. WHATEVER IT IS, if they are successful and you wish for the same success, find out what they do and what they have done and do what they do and do what they have done. FOLLOW THEIR PATH!

And, doesn't it then make sense that, if someone exhibits what you DON'T want in your life, that you can STILL watch, observe, take notes so that you know what NOT to do?

Bottom line, it is still up to you. There are people every day that ignore the mistakes of their own past and also ignore the failures of others around them. They are doomed to fail UNLESS and UNTIL they decide to "wise up" and desire something better for their life.

Hey listen, it is one thing to whine and complain about why things always turn out wrong and then keep doing the same stupid things than it is for someone to realize that what they are doing DOES NOT WORK and dedicate themselves to POSITIVE change! It is the difference between a WHINER and a DOER!

What will you do?

Have you ever heard this phrase -  "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." ? This if often attributed to Winston Churchill. Most, however, think that it came from what was written by George Santayana in The Life of Reason (1905): “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

You see, it's IMPOSSIBLE for me to go back and RELIVE history from 100 years ago. However, I can "watch" (study), take notes and make a decision based on the history that OTHERS lived and experienced.

Open your eyes. Pay attention. Watch. Observe. Take notes. Make a decision. And, take advantage of "O.P.M. Wisdom".

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

People Worth Meeting (2)

Interesting Person #2

About a week after I met Mr. Don't Tell Me I Can't (go back and read the last article if you haven't done so already), I met the next person that I want to tell you about.

 

Again, open your eyes and pay attention to those that are around you. Take the time to connect with others and you, too, may very well discover some very interesting people on your own.

 

Before I had a chance to talk with this gentleman, I noticed a very tearful good-bye between this man, his wife and a couple of kids. I had no idea what was going on at this point, but I could tell that this was not an easy separation.

 

During our conversation I found out that he was going to a "school" to do some training for a new job. This would involve him traveling to a location several states away and would mean separation from his family for a couple of months. He and his wife had been married for 8 years and had never been apart. He had a 10 year old stepson and a 4 year old little girl that were there to see him off.

 

I'll call him "Mr. Do What You Gotta' Do" because he stated that this was not his first choice of what he would prefer to do but, due to circumstances, this was what was needed to be done.

 

NOTE: Too many people will put themselves and their families in a bad position because they cannot find exactly what they are looking for when it comes to a job. Sometimes in life you do what you have to do in order to pay the bills and take care of your family. That does not mean that you will never find the job you are really wanting but, in the meantime, you do it because it's necessary!

 

He also mentioned to me that he had made some bad choices early on in his life as an adult and he was trying to get things right. He made no excuses, he didn't allow himself to sit and soak in his own pity but, instead, he made a tough decision in order to take care of and provide for his family.

 

I did everything I could to encourage him by telling him that, as hard as it would be, his family would know that he loved them enough to make tough decisions in order to take care of them He was demonstrating his dedication to his family by doing whatever was necessary to provide for them.

Who knows? He may find a whole new career that will allow him a more positive future than he would imagine at first.  I was impressed with  his determination and his great love for his family. I wished him well as we went our separate ways.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you whining and complaining about what is not right in your life OR are you ready to do whatever is necessary at the time?

Are you complaining that there are no jobs available when there are jobs available around you every day? Stop whining and do what you must do to make things happen!

Quite honestly, no one wants to hear such whining and complaining. Again, it may not be what you want to do with the rest of your life but, what are you made of? How determined are you to do what is necessary?

No one can do it for you...as always, it's up to YOU!

Follow the example of "Mr. Do What I Gotta' Do" (yes, again, a real person and a true story), regardless of how difficult it may be.

In the last segment of this series I will talk about someone that I never did get to meet. However, this person made an impact on MANY, even in his recent death.

Join me then - you don't want to miss it.

Until then, 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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Podcast on iTunes    Podcast RSS feed





The Time is NOW! (Part 3 - Conclusion)

Before we get started, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and red the 1st two installments of this series as well as listening to them via the podcast (see links below). I also want to encourage you to watch the videos that I recorded on this series as well. (You can find the videos HERE).

 

In this final article of the series I want to share with you THREE specific steps that you need to consider in order to "get back on track" and "re-ignite that spark" of your goals and dreams.  Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of being caught up on the 1st two segments of this series.

So, let's get to it! Here are my thoughts and suggestions on how you can "kick-start" that thing in your life and get moving again toward your goals and dreams. Here we go...

1. Re-evaluate, Re-discover and Re-examine your WHY 
     You may discover that the "why" that you once used as your "fuel" to get you going is not as important as it once was. It is also possible that you have lost sight of how important that "why" was - and still is - to you in and for your life. Either way, you need to spend some time and RE-EVALUATE that "why" and see how important it is to you now. You should also RE-DISCOVER your "why"...maybe you'll get the feeling back that you once had about it and it may spur you on to get moving again! Overall, you just need to RE-EXAMINE your "why" so that you can decide if it's even a worthy "why" for you at all.
     You may find that your "why" has changed or NEEDS to change! The bottom line on this point is that you need a STRONG REASON to move you past the inactivity that you have experienced.


2. Take a look at your "reasons" (excuses) as to why you have not progressed as you had planned. 
      I have mentioned before how it is easy to get "comfortable" with our excuses...we can find that it is easy to "soothe" the disappointment (and even disgust) at our lack of progress by using these excuses and calling them "reasons". Oh, we'll even share these with anyone and everyone that will listen - they need to know that it's not US...it's not OUR fault!
     Don't be fooled. Most "reasons" are excuses in disguise.
    While this process of calling excuses "reasons" may make us comfortable, it is important to remember that progress is NOT comfortable! If you're comfortable, you're not being BOLD enough or BRAVE  enough! If you're comfortable, you're not "stretching" and challenging yourself!
     Never forget that, in order to make REAL progress in your life, you MUST step outside of your "comfort zone". Will you?


3. WHAT NOW? 
     If you follow and implement these first two steps then you will come to the point of needing to make a decision. If you are honest and either "re-discover" your original "why" or find that you need a new, bigger and more important "why" and you have decided to stop making excuses once and for all, then YOU MUST MAKE A DECISION!
    You have a choice to make and the choice is YOURS..what will you do?
    Really be careful with those excuses...they have a way of talking yourself out of making the kind of BOLD MOVE that, many times, is absolutely necessary. Some such excuses may be that you don't have the training needed, the education needed or the money needed to move forward.
     Maybe you don't have everything that you need to reach your "ultimate" end goal but, friend, the key is to GET STARTED NOW where you are and with what you have.

 

These steps may seem too simple but, again, don't miss the fact that the PROFOUND can often be FOUND in the SIMPLE. Too, don't let the "simplicity" fool you. These three things are much harder to put into action than you may think.

The key question is this: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

Your answer to that question will let you know if, indeed, "THE TIME IS NOW!"

Let me hear from you - we're in this together and I'd love to get your feedback and your stories about this journey in your own life.

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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