Failure to Adjust

 'Adjustment does not mean failure.

 Failing to adjust will, many times, bring about failure."

- Mike Spillman 

Sometimes - and I'm not even really sure HOW this happens - we can really get some "strange" ideas, can't we? Especially when it comes to the topic of "failing" or being a "failure".

Here, for example, is one of those "strange ideas" that I've heard others state when it comes to failing or being a failure: The idea that, if you have had to "redirect" your focus or your approach on reaching a particular goal then, you have failed and, thus, you are a failure.

REALLY?

To some extent, it's similar to the idea of someone being an "overnight" sensation in any field. Just because YOU or a large group of people have just now heard of this person does NOT mean that their success has been "overnight". Not by a long shot! The following graphic should help illustrate this point:

In much the same way that people mistakenly believe that someone IS an "overnight sensation" they also often are mistaken in their idea that a person sets out on a "journey" to reach their goal and - BAM! - without any struggles, roadblocks, adjustments or delays, they reach their goal triumphantly and successfully, right on target!

It simply DOES NOT happen that way! 

And, if you are thinking that it is how it will be or should be with and for you then, friend, you WILL be frustrated, disappointed and you likely WILL give up along the way.

Determination and persistence means that you WILL make the necessary adjustments so that you CAN continue toward your goals and/or dreams. ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT MEAN FAILURE!

However, as my quote points out, "FAILURE TO ADJUST will, many times, BRING ABOUT FAILURE." 

Keep that in mind as you continue to move forward and, by all means, make whatever adjustments you need to make that will allow you to continue to get closer to your goals and dreams.

Thanks for joining me today. Please be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video that goes along with today's topic. The links are found below.

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!

Where Is Your Focus?

Focus. Probably one of the most talked about topics in the area of personal development, growth and achievement.

You want to talk about GOALS? The topic of FOCUS will be discussed along the way!

I would say that it is much easier to LOSE focus than it is to discipline yourself to GAIN and MAINTAIN focus...at least in the beginning. 

When we have yet to train and discipline ourselves in the area of focus, it is quite easy to get distracted and lose our focus.  That's a pretty easy concept to grasp, isn't it? 

Any time you are not disciplined in ANY area, it is easy to allow your lack of discipline to side track your success. 

Can you say, "diet"? Many people SAY that they want to lose weight and be in better shape yet there are not many that are willing to DISCIPLINE themselves in a way that will get them where they want to be. 

This is true in ANY area that requires CHANGE. Changing something that you do (or think) and attempting to do it differently - in a new direction - is NOT an easy task and it requires DISCIPLINE and FOCUS!

Now listen, you can - and I encourage you to - take this article and apply it in MANY different areas of your own life. Take it and run with it. Dissect it. Question it for yourself. Allow it to challenge you in different areas of your life that you seek change and/or improvement. I'm not here to tell you that this "topic" has to go in the direction that I thought about for this blog article. I suggest that you take it as a topic and apply it to yourself FOR yourself.

That's one reason I always encourage you to also listen to the podcast on the same topic. The thoughts that I had when I recorded the podcast are likely (absolutely true on this one!) DIFFERENT than my thoughts as I type this article. I think that makes my work unique.

A couple of final thoughts and questions for you to consider:

     - WHOSE focus are you using? In other words, are you focusing through your OWN thoughts/eyes OR are you basing what you are trying to "see" on what someone else tells you?

       -  Are you focusing only on the familiar?

      -  When your focus becomes "clear" will you discipline (and trust) yourself to pursue what that which you see?

      -  Can you? (YES!)

      - WILL you? 

Have fun with this. Yes, be sure to listen to the podcast (link below) and have fun with this but be ready to "see" something that may even scare you a little once your focus becomes clear. The next step will be up to you.

In the meantime, 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

Getting Rid of the FAT...NOT So Easy

 

If you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the last blog article. It leads into this article and should be read first, o.k.?

 

Too, be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article - just click on either of the "podcast links" at the bottom of this article and you'll be taken right to it. Too, please be sure to share this blog and podcast with as many people as you can. Thanks, in advance!

 

Pretty much everyone would agree that, even though it is EASY to put on weight and even "get fat" it is quite a different story when it comes to LOSING that weight and trying to GET and STAY "in shape". (I hear those of you out there that are saying, "Hey, round IS a shape!").

 

Again, based on what was discussed in the last article, let's get to it and acknowledge the fact that, the longer you take the path of least resistance then the harder it is going to be to make a change and move in the opposite direction! This goes for ANYTHING that has come about by taking this path. The further you go down that path, the further it is back to where you want to be or where you need to be - in ANY area. Make sense?

 

Let's use this example that I've used several times before - the ship and the jet ski. Both of them can turn around and head in the opposite direction, right? Sure it's right! Which one can do it quicker and with less effort? The jet ski, of course. It's smaller and lighter and can just about "turn on a dime" Now then, on the other hand, that ship is going to take a bit more time and a bit more effort to get it headed back in the opposite direction. Why? Because it is so much larger and heavier. So it is with what we allow to grow larger and larger (not just talking about our belly here, friend!) by taking the path of least resistance.

 

But don't miss this point: No matter how "big" and "hard" that task may seem - it CAN be done! Yes, it's going to take longer and yes, it's going to take more effort but - let's get real here - how bad do you want it?

 

Years ago I lost 100 pounds over 13 months and I had a lot of people that wanted to know my "secret" and do what I did to lose that weight and get in shape. But, you know what? Although a lot of people SAID that they wanted to "do whatever it would take", not many were really willing to do so. A lot of people want the RESULTS (this can apply to "success" in many forms) but aren't willing to do what it takes to GET those results.

 

A mentor that I had in that weight loss business that was part of my "formula for success" was very successful in the business aspect of this company. He said that many people would tell him that they wanted to be where he was in this company and he would ask them - straight out - "But are you willing to do what I have had to do to get here?". Many would automatically say, "Yes!" when, in reality, they were not willing to do those things.

 

Another gentleman that I knew - a multi-millionaire in an insurance company that I worked with - was well known in this company due to his success. I attended a convention that had several people speak from within the company. When they got on the stage they would begin by telling everyone what they did to accomplish what they had accomplished. When this one particular gentleman got up to speak he said, "I'm not even going to tell you what I did because none of you would be willing to do what I did!" And, you know what? He was right. I found out what he did to get his business taking off at such a great pace and, friend, it was literally CRAZY! But he did it because he wanted it that bad. Many wanted his success but few - if any - were willing to do what he had done to get there.

 

Friend, it takes DISCIPLINE to "get rid of the fat" and to go the opposite way of the many that are on that path of least resistance. It takes DISCIPLINE to keep going when you feel like giving up - especially if you are trying to redirect a SHIP instead of a jet ski. Get the point?

 

No one can do it for you. You may want them to at times but, remember, getting others to do it for you is following the path of least resistance. Oh, there's nothing wrong with getting someone to help from time to time but, you can't expect (nor should you want) someone else to do the needed things for you.

 

Remember, even if you take "two steps forward and one step back" you are still one step ahead of where you were before! Easier said than done? Well, of course it is! The work goes beyond the words - the work comes in the ACTION that only you can do. I hope that this article encourages you along that path (as well as the other podcasts and articles) and that you will share your thoughts and progress with me. Will you? I hope so! I'd especially love to hear from you via the FYU page on Facebook

Until next time, as you make the daily decision to keep on working towards a better future, 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

Nothing Less

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!

 

Yeah, I STARTED with this announcement this time for today's article. WHY NOT?

 

The graphic you see above is the very thing that Dani Johson's event can help you get clear on so that you CAN experience SUCCESS and so that you WON'T ACCEPT anything less in and for your life!

 

Yes, I am SOLD on Dani Johnson and all that she offers (go check out her site by going to that link in the first paragraph) because I KNOW that she gets results and she has helped thousands change their lives for the better.

 

You see friend, for things to change, things must change! (Go back and read the last article and listen to the last podcast if you haven't done so already).You CAN NOT keep doing the same things over and over again and expect something different to happen.

 

What you ALLOW will CONTINUE. Pretty simple, isn't it?

 

So, let me ask you this: If you are to make some changes in your life - and your mindset being of foremost importance - why NOT adapt the mentality that you will accept nothing less than success?

 

Why not strive for SUCCESS in being a parent, grandparent, husband, wife, son, daughter, neighbor, worker, manager, boss, employer and you can just keep on adding to the list.

 

Too many people settle for less! Instead of deciding to NOT settle for ANYTHING less than success many choose to take the easy way out and just, well, settle for less. Just settle for whatever happens. Whatever happens, happens.

 

Wow, what a sad way to "live" life. I put the word "live" in quotes because I really don't see that as truly living!

 

Success does not mean perfection. It simply indicates a striving and a desire to be your best and do your best and that you WILL NOT GIVE UP in trying to do just that.

 

Put that in your head and let it sink in and take root...SUCCESS AND NOTHING LESS!

 

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

You Are the Director of Your Thoughts

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

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

 



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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Mike

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

                                         Start your home based business HERE

The Need for FOCUS!

(Be sure to "LIKE" us on Facebook!)

 

 

My wife and I have had several "black labs" over the years and have always loved them. So, for me, when I took a little trip out on my motorcycle today and ended up at this park beside the river, I was quite pleased to be met by these two friendly fellows. As you can see, one is a black lab and the other is a chocolate lab and, as you can see, they were both quite attentive.

 

As I arrived they were "with" some people that were getting in their car and getting ready to leave the park and, at first, I thought they were leaving "their" dogs but I was wrong. I assume that they belonged to someone in the neighborhood and they were just really friendly and wanting to "play" with anyone and everyone that would pay them attention.

 

Now, before I talk about the dogs anymore at this point it may be best if I tell you WHY I was at the park and on my bike on this beautiful day.

 

Simply put - I NEEDED TO CLEAR MY HEAD!

 

Yup, that's right. Me. I needed to clear my head. You see, I have begun working with a new company and am currently in the process of developing my OWN part of this business as well as still having another new one in the background still awaiting my attention. Shoot, I even attended this company's National Convention about a week ago and saw MORE proof that I was in the right place at the right time and that this was DEFINITELY the right move for me.

 

As good as all of that is - I had a bad day yesterday and, to be honest, it messed with my head. Now, you know me, I'm a very positive guy and I like to keep my mind focused on these positive thoughts so that I can hurdle past these perceived roadblocks.

 

I wish I could say that this is always the case but, like many of you, it isn't always the case and, sometimes, that dreaded emotion of DOUBT tends to creep in and attempts to get me off my target.

 

It did (doubt did creep in) and it did (it did get me off of my target).

 

Today, when I woke up, I was still in that "funk" and I knew I had to get out, get some fresh air and just clear my head. So, I hopped on my motorcycle and went for a short ride to this park that is alongside a river to sit in the sun and the quiet and to allow myself to think clearly.

 

But the two guys in the picture had other ideas!

 

As soon as I arrived I noticed that the black lab was carrying a fairly large rock around in his mouth. As a matter of fact, I noticed that, if he dropped it, he had a bit of a hard time getting it back IN his mouth due to it's size and odd shape. When I sat down on a park bench the two of them came over to me and the black lab dropped the rock near me and then they both looked at me with expectant eyes as if to say, "Okay, c'mon...let's play!".

I couldn't help but notice how FOCUSED these dogs were (especially the black lab) and, I paid attention to the message that I felt was directed at me: "STAY FOCUSED - REGARDLESS!".

Here's what I particularly noticed...

The black lab was determined to bring back a rock! It may not be the same rock I threw, but regardless, he was going to bring back a rock. Now, don't get me wrong, he usually brought back the rock that I threw but, at times, the one I threw would go into the river and he couldn't find it. So, what did he do? Well, honestly, I was wondering this myself at times since he had gone down the bank and out of my sight when he would return with a different rock. And, here's the kicker, usually it was a rock at least 4 or 5 times BIGGER than the one I threw.

Why? I don't know. I guess it's the only one that he could find that was available!

That dog was FOCUSED on bringing me back a rock so that he could continue to play the game. And he did over and over again.

Here's another thing I noticed about their focus - they didn't really care to be petted or loved on! They basically didn't look me in the eyes. Why? Because they were FOCUSED on looking at that rock! In the picture above you can tell that they are not looking at me and, by now, you can figure out what they WERE looking at...that's right, the rock!

Another example of the focus of the black lab was shown when he would bring the rock back to me. At first the dog would set the rock down in the general area of where my feet were placed. I purposely would not pick it up to see what the dog would do. Without even looking up at me, when the dog realized that he was not getting the response desired, he would "kick" the rock closer to my feet. Yup, that's what he did. And, if even after doing that, if I still didn't pick the rock up, he'd kick it again until I actually leaned over and picked it up.

FOCUS!

Stop making excuses! ("I can't find THAT rock...the rock is too big...you threw it too far...it went in the water...you're expecting me to do it your way...I'm not doing anything else besides what I've already done. I mean, hey, what do you want??")

It's easy to get distracted and discouraged. It's easy to get frustrated and to allow all of the "junk" that surrounds us every day to "mess with your head" if you let it.

The lesson I learned - and badly needed - today was simply this:

STAY FOCUSED - REGARDLESS!

Thanks, dogs!

 

 

 

 



Jim Rohn Quote on DISCIPLINE

(be sure to check out the podcast on iTunes or on the RSS feed)

Today I will begin a new series based on quotes from one of my favorite speakers, the late Jim Rohn. I've included the banner below so that you can easily access the materials available from this great man that has touched thousands - if not millions - of lives in a powerful and positive way.

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Rohn while he was still alive and, on more than one occasion! He is not the kind of guy that would jump up and down, talk loudly and run all over the stage. He wasn't very animated but when he spoke, you listened! I've often used the phrase, "grandfatherly" to describe my opinion on his style and I loved hearing him every time I could. I also enjoy listening to him even today via mp3's and other listening methods available.

If you EVER have the chance to hear one of "the greats" then you need to be sure that you take advantage of the opportunity. You'll be glad you did.

So, here's the quote we are starting with today:

"Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion." - Jim Rohn

In other words, DON'T FOOL YOURSELF into thinking that just because you "say it" (affirm it) means it will be. I've talked about this before when I've discussed Napoleon Hill being misquoted and misrepresented by those that say, "If you can believe it, you can achieve it!" Yes, that was PART of what he said. However, most people apparently never took the time to READ the book, "Think and Grow Rich", since they never include how much he talked about the importance of ACTION tied in with this whole thing.

You can "affirm" anything you want as often, as enthusiastically and as loudly as you want but, without discipline... YOU'RE NUTS if you think it will actually amount to anything!

So, take a look at yourself and see if you are still standing at the end of the diving board PLANNING to jump. Are you? I'll be using this analogy all week long but, for now, just get that image in your mind and see if that is YOU still standing there...waiting..affirming..planning...talking...but still there in the same spot.

Be sure to join me tomorrow as I continue this series with another great quote from this great man, Jim Rohn. Until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

Live a Life of Truth

Live a Life of Truth

Truth.

One definition found at dictionary.com for the word TRUTH is "conformity with fact or reality".

That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? What we SAY or DO - if it's based on TRUTH - will conform with FACT or REALITY.

IF it's based on truth - don't miss that point!

All week long I have been discussing our tendency to live a life of lies in many areas and, particularly, in the area of our own progress or lack of it toward our goals and dreams.

We do it to make ourselves feel better yet, in the end, we actually feel worse. We not only make ZERO progress, we actually take several steps back when we live this life of deception.

So now - as always - it is totally up to YOU as to whether you want to keep living that way OR change and live a life of TRUTH.

Yes, sometimes the truth does hurt! But again, how has living a life of lies and following the path of least resistance worked out for you so far?

Unless you've gotten so far away from truth that you've become callous to it - the more you've lived a life of lies the more the truth hurts when you are exposed to it and challenged by it!

There's no where to hide when you remove the excuses, is there? It's basically you standing there naked before the TRUTH about you and your efforts.

But now think about it this way... this can be very exciting and one of those "life moments" that can change the course of your own personal history!

IF you decide to act upon it.

Once you begin to live a life of truth - even when it hurts and even when you'd rather take the easy way out and lie to yourself - the easier you will find it is to live this life of truth!

You will become disciplined and better prepared for this journey toward your goals and dreams.

Hey, have you ever began a workout in order to get in shape? Was it easy at first? Was it fun at first? Did you quit right off?

Many do quit too soon because of the very fact that it's not easy or fun. So, they give up and continue to live the unhealthy life that they have lived for so long and THOUGHT they wanted to get away from. Until they found out that it wasn't going to be easy!

But then there are those that fight through the pain and the sweat and the unpleasantness of getting your body to do what it is unaccustomed to doing - MOVING! Those that stick it out begin to see results and begin to find that the longer they do this exercise routine the easier it becomes. And, yes, torture becomes more of a challenge and even fun along the way.

Why? Because you're body (and mind) has begun to adapt and make the changes that come with the discipline practiced to fight through the first and most difficult part of the program.

So it is with living a life of truth.

You can give up and quit because it's not easy or you can tough it out and DISCIPLINE yourself to stick to your decision to make positive changes in your life.

And, yes, you CAN do it!

And I'm here to help you any way I can. Just remember that deception and denial will lead to nothing but disaster and that TRUTH can actually set you free!

Think about it and then begin to live a life of truth!

And, as you do so be sure to...

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

Mike