Your Personal Draft - First Round Pick

First Round Pick

Does this describe YOU? Are you a "first rounder"?

In connection to the "NFL Draft" scenario that I began using yesterday a "first rounder" is a player that is drafted in the first round...the cream of the crop. They have excelled in their career in college and have been predicted to do well at the next level in the NFL.

In the months and weeks leading up to the actual draft day just about every highlight that ever exists of this person is shown again and again while all kinds of "experts" (and I do use that term very lightly!) talk about why this person is so good and worthy of a first round pick.

Over my lifetime I have seen several situations where these first round picks DID do as expected when they got into the NFL. They lived up to the hype and the expectations.

However, I have also seen MANY go in the opposite direction. Usually they loose their focus on what got them there in the first place and they fail miserably. They get distracted by all of the "bling" that now surrounds them and the "big money" that goes with it and, as I said before, they lose focus on why they are there in the first place.

I have watched many "hopefuls" with great potential simply get lost in the drugs and other "trappings", lose their standing on the team that chose them and, finally, drop out of the NFL completely to never be heard from again (as far as the sports world goes).

What does that have to do with what I'm talking about in this series?

Perhaps YOU are one of those that have done well all through your life up to this point. Perhaps you graduated high school at the top of your class and followed that up by doing the same in college. Perhaps after leaving college you have done quite well with your first job and moved up quickly in the company. It seems as if everything you touches turns to gold!

Great potential. Great expectations.

YOU have expectations of yourself and you KNOW you can do whatever you set your mind to do! And, on top of that, due to your past accomplishments, others have great expectations of you as well.

What will you do with this opportunity that is before you? Will you continue to learn and grow and be open to advice from others around you or will you decide that you don't need to hear anything from anyone else because, after all, you ARE a first round pick!

Hey, we've all seen this in the "real world" (as opposed to the world of sports stars) haven't we?

Opportunity.

It's yours, REGARDLESS of what "round" you get "picked".

What will you do. What ARE you doing?

One last thought: Don't let the expectations of others overwhelm you! It CAN become too much and others CAN put unrealistic expectations on you. Be careful with that and, yes, live up to your potential and what you KNOW you can accomplish.

Now...get after it!

Until next time...

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

Mike

http://www.michaelspillman.com/

The Power of A.S.K.

THE POWER OF A.S.K.

I'm really excited about this week's topic of discussion because I think it can really "open a lot of doors" for those of you that are still struggling with the concept of raising the bar of your expectations.

The concept that we will be talking about this week is a Biblical concept, but I won't be "preaching" at you during these discussions - I promise! However, there is much good and many wise thoughts and ideas that can be gained from Scripture and some of the greats in the field of personal development (such as Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar) regularly refer to some of these thoughts and ideas.

What I'm talking about is the concept of Ask - Seek - Knock. The extended version of this is as follows: Ask - and it shall be give to you; Seek - and you shall find; Knock and the door shall be opened to you. We'll get into the specifics of these the rest of the week when we discuss "Ask" on Tuesday, "Seek" on Wednesday and "Knock" on Thursday.

But today, as a way of introduction, I want to go back and again talk about the need to RAISE YOUR LEVEL OF EXPECTATION!

Why is this so important?

If we don't have an expectation of something greater in our lives then there will be no desire and no need to follow the A.S.K. concept. Why? Because, again, you are happy where you are and have likely decided to "settle for less". (Go back two weeks ago and listen to that week's podcasts as well as the blog entries for that week on this topic).

Here's the bottom line: as I talk about each and every day in my podcasts, we ALL have the power and the ability to make things better in our lives! We ALL have the power to "turn things around" each and every day.

We also all have the ability to choose to do nothing and settle for less.

Raising your level of expectation doesn't mean you have to desire to become a millionaire. It doesn't mean you even have to desire to change jobs. You may love your job and you may be doing exactly what you were meant to be doing. AWESOME! GREAT!

However, I am a firm believer in the fact that ALL OF US (yes, even you) can improve ourselves a little each and every day. And, by doing so, we become better husbands, wives, dads, moms, friends, workers, bosses, etc.

And, by doing so, we likely teach a very valuable lesson to our children and/or to those that are around us each and every day.

It's the belief that we can always LEARN more and improve our lives and expand our knowledge base just a little bit more. From what I understand, it has been proven that in order to keep our minds "fresh" and "sharp" it is important for us to "exercise" our brains by challenging our brain with new information.

So, yeah, even if you LOVE what you are doing - there is still the ability to raise the level of our expectations.

Now, there are also those of you that have become discouraged and depressed to the point of giving up any hope that things might become better in your life. You've waived the "white flag" and surrendered to any thought of expecting more in your life.

DO NOT GIVE UP!

Stop relying on others or "outside sources" to make that happen in your life - IT IS UP TO YOU! It is YOUR job to improve your life!

It is NOT the governments job! Some have that expectation in their life and are waiting for the government to "give them" what they thing is their "right".

Some have the expectation that FAMILY should take care of them and they sit around and whine and complain when the "family" doesn't come through as they "should".

If either of these describes you - SHAME ON YOU!

You have taken the road of least resistance and have become LAZY - yeah, I said it - instead of raising your level of expectation! Don't raise your level of expectation of what you expect OTHERS to do FOR you, but raise your level of expectation about what YOU can do for YOURSELF!

When we begin to understand that, indeed, it is up to US to improve our lives then we realize that, indeed, there is no limit to what great things we can accomplish in our lives!

You've likely heard the phrase, "If you want things done right you have to do them yourself!". Apply that to what we are talking about here and think about it for a moment!

Those that are sitting around waiting for others to do FOR them are basing their "results" on what the "others" decide to do. And, again, it usually isn't to the approval of the one that has settled for this type of lifestyle.

WHY NOT DO IT YOURSELF?

Raise your level of expectation of what is POSSIBLE in your own life and take charge of this area of your life!

Believe it or not, it's true! (Think about it, whether you believe something or not really has nothing to do with something being true or not. What is true is true!)

What is true? The possibilities are ENDLESS for you when you take this approach with your life! You will be surprised at what you are able to accomplish in and with your life once you begin to raise your level of expectation!

And, this week, I will be sharing thoughts with you about this concept of "A.S.K." and how this can greatly aide us in this desire.

Thanks for allowing me to share these thoughts in your life today. Be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with it by either going to iTunes and searching Future You University or Mike Spillman OR you can listen in by going to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com

As you go through your day today, always remember to...

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

Mike

Interview with Brian Johnson

The Brian Johnson Family

For today's podcast I share an interview I did with Brian Johnson concerning the importance of personal development in his life. Brain is 34 years old and married with 2 little kids as you can see in the picture above. Brian lives in South Carolina, works a full time job in the biomedical field and operates a part time business from his home. From the interview you will discover that Brian's wife had a major role in introducing him to the concept of positive thinking! Brian enjoys live music, outdoor activities, spending time with his wife, and playing with their kids.

I really encourage you to listen to the podcast if you haven't done so already and then notice these notes that I took from my conversation with Brian:

1. Before being introduced to personal development material, he had a "defeatist attitude"

Brain shares that he felt as if he didn't have a very bright future and that he didn't really have any control over it yet, he really didn't think that was strange. Why? Because that was the world that he lived in! His job didn't really offer any hope of a better future and, through no real fault of theirs, his parents didn't really offer him any other mindset either.

This is a sad truth in our world today. So many people are living lives of hopelessness and they don't even know it! People go through their lives every single day feeling - just like Brian did before - that they do not have any control at all over the direction of their lives. Please, please, please, help spread positive information like my podcast and blog to as many people as possible! It is SO important to do SOMETHING to at least plant a seed in the minds of people like this so that they might at least CONSIDER that there just MIGHT BE another way to view life!

2. His negative thinking had limited his potential.

Brian didn't really realize or understand this point until he met his wife and realized, through her positive outlook, that there WAS another way to live!

Do we really see how important it is to have a positive outlook? I don't think Brain was overstating it when he said that his thinking had actually limited his potential -- and there are many out there today that are the same way. Are YOU one of them? NO ONE has the right and/or ability to control your destiny but YOU! It is YOUR destiny and it is up to YOU to take control of that destiny - not only for yourself but also for your family!

3. Brian was proactive in avoiding the negative inputs in his life and finding more positive ones to fill his time.

The news, etc. that filled Brian's time and mind continued to have a negative impact on his life. Brain began to follow a "reading list" connected with his home-based business and then also actively sought to find a podcast that fit his needs.

We can either sit back and allow things to happen TO US or we can stand up, step out and become proactive so that nothing just "happens to us" any longer! This again is why I end each day with the thought of MAKING it an AWESOME day instead of just sitting back and "having a nice day" or whatever is thrown our way as if we were "life-beggars". Think about that - are YOU a life-beggar willing to just take whatever the world is willing to throw your way?

4. Brain knows there is a MAJOR difference in his life "before" this positive mind shift and "after" this mind shift!

Brain describes how he was living a life void of hope but yet, he really didn't know what to do or if there was anything he COULD do to change his direction. He felt as if he had no control over the situation and he had to even change the way he looked at money and those that sought to be a success in their lives.

Friend, you may not truly understand what we are talking about here today. Would you please consider the fact that, if this is so, there just MIGHT be another way to think? Would you at least consider that you have allowed yourself to be controlled by the negative world around you and that you have the ability to step out and live a life with a different mindset? It IS possible in anyone's life - including yours!

5. A life of "positive expectation" and a firm belief of the ability to ACHIEVE!

Brian mentions that this is now how he lives his life. What a difference! Now he lives a life of "positive expectation" and now he firmly believes that he CAN achieve the dreams and goals that he has for his life and the life of his family. Concerning his mindset as it is today, Brain declares, "Now I KNOW I can change it!"

I feel that this was the most powerful part of the interview with Brian when he stated that he now lives a life of "positive expectation" and that he now FIRMLY BELIEVES that he can achieve the goals and dreams that he has set for himself. Wow! Do you see the real difference in the before and after? Friend, no matter how you feel today - you can live a better and improved life STARTING RIGHT NOW!

I wanted to highlight my thoughts along with the thoughts shared in the interview because I felt that what Brian shared was so powerful for each of us to consider! I really want to encourage ALL OF YOU to take a close look at these words and to, perhaps, listen again and again to what Brian shares in this interview. And, friend, if his "before" mindset describes you - then KNOW, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you, too, can make changes in your life just as Brian did!

I am here to help in any way that I can - don't ever hesitate to contact me at mike@futureyouuniversity.com

Don't forget to listen to the special Saturday podcast with Brian as he shares information about the "work from home opportunity" that he is now involved in and I want to thank Brian, once again, for sharing his thoughts and this information with all of us.

Hey, always remember to...

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

Mike

"Give More Than You Have To!"

GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Many people go through life doing ONLY what is expected of them and nothing more. They do this with their jobs and their relationships and then wonder why they are miserable.

Living this way is not really living! When once chooses to live their life this way, they may survive but they will NEVER thrive!

Now, I'm not sure about you - but I don't want to simply survive - I CHOOSE TO THRIVE!

And, one of the best ways to make this happen is to follow this simple little rule: "Give More Than You Have To!"

As my boys grew up and began to apply for and get jobs during the summer I always told them, "Always do more than is expected of you. Whatever the boss expects you to do - do more." I think it was good advice then and I think it is good - and sound - advice for each and every one of us today.

Do you want a happier relationship with your spouse? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Do you want a happier relationship with your friends and family? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Do you want a better relationship with your co-workers? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Do you want a better chance at a promotion and raise? GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Get the point?

Don't settle for the idea, "What do I HAVE to do?" That is a negative mindset, in my opinion and one that needs to be removed from our lives!

Do you want to start a revolution in your life and in the lives of those around you? You guessed it - GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

Yes, people will be shocked at first and wonder what you are up to! But, if you continue to practice this little rule and do it consistently - those around you will see that you are, indeed, for real in your quest to change your life and the lives of those around you!

Revolution? ABSOLUTELY!

A revolt against the status quo of "Do I HAVE to?"!

Isn't it time?

If your children simply go through school doing only what is necessary to pass, what will their future be? Here's what I mean...another example that I will use concerning my children. My wife and I always told them, "If a 'C' is the best you can do and you are working your hardest - that is GREAT! However, if you are capable of an 'A' and you are satisfied with a 'C' because it was easier - that is unacceptable!"

But, you know what? We need to set the example ourselves in our own lives.

PUT IT TO THE TEST! Try this for a week and see what happens! Don't cheat and skip a day - do it every single day for a week with EVERYONE that you come into contact with and see what happens.

I bet you'll end up smiling a little more and enjoy each day a whole lot more along the way as you GIVE MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO!

And, in so doing, you will also...

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

Mike

ENJOY Your Age! (Regardless of What it Is!)

Wow, this whole "fear of getting old" thing really got me going this week, didn't it? For my "Thankful Thursday" podcast I went totally "Mike" on you with no input from Napoleon Hill's book, "Think & Grow Rich".

Why?

Well, for one, he didn't have that much to say about the topic (and I did) and, secondly, I just know that a lot of people use this "I'm too old" excuse as simply that - AN EXCUSE to cease living and blessing the lives of others!

Stop using this (or ANY) excuse and step out there and start living your life TODAY!

You know, sometimes fear can be a good thing! What? Sure it can! IF that fear drives us to productive ACTION - then it can serve as the "kick in the pants" that we may need.

Here's what I mean. For example, if "the fear of getting old" is in place because you fear not having enough money to survive then USE THAT FEAR to step out there and DO SOMETHING about it! You have the wisdom, experience and ability to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN in your life that you've never allowed yourself to do - why not now?

Here's something in my podcast that I challenged everyone to write down and say aloud each and every day - "I like ME and I like BEING me!" - yes, this means regardless of your age. Don't allow others to tell you who you are and how you should act, dress, talk, etc. based on THEIR expectations! YOU be YOU - regardless of your age. YOU have much to offer to the world - so share your life and all the experiences that have come in your life and share you love that has grown in your life because of the life that you have lived.

And, above all...

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

Mike